JP2002114296A - Beverage feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make flow rate adjustment when installing in the market in a short time and feed a beverage constantly with an appropriate dilution ratio without a fluctuation in the dilution ratio even if a flow rate of diluent water or a physical property of a liquid material varies relating to a beverage feeder for feeding beverages different in the dilution ratio or viscosity depending on their types. SOLUTION: A flowmeter for outputting pulses of a frequency synchronous with a flow rate of diluent water is provided on a diluent water supply line. In addition, a motor-operate flow controlling valve 16 comprising a needle valve 25 which comes closer to/farther away from a valve seat 23 provided in a valve chamber 21 communicating with an inlet 21a and an outlet 21b of a liquid material is provided on a syrup supply line 18. The beverage feeder also includes a supply control section 100 for determining the valve 16 based on the diluent water flow rate and the dilution ratio.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser, a beverage dispenser, a cup type vending machine, and the like, for supplying a beverage by diluting a syrup with a diluting water such as water or carbonated water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In beverage dispensers and cup-type vending machines, beverages are cooked and sold by diluting a syrup obtained by concentrating beverage ingredients at a predetermined ratio with dilution water such as water or carbonated water. In order to make the dilution ratio appropriate, conventional beverage dispensers and cup-type vending machines are equipped with flow regulators and flow meters in the syrup and dilution water supply lines, and mix while controlling the respective flow rates. Like that.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a beverage supply device provided with flow regulators for adjusting flow rates in respective supply lines of syrup and dilution water. 7, 1 is a water inlet solenoid valve, 2 is a water pump, 3 is a water cooling coil, 41 is a water flow regulator, 5 is a water solenoid valve, 6 is a water supply line, 7 is a carbonator water supply solenoid valve, and 8 is a carbonator. , 42 is a carbonated water flow regulator, 10 is a carbonated water electromagnetic valve, 11 is a carbonated water supply line, 12 is a carbon dioxide gas cylinder, 13 is a syrup tank, 14 is a syrup cooling coil, 43 is a syrup flow regulator, 17 is a syrup solenoid valve, Reference numeral 18 denotes a syrup supply line, and 19 denotes a multi-valve.

Water is supplied to a water inlet solenoid valve 1 by a water pump 2.
Is supplied from the water supply line 6 to the multi-valve 19 via the water cooling coil 3 for water cooling, the water flow regulator 41 for water flow control, and the water solenoid valve 5, and when a preset time is reached, At the same time when the supply control unit (not shown) stops the water pump 2, the water inlet solenoid valve 1 and the water solenoid valve 5 are closed to stop the water supply. Further, the water supply line 6 is branched and connected to a carbonator 8 via a carbonator water supply solenoid valve 7. A float switch (not shown) for detecting the water level is provided in the carbonator 8, and when the middle water level is at the lower limit position, the water inlet solenoid valve 1 and the carbonator water supply solenoid valve 7 are opened. When water is supplied by operating the water pump 2 and the water level in the upper limit position,
The water inlet electromagnetic valve 1 and the carbonator water supply electromagnetic valve 7 are closed, and the operation of the water pump 2 is stopped. And carbon dioxide gas cylinder 1
The carbon dioxide gas supplied from 2 is dissolved in the supplied water to produce carbonated water. The carbonated water is pushed out of the carbonator 8 by the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas, and supplied to the multi-valve 19 from the carbonated water supply line 11 through the carbonated water flow regulator 42 for adjusting the flow rate of the carbonated water and the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 10,
When the preset time is reached, the supply control unit closes the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 10 to stop the supply of the carbonated water.

On the other hand, the syrup is extruded from the syrup tank 13 by the pressure of the carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide cylinder 12, and the syrup cooling coil 1 for cooling the syrup is produced.
4. The syrup flow regulator 43 for adjusting the syrup flow rate and the syrup supply line 18 are supplied to the multi-valve 19 via the syrup solenoid valve 17, and when a preset time is reached, the supply control unit starts the syrup solenoid valve 17.
Close to stop syrup supply. In addition, the syrup tank 13, the syrup cooling coil 14, the syrup flow regulator 43, the syrup solenoid valve 17, and the syrup supply line 18 are provided in numbers corresponding to the beverages to be sold.

In the multi-valve 19, the syrup supplied from the syrup supply line 18 via the syrup cooling coil 14, the syrup flow regulator 43, the syrup solenoid valve 17 from the syrup tank 13, and the water solenoid valve 5
Alternatively, water supplied through the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 10 or dilution water such as carbonated water is mixed and discharged as a beverage.

FIG. 8 shows a paddle or oval type rotor that rotates in synchronization with the flow rate of the syrup or dilution water in each supply line of the syrup and dilution water, and detects the number of rotations of the rotor. It is a schematic block diagram of the drink supply apparatus provided with the flow meter which measures a flow by outputting the pulse synchronized with the flow to the supply control part (not shown). In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 8, 1 is a water inlet solenoid valve, 2 is a water pump,
3 is a water cooling coil, 44 is a water flow meter, 5 is a water solenoid valve, 6
Is a water supply line, 7 is a carbonator water supply solenoid valve, 8 is a carbonator, 45 is a carbonated water flow meter, 10 is a carbonated water electromagnetic valve, 11 is a carbonated water supply line, 12 is a carbon dioxide gas cylinder,
13 is a syrup tank, 14 is a syrup cooling coil, 4
6 is a syrup flow meter, 17 is a syrup solenoid valve, 18 is a syrup supply line, and 19 is a multi-valve.

Water is supplied to a water inlet solenoid valve 1 by a water pump 2.
Is supplied from the water supply line 6 to the multi-valve 19 via the water cooling coil 3 for water cooling, the water flow meter 44 for water flow measurement, and the water solenoid valve 5, and the number of pulses output by the water flow meter 44 is determined in advance. When the set number of pulses is reached, the supply control unit stops the water pump 2 and at the same time, the water inlet solenoid valve 1,
The water solenoid valve 5 is closed to stop the supply of water. Further, the water supply line 6 is branched and connected to a carbonator 8 via a carbonator water supply solenoid valve 7. A float switch (not shown) for detecting the water level is provided in the carbonator 8, and when the middle water level is at the lower limit position, the water inlet solenoid valve 1 and the carbonator water supply solenoid valve 7 are opened. The water pump 2 is operated to supply water. When the inside water level reaches the upper limit position, the water inlet solenoid valve 1 and the carbonator water supply solenoid valve 7 are closed, and the operation of the water pump 2 is stopped. And
The carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 12 is dissolved in the supplied water to produce carbonated water. The carbonated water is pushed out from the carbonator 8 by the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas, supplied to the multi-valve 19 from the carbonated water supply line 11 via the carbonated water flow meter 45 for measuring the carbonated water flow, and the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 10, When the number of pulses output from the water flow meter 45 reaches a preset number of pulses, the supply control unit closes the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 10 to stop the supply of carbonated water.

