Juice supply device, juice supply method, and program

Abstract

The present invention relates to a juice supply device, a juice supply method, and a program. The juice supply device (1) includes: a modulation storage unit (3) that stores juice; a heating and insulation unit (4) that heats or insulates the juice in the modulation storage unit (3); a plurality of placement units (6) that are provided below the modulation storage unit (3); a plurality of tubes (5) that supply the juice in the modulation storage unit (3) to a plurality of containers placed on the plurality of placement units (6) respectively; a valve unit (7) that opens and closes the plurality of tubes (5); and an operation unit (8) that operates the opening and closing of the valve unit (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply device, a liquid supply method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. JPH08-53198A, a liquid supply device is disclosed, which includes: a heat-insulating box for storing a liquid; an electric heater for heating the liquid in the heat-insulating box; a mounting table provided below the heat-insulating box; and a solenoid valve provided at an outlet of the heat-insulating box for supplying the liquid in the heat-insulating box heated by the electric heater to a tableware placed on a plurality of mounting tables. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in the liquid supply device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. JPH08-53198A, since a plurality of supply paths for simultaneously supplying the liquid in the heat-insulating box to a plurality of tablewares are not provided, the liquid in the heat-insulating box cannot be simultaneously supplied to a plurality of tablewares.

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid supply device, a liquid supply method, and a program capable of simultaneously supplying the liquid modulated by a modulation storage unit to a plurality of containers.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid supply device including: a heating unit that heats water to hot water; a modulation storage unit that modulates and stores a liquid using the hot water heated by the heating unit; a plurality of mounting units provided below the modulation storage unit; a plurality of supply paths that respectively supply the liquid in the modulation storage unit to a plurality of containers placed on the plurality of mounting units; a valve unit that opens and closes the plurality of supply paths; and an operation unit that operates the opening and closing of the valve unit.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid supply method used in the above liquid supply device, including: in the first liquid supply mode, a step of controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be normally closed by the control unit; and in the second liquid supply mode, a step of controlling the first valve and the second valve to be normally closed by the control unit.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program used in the operation of the above liquid supply device, which causes a computer to execute the following steps: in the first liquid supply mode, a step of controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be normally closed by the control unit; and in the second liquid supply mode, a step of controlling the first valve and the second valve to be normally closed by the control unit.

[0008] According to a certain aspect of the present invention, the juice prepared by the modulation storage unit can be supplied to a plurality of containers simultaneously. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic perspective view showing a juice supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 FIG. is a structural block diagram showing the juice supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 FIG. is a structural block diagram of a control unit.

[0012] Figure 4 FIG. is a flowchart showing the operation process of the juice supply device.

[0013] Figure 5A FIG. is a schematic structural diagram showing an operation unit that can be operated in the first automatic cleaning mode and a pipe through which juice can be supplied.

[0014] Figure 5B FIG. is a schematic structural diagram showing an operation unit that can be operated in the second automatic cleaning mode and a pipe through which juice can be supplied.

[0015] Figure 6 FIG. is a flowchart showing the first juice supply mode process in the operation process of the juice supply device.

[0016] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram showing an operation unit that can be operated in the first full juice supply mode of the first juice supply mode and a pipe through which juice can be supplied.

[0017] Figure 8 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram showing an operation unit that can be operated in the first partial juice supply mode of the first juice supply mode and a pipe through which juice can be supplied.

[0018] Figure 9 FIG. is a flowchart showing the second transitional juice supply mode process in the operation process of the juice supply device.

[0019] Figure 10 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram showing the main part of the juice supply device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment for implementing the present invention (hereinafter referred to as this embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements throughout.

[0021] (Structure of the liquid supply device)

[0022] First, while referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the structure of the liquid supply device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0023] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic perspective view showing the liquid supply device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. is a block diagram showing the structure of the liquid supply device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 FIG. is a block diagram of the control unit 9. In addition, in Figure 1 , the width direction, depth direction (i.e., thickness direction), and height direction of the liquid supply device 1 are set as the direction along the X-axis, the direction along the Y-axis, and the direction along the Z-axis, respectively. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the width direction, depth direction, and height direction of the liquid supply device 1 will be simply referred to as the width direction, depth direction, and height direction.

[0024] Figure 1 The liquid supply device 1 shown is a device for supplying the prepared liquid to a container. Specifically, the liquid supply device 1 is constituted by, for example, a miso soup supply device that uses miso and ingredients (such as powdered soup stock, kelp slices, etc.) to prepare miso soup as the liquid, and supplies the prepared miso soup to a tableware as the container by operating the operation unit 8 described later. The liquid supply device 1 is used in the form of a commercial device, for example, installed in a restaurant such as a beef bowl restaurant, a curry rice restaurant, a sushi restaurant, or a family restaurant.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the liquid supply device 1 is constituted by a miso soup supply device for supplying miso soup. However, the liquid supply device 1 is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be constituted by a soup supply device for preparing soup (such as Western-style soup, Chinese-style soup, etc.) and supplying the prepared soup to tableware by operating the operation unit 8. Or, the liquid supply device 1 may also be constituted by a hot beverage supply device for preparing hot beverages (such as coffee, black tea, etc.) and supplying the prepared hot beverages to cups by operating the operation unit 8.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the liquid supply device 1 includes a housing 2, a preparation and storage unit 3, a heating and insulation unit 4, a plurality of (here, four) tubes 5 as supply paths, a plurality of (here, three) placement parts 6, a valve unit 7, an operation unit 8, and a control unit 9.

[0027] In the housing 2, the preparation and storage unit 3, the heating and insulation unit 4, a plurality of tubes 5, a plurality of placement parts 6, the valve unit 7, the operation unit 8, and the control unit 9 are accommodated. As shown in Figure 1As shown, the housing 2 is a substantially box-shaped storage portion standing on the floor. In addition, a window 21 that is recessed from the front side toward the back side is formed on the front surface of the housing 2 (specifically, near the approximate center of the front surface).

[0028] The window 21 has: an upper panel 211; a lower panel 212 that faces the upper panel 211; and a bottom panel 213 that is sandwiched between the upper panel 211 and the lower panel 212. Through-holes (not shown) for allowing a plurality of supply paths to pass through are formed in the upper panel 211. An opening (not shown) is formed in the lower panel 212 serving as a mounting table, and a plurality of mounting portions 6 are provided above the opening.

[0029] The modulation storage unit 3 is a modulation storage unit for modulating miso soup using miso and ingredients and temporarily storing the modulated miso soup. The modulation storage unit 3 has a first modulation storage unit 31 serving as a first storage unit and a second modulation storage unit 32 serving as a second storage unit. In addition, the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32 are composed of modulation storage units of the same specification.

[0030] The first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32 are accommodated above the upper panel 211 of the window 21. Specifically, the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32 are accommodated in a storage space directly above the upper panel 211 in a manner of being arranged in sequence along the width direction (specifically, in sequence from the left side toward the right side).

[0031] As described above, since the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32 are composed of modulation storage units of the same specification, hereinafter, only the structure of the first modulation storage unit 31 will be described, and the description of the second modulation storage unit 32 will be omitted.

[0032] A fluid supply path L that communicates the two is provided between the first modulation storage unit 31 and a first boiler 41 of the heating and heat preservation unit 4 described later. The fluid supply path L supplies hot water heated by the first boiler 41 to the first modulation storage unit 31. The first modulation storage unit 31 has: an input portion (not shown) for inputting miso and ingredients; and a stirring and modulating portion (not shown) that modulates miso soup by stirring the miso, ingredients input from the input portion, and hot water supplied from the first boiler 41 via the fluid supply path L.

[0033] The heating and heat preservation unit 4 is a unit for heating water supplied to the modulation storage unit 3 to hot water or for heat-preserving the miso soup in the modulation storage unit 3. As Figure 2As shown, the heating and insulation unit 4 includes a first boiler 41 and a second boiler 42 as heating parts, and a first insulation heater 43 and a second insulation heater 44 as insulation parts. In addition, the first boiler 41 and the second boiler 42 are composed of boilers of the same specification, and the first insulation heater 43 and the second insulation heater 44 are composed of insulation heaters of the same specification.

[0034] The first boiler 41 and the second boiler 42 are heaters for heating the water supplied from the outside. The first boiler 41 and the second boiler 42 are housed below the lower panel 212 of the window 21. Specifically, the first boiler 41 and the second boiler 42 are housed in the housing space directly below the lower panel 212 in a manner of being arranged in sequence along the width direction (specifically, from left to right in sequence).

[0035] As described above, since the first boiler 41 and the second boiler 42 are composed of boilers of the same specification, hereinafter, only the structure of the first boiler 41 will be described, and the description of the second boiler 42 will be omitted.

[0036] The first boiler 41 heats the water supplied from the outside via the water softener 10 to hot water, and supplies the heated hot water to the first modulation storage unit 31 via the fluid supply path L. Here, since the water supplied to the first boiler 41 from the outside passes through the water softener 10, it is possible to prevent problems caused by scale accumulation in the first boiler 41 or the first modulation storage unit 31.

[0037] As described above, since the heating and insulation unit 4 includes the first boiler 41 and the second boiler 42, even if either one of the first boiler 41 and the second boiler 42 fails, it is possible to use the other one of the first boiler 41 and the second boiler 42 to continuously supply hot water. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inability to supply hot water due to a boiler failure.

[0038] The first insulation heater 43 and the second insulation heater 44 are heaters for respectively keeping the miso soup in the first modulation storage unit 31 and the miso soup in the second modulation storage unit 32 at a predetermined temperature after modulation. The first insulation heater 43 and the second insulation heater 44 are respectively provided in the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32.

[0039] Although in the present embodiment, the heating and insulation unit 4 is composed of the first boiler 41, the second boiler 42, the first insulation heater 43, and the second insulation heater 44, it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be composed of a single boiler, the first insulation heater 43, and the second insulation heater 44. In this case, the single boiler can supply the heated hot water to both the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32. Alternatively, the heating and insulation unit 4 may also be composed of two high-output heating and insulation heaters that respectively heat the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32. In this case, the number of parts constituting the heating and insulation unit 4 can be reduced. In addition, in this case, the high-output heating and insulation heater is the insulation unit for keeping the miso soup warm and is also the heating unit for heating water to hot water.

[0040] The plurality of pipes 5 are supply paths for supplying the miso soup in the modulation storage unit 3 to the plurality of tableware placed on the plurality of placement units 6. Thereby, the miso soup in the single modulation storage unit 3 can be simultaneously supplied to the plurality of tableware respectively placed on the plurality of placement units 6 via the plurality of pipes 5 connected to the modulation storage unit 3. As a result, even during the busy hours of a restaurant, the miso soup in the single modulation storage unit 3 can be quickly supplied to the tableware.

