Beverage supply device

Abstract

To provide a beverage supply device capable of providing a reliable and safe beverage to a user by surely executing a predetermined cleaning mode using a predetermined cleaning agent at predetermined timing.SOLUTION: A beverage supply device 1 comprises: a control unit 30 that executes a cleaning mode which supplies a cleaning agent to clean a fluid channel 26; a cleaning agent container 34 that is filled with the cleaning agent, and has a record holding body 38; and a reading unit 36 that reads information from the record holding body 38 and transmits the information to the control unit 30. The record holding body 38 holds individual information B1 of the cleaning agent container 34, type information A1 of the cleaning agent, an expiration date C1 of the cleaning agent, and information of a content amount D1 of the cleaning agent. The control unit 30 stores a type table TB1, determines whether or not the type information A1 read by the reading unit 36 matches type information A0 which is an initial value recorded in the type table TB1, and does not permit execution of the cleaning mode when the type information A1 and A0 do not match.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage supply device, and more particularly to a beverage supply device having a flow path through which a liquid for beverages flows.

Background Art

[0002] A beverage supply device, such as a coffee machine, has a flow path through which a liquid for beverages, such as coffee liquid or milk mixed with coffee liquid, flows. Components of the liquid adhering to the flow path, such as coffee components or milk components, may deteriorate over time. For example, the deteriorated coffee component has an oxidized odor, which impairs the flavor of the coffee liquid flowing through the flow path. In addition, the deteriorated milk component causes microorganisms to multiply in the flow path.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a coffee machine in which a cleaning bottle is permanently installed in a milk cooler. The milk cooler has a refrigerator for storing milk at a low temperature and is provided in a milk supply unit. Further, a milk line for transferring the refrigerated milk to the cup side is provided, and the milk line is cleaned with a cleaning agent sent from the cleaning bottle. A cleaning bottle storage portion for permanently storing the cleaning bottle is formed in the milk cooler.

[0004] In addition, the cleaning bottle is formed with an insertion port for inserting a cleaning agent suction tube, a cleaning agent inlet, a supply port, and a drain port. Thus, it is said that by simply having an operator pour the cleaning agent into the cleaning bottle, the preparation (dilution / generation) of the cleaning agent and the cleaning operation can be automatically performed without removing the cleaning bottle from the milk cooler.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the beverage supply device of Patent Document 1, the cleaning agent is manually input by the operator at an arbitrary timing. Therefore, there is no means for confirming whether the cleaning agent has actually been input at an appropriate timing. Further, it is possible to end the cleaning mode of the flow path without inputting the cleaning agent due to the act or omission of the operator. Further, since the operator can input a cleaning agent other than the regular cleaning agent, it is impossible to confirm whether an appropriate cleaning mode has been executed with the regular cleaning agent.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a user with a safe and secure beverage by reliably executing a predetermined cleaning mode using a predetermined cleaning agent at a predetermined timing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a beverage supply device of the present invention is a beverage supply device including a flow path through which a liquid for beverages flows, and includes a control unit that executes a cleaning mode for cleaning the flow path by supplying a cleaning agent to the flow path, a cleaning agent container filled with the cleaning agent and having a recording medium, and a reading unit that reads information from the recording medium and transmits the information to the control unit. The recording medium holds individual information of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container, variety information of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container, the expiration date of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container, and information on the content volume of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container. The control unit stores a variety table in which variety information serving as an initial value of a cleaning agent usable in the beverage supply device is recorded, determines whether the variety information read by the reading unit matches the variety information serving as the initial value recorded in the variety table, and does not permit the execution of the cleaning mode when the variety information does not match.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the beverage supply device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a user with a safe and secure beverage by reliably executing a predetermined cleaning mode using a predetermined cleaning agent at a predetermined timing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a beverage supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an internal configuration diagram of the beverage supply device 1. The beverage supply device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a coffee machine that provides coffee ground from coffee beans to a user, and includes a raw material container 2, a grinder 4, an extractor 6, and a drip pan 8 in order from above. Coffee beans are put into the raw material container 2, and the coffee beans that have fallen from the raw material container 2 are ground by the grinder 4 to become coffee powder and fall into the extractor 6.