On the other hand, the syrup is pushed out of the syrup tank 13 by the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 12, and the syrup cooling coil 1 for cooling the syrup is produced.
4. The number of pulses supplied from the syrup supply line 18 to the multi-valve 19 via the syrup solenoid valve 17 via the syrup solenoid valve 17 and output from the syrup flow meter 46 to a preset number of pulses. When it reaches
The supply control unit closes the syrup solenoid valve 17 to stop the supply of the syrup. The syrup tank 13, the syrup cooling coil 14, the syrup flow meter 46, the syrup solenoid valve 1
7. The syrup supply line 18 is provided with a number corresponding to the beverage to be sold.

Each of the supply lines of the syrup and the dilution water has a paddle, an oval type or the like that rotates in synchronization with the flow rate of the syrup or the dilution water, detects the number of rotations of the rotor, and synchronizes with the flow rate. A flow meter that measures the flow rate by outputting pulses to the supply control unit is provided.When the number of pulses output by the flow meter provided in each supply line reaches a preset number of pulses, the supply control unit Close the solenoid valve in the supply line, and stop the supply of syrup and dilution water.

However, the dilution ratio between the dilution water and the syrup is usually about 3: 1 to 6: 1, and the amount of the dilution water is large.
Since the supply of the syrup ends earlier than the supply of the dilution water, and the dilution ratio differs between the first half and the second half of the supply of the beverage, there is a possibility that the dilution ratio of the dilution water and the syrup becomes uneven. Therefore, the syrup solenoid valve 17 is intermittently opened and closed, the syrup is intermittently supplied, and the supply of the syrup is stopped at the same timing as the supply of water or diluted water such as carbonated water is stopped.

In the multi-valve 19, the syrup cooling coil 14, the syrup flow meter 4
6. Syrup supply line 1 via syrup solenoid valve 17
The syrup supplied from 8 and dilution water such as water or carbonated water supplied via the water solenoid valve 5 or the carbonated water solenoid valve 10 are mixed and discharged as a beverage.

[0013]

In order to make the dilution ratio appropriate, in a beverage supply device having a flow regulator in each supply line of syrup and dilution water,
At the time of market installation, a serviceman adjusted the flow regulator of the syrup or dilution water supply line to adjust the flow rate of the syrup or dilution water. This operation took about 20 to 30 minutes for one beverage dispenser or cup-type vending machine, even if the type of syrup was four, resulting in a large labor cost. Also, when changing the type of syrup, it is necessary to perform the same operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the flow rate adjusted by the syrup flow regulator differs depending on the viscosity of the syrup, and the viscosity of the syrup depends on the temperature at that time. Therefore, even if it is adjusted by the syrup flow regulator, the syrup flow rate changes due to seasonal temperature changes and the like. For this reason, periodic inspections are required, and the cost has been enormous.

However, the syrup has a high viscosity,
Moreover, the viscosity greatly changes depending on the temperature, and the dilution ratio and viscosity vary greatly depending on the type. Become.

The dilution ratio between the dilution water and the syrup is usually about 3: 1 to 6: 1. However, the flow rate cannot be adjusted with a beverage supply device having a flow meter in each supply line of the dilution water and the syrup. In addition, the supply of the syrup and the supply of the diluting water may not be completed at the same time, and the beverage may have an uneven dilution ratio between the diluting water and the syrup. Therefore, FIG.
(B) In accordance with the operation timing chart of the water solenoid valve 5 or the carbonated water solenoid valve 10, the supply timing of the dilution water is stopped, and as shown in the operation timing chart of the syrup solenoid valve 17 in FIG. The syrup is intermittently opened and closed, the syrup is intermittently supplied, and the supply of the syrup is stopped at the same timing as the supply of water or dilution water such as carbonated water is stopped. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), a beverage having a dark and light syrup dilution ratio is discharged from the multi-valve 19 and provided to the customer.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a beverage supply apparatus for supplying beverages having different physical properties such as density and viscosity, so that the flow rate can be adjusted in a short time when installed on the market or when the type of beverage is changed. In the case of a beverage whose viscosity changes with temperature and whose dilution ratio or viscosity varies depending on the type, even if the physical properties of the liquid material change due to a change in the flow rate of the dilution water or a change in the external environment such as a change in temperature, the dilution ratio is It is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage supply device capable of always supplying a beverage having an appropriate dilution ratio without shading.

[0018]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a diluting water supplied from a diluting water supply line is mixed with a liquid raw material supplied from a liquid raw material supplying line. In the beverage supply device, the first flow rate measuring means for outputting a pulse having a frequency synchronized with the flow rate of the dilution water is provided in the dilution water supply line, and the inflow portion into which the liquid raw material flows, the outflow portion into which the liquid raw material flows out, A flow control means comprising an inflow / outflow path between the inflow section and the outflow section, a valve for restricting an outflow amount in the inflow / outflow path, and a drive section for driving a valve so that the outflow amount in the inflow / outflow path is variable; And a second flow rate measuring means for outputting a pulse having a frequency synchronized with the flow rate of the liquid raw material, and a second flow rate measuring means provided in the liquid raw material supply line.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the driving unit includes: a stepping motor; and a valve operating mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the rotor of the stepping motor to the valve via a screw portion to change an outflow amount in the outflow / inflow path. , Characterized by the following.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control unit for changing an outflow amount in an outflow / inflow path based on a frequency of a pulse output by a first flow rate measuring means and a dilution ratio of a dilution water and a liquid raw material. , Is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control unit for changing an outflow amount in an inflow / outflow path based on a frequency of a pulse output from the second flow rate measuring means. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the flow rate control means includes an inflow portion into which the liquid material flows, an outflow portion through which the liquid material flows, a valve chamber communicating with the inflow portion and the outflow portion, and an outflow portion of the valve chamber. A valve body provided with a valve seat at a valve port of a part-side partition, a needle valve that comes into contact with and separates from the valve seat, and a drive unit that changes a gap size between the valve seat and the needle valve. It is.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the driving section transmits the rotational force of the stepping motor and the rotor of the stepping motor to the needle valve via the screw portion, and changes the clearance between the valve seat and the needle valve. A needle valve operating mechanism,
Characterized by the following.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the gap between the valve seat and the needle valve is changed based on the frequency of the pulse output by the first flow rate measuring means and the dilution ratio of the dilution water and the liquid raw material. A control unit is provided.

