Beverage serving device

Abstract

To provide a device that enables a container and the like to be appropriately supplied with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A container supply part includes a container holding region having a first movable body that surrounds a container passage region through which a first container passes, a movable body holding part that holds the first movable body in a state movable around a first rotational axis, and a second movable body. The first movable body and the movable body holding part hold the second movable body in a state movable around a second rotational axis. Two or more of the second movable bodies are provided so as to sandwich the container passage region as seen in a direction that the container passes. The second movable body has a first holding region and a second holding region provided below the first holding region. The second movable body rotates with a movement of the first movable body, so that a first state in which the second holding region of the second movable body holds the first container and a second state in which holding of the first container by the second holding region is released and the first holding region of the second movable body holds the second container arranged on the first container are switched.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage providing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a beverage providing device has been proposed as in 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, the specific structures of the container for containing the beverage and the device for supplying the material serving as the source of the beverage are not clear.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of appropriately supplying a container or the like with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The container supply unit according to the present invention includes a first moving body that surrounds a container passage region through which a first container passes, a moving body holding unit that holds the first moving body in a state movable around a first rotation axis parallel to the direction in which the container passes, and a second moving body, and includes a container holding region. The first moving body and the moving body holding unit hold the second moving body in a state rotatable around a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis. Two or more of the second moving bodies are provided so as to sandwich the container passage region when viewed from the direction in which the container passes. Each of the two or more second moving bodies has a first holding region and a second holding region provided below the first holding region. As the first moving body moves, the two or more second moving bodies rotate, and the second holding regions of each of the two or more second moving bodies switch between a first state in which they hold the first container and a second state in which they release the holding of the first container by the second holding region and the first holding regions of the two or more second moving bodies hold the second container placed on top of the first container.

[0007] The two moving bodies (first moving body and second moving body) allow for the holding (first state) and release (second state) of containers at multiple locations without delay, enabling proper container supply with a simple structure.

[0008] Preferably, in the first state, the first container is held on the upper surface of the second holding area. In the second state, the first container is dropped on the inclined surface of the first holding area, and the second container is held on the upper surface of the first holding area.

[0009] The inclined surface of the first holding area can push down the container, causing containers that are difficult to detach from containers in the upper layer due to static electricity or other factors to fall.

[0010] More preferably, the first moving body has a surrounding shape. The switching from the first state to the second state is performed by the magnetic force of the electromagnet. The switch from the second state to the first state is performed by the biasing force of the elastic member.

[0011] When the electromagnet is turned off, the first state (the state in which the container is held in the second holding area) can be maintained if the biasing force of an elastic member such as a spring exceeds the magnetic force of the electromagnet. Furthermore, the electromagnet is turned on only when the system is in the second state (where the bottom container falls and the other containers are held in the first holding area), causing the electromagnet's magnetic force to exceed the biasing force of the elastic member. This makes it possible to properly supply containers with low power consumption and a simple structure.

[0012] Preferably, the container supply unit further includes a container holding area separate from the container holding area. The aforementioned separate container holding region holds a container that is different from the container held by the aforementioned container holding region. The first movable body of the other container holding region has the same shape as the first movable body of the container holding region. The movable body holding portion of the other container holding region has the same shape as the movable body holding portion of the container holding region. The second movable body of the other container holding region has a different shape from the second movable body of the container holding region.

[0013] By sharing the first moving body and the moving body holder, and simply providing multiple types of second moving bodies with different shapes, it becomes possible to appropriately supply containers with a simple structure that can accommodate various shapes of containers.

[0014] Preferably, the beverage dispensing device comprises a container supply unit, a beverage supply unit that supplies beverages to the containers supplied from the container supply unit, a material supply unit that supplies materials to the beverage supply unit, and a supply unit moving device having a first moving unit. The material supply unit is positioned above the beverage supply unit. The first movable part holds the material supply unit in a state that allows it to move in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0015] The first movable unit allows the material supply unit, which is located higher than the beverage supply unit, to be moved, making maintenance of the material supply unit, such as replenishing materials, easier. This makes it possible to properly supply materials to the material supply unit with a simple structure.

[0016] More preferably, the supply unit moving device has a second moving unit. The second movable part holds the beverage supply unit in a state that allows it to move in the front-rear direction. The first moving part includes a first restraining mechanism. The second moving part includes a second restraining mechanism. When the locking state of the first restraining mechanism is released, the material supply unit is made movable. When the locking state of the second restraining mechanism is released, the beverage supply unit is made movable.

[0017] Using the second moving unit, the beverage supply unit can be moved to facilitate maintenance of the beverage supply unit. With the first restraining mechanism and the second restraining mechanism, it is easy to avoid physical interference between the material supply unit and the beverage supply unit.

[0018] More preferably, the material supply unit includes a material tank, a material moving device, and an inclined wall. The material moving device moves the material discharged from the material tank. The inclined wall is provided above the side portion and the rear end portion of the material moving device.

[0019] The material moving device can collect the materials discharged from multiple locations and supply them to the beverage supply unit. The inclined wall can prevent the materials from falling from the side portion or the rear end portion of the material moving device.

[0020] More preferably, the material supply unit includes a scrap plate parallel to the lower surface of the material moving device.

[0021] The material attached to the material moving device can be separated from the material moving device and supplied to the beverage supply unit.

[0022] More preferably, slots or slits are formed in the scrap plate. The material falls from the tip of the material moving device and is supplied to the beverage supply unit. Among the materials, the materials attached to the material moving device hit the scrap plate and fall, or pass through the gap between the lower surface of the material moving device and the scrap plate and through the slots or slits and fall, and are supplied to the beverage supply unit.

[0023] The material that has entered the space between the material transfer device and the waste removal plate can be separated from the material transfer device and supplied to the beverage supply unit.

[0024] Preferably, the material supply unit includes a bottom surface. The bottom portion has a hole through which the material that falls from the tip of the material transfer device passes. The material is supplied to the beverage supply unit through the hole. The bottom portion is attached to the side of the material supply unit via a knurled knob.

[0025] The bottom can be easily opened and closed by attaching and detaching the knurled knob. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] As described above, the present invention provides a device that can appropriately supply containers and the like with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the components of the beverage dispensing device in the first and second embodiments. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing device, with the exterior wall section omitted. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the first to third enclosures. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the area in the first enclosure where the material supply unit and the beverage supply unit are located. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the material supply section and beverage supply section from below. [Figure 7] This is a top-down perspective view of the material supply section and the beverage supply section. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a portion of the material tank, the material transfer device, the inclined wall, the guide section, the waste removal plate, the bottom section, and a portion of the side section. [Figure 9]This is a side view of a part of the material transfer device, the first chute plate, and the waste removal plate. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the material transfer device, the inclined wall, the first chute plate, and the waste removal plate. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the third movable part with the container holding part stored in the turntable on the movable part side. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the third movable part, with the container holding part protruding from the turntable on the movable part side. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the part of the fourth movable section that grips the container. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view from below of the material supply unit with its bottom open. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the container supply unit of the first embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view from below of the container holding area for hot coffee in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a top-down perspective view of the container holding area for hot coffee in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view from below of the electromagnet, elastic member, first moving body, moving body holder, arm, and second moving body of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a top view of the electromagnet, elastic member, first moving body, moving body holding part excluding the first fixing ring, arm, and second moving body of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a partially exploded perspective view of the electromagnet, elastic member, first moving body, moving body holding part excluding the first fixing ring, arm, and second moving body of the first embodiment. [Figure 21] These are cross-sectional views of the first to fourth containers in the first state, and a side view of the second mobile body. [Figure 22] This shows a cross-sectional view of the first to fourth leaf air cells in the second state, and a side view of the second mobile body. [Figure 23] Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the second to fourth containers after returning to the first state, and a side view of the second moving body. [Figure 24]This is a perspective view from the front of the area where the front opening / closing door is located. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of the container supply unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a top-down perspective view of the container holding area for cold coffee in the second embodiment. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view from below of the electromagnet, first mobile body, mobile body holder, arm, second mobile body, and second cover of the second embodiment. [Figure 28] This is a top view of the electromagnet, elastic member, first moving body, moving body holding part excluding the first fixing ring, arm, and second moving body of the second embodiment. [Figure 29] This is a partially exploded perspective view of the electromagnet, elastic member, first moving body, moving body holder, arm, second moving body, and second cover of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the figures (see Figures 1 to 24). Furthermore, the embodiments are not limited to those described below. In principle, the contents described in one embodiment also apply to other embodiments. Moreover, each embodiment and each variation can be combined as appropriate.

[0029] The beverage dispensing device 1 in the first embodiment comprises a housing 3, a beverage generating unit 10, a container moving unit 30, a storage unit 50, a waste disposal unit 60, a dispensing unit 70, a control unit 90, and a server 100 (see Figure 1).

[0030] To explain direction, we will define the horizontal direction (left-right direction) as the x-direction, another horizontal direction perpendicular to the x-direction (front-back direction) as the y-direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the x-direction and the y-direction (up-down direction) as the z-direction. In Figure 2, the directions indicated by the arrows on the x, y, and z axes are defined as right, forward, and upward, respectively. Furthermore, in order to explain the internal structure of the enclosure 3, Figures 3 to 5 omit the outer wall and also omit part of the frame.