[0012] The extractor 6 is connected to a hot water flow path 10, and the hot water flow path 10 is provided with a hot water boiling unit 12 and a hot water control valve 14 in order from the upstream side in the flow direction of the hot water. The extractor 6 is supplied with hot water boiled by the hot water boiling unit 12 and controlled to an appropriate amount by the hot water control valve 14. In the extractor 6, coffee is extracted by pouring hot water onto coffee powder. At the same time as the extraction of coffee, the extraction pump 18 described later rotates in reverse to send air from the bottom surface of the extractor 6, and bubbles are raised in the hot water to stir the coffee powder and the hot water.

[0013] Also, a filter (not shown) is installed between the extractor 6 and the drip pan 8. The coffee liquid extracted by the extractor 6 passes through the filter and is separated from the coffee powder, and then moves to the drip pan 8. An extraction path 16 for the coffee liquid is connected to the drip pan 8, and the extraction path 16 is provided with an extraction pump 18 and a pouring nozzle 20 in order from the upstream side in the flow direction of the coffee liquid.

[0014] A cup chamber 24 on which a cup 22 is placed when providing coffee to the user is provided directly below the pouring nozzle 20. The cup 22 placed in the cup chamber 24 is supplied with the coffee liquid sucked by the extraction pump 18 from the drip pan 8 and discharged from the pouring nozzle 20. The user can take out the cup 22 supplied with the coffee liquid from the cup chamber 24 and enjoy the coffee.

[0015] Here, the extractor 6, the drip pan 8, and the extraction path 16 including the extraction pump 18 and the pouring nozzle 20 are defined as a series of flow paths 26 that can be in contact with a liquid for beverages, that is, coffee liquid. The coffee components adhering to the flow path 26 may deteriorate over time. Since the deteriorated coffee components have an oxidized odor, the flavor of the coffee liquid flowing through the flow path 26 is impaired. Therefore, the beverage supply device 1 is provided with a flow path cleaning system 28 for periodically and automatically cleaning the flow path 26.

[0016] The flow path cleaning system 28 includes a control unit 30, a cleaning agent flow path 32, a cleaning agent container 34, a cleaning agent pump 42, a cleaning agent control valve 44, and a reading unit 36. The control unit 30 includes a microprocessor and a memory, etc., and executes a cleaning mode for cleaning the flow path 26 by supplying a cleaning agent to the flow path 26. The cleaning agent container 34 is filled with a liquid cleaning agent, and a seal with a barcode (recording medium) 38 printed thereon is attached. The barcode 38 is, for example, a two-dimensional code as shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] The reading unit 36 is electrically connected to the control unit 30, reads information from the barcode 38, and transmits the read information of the barcode 38 to the control unit 30. The reading unit 36 is a barcode reader, and in the case of this embodiment, it is positioned at the storage position 40 of the cleaning agent container 34 inside the beverage supply device 1, and the barcode 38 can be automatically read simply by installing (loading) the cleaning agent container 34 at the storage position 40.

[0018] Also, the cleaning agent flow path 32 is connected to the extractor 6, and in the cleaning agent flow path 32, a cleaning agent container 34, a cleaning agent pump 42, and a cleaning agent control valve 44 are provided in order from the upstream side in the flow direction of the cleaning agent. The cleaning agent pump 42 and the cleaning agent control valve 44 are electrically connected to the control unit 30. When the cleaning mode is executed, the control unit 30 sucks the cleaning agent from the cleaning agent container 34 with the cleaning agent pump 42 and supplies the cleaning agent controlled to an appropriate amount by the cleaning agent control valve 44 to the extractor 6. In addition, the above-mentioned boiling unit 12, hot water control valve 14, extractor 6, and extraction pump 18 are also electrically connected to the control unit 30, and these perform various operations according to the commands of the control unit 30.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the cleaning mode. When the cleaning mode is started, first, a predetermined amount of cleaning agent is supplied to the extractor 6 through the cleaning agent flow path 32 (step S1), and then, a predetermined amount of hot water is supplied to the extractor 6 through the hot water flow path 10 (step S2). Next, the extraction pump 18 is reversely operated to send air from the bottom surface of the extractor 6 and raise bubbles in the mixed liquid of the cleaning agent and the hot water, thereby stirring the cleaning agent and the hot water (step S3). As a result, a cleaning liquid in which the cleaning agent is dissolved in the hot water is formed.

