JP7567167B2 - Beverage supply equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a beverage supply device, and more specifically, to a beverage supply device that supplies a beverage to a container through a beverage supply path and is equipped with a cleaning unit for cleaning the beverage supply path.

Conventionally, a beverage supply device that supplies a beverage to a container through a beverage supply path and is equipped with a cleaning section for cleaning the beverage supply path is proposed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

When a cleaning command is given, this beverage supply device generates cleaning liquid by mixing in a mixing container cleaning liquid supplied from a cleaning liquid storage unit with cleaning hot water, which is hot water supplied from a hot water storage unit that stores hot water that generates pressurized steam that constitutes the beverage. The mixing container and the beverage supply path are then connected to each other, and cleaning liquid is supplied to the beverage supply path. The beverage supply device then supplies the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit to the beverage supply path as rinsing hot water.

JP 2017-105489 A

However, in the beverage supply device described above, when a cleaning command is given, the cleaning liquid is generated by mixing the cleaning liquid and the hot cleaning water in a mixing container, the mixing container is connected to the beverage supply path, and the cleaning liquid is supplied to the beverage supply path. This causes the following problems:

In other words, the hot water storage section generally stores hot water at 85°C or higher, and when this hot water at 85°C or higher is mixed with the original cleaning solution to use as cleaning water, the components of the original cleaning solution decompose and become denatured, resulting in a problem of reduced cleaning ability of the cleaning solution.

In addition, it takes time to produce the cleaning solution in the mixing vessel, which results in longer cleaning times.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a beverage supply device that can reduce the cleaning time while suppressing a decrease in cleaning ability.

In order to achieve the above object, the beverage supply device of the present invention supplies a beverage to a container through a beverage supply path, and is characterized in that it is a beverage supply device having a cleaning unit for cleaning the beverage supply path, and when a cleaning command is given, the hot water to be supplied from a hot water storage unit that stores hot water constituting the beverage to the beverage supply path is adjusted to a predetermined suitable temperature range for cleaning before being supplied to the beverage supply path, and the control unit intermittently supplies the cleaning concentrate stored in the cleaning concentrate storage unit to the beverage supply path in a state in which the cleaning concentrate is diffused in the hot water.

The present invention is also characterized in that in the beverage supply device, the control unit supplies the cleaning concentrate to the beverage supply path while diffusing it in the hot water, and then supplies the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit to the beverage supply path as rinsing hot water.

The present invention is also characterized in that in the beverage supply device, the control unit supplies the alkaline cleaning concentrate stored in the cleaning concentrate storage unit to the beverage supply path in a state where the alkaline cleaning concentrate is dispersed in hot water adjusted to the appropriate temperature range for cleaning, and then supplies the rinsing water, and then supplies the acidic cleaning concentrate stored in the cleaning concentrate storage unit to the beverage supply path in a state where the acidic cleaning concentrate is dispersed in hot water adjusted to the appropriate temperature range for cleaning, and then supplies the rinsing water.

According to the present invention, when a cleaning command is given, the control unit adjusts the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit that stores the hot water constituting the beverage to a predetermined suitable temperature range for cleaning before supplying it to the beverage supply path, and supplies the cleaning concentrate stored in the cleaning concentrate storage unit intermittently so that the cleaning concentrate is dispersed in the hot water and supplied to the beverage supply path. This eliminates the need for time to mix the cleaning concentrate and the cleaning hot water to generate the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning concentrate is not altered, resulting in a decrease in cleaning ability. This has the effect of shortening the cleaning time while suppressing a decrease in cleaning ability.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a beverage supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the contents of the cleaning control process executed by the control unit. FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the process contents of the pre-rinse process shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the process of the alkaline cleaning process shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of adjusting the hot water temperature shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the process contents of the alkaline cleaning and rinsing process shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the processing steps of the acid cleaning treatment shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the acid cleaning and rinsing process shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a modified example of a beverage supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a modified example of a beverage supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes in detail a preferred embodiment of the beverage supply device according to the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a beverage supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The beverage supplying device 1 shown here supplies milk, which is a dairy beverage, in a foamed state to a cup C, which is a container, and is configured with a steam supplying section 20, a concentrate supplying section 30, an air supplying section 40, a mixing section 50, a foaming section 52, a nozzle section 54, and a cleaning section 60.