[0041] The plurality of pipes 5 include: a first pipe 51 as the first supply path, which supplies the miso soup in the first modulation storage unit 31 to the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61 described later; a second pipe 52 as the second supply path, which supplies the miso soup in the first modulation storage unit 31 to the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63 described later; a third pipe 53 as the third supply path, which supplies the miso soup in the second modulation storage unit 32 to the tableware placed on the second dedicated placement unit 62 described later; and a fourth pipe 54 as the fourth supply path, which supplies the miso soup in the second modulation storage unit 32 to the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63 described later.

[0042] Since the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54 respectively supply the miso soup in the first modulation storage unit 31 and the miso soup in the second modulation storage unit 32 to the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63, the two placement units 6 originally corresponding to the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54 can be integrated into the shared placement unit 63. Therefore, the number of placement units 6 can be reduced.

[0043] The first pipe 51, the second pipe 52, the fourth pipe 54, and the third pipe 53 are all arranged in sequence along the width direction (specifically, from left to right) in a manner of extending in the up-down direction (i.e., the height direction). In this way, each pipe is arranged in a manner of extending along the up-down direction, so that, by using the self-weight of the miso soup, the miso soup can be easily supplied from each modulation storage part 3 to the tableware placed on each placement part 6 through each pipe.

[0044] The first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 are arranged such that the upper end as one end is connected to the bottom of the first modulation storage part 31, and the lower end as the other end exposes from the through-hole of the upper panel 211. On the other hand, the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 are arranged such that the upper end as one end is connected to the bottom of the second modulation storage part 32, and the lower end as the other end exposes from the through-hole of the upper panel 211.

[0045] In this way, by directly connecting the two first pipes 51 and the second pipe 52 (or the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54) to a single first modulation storage part 31 (or the second modulation storage part 32), even if one of the two pipes 5 connected to a single modulation storage part 3 is blocked, the miso soup can be supplied to the tableware through the other of the two pipes 5 connected to the modulation storage part 3. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the unusability of the modulation storage part 3 caused by the blockage of the pipe 5.

[0046] The intervals between the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52, and between the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 are both the first interval. On the other hand, the interval between the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54 is the second interval smaller than the first interval. In this way, by setting the interval between the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54 to the relatively small second interval, the miso soup from the first modulation storage part 31 or the second modulation storage part 32 can be supplied to the tableware placed on the shared placement part 63 through the second pipe 52 or the fourth pipe 54.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52, and the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 are respectively directly connected to the first modulation storage part 31 and the second modulation storage part 32. However, the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52, and the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 are not limited thereto, and may be indirectly connected to the first modulation storage part 31 and the second modulation storage part 32 respectively via supply pipes, for example. In this case, the upper end as one end of one supply pipe is connected to the first modulation storage part 31, and the lower end as the other end is connected to one end of the first pipe 51 and one end of the second pipe 52. The upper end as one end of the other supply pipe is connected to the second modulation storage part 32, and the lower end as the other end is connected to one end of the third pipe 53 and one end of the fourth pipe 54.

[0048] The plurality of placement units 6 are placement units for placing tableware. The plurality of placement units 6 are provided below (specifically, directly below) the modulation storage unit 3. Additionally, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the plurality of placement units 6 include a first dedicated placement unit 61, a second dedicated placement unit 62, and a shared placement unit 63. Additionally, the first dedicated placement unit 61, the second dedicated placement unit 62, and the shared placement unit 63 are composed of dedicated placement units of the same specification.

[0049] The first dedicated placement unit 61, the shared placement unit 63, and the second dedicated placement unit 62 are provided above the lower panel 212 of the window 21. Specifically, the first dedicated placement unit 61, the shared placement unit 63, and the second dedicated placement unit 62 are arranged in sequence along the width direction (specifically, in sequence from left to right) above the lower panel 212.

[0050] The first dedicated placement unit 61 is a rectangular plate-shaped member provided directly below the lower end of the exposed portion of the first pipe 51. Thereby, it is possible to reliably supply the miso soup from the first pipe 51 to the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61.

[0051] Similarly, the second dedicated placement unit 62 is a rectangular plate-shaped member provided directly below the lower end of the exposed portion of the third pipe 53. Thereby, it is possible to reliably supply the miso soup from the third pipe 53 to the tableware placed on the second dedicated placement unit 62.

[0052] The shared placement unit 63 is a rectangular plate-shaped member provided directly below the lower ends of the exposed portions of the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54. Thereby, by using the shared placement unit 63 in the placement unit 6, it is possible to reliably supply the miso soup from the second pipe 52 or the fourth pipe 54 to the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63. Therefore, the number of placement units 6 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to achieve the simplification and compactification of the juice supply device 1 due to the reduction in the number of placement units 6.

[0053] In this way, by providing the shared placement unit 63 directly below the lower ends of the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54, that is, making the shared placement unit 63 correspond to the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54, it is possible to integrate the two placement units 6 that originally corresponded to the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54 respectively into the shared placement unit 63. Therefore, the number of placement units 6 can be reduced, and it is possible to achieve the compactification of the juice supply device 1 in the width direction due to the reduction in the number of placement units 6.

[0054] The first dedicated placement unit 61 has a first dedicated weight detection unit 611 and a circular first dedicated discharge port 612. The first dedicated weight detection unit 611 is a weight sensor built into the first dedicated placement unit 61 that detects the weight of the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61 (the weight obtained by adding the tableware and the miso soup when miso soup is supplied to the tableware). The first dedicated discharge port 612 is formed in the approximate center of the first dedicated placement unit 61 so as to penetrate the first dedicated placement unit 61.

[0055] In addition, the first dedicated discharge port 612 is formed so as to be directly below the first pipe 51 (specifically, the lower end of the first pipe 51). Thereby, even when miso soup leaks from the lower end of the first pipe 51 in a state where no tableware is placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61, the leaked miso soup can be discharged from the first dedicated discharge port 612 to the outside (specifically, the sewer) without contaminating the first dedicated placement unit 61.

[0056] Similarly, the second dedicated placement unit 62 has a second dedicated weight detection unit 621 and a circular second dedicated discharge port 622. The second dedicated weight detection unit 621 is a weight sensor built into the second dedicated placement unit 62 that detects the weight of the tableware placed on the second dedicated placement unit 62 (the weight obtained by adding the tableware and the miso soup when miso soup is supplied to the tableware). The second dedicated discharge port 622 is formed in the approximate center of the second dedicated placement unit 62 so as to penetrate the second dedicated placement unit 62.

[0057] In addition, the second dedicated discharge port 622 is formed so as to be directly below the third pipe 53 (specifically, the lower end of the third pipe 53). Thereby, even when miso soup leaks from the lower end of the third pipe 53 in a state where no tableware is placed on the second dedicated placement unit 62, the leaked miso soup can be discharged from the second dedicated discharge port 622 to the outside without contaminating the second dedicated placement unit 62.

[0058] The shared placement unit 63 has a shared weight detection unit 631 and a circular shared discharge port 632. The shared weight detection unit 631 is a weight sensor built into the shared placement unit 61 that detects the weight of the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63 (the weight obtained by adding the tableware and the miso soup when miso soup is supplied to the tableware). The shared discharge port 632 is formed in the approximate center of the shared placement unit 63 so as to penetrate the shared placement unit 63.

[0059] In addition, the common discharge port 632 is formed so as to be located directly below the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54 (specifically, the lower ends of the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54). Thereby, even when miso soup leaks from the lower end of the second pipe 52 or the lower end of the fourth pipe 54 in a state where no tableware is placed on the common placement portion 63, the leaked miso soup can be discharged to the outside from the common discharge port 632 without contaminating the common placement portion 63.

[0060] The miso soup or the liquid body from the first dedicated discharge port 612, the second dedicated discharge port 622, and the common discharge port 632 is discharged to the outside through the opening in the lower panel 212 of the window 21 and a discharge path (not shown) connected to the opening.

[0061] The valve unit 7 is a unit that opens and closes the flow paths of the plurality of pipes 5. The valve unit 7 is provided on the bottom panel 213 of the window 21. Specifically, the valve unit 7 includes: a first electromagnetic valve 71 as a first valve, which is provided in the first pipe 51 and opens and closes the flow path of the first pipe 51; a second electromagnetic valve 72 as a second valve, which is provided in the second pipe 52 and opens and closes the flow path of the second pipe 52; a third electromagnetic valve 73 as a third valve, which is provided in the third pipe 53 and opens and closes the flow path of the third pipe 53; and a fourth electromagnetic valve 74 as a fourth valve, which is provided in the fourth pipe 54 and opens and closes the flow path of the fourth pipe 54.

[0062] The first electromagnetic valve 71, the second electromagnetic valve 72, the fourth electromagnetic valve 74, and the third electromagnetic valve 73 are arranged on the bottom panel 213 at the same height position in sequence along the width direction (specifically, in sequence from left to right). The intervals between the first electromagnetic valve 71 and the second electromagnetic valve 72, and between the third electromagnetic valve 73 and the fourth electromagnetic valve 74 are both the third interval. On the other hand, the interval between the second electromagnetic valve 72 and the fourth electromagnetic valve 74 is a fourth interval smaller than the third interval.

[0063] Each electromagnetic valve 71, 72, 73, 74 can stop the supply of miso soup by the modulation storage unit 3 by closing the flow paths of the respective pipes 51, 52, 53, 54 corresponding to the electromagnetic valves 71, 72, 73, 74. On the other hand, each electromagnetic valve 71, 72, 73, 74 can supply the miso soup by the modulation storage unit 3 by opening the flow paths of the respective pipes 51, 52, 53, 54 corresponding to the electromagnetic valves 71, 72, 73, 74.

[0064] The operation unit 8 is a unit that operates the opening of the valve unit 7. The operation unit 8 is provided on the operation panel 22 located above the upper panel 211 of the window 21. Specifically, the operation unit 8 has: a first dedicated operation button 81 as a first dedicated operation part, which is provided corresponding to the first dedicated placement part 61 and operates the opening of the first electromagnetic valve 71; a second dedicated operation button 82 as a second dedicated operation part, which is provided corresponding to the second dedicated placement part 62 and operates the opening of the third electromagnetic valve 73; a common operation button 83 as a common operation part, which is provided corresponding to the common placement part 63 and operates the opening of the second electromagnetic valve 72 or the fourth electromagnetic valve 74.

[0065] The first dedicated operation button 81, the common operation button 83, and the second dedicated operation button 82 are provided on the operation panel 22 in such a manner that they are arranged at the same height position at equal intervals in the width direction (specifically, in order from the left to the right).

[0066] The first dedicated operation button 81, the second dedicated operation button 82, and the common operation button 83 light up in a color indicating that they can be operated (here, green) in a state where they can be operated, and light up in another color indicating that they cannot be operated (here, red) in a state where they cannot be operated. Thereby, the user (specifically, the store clerk) can immediately identify whether the first dedicated operation button 81, the second dedicated operation button 82, and the common operation button 83 are in a state where they can be operated.