[0031] Furthermore, in order to explain the internal structure of the material supply unit 20, Figure 8 omits the illustration of some materials. Furthermore, since the container supply unit 33 rotates around an axis parallel to the z-direction, the positions of each component of the container supply unit 33 in the x-direction and y-direction are not constant. Therefore, the x and y directions shown in Figures 15 to 18 indicate the direction of the components constituting the container supply unit 33 at a given moment. Furthermore, in Figures 17 to 20, the elastic member 34c of the container holding area 34 of the container supply unit 33 is simply shown as a rod shape. Furthermore, in Figure 18, the second fixing ring is shown as a transparent material and with a dotted line to illustrate the internal structure.

[0032] (Cabinet 3) The housing 3 houses the beverage generating unit 10, the container moving unit 30, the storage unit 50, the waste disposal unit 60, the dispensing unit 70 (at least a part of it), and the control unit 90. In the first embodiment, the front surface 3f1 of the housing 3 has a first front surface 3f1a that is close to the rear surface 3f4, and a second front surface 3f1b that is further away from the rear surface 3f4 than the first front surface 3f1a (projecting forward in the y-direction than the first front surface 3f1a). In other words, the housing 3 in the first embodiment has a shape that is roughly rectangular, with a recessed portion where the first front surface 3f1a is located. Of the housing 3, the part that holds the beverage generating unit 10 (first housing 3g1), the part that holds the third moving unit 31, the container supply unit 33 and the control unit 90 (second housing 3g2), and the part that holds the fourth moving unit 32 and the storage unit 50 (third housing 3g3) are constructed as separate parts, and casters 3h are provided at the bottom. The second front surface 3f1b of the housing 3, in the area where the beverage generating unit 10 is located, is provided with an input / output port 3a including an opening / closing door. The loading of materials such as coffee beans and containers used in the beverage dispensing device 1, and the unloading of waste, are performed with the opening and closing door of the loading / unloading port 3a open and the first housing 3g1 holding the beverage generating unit 10 removed to the front in the y-direction. However, this may also be done with only the material supply unit 20 or the beverage supply unit 21 removed to the front in the y-direction using the supply unit moving device 22 described later. The dispensing opening 71 of the dispensing section 70 is provided on the first front surface 3f1a of the housing 3. In the first embodiment, the display window 3b is provided on the front opening / closing door 77 of the supply section 70.

[0033] The left region of the housing 3 where the beverage generating unit 10 is located (first housing 3g1), the intermediate region where the third moving unit 31, the container supply unit 33, and the control unit 90 are located (second housing 3g2), and the right region where the fourth moving unit 32 and the storage unit 50 are located (third housing 3g3) are assembled in a separable state.

[0034] The exterior wall may include an area for providing beverage additives such as gum syrup to customers, as well as trash cans.

[0035] The beverage generating unit 10, the container moving unit 30, the storage unit 50, and the waste disposal unit 60 are located inside the housing 3, that is, in the area enclosed by the second front surface 3f1b of the housing 3, one of the sides of the housing 3 (either the right side 3f2 or the left side 3f3 of the housing 3), a surface parallel to the second front surface 3f1b (for example, the back surface 3f4 of the housing 3), and a surface parallel to that side (for example, the other of the right side 3f2 or the left side 3f3 of the housing 3). At least a portion of the beverage generating unit 10, the container moving unit 30, the storage unit 50, and the waste disposal unit 60 are arranged in a region enclosed by the first front surface 3f1a of the housing 3, one of the sides of the housing 3 (either the right side 3f2 or the left side 3f3 of the housing 3), a surface parallel to the first front surface 3f1a (for example, the back surface 3f4 of the housing 3), and a surface parallel to the said side surface (for example, the other of the right side 3f2 or the left side 3f3 of the housing 3).

[0036] In the first embodiment, the outer shape of the housing 3 is shown as an approximately octahedron composed of a slope between the first front surface 3f1a and the second front surface 3f1b, the first front surface 3f1a, the second front surface 3f1b, the right side surface 3f2, the left side surface 3f3, the back surface 3f4, the top surface 3f5, and the bottom surface 3f6. However, it is sufficient to have an outer wall portion including at least the first front surface 3f1a, the second front surface 3f1b, and one of the sides (the other of the right side surface 3f2 and the left side surface 3f3), and a wall, floor, etc., fixed to the location where the beverage dispensing device 1 is installed may function as the side surface (the other of the right side surface 3f2 and the left side surface 3f3), the back surface 3f4, or the bottom surface 3f6. Alternatively, the upper surface 3f5 of the housing 3 may be omitted.

[0037] (Beverage production department 10) The beverage generating unit 10 is located inside the housing 3, on the left side in the x-direction (see Figures 3 and 4). In other words, the beverage generating unit 10 is positioned further away from the storage unit 50 in the left-right direction of the housing 3. The beverage production unit 10 includes a water purifier 11, a water softener 13, a water supply tank 15, a wastewater tank 17, a pump 19, a material supply unit 20, a beverage supply unit (coffee maker) 21, a milk tank 23, and an ice maker 25.

[0038] In the first embodiment, in order to explain the effect of reducing the waiting time for the purchaser to receive the container containing the purchased beverage, an example is described in which the beverage supplied from the beverage supply unit 21 is coffee, which is a beverage that takes a relatively long time to brew. However, the beverage supply unit 21 may be a device that supplies other beverages.

[0039] (Water purifier 11) The water purifier 11 is a water treatment device that performs a purification process to reduce dissolved substances in the water supplied from the water tank 15.

[0040] (water softener 13) The water softener 13 is a water treatment device that performs a water softening process in which cations such as calcium ions and magnesium ions in the water supplied from the water purifier 11 are replaced with sodium ions. Using water that has gone through the purification process of the water purifier 11 and the water softening process of the water softener 13, the beverage supply unit 21 extracts coffee, the ice maker 25 produces ice, the beverage supply unit 21 is cleaned, the milk tank 23 is cleaned, and the ice maker 25 is cleaned. However, the water used to clean the beverage supply unit 21, the milk tank 23, and the ice maker 25 may be water that has not yet been treated by the water purifier 11 and the water softener 13.

[0041] The water purifier 11 and the water softener 13 may be configured as a single unit or as separate units.

[0042] (Water supply tank 15, wastewater tank 17) The water supply tank 15 stores the water that will be supplied to the water purifier 11. The drainage tank 17 stores the wastewater from the beverage supply unit 21 after cleaning and the wastewater from the ice maker 25.

[0043] (Pump 19) The pump 19 draws water from the water supply tank 15 and sends it to the water purifier 11. The pump 19 also sends water from the water purifier 11 to the water softener 13. The pump 19 also supplies water from the water softener 13 to the beverage supply unit 21 and the ice maker 25.

[0044] Alternatively, the tap water faucet and the water purifier 11 may be connected, and the water pressure of the tap water may be used to supply water from the faucet to the water purifier 11, from the water purifier 11 to the water softener 13, and from the water softener 13 to the beverage supply unit 21 and the ice maker 25. In this case, the water tank 15 and the pump 19 may be omitted.

[0045] (Material supply section 20) The material supply unit 20 holds the material (coffee beans) and supplies the material to the beverage supply unit 21. The material supply unit 20 is located above the beverage supply unit 21 in the z direction when in use. However, during maintenance, the material supply unit 20 is positioned in front of the beverage supply unit 21 in the y-direction via the first moving unit 22a.

[0046] The material supply unit 20 includes a material tank 20a, a material transfer device 20b, an inclined wall 20c, a guide unit 20d, a waste removal plate 20e, and a bottom surface 20f (see Figures 5 to 11).

[0047] Material tank 20a holds the material (coffee beans). The material tank 20a is composed of multiple tanks. Each of the multiple tanks of the material tank 20a includes a discharge mechanism for discharging the held material into an area where the material transfer device 20b is located. Each of the multiple tanks in material tank 20a may contain different types of materials, or it may contain the same type of material.

[0048] The material transfer device 20b consists of a belt conveyor or the like, and moves the material supplied from the material tank 20a in a substantially horizontal direction (to the right in the x-direction in the first embodiment).

[0049] The side of the material moving device 20b is provided with an inclined wall 20c that functions as a guide to prevent the material from falling from the side or rear end of the material moving device 20b. The guide is provided not only above the side (y-direction end) of the material moving device 20b, but also above the rear end (x-direction left end).

[0050] The guide unit 20d has a first chute plate 20d1 and a second chute plate 20d2, and guides the material from the front of the material transfer device 20b to the material discharge unit 20f1 on the bottom surface 20f. The first chute plate 20d1 is tilted forward and downward (downward and to the right in the x-direction) from the tip of the material transfer device 20b. The second chute plate 20d2 is inclined laterally and in the tongue direction (downward and backward in the y-direction) from the tip of the material transfer device 20b.

[0051] A scrap removal plate 20e is formed at the upper end of the first chute plate 20d1, parallel to the lower surface of the material transfer device 20b. The first chute plate 20d1 and the waste removal plate 20e are integrally constructed. A gap of several millimeters 20e1 is provided between the waste removal plate 20e and the lower surface of the material transfer device 20b. Furthermore, the waste removal plate 20e is provided with slots or slits 20e2. A connecting portion 20d1a is formed on the slope of the first chute plate 20d1 for inserting the second chute plate 20d2.