[0020] Next, by normally operating the extraction pump 18, a part of the cleaning agent formed in step S3 is filled in the flow path 26 including the extraction path 16 leading from the extractor 6 to the pouring nozzle 20 (step S4). Next, the flow path 26 filled with the cleaning agent is left standing for a predetermined time (step S5). Thereby, the decomposition and peeling of the coffee components adhering to the flow path 26 are promoted. Next, by normally operating the extraction pump 18, the total amount of the cleaning agent composed of the cleaning agent filling the flow path 26 and the cleaning agent remaining in the extractor 6 is discharged from the pouring nozzle 20 (step S6).

[0021] Next, by operating the hot water boiling unit 12 and the hot water control valve 14, hot water is supplied to the extractor 6 (step S7). Next, the extraction pump 18 is reversely operated to send air from the bottom surface of the extractor 6 and raise bubbles in the hot water liquid, thereby stirring the hot water (step S8). As a result, the cleaning agent adhering to the inner wall surface of the extractor 6 is dissolved and diluted in the hot water. Next, by normally operating the extraction pump 18, the total amount of the hot water stored in the extractor 6 is discharged from the pouring nozzle 20 (step S9). Next, it is determined whether or not steps S7, S8, and S9 have been completed a predetermined number of times (N times) (step S10). When the determination result is No and steps S7, S8, and S9 have not been completed N times, the process returns to step S7 again. On the other hand, when the determination result is Yes and steps S7, S8, and S9 have been completed N times, the cleaning mode is terminated.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a conceptual diagram representing the information held by the barcode 38. The barcode 38 holds information such as the type information A of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container 34, the individual information B of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container 34, the expiration date C of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container 34, and the content volume D of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container 34. These pieces of information are transmitted to the control unit 30 by being read by the reading unit 36.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a configuration diagram of the control unit 30, FIG. 5 shows a table representing the information of the type table TB1 stored in the control unit 30, FIG. 6 shows a table representing the information of the record table TB2 stored in the control unit 30, and FIG. 7 shows a table representing the information of the history table TB3 stored in the control unit 30, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, the initial value A0 of the type information A of the cleaning agent that can be used in the beverage supply device 1 is registered in advance in the type table TB1. Specifically, in the memory of the control unit 30, the type information A designated for the beverage supply device 1 is registered in advance at the time of manufacturing the beverage supply device 1.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 6, the type information A of the cleaning agent, the individual information B of the cleaning agent, the expiration date C of the cleaning agent, the content volume D of the cleaning agent, the usage limit date E of the cleaning agent, the available usage times F of the cleaning agent, the cleaning times G, and the cleaning start date H are recorded in the record table TB2. The values of the type information A, the individual information B, the expiration date C, and the content volume D recorded in the record table TB2 are the read values when the barcode 38 is read by the reading unit 36.

[0025] The usage limit date E is a calculated value obtained by adding the available usage times F (assuming that the cleaning mode is executed once a day) to the cleaning start date H. The available usage times F is a calculated value obtained by dividing the content volume D by K (the usage amount of the cleaning agent per cleaning). Note that the usage amount K per time is set to the standard value (average value) or the minimum value of the usage amount of the cleaning agent per cleaning. The cleaning times G is the number of executions of the cleaning mode and is incremented every time the cleaning mode is executed.

[0026] The cleaning start date H is the date when the cleaning mode is executed for the first time and is recorded. Based on each piece of information thus recorded in the recording table TB2, the control unit 30 executes the cleaning mode. Further, when a plurality of beverage supply devices 1 are operated in the same store, the information in the plurality of recording tables TB2 stored in the control units 30 of the respective beverage supply devices 1 is shared with each other by wireless or wired communication. Thereby, it is possible to grasp collectively the execution status of the cleaning mode of each beverage supply device 1, the usage status of the cleaning agent, and the like.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 7, in the history table TB3, the history of the type information A of the cleaning agent used, the individual information BX (1, 2, ···, X) associated therewith, and the cleaning start date HX (1, 2, ···, X) is recorded. Here, X is the number of times the barcode 38 is read by the reading unit 36, and the initial value of X is "0".

[0028] FIG. 8 shows the first half of a flowchart for explaining the sequence of enabling or disabling the cleaning mode, and FIG. 9 shows the remaining part of the flowchart of FIG. 8. The beverage supply device 1 is provided with a water cleaning button and a cleaning agent cleaning button (not shown). When the cleaning agent cleaning button is selected and pressed to start the cleaning mode of the present embodiment using the cleaning agent, first, a cleaning start instruction is given in the control unit 30 (step S11). Next, it is determined whether the type information A recorded in the recording table TB2 of the control unit 30 matches the initial value A0 recorded in the type table TB1 (A = A0) (step S12).