[0067] In addition, by the user operating the first dedicated operation button 81, the second dedicated operation button 82, or the common operation button 83, the electromagnetic valves 71, 72, 73, 74 corresponding to the operated button are opened, thereby opening the flow paths of the pipes 51, 52, 53, 54 corresponding to the opened electromagnetic valves 71, 72, 73, 74. Thereby, the miso soup can be supplied from the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 to the tableware placed on the placement unit 6.

[0068] The control unit 9 is a controller that controls the operations of the modulation storage unit 3, the heating and heat preservation unit 4, the valve unit 7, and the operation unit 8. Although in this embodiment, the control unit 9 is constituted by a CPU as a computer, it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be constituted by a plurality of microcomputers. In addition, the control unit 9 is electrically connected to the modulation storage unit 3, the heating and heat preservation unit 4, the placement unit 6 (specifically, the respective weight detection units 611, 621, 631 of the placement unit 6), the valve unit 7, and the operation unit 8.

[0069] Specifically, as Figure 3As shown in the figure, the control unit 9 includes: a modulation control module 901 as a modulation control unit, a heating control module 902 as a heating control unit, a valve control module 903 as a valve control unit, an operation information acquisition module 904 as an operation information acquisition unit, a weight information acquisition module 905 as a weight information acquisition unit, an operation button control module 906 as an operation button control unit, a weight calculation module 907 as a weight calculation unit, a mode control module 908 as a mode control unit, a determination module 909 as a determination unit, a time detection module 910 as a time detection unit, and a storage module 911 as a storage unit. In addition, each module of the control unit 9 can be composed of hardware or software.

[0070] The modulation control module 901 is a module for controlling the operation of the stirring and modulation unit of the modulation storage unit 3. The heating control module 902 is a module for controlling the operation of the heating and insulation unit 4. The valve control module 903 is a module for controlling the opening and closing operations of the solenoid valves 71, 72, 73, and 74 of the valve unit 7. The operation information acquisition module 904 is a module for acquiring operation information corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 8 performed by the user. The weight information acquisition module 905 is a module for acquiring the weight information output from the weight detection units 611, 621, and 631 of the placement unit 6.

[0071] The operation button control module 906 is a module for controlling the operation buttons 81, 82, and 83 to be in an operable or inoperable state. The weight calculation module 907 is a module for calculating the remaining amount of the miso soup in the modulation storage unit 3 based on the weight information output from the weight information acquisition module 905. The mode control module 908 is a module for controlling the switching of each mode of the modulation storage unit 3. The determination module 909 is a module for performing various determinations. The time detection module 910 is a timer for detecting the elapsed time of the first transitional juice supply mode or the second transitional juice supply mode described later. In addition, the details of the above modules 901 to 910 will be described later.

[0072] The storage module 911 is a memory for temporarily storing the weight information output from the weight information acquisition module 905. In addition, the storage module 911 stores the processing programs or algorithm programs executed in each of the modules 91 to 93, 96 to 98. Although in this embodiment, the storage module 911 is built into the control unit 9, it is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be provided separately from the control unit 9.

[0073] (Operation processing of the juice supply device)

[0074] Next, while referring to Figure 4 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B, the operation process of the juice supply device will be described on one side.

[0075] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing the operation process of the juice supply device 1. Figure 5A It is a schematic structural diagram showing the operation part that can be operated in the first automatic cleaning mode and the pipe that can supply juice. Figure 5B It is a schematic structural diagram showing the operation part that can be operated in the second automatic cleaning mode and the pipe that can supply juice.

[0076] When the power supply of the juice supply device 1 is input, the operation process of the juice supply device 1 starts.

[0077] As Figure 4 shown, first, in step S1, the first boiler 41 of the heating and insulation unit 4 heats the water supplied from the outside to hot water, supplies the heated hot water to the first modulation storage unit 31 which is one side of the modulation storage unit, and transfers to step S2. Specifically, in step S1, the first boiler 41 heats the soft water supplied from the outside via the water softener 10 to hot water according to the operation instruction of the first boiler 41 output from the heating control module 902 of the control unit 9, supplies the heated hot water to the first modulation storage unit 31 through the fluid supply path L, and transfers to step S2.

[0078] In this way, since the hot water is supplied from the first boiler 41 to the first modulation storage unit 31 before the miso and ingredients are put into the first modulation storage unit 31, the preparation for putting in the miso and ingredients is completed for the first modulation storage unit 31.

[0079] Next, in step S2, the user puts the miso and ingredients from the input part of the first modulation storage unit 31 into the first modulation storage unit 31, and transfers to step S3.

[0080] Next, in step S3, the first modulation storage unit 31 modulates the miso juice by using the stirring and modulation unit to stir the miso and ingredients put in from the input part and the hot water supplied from the first boiler 41 for a predetermined time, and transfers to step S4.

[0081] Specifically, in step S3, the first modulation storage unit 31, according to the operation instruction of the first modulation storage unit 31 output from the modulation control module 901 of the control unit 9, uses the stirring modulation unit to uniformly stir miso, ingredients, and hot water within a predetermined time, thereby modulating the miso soup. The modulation completion notification indicating that the miso soup has been completed is output to the mode control module 99 of the control unit 9, and the process proceeds to step S4. Additionally, in step S3, the first solenoid valve 71 and the second solenoid valve 72 are closed for the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 according to the closing instructions of the first solenoid valve 71 and the second solenoid valve 72 output from the valve control module 903 of the control unit 9.

[0082] Next, in step S4, based on the modulation completion notification output from the first modulation storage unit 31, the mode control module 99 sets the first modulation storage unit 31 to the first juice supply mode for supplying the miso soup implemented by the first modulation storage unit 31 (specifically, the first full juice supply mode described later in the first juice supply mode). And in the first juice supply mode, the first modulation storage unit 31 supplies the miso soup to the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61 or the shared placement unit 63 through the operation of the first dedicated operation button 81 or the shared operation button 83 performed by the user, and the process proceeds to step S5.

[0083] Moreover, in the first juice supply mode, the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 are closed for the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 according to the closing instructions of the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 output from the valve control module 903. Additionally, the detailed situation of the first juice supply mode process (step S4) will be described later.

[0084] Here, the first juice supply mode has a first full juice supply mode and a first partial juice supply mode. Additionally, the detailed situations of the first full juice mode process and the first partial juice supply mode process of the first juice supply mode will be described later.

[0085] Next, in step S5, the second boiler 42 of the heating and insulation unit 4 heats the water supplied from the outside to hot water, and supplies the heated hot water to the second modulation storage unit 32, which is the other modulation storage unit, and the process proceeds to step S6. Specifically, in step S5, before the miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 becomes less, the second boiler 42, according to the operation instruction of the second boiler 42 output from the heating control module 902 of the control unit 9, heats the soft water supplied from the outside via the water softener 10 to hot water, and supplies the heated hot water to the second modulation storage unit 32 through the fluid supply path L, and the process proceeds to step S6.

[0086] Thus, since hot water is supplied from the second boiler 42 to the second modulation storage unit 32 before the miso and ingredients are put into the second modulation storage unit 32, the preparation for putting in the miso and ingredients is completed for the second modulation storage unit 32.

[0087] In addition, as described above, since hot water is supplied from the second boiler 42 to the second modulation storage unit 32 before the amount of miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 decreases, compared with the device that heats soft water to hot water at the time when the miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 is about to be completely supplied, time loss can be suppressed. Thereby, the operability of the restaurant is better.

[0088] Next, in step S6, after the amount of miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 decreases, the user puts the miso and ingredients from the input unit of the second modulation storage unit 32 into the second modulation storage unit 32 supplied with hot water, and transfers to step S7.

[0089] Next, in step S7, the second modulation storage unit 32 modulates the miso soup by using the stirring modulation unit to stir the miso and ingredients put into the second modulation storage unit 32 and the hot water supplied from the second boiler 42 within a predetermined time, and transfers to step S8.

[0090] Specifically, in step S7, the second modulation storage unit 32 uniformly stirs the miso, ingredients, and hot water within a predetermined time by using the stirring modulation unit according to the operation instruction of the second modulation storage unit 32 output from the modulation control module 901, thereby modulating the miso soup, outputs a modulation completion notification notifying the completion of the miso soup to the mode control module 99 of the control unit 9, and transfers to step S8. In addition, in step S7, the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 are normally closed for the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 according to the closing instructions of the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 output from the valve control module 903.

[0091] Next, in step S8, when the first modulation storage unit 31 is empty, the mode control module 99 switches the first modulation storage unit 31 from the first juice supply mode to the first automatic cleaning mode in which the first modulation storage unit 31 performs self-cleaning, and transfers to step S9.

[0092] In the first automatic cleaning mode, the first boiler 41 supplies the water supplied from the outside to the first modulation storage unit 31 without heating. Additionally, the first boiler 41 may also heat the water supplied from the outside to warm water with a temperature lower than that of hot water according to the operation instruction of the first boiler 41 output from the heating control module 902, and supply the heated warm water to the first modulation storage unit 31.

[0093] Then, the first modulation storage unit 31 stirs the warm water according to the operation instruction of the first modulation storage unit 31 output from the modulation control module 901 by using the stirring and modulation unit, so as to clean the inside of the first modulation storage unit 31 within another predetermined time. Additionally, during the cleaning of the first modulation storage unit 31, the first solenoid valve 71 and the second solenoid valve 72 block the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 according to the blocking instructions of the first solenoid valve 71 and the second solenoid valve 72 output from the valve control module 903.

[0094] Then (i.e., after the cleaning of the first modulation storage unit 31), the first solenoid valve 71 and the second solenoid valve 72 open the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 according to the opening instructions of the first solenoid valve 71 and the second solenoid valve 72 output from the valve control module 903, so that the cleaning water, which is the cleaning liquid after cleaning and stored in the first modulation storage unit 31, is discharged due to its own weight through the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 from the first dedicated discharge port 612 of the first dedicated placement unit 61 and the common discharge port 632 of the common placement unit 63. Thereby, not only can the first modulation storage unit 31 be reliably cleaned, but also both the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 can be reliably cleaned.

[0095] Additionally, as described above, in the first automatic cleaning mode, the first pipe 52 is cleaned, and the cleaning water from the second pipe 52 is discharged from the common discharge port 632 of the common placement unit 63. Therefore, the supply of miso soup by the fourth pipe 54 connected to the second modulation storage unit 32 cannot be performed.

[0096] Furthermore, when the first automatic cleaning mode ends, that is, when the cleaning water stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 is completely discharged through the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 from the first dedicated discharge port 612 and the common discharge port 632, the first modulation storage unit 31 outputs a first automatic cleaning end notification notifying that the first automatic cleaning mode has ended to the mode control module 99.

[0097] Next, in step S9, when the mode control module 99 receives the situation that the first modulation storage unit 31 is switched from the first juice supply mode to the first automatic cleaning mode, it sets the second modulation storage unit 32 to the second transitional juice supply mode in which miso juice is supplied by a single third pipe 53, and transfers to step S10. In addition, the details of the second transitional juice supply mode process will be described later.