The steam supply section 20 is configured with a steam tank 21, a first steam supply pipe 22, and a second steam supply pipe 23. The steam tank 21 is connected to a hot water tank 25 through a hot water supply pipe 24.

The hot water tank 25 is a hot water storage section for storing hot water. This hot water tank 25 heats water supplied from the water supply pipe 26 with a built-in heater 25a and stores the water at a temperature of, for example, 85°C or higher. The heater 25a is a heating means that heats the water by being energized in response to a command given by the control section 100, which will be described later. Here, the control section 100 comprehensively controls the operation of each section of the beverage supply device 1, including the cleaning section 60, in accordance with programs and data stored in a memory, not shown.

The hot water tank 25 is also provided with a float switch 25b. This float switch 25b detects the water level inside the hot water tank 25 and provides the detection result to the control unit 100 as a water level signal.

A water supply valve 26a is provided midway along the water supply pipe 26. This water supply valve 26a opens and closes in response to commands given by the control unit 100. When the water supply valve 26a is open, it allows water to pass through the water supply pipe 26. When the water supply valve 26a is closed, it restricts water from passing through the water supply pipe 26.

In the hot water tank 25, the control unit 100 judges whether the water level (detected water level) included in the water level signal given by the float switch 25b is equal to a predetermined upper limit or not, and opens the water supply valve 26a if the water level is below the upper limit, and closes the water supply valve 26a if the water level is equal to the upper limit. As a result, the hot water tank 25 is filled with hot water heated to 85°C or higher by the heater 25a and stored therein.

The hot water supply pipe 24 has one end connected to the hot water tank 25 and the other end connected to the steam tank 21, connecting the hot water tank 25 and the steam tank 21. A hot water supply pump 24a is provided midway along the hot water supply pipe 24. The hot water supply pump 24a is driven by commands given from the control unit 100, and when driven, supplies hot water from the hot water tank 25 to the steam tank 21.

The steam tank 21 generates pressurized steam by heating the hot water supplied from the hot water tank 25 through the hot water supply pipe 24. As a result, the hot water tank 25 stores the hot water used to generate the pressurized steam.

The first steam supply pipe 22 has one end connected to the steam tank 21 and the other end connected to the mixing section 50, and connects the steam tank 21 and the mixing section 50. A first steam supply valve 22a and a first steam check valve 22b are provided in the middle of the first steam supply pipe 22.

The first steam supply valve 22a opens and closes in response to a command given by the control unit 100. When the first steam supply valve 22a is open, it allows pressurized steam to pass through the first steam supply pipe 22. When the first steam supply valve 22a is closed, it restricts pressurized steam from passing through the first steam supply pipe 22.

The first steam check valve 22b allows the passage of fluid (pressurized steam) from the steam tank 21 to the mixing section 50, while restricting the passage of fluid from the mixing section to the steam tank 21.

The second steam supply pipe 23 has one end connected to the steam tank 21 and the other end connected to a first connection part 27 that can be connected to the raw liquid supply part 30 and the cleaning part 60, and connects the steam tank 21 and the first connection part 27.

Here, the first connection part 27 is attached to one end of a liquid supply pipe 28 connected to the mixing part 50. This liquid supply pipe 28 is provided with a liquid check valve 28a. The liquid check valve 28a allows the passage of fluid from the first connection part 27 to the mixing part 50, while restricting the passage of fluid from the mixing part 50 to the first connection part 27.

A second steam supply valve 23a and a second steam check valve 23b are provided in the second steam supply pipe 23. The second steam supply valve 23a opens and closes in response to a command given from the control unit 100. When the second steam supply valve 23a is open, it allows pressurized steam to pass through the second steam supply pipe 23.

When closed, the second steam supply valve 23a restricts the passage of pressurized steam through the second steam supply pipe 23. The second steam check valve 23b allows the passage of fluid (pressurized steam) from the steam tank 21 to the first connection 27, while restricting the passage of fluid from the first connection 27 to the steam tank 21.

The raw liquid supply unit 30 is configured with a bag-in-box (hereinafter also referred to as BIB) 31, a tube pump 32, and a second connection unit 33.

The BIB31 is constructed by housing a bag-shaped container in a box-shaped container that contains the concentrate (hereinafter referred to as the concentrate milk) of the milk beverage (frothed milk) to be supplied to the cup C. The BIB31 is placed in a cooler (not shown). The cooler is a thermally insulated chamber provided inside the device body 10a of the beverage supply device 1.