[0025] The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that a control unit for changing the gap size between the valve seat and the needle valve based on the frequency of the pulse output by the second flow rate measuring means is provided. Things.

[0026] The invention according to claim 9 is the first and second inventions.
A storage unit that stores the frequency of the pulse output by the flow rate measuring unit, and a frequency of the pulse that is stored by the storage unit is compared with the frequency of the pulse that is output by the first and second flow measurement units. When the difference between the output from the comparing unit and the frequency from the comparing unit becomes a certain value or more, the first or second
And a warning unit for outputting a warning signal for warning that the flow rate measuring means is abnormal.

The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that the storage unit stores the frequency of the pulse from the first and second flow rate measuring means a specified time after the installation of the beverage supply device. It is.

[0028] The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that means for enabling setting of a plurality of different dilution ratios for the same liquid material is provided.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of liquid material supply lines are provided, and a means for mixing a plurality of types of liquid materials at a predetermined ratio is provided.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a supply line for producing carbonated water, which is branched from a dilution water supply line, and a first flow rate measuring means is provided upstream of a branch of the supply line. The supply amount to the supply line is the first
The flow rate can be controlled by the flow rate measuring means.

The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that a delay means for delaying the start of the supply of the liquid raw material with respect to the start of the supply of the dilution water is provided.

[0032]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those in the related art.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a beverage supply device of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a water inlet solenoid valve, 2 is a water pump, 3 is a water cooling coil, 4 is a water flow meter (first flow rate measuring means), 5 is a water solenoid valve, 6 is a water supply line, and 7 is A carbonator water supply solenoid valve, 8 is a carbonator (carbonated water producing apparatus), 9 is a carbonated water flow meter (first flow rate measuring means),
10 is a carbonated water electromagnetic valve, 11 is a carbonated water supply line, 12 is a carbon dioxide gas cylinder, 13 is a syrup tank, 14 is a syrup cooling coil, 15 is a syrup flow meter (second flow rate measuring means), and 16 is an electric flow control valve. (Flow control means), 17
Is a syrup solenoid valve, 18 is a syrup supply line, and 19 is a multi-valve. The water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 have a rotor such as a paddle that rotates in synchronization with the flow rate of water or dilution water such as carbonated water, detects the number of rotations of the rotor, and outputs a frequency synchronized with the flow rate. Supply control unit 100 to be described later.
The syrup flow meter 15 has a rotor of an oval type or the like that rotates in synchronization with the flow rate of the syrup (liquid raw material), detects the rotation speed of the rotor, and outputs a frequency synchronized with the flow rate. This is a flow rate measuring unit that outputs the pulse of (1) to the supply control unit 100. The electric flow control valve 16 is
A valve body having an inflow portion into which the syrup flows and an outflow portion through which the syrup flows, and a valve body communicating with the inflow portion and the outflow portion, a valve body provided with a valve seat at a valve port of an outflow-portion-side partition of the valve chamber, and a valve. A needle valve that comes into contact with and separates from the seat, and a drive unit that changes the gap between the valve seat and the needle valve. The needle valve is opened and closed by a pulse signal output by the supply control unit 100. This is an electric flow control valve which functions to control the flow rate of syrups having different physical properties such as density and viscosity by changing the gap size between the syrups.

Water is supplied to a water inlet solenoid valve 1 by a water pump 2.
A water cooling coil 3 for water cooling, a water flow meter 4 that measures a water flow rate and outputs a pulse of a frequency synchronized with the flow rate, and is supplied from a water supply line 6 to a multi-valve 19 via a water solenoid valve 5, When the number of pulses output from the water flow meter 4 reaches a preset number of pulses, the water pump 2 is stopped, and at the same time, the water inlet solenoid valve 1 and the water solenoid valve 5 are closed to stop water supply.

The water supply line 6 is branched and connected to a carbonator 8 via a carbonator water supply solenoid valve 7. A float switch (not shown) for detecting the water level is provided in the carbonator 8, and when the middle water level is at the lower limit position, the water inlet solenoid valve 1 and the carbonator water supply solenoid valve 7 are opened. The water pump 2 is operated to supply water to the carbonator 8 via the water flow meter 4. Water pump 2
Is operated, the water flow rate is measured, and water is supplied through the water flow meter 4 that outputs a number of pulses synchronized with the flow rate. The water flow meter 4 measures the supplied water flow rate and outputs the number of pulses synchronized with the flow rate. Output. When the number of pulses output from the water flow meter 4 reaches the reference number of pulses stored in the memory 102 described later, the supply control unit 100 outputs the number to the water inlet solenoid valve 1, the water pump 2, and the carbonator water supply solenoid valve 7. Stop the existing signal and stop the water supply to the carbonator 8. Then, the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 12 is dissolved in the supplied water to produce carbonated water. The carbonated water is a carbon dioxide gas cylinder 1
The carbonated water flow meter 9 which is extruded from the carbonator 8 at the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied from 2 and measures the flow rate of the carbonated water and outputs a pulse having a frequency synchronized with the flow rate, and the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 1
0 to the multi-valve 19 from the carbonated water supply line 11.
When the number of pulses output from the carbonated water flow meter 9 reaches a preset pulse number, the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 10
Close to stop the supply of carbonated water.

On the other hand, the syrup is pushed out of the syrup tank 13 by the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 12, and the syrup cooling coil 1 for cooling the syrup is produced.
The syrup is supplied via a syrup flow meter 15 which is cooled at 4 and measures the syrup flow rate and outputs a pulse having a frequency synchronized with the flow rate, an electric flow rate control valve 16 which functions to control the syrup flow rate, and a syrup solenoid valve 17. When the number of pulses supplied from the line 18 to the multi-valve 19 and output from the syrup flow meter 15 reaches a preset number of pulses, the syrup solenoid valve 17 is closed to stop the supply of syrup. In addition, the syrup tank 13, the syrup cooling coil 14, the syrup flow meter 15, the electric flow control valve 16, the syrup solenoid valve 17, and the syrup supply line 18 are provided in numbers corresponding to the drinks to be sold.

In the multi-valve 19, the syrup cooling coil 14, the syrup flow meter 1
5, the syrup supplied from the syrup supply line 18 via the electric flow control valve 16 and the syrup solenoid valve 17 and the water flow meter 4, the water solenoid valve 5, or the carbonated water flow meter 9 and the carbonated water solenoid valve 10 Water or diluted water, such as carbonated water, supplied via the mixer is mixed, and is discharged as a beverage adjusted to a dilution ratio of an appropriate concentration.