[0098] As Figure 5A shown, in the first automatic cleaning mode of the first modulation storage unit 31 (i.e., the second transitional juice supply mode of the second modulation storage unit 32), the operation unit 8 sets the first dedicated operation button 81 and the common operation button 83 to be inoperable (lit red) according to the control instruction of the operation unit 8 output from the operation button control module 906 of the control unit 9, and sets the second dedicated operation button 82 to be operable (lit green). Thereby, in the first automatic cleaning mode of the first modulation storage unit 31 (i.e., the second transitional juice supply mode of the second modulation storage unit 32), it is possible to prevent incorrect operation of the common operation button 83 by the user.

[0099] In this case, the third solenoid valve 73 is opened by the operation of the second dedicated operation button 82 by the user, thereby opening the third pipe 53. In addition, it is possible to supply miso juice from the second modulation storage unit 32 to the tableware placed on the second dedicated placement unit 62 via the opened third pipe 53.

[0100] In addition, in the first automatic cleaning mode of the first modulation storage unit 31 (i.e., the second transitional juice supply mode of the second modulation storage unit 32), the fourth solenoid valve 74 corresponding to the common operation button 83 closes the fourth pipe 54 normally according to the closing instruction of the fourth solenoid valve 74 output from the valve control module 903 (refer to Figure 5A the gray part).

[0101] Thereby, in the first automatic cleaning mode of the first modulation storage unit 31 (i.e., the second transitional juice supply mode of the second modulation storage unit 32), the situation where miso juice from the second modulation storage unit 32 is supplied to the tableware via the fourth pipe 54 provided with the fourth solenoid valve 74 is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to discharge the cleaning water from the first modulation storage unit 31 via the second pipe 52 from the common discharge port 632 of the common placement unit 63. As a result, not only can the first modulation storage unit 31 and the first pipe 51 connected to the first modulation storage unit 31 be reliably cleaned, but also the second pipe 52 connected to the first modulation storage unit 31 can be reliably cleaned.

[0102] Next, in step S10, the mode control module 99 switches the second modulation storage unit 32 from the second transitional juice supply mode to the second juice supply mode of miso juice supply implemented by the second modulation storage unit 32 (specifically, the second juice full supply mode of the second juice supply mode) based on the modulation completion notification output from the second modulation storage unit 32 and the first automatic cleaning end notification output from the first modulation storage unit 31. Further, in the second juice supply mode, the second modulation storage unit 32 supplies miso juice to the tableware placed on the second dedicated placement unit 62 or the shared placement unit 63 by the operation of the second dedicated operation button 82 or the shared operation button 83 performed by the user, and then proceeds to step S11.

[0103] In addition, in the second juice supply mode, the first electromagnetic valve 71 and the second electromagnetic valve 72 close the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 according to the closing instructions of the first electromagnetic valve 71 and the second electromagnetic valve 72 output from the valve control module 903. In addition, since the second juice supply mode and the first juice supply mode are substantially the same, the detailed description of the second juice supply mode is omitted.

[0104] Here, the second juice supply mode includes a second juice full supply mode and a second juice partial supply mode. In addition, since the second juice full supply mode and the second juice partial supply mode of the second juice supply mode are the same as the first juice full supply mode and the first juice partial supply mode of the first juice supply mode, their descriptions are omitted.

[0105] Next, in step S11, the first boiler 41 heats the water supplied from the outside to hot water, supplies the heated hot water to the first modulation storage unit 31, and then proceeds to step S6. Specifically, in step S11, before the miso juice stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 becomes less, the first boiler 41 heats the soft water supplied from the outside via the water softener 10 to hot water according to the operation instruction of the first boiler 41 output from the heating control module 902 of the control unit 9, and supplies the heated hot water to the first modulation storage unit 31 through the fluid supply path L, and then proceeds to step S6.

[0106] In this way, since the hot water is supplied from the first boiler 41 to the first modulation storage unit 31 before the miso and the ingredients are put into the first modulation storage unit 31, the preparation for putting the miso and the ingredients into the first modulation storage unit 31 is completed.

[0107] In addition, as described above, since hot water is supplied from the first boiler 41 to the first modulation storage unit 31 before the amount of miso soup stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 decreases, time loss can be suppressed as compared with a device that heats soft water to hot water at the time when the miso soup stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 is about to be completely supplied. Thereby, the operability of the food service establishment is better.

[0108] Next, in step S12, after the amount of miso soup stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 decreases, the user inputs miso and ingredients again from the input unit of the first modulation storage unit 31 into the first modulation storage unit 31, and proceeds to step S13.

[0109] Next, in step S13, the first modulation storage unit 31 modulates the miso soup by using the stirring modulation unit to stir the miso, ingredients, and hot water supplied from the first boiler 41 that are input into the first modulation storage unit 31 within a predetermined time, and proceeds to step S14. In addition, since step S13 is the same as step S3, the detailed description of step S13 is omitted.

[0110] Next, in step S14, when the second modulation storage unit 32 is empty, the mode control module 99 switches the second modulation storage unit 32 from the second juice supply mode to the second automatic cleaning mode in which the second modulation storage unit 32 performs self-cleaning, and proceeds to step S15.

[0111] In the second automatic cleaning mode, the second boiler 42 supplies the water supplied from the outside to the second modulation storage unit 32 without heating it. Alternatively, the second boiler 42 may heat the water supplied from the outside to warm water at a temperature lower than that of hot water according to the operation instruction of the second boiler 42 output from the heating control module 902, and supply the heated warm water to the second modulation storage unit 32.

[0112] Then, the second modulation storage unit 32 stirs the warm water according to the operation instruction of the second modulation storage unit 32 output from the modulation control module 901, thereby cleaning the inside of the second modulation storage unit 32 within another predetermined time. In addition, during the cleaning of the second modulation storage unit 32, the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 close the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 according to the closing instruction of the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 output from the valve control module 903.

[0113] Then (i.e., after the cleaning of the second modulation storage unit 32), the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 open the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 according to the opening instructions of the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 output from the valve control module 903. As a result, the cleaning water, which is the cleaning liquid after cleaning and stored in the second modulation storage unit 32, drains by its own weight through the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 from the second dedicated discharge port 622 of the second dedicated placement unit 62 and the common discharge port 632 of the common placement unit 63. Thereby, not only can the second modulation storage unit 32 be reliably cleaned, but also both the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 can be reliably cleaned.

[0114] In addition, as described above, in the second automatic cleaning mode, the fourth pipe 54 is cleaned, and the cleaning water from the fourth pipe 54 is discharged from the common discharge port 632 of the common placement unit 63. Therefore, the supply of miso soup by the second pipe 52 connected to the first modulation storage unit 31 cannot be performed.

[0115] Furthermore, when the second automatic cleaning mode ends, that is, when the cleaning water stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 is completely discharged through the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 from the second dedicated discharge port 622 and the common discharge port 632, the second modulation storage unit 32 outputs a second automatic cleaning end notification notifying that the second automatic cleaning mode has ended to the mode control module 99.

[0116] Next, in step S15, when the mode control module 99 receives the situation where the second modulation storage unit 32 is switched from the second juice supply mode to the second automatic cleaning mode, it sets the first modulation storage unit 31 to a first transitional juice supply mode in which miso soup is supplied by a single first pipe 51, and returns to step S4, repeating each step after step S4. Additionally, since the first transitional juice supply mode and the second transitional juice supply mode are substantially the same, the detailed description of the first transitional juice supply mode is omitted.

[0117] As Figure 5B shown, in the second automatic cleaning mode of the second modulation storage unit 32 (i.e., the first transitional juice supply mode of the first modulation storage unit 31), the operation unit 8 sets the second dedicated operation button 82 and the common operation button 83 to non-operable (red lit) and the first dedicated operation button 81 to operable (green lit) according to the control instruction of the operation unit 8 output from the operation button control module 906 of the control unit 9. Thereby, in the second automatic cleaning mode of the second modulation storage unit 32 (i.e., the first transitional juice supply mode of the first modulation storage unit 31), an erroneous operation of the common operation button 83 by the user can be prevented.

[0118] In this case, the first electromagnetic valve 71 is opened by an operation on the first dedicated operation button 81 performed by the user, thereby opening the first pipe 51. In addition, the miso soup can be supplied from the first modulation storage unit 31 to the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61 via the opened first pipe 51.

[0119] In addition, in the second automatic cleaning mode of the second modulation storage unit 32 (i.e., the first transitional juice supply mode of the first modulation storage unit 31), the second electromagnetic valve 72 corresponding to the common operation button 83 is normally closed for the second pipe 52 according to the closing instruction of the second electromagnetic valve 72 output from the valve control module 903 (refer to Figure 5B the gray part).

[0120] Thereby, in the second automatic cleaning mode of the second modulation storage unit 32 (i.e., the first transitional juice supply mode of the first modulation storage unit 31), the situation where the miso soup from the first modulation storage unit 31 is supplied to the tableware via the second pipe 52 provided with the second electromagnetic valve 72 is stopped. Therefore, the cleaning water from the second modulation storage unit 32 can be discharged from the common discharge port 632 of the common placement unit 63 via the fourth pipe 54. As a result, not only can the second modulation storage unit 32 and the third pipe 53 connected to the second modulation storage unit 32 be reliably cleaned, but also the fourth pipe 54 connected to the second modulation storage unit 32 can be reliably cleaned.

[0121] In this way, the control unit 9 controls to keep the first electromagnetic valve 71 and the second electromagnetic valve 72, or the third electromagnetic valve 73 and the fourth electromagnetic valve 74 normally closed, thereby switching between the first juice supply mode of miso soup supply implemented by the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second juice supply mode of miso soup supply implemented by the second modulation storage unit 32. That is, the control unit 9 does not perform the miso soup supply implemented by the first modulation storage unit 31 and the miso soup supply implemented by the second modulation storage unit 32 simultaneously, but controls to alternately perform the miso soup supply implemented by the first modulation storage unit 31 and the miso soup supply implemented by the second modulation storage unit 32.

[0122] In addition, by switching between the first juice supply mode and the second juice supply mode, the time points of miso soup supply implemented by the first modulation storage unit 31 and the time points of miso soup supply implemented by the second modulation storage unit 32 can be deviated. Therefore, the situation where the time points when the miso soup supply implemented by the first modulation storage unit 31 cannot be performed and the time points when the miso soup supply implemented by the second modulation storage unit 32 cannot be performed coincide can be avoided. As a result, the temporary interruption of the miso soup supply by the juice supply device 1 can be avoided.

[0123] (First Juice Supply Mode Processing)

[0124] Next, while referring to Figure 6 , the first juice supply mode process (step S4) in the operation process of the juice supply device 1 will be described.

[0125] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing the first juice supply mode process in the operation process of the juice supply device.