The tube pump 32 is provided below the BIB 31 inside the cooler. This tube pump 32 is driven by commands given from the control unit 100, and when driven, the tube 34 connected to the BIB 31 is crushed by a number of rollers or the like to pump out the raw milk liquid from the BIB 31. The second connection part 33 is attached to the tip of the tube 34 connected to the BIB 31, and is a connector that can be connected to the first connection part 27.

The air supply unit 40 is configured with an air supply pipe 41. One end of the air supply pipe 41 is connected to the air pump 42 and the other end is connected to the mixing unit 50, connecting the air pump 42 and the mixing unit 50. The air pump 42 is driven in response to a command given by the control unit 100, and when driven, it compresses air and sends out the compressed air through the air supply pipe 41.

An air check valve 41a is provided in the air supply pipe 41. The air check valve 41a allows the passage of fluid (compressed air) from the air pump 42 to the mixing section 50, while restricting the passage of fluid from the mixing section 50 to the air pump 42.

The mixing section 50 heats the milk concentrate by mixing the pressurized steam supplied through the first steam supply pipe 22 with the milk concentrate supplied through the liquid supply pipe 28, and then mixes in the compressed air supplied through the air supply pipe 41 to produce a slightly foamed milk beverage.

The foaming section 52 is connected to the mixing section 50 via the beverage delivery pipe 51. The foaming section 52 foams the milk beverage delivered from the mixing section 50 through the beverage delivery pipe 51.

The nozzle portion 54 is connected to the forming portion 52 via a beverage outlet passage (not shown). This nozzle portion 54 supplies the milk beverage (foamed milk beverage) delivered from the forming portion 52 through the beverage outlet passage to the cup C.

In this embodiment, the first connection portion 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the mixing portion 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming portion 52, the beverage delivery passage, and the nozzle portion 54 constitute a beverage supply path that supplies the milk beverage.

The cleaning section 60 is configured with a diffusion section 61, a cleaning solution supply pipe 62, a cleaning supply pipe 63, and a cleaning water supply pipe 64, some of which are provided in a storage cabinet 10b separate from the device main body 10a.

The diffusion section 61 is a cylindrical container with a bottom, the top opening of which is closed by a lid (not shown). The cleaning solution supply pipe 62 is branched into two at one end, one of which is connected to a first cleaning solution storage section 65 that stores an alkaline cleaning solution (hereinafter also referred to as an alkaline cleaning solution), and the other of which is connected to a second cleaning solution storage section 66 that stores an acidic cleaning solution (hereinafter also referred to as an acidic cleaning solution).

The other end of the cleaning solution supply pipe 62 is connected to the diffusion section 61. A switching valve 62a and a cleaning solution supply pump 62b are provided in the middle of the cleaning solution supply pipe 62. The switching valve 62a is provided at a branch point in the cleaning solution supply pipe 62, and is a selection means that allows either the alkaline cleaning solution or the acidic cleaning solution to pass through the cleaning solution supply pipe 62 in response to a command given by the control section 100.

The cleaning solution supply pump 62b is driven by a command given by the control unit 100, and when driven, supplies the cleaning solution selected by the switching valve 62a toward the diffusion unit 61. In this way, the cleaning solution supply pipe 62 forms a common cleaning solution supply path for supplying the alkaline cleaning solution and the acidic cleaning solution.

The cleaning supply pipe 63 has one end connected to the diffusion section 61 and the other end connected to the third connection section 68, and connects the diffusion section 61 and the third connection section 68. Here, one end of the cleaning supply pipe 63 is connected to the diffusion section 61 in a manner that communicates with an outlet provided at the bottom of the diffusion section 61. The third connection section 68 is a connector that can be connected to the first connection section 27.

A cleaning check valve 63a is provided in the cleaning supply pipe 63. The cleaning check valve 63a allows the passage of fluid from the diffusion section 61 to the third connection section 68, while restricting the passage of fluid from the third connection section 68 to the diffusion section 61.

One end of the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 24 upstream of the hot water supply pump 24a. The other end of the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64 is connected to the diffusion section 61 in such a manner that it communicates with a hot water supply port provided on the cover of the diffusion section 61.

A cleaning hot water pump 64a is provided in the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64. The cleaning hot water pump 64a is driven by a command given from the control unit 100, and when driven, supplies hot water from the hot water tank 25 to the diffusion unit 61.