In the above embodiment, a paddle type rotor is used as the rotor of the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the rotor only needs to function to rotate in synchronization with the flow rate of diluent water such as water or carbonated water, and for example, an oval type, turbine type, etc. rotor may be used. Although the rotor of the syrup flow meter 15 is also an oval type rotor, any rotor that functions in synchronization with the flow rate of the syrup may be used, and a paddle type, turbine type, etc. rotor may be used. .

Although a solenoid valve is used as a valve means for supplying the dilution water or syrup to the multi-valve 19, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the valve means may be any means that supplies dilution water or syrup by opening the valve, and stops the supply of dilution water or syrup by closing the valve. A method of opening and closing can also be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, syrup supplied from the syrup supply line 18 as a beverage supply device;
A multi-valve 19 is used as a representative example in which water or a diluting water such as carbonated water supplied from the water supply line 6 or the carbonated water supply line 11 is mixed in a valve. A number of syrup supply nozzles,
A water nozzle and a carbonated water nozzle are provided on a cup, and syrup and water or a dilution water such as carbonated water are supplied to the cup from each nozzle provided on the cup, and mixed in the cup. A mixing method may be used, or a mixing method in the air mixing directly above a cup may be used.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the flow control means used in FIG. 1, which has an inflow portion into which the liquid raw material flows and an outflow portion through which the liquid raw material flows out, and a valve chamber communicating with the inflow portion and the outflow portion. A valve body provided with a valve seat at a valve opening of an outflow-portion-side partition wall of a valve chamber, a needle valve that comes into contact with and separates from the valve seat, and a drive unit that changes a clearance dimension between the valve seat and the needle valve. FIG. 3 is a central longitudinal sectional view showing the flow control valve 16 in an open state. The electric flow control valve 16 is provided with a carbon dioxide gas cylinder 12.
The syrup pushed out of the syrup tank 13 by the pressure of the carbon dioxide supplied from the valve chamber controls the gap between the valve seat and the needle valve, thereby controlling the flow rate of the syrup. An inflow portion 21a into which syrup flows into the valve chamber 21, an outflow portion 21b from which syrup flows out from the valve chamber 21, a valve body 24 provided with a valve seat 23 at a valve port 22 of a partition wall on the outflow portion 21b side of the valve chamber 21. A needle valve 25 that comes into contact with and separates from the valve seat 23; a ring-shaped stator coil 26a, 26b that energizes in opposite directions; and a valve that is rotated in opposite directions by exciting the stator coils 26a, 26b in opposite directions. A pulse-controllable stepping motor 29 provided with a rotor 28 integral with a cylindrical permanent magnet 27 movable in the opening / closing direction, and a rotor 2 of the stepping motor 29 The needle valve actuating mechanism 30 for opening and closing the needle valve 25 by a screw feed action of the rotation of,
A spring 31 that pushes the rotor 28 in one direction to prevent the needle valve operating mechanism 30 from rattling.

The above-mentioned electric flow control valve 16 is connected to the rotor 2
8 is rotated, the needle valve 2 integrated with the rotor 28 is rotated.
The needle valve 5 moves in the vertical direction in FIG. 2 while rotating by the screw feed action of the needle valve operating mechanism 30, that is, the needle valve 25 is moved in the opening and closing direction by the rotational movement of the rotor 28 and applied to the stator coils 26a and 26b. The flow rate of the liquid passing through the gap between the valve seat 23 and the needle valve 25 can be controlled according to the pulse signal to be supplied. Therefore, by controlling the pulse signal output to the electric flow control valve 16, the needle valve 25 can be moved in the opening / closing direction and the gap between the valve seat 23 and the needle valve 25 can be changed. The syrup extruded from the syrup tank 13 is reliably controlled by the pressure of the carbon dioxide supplied from the multi-valve 19.
Can be supplied to

Next, control of the beverage supply device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the beverage supply device of the present invention. The reference numerals correspond to those in FIGS. The control is performed by the supply control unit 100. The control unit 100 counts clocks generated by a memory 102 that stores control data of each unit of the beverage supply device and a reference clock generation unit (not shown), and controls the water solenoid valve 5 or the carbon dioxide. The timer 103 counts a delay time t (for example, about 0.2 seconds) from when the water solenoid valve 10 is opened to when the syrup solenoid valve 17 is opened. The reason for delaying the opening of the syrup solenoid valve 17 is that when the water solenoid valve 5 or the carbonated water solenoid valve 10 is opened and the syrup solenoid valve 17 is opened at the same time, the viscosity and specific gravity of the syrup are less than the viscosity and specific gravity of the dilution water. Multi valve 2
This is because the syrup may still accumulate at the bottom of the cup even after passing through 0, and it is necessary to open the water solenoid valve 5 or the carbonated water solenoid valve 10 and then open the syrup solenoid valve 17 with a delay. This prevents the syrup from collecting at the bottom of the cup. The memory 102 includes a reference for a dilution water flow meter for comparing the number of pulses output by the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 required to supply a predetermined amount (large cup size, medium size, small size, etc.) of the dilution water. The number of pulses, the reference number of syrup flowmeter pulses to be compared with the number of pulses output by the syrup flowmeter 15 required to supply the syrup in a predetermined amount (large cup size, medium size, small size, etc.), and the amount of syrup The ratio of the amount of dilution water such as water and carbonated water, that is, the dilution ratio, is stored for each beverage.

The input device 60 comprises a keyboard and the like.
This is for inputting various control setting values, and the input setting values are stored in the memory 102 and can be displayed on a display unit (not shown) for confirmation as necessary.

When the beverage supply device is installed, for each beverage, the reference pulse number for comparison with the pulse number output by the flow meter, the ratio of the amount of dilution water such as water or carbonated water to the amount of syrup, ie, The dilution ratio can be input by the input device 60 and set in the memory 102.

The sales switch 70 is a switch for selecting a plurality of beverages provided on the front of the beverage supply device, and includes a syrup number, a sales amount (large, medium, and small cup sizes), and a carbonation (carbonated beverage, slightly carbonated beverage, Non-carbonated beverages).