[0052] Most of the material supplied from the material tank 20a to the upper surface of the material transfer device 20b falls from the tip of the material transfer device 20b. However, some of the material remains attached to the material transfer device 20b due to static electricity or other factors, and does not detach from it. The material adhering to the material transfer device 20b either falls off upon contact with the waste removal plate 20e, or falls through the gap 20e1 between the lower surface of the material transfer device 20b and the waste removal plate 20e, passing through the slot or slit 20e2. The fallen material, along with other materials, moves to the material discharge section 20f1 via the guide section 20d.

[0053] The bottom portion 20f constitutes the bottom surface of the material supply unit 20. A hole (material discharge section 20f1) is formed in the bottom surface 20f through which the material that falls from the tip of the material transfer device 20b passes. The bottom portion 20f is detachably attached to the side portion 20g of the material supply portion 20. Specifically, the left end of the bottom portion 20f in the x-direction is attached to the side portion 20g via a hinge 20f2, and the right end of the bottom portion 20f in the x-direction is attached to the side portion 20g via a knurled knob 20f3. By removing the knurled knob 20f3, the right end of the bottom portion 20f in the x-direction detaches from the side portion 20g, and the bottom portion 20f hangs from the side portion 20g via the hinge 20f2 (see Figure 14).

[0054] (Beverage supply section 21) The beverage supply unit 21 performs roasting, grinding, and extraction processes, extracts coffee using coffee beans supplied from the material supply unit 20 and water supplied from the water softener 13 (water that has undergone purification and softening processes), and supplies the coffee to a container installed at a predetermined position s0 within the beverage supply unit 21. The beverage supply unit 21 is capable of dispensing multiple types of coffee, and the beverage supply unit 21 is provided with selection buttons 21a for selecting multiple types of coffee. On the front side (right side in the x-direction) of the selection button 21a, there is a selection button operating device (not shown) for selecting the coffee to be dispensed from the beverage supply unit 21 by pressing the selection button 21a.

[0055] The selection button operating device operates based on instruction signals from the control unit 90. The selection button control device also operates a button (not shown) for discharging ice produced by the ice maker 25, which will be described later. Alternatively, the selection button operation device may be omitted, and the beverage supply unit 21 may operate based on instruction signals from the control unit 90.

[0056] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which a selection button 21a and a selection button operating device are provided on the beverage supply unit 21 for selecting at least four types of coffee (hot coffee with milk, hot coffee without milk, cold coffee with milk, and cold coffee without milk).

[0057] The beverage supply unit 21 has a material receiving section 21b on its upper surface and a material disposal section 21c on its lower surface. The material receiving section 21b faces the material discharge section 20f1 of the material supply section 20 in the z direction and receives material from the material supply section 20. In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which there are three material receiving sections 21b to receive the supply of three different materials. However, the number of material receiving sections 21b is not limited to three. The material waste section 21c holds waste materials such as coffee grounds (coffee powder after brewing) remaining in the beverage supply section 21.

[0058] (Supply section moving device 22) The supply unit moving device 22 has a first moving part 22a and a second moving part 22b (see Figure 5).

[0059] The first movable part 22a holds the material supply unit 20 in a state where it can move in the y-direction and the z-direction. The first movable part 22a includes a first restraining mechanism 22a1 and a handle 22a2. The first restraining mechanism 22a1 may enter a locked state (a state in which the material supply unit 20 cannot move) when the material supply unit 20 is above the beverage supply unit 21, the beverage supply unit 21 is in a predetermined position, and the material discharge portion 20f1 of the material supply unit 20 and the material receiving portion 21b of the beverage supply unit 21 are in a positional relationship facing each other in the z direction. When the lock state of the first restraint mechanism 22a1 is released, the material supply unit 20 can be manually pulled out to the front in the y direction using the handle 22a2. When the material supply unit 20 is pulled out to the front in the y-direction, the material supply unit 20 can be manually pulled out to the lower in the z-direction using the handle 22a2.

[0060] The second movable part 22b holds the beverage supply unit 21 in a state where it can move in the y direction. The second moving section 22b includes a second restraining mechanism 22b1. When the beverage supply unit 21 is in a predetermined position, the second restraining mechanism 22b1 may enter a locked state (a state in which the beverage supply unit 21 cannot move). When the lock state of the second restraint mechanism 22b1 is released, the beverage supply unit 21 becomes manually pullable forward in the y direction.

[0061] With the material supply unit 20 extended forward in the y-direction and downward in the z-direction, maintenance of the material supply unit 20, such as replenishing coffee beans to the material supply unit 20, is performed. With the beverage supply unit 21 pulled out to the front in the y-direction, maintenance of the beverage supply unit 21 is performed, such as disposing of coffee grounds (coffee powder after brewing) accumulated in the material waste unit 21c.

[0062] The first deterrent mechanism 22a1 and the second deterrent mechanism 22b1 maintain their locked state (they are not released) when the locked state of one of them is released. This allows both the material supply unit 20 and the beverage supply unit 21 to move, thus avoiding physical interference.

[0063] The first movable part 22a not only holds the material supply unit 20 in a state where it can be moved manually in the y and z directions, but also holds the material supply unit 20 in a state where it can be moved electrically in the y direction. Specifically, when supplying a predetermined material to the beverage supply unit 21, the first moving unit 22a moves the material supply unit 20 in the y direction so that the material discharge unit 20f1 is positioned above the material receiving unit 21b in the z direction, which corresponds to the predetermined material. However, the movement for aligning the material discharge section 20f1 and the material receiving section 21b may be performed by the first moving section 22a, or it may be performed by the second moving section 22b. In this case, the second movable part 22b not only holds the beverage supply unit 21 in a state where it can be moved manually in the y-direction, but also holds the beverage supply unit 21 in a state where it can be moved electrically in the y-direction. Specifically, when supplying a predetermined material to the beverage supply unit 21, the second moving unit 22b moves the beverage supply unit 21 in the y direction so that the material discharge unit 20f1 is positioned above the material receiving unit 21b in the z direction, which corresponds to the predetermined material.

[0064] The material supply unit 20 and the material supply unit moving device 22 operate based on instruction signals from the control unit 90. When the control unit 90 receives an instruction signal to supply a predetermined material to the beverage supply unit 21, the first moving unit 22a of the supply unit moving device 22 moves the material supply unit 20 so that the material discharge unit 20f1 is positioned above the material receiving unit 21b in the z direction, corresponding to the predetermined material. The material tank 20a corresponding to the specified material discharges a predetermined amount of the specified material to the material transfer device 20b. The material transfer device 20b moves the predetermined material to its tip and supplies it to the material receiving section 21b corresponding to the predetermined material via the material discharge section 20f1.

[0065] (Milk Tank 23) The milk tank 23 stores the milk that will be supplied to the container containing the coffee (see Figures 1 and 3). The milk tank 23 is installed near the beverage supply unit 21, communicates with the beverage supply unit 21, and supplies milk to the beverage supply unit 21. If milk-based coffee is selected as the type of coffee to be supplied by the beverage supply unit 21, the beverage supply unit 21 will supply milk from the milk tank 23 to the container along with the coffee. However, the milk in the milk tank 23 may be supplied directly from the milk tank 23 to the container automatically without going through the beverage supply unit 21. Either the beverage supply unit 21 or the milk tank 23 may be equipped with a milk frothing device, and frothed milk may be supplied to the container. Alternatively, the milk tank 23 may be built into the beverage supply unit 21.

[0066] (Ice maker 25) The ice maker 25 produces ice using water supplied from the water softener 13 (water that has undergone a purification process and a water softening process). The ice maker 25 is provided with a conduit 25a (see Figures 3 to 5) that guides the ice produced by the ice maker 25 to a container located in the beverage supply unit 21. The ice produced by the ice maker 25 is guided through the conduit 25a to the area in the beverage supply unit 21 where the beverage is discharged. In the first embodiment, the operation to discharge ice from the ice maker 25 is performed by a selection button operating device or a beverage supply unit 21.

[0067] (Example of operation of the selection button control device 1) When the control unit 90 issues an instruction signal to dispense cold coffee without milk from the beverage supply unit 21, the selection button operating device presses the button corresponding to "cold coffee without milk" on the selection button 21a and the button to dispense ice from the ice maker 25. As a result, a container is supplied from the container holding area 34 of the container supply unit 33, which includes a container corresponding to "cold coffee without milk," cold coffee is dispensed from the beverage supply unit 21, and ice is dispensed from the ice maker 25. These are then supplied to the container placed at a predetermined position s0 in the beverage supply unit 21.

[0068] (Example of operation of the selection button control device 2) When the control unit 90 issues an instruction signal to dispense hot coffee with milk from the beverage supply unit 21, the selection button operating device presses the button corresponding to "hot coffee with milk" on the selection button 21a. As a result, a container is supplied from the container holding area 34 of the container supply unit 33, which includes a container corresponding to "hot coffee," hot coffee is dispensed from the beverage supply unit 21, milk is dispensed from the milk tank 23, and these are supplied to the container placed at a predetermined position s0 in the beverage supply unit 21.

[0069] Details of the configuration of the container supply unit 33 and the operation of the container holding area 34 will be described later.

[0070] (Automated operation) The movement of the container to a predetermined position s0 within the beverage supply unit 21, the operation of the selection button 21a of the beverage supply unit 21, the loading of ice made by the ice maker 25 into the container, and the movement of the container containing the dispensed beverage from the predetermined position s0 of the beverage supply unit 21 to the starting position s1 of the third moving unit 31 are all performed automatically by the selection button operating device and the third moving unit 31 based on the operation control by the control unit 90.