In the beverage supply device 1 having the above configuration, milk can be supplied in a frothed state to the cup C as follows.

The control unit 100 opens the first steam supply valve 22a and drives the tube pump 32 and the air pump 42. The second steam supply valve 23a is closed. The first connection part 27 and the second connection part 33 are connected, and the third connection part 68 is disconnected from the first connection part 27.

By driving the tube pump 32 in this manner, the raw milk liquid in the BIB 31 is pumped out in the raw milk supply section 30. The raw milk liquid pumped out from the BIB 31 passes through the tube 34 and then through the liquid supply pipe 28. The raw milk liquid passing through this liquid supply pipe 28 reaches the mixing section 50.

When the first steam supply valve 22a is open, the pressurized steam generated in the steam tank 21 passes through the first steam supply pipe 22 and reaches the mixing section 50. Also, when the air pump 42 is driven, compressed air passes through the air supply pipe 41 and reaches the mixing section 50.

In the mixing section 50, the milk concentrate is heated by pressurized steam. Compressed air also enters the mixing section 50 and is mixed with the milk concentrate heated by the pressurized steam to produce a milk beverage. The milk beverage produced here is slightly foamed by the compressed air. The milk beverage produced in this way in the mixing section 50 passes through the beverage delivery pipe 51 and reaches the foaming section 52.

In the foaming section 52, the milk beverage comes into contact with the wall surface, etc., increasing the amount of foaming of the milk beverage. The milk beverage thus foamed passes through the beverage outlet passage and is sent to the nozzle section 54, and is supplied by being discharged from the nozzle section 54 into the cup C.

Next, with the second connection part 33 disconnected from the first connection part 27 and the third connection part 68 connected to the first connection part 27, if a user performs an input operation through a predetermined input means (not shown) and a cleaning command is given to the control part 100, the control part 100 performs a cleaning control process. Note that, in the following, it is assumed that each valve is closed and each pump is stopped.

Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the process of the cleaning control process performed by the control unit 100. In this cleaning control process, the control unit 100 performs a pre-rinse process (step S100).

Figure 3 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the pre-rinse process shown in Figure 2. In this pre-rinse process, the control unit 100 drives the cleaning water pump 64a by sending a drive command to the cleaning water pump 64a (step S101), starts measuring time using a built-in clock unit (not shown), and waits for the lapse of a preset drive time (step S102).

As a result, hot water (hot water of 85°C or higher) is supplied as cleaning hot water from the hot water tank 25 through the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64 to the diffusion section 61. The hot water supplied to the diffusion section 61 flows inside the diffusion section 61 and is discharged from the discharge port to the cleaning supply pipe 63, and passes through the cleaning supply pipe 63. The hot water that has passed through the cleaning supply pipe 63 passes through the first connection section 27, liquid supply pipe 28, mixing section 50, beverage delivery pipe 51, forming section 52, beverage delivery passage, and nozzle section 54, which constitute the beverage supply path, as cleaning hot water.

If the drive time has elapsed (step S102: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a drive stop command to the cleaning hot water pump 64a to stop the drive of the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S103), and issues an open command to the second steam supply valve 23a to open the second steam supply valve 23a (step S104). Having thus opened the second steam supply valve 23a, the control unit 100 starts measuring time through the clock unit and waits for the elapse of the preset open time (step S105).

By keeping the second steam supply valve 23a open until the open time has elapsed, the pressurized steam that has passed through the second steam supply pipe 23 passes through the first connection section 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the mixing section 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming section 52, the beverage delivery passage and the nozzle section 54, and blows out the hot water supplied in step S101 above.

If the open time has elapsed (step S105: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a close command to the second steam supply valve 23a to close the second steam supply valve 23a (step S106), and then returns the procedure to end this pre-rinse process.

After performing the pre-rinse process in this manner, the control unit 100 performs an alkaline cleaning process (step S200).

Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the process of the alkaline cleaning process shown in Figure 2. In this alkaline cleaning process, the control unit 100 performs a water temperature adjustment process (step S201).

Figure 5 is a flow chart showing the hot water temperature adjustment process shown in Figure 4. In this hot water temperature adjustment process, the control unit 100 de-energizes the heater 25a and stops driving it (step S201a). The control unit 100 then drives the cleaning hot water pump 64a by sending a drive command to the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S201b), starts measuring time through the clock unit, and waits for the passage of a preset adjustment time (step S201c). Here, the adjustment time is the time it takes for the hot water in the hot water tank 25 to reach about half of its full level. Therefore, the hot water in the hot water tank 25 will be about half full.