[0126] As Figure 6 shown, first, in step S401, in the first juice full supply mode of the first juice supply mode set by the mode control module 908, the operation information acquisition module 904 of the control unit 9 acquires the operation information corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 8 (specifically, the first dedicated operation button 81 or the common operation button 83) performed by the user, outputs the acquired operation information to the valve control module 903 of the control unit 9, and transfers to step S402.

[0127] Here, while referring to Figure 7 , the first juice full supply mode of the first juice supply mode will be described.

[0128] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram showing the operation part that can be operated and the tubes that can supply juice in the first juice full supply mode of the first juice supply mode.

[0129] As Figure 7 shown, first, in the first juice full supply mode of the first juice supply mode, the operation unit 8 makes the second dedicated operation button 82 inoperable (lit red) according to the control instruction of the operation unit 8 output from the operation button control module 906 of the control unit 9, and makes the first dedicated operation button 81 and the common operation button 83 operable (lit green). Thereby, it is possible to prevent incorrect operations on the second dedicated operation button 82 performed by the user in the first juice full supply mode.

[0130] That is, the first juice full supply mode means a juice supply mode in which the miso juice from the first modulation storage unit 31 can be supplied to a plurality of tableware via all the tubes 5 (specifically, the first tube 51 and the second tube 52) connected to the first modulation storage unit 31. Thereby, in the first juice full supply mode, the miso juice from the first modulation storage unit 31 can be supplied to a plurality of tableware via the first tube 51 and the second tube 52. In addition, as described above, in the first juice supply mode, the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 are normally closed for the third tube 53 and the fourth tube 54 according to the closing instructions of the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 output from the valve control module 903 (refer toFigure 7 the gray part).

[0131] Next, in step S402, in the first juice body full supply mode, the valve control module 903 generates an opening instruction for opening the first electromagnetic valve 71 or / and the second electromagnetic valve 72 corresponding to the operation information according to the operation information output from the operation information acquisition module 904, and outputs the generated opening instruction for the first electromagnetic valve 71 or / and the second electromagnetic valve 72 to the first electromagnetic valve 71 or / and the second electromagnetic valve 72.

[0132] In addition, the first electromagnetic valve 71 or / and the second electromagnetic valve 72 open according to the opening instruction of the first electromagnetic valve 71 or / and the second electromagnetic valve 72 output from the valve control module 903, so as to supply the miso juice from the first modulation storage part 31 to the food container via the first pipe 51 or / and the second pipe 52, and transfer to step S403.

[0133] Next, in step S403, in the first juice body full supply mode, the first dedicated weight detection part 611 or / and the shared weight detection part 631 detect the total weight of the food container placed on the first dedicated placement part 61 or / and the shared placement part 63 and the miso juice supplied to the food container, output the detected total weight to the determination module 909, and transfer to step S404.

[0134] Next, in step S404, in the first juice body full supply mode, the determination module 909 determines whether the total weight output from the first dedicated weight detection part 611 or / and the shared weight detection part 631 reaches a predetermined weight (that is, the weight of the miso juice for one cup of the food container to be supplied).

[0135] In addition, in step S404, in the first juice body full supply mode, when the determination module 909 determines that the total weight has reached the predetermined weight (the case of "yes"), the achievement notice notifying that the total weight has reached the predetermined weight is output to the valve control module 903, and the weight information related to the total weight is output to the weight information acquisition module 905, and then transfer to step S405. On the other hand, in step S404, when the determination module 909 determines that the total weight has not reached the predetermined weight (the case of "no"), it returns to step S402.

[0136] Next, in the case of "Yes" in step S404, in step S405, in the first juice body full supply mode, the valve control module 903 generates a closing instruction for the first electromagnetic valve 71 and / or the second electromagnetic valve 72 to close the first electromagnetic valve 71 and / or the second electromagnetic valve 72 according to the achievement notification output from the determination module 909, and outputs the generated closing instruction for the first electromagnetic valve 71 and / or the second electromagnetic valve 72 to the first electromagnetic valve 71 and / or the second electromagnetic valve 72.

[0137] In addition, the first electromagnetic valve 71 and / or the second electromagnetic valve 72 are closed according to the closing instruction for the first electromagnetic valve 71 and / or the second electromagnetic valve 72 output from the valve control module 903, so as to stop the miso juice supply implemented by the first pipe 51 and / or the second pipe 52, and transfer to step S406.

[0138] Next, in step S406, in the first juice body full supply mode, the weight information acquisition module 905 acquires the weight information output from the determination module 909, outputs the acquired weight information to the weight calculation module 907 of the control unit 9, and transfers to step S407.

[0139] Next, in step S407, in the first juice body full supply mode, the weight calculation module 907 calculates the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 according to the weight information output from the weight information acquisition module 905, outputs the calculated remaining amount of the miso juice to the determination module 909, and transfers to step S408. That is, in the first juice body full supply mode, the detection implemented by the first dedicated weight detection unit 611 and the shared weight detection unit 631 is used to calculate the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31.

[0140] Thus, since in the first juice body full supply mode, the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 can be calculated using the total weight output from the first dedicated weight detection unit 611 and the shared weight detection unit 631, compared with the case of setting a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the miso juice on the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 and calculating the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 using the detected flow rate of the miso juice, it is easier to perform the hygiene management of the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52.

[0141] Specifically, in step S407, in the first juice body full supply mode, for the first time (specifically, when the user performs the first operation on the operation unit 8), the weight calculation module 907 calculates the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 by subtracting the difference between the total weight indicated by the weight information and the weight of the tableware pre-stored in the storage module 911 from the storage amount of the miso juice pre-stored in the storage module 911 (specifically, the storage amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31). In addition, the weight calculation module 907 outputs the calculated remaining amount of the miso juice to the determination module 909 and the storage module 911, and transfers to step S408. Further, the storage module 911 temporarily stores the remaining amount of the miso juice output from the weight calculation module 907.

[0142] In addition, in step S407, in the first juice body full supply mode, after the first time (specifically, when the user performs operations on the operation unit 8 after the first time), the weight calculation module 907 calculates the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 by subtracting the difference between the total weight indicated by the weight information and the weight of the tableware pre-stored in the storage module 911 from the remaining amount of the previous miso juice stored in the storage module 911 (specifically, the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31). In addition, the weight calculation module 907 outputs the calculated remaining amount of the miso juice to the determination module 909 and the storage module 911, and transfers to step S408.

[0143] Next, in step S408, in the first juice body full supply mode, the determination module 909 determines whether the remaining amount of the miso juice output from the weight calculation module 907 (specifically, the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31) is equal to or more than the amount for one cup of the tableware and less than the amount for two cups of the tableware.

[0144] In step S408, in the first juice body full supply mode, when the determination module 909 determines that the remaining amount of the miso juice is equal to or more than the amount for one cup of the tableware and less than the amount for two cups of the tableware (the case of "yes"), the first remaining amount notification indicating that the remaining amount of the miso juice is equal to or more than the amount for one cup of the tableware and less than the amount for two cups of the tableware is output to the mode control module 908, and the process transfers to step S409. On the other hand, in step S408, when the determination module 909 determines that the remaining amount of the miso juice is not equal to or more than the amount for one cup of the tableware and less than the amount for two cups of the tableware (the case of "no"), the process returns to step S401.

[0145] Next, in step S409, the mode control module 908 switches the first modulation storage unit 31 from the first juice liquid full supply mode to the first juice liquid partial supply mode according to the second remaining amount notification output from the determination module 909, outputs a switching notification for switching from the first juice liquid full supply mode to the first juice liquid partial supply mode to the valve control module 903, and transfers to step S410.

[0146] Here, while referring to Figure 8 , the first juice liquid partial supply mode of the first juice liquid supply mode will be described.

[0147] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of an operation unit that can be operated and a tube that can supply juice liquid in the first juice liquid partial supply mode of the first juice liquid supply mode.

[0148] As Figure 8 shown, in the first juice liquid full supply mode of the first juice liquid supply mode, the operation unit 8 sets the second dedicated operation button 82 and the common operation button 83 to inoperable (red lit) according to the control instruction of the operation unit 8 output from the operation button control module 906 of the control unit 9, and only sets the first dedicated operation button 81 to operable (green lit). Thereby, it is possible to prevent incorrect operations on the second dedicated operation button 82 and the common operation button 83 by the user in the first juice liquid partial supply mode.

[0149] In addition, the first juice liquid partial supply mode refers to a juice liquid supply mode in which the miso juice from the first modulation storage unit 31 can be supplied to a single food container only through a part of the tube 5 connected to the first modulation storage unit 31 (specifically, the first tube 51).

[0150] Next, in step S410, in the first juice liquid partial supply mode, the valve control module 903 generates a closing instruction for the second electromagnetic valve 72 to close the second electromagnetic valve 72 according to the switching notification output from the mode control module 908, and outputs the generated closing instruction for the second electromagnetic valve 72 to the second electromagnetic valve 72.

[0151] In addition, in the first juice liquid partial supply mode, the second electromagnetic valve 72 closes according to the closing instruction of the second electromagnetic valve 72 output from the valve control module 903, thereby stopping the miso juice supply by the second tube 52, and transfers to step S411. In this case, the second electromagnetic valve 72, the third electromagnetic valve 73, and the fourth electromagnetic valve 74 close the second tube 52, the third tube 53, and the fourth tube 54 respectively (refer to the gray part of Figure 8 ).

[0152] Accordingly, in the first juice portion supply mode, the miso soup from the first modulation storage unit 31 is not supplied to the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63 via the second pipe 52, but is only supplied to the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61 via the first pipe 51. Therefore, it is possible to reliably supply a cupful amount of miso soup from the first modulation storage unit 31 to the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61 via the first pipe 51. As a result, it is possible to prevent the following situation: more than a cupful amount but less than two cupful amounts of miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 are simultaneously supplied to a plurality of tableware via the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52, so that a cupful amount of miso soup that should be supplied to the tableware is not supplied.

[0153] Next, in step S411, in the first juice portion supply mode, the operation information acquisition module 904 of the control unit 9 acquires operation information corresponding to the operation of the first dedicated operation button 81 performed by the user, outputs the acquired operation information to the valve control module 903 of the control unit 9, and proceeds to step S412.

[0154] Next, in step S412, in the first juice portion supply mode, the valve control module 903 generates an opening instruction for the first electromagnetic valve 71 to open the first electromagnetic valve 71 corresponding to the operation information based on the operation information output from the operation information acquisition module 904, and outputs the generated opening instruction for the first electromagnetic valve 71 to the first electromagnetic valve 71. In addition, the first electromagnetic valve 71 opens according to the opening instruction for the first electromagnetic valve 71 output from the valve control module 903, thereby supplying the miso soup from the first modulation storage unit 31 to the tableware via the first pipe 51.

[0155] Next, in step S413, in the first juice portion supply mode, the first dedicated weight detection unit 611 detects the total weight of the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61 and the miso soup supplied to the tableware, outputs the detected total weight to the determination module 909, and proceeds to step S414.