[0071] (Container transfer unit 30) The container transfer unit 30 moves the container containing the beverage supplied from the beverage supply unit 21 to either the beverage supply unit 21, the storage unit 50, or the disposal unit 60. The container moving unit 30 includes a third moving unit 31, a fourth moving unit 32, and a container supply unit 33.

[0072] (Third moving section 31) The third moving section 31 is a moving device that holds a container and moves the held container mainly in the x direction (see Figures 1, 3, 4, 12, and 13). The supply of containers to the third moving section 31 is performed by a container supply section 33 located above the third moving section 31 in the z-direction. The third movable section 31 has a movable section-side turntable 31a and a container holding section 31b. The turntable 31a on the moving part side rotates about an axis parallel to the z direction. The container holding section 31b is provided on the turntable 31a on the moving section side and extends and retracts radially from the center of the rotation axis of the turntable 31a on the moving section side. The lower part of the container holding portion 31b (first container mounting portion 31b1) is provided with a first recess 31b2 into which the claw portion 32a of the fourth movable portion 32, which will be described later, is inserted.

[0073] Specifically, the container holding portion 31b of the third moving portion 31 holds the container supplied from the container supply portion 33, and the turntable 31a on the moving portion side rotates the container and the container holding portion 31b to the starting position s1 (first rotational movement). However, if the container holding unit 31b is in the starting position s1 and receives a container from the container supply unit 33, the first rotational movement will not be performed. The container holding portion 31b of the third moving portion 31 extends to the left in the x direction, moving the container from the starting position s1 to a predetermined position s0 within the beverage supply portion 21 (first extension movement). With the container positioned at a predetermined location s0, coffee is extracted from the beverage supply unit 21. Subsequently, the container holding portion 31b of the third moving unit 31 retracts to the right in the x-direction, moving the container containing the extracted coffee from the beverage supply unit 21 from the predetermined location s0 within the beverage supply unit 21 to the starting position s1 (first contraction movement). The turntable 31a on the moving part side of the third moving part 31 rotates to move the container holding part 31b that holds the container from the starting position s1 to the second position s2 near the relay point P1 (second rotational movement). The container holding portion 31b of the third moving portion 31 extends to the right in the x direction, moving the container holding portion 31b that holds the container from the second position s2 to the relay point P1 (second extension movement). The fourth moving unit 32, described later, grasps the container placed at the relay point P1 and moves it. Subsequently, the container holding portion 31b of the third moving portion 31 retracts to the left in the x-direction, moving the container holding portion 31b that does not hold a container from the relay point P1 to the second position s2 (second contraction movement).

[0074] It is desirable that multiple container holding sections 31b are provided. In the first embodiment, the container holding portion 31b is shown as having two container holding portions 31b positioned on either side of the rotation center of the movable portion side turntable 31a. By providing multiple container holding sections 31b, it is possible to transport containers from the container supply section 33 to the beverage supply section 21 and from the beverage supply section 21 to the relay point P1 simultaneously.

[0075] (Fourth moving part 32) The fourth moving unit 32 is a moving device that grips a container and moves the gripped container mainly in the x and z directions. Specifically, the fourth moving unit 32 moves the container containing coffee, which has been transported to the relay point P1, to the disposal unit 60 on the left side in the x-direction, or to the storage unit 50. The fourth moving unit 32 moves the gripped container not only in the x direction but also in the z direction in order to move it to a predetermined position in the storage unit 50. Furthermore, for gripping and placing the gripped container, the fourth movable part 32 can also move the gripped container in the y-direction.

[0076] The portion of the fourth movable part 32 that grips the container has a claw portion 32a and an arm portion 32b (see Figure 14). The claw portion 32a holds the bottom of the container to be gripped, and the arm portion 32b holds the side of the container to be gripped. The claw portion 32a is inserted into the first recess 31b2 of the container holding portion 31b, the second recess 56a1 provided in the storage cylinder portion 55, and so on.

[0077] The fourth moving section 32 may be provided as a single unit or as a multiple unit. If multiple units are provided, it becomes possible to move containers to multiple storage cylinder sections 55 simultaneously and in parallel.

[0078] The third moving unit 31 and the fourth moving unit 32 are arranged such that their respective movement ranges overlap in the region including the relay point P1.

[0079] By overlapping the ranges of movement of the two moving parts, it becomes possible to make the beverage dispensing device 1 smaller compared to a configuration in which the third moving part 31 and the fourth moving part 32 are arranged so that their ranges of movement do not overlap.

[0080] Details of the movement control of the third moving unit 31 and the fourth moving unit 32 will be described later.

[0081] (Container supply section 33) The container supply unit 33 is located above the turntable 31a on the third moving unit 31 in the z direction, and supplies containers to the container holding unit 31b held on the turntable 31a on the moving unit side (see Figures 3, 4, 15 to 23). The container supply unit 33 has one or more container holding areas 34 and container storage areas 35 for holding multiple containers stacked in the z direction. In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the container supply unit 33 has six container holding areas 34.

[0082] In order to position a container in the container holding section 31b from the container supply section 33, the container holding section 31b must be positioned directly below one of the container holding areas 34 of the container supply section 33. For this alignment, at least one of the turntable 31a on the moving section side of the third moving section 31 and the container supply section 33 rotates around an axis parallel to the z-direction. Each of the container holding areas 34 of the container supply unit 33 is provided with a sensor that detects the remaining amount of the container, whether the container has been properly dropped into the container holding unit 31b, and so on.

[0083] (Container holding area 34) The container holding area 34 includes a first cover 34a, an electromagnet 34b, an elastic member 34c, a first moving body 34d, a moving body holding part 34e, an arm 34f, and a second moving body 34g.

[0084] The first cover 34a is provided below the second fixing ring 34e2 of the movable body holding section 34e, and guides the container that has fallen from the movable body holding section 34e downward in the z direction.

[0085] The electromagnet 34b is located near one end of the arm 34f and, when in the ON state, magnetically attracts one end of the arm 34f. The electromagnet 34b is mounted on the second fixed ring 34e2.

[0086] One end of the elastic member 34c, such as a spring, is hooked onto the first hooking portion 34e3 of the movable body holding portion 34e, and the other end of the elastic member 34c is hooked onto the second hooking portion 34d2 of the first movable body 34d. The elastic member 34c pulls the other end of the arm 34f closer to the first hooking portion 34e3 with a biasing force. However, when the electromagnet 34b is ON, the magnetic force causes the other end of the arm 34f to move away from the first latching portion 34e3, thereby stretching the elastic member 34c.

[0087] The first mobile body 34d has an enclosing shape such as a ring. The first movable body 34d is located between the first fixed ring 34e1 and the second fixed ring 34e2. The first mobile body 34d has a container passage region 34d1 formed inside through which the container passes. In other words, the first moving body 34d surrounds the container passage region 34d1 when viewed from the z direction. The first movable body 34d is provided with a hook-shaped second fastening portion 34d2 for fastening the elastic member 34c. The first moving body 34d rotates around an axis parallel to the z direction (first rotation axis z1) due to the biasing force of the elastic member 34c and the magnetic force of the electromagnet 34b. The first axis of rotation z1 passes through approximately the center of the container passage region 34d1. The first movable body 34d is held in a state that allows it to rotate around the first rotation axis z1 via the second column 34e5 and the like.

[0088] The first movable body 34d includes a power receiving portion 34d3, a hole 34d4, and a first notch 34d5. The power receiving section 34d3 is composed of a hole through which the other end of the arm 34f passes. Viewed from the z-direction, the power receiving portion 34d3 is larger than the xy cross-section of the region passing through the power receiving portion 34d3 at the other end of the arm 34f. Therefore, when viewed from the z direction, the xy cross-section of the region passing through the power receiving portion 34d3 at the other end of the arm 34f becomes relatively movable within the region where the power receiving portion 34d3 is located. The second column 34e5 of the movable body holder 34e passes through the hole 34d4. Viewed from the z direction, hole 34d4 is larger than the xy cross-section of the region passing through hole 34d4 of the second column 34e5. Therefore, when viewed from the z direction, the xy cross-section of the region passing through the hole 34d4 of the second column 34e5 can move relative to the interior of the region where the hole 34d4 is located. The first notch 34d5 is through which the movement lever 34g4 of the second moving body 34g passes. Viewed from the z direction, the first notch 34d5 is larger than the xy cross-section of the region through the first notch 34d5 of the movable lever 34g4. Therefore, when viewed from the z direction, the xy cross-section of the region passing through the first notch 34d5 of the movable lever 34g4 becomes relatively movable within the region where the first notch 34d5 is located.

[0089] The movable body holding section 34e includes a first fixing ring 34e1, a second fixing ring 34e2, a first hooking section 34e3, a first column 34e4, and a second column 34e5. The first fixed ring 34e1 has a surrounding shape such as a ring and is located above the first movable body 34d in the z direction. The second fixed ring 34e2 has a surrounding shape such as a ring and is located below the first movable body 34d in the z direction. The second fixing ring 34e2 holds the first cover 34a on its lower side in the z direction. The second fixing ring 34e2 holds the electromagnet 34b. The second fixing ring 34e2 holds the second movable body 34g in a state that allows it to rotate around an axis parallel to the z direction (second rotation axis z2). The second rotation axis z2 passes approximately through the center of the cylindrical portion 34g1 of the second moving body 34g.