If the adjustment time has elapsed (step S201c: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a stop command to the cleaning hot water pump 64a to stop the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S201d), and waits for a water level signal to be input from the float switch 25b (step S201e).

If a water level signal is input (step S201e: Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the water level included in the water level signal (detected water level) is equal to or greater than an upper limit value stored in a memory or the like (step S201f).

As described above, the cleaning hot water pump 64a is driven to reduce the hot water in the hot water tank 25 to about half its full level, so the water level included in the water level signal is below the upper limit. In other words, if the water level is below the upper limit (step S201f: No), the control unit 100 issues an open command to the water supply valve 26a to open the water supply valve 26a (step S201g). This causes water to be supplied to the hot water tank 25 through the water supply pipe 26.

After opening the water supply valve 26a in this manner, the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S201e described above, and repeats the processing of steps S201e, S201f, and S201g until it is determined in step S201f that the water level is equal to or greater than the upper limit.

If it is determined that the water level is equal to or higher than the upper limit (step S201f: Yes), the control unit 100 issues a close command to the water supply valve 26a to close the water supply valve 26a (step S201h), and then returns the procedure to end the current process.

As a result, water is supplied to the hot water tank 25 while the heater 25a is not energized, and the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water tank 25 is adjusted to within the appropriate temperature range for washing (e.g., approximately 40 to 70°C).

After performing the water temperature adjustment process, the control unit 100 controls the switching valve 62a by sending a command to the switching valve 62a so that the alkaline cleaning solution passes through the cleaning solution supply pipe 62 (step S202), and sends a drive command to the cleaning water pump 64a to drive the cleaning water pump 64a (step S203).

As a result, hot water in the appropriate temperature range for cleaning is supplied as cleaning hot water from the hot water tank 25 to the diffusion section 61 through the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64. The hot water supplied to the diffusion section 61 flows inside the diffusion section 61, is discharged from the discharge port into the cleaning supply pipe 63, and passes through the cleaning supply pipe 63.

Then, the control unit 100 intermittently drives the cleaning solution supply pump 62b by intermittently sending a drive command to the cleaning solution supply pump 62b (step S204), starts measuring time through the clock unit, and waits for the preset drive time to elapse (step S205).

As a result, the alkaline cleaning concentrate is intermittently supplied to the diffusion section 61 after passing through the cleaning concentrate supply pipe 62. The alkaline cleaning concentrate intermittently supplied to the diffusion section 61 in this way collides with the hot water flowing inside the diffusion section 61 and becomes diffused in the hot water. As a result, the alkaline cleaning concentrate is discharged from the discharge port into the cleaning supply pipe 63 in a diffused state in the hot water, and after passing through the cleaning supply pipe 63, it passes through the first connection section 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the mixing section 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming section 52, the beverage delivery passage, and the nozzle section 54 that constitute the beverage supply path.

When the drive time has elapsed (step S205: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a drive stop command to the cleaning liquid supply pump 62b to stop the drive of the cleaning liquid supply pump 62b (step S206), sends a drive stop command to the cleaning hot water pump 64a to stop the drive of the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S207), and sends an open command to the second steam supply valve 23a to open the second steam supply valve 23a (step S208). Having opened the second steam supply valve 23a in this way, the control unit 100 starts measuring time through the clock unit and waits for the preset open time to elapse (step S209).

By keeping the second steam supply valve 23a open until the open time has elapsed, the pressurized steam that has passed through the second steam supply pipe 23 passes through the first connection section 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the mixing section 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming section 52, the beverage delivery passage and the nozzle section 54, and blows out the hot water in which the alkaline cleaning concentrate supplied in steps S202 to S207 has been diffused.

If the open time has elapsed (step S209: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a close command to the second steam supply valve 23a to close the second steam supply valve 23a (step S210), and then returns the procedure to end the current alkaline cleaning process.

After performing the alkaline cleaning process in this manner, the control unit 100 performs an alkaline cleaning rinse process (step S300).

Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the process of the alkaline cleaning and rinsing process shown in Figure 2. In this alkaline cleaning and rinsing process, the control unit 100 drives the cleaning water pump 64a by sending a drive command to the cleaning water pump 64a (step S301), starts measuring time using the built-in clock, and waits for the lapse of a preset drive time (step S302).