[0156] Next, in step S414, in the first juice portion supply mode, the determination module 909 determines whether the total weight has reached a predetermined weight.

[0157] In addition, in step S414, in the first juice supply mode, when the determination module 909 determines that the total weight has reached the predetermined weight (in the case of "yes"), it outputs a completion notice indicating that the total weight has reached the predetermined weight to the valve control module 903, and outputs the weight information related to the total weight to the weight information acquisition module 905, and then proceeds to step S415. On the other hand, in step S414, when the determination module 909 determines that the total weight has not reached the predetermined weight (in the case of "no"), it returns to step S412.

[0158] Next, in the case of "yes" in step S414, in step S415, in the first juice supply mode, the valve control module 903 generates a closing command for the first electromagnetic valve 71 to close the first electromagnetic valve 71 according to the completion notice output from the determination module 909, and outputs the generated closing command for the first electromagnetic valve 71 to the first electromagnetic valve 71. In addition, the second electromagnetic valve 71 closes according to the closing command for the first electromagnetic valve 71 output from the valve control module 903, thereby stopping the miso juice supply performed by the first pipe 51, and proceeds to step S416. Thereby, the miso juice in the amount of one cup of the last tableware can be provided from the first modulation storage unit 31 to the tableware via the first pipe 51.

[0159] Next, in step S416, in the first juice supply mode, the weight information acquisition module 905 acquires the weight information output from the determination module 909, and outputs the acquired weight information to the weight calculation module 907 of the control unit 9.

[0160] In addition, the weight calculation module 907 calculates the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 according to the weight information output from the weight information acquisition module 905, and determines that the calculated remaining amount of the miso juice is less than the amount of one cup of the tableware. In addition, the weight calculation module 907 outputs a second remaining amount notice indicating that the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 is less than the amount of one cup of the tableware to the valve control module 903, and proceeds to step S417. That is, in the first juice supply mode, the detection performed by the first dedicated weight detection unit 611 is used to calculate the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31.

[0161] Next, in step S417, in the first juice supply mode, the valve control module 903 generates an opening command for the first electromagnetic valve 71 to open the first electromagnetic valve 71 according to the second remaining amount notice output from the weight information acquisition module 905, and outputs the generated opening command for the first electromagnetic valve 71 to the first electromagnetic valve 71.

[0162] In addition, the first electromagnetic valve 71 opens in accordance with the opening instruction of the first electromagnetic valve 71 output to the valve control module 903, thereby discharging (wasting) the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 (specifically, the miso juice in an amount less than one cup of tableware) from the first dedicated discharge port 612 of the first dedicated placement unit 61 via the first pipe 51. In addition, the first juice supply mode process (step S4) is ended, and the process returns to Figure 4 the operation process of the juice supply device 1 shown in

[0163] Thereby, without the need for the user to operate the first dedicated operation button 81 again, the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 can be automatically discharged from the first dedicated discharge port 612. As a result, the first modulation storage unit 31 is empty, and the mode control module 908 can switch the first modulation storage unit 31 from the first juice part supply mode of the first juice supply mode to the first automatic cleaning mode.

[0164] (Second transitional juice supply mode process)

[0165] Hereinafter, while referring to Figure 5A and Figure 9 , the second transitional juice supply mode process in the operation process of the juice supply device 1 will be described.

[0166] Figure 9 FIG. is a flowchart showing the second transitional juice supply mode process (step S9) in the operation process of the juice supply device 1.

[0167] As Figure 9 shown, first, in step S901, in the second transitional juice supply mode, the operation information acquisition module 904 acquires the operation information corresponding to the operation of the second dedicated operation button 82 performed by the user, outputs the acquired operation information to the valve control module 903, and transfers to step S902.

[0168] Next, in step S902, in the second transitional juice supply mode, the valve control module 903 generates an opening instruction for the third electromagnetic valve 73 to open the third electromagnetic valve 73 corresponding to the operation information according to the operation information output from the operation information acquisition module 904, and outputs the generated opening instruction for the third electromagnetic valve 73 to the third electromagnetic valve 73.

[0169] In addition, the third electromagnetic valve 73 opens according to the opening instruction of the third electromagnetic valve 73 output from the valve control module 903, thereby supplying only the miso juice from the second modulation storage unit 32 to the tableware via the third pipe 53, and transferring to step S903.

[0170] Next, in step S903, in the second transitional juice supply mode, the second dedicated weight detection unit 621 detects the total weight of the tableware placed on the second dedicated placement unit 62 and the miso soup supplied to the tableware, outputs the detected total weight to the determination module 909, and proceeds to step S904.

[0171] Next, in step S904, in the second transitional juice supply mode, the determination module 909 determines whether the total weight output from the second dedicated weight detection unit 621 reaches a predetermined weight (i.e., the weight of the miso soup for one cup of the tableware to be supplied).

[0172] In addition, in step S904, in the second transitional juice supply mode, when the determination module 909 determines that the total weight has reached the predetermined weight (the case of "yes"), the determination module 909 outputs an achievement notice notifying that the total weight has reached the predetermined weight to the valve control module 903, and outputs the weight information related to the total weight to the weight information acquisition module 905, and proceeds to step S905. On the other hand, in step S904, when the determination module 909 determines that the total weight has not reached the predetermined weight (the case of "no"), it returns to step S902.

[0173] Next, in the case of "yes" in step S904, in step S905, in the second transitional juice supply mode, the valve control module 903 generates a closing instruction for the third electromagnetic valve 73 to close the third electromagnetic valve 73 according to the achievement notice output from the determination module 909, and outputs the generated closing instruction for the third electromagnetic valve 73 to the third electromagnetic valve 73.

[0174] In addition, the third electromagnetic valve 73 closes according to the closing instruction for the third electromagnetic valve 73 output from the valve control module 903, thereby stopping the miso soup supply performed by the third pipe 53, and proceeds to step S906.

[0175] Next, in step S906, in the second transitional juice supply mode, the weight information acquisition module 905 acquires the weight information output from the determination module 909, outputs the acquired weight information to the weight calculation module 907 of the control unit 9, and proceeds to step S907.

[0176] Next, in step S907, in the second transitional juice supply mode, the weight calculation module 907 calculates the remaining amount of miso juice stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 based on the weight information output from the weight information acquisition module 905, outputs the calculated remaining amount of miso juice to the determination module 909, and proceeds to step S908. That is, in the second transitional juice supply mode, the detection performed by the second dedicated weight detection unit 621 is used to calculate the remaining amount of miso juice stored in the second modulation storage unit 32.

[0177] Thus, since in the second transitional juice supply mode, the remaining amount of miso juice stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 can be calculated using the total weight output from the second dedicated weight detection unit 621, compared with the case of providing flow sensors for detecting the flow rate of miso juice on the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 and calculating the remaining amount of miso juice stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 using the detected flow rate of miso juice, it is easier to perform the sanitation management of the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54.

[0178] Specifically, in step S907, in the second transitional juice supply mode, for the first time (specifically, when the user performs the first operation on the second dedicated operation button 82), the weight calculation module 907 calculates the remaining amount of miso juice stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 by subtracting the difference between the total weight indicated by the weight information and the weight of the tableware pre-stored in the storage module 911 from the storage amount of miso juice pre-stored in the storage module 911 (specifically, the storage amount of miso juice stored in the second modulation storage unit 32). In addition, the weight calculation module 907 outputs the calculated remaining amount of miso juice to the storage module 911, outputs a remaining amount calculation notification notifying the calculation of the remaining amount of miso juice to the time detection module 910, and proceeds to step S908. Further, the storage module 911 temporarily stores the remaining amount of miso juice output from the weight calculation module 907.

[0179] In addition, in step S907, in the second transitional juice supply mode, after the first time (specifically, when the user performs operations on the operation unit 8 after the first time), the weight calculation module 907 subtracts the difference between the total weight indicated by the weight information and the weight of the tableware pre-stored in the storage module 911 from the remaining amount of the previous miso juice stored in the storage module 911 (specifically, the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the second modulation storage unit 32), thereby calculating the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the second modulation storage unit 32. In addition, the weight calculation module 907 outputs the calculated remaining amount of the miso juice to the storage module 911, outputs a remaining amount calculation notification notifying the calculation of the remaining amount of the miso juice to the time detection module 910, and proceeds to step S908.

[0180] Next, in step S908, in the second transitional juice supply mode, the time detection module 910 detects the elapsed time of the second transitional juice supply mode based on the remaining amount calculation notification output from the weight calculation module 907. In addition, the time detection module 910 outputs the detected elapsed time of the second transitional juice supply mode to the determination module 909 and proceeds to step S909.

[0181] Next, in step S909, in the second transitional juice supply mode, the determination module 909 determines whether the elapsed time of the second transitional juice supply mode output from the time detection module 910 has passed a predetermined time (specifically, the time required for the first automatic cleaning mode) pre-stored in the storage module 911.

[0182] In addition, in step S909, in the second transitional juice supply mode, when the determination module 909 determines that the elapsed time of the second transitional juice supply mode has passed the predetermined time (the case of "yes"), it ends the second transitional juice supply mode process (step S9) and returns to Figure 4 the operation process of the juice supply device 1 shown. On the other hand, in step S909, in the second transitional juice supply mode, when the determination module 909 determines that the elapsed time of the second transitional juice supply mode has not passed the predetermined time (the case of "no"), it returns to step S901.

[0183] (Function and effect)

[0184] Hereinafter, the function and effect produced by this embodiment will be described.

[0185] The juice supply device 1 according to this embodiment includes: a first boiler 41 and a second boiler 42 that heat water to hot water; a modulation storage unit 3 that modulates and stores miso soup using the hot water heated by the first boiler 41 and the second boiler 42; a plurality of placement units 6 that are provided below the modulation storage unit 3; a plurality of pipes 5 that supply the miso soup in the modulation storage unit 3 to a plurality of tableware placed on the plurality of placement units 6 respectively; a valve unit 7 that opens and closes the plurality of pipes 5; and an operation unit 8 that operates the opening and closing of the valve unit 7.

[0186] According to this structure, the miso soup in a single modulation storage unit 3 can be simultaneously supplied to a plurality of tableware respectively placed on the plurality of placement units 6 via the plurality of pipes 5 connected to the modulation storage unit 3. As a result, even during the busy hours of a restaurant, the miso soup in a single modulation storage unit 3 can be quickly supplied to the tableware.

[0187] In addition, in this embodiment, the modulation storage unit 3 has a first modulation storage unit 31 and a second modulation storage unit 32, the plurality of placement units 6 have a first dedicated placement unit 61, a second dedicated placement unit 62, and a shared placement unit 63, and the pipes 5 include: a first pipe 51 that supplies the miso soup in the first modulation storage unit 31 to the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61; a second pipe 52 that supplies the miso soup in the first modulation storage unit 31 to the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63; a third pipe 53 that supplies the miso soup in the second modulation storage unit 32 to the tableware placed on the second dedicated placement unit 62; and a fourth pipe 54 that supplies the miso soup in the second modulation storage unit 32 to the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63.