[0090] The first fastening portion 34e3 is a columnar member extending in the z direction and is held between the first fixing ring 34e1 and the second fixing ring 34e2. The first fastening portion 34e3 fastens one end of the elastic member 34c.

[0091] The first column 34e4 extends in the z direction and is held in place by the first fixing ring 34e1 and the second fixing ring 34e2. The first column 34e4 holds the arm 34f in a state that allows it to rotate around an axis parallel to the z direction (third rotation axis z3).

[0092] The second column 34e5 extends in the z direction and is held in place by the first fixing ring 34e1 and the second fixing ring 34e2. The second column 34e5 passes through the hole 34d4.

[0093] The movable body holder 34e holds the first movable body 34d in a state that allows it to move around the first rotation axis z1. The movement of the first movable body 34d is rotational movement around the first rotation axis z1, but it may also be substantially linear movement around the first rotation axis z1. The movable body holding section 34e and the first movable body 34d hold the second movable body 34g in a state that allows them to rotate around the second rotation axis z2.

[0094] The arm 34f has one end located near the electromagnet 34b, and the other end is hooked onto the power receiving portion 34d3 of the first mobile body 34d. Between one end and the other end of the arm 34f, the arm 34f is held by the first column 34e4 of the movable body holding section 34e in a state that allows it to rotate around the third rotation axis z3.

[0095] Multiple second mobile units 34g are provided. Multiple second moving bodies 34g are positioned on either side of the container passage region 34d1 when viewed from the z direction. Each of the multiple second moving bodies 34g has a cylindrical portion 34g1, a first holding area 34g2, a second holding area 34g3, and a moving lever 34g4. The cylindrical portion 34g1 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the z direction and is held by the second fixing ring 34e2 in a state where its central axis is rotatable as the second rotation axis z2. A projection (first holding region 34g2) is formed on the upper side in the z direction of the side of the cylindrical portion 34g1, projecting radially outward. A projection (second holding region 34g3) is formed on the lower side in the z direction of the cylindrical portion 34g1, projecting radially outward. The first retaining region 34g2 and the second retaining region 34g3 are formed so that they do not overlap when viewed from the z direction and a gap is formed between them.

[0096] When the biasing force of the elastic member 34c brings the other end of the arm 34f closer to the first latching portion 34e3 (first state), the second holding region 34g3 overlaps with the container passage region 34d1 when viewed from the z direction. In this case, the first holding region 34g2 does not overlap with the container held in the second holding region 34g3 when viewed from the z direction.

[0097] When the magnetic force of the electromagnet 34b moves the other end of the arm 34f away from the first latching portion 34e3 (second state), the first holding region 34g2 overlaps with the container passing region 34d1 when viewed from the z direction. In this case, the second holding region 34g3 does not overlap with the container held in the first holding region 34g2 when viewed from the z direction.

[0098] In the second state, the first holding region 34g2 holds the container by having its upper surface f1 contact the lower surface of the container's flange (upper edge). The first holding region 34g2 has an inclined surface f3 that is located below the upper surface f1 of the first holding region 34g2 and above the upper surface f2 of the second holding region 34g3. The inclined surface f3 of the first holding region 34g2 pushes down the container held in the second holding region 34g3 when switching from the first state to the second state.

[0099] In the first state, the second holding region 34g3 holds the container by having its upper surface f2 in contact with the lower surface of the container's flange.

[0100] The first and second holding regions 34g2 and g2 are formed such that the distance d1 in the z direction between the upper surface f1 of the first holding region 34g2 and the upper surface f2 of the second holding region 34g3 is smaller than the distance d2 between the upper container and the lower container when the containers are stacked (d2 > d1, see Figure 22).

[0101] A movable lever 34g4 extending in the z direction is formed on the upper side in the z direction of the cylindrical portion 34g1 and near the peripheral edge. The moving lever 34g4 is inserted into the first notch 34d5 of the first moving body 34d. When the first movable body 34d rotates around the first rotation axis z1, the edge of the first notch 34d5 moves the movable lever 34g4. As the movement lever 34g4 moves, the second moving body 34g rotates around the second rotation axis z2. As the second moving body 34g rotates, the positional relationship between the first holding region 34g2, the second holding region 34g3, and the container passage region 34d1 changes when viewed from the z direction.

[0102] Of the six container holding areas 34, three are designated for holding containers corresponding to "hot coffee," and the remaining three are designated for holding containers corresponding to "cold coffee." However, the number of container holding areas 34 for holding a container for "hot coffee" and the number of container holding areas 34 for holding a container for "cold coffee" are not limited to those described above.

[0103] The container holding area 34 for holding a container for "hot coffee" and the container holding area 34 for holding a container for "cold coffee" use the same components as the second mobile body 34g.

[0104] Specifically, the first movable body 34d of the container holding area 34 for holding a container for "hot coffee" has the same shape as the first movable body 34d of the container holding area 34 for holding a container for "cold coffee". The movable body holding portion 34e of the container holding area 34 for holding a container for "hot coffee" has the same shape as the movable body holding portion 34e of the container holding area 34 for holding a container for "cold coffee". The second movable body 34g of the container holding area 34 for holding a container for "hot coffee" has a different shape from the second movable body 34g of the container holding area 34 for holding a container for "cold coffee".

[0105] (Control of the operation of the container holding area 34) The operation control of the container holding area 34 will be explained. Except when the container is dropped onto the container holding portion 31b of the third moving portion 31, the container holding area 34 is maintained in the first state (see Figures 16 to 21 and 23). In the first state, the electromagnet 34b is turned off, and no magnetic force is generated. The elastic member 34c is compressed by the biasing force, bringing the other end of the arm 34f closer to the first hooking portion 34e3 of the movable body holding portion 34e. Viewed from the z direction, the second holding region 34g3 of the second moving body 34g is located in the container passage region 34d1, and the container is held on the upper surface f2 of the second holding region 34g3. Figure 21 shows the first state, in which the first container c1 is held in the second holding area 34g3, and the second container c2, third container c3, and fourth container c4 are stacked on top of the first container c1.

[0106] The control unit 90 turns on the electromagnet 34b. The magnetic force of electromagnet 34b attracts one end of arm 34f. As a result, the arm 34f rotates around the third rotation axis z3 by the first column 34e4 of the movable body holding part 34e, the other end of the arm 34f moves, and the other end of the arm 34f moves away from the first hooking part 34e3. The movement of the other end of arm 34f causes the power receiving section 34d3 to move. The movement of the power receiving part 34d3 causes the first movable body 34d to rotate around the first rotation axis z1. Furthermore, the second fastening portion 34d2 moves, and the elastic member 34c stretches. The rotation of the first moving body 34d causes the moving lever 34g4 to move. The movement of the movement lever 34g4 causes the second moving body 34g to rotate around the second rotation axis z2. The second holding region 34g3 moves outside the container passage region 34d1 when viewed from the z direction, and the state in which the upper surface f2 of the second holding region 34g3 holds the first container c1 is released. Due to their own weight, the first container c1 to the fourth container c4 move downward in the z direction. Viewed from the z direction, the first holding region 34g2 overlaps with the container passage region 34d1, and the upper surface f1 of the first holding region 34g2 holds the second container c2. Furthermore, the inclined surface f3 of the first holding area 34g2 pushes down the first container c1, causing it to fall (third rotational movement, second state, see Figure 22).

[0107] The control unit 90 turns off the electromagnet. The biasing force of the elastic member 34c brings the other end of the arm 34f closer to the first latching portion 34e3. The first mobile body 34d and the second mobile body 34g rotate in the opposite direction to when they transition from the first state to the second state. The first holding region 34g2 moves outside the container passage region 34d1 when viewed from the z direction, and the state in which the upper surface f1 of the first holding region 34g2 holds the second container c2 is released. Due to their own weight, the second container c2 to the fourth container c4 move downward in the z direction. Viewed from the z direction, the second holding region 34g3 overlaps with the container passage region 34d1, and the upper surface f2 of the second holding region 34g3 holds the second container c2 (fourth rotational movement, first state, see Figure 23).

[0108] In other words, as the first mobile body 34d rotates, two or more second mobile bodies 34g rotate, and the second holding regions 34g3 of each of the two or more second mobile bodies 34g are switched between a first state in which the second holding regions 34g3 hold the first container c1 and a second state in which the holding regions 34g3 release the first container c1 and the first holding regions 34g2 of the two or more second mobile bodies 34g hold the second container c2 placed on top of the first container c1.

[0109] (Container storage area 35) The container storage area 35 is located above the container holding area 34 in the z-direction. Container replenishment is performed through the door of the container storage area 35.

[0110] (Storage compartment 50) The storage section 50 has an area for holding two or more containers containing coffee supplied from the beverage supply section 21. The storage section 50 in the first embodiment has three or more storage cylinder sections (storage areas) 55 and three or more rear opening / closing doors 57. In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which 20 storage cylinder sections 55 are provided as a plurality of storage cylinder sections 55, and a rear opening / closing door 57 is provided on the rear side in the y direction of each of the 20 storage cylinder sections 55.

[0111] Each of the multiple storage cylinder sections 55 has an opening at the front and rear in the y direction, and is provided with an upper and lower surface perpendicular to the z direction, and a right and left side perpendicular to the x direction, and the upper, lower, right, and left sides form a roughly rectangular prism-shaped cylinder. Each of the multiple rear opening doors 57 is provided in the corresponding rear opening of the storage cylinder section 55. Each of the multiple rear opening / closing doors 57 opens when the container-gripping portion of the fourth movable part 32 enters from the rear in the y-direction, and closes when the container-gripping portion of the fourth movable part 32 exits. In other words, the fourth moving unit 32 moves the container containing the beverage supplied from the beverage supply unit 21 to the storage cylinder unit 55 via the rear opening / closing door 57.