As a result, hot water (hot water in the appropriate temperature range for cleaning) is supplied as rinsing hot water from the hot water tank 25 through the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64 to the diffusion section 61. The hot water supplied to the diffusion section 61 flows inside the diffusion section 61, is discharged from the discharge port into the cleaning supply pipe 63, and passes through the cleaning supply pipe 63. The hot water that has passed through the cleaning supply pipe 63 passes through the first connection section 27, liquid supply pipe 28, mixing section 50, beverage delivery pipe 51, forming section 52, beverage delivery passage, and nozzle section 54, which constitute the beverage supply path, as rinsing hot water.

If the drive time has elapsed (step S302: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a drive stop command to the cleaning hot water pump 64a to stop the drive of the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S303), and issues an open command to the second steam supply valve 23a to open the second steam supply valve 23a (step S304). Having thus opened the second steam supply valve 23a, the control unit 100 starts measuring time through the clock unit and waits for the preset open time to elapse (step S305).

By keeping the second steam supply valve 23a open until the open time has elapsed, the pressurized steam that has passed through the second steam supply pipe 23 passes through the first connection section 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the mixing section 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming section 52, the beverage delivery passage and the nozzle section 54, and can blow out the hot water (rinse water) supplied in step S301 above.

If the open time has elapsed (step S305: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a close command to the second steam supply valve 23a to close the second steam supply valve 23a (step S306), and then returns the procedure to end this alkaline cleaning and rinsing process.

After performing the alkaline cleaning and rinsing process in this manner, the control unit 100 performs an acid cleaning process (step S400).

Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the acid cleaning process shown in Figure 2. In this acid cleaning process, the control unit 100 controls the switching valve 62a by sending a command to the switching valve 62a so that the acid cleaning solution passes through the cleaning solution supply pipe 62 (step S401), and sends a drive command to the cleaning water pump 64a to drive the cleaning water pump 64a (step S402).

As a result, hot water (within the appropriate temperature range for cleaning) is supplied as cleaning hot water from the hot water tank 25 through the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64 to the diffusion section 61. The hot water supplied to the diffusion section 61 flows inside the diffusion section 61 and is discharged from the discharge port into the cleaning supply pipe 63, and passes through the cleaning supply pipe 63.

Then, the control unit 100 intermittently drives the cleaning solution supply pump 62b by intermittently sending a drive command to the cleaning solution supply pump 62b (step S403), starts measuring time through the clock unit, and waits for the preset drive time to elapse (step S404).

As a result, the acidic cleaning solution is intermittently supplied to the diffusion section 61 after passing through the cleaning solution supply pipe 62. The acidic cleaning solution intermittently supplied to the diffusion section 61 in this way collides with the hot water flowing inside the diffusion section 61 and becomes diffused in the hot water. As a result, the acidic cleaning solution is discharged from the discharge port into the cleaning supply pipe 63 in a diffused state in the hot water, and after passing through the cleaning supply pipe 63, it passes through the first connection section 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the mixing section 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming section 52, the beverage delivery passage, and the nozzle section 54, which constitute the beverage supply path.

When the drive time has elapsed (step S404: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a drive stop command to the cleaning liquid supply pump 62b to stop the drive of the cleaning liquid supply pump 62b (step S405), sends a drive stop command to the cleaning hot water pump 64a to stop the drive of the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S406), and sends an open command to the second steam supply valve 23a to open the second steam supply valve 23a (step S407). Having opened the second steam supply valve 23a in this way, the control unit 100 starts measuring time through the clock unit and waits for the preset open time to elapse (step S408).

By keeping the second steam supply valve 23a open until the open time has elapsed, the pressurized steam that has passed through the second steam supply pipe 23 passes through the first connection section 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the mixing section 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming section 52, the beverage delivery passage and the nozzle section 54, and blows out the hot water in which the acidic cleaning solution supplied in steps S401 to S406 has been diffused.

If the open time has elapsed (step S408: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a close command to the second steam supply valve 23a to close the second steam supply valve 23a (step S409), and then returns the procedure to end the current acid cleaning process.

After performing the acid cleaning process in this manner, the control unit 100 performs an acid cleaning rinse process (step S500).

Figure 8 is a flow chart showing the process of the acid cleaning rinse process shown in Figure 2. In this acid cleaning rinse process, the control unit 100 drives the cleaning water pump 64a by sending a drive command to the cleaning water pump 64a (step S501), starts measuring time using the built-in clock, and waits for the lapse of a preset drive time (step S502).