[0029] When the determination result is No and A = A0 does not hold, the cleaning start instruction is canceled (step S21), and the individual information B at this time is recorded in the history table TB3 (step S22). On the other hand, when the determination result is Yes and A = A0 holds, the individual information B recorded in the recording table TB2 of the control unit 30 is collated with all the individual information BX recorded in the history table TB3, and it is determined whether the individual information B does not match any of the individual information BX (B ≠ BX) (step S13).

[0030] When the determination result is No and B≠BX does not hold, that is, when the individual information B is already the information recorded in the history table TB3 and there are suspicions such as reuse of the detergent container 34 or barcode copying, the process proceeds to steps S21 and S22 described above in order. On the other hand, when the determination result is Yes and B≠BX holds, it is determined whether the expiration date C recorded in the record table TB2 of the control unit 30 is after the execution date of the cleaning mode (C≧Today) (step S14). When the determination result is No and C≧Today does not hold, the process proceeds to steps S21 and S22 in order. On the other hand, when the determination result is Yes and C≧Today holds, it is determined whether there is a record of the cleaning start date H in the record table TB2 of the control unit 30 (H=Null) (step S15).

[0031] When the determination result is No and H=Null does not hold, since there is already a record of the cleaning start date H in the record table TB2 of the control unit 30, the process proceeds to step S17 described later. On the other hand, when the determination result is Yes and H=Null holds, the control unit 30 records in the record table TB2 that the cleaning start date H is the execution date of the cleaning mode (H=Today) (step S16). Then, next, it is determined whether the usage limit date E is after the execution date of the cleaning mode (E≧Today) (step S17).

[0032] When the determination result is No and E≧Today does not hold, the process proceeds to steps S21 and S22 in order. On the other hand, when the determination result is Yes and E≧Today holds, it is determined whether the number of cleaning times G is less than the available number of times F (G<F) (step S18). When the determination result is No and G<F does not hold, that is, when the number of cleaning times G is not less than the available number of times F, that is, when the number of cleaning times G is greater than or equal to the available number of times F, the cleaning mode will be executed exceeding the available number of times F in the next execution of the cleaning mode.

[0033] Therefore, in order to prevent such a situation, the process proceeds to steps S21 and S22 in sequence. On the other hand, when the determination result is Yes and G < F holds, next, cleaning is executed (step S19), and after counting up the number of cleaning times G (G = G + 1) (step S20), the cleaning mode is terminated. On the other hand, after the cleaning start instruction is canceled in step S21 and the individual information B is recorded in the history table TB3 in step S22, the loading of a new detergent container 34 or the start of replacement of a new detergent container 34 is displayed and commanded on the display unit of the beverage supply device 1 (steps S23, see FIG. 9 via "1").

[0034] Next, a display "Please read the barcode" is made on the display unit (step S24). Note that the detergent container 34 is not replaced next until the content volume D of the detergent becomes less than the single-use amount K of the detergent described above. Next, when the information reading of the barcode 38 by the reading unit 36 is started (step S25), a display "Reading" is made (step S26). Next, it is determined whether the information of the barcode 38 has been read (step S27). When the determination result is No and the information reading is not performed, the process proceeds to step S28.

[0035] On the other hand, when the determination result is Yes and the information reading has been performed, the process proceeds to step S29. In step S28, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. When the determination result is No and the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S27 again to attempt to determine whether the information has been read. On the other hand, when the determination result is Yes and the predetermined time has elapsed, next, the number of times of information reading is counted up (N = N + 1) (step S35), and it is determined whether the count number is a predetermined number, for example, 3 times or less (N ≤ 3) (step S36). When the determination result is No and the count number of information reading is not 3 times or less, that is, when it is the fourth time, it is determined that an error of unreadable information has occurred because the allowable number of reading times has been exceeded, and the cleaning mode is terminated (shift to FIG. 8 via "3").

[0036] On the one hand, when the determination result is Yes and the count of information reading is 3 times or less, to retry the information reading of barcode 38 by the reading unit 36 from the beginning, it proceeds to step S23 and executes each of the above-described procedures again. Retrospectively, when it is determined in step S27 that the information reading of barcode 38 by the reading unit 36 has been performed normally, it is determined whether the variety information A1 read by the reading unit 36 matches the initial value A0 of the variety information A recorded in the variety table TB1 (A1 = A0) (step S29).