[0112] Each of the multiple storage cylinder sections 55 has a front opening with a dispensing opening 71 and a front opening / closing door 77 attached. In other words, the front opening / closing door 77 and the rear opening / closing door 57 are positioned to sandwich the storage cylinder section 55 in the y-direction.

[0113] Each of the multiple storage cylinder sections 55 is provided with an area (second container placement section 56a) for placing containers transported by the fourth moving section 32 (see Figure 24). The second container mounting section 56a is provided with a second recess 56a1 into which the claw portion 32a of the fourth movable section 32 is inserted.

[0114] (Disposal section 60) The waste disposal section 60 is a trash can in which containers containing coffee, which are held in the storage section 50, are discarded after a first hour t1 (for example, t1 = 20 minutes) has elapsed since they were supplied from the beverage supply section 21 or since they were held in the storage section 50 (see Figures 1, 3, and 4). The waste disposal section 60 is located below the storage section 50. The transfer of containers from the storage section 50 to the disposal section 60 is performed by the fourth moving section 32.

[0115] (Providing Department 70) The dispensing section 70 is the area where the purchaser receives the container containing the coffee they purchased, and has a dispensing opening 71 and a front opening / closing door 77. In the first embodiment, the supply section 70 is adjacent to the storage section 50 in the y-direction and is integrally configured with it.

[0116] The storage section 50 and the supply section 70 are arranged in the y-direction. In other words, the storage section 50 is provided in the vicinity of the supply section 70. The dispensing opening 71 is an opening provided on the first front surface 3f1a of the housing 3. The container containing the beverage supplied from the beverage supply unit 21 is made available for receipt through the dispensing opening 71 from the side opposite to the side of the first front surface 3f1a of the housing 3 where the beverage generating unit 10, container moving unit 30, and storage unit 50 are located (the outside of the housing 3). The front opening door 77 is provided with a display window 3b so that the inside of the storage cylinder section 55 can be seen from the outside.

[0117] The front opening / closing door 77 is controlled to open and close by the control unit 90.

[0118] (Control Unit 90) The control unit 90 controls various parts of the beverage dispensing device 1, including the movement control of the third mobile unit 31, as described later.

[0119] (Coffee extraction control for beverage supply unit 21, etc.) The control unit 90 transmits information regarding an instruction (first work instruction) to move the container to a predetermined position s0 to the selection button operating device and the third moving unit 31. Specifically, the control unit 90 then transmits the type of beverage to be supplied to the beverage supply unit 21 as information related to the first work instruction to the selection button operating device, the third movement unit 31, and the fourth movement unit 32.

[0120] For example, if the coffee to be supplied to the beverage supply unit 21 is "cold coffee with milk," the control unit 90 sends an instruction signal to the container supply unit 33 of the third mobile unit 31 regarding dropping a container corresponding to "cold coffee" into one of the first container placement units 31b1, and operates the container holding area 34 in the container supply unit 33 that includes the container corresponding to "cold coffee." Furthermore, after the container corresponding to the "cold coffee" has been dropped into the first container mounting section 31b1, the control unit 90 transmits an instruction signal to the third moving section 31 regarding the movement of the first container mounting section 31b1, which holds the container, to the starting position s1, causing the turntable 31a on the moving section side to rotate (first rotational movement). Furthermore, after the first container mounting section 31b1 has completed moving to the starting position s1, the control unit 90 transmits an instruction signal to the third moving section 31 regarding the movement of the first container mounting section 31b1 to a predetermined position s0, causing the container holding section 31b to extend (first extension movement). Furthermore, after the first container placement unit 31b1 has finished moving to its predetermined position s0, the control unit 90 sends an instruction signal to the selection button operating device to press the selection button 21a corresponding to "cold coffee with milk," thereby activating the selection button operating device. Furthermore, after the beverage supply unit 21 has finished dispensing "cold coffee with milk" into the container based on the pressing of the selection button, the control unit 90 transmits an instruction signal to the third moving unit 31 regarding the movement of the first container placement unit 31b1 to the starting position s1, causing the container holding unit 31b to contract (first contraction movement).

[0121] When the movement of the container containing the extracted coffee from a predetermined position s0 to the starting position s1 is complete, the third moving unit 31 or a sensor (not shown) that monitors the area including the third moving unit 31 transmits first completion report information to the control unit 90 indicating that these operations have been completed. The control unit 90 then calculates when to issue the next first operation instruction. Furthermore, the movement control of the third moving unit 31, which will be described later, is initiated.

[0122] (e.g., control of material replenishment instructions to the material supply unit 20) Based on the amount of coffee supplied from the beverage supply unit 21, the working time, etc., the control unit 90 transmits a second work instruction to the material supply unit 20 and the supply unit transfer device 22, instructing them to replenish the material (coffee beans) to the beverage supply unit 21, and transmits a third work instruction to the beverage supply unit 21, instructing them to discard the coffee grounds after the extraction process.

[0123] Upon receiving information regarding the second work instruction, the first moving unit 22a moves the material supply unit 20 so that the material discharge unit 20f1 is positioned above the material receiving unit 21b in the z-direction, corresponding to the material to be replenished. The material supply unit 20 also supplies the material corresponding to the second work instruction to the beverage supply unit 21. Specifically, the material corresponding to the second work instruction is discharged from the material tank 20a containing the material and supplied to the material receiving unit 21b of the beverage supply unit 21 via the material moving device 20b and the material discharge unit 20f1. When the supply of materials to the beverage supply unit 21 is complete, a sensor (not shown) that monitors the area including the material supply unit 20 or the beverage supply unit 21 transmits a second completion report information to the control unit 90 indicating that the work has been completed. The control unit 90 then calculates when to issue the second work instruction.

[0124] Upon receiving information regarding the third work instruction, the beverage supply unit 21 discharges the coffee grounds to the material waste unit 21c. When the discharge of coffee grounds to the material waste section 21c is complete, a sensor (not shown) that monitors the area including the beverage supply section 21 transmits a third completion report to the control unit 90 indicating that the work has been completed. The control unit 90 then calculates when to issue the third work instruction.

[0125] (Such as controlling the replenishment of coffee beans to server 100, etc.) Based on the amount of coffee beans supplied from the material supply unit 20 to the beverage supply unit 21, the amount of coffee grounds discharged to the material waste unit 21c, the working time, etc., the control unit 90 transmits to the server 100 as information related to the fourth work instruction, an instruction to replenish the material (coffee beans) in the material supply unit 20, an instruction to dispose of the coffee grounds accumulated in the material waste unit 21c, and an instruction to clean the beverage supply unit 21. Server 100 transmits information regarding the fourth work instruction to the worker's terminal (worker terminal), etc. However, the information regarding the fourth work instruction may also be transmitted directly to the worker's terminal, etc., without going through Server 100.

[0126] (Such as controlling instructions for refilling milk to server 100, etc.) The control unit 90 calculates the amount of milk consumed based on the amount of coffee with milk supplied from the beverage supply unit 21, the amount of milk supplied from the milk tank 23 to the beverage supply unit 21, and transmits a milk replenishment instruction or milk replacement instruction to the server 100 as information related to the fifth work instruction. Server 100 transmits information regarding the fifth work instruction to the worker's terminal or the like. However, the information regarding the fifth work instruction may also be transmitted directly to the worker's terminal or the like without going through Server 100.

[0127] (Controlling the ice maker cleaning instructions to server 100, etc.) The control unit 90 transmits a cleaning instruction for the ice maker 25 to the server 100 as information related to the sixth work instruction, based on the amount of cold coffee supplied from the beverage supply unit 21. Server 100 transmits information regarding the sixth work instruction to the worker's terminal or the like. However, the information regarding the sixth work instruction may also be transmitted directly to the worker's terminal or the like without going through Server 100.

[0128] (Controlling disposal instructions for servers such as Server 100) Based on the number of containers discarded from the storage unit 50 to the disposal unit 60, the control unit 90 sends a cleaning instruction for the disposal unit 60 (an instruction to dispose of the waste accumulated in the disposal unit 60) to the server 100 as information related to the 7th work instruction. Server 100 transmits information regarding the seventh work instruction to the worker's terminal or the like. However, the information regarding the seventh work instruction may also be transmitted directly to the worker's terminal or the like without going through Server 100.

[0129] (Movement control of the third moving unit 31) The control unit 90 controls the movement of the third moving unit 31 after the completion of the operation based on the first work instruction. Specifically, when a container containing coffee supplied from the beverage supply unit 21 is positioned at a predetermined starting position s1, the control unit 90 causes the third moving unit 31 to transport the container to the relay point P1. In other words, after the operation based on the first work instruction is completed, the control unit 90 transmits an instruction signal to the third moving unit 31 regarding the movement of the first container mounting unit 31b1, which holds the container containing coffee, to the second position s2, causing the turntable 31a on the moving unit side to rotate (second rotational movement). Furthermore, after the first container mounting section 31b1 has completed moving to the second position s2, the control unit 90 transmits an instruction signal to the third moving section 31 regarding the movement of the first container mounting section 31b1 to the relay point P1, causing the container holding section 31b to extend (second extension movement). After the container transported to the relay point P1 is grasped by the fourth moving unit 32, the control unit 90 transmits an instruction signal to the third moving unit 31 regarding the movement of the first container mounting unit 31b1, which is no longer holding the container, to the second position s2, causing the container holding unit 31b to contract (second contraction movement).