As a result, hot water is supplied as rinsing hot water from the hot water tank 25 through the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64 to the diffusion section 61. The hot water supplied to the diffusion section 61 flows inside the diffusion section 61 and is discharged from the discharge port to the cleaning supply pipe 63, and passes through the cleaning supply pipe 63. The hot water that has passed through the cleaning supply pipe 63 passes through the first connection section 27, liquid supply pipe 28, mixing section 50, beverage delivery pipe 51, forming section 52, beverage delivery passage, and nozzle section 54, which constitute the beverage supply path, as rinsing hot water.

If the drive time has elapsed (step S502: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a drive stop command to the cleaning hot water pump 64a to stop the drive of the cleaning hot water pump 64a (step S503), and issues an open command to the second steam supply valve 23a to open the second steam supply valve 23a (step S504). Having thus opened the second steam supply valve 23a, the control unit 100 starts measuring time through the clock unit and waits for the preset open time to elapse (step S505).

By keeping the second steam supply valve 23a open until the open time has elapsed, the pressurized steam that has passed through the second steam supply pipe 23 passes through the first connection section 27, the liquid supply pipe 28, the mixing section 50, the beverage delivery pipe 51, the forming section 52, the beverage delivery passage and the nozzle section 54, and blows out the hot water (rinse water) supplied in step S501 above.

If the open time has elapsed (step S505: Yes), the control unit 100 sends a close command to the second steam supply valve 23a to close the second steam supply valve 23a (step S506), and checks whether the number of times the cleaning hot water pump 64a has been driven has reached a preset number of times, m (step S507).

If the number of times the cleaning hot water pump 64a has been driven has not reached m times (step S507: No), the control unit 100 repeats the processes of steps S501 to S506 described above. On the other hand, if the number of times the cleaning hot water pump 64a has been driven has reached m times (step S507: Yes), the control unit 100 energizes the heater 25a to drive it (step S508), sends a cleaning completion signal to a higher-level device (not shown) or a display unit (not shown) (step S509), and then returns the procedure to end the current acid cleaning rinse process. By performing the acid cleaning rinse process in this manner, the procedure of the above cleaning control process is returned to end the current cleaning control process.

As described above, according to the beverage supply device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, when a cleaning command is given, the control unit 100 adjusts the hot water in the hot water tank 25 to a predetermined suitable temperature range for cleaning (for example, about 40°C to 70°C) and supplies it to the beverage supply path, and intermittently supplies the cleaning solution (alkaline cleaning solution, acidic cleaning solution) stored in the cleaning solution storage units 65, 66 so that the cleaning solution is supplied to the beverage supply path in a state in which it is diffused in the hot water. This eliminates the need for time to mix the cleaning solution and the cleaning water to generate the cleaning solution, and the cleaning solution is not denatured, resulting in a decrease in cleaning ability. This makes it possible to reduce the cleaning time while suppressing a decrease in cleaning ability.

According to the above-mentioned cleaning unit 60, the switching valve 62a provided in the cleaning liquid supply pipe 62, which is a common cleaning liquid supply path for supplying the alkaline cleaning liquid and the acidic cleaning liquid, allows either the alkaline cleaning liquid or the acidic cleaning liquid to pass through the cleaning liquid supply pipe 62. When a cleaning command is given, the control unit 100 controls the open/close state of the switching valve 62a to supply the alkaline cleaning liquid and then the acidic cleaning liquid. This makes it possible to prevent the alkaline cleaning liquid from remaining in the cleaning liquid supply pump 62b provided in the cleaning liquid supply pipe 62. This makes it possible to prevent the rubber material, such as fluorine-based rubber, constituting the cleaning liquid supply pump 62b from deteriorating relatively early, and suppresses a decrease in the service life.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this and various modifications can be made.

In the above-described embodiment, milk was used as an example of a milk beverage, but in the present invention, milk beverages such as soy milk may also be used.

In the above-described embodiment, the beverage supply path is cleaned after the first connection portion 27 and the second connection portion 33 are separated and the third connection portion 68 is connected to the first connection portion 27. However, in the present invention, the beverage supply path may be cleaned while the first connection portion 27, the second connection portion 33, and the third connection portion 68 are connected to each other. This makes it possible to more easily clean the beverage supply path, without the need to separate the second connection portion 33 from the first connection portion 27 and connect the third connection portion 68 to the first connection portion 27.