[0037] When the determination result is No and A1 = A0 does not hold, next, a display of "Please prepare a new cleaning agent" is made (step S34), and it proceeds to step S35 described above. On the one hand, when the determination result is Yes and A1 = A0 holds, next, the individual information B1 read by the reading unit 36 is compared with all the individual information BX recorded in the history table TB3, and it is determined whether the individual information B1 does not match any of the individual information BX (B1 ≠ BX) (step S30).

[0038] When the determination result is No and B1 ≠ BX does not hold, it proceeds to steps S34 and S35 described above in sequence. On the one hand, when the determination result is Yes and B1 ≠ BX holds, next, it is determined whether the expiration date C1 read by the reading unit 36 is after the execution date of the cleaning mode (C1 ≥ Today) (step S31). When the determination result is No and C1 ≥ Today does not hold, it proceeds to steps S34 and S35 in sequence.

[0039] On the one hand, when the determination result is Yes and C1 ≥ Today holds, next, in step S32, each information read by the reading unit 36 is recorded in the table TB2 with the variety information A = A1, individual information B = B1, expiration date C = C1, and content volume D = D1. Further, information on the available number of times F (= D / K), which is a calculated value, is recorded in the table TB2. Furthermore, since a new cleaning agent container 34 is set, each information of the cleaning count G = 0 and the cleaning start date H = Null is recorded in the table TB2.

[0040] Next, it is determined whether to continue the cleaning or not based on whether the cleaning agent cleaning button described above is pressed (step S33). If the determination result is Yes and cleaning is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S11 and the above-described procedures are executed (transition to FIG. 8 via "2"). On the other hand, if the determination result is No and cleaning is not to be continued, the cleaning mode is terminated (transition to FIG. 8 via "3").

[0041] As described above, in the beverage supply device 1 of the present embodiment, a barcode 38 is attached to the cleaning agent container 34 filled with the cleaning agent, and the information of the barcode 38 is read by the reading unit 36 and transmitted to the control unit 30. The barcode 38 holds information on the type information A1 of the cleaning agent, the individual information B1 of the cleaning agent, the expiration date C1 of the cleaning agent, and the content volume D1 of the cleaning agent. The control unit 30 stores a type table TB1 in which the type information A0 serving as the initial value of the cleaning agent usable in the beverage supply device 1 is recorded.

[0042] Then, it is determined whether the type information A1 read by the reading unit 36 matches the type information A0 which is the initial value recorded in the type table TB1. When these type information A1 and A0 do not match, the cleaning mode is terminated and execution of the cleaning mode is not permitted. As a result, an appropriate cleaning mode can be executed using the compensated regular cleaning agent, so that a safe and secure beverage can be provided to the user.

[0043] Further, the control unit 30 stores a record table TB2 in which the information on the individual information B1 of the cleaning agent, the expiration date C1 of the cleaning agent, and the content volume D1 of the cleaning agent read by the reading unit 36 is recorded, and executes the cleaning mode based on the information recorded in the record table TB2.

[0044] By managing such individual detergent containers 34 and detergent information in the record table TB2, it becomes possible to surely execute a predetermined washing mode at a predetermined timing using a predetermined detergent filled in a predetermined detergent container 34. Therefore, since there is no room for the operator's intentional or non-intentional work, and an appropriate washing mode can be surely executed, it is possible to surely provide a safe and secure beverage to the user.

[0045] In addition, the control unit 30 records information on the available number of times F of the detergent, the number of washing times G which is the number of times the washing mode has been executed, and the washing start date H when the washing mode was first executed in the record table TB2. As a result, it becomes possible to execute the washing mode more systematically at a predetermined timing from the second time onwards.

[0046] In addition, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the individual information B1 read by the reading unit 36 matches the individual information BX recorded in the record table TB2. When the individual information B1 and BX match, the control unit 30 ends the washing mode and does not permit the execution of the washing mode. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the reuse of the detergent container 34 and the copying of barcodes between different beverage supply devices 1.

[0047] In addition, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the expiration date C1 read by the reading unit 36 is after the execution date of the washing mode. When the expiration date C1 is not after the execution date of the washing mode, the control unit 30 ends the washing mode and does not permit the execution of the washing mode. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the use of a detergent whose expiration date C1 has passed.