[0130] (Movement control of the fourth movable part 32 (placement in the storage cylinder part 55, disposal from the storage cylinder part 55)) The control unit 90 controls the movement of the fourth moving unit 32. Specifically, when a container containing coffee is placed at the relay point P1, the control unit 90 instructs the fourth moving unit 32 to grasp the container and transport it to the storage unit 50. The control unit 90 records information regarding the type of coffee (with milk / without milk, cold / hot) contained in the container transported to the storage unit 50, information regarding its placement in the storage unit 50 (information regarding which storage cylinder 55 it was stored in), and information regarding the elapsed time. The elapsed time referred to here is the time elapsed since the beverage was supplied from the beverage supply unit 21 to the container, or the time elapsed since it was placed in the storage unit 50.

[0131] Furthermore, the control unit 90 instructs the fourth moving unit 32 to transport to the disposal unit 60 any containers placed in the storage unit 50 that have an elapsed time of 1 hour t1 or more since the beverage was supplied to the container from the beverage supply unit 21, or since they were placed in the storage unit 50.

[0132] (Opening and closing control of the rear opening / closing door 57) The control unit 90 locks the rear opening / closing door 57 of the storage unit 50, preventing it from being opened or closed. However, the control unit 90 releases the locked state of the rear opening / closing door 57 that is used to insert or remove a container by the fourth moving part 32, via the corresponding opening / closing suppression mechanism 58, only for the duration that the container is being inserted or removed. Furthermore, the control unit 90 may lock the rear opening / closing door 57 that corresponds to the storage cylinder section 55 when the front opening / closing door 77 is open, and unlock the rear opening / closing door 57 that corresponds to the storage cylinder section 55 when the front opening / closing door 77 is closed.

[0133] Furthermore, this prevents the purchaser or others from opening the rear opening door 57 and inserting their hand or an object behind the rear opening door 57 in the y-direction.

[0134] (Opening and closing control of the front opening / closing door 77) The control unit 90 locks the front opening / closing door 77 of the supply unit 70, preventing it from being opened or closed. However, the control unit 90 releases the lock state of the front opening / closing door 77 that corresponds to the storage cylinder 55 in which the container containing the coffee to be purchased is stored, when the purchaser terminal is within a predetermined distance d3 (for example, d3 = 3m) of the beverage dispenser 1 and information regarding receipt is transmitted via the purchaser terminal. When the front opening / closing door 77, which has been released from its locked state, is closed, the front opening / closing door 77 is locked again.

[0135] (Monitoring and control of whether coffee was supplied according to work instructions) The control unit 90 determines whether the coffee supplied to the beverage supply unit 21 corresponds to the first work instruction, that is, whether the correct type of coffee was supplied in accordance with the first work instruction. Specifically, a sensor 90a is provided to non-contactually determine the type of coffee contained in a container, whether the container is held by the third moving part 31, held by the third moving part 31, or gripped by the fourth moving part 32. Based on the information from the sensor 90a, the control unit 90 determines whether the correct type of coffee has been produced in response to the first work instruction.

[0136] Sensor 90a could be, for example, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a container containing coffee, or an infrared sensor that measures the components of the coffee contained in the container (moisture, fat, oil). Furthermore, if the amount of coffee placed in the container is kept constant regardless of the type, and the weight of the containers differs for hot coffee and cold coffee, then a weight sensor containing coffee can be used as sensor 90a. In other words, based on the weight difference between the container for "hot coffee" and the container for "cold coffee," and the weight difference due to the presence or absence of milk, the type of coffee contained in the container held by the third moving part 31 or the container gripped by the fourth moving part 32 can be identified.

[0137] The sensor 90a may be located away from the third mobile unit 31, or it may be built into the third mobile unit 31. Furthermore, the sensor 90a may be used not only to determine the type of coffee contained in the container, but also to determine whether or not the container was held or grasped. Furthermore, the sensor 90a used to determine the type of coffee and / or whether the container can be held or grasped may be built into the fourth moving part 32.

[0138] (Server 100) Server 100 is a control device located outside the beverage dispensing device 1, and communicates with control unit 90 via a communication unit (not shown). The control unit 90 transmits information regarding the sales and disposal records of coffee in the beverage dispenser 1, the inventory status of materials such as ingredients (coffee beans) and containers, and information regarding the 4th to 7th work instructions to a recording unit (not shown) provided in the beverage dispenser 1 and to the server 100. Server 100 transmits information regarding the 4th to 7th work instructions to worker terminals and the like. Server 100 transmits information to the control unit 90 such as sales and disposal records of other beverage dispensers 1, weather information, temperature, events taking place around beverage dispensers 1, and the number of people around beverage dispensers 1. The server 100, or the control unit 90 of each beverage dispensing device 1, calculates the content of the first work instruction, the types of beverages contained in the containers to be transported to the storage unit 50 in advance, etc., based on the information collected by the server 100 (sales record, disposal record, etc.).

[0139] The server 100 communicates with the purchaser terminal and, based on the purchase conditions set on the purchaser terminal, performs payment procedures and transmits information regarding the purchase conditions to the corresponding beverage dispenser 1.

[0140] (The effect of using the rotation of two moving objects to hold the container) The rotation of the two moving bodies (first moving body 34d, second moving body 34g) allows for the container to be held at multiple locations (first state) and released (second state) without delay, enabling proper container supply with a simple structure.

[0141] (Effects of providing a slope in the second holding area) The inclined surface of the first holding area 34g2 can push down the container, causing a container that is difficult to detach from the containers in the upper layer due to static electricity or other factors to fall.

[0142] (The effect of switching between the first and second states using magnetic force and biasing force) When the electromagnet 34b is turned off, and the biasing force of the elastic member 34c, such as a spring, exceeds the magnetic force of the electromagnet 34b, the first state (the state in which the container is held in the second holding region 34g3) can be maintained. Furthermore, the electromagnet 34b is turned on only when the system is in the second state (where the bottom container falls and the other containers are held in the first holding area 34g2), causing the magnetic force of the electromagnet 34b to exceed the biasing force of the elastic member 34c. This makes it possible to properly supply containers with low power consumption and a simple structure.

[0143] (Effects of providing multiple types of second mobile units 34g) By sharing the first mobile body 34d and the mobile body holding part 34e, and simply providing multiple types of second mobile bodies 34g with different shapes, it becomes possible to appropriately supply containers with a simple structure that can accommodate various shapes of containers.

[0144] (Effects of providing the first movable part 22a) The first movable part 22a allows the material supply unit 20, which is located higher than the beverage supply unit 21, to be moved, making it easier to perform maintenance on the material supply unit 20, such as replenishing materials. This makes it possible to properly supply materials to the material supply unit 20 with a simple structure.

[0145] (Effects of providing the second movable part 22b) The second movable part 22b allows the beverage supply unit 21 to be moved, making maintenance of the beverage supply unit 21 easier. The first deterrent mechanism 22a1 and the second deterrent mechanism 22b1 make it easier to avoid physical interference between the material supply unit 20 and the beverage supply unit 21.

[0146] (Effects of providing material transfer device 20b and inclined wall 20c) The material transfer device 20b can collect materials discharged from multiple locations (multiple material tanks 20a) and supply them to the beverage supply unit 21. The inclined wall 20c prevents materials from falling from the sides or rear end of the material handling device 20b.

[0147] (Effects of providing the waste removal plate 20e) The material adhering to the material transfer device 20b can be separated from the material transfer device 20b and supplied to the beverage supply unit 21.

[0148] (Effects of providing a slit or slot 20e2) The material that has entered the space between the material transfer device 20b and the waste removal plate 20e can be separated from the material transfer device 20b and supplied to the beverage supply unit 21.

[0149] (The effect of providing a knurled knob 20f3) The knurled knob 20f3 can be easily attached and detached to open and close the bottom section 20f.

[0150] (Application example of container supply unit 33, second embodiment) The configuration of the container supply unit 33 is not limited to that of the first embodiment, but may be other configurations (see Figures 25 to 29). Components of the container supply unit 33 in the second embodiment that are functionally common with the components of the container supply unit 33 in the first embodiment are assigned the same numbers as the components of the container supply unit 33 in the first embodiment.

[0151] The x and y directions shown in Figures 25 to 29 indicate the orientation of the components constituting the container supply unit 33 at a given moment. Furthermore, in Figures 25, 26, 28, and 29, the elastic member 34c of the container holding area 34 of the container supply unit 33 is simply shown as a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, in Figure 27, the second fixing ring is shown as a permeable material and with a dotted line to illustrate the internal structure.

[0152] (Container holding area 34) The container holding region 34 of the second embodiment includes a first cover 34a, an electromagnet 34b, an elastic member 34c, a first movable body 34d, a movable body holding portion 34e, an arm 34f, a second movable body 34g, and a second cover 34h.

[0153] The position of the electromagnet 34b in the second embodiment is different from the position of the electromagnet 34b in the first embodiment. The method for fastening the elastic member 34c in the second embodiment differs from the method for fastening the elastic member 34c in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a second cover 34h is provided around the container passage region 34d1. In the second embodiment, a ball bearing 34i is provided between the first movable body 34d and the first fixed ring 34e1. The following section will focus on explaining the differences from the first embodiment.

