Container cleaning apparatus

Abstract

To provide a container washing device capable of suppressing the leakage of a washing liquid to the outside and suppressing the start of washing in a state that a container is not arranged.SOLUTION: The vessel washing device 100 includes a control part 6 for performing control for washing the vessel 200 by the washing part 3 on the basis of the detection of the closed state of the door side 110b by the door opening / closing sensor 4 and the detection of the held state of the vessel 200 by the vessel holding sensor 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container cleaning device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a container cleaning device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a container cleaning device that has a container inner surface cleaning brush and an outer surface cleaning brush provided inside an outer case, and that cleans the inner and outer surfaces of the container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Unexamined Utility Model No. Hei 3-38059 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although not disclosed in Patent Document 1, some container washing devices have a door on the main body to prevent cleaning liquid from leaking outside. However, after opening the door to place a container inside, a user may start cleaning before the door is completely closed, which may result in cleaning liquid leaking outside. Furthermore, if a user starts cleaning before placing a container, cleaning may start even when no container is placed inside. Therefore, there is a need for a container washing device that can prevent cleaning liquid from leaking outside and that can prevent cleaning from starting when no container is placed inside.

[0006] This invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of this invention is to provide a container cleaning device that can prevent cleaning liquid from leaking to the outside and can prevent cleaning from starting when a container is not placed therein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a container washing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a main body portion having a door provided thereon, a container holding portion provided inside the main body portion for holding a container, a washing portion that supplies washing liquid to the container held in the container holding portion and washes the container, a door opening / closing sensor that detects the open / closed state of the door, a container holding sensor that detects that a container is held in the container holding portion, and a control portion that controls the washing portion to wash the container based on the door opening / closing sensor detecting the closed state of the door and the container holding sensor detecting that a container is being held.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the container washing device includes a control unit that controls the washing unit to wash a container based on the door open / close sensor detecting the closed state of the door and the container holding sensor detecting the state in which a container is held, as described above. As a result, washing is initiated when a container is placed in the container holding unit and the closed state of the door is detected, so that the container can be washed when the container is held and the door is securely closed. As a result, the washing liquid is supplied when the door is closed and the container is held, which prevents the washing liquid from leaking to the outside and prevents washing from being initiated when no container is placed therein.

[0009] In the container washing device according to the above aspect, the control unit is preferably configured to control washing of a container based on the door being closed when the door sensor detects that the door is held and the locking time has elapsed since the container holding sensor detected that a container is being held until the door is locked. With this configuration, washing can be started with the door reliably locked, because the door is reliably prevented from opening during washing, thereby reliably preventing cleaning liquid from leaking to the outside.

[0010] The container washing device according to the above aspect preferably further includes an illumination unit disposed within the main body and irradiating light into the space in which the container holder is provided, the door being formed of a material that allows the light from the illumination unit to be visible when the door is closed, and the control unit being configured to control the illumination unit to be turned on when washing a container. With this configuration, the illumination unit can be turned on to allow the user to clearly see the interior, allowing the user to clearly see whether washing is in progress. As a result, the user can be prevented from opening or closing the door during washing.

[0011] In the container washing device according to the above aspect, preferably, the washing liquid is hot water, and the control unit is configured to adjust the locked state duration from the end of washing until the door is unlocked based on the material or structure of the container, thereby controlling the temperature of the container's outer surface to be lowered. Depending on the material or structure of the container, the hot water may heat the outer surface of the container to such a high temperature that the user may be unable to hold the container. Therefore, with the above configuration, the control unit adjusts the locked state duration to lower the outer surface temperature of the container, thereby lowering the temperature of the container's outer surface to a level that allows the user to remove the container after washing. Furthermore, because the door is locked, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from accidentally touching the container when its outer surface is hot.

[0012] The container washing device according to the above aspect preferably further includes an outer surface temperature sensor that detects the outer surface temperature of the container, the washing liquid being hot water, and the control unit is configured to adjust the time for which the locked state is maintained from the end of washing until the door is unlocked based on the outer surface temperature of the container detected by the outer surface temperature sensor, thereby controlling to lower the outer surface temperature of the container. With this configuration, the outer surface temperature sensor can measure the temperature of the outer surface of the container and obtain the value of the outer surface temperature of the container, so that the door can be locked until the temperature of the outer surface of the container has reliably dropped to a temperature at which the user can hold the container.

[0013] In this case, the control unit is preferably configured to adjust the time for which the locked state is maintained from the end of cleaning until the door is unlocked, to control the temperature of the outer surface of the container to be lowered when the outer surface temperature of the container detected by the outer surface temperature sensor is higher than a threshold value. By configuring in this way, by setting the threshold value to the upper limit temperature at which a user can remove a container, the door can be locked, preventing the user from removing the container, until the temperature of the outer surface of the container has dropped to a temperature at which the user can remove the container.

[0014] In the container washing device of the above aspect, the washing unit preferably includes a first washing member that washes the container and a second washing member that washes the first washing member, and the control unit is configured to control washing of the container with the first washing member and then control washing of the first washing member with the second washing member. With this configuration, even if dirt adheres to the first washing member when washing the container, the dirt adhered to the first washing member can be removed by the second washing member, thereby saving the user the trouble of cleaning the first washing member each time a container is washed.

[0015] In this case, the control unit is preferably configured to control cleaning of the first cleaning member by the first cleaning member, and then, based on the door being closed by the door open / close sensor and the container holding sensor detecting that no container is being held, to control cleaning of the first cleaning member by the second cleaning member. With this configuration, when cleaning the first cleaning member by the second cleaning member, the door is closed, so that leakage of cleaning liquid to the outside can be suppressed.

[0016] In the container cleaning device according to the above aspect, the cleaning unit preferably further includes a pump that supplies liquid to the container and a cleaning liquid temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the cleaning liquid discharged into the container by the pump, and the control unit is configured to change the duty ratio, which is the ratio between the time the pump supplies the cleaning liquid and the time the supply of the cleaning liquid is stopped, based on the discharge temperature of the cleaning liquid detected by the cleaning liquid temperature sensor. With this configuration, an optimal duty ratio can be selected based on the discharge temperature of the cleaning liquid, and the time for supplying the cleaning liquid can be shortened in accordance with the optimal duty ratio, thereby reducing the amount of cleaning liquid used.

[0017] The container washing device of the above aspect preferably further includes a reading unit that reads identification information attached to the container, and the control unit is configured to set washing modes including different washing times and different washing liquid temperatures based on the identification information read by the reading unit. With this configuration, by including information about the material and structure of the container in the identification information, the control unit can control washing by selecting a washing mode including a more appropriate washing time and washing liquid temperature based on the information about the material and structure of the container included in the read identification information. Furthermore, by including information about the type of beverage purchased in the identification information, the control unit can control washing by selecting a washing mode including a more appropriate washing time and washing liquid temperature based on the type of beverage included in the read identification information.

[0018] The container cleaning device according to the above aspect preferably further includes a first fan provided at an upper portion inside the main body for blowing air from the top to the bottom inside the main body, and a second fan provided inside the main body for exhausting air from the inside of the main body to the outside, and the control unit is configured to control the removal of moisture adhering to the container holding sensor by driving the first fan and the second fan. With this configuration, moisture adhering to the container holding sensor can be removed by the airflow generated by driving the first fan and the second fan, thereby preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the container holding sensor due to the adhering moisture. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a container cleaning device that is capable of preventing cleaning liquid from leaking to the outside and is capable of preventing cleaning from starting when a container is not placed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a container cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the container cleaning device