[0048] Also, when assuming that the cleaning mode is executed once a day, the control unit 30 calculates the usage limit date E of the cleaning agent by adding the available number of times F to the cleaning start date H, and records it in the record table TB2. Then, the control unit 30 determines whether the usage limit date E recorded in the record table TB2 is after the execution date of the cleaning mode. When the usage limit date E is not after the execution date of the cleaning mode, the control unit 30 ends the cleaning mode and does not permit the execution of the cleaning mode. Thereby, it is possible to prevent in advance the execution of the cleaning mode exceeding the available number of times F.

[0049] Also, the control unit 30 determines whether the number of cleaning times G is less than the available number of times F. When the number of cleaning times G is not less than the available number of times F, the control unit 30 ends the cleaning mode and does not permit the execution of the cleaning mode. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a situation where the number of cleaning times G becomes equal to or more than the available number of times, and the cleaning mode is executed exceeding the available number of times F, for example, the cleaning mode is executed even when the cleaning agent is insufficient.

[0050] Also, when the control unit 30 does not permit the execution of the cleaning mode in each of the above-described determinations, it instructs the loading of a new cleaning agent container 34 or the start of replacement with a new cleaning agent container. Thereby, when the cleaning agent is insufficient, it is possible to quickly replace it with a new cleaning agent container 34, and it is also possible to quickly replace the cleaning agent container 34 that has run out of the cleaning agent or the cleaning agent container 34 filled with an inappropriate cleaning agent with a new cleaning agent container 34. Therefore, it is possible to surely execute the cleaning mode at a predetermined timing as originally planned.

[0051] Also, when a plurality of beverage supply devices 1 are operated in the same store, the information of the plurality of record tables TB2 stored in the control units 30 of the plurality of beverage supply devices 1 is shared with each other. Thereby, since it is possible to grasp collectively the execution status of the cleaning mode and the usage status of the cleaning agent of each beverage supply device 1, it is possible to perform the execution of the cleaning mode in each beverage supply device 1 more efficiently.

[0052] The description of the embodiments of the present invention ends above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the recording table TB2, instead of the number of cleaning times G shown in FIG. 6, the total integrated usage amount G' of the cleaning agent may be recorded. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, instead of steps S18 and S20 shown in FIG. 8, steps S18' and S20' are executed respectively.

[0053] In step S18', the control unit 30 sets the current usage amount L of the cleaning agent when executing the cleaning mode this time (on the current day), and subtracts the total integrated usage amount G' of the cleaning agent from the content amount D of the cleaning agent to calculate the remaining amount (D - G') of the cleaning agent. Note that the current usage amount L of the cleaning agent can be set to several times (N times) the single usage amount K described above, and the current usage amount L can be registered in the recording table TB2 in advance so that an appropriate current usage amount L can be appropriately selected from the recording table TB2.

[0054] Then, the control unit 30 determines whether the current usage amount L of the cleaning agent is less than or equal to the remaining amount (D - G') of the cleaning agent. When the current usage amount L is not less than or equal to the remaining amount (D - G'), the cleaning mode is terminated and the execution of the cleaning mode is not permitted. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a situation where the cleaning mode is executed despite the shortage of the cleaning agent. Note that after step S18', cleaning is executed (step S19), and after integrating the current usage amount L into the total integrated usage amount G' (G' = G' + L) (step S20'), the cleaning mode is terminated. Since the remaining part of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is the same as that in FIG. 9, illustration and description are omitted.

[0055] Also, the flow path cleaning system 28 shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning mode shown in FIG. 2, and the sequence for determining whether to execute the cleaning mode shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11 are not limited to coffee machines, but are applicable to a milk unit that supplies milk to coffee liquid, and devices that manufacture and supply various other beverages. Further, the configurations of the beverage supply device 1, the flow path cleaning system 28, and the sequence for determining whether to execute the cleaning mode are not strictly limited to the above embodiments.

[0056] For example, a cancel button (not shown) may be provided on the beverage supply device 1, and by pressing this button at an arbitrary timing, the execution permission sequence of the cleaning mode may be forcibly terminated. Further, in the variety table TB1, information other than the initial value A0 of the variety information may be registered as needed afterwards, or the variety information that is no longer used may be deleted. The method of registering information in this case can be manual registration at the installation location of the beverage supply device 1, or automatic registration and update via wired or wireless communication.