[0188] According to this structure, by using the shared placement unit 63 in the placement unit 6, the miso soup from the second pipe 52 or the fourth pipe 54 can be reliably supplied to the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63. Therefore, the number of placement units 6 can be reduced. As a result, the simplification and compactification of the juice supply device 1 caused by the reduction in the number of placement units 6 can be achieved.

[0189] In addition, in the present embodiment, the juice supply device 1 further includes a control unit 9, and the valve unit 7 further includes: a first solenoid valve 71 provided in the first pipe 51 for opening and closing the first pipe 51; a second solenoid valve 72 provided in the second pipe 52 for opening and closing the second pipe 52; a third solenoid valve 73 provided in the third pipe 53 for opening and closing the third pipe 53; and a fourth solenoid valve 74 provided in the fourth pipe 54 for opening and closing the fourth pipe 54. The control unit 9 switches between a first juice supply mode in which miso soup is supplied by the first modulation storage unit 31 and a second juice supply mode in which miso soup is supplied by the second modulation storage unit 32 by controlling the first solenoid valve 71 and the second solenoid valve 72, or the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 to be normally closed.

[0190] In addition, the juice supply method according to the present embodiment is used in the above-described juice supply device 1 and includes: a step of controlling the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 to be normally closed by the control unit 9 in the first juice supply mode; and a step of controlling the first solenoid valve 71 and the second solenoid valve 74 to be normally closed by the control unit 9 in the second juice supply mode.

[0191] In addition, the program according to the present embodiment is used in the above-described juice supply device 1 and causes a computer to execute the following steps, that is, a step of controlling the third solenoid valve 73 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 to be normally closed by the control unit 9 in the first juice supply mode; and a step of controlling the first solenoid valve 71 and the second solenoid valve 74 to be normally closed by the control unit 9 in the second juice supply mode.

[0192] According to this configuration, by switching between the first juice supply mode and the second juice supply mode, it is possible to shift the timing of miso soup supply by the first modulation storage unit 31 and the timing of miso soup supply by the second modulation storage unit 32. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the coincidence of the timing when miso soup supply by the first modulation storage unit 31 cannot be performed and the timing when miso soup supply by the second modulation storage unit 32 cannot be performed. As a result, it is possible to avoid a temporary interruption of miso soup supply by the juice supply device 1.

[0193] In addition, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 8 includes: a first dedicated operation button 81, which is provided corresponding to the first dedicated placement unit 61 and operates to open the first electromagnetic valve 71; a second dedicated operation button 82, which is provided corresponding to the second dedicated placement unit 62 and operates to open the third electromagnetic valve 73; a common operation button 83, which is provided corresponding to the common placement unit 63 and operates to open the second electromagnetic valve 72 or the fourth electromagnetic valve 74. The first juice supply mode has a first all-juice supply mode in which the control unit 9 controls the first dedicated operation button 81 and the common operation button 83 to be operable and controls the second dedicated operation button 82 to be inoperable. The second juice supply mode has a second all-juice supply mode in which the control unit 9 controls the second dedicated operation button 82 and the common operation button 83 to be operable and controls the first dedicated operation button 81 to be inoperable. In the first all-juice supply mode, the second electromagnetic valve 72 is opened by operating the common operation button 83. In the second all-juice supply mode, the fourth electromagnetic valve 74 is opened by operating the common operation button 83.

[0194] According to this structure, the operation unit for operating the opening of the second electromagnetic valve 72 in the first all-juice supply mode and the operation unit for operating the opening of the fourth electromagnetic valve 74 in the second all-juice supply mode can be integrated into a single common operation button 83. As a result, simplification of the operation unit 8 composed of multiple operation buttons can be achieved.

[0195] In addition, the control unit 9 can prevent incorrect operation of the second dedicated operation button 82 by the user in the first all-juice supply mode and prevent incorrect operation of the first dedicated operation button 81 by the user in the second all-juice supply mode by setting the second dedicated operation button 82 to be inoperable in the first all-juice supply mode and setting the first dedicated operation button 81 to be inoperable in the second all-juice supply mode.

[0196] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first dedicated placement unit 61 has a first dedicated weight detection unit 611, the second dedicated placement unit 62 has a second dedicated weight detection unit 621, and the common placement unit 63 has a common weight detection unit 631. The control unit 9 calculates the remaining amount of the miso juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 based on the weight output from the first dedicated weight detection unit 611, the weight output from the second dedicated weight detection unit 621, or the weight output from the common weight detection unit 631.

[0197] According to this structure, since the remaining amount of the miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 can be calculated using the weights output from the first dedicated weight detection unit 611, the second dedicated weight detection unit 621, and the shared weight detection unit 631, compared with the case where a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the miso soup is provided on each pipe 5 and the remaining amount of the miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 is calculated using the detected flow rate of the miso soup, it is easier to perform the hygiene management of each pipe 5.

[0198] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 9 calculates the remaining amount of the miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 according to the weight output from the first dedicated weight detection unit 611 and the weight output from the shared weight detection unit 631 in the first juice supply mode, and calculates the remaining amount of the miso soup stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 according to the weight output from the second dedicated weight detection unit 621 and the weight output from the shared weight detection unit 631 in the second juice supply mode.

[0199] According to this structure, since in the first all-juice supply mode, the remaining amount of the miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 can be calculated using the total weight output from the first dedicated weight detection unit 611 and the shared weight detection unit 631, compared with the case where a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the miso soup is provided on the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 and the remaining amount of the miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 is calculated using the detected flow rate of the miso soup, it is easier to perform the hygiene management of the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52.

[0200] Similarly, since in the second transitional juice supply mode, the remaining amount of the miso soup stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 can be calculated using the total weight output from the second dedicated weight detection unit 621 and the shared weight detection unit 631, compared with the case where a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the miso soup is provided on the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54 and the remaining amount of the miso soup stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 is calculated using the detected flow rate of the miso soup, it is easier to perform the hygiene management of the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54.

[0201] In addition, in this way, the detection performed by the shared weight detection unit 631 is used to calculate both the remaining amount of the miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 and the remaining amount of the miso soup stored in the second modulation storage unit 32. Therefore, the weight detection units used in the calculation of the remaining amounts of different miso soups can be integrated into the shared weight detection unit 631. As a result, simplification of the components constituting the juice supply device 1 can be achieved.

[0202] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 9 determines whether the remaining amount of the juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 calculated is equal to or more than one cupful of the tableware and less than two cupfuls of the tableware. And, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 is equal to or more than one cupful of the tableware and less than two cupfuls of the tableware, the second solenoid valve 72 and the fourth solenoid valve 74 are controlled to be closed.

[0203] According to this structure, in the first juice partial supply mode, since the miso soup from the first modulation storage unit 31 is not supplied to the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63 via the second pipe 52, but is only supplied to the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61 via the first pipe 51, the miso soup of one cupful of the tableware can be reliably supplied from the first modulation storage unit 31 to the tableware placed on the first dedicated placement unit 61 via the first pipe 51. As a result, it is possible to prevent the situation where the miso soup of more than one cupful and less than two cupfuls of the tableware stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 is simultaneously supplied to a plurality of tablewares via the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52, and thus the miso soup of one cupful of the tableware to be supplied to the tableware is not supplied.

[0204] Similarly, in the second juice partial supply mode, since the miso soup from the second modulation storage unit 32 is not supplied to the tableware placed on the shared placement unit 63 via the fourth pipe 54, but is only supplied to the tableware placed on the second dedicated placement unit 62 via the third pipe 53, the miso soup of one cupful of the tableware can be reliably supplied from the second modulation storage unit 32 to the tableware placed on the second dedicated placement unit 62 via the third pipe 53. As a result, it is possible to prevent the situation where the miso soup of more than one cupful and less than two cupfuls of the tableware stored in the second modulation storage unit 32 is simultaneously supplied to a plurality of tablewares via the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54, and thus the miso soup of one cupful of the tableware to be supplied to the tableware is not supplied.

[0205] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first dedicated placement unit 61 further has a first dedicated discharge port 612 capable of discharging the juice from the first pipe 51, the second dedicated placement unit 62 further has a second dedicated discharge port 622 capable of discharging the juice from the third pipe 53, and the shared placement unit 63 further has a shared discharge port 632 capable of discharging the juice from the second pipe 52 and the juice from the fourth pipe 54. When the control unit 9 determines that the remaining amount of the juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 is less than the amount of one cup of tableware, the first solenoid valve 71 or the third solenoid valve 73 is controlled to be open so that the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 is empty, thereby discharging the juice stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 from the first dedicated discharge port 612 or the second dedicated discharge port 622.

[0206] According to this structure, without the need for the user to perform an additional operation on the first dedicated operation button 81 or the second dedicated operation button 82, the miso soup stored in the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 can be automatically discharged from the first dedicated discharge port 612 or the second dedicated discharge port 622. As a result, the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 is empty, and the control unit 9 (specifically, the mode control module 908) switches the first modulation storage unit 31 or the second modulation storage unit 32 from the first juice supply mode's first juice partial supply mode to the first automatic cleaning mode, or from the second juice supply mode's second juice partial supply mode to the second automatic cleaning mode.

[0207] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the first modulation storage unit 31 is empty, the control unit 9 switches the first modulation storage unit 31 from the first juice supply mode to the first automatic cleaning mode in which it performs its own cleaning, and when the second modulation storage unit 32 is empty, the control unit 9 switches the second modulation storage unit 32 from the second juice supply mode to the second automatic cleaning mode in which it performs its own cleaning.

[0208] According to this structure, when the first modulation storage unit 31 is empty, the control unit 9 automatically switches the first modulation storage unit 31 from the first juice supply mode to the first automatic cleaning mode in which it performs its own cleaning, and when the second modulation storage unit 32 is empty, the control unit 9 automatically switches the second modulation storage unit 32 from the second juice supply mode to the second automatic cleaning mode in which it performs its own cleaning. As a result, the operability of the juice supply device 1 can be improved.

[0209] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 9 controls the fourth solenoid valve 74 to be normally closed in the first automatic cleaning mode and controls the second solenoid valve 72 to be normally closed in the second automatic cleaning mode.

[0210] According to this structure, in the first automatic cleaning mode of the first modulation storage unit 31 (i.e., the second transitional juice supply mode of the second modulation storage unit 32), the supply of miso juice from the second modulation storage unit 32 to the food container via the fourth pipe 54 provided with the fourth electromagnetic valve 74 is stopped. Therefore, the cleaning water from the first modulation storage unit 31 can be discharged from the common discharge port 632 of the common placement unit 63 via the second pipe 52. As a result, not only can the first modulation storage unit 31 and the first pipe 51 connected to the first modulation storage unit 31 be reliably cleaned, but also the second pipe 52 connected to the first modulation storage unit 31 can be reliably cleaned.