[0154] The electromagnet 34b is located below the second fixed ring 34e2. Compared to a configuration where the electromagnet 34b is held on the second fixed ring 34e2, this configuration offers greater freedom in the positioning of the electromagnet 34b, such as vertical or horizontal orientation. This makes it easier to use a larger electromagnet 34b with greater driving force.

[0155] The power receiving section 34d3 is movable by the movement of the arm 34f, and the other end of the arm 34f is in contact with it.

[0156] The first fastening portion 34e3 is provided on the first fixing ring 34e1. The first fastening portion 34e3 has a hook shape and fastens to one end of the elastic member 34c.

[0157] The first column 34e4 extends horizontally perpendicular to the z-direction. The first column 34e4 holds the arm 34f in a state that allows it to rotate around an axis (third rotation axis z3) that is perpendicular to the z direction and parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0158] The second column 34e5 extends in the z direction and is held in place by the first fixing ring 34e1 and the second fixing ring 34e2. The second column 34e5 passes through the hole 34d4.

[0159] One end of the arm 34f is located near the electromagnet 34b, and the other end is in contact with the power receiving portion 34d3 of the first moving body 34d. Between one end and the other end of the arm 34f, the arm 34f is held by the first column 34e4 of the movable body holding section 34e in a state that allows it to rotate around the third rotation axis z3.

[0160] (Second cover 34h) The second cover 34h is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape around the container passage region 34d1. However, a second notch 34h1 is formed in the region that physically interferes with the second mobile body 34g. Instead of the second notch 34h1, a hole may be formed in the region that physically interferes with the second mobile body 34g. By providing the second cover 34h, when the container passes through the container passage area 34d1, contact between the container and components other than the first holding area 34g2 and the second holding area 34g3 can be suppressed, making discharge blockages less likely to occur.

[0161] (Ball bearing 34i) A ball bearing 34i is provided between the first moving body 34d and the first fixed ring 34e1. This makes it possible to reduce the distance in the z-direction between the first moving body 34d and the first fixed ring 34e1.

[0162] (Container storage area 35) The container storage area 35 is located above the container holding area 34 in the z-direction. Container replenishment is performed through the door of the container storage area 35. The door of the container storage area 35 is provided with a locking mechanism 35a, such as a bolt. Vibrations resulting from the rotational movement of the first mobile body 34d can prevent the door of the container storage area 35 from opening.

[0163] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0164] 1 Beverage dispensing device, 3 Housing, 3a Loading / unloading port, 3b Display window, 3f1 Front, 3f1a First front, 3f1b Second front, 3f2 Right side, 3f3 Left side, 3f4 Rear, 3f5 Top, 3f6 Bottom, 3g1 First housing, 3g2 Second housing, 3g3 Third housing, 3h Casters, 10 Beverage generation unit, 11 Water purifier, 13 Water softener, 15 Water supply tank, 17 Drainage tank, 19 Pump, 20 Material supply unit, 20a Material tank, 20b Material transfer device, 20c Inclined wall, 20d Guide unit, 20d1 First chute plate, 20d1a Connecting unit, 20d2 Second chute plate, 20e Waste removal plate, 20e1 Gap, 20e2 Slot or slit, 20f Bottom, 20f1 Material discharge section, 20f2 Hinge, 20f3 Knurled knob, 20g Side section, 21 Beverage supply section (coffee maker), 21a Selection button, 21b Material receiving section, 21c Material disposal section, 22 Supply section moving device, 22a First moving section, 22a1 First restraining mechanism, 22a2 Handle, 22b Second moving section, 22b1 Second restraining mechanism, 23 Milk tank, 25 Ice maker (shuttle ice maker), 25a Conduit, 30 Container moving section, 31 Third moving section, 31a Turntable on the moving section side, 31b Container holding section, 31b1 First container placement section, 31b2 First recessed section, 32 Fourth moving section, 32a Claw section, 32b Arm section, 33 Container supply section, 34 Container holding area, 34a First cover, 34b Electromagnet, 34c Elastic member, 34d First moving body, 34d1 Container passage area, 34d2 Second latching part, 34d3 Power receiving part, 34d4 Hole, 34d5 First notch, 34e Moving body holding part, 34e1 First fixing ring, 34e2 Second fixing ring, 34e3 First latching part, 34e4 First column, 34e5 Second column, 34f Arm, 34g Second moving body, 34g1 Cylinder part, 34g2 First holding area, 34g3 Second holding area, 34g4 Moving lever, 34h Second cover, 34h1 Second notch, 34i Ball bearing, 35 Container storage area, 35a Locking mechanism, 50 Storage part, 55 Storage cylinder part (storage area), 56a Second container mounting part, 56a1 Second recess, 57 Rear opening / closing door, 60 waste section, 70 supply section, 71 dispensing opening, 77 front opening / closing door, 90 control unit, 90a sensor, 100 server, c1c1 container, c2 container, c3 container, c4 container, d1 distance between the top surface of the first holding area and the top surface of the second holding area, d2 distance between the upper and lower containers, d3 predetermined distance from the beverage dispensing device, f1 top surface of the first holding area, f2 top surface of the second holding area, f3 slope of the first holding area, P1 relay point, s0 predetermined position within the beverage supply unit, s1 starting position of the third moving unit, s2 second position near the relay point, t1 first time (time threshold to compare with elapsed time), z1 first rotation axis, z2 second rotation axis, z3 third rotation axis

Claims

1. A container supply unit having a container holding region comprising: a first movable body surrounding a container passage region through which a first container passes; a movable body holding portion that holds the first movable body in a state that it is movable around a first rotation axis parallel to the direction in which the first container passes; and a second movable body, The first movable body and the movable body holding part hold the second movable body in a state in which they are rotatable around a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis. The second moving body is provided in two or more locations so as to sandwich the container passage area when viewed from the direction through which the first container passes. Each of the two or more second moving bodies has a first holding region and a second holding region provided below the first holding region. As the first moving body moves, the two or more second moving bodies rotate, and the second holding regions of each of the two or more second moving bodies switch between a first state in which they hold the first container and a second state in which they release the holding of the first container by the second holding region and the first holding regions of the two or more second moving bodies hold the second container placed on top of the first container. The first moving body has an enclosing shape, The switching from the first state to the second state is performed by the magnetic force of the electromagnet. The switching from the second state to the first state is performed by the biasing force of the elastic member. When the electromagnet is turned off, and the biasing force of the elastic member exceeds the magnetic force of the electromagnet, the first state is maintained. A container supply unit that, only when the second state is reached, turns on the electromagnet so that the magnetic force of the electromagnet exceeds the biasing force of the elastic member.

2. In the first state, the upper surface of the second holding area holds the first container, The container supply unit according to claim 1, wherein in the second state, the first container is dropped on the inclined surface of the first holding area, and the second container is held on the upper surface of the first holding area.

3. The electromagnet is located near one end of the arm, and when it is ON, it attracts one end of the arm with magnetic force. The elastic member pulls the other end of the arm with a biasing force, The container supply unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the electromagnet is in the ON state, the other end of the arm moves due to the magnetic force, causing the elastic member to extend.

4. The container holding region is further provided, separate from the container holding region. The aforementioned other container holding region holds a container other than the first container and the second container held by the container holding region. The first movable body of the other container holding region has the same shape as the first movable body of the container holding region. The movable body holding portion of the other container holding region has the same shape as the movable body holding portion of the container holding region. The container supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the second movable body of the other container holding region has a different shape from the second movable body of the container holding region.

5. The container supply unit according to claim 1, A beverage supply unit that supplies beverages to the first container and the second container supplied from the container supply unit, A material supply unit that supplies material to the beverage supply unit, A beverage serving apparatus comprising a supply unit moving device having a first moving unit, The material supply unit is positioned above the beverage supply unit. The first movable part holds the material supply part in a state that allows it to move in the front-to-back direction and the up-and-down direction, and is a beverage dispensing device.

6. The supply unit moving device has a second moving unit, The second movable part holds the beverage supply unit in a state that allows it to move in the front-rear direction, The first moving part includes a first restraining mechanism, The second moving part includes a second restraining mechanism, When the lock state of the first restraining mechanism is released, the material supply unit is made movable. The beverage supply device according to claim 5, wherein the beverage supply unit is made movable when the locked state of the second restraining mechanism is released.

7. The material supply unit includes a material tank, a material transfer device, and an inclined wall. The material transfer device moves the material discharged from the material tank. The beverage dispensing apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the inclined wall is provided above the side and above the rear end of the material transport device.

8. The beverage serving apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the material supply unit includes a waste removal plate parallel to the lower surface of the material transfer device.

9. The aforementioned scrap plate has slots or slits formed in it. The material falls from the tip of the material transfer device and is supplied to the beverage supply unit. The beverage dispensing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, of the materials, any material adhering to the material transfer device falls upon contact with the waste removal plate, or passes through the gap between the lower surface of the material transfer device and the waste removal plate, falls through the slot or slit, and is supplied to the beverage supply unit.

10. The material supply unit includes a bottom portion, The bottom portion has a hole through which the material that falls from the tip of the material transfer device passes. The material is supplied to the beverage supply unit through the hole. The beverage dispensing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the bottom portion is attached to the side portion of the material supply portion via a knurled knob.

Images