In the above-described embodiment, the hot water temperature adjustment process involves stopping the heater 25a, reducing the hot water in the hot water tank 25 to about half its full level, and then supplying water to adjust the hot water in the hot water tank 25 to a temperature range suitable for cleaning. However, in the present invention, the method is not particularly limited as long as the hot water supplied to the beverage supply path can be adjusted to a temperature range suitable for cleaning.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, an adjustment pipe 71 may be installed so that it branches off from the water supply pipe 26 upstream of the water supply valve 26a and joins the cleaning water supply pipe 64, and an adjustment valve 72 may be provided midway along the adjustment pipe 71. The adjustment valve 72 opens and closes in response to a command given by the control unit 100. When open, the adjustment valve 72 allows water to pass through the adjustment pipe 71, while when closed, it restricts water from passing through the adjustment pipe 71.

With this configuration, when the cleaning hot water pump 64a is driven to send hot water from the hot water tank 25 toward the diffusion section 61, the water supply valve 26a is opened by a water level signal from the float switch 25b. Then, the control section 100 opens the adjustment pipe 71, so that a portion of the water supplied to the hot water tank 25 is sent to the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64 and mixed with the hot water passing through the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64, and the hot water supplied to the diffusion section 61 can be adjusted to the appropriate temperature range for cleaning. As a result, by diffusing the cleaning concentrate into the hot water adjusted to the appropriate temperature range for cleaning, a decrease in cleaning ability can be suppressed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10, a coil portion 641 extending in a spiral shape may be provided in a portion of the cleaning water supply pipe 64', and a cooling fan 642 may be provided near the coil portion 641.

With this configuration, the cleaning hot water pump 64a is driven to pass hot water from the hot water tank 25 through the coil section 641 of the cleaning hot water supply pipe 64', and the cooling fan 642 is driven to blow air around the coil section 641, adjusting the hot water that has passed through the coil section 641 to the appropriate temperature range for cleaning. As a result, by diffusing the cleaning concentrate into the hot water that has been adjusted to the appropriate temperature range for cleaning, a decrease in cleaning ability can be suppressed.

1...beverage supply device, 20...steam supply section, 21...steam tank, 24...hot water supply pipe, 25...hot water tank, 25a...heater, 25b...float switch, 26...water supply pipe, 26a...water supply valve, 27...first connection section, 28...liquid supply pipe, 30...concentrate supply section, 40...air supply section, 50...mixing section, 51...beverage delivery pipe, 52...forming section, 54...nozzle section, 60...cleaning section, 61...diffusion section, 62...cleaning concentrate supply pipe, 62a...switching valve, 62b...cleaning concentrate supply pump, 63...cleaning supply pipe, 63a...cleaning check valve, 64...cleaning hot water supply pipe, 64a...cleaning hot water pump, 65...first cleaning concentrate storage section, 66...second cleaning concentrate storage section, 100...control section, C...cup.

Claims (3)

A beverage supply device that supplies a beverage to a container through a beverage supply path and includes a cleaning unit for cleaning the beverage supply path,
A beverage supply device characterized in that, when a cleaning command is given, a cleaning hot water pump is driven to adjust the hot water supplied from a hot water storage section that stores the hot water that makes up the beverage to the beverage supply path via a diffusion section to a predetermined suitable cleaning temperature range before supplying it to the beverage supply path, and a control unit is provided that intermittently drives a cleaning concentrate supply pump to intermittently supply cleaning concentrate stored in a cleaning concentrate storage section to the diffusion section, thereby colliding the cleaning concentrate with the hot water passing through the diffusion section and supplying it to the beverage supply path in a diffused state. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit supplies the cleaning concentrate to the beverage supply path in a state where it is dispersed in the hot water, and then supplies the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit to the beverage supply path as rinsing hot water. The beverage supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit supplies the alkaline cleaning concentrate stored in the cleaning concentrate storage unit to the beverage supply path in a state where the alkaline cleaning concentrate is dispersed in hot water adjusted to the suitable temperature range for cleaning, and then supplies the rinsing hot water, and then supplies the acidic cleaning concentrate stored in the cleaning concentrate storage unit to the beverage supply path in a state where the acidic cleaning concentrate is dispersed in hot water adjusted to the suitable temperature range for cleaning, and then supplies the rinsing hot water.

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