In order to supply a pulse signal to the electric flow control valve 16 for controlling the flow rate of the syrup and supply the syrup in an amount corresponding to the dilution ratio of the beverage, the water flow meter 4 or the carbonated water flow meter 9 outputs And the frequency of the pulse
02 and the water flow meter 4
Alternatively, the supply control unit 100 determines the syrup flowmeter reference pulse frequency of the beverage using the dilution water flow rate per pulse of the carbonated water flowmeter 9 and the syrup flow rate per pulse of the syrup flowmeter 15. . The dilution ratio is R,
The frequency (per second) of the output pulse of the water flowmeter 4 or the carbonated water flowmeter 9 is f, the dilution water flow rate per pulse of the water flowmeter 4 or the carbonated water flowmeter 9 is M, and the syrup flowmeter 15 is 1 Assuming that the syrup flow rate per pulse is S, the reference pulse frequency (per second) for the syrup flow meter is
It can be calculated from a calculation formula of M · f / RS.

When setting the dilution ratio of the beverage from the input device 60 at the time of setting up the market or changing the type of beverage, the water inlet solenoid valve 1 and the water solenoid valve 5 are opened for each beverage, and the water pump 2 is turned on. The operation is performed, water is passed through the water flow meter 4, and at the same time, the syrup solenoid valve 17 is opened and the syrup is passed through the syrup flow meter 15 and the electric flow control valve 16, and the output pulse of each flow meter is counted. Or carbonated water solenoid valve 10
, And water is passed through the carbonated water flow meter 9, and at the same time, the syrup solenoid valve 17 is opened to open the syrup flow meter 15 and the electric flow control valve 1.
The syrup is passed through 6 to count the output pulses of each flow meter.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the pulse frequency output from the syrup flow meter 15. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the valve seat 23 of the electric flow control valve 16 and the needle valve 2
If the gap size with the syrup 5 is small and the amount of syrup passing therethrough is small, the number of pulses output by the syrup flow meter 15 per unit time is small. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), when the clearance between the valve seat 23 and the needle valve 25 of the electric flow control valve 16 is increased, the amount of syrup passing therethrough is large, and the syrup flow meter 15 There are many pulses to output. FIG. 4C shows the reference pulse frequency for the syrup flow meter of the beverage calculated by the supply control unit 100 from the above formula.
The supply control unit 100 compares the pulse frequency output from the syrup flow meter 15 with the reference pulse frequency for the syrup flow meter of the beverage, and determines that the pulse frequency output by the syrup flow meter 15 is for the syrup flow meter of the beverage. If the frequency is lower than the reference pulse frequency, the valve seat 2 is
When a pulse signal for expanding the gap between the needle 3 and the needle valve 25 is output, and the pulse frequency output from the syrup flow meter 15 is higher than the reference pulse frequency for the syrup flow meter of the beverage, the electric flow control valve 16 is used. A pulse signal for narrowing the gap between the valve seat 23 and the needle valve 25 so that the pulse frequency output from the syrup flow meter 15 becomes the same as the reference pulse frequency for the syrup flow meter of the beverage. A pulse signal is output to the control valve 16 to control the gap between the valve seat 23 of the electric flow control valve 16 and the needle valve 25. Thereby, even if the flow rate of the dilution water changes, it is possible to supply the syrup in an amount corresponding to the flow rate of the changed dilution water. Can be. Using the pulse frequency output from the dilution water flow meter, the electric flow control valve 16 is used.
The control of the syrup flow rate by changing the gap size between the valve seat 23 and the needle valve 25 may be performed each time the product is sold, or may be performed when the product is first sold on the day.

Also, when the syrup viscosity changes,
Similarly, the pulse frequency output from the syrup flow meter 15 changes, so that a pulse signal is output to the flow control valve 16 so as to be the same as the reference pulse frequency for the syrup flow meter of the beverage, and the electric flow control valve 16 By controlling the gap size between the valve seat 23 and the needle valve 25, a predetermined amount of syrup can be supplied.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow rate of the dilution water and the flow rate of the syrup. FIG. 5A shows the fluctuating dilution water flow rate when the beverage supply device supplies the beverage, and FIG.
The change in the pulse frequency output by the flow meter in synchronization with the change in the dilution water flow rate in (a) is shown. When the flow rate of the dilution water changes, the pulse frequency output by the flow meter that outputs a pulse having a frequency synchronized with the flow rate of the dilution water changes. When the pulse frequency output by the flow meter changes, the supply control unit 100 outputs a pulse signal to the electric flow control valve 16 to move the needle valve 25 in the opening / closing direction as described above, and
Change the gap size between 3 and the needle valve 25. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the syrup flow passing through the electric flow control valve 16 changes in proportion to the dilution water flow. As described above, the water flow meter 4 is provided in the water supply line 6 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 is provided in the carbonated water supply line 11, and the pulse frequency output by the water flow meter 4 or the carbonated water flow meter 9 is stored in the memory 102 in advance.
The supply control unit 100 calculates the reference pulse frequency for the syrup flow meter of the beverage using the dilution ratio of the beverage and the flow rate per pulse of the flow meter stored in the A pulse signal is output to the flow control valve 16 so that the pulse frequency of the syrup flowing is the same as the reference pulse frequency for the syrup flow meter of the beverage, and the flow rate of the syrup passing through the electric flow control valve 16 is controlled. The flow rate can be adjusted in a short time when changing the type of beverage, etc., and even when the flow rate of the dilution water fluctuates, a syrup in an amount proportional to the flow rate fluctuation of the dilution water can be continuously supplied. In addition, a beverage having an appropriate dilution ratio can be always supplied without any difference in the dilution ratio, and the supply of the dilution water and the syrup can be completed at the same time. Also, since the dilution water and the syrup are always supplied at a fixed ratio, the method of injecting the beverage into the cup only while pressing the switch, so-called pore sales, even if you stop pressing the switch at any time, The beverage will have the proper dilution ratio.

Next, control when the sales switch 70 is selected will be described. For example, when the non-carbonated beverage sale switch 70 is selected, a signal is output from the supply control unit 100 to the water inlet solenoid valve 1, the water pump 2, and the water solenoid valve 5 based on the data stored in the memory 102. Then, the water inlet solenoid valve 1 and the water solenoid valve 5 are opened, and the water pump 2 is operated.
The supply of water from the water supply line 6 to the multi-valve 19 is started via the water flow meter 4 as shown in FIG.

After the water is supplied, a signal is output from the supply control unit 100 to the syrup solenoid valve 17 with a delay of, for example, 0.2 seconds, and when the syrup solenoid valve 17 is opened, the carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 12 is opened. As shown in the syrup supply timing chart in FIG. 6B, the syrup pushed out of the syrup tank 13 by the gas pressure passes through the syrup cooling coil 14, the syrup flow meter 15, the electric flow control valve 16, and the syrup solenoid valve 17. Syrup supply line 1
From 8, the supply of syrup to the multi-valve 19 is started.