[0057] Also, in the above embodiment, the reading unit 36 is provided at the storage position 40 of the cleaning agent container 34 inside the beverage supply device 1. However, it is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 12, the reading unit 36 may be provided on the outer surface of the beverage supply device 1, for example, at the lower part of a display unit (or display) 46 that displays product samples.

[0058] Also, if the barcode 38 can be uniquely managed with each cleaning agent container 34, it may be printed on an object other than the cleaning agent container 34, such as a management sheet like a receipt, and used. Also, if information can be recorded, held, and read, a recording and holding body other than the barcode 38 (for example, an RFID tag or an IC tag) may be attached to the cleaning agent container 34. Also, if the reading unit 36 can read the information of the recording and holding body, it may be, for example, a camera other than a barcode reader or a reader adapted to the recording and holding body.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0059] 1 Beverage supply device 26 Flow path 30 Control unit 34 Cleaning agent container 36 Reading unit 38 Barcode (recording and holding body) A0 Initial value of variety information A, A1 Variety information B, B1 Individual information C, C1 Expiration date D, D1 Content Volume E Expiration Date for Use F Number of Usable Times G Number of Washing Times G' Total Accumulated Usage H Washing Start Date K Usage per Time L Current Usage Remaining Quantity of D - G’ TB1 Variety Table TB2 Record Table

Claims

1. A beverage supply device having a flow path through which a liquid for beverages flows, comprising: a control unit that executes a cleaning mode for cleaning the flow path by supplying a cleaning agent to the flow path; a cleaning agent container filled with the cleaning agent and having a recording medium; a reading unit that reads information from the recording medium and transmits the information to the control unit. The beverage supply device is characterized in that: the recording medium holds individual information of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container, variety information of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container, the expiration date of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container, and information on the content volume of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container; the control unit stores a variety table in which variety information serving as an initial value of the cleaning agent usable in the beverage supply device is recorded, determines whether the variety information read by the reading unit matches the variety information serving as the initial value recorded in the variety table, and when the variety information does not match, does not permit execution of the cleaning mode.

2. The beverage supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores a recording table in which the individual information, the expiration date, and the information on the content volume read by the reading unit are recorded, and executes the cleaning mode based on the information recorded in the recording table.

3. The beverage supply device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit records in the recording table the number of times the cleaning agent can be used, which is obtained by dividing the content volume by the amount of the cleaning agent used per cleaning, the number of cleaning times, which is the number of times the cleaning mode has been executed, or the total integrated usage amount of the cleaning agent, and the cleaning start date when the cleaning mode was first executed.

4. The beverage supply device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines whether the individual information read by the reading unit matches the individual information recorded in the recording table, and when the individual information matches, does not permit execution of the cleaning mode.

5. The beverage supply device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines whether the expiration date is after the execution date of the cleaning mode, and when the expiration date is not after the execution date, does not permit execution of the cleaning mode.

6. When assuming that the control unit executes the cleaning mode once a day, the control unit calculates the expiration date of the cleaning agent by adding the available number of times to the cleaning start date, records it in the recording table, determines whether the expiration date recorded in the recording table is after the execution date of the cleaning mode, and when the expiration date is not after the execution date, does not permit the execution of the cleaning mode. The beverage supply device according to claim 5.

7. The control unit determines whether the number of cleaning times is less than the available number of times, and when the number of cleaning times is not less than the available number of times, does not permit the execution of the cleaning mode. The beverage supply device according to claim 6.

8. The control unit sets the current usage amount of the cleaning agent when executing the cleaning mode this time, calculates the remaining amount of the cleaning agent by subtracting the total accumulated usage amount of the cleaning agent from the content amount of the cleaning agent, determines whether the current usage amount is less than or equal to the remaining amount, and when the current usage amount is not less than or equal to the remaining amount, does not permit the execution of the cleaning mode. The beverage supply device according to claim 7.

9. When the control unit does not permit the execution of the cleaning mode in each determination, the control unit commands the loading of a new cleaning agent container or the start of replacement with a new cleaning agent container. The beverage supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. When a plurality of the beverage supply devices are operated in the same store, the information in the plurality of recording tables stored in the control units of the plurality of beverage supply devices is shared with each other. The beverage supply device according to claim 2.

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