[0211] Similarly, in the second automatic cleaning mode of the second modulation storage unit 32 (i.e., the first transitional juice supply mode of the first modulation storage unit 31), the supply of miso juice from the first modulation storage unit 31 to the food container via the second pipe 52 provided with the second electromagnetic valve 72 is stopped. Therefore, the cleaning water from the second modulation storage unit 32 can be discharged from the common discharge port 632 of the common placement unit 63 via the fourth pipe 54. As a result, not only can the second modulation storage unit 32 and the third pipe 53 connected to the second modulation storage unit 32 be reliably cleaned, but also the fourth pipe 54 connected to the second modulation storage unit 32 can be reliably cleaned.

[0212] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 9 controls the first electromagnetic valve 71 and the second electromagnetic valve 72 to be normally closed when the first automatic cleaning mode ends, and controls the third electromagnetic valve 73 and the fourth electromagnetic valve 74 to be normally closed when the second automatic cleaning mode ends.

[0213] According to this structure, by controlling the first electromagnetic valve 71 and the second electromagnetic valve 72 to be normally closed when the first automatic cleaning mode ends, the second modulation storage unit 32 is switched from the second transitional juice supply mode to the second full juice supply mode. Therefore, the miso juice from the second modulation storage unit 32 can be supplied to a plurality of food containers via the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54.

[0214] Similarly, by controlling the third electromagnetic valve 73 and the fourth electromagnetic valve 74 to be normally closed when the second automatic cleaning mode ends, the first modulation storage unit 31 is switched from the first transitional juice supply mode to the first full juice supply mode. Therefore, the miso juice from the first modulation storage unit 31 can be supplied to a plurality of food containers via the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52.

[0215] (Variant example)

[0216] Although in the above-described embodiment, the juice supply device 1 is configured as a standing type device erected on the floor, it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be configured as a desktop type device provided on a table.

[0217] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the pipes connected to the first modulation storage unit 31 and the pipes connected to the second modulation storage unit 32 are respectively constituted by the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 and the third pipe 53 and the fourth pipe 54. However, the pipes connected to the first modulation storage unit 31 and the pipes connected to the second modulation storage unit 32 are not limited thereto. For example, they may also be respectively constituted by three or more pipes and three or more pipes.

[0218] In this case, one of the pipes connected to the first modulation storage unit 31 and one of the pipes connected to the second modulation storage unit 32 are located above the common placement unit. In addition, a plurality of electromagnetic valves for opening and closing the plurality of pipes are provided on the plurality of pipes. Furthermore, a common operation button for operating the opening and closing of the two electromagnetic valves located above the common placement unit is provided corresponding to the common placement unit.

[0219] In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, the modulation storage unit 3 is constituted by the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32, it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be configured to have other modulation storage units in addition to the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32.

[0220] (Second Embodiment)

[0221] Hereinafter, the juice supply device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described while referring to Figure 10 . In addition, in the second embodiment, the description of the same points as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and mainly the points different from those in the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0222] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram showing the main part of the juice supply device 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0223] Although in the above-described embodiment, the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54 are provided so as to extend along the vertical direction, it is not limited thereto. For example, as Figure 10 shown, they may also be configured to each have: an upper vertical region 521, 541 that extends along the vertical direction; a lower vertical region 522, 542 that extends along the vertical direction; and an inclined region 523, 543 that connects the upper vertical region 521, 541 and the lower vertical region 522, 542 and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0224] In this case, the upper ends of the upper vertical regions 521 and 541 are respectively connected to the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32. A second electromagnetic valve 72 and a fourth electromagnetic valve 74 are respectively provided on the upper vertical regions 521 and 541. Since the interval between the upper vertical regions 521 and 541 is larger than the interval between the lower vertical regions 522 and 542, it is possible to easily provide the second electromagnetic valve 72 and the fourth electromagnetic valve 74, and to increase the degree of freedom in arranging the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32.

[0225] By providing inclined regions 523 and 543 between the upper vertical regions 521 and 541 and the lower vertical regions 522 and 542, the interval between the lower vertical regions 522 and 542 can be made smaller than the interval between the upper vertical regions 521 and 541. As a result, since the lower vertical regions 522 and 542 can be arranged to be closer to each other, even when the food container is not placed at the central position of the common placement unit 63, the miso soup from the first modulation storage unit 31 and the second modulation storage unit 32 can be supplied to the food container via the lower vertical regions 522 and 542.

[0226] Although in the above-described second embodiment, the second pipe 52 and the fourth pipe 54 are configured to both have inclined regions 523 and 543, it is not limited thereto, and it may be configured such that only any one of them has an inclined region.

[0227] As described above, although the present embodiment and each modification have been described, the above-described embodiment and each modification merely represent application examples of the present invention, and do not mean to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific structures of the above-described embodiment.

Claims

1. A juice supply device, comprising: A heating unit that heats water to hot water; A modulation storage unit that modulates and stores juice using the hot water heated by the heating unit; A plurality of placement units provided below the modulation storage unit; A plurality of supply paths that supply the juice in the modulation storage unit to a plurality of containers placed on the plurality of placement units respectively; A valve unit that opens and closes the plurality of supply paths; An operation unit that operates the opening and closing of the valve unit, wherein the modulation storage unit has a first modulation storage unit and a second modulation storage unit, the plurality of placement units have a first dedicated placement unit, a second dedicated placement unit, and a shared placement unit, the supply paths include: A first supply path that supplies the juice in the first modulation storage unit to the container placed on the first dedicated placement unit; A second supply path that supplies the juice in the first modulation storage unit to the container placed on the shared placement unit; A third supply path that supplies the juice in the second modulation storage unit to the container placed on the second dedicated placement unit; A fourth supply path that supplies the juice in the second modulation storage unit to the container placed on the shared placement unit.

2. The juice supply device according to claim 1, wherein, the juice supply device further includes a control unit, the valve unit further has: A first valve that is provided in the first supply path and opens and closes the first supply path; A second valve that is provided in the second supply path and opens and closes the second supply path; A third valve that is provided in the third supply path and opens and closes the third supply path; A fourth valve that is provided in the fourth supply path and opens and closes the fourth supply path, the control unit switches between controlling the first valve and the second valve to be normally closed and controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be normally closed, so as to switch between a first juice supply mode of juice supply implemented by the first modulation storage unit and a second juice supply mode of juice supply implemented by the second modulation storage unit.

3. The juice supply device according to claim 2, wherein, the operation unit has: A first dedicated operation part that is provided corresponding to the first dedicated placement unit and operates the opening of the first valve; A second dedicated operation part that is provided corresponding to the second dedicated placement unit and operates the opening of the third valve; A shared operation part that is provided corresponding to the shared placement unit and operates the opening of the second valve or the fourth valve, the first juice supply mode has a first all-juice supply mode in which the control unit controls the first dedicated operation part and the shared operation part to be operable and controls the second dedicated operation part to be inoperable, The second juice supply mode has a second juice full supply mode in which the control unit controls the second dedicated operation unit and the shared operation unit to be operable and controls the first dedicated operation unit to be inoperable. In the first juice full supply mode, the second valve is opened by operating the shared operation unit. In the second juice full supply mode, the fourth valve is opened by operating the shared operation unit.

4. The juice supply device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first dedicated placement part has a first dedicated weight detection part. the second dedicated placement part has a second dedicated weight detection part. the shared placement part has a shared weight detection part. The control unit calculates the remaining amount of the juice stored in the first modulation storage part or the second modulation storage part based on the weight output from the first dedicated weight detection part, the weight output from the second dedicated weight detection part, or the weight output from the shared weight detection part.

5. The juice supply device according to claim 4, wherein The control unit calculates the remaining amount of the juice stored in the first modulation storage part based on the weight output from the first dedicated weight detection part and the weight output from the shared weight detection part in the first juice supply mode. And in the second juice supply mode, it calculates the remaining amount of the juice stored in the second modulation storage part based on the weight output from the second dedicated weight detection part and the weight output from the shared weight detection part.

6. The juice supply device according to claim 4, wherein The control unit determines whether the calculated remaining amount of the juice stored in the first modulation storage part or the second modulation storage part is equal to or more than one cup of the container and less than two cups of the container, and when it is determined that the remaining amount of the juice stored in the first modulation storage part or the second modulation storage part is equal to or more than one cup of the container and less than two cups of the container, it controls the second valve and the fourth valve to be closed.

7. The juice supply device according to claim 5, wherein The control unit determines whether the calculated remaining amount of the juice stored in the first modulation storage part or the second modulation storage part is equal to or more than one cup of the container and less than two cups of the container, and when it is determined that the remaining amount of the juice stored in the first modulation storage part or the second modulation storage part is equal to or more than one cup of the container and less than two cups of the container, it controls the second valve and the fourth valve to be closed.

8. The juice supply device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first dedicated placement part further has a first dedicated discharge port capable of discharging the juice from the first supply path. the second dedicated placement part further has a second dedicated discharge port capable of discharging the juice from the third supply path. The common placement unit further has a common discharge port capable of discharging the juice from the second supply path and the juice from the fourth supply path. When the control unit determines that the remaining amount of the juice stored in the first modulation storage unit or the second modulation storage unit is less than the amount of one cup of the container, the control unit controls the first valve or the third valve to be open by emptying the first modulation storage unit or the second modulation storage unit, so as to discharge the juice stored in the first modulation storage unit or the second modulation storage unit from the first dedicated discharge port or the second dedicated discharge port.

9. The juice supply device according to claim 8, wherein When the first modulation storage unit is empty, the control unit switches the first modulation storage unit from the first juice supply mode to the first automatic cleaning mode in which the control unit performs cleaning by itself. And when the second modulation storage unit is empty, the control unit switches the second modulation storage unit from the second juice supply mode to the second automatic cleaning mode in which the control unit performs cleaning by itself.

10. The juice supply device according to claim 9, wherein In the first automatic cleaning mode, the control unit controls the fourth valve to be normally closed. And in the second automatic cleaning mode, the control unit controls the second valve to be normally closed.

11. The juice supply device according to claim 10, wherein When the first automatic cleaning mode ends, the control unit controls the first valve and the second valve to be normally closed. And when the second automatic cleaning mode ends, the control unit controls the third valve and the fourth valve to be normally closed.

12. A juice supply method, which is used in the juice supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein, Comprising: In the first juice supply mode, a step of controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be normally closed by using the control unit; In the second juice supply mode, a step of controlling the first valve and the second valve to be normally closed by using the control unit.

13. A computer program product comprising a program used in the operation of the liquid supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein, The program causes the computer to execute the following steps, that is, In the first juice supply mode, a step of controlling the third valve and the fourth valve to be normally closed by using the control unit; In the second juice supply mode, a step of controlling the first valve and the second valve to be normally closed by using the control unit.

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