The water and the syrup supplied to the multi-valve 19 are mixed in the multi-valve 19 and discharged as a non-carbonated beverage mixed at an appropriate dilution ratio.

Similarly, when the carbonated drink sales switch 70 is selected, a signal is output from the supply control unit 100 to the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 10 based on the data stored in the memory 102, and the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 10 Is opened, the carbonated water pushed out of the carbonator 8 by the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 12 passes through the carbonated water flow meter 9, as shown in FIG.
(A) As shown in the supply timing chart of dilution water,
The supply of carbonated water from the carbonated water supply line 11 to the multi-valve 19 is started.

After the carbonated water is supplied, the supply control unit 100 delays the syrup solenoid valve 17 by, for example, 0.2 seconds.
When the signal is output to the syrup supply operation, the syrup supply operation is performed, and as shown in the syrup supply timing chart of FIG.
Start syrup supply.

The carbonated water and syrup supplied to the multi-valve 19 are mixed in the multi-valve 19 and discharged as a carbonated beverage mixed at an appropriate dilution ratio.

When the switch 70 for selling a weak carbonated beverage is selected, the supply control unit 100 sends the water inlet solenoid valve 1, the water pump 2, and the water solenoid valve 5 based on the data stored in the memory 102. At the same time as the output of the signal, the signal is output to the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 10, and the supply of water and carbonated water to the multi-valve 19 is started as shown in FIG.

After water and carbonated water have been supplied, for example,
After a delay of 2 seconds, a signal is output from the supply control unit 100 to the syrup solenoid valve 17, and the supply of the syrup to the multi-valve 19 is started as shown in the syrup supply timing chart of FIG.

The water, carbonated water and syrup supplied to the multi-valve 19 are mixed in the multi-valve 19 and discharged as a weak carbonated beverage mixed at an appropriate dilution ratio.

When the number of pulses output from the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 reaches the reference number of dilution water pulses stored in the memory 102 for each beverage, the supply control unit 100 sets the water inlet solenoid valve 1, By stopping the signals output to the water pump 2, the water solenoid valve 5, and the carbonated water solenoid valve 10, FIG.
(A) As shown in the supply timing chart of dilution water,
Turn off the dilution water supply. At the same time, the syrup solenoid valve 17
6 (b) by stopping the signal output to
As shown in the syrup supply timing chart, the supply of the syrup is stopped at the same time as the supply of the dilution water is stopped.

At an appropriate time after the installation of the beverage supply device, the frequency of the pulse output by the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 is stored in the memory 102, and the frequency and the dilution of the dilution water and the syrup are stored. The supply control unit 100 can control the electric flow control valve 16 of the syrup supply line 18 based on the ratio. The reason for storing the frequency of the pulse output by the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 in the memory 102 is as follows.
It may be performed periodically by batch processing other than at the time of installation. By doing so, even if the dilution water flow rate fluctuates during use, the frequency corresponding to the changed water amount is stored in the memory 102. Similarly, the frequency of the pulse output from the syrup flow meter 15 can be stored in the memory 102.

If the frequencies of the pulses output by the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 are stored in the memory 102, the adhesion or failure of impurities such as calcium in the dilution water may occur while the flow meter is used. When the flow meter cannot maintain the initial performance due to internal factors such as the flow rate of the pulse output from the water flow meter 4 or the carbonated water flow meter 9 and the memory 10
When the frequency difference from a pulse frequency comparing unit (not shown) that compares the frequency of the pulse stored in the second and outputs the difference of the compared frequency becomes equal to or more than a certain value, the water flow meter 4 Or a warning unit 80 that outputs a warning signal for warning that the carbonated water flow meter 9 is abnormal,
A flow meter abnormality is displayed on the display unit to warn the serviceman, and it is determined that the flow meter cannot maintain the initial performance, and the supply control unit is determined based on the pulse frequency stored in the memory 102. 100 is an electric flow control valve 1
6 can also be controlled. For example, the water supply line 6,
Further, a sensor that detects the pressure of the dilution water in the carbonated water supply line 11 and outputs a signal when the pressure is equal to or more than a certain value is provided. When the difference between the pulse frequencies is equal to or more than the certain value, the sensor outputs a signal. Indicates that the dilution water was supplied normally, but the flow meter could not maintain the initial performance and the frequency of the pulse output by the flow meter changed, and a service meter error message was displayed on the display unit. And the supply control unit 100 controls the electric flow control valve 16 to supply the syrup based on the frequency of the pulse stored in the memory 102. If the difference between the pulse frequencies is equal to or greater than a certain value and the sensor does not output a signal,
Judging that the dilution water is not supplied or that the flow rate of the pulse output by the flow meter has changed due to the decrease in the flow rate of the dilution water by a certain value or more, a beverage supply device error is displayed on the display and a serviceman is warned. And supply control unit 1
The signal output by 00 is stopped to stop the supply of the beverage.
In addition, the method of warning the service person is not limited to the above,
The buzzer may be sounded, or the computer of the business office may be notified of the abnormality via a communication line.

Further, in the above embodiment, only one type of syrup is used for one beverage, but two types of syrup, for example, fruit juice syrup and coffee beverage syrup can be used simultaneously for one beverage. In that case, based on the data stored in the memory 102, the water supply solenoid valve 1, the water pump 2, the water solenoid valve 5,
, And water is supplied to the multi-valve 19. After the water is supplied, for example, delay for 0.2 seconds,
Each of the electric flow control valves 16 from the supply control unit 100,
A signal is output to the syrup solenoid valve 17, and the juice syrup and the coffee beverage syrup are supplied to the multi-valve 19 at the respective syrup flow rates of the electric flow rate control valve 16.

The water, juice syrup, and coffee beverage syrup supplied to the multi-valve 19 are mixed in the multi-valve 19 and discharged as a juice-containing coffee beverage mixed at an appropriate dilution ratio.

Further, when the present invention is applied to a beverage dispenser, when selling syrup for shochu or shaved ice, the electric flow control valve 16 and the electric flow control valve 16 are kept closed while the water electromagnetic valve 5 and the carbonated water electromagnetic valve 10 are closed. It is also possible to output a signal to the syrup solenoid valve 17 and sell only the syrup by a predetermined amount.

The dilution ratio R can be appropriately set by operating the input device 60, and can be changed as necessary. Also, a plurality of different dilution ratios may be set for the same syrup so that an appropriate dilution ratio can be selected according to designation of presence of ice or absence of ice.

In the above embodiment, the water flow meter 4, the carbonated water flow meter 9, and the two flow meters are used. However, the water supply line 6 and the carbonated water supply line 11 are connected before the multi-valve 19. By providing a flow meter between the connection point and the multi-valve 19, one flow meter can be shared by water and carbonated water.

As described above, in the beverage supply apparatus for mixing the dilution water supplied from the dilution water supply line and the liquid raw material supplied from the liquid raw material supply line, the beverage supply apparatus is synchronized with the flow rate of water (dilution water). Water flow meter 4 (first flow rate measuring means) that outputs a pulse of
(Dilution water supply line), a carbonated water flow meter 9 (1st
Is provided in the carbonated water supply line 11 (dilution water supply line), and communicates with the inflow portion 21a into which the liquid raw material flows, the outflow portion 21b through which the liquid raw material flows out, and the inflow portion 21a and the outflow portion 21b. Valve chamber 21, a valve body 24 having a valve seat 23 provided at a valve port 22 of a partition wall on the outflow portion 21 b side of the valve chamber 21, and a needle valve 25 which comes into contact with and separates from the valve seat 23.
And a stepping motor 29 and a needle valve operating mechanism 30 for changing the gap between the valve seat 23 and the needle valve 25
(Drive unit), and an electric flow control valve 16 (flow control means), and a syrup flow meter 15 (second flow measurement means) for outputting a pulse having a frequency synchronized with the flow rate of the liquid raw material.
And the syrup supply line 18 (liquid raw material supply line)
, The flow rate can be adjusted in a short time at the time of installation in the market or at the time of changing the type of beverage. In addition, even when the flow rate of the dilution water fluctuates, a syrup in an amount proportional to the flow rate fluctuation of the dilution water can be continuously supplied. The supply of the dilution water and the syrup can be completed at the same time. Furthermore, even if syrups with different dilution ratios are sold depending on the type, the flow rate of the dilution water does not change, so that the difference in the supply amount for each beverage is small. Also, even if the physical properties of the syrup change due to a change in the external environment such as a temperature change, the syrup at a constant flow rate can be continuously and accurately supplied without causing a change in the flow rate. It is possible to prevent a large amount of waste such as labor costs caused by operations such as adjusting the supply amount in accordance with the supply amount, and sales opportunity loss caused by stopping the beverage supply device during the adjustment.

The drive unit of the motorized flow control valve 16 has a rotor 28 integrated with a stator coil 26a, 26b for energizing and energizing, and a permanent magnet 27 movable in the valve opening and closing direction rotated by the excitation of the stator coil 26a, 26b. A needle valve actuating mechanism 30 that transmits the rotational force of the rotor 28 of the stepping motor 29 to the needle valve 25 via a screw portion and changes the gap size between the valve seat 23 and the needle valve 25. , The syrup supply can be fine-tuned,
It is possible to always supply a beverage having an appropriate dilution ratio.

The valve seat 23 and the needle valve 25 are provided based on the frequency of the pulse output by the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 (first flow rate measuring means) and the dilution ratio of the dilution water and the liquid raw material. Control unit 100 for changing the gap size of
, It is possible to change the flow rate of the syrup passing through the electric flow rate control valve 16 in proportion to the flow rate of the diluting water. In addition, even when the flow rate of the dilution water fluctuates, it is possible to continuously supply an amount of syrup proportional to the flow rate fluctuation of the dilution water. The beverage can be supplied, and the supply of the dilution water and the syrup can be completed at the same time. Furthermore, even if syrups with different dilution ratios are sold depending on the type, the flow rate of the dilution water does not change, so that the difference in the supply amount for each beverage is small. Also, since the dilution water and the syrup are always supplied at a fixed ratio, the method of injecting the beverage into the cup only while pressing the switch, so-called pore sales, even if you stop pressing the switch at any time, The beverage will have the proper dilution ratio.

The supply control unit 10 changes the gap size between the valve seat 23 and the needle valve 25 based on the frequency of the pulse output from the syrup flow meter 15 (second flow measuring means).
0, when supplying a syrup whose viscosity changes with temperature, even if the viscosity of the syrup changes due to a change in the external environment such as a temperature change, the syrup has a constant flow rate without changing the flow rate. Can be continuously and accurately supplied, so that a beverage having an appropriate dilution ratio can always be supplied.

The memory 102 for storing the frequency of the pulse output from the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 and the memory 1
02 compares the frequency of the pulse stored by 02 with the frequency of the pulse output by the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9, and outputs a frequency difference, and a frequency difference from the pulse frequency comparison unit. The warning unit 80 that outputs a warning signal for warning that the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 are abnormal when the water flow rate becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value is used. During the operation, when the initial performance cannot be maintained due to internal factors such as adhesion of impurities such as calcium in the dilution water or failure, the flow meter stored at the appropriate time after installing the beverage supply device Compared to the frequency of the output pulse, if there is a difference of a predetermined value or more, a warning is issued to a serviceman, and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the flow meter, and based on the stored frequency. Electric flow control valve 1 It is possible to control the. For example, a sensor that detects the pressure of the dilution water in the water supply line 6 and the carbonated water supply line 11 and outputs a signal when the pressure is equal to or higher than a certain value is provided. Is displayed, the dilution water is supplied normally, but the flowmeter cannot maintain the initial performance and it is determined that the frequency of the pulse output by the flowmeter has changed. An abnormality display is performed to alert the serviceman, and the supply control unit 100 is controlled based on the pulse frequency stored in the memory 102.
Controls the electric flow control valve 16 to supply syrup.
If the difference between the pulse frequencies is equal to or greater than a certain value and the sensor does not output a signal, the dilution water is not supplied, or the flow rate of the pulse output by the flow meter when the dilution water flow rate decreases by more than a certain value. Is determined to have changed, a beverage supply device abnormality is displayed on the display unit to warn the serviceman, and the signal output by the supply control unit 100 is stopped to stop the supply of the beverage. In addition, syrup flow meter 1
5, the same processing can be performed.

The memory 102 stores the frequency of the pulse from the water flow meter 4 and the carbonated water flow meter 9 at a specific time after the beverage supply device is installed, so that the memory 102 can be used while using the flow meter. When the initial performance cannot be maintained due to internal factors such as adhesion of impurities such as calcium in the dilution water or a failure, a difference greater than a predetermined value is output compared to the stored output pulse frequency of the flowmeter. In this case, an alarm is issued to a serviceman, and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the flow meter, and the electric flow control valve 16 can be controlled based on the stored frequency.

By providing the input device 60 (means) for setting a plurality of different dilution ratios for the same syrup, the dilution ratio R can be appropriately set by operating the input device 60. Since it can be changed as needed, it becomes possible to set an appropriate dilution ratio in accordance with the designation such as with or without ice.

By providing a plurality of syrup supply lines 18 and a supply control unit 100 (means) capable of mixing a plurality of types of syrups at a predetermined ratio, it is possible to enrich the types of drinks that can be supplied. Becomes

A supply line to the carbonator 8 is provided which branches off from the water supply line 6, and a water flow meter 4 is provided upstream of the branch of the supply line to the carbonator 8 to supply the supply line to the carbonator 8. Is made controllable by the water flow meter 4, it is possible to accurately manage the amount of water supplied to the carbonator using the water flow meter 4.

By providing the memory 102 (delay means) for delaying the start of the supply of the syrup with respect to the start of the supply of the dilution water, it is possible to prevent the syrup from accumulating at the bottom of the cup and to prevent the syrup from being accumulated. Can be continuously and accurately supplied.

[0079]

According to the present invention, the flow rate can be adjusted in a short time at the time of installation in the market or at the time of changing the type of beverage.
In addition, even when the flow rate of the dilution water fluctuates, a syrup in an amount proportional to the flow rate fluctuation of the dilution water can be continuously supplied. The supply of the dilution water and the syrup can be completed at the same time. Furthermore, even if syrups with different dilution ratios are sold depending on the type, the flow rate of the dilution water does not change, so that the difference in the supply amount for each beverage is small.
Also, even if the physical properties of the syrup change due to a change in the external environment such as a temperature change, the syrup at a constant flow rate can be continuously and accurately supplied without causing a change in the flow rate. It is possible to prevent a large amount of waste such as labor costs caused by operations such as adjusting the supply amount in accordance with the supply amount, and sales opportunity loss caused by stopping the beverage supply device during the adjustment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a beverage supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a central longitudinal sectional view showing the electric flow control valve according to the embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the beverage supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a pulse frequency output from the syrup flow meter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a dilution water flow rate and a syrup flow rate according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a supply timing chart of diluting water and syrup according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional beverage supply device provided with a flow regulator in each supply line of syrup and dilution water.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional beverage supply device provided with a flow meter in each supply line of syrup and dilution water.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing changes in syrup viscosity and discharge amount with temperature.

FIG. 10 is a conventional operation timing chart of syrup and dilution water, and a diagram of discharging beverage from a multi-valve.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Water pump 4 Water flow meter 5 Water solenoid valve 6 Water supply line 8 Carbonator 9 Carbonated water flow meter 10 Carbonated water electromagnetic valve 11 Carbonated water supply line 12 Carbon dioxide gas cylinder 13 Syrup tank 15 Syrup flow meter 16 Electric flow control valve 17 Syrup electromagnetic Valve 18 Syrup supply line 19 Multi-valve 21 Valve chamber 21a Inlet 21b Outlet 22 Valve port 23 Valve seat 24 Valve body 25 Needle valve 26a Stator coil 26b Stator coil 27 Permanent magnet 28 Rotor 29 Stepping motor 30 Needle valve operating mechanism 60 Input Device 70 Sales switch 80 Warning unit 100 Supply control unit 102 Memory 103 Timer

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A beverage supply apparatus for mixing dilution water supplied from a dilution water supply line and liquid material supplied from a liquid material supply line, wherein a pulse having a frequency synchronized with a flow rate of the dilution water is output. Providing a first flow rate measuring means to the dilution water supply line, an inflow portion into which the liquid raw material flows, an outflow portion from which the liquid raw material flows out, an outflow / inflow path between the inflow portion and the outflow portion, A valve for restricting the amount of outflow in the inflow / outflow path, a drive unit for driving the valve so that the amount of outflow in the inflow / outflow path is variable, and a flow control means having a frequency synchronized with the flow rate of the liquid material A beverage supply device, wherein a second flow rate measuring means for outputting a pulse is provided in the liquid material supply line. 2. The driving unit includes: a stepping motor;
The beverage supply device according to claim 1, further comprising: a valve operating mechanism that transmits a rotational force of a rotor of the stepping motor to the valve via a screw portion and changes an outflow amount in the inflow / outflow path. . 3. A control unit for changing an outflow amount in the inflow / outflow path based on a frequency of a pulse output by the first flow rate measurement unit and a dilution ratio of the dilution water and the liquid raw material. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 4. A control unit for changing an outflow amount in the inflow / outflow path based on a frequency of a pulse output by the second flow rate measuring means.
A beverage supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The flow rate control means includes: an inflow portion into which the liquid material flows, an outflow portion from which the liquid material flows, a valve chamber communicating with the inflow portion and the outflow portion, and A valve body provided with a valve seat at a valve port of the outflow-portion-side partition, a needle valve that comes into contact with and separates from the valve seat, and a drive unit that changes a gap dimension between the valve seat and the needle valve. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: 6. The driving unit includes: a stepping motor;
A needle valve operating mechanism that transmits a rotational force of a rotor of the stepping motor to the needle valve via a screw portion, and changes a clearance dimension between the valve seat and the needle valve. 6. The beverage supply device according to 5. 7. A control for changing a gap size between the valve seat and the needle valve based on a frequency of a pulse output by the first flow rate measuring means and a dilution ratio of the dilution water and the liquid raw material. The beverage supply device according to claim 5, further comprising a unit. 8. A control unit for changing a gap size between the valve seat and the needle valve based on a frequency of a pulse output by the second flow rate measuring means. A beverage supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. A storage unit for storing the frequency of the pulse output by the first and second flow rate measuring means, and the frequency of the pulse stored by the storage unit and the output of the first and second flow rate measuring means. A comparison unit that compares the frequency of a pulse to be output and outputs a frequency difference; and when the frequency difference from the comparison unit is equal to or greater than a certain value, the first or second flow rate measurement unit is abnormal. The beverage supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a warning unit that outputs a warning signal for warning the user. 10. The storage unit according to claim 9, wherein the storage unit stores a frequency of a pulse from the first and second flow rate measuring units after a specific time after the beverage supply device is installed. Beverage supply device. 11. The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for setting a plurality of different dilution ratios for the same liquid material. 12. A plurality of liquid material supply lines are provided,
The beverage supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising means for mixing a plurality of types of liquid raw materials at a predetermined ratio. 13. A branch from the dilution water supply line.
A supply line for producing carbonated water is provided, and the first flow rate measuring means is provided upstream of a branch of the supply line, and a supply amount to the supply line is controlled by the first flow rate measuring means. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, wherein the beverage supply device is enabled. 14. The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a delay unit that delays the start of the supply of the liquid material with respect to the start of the supply of the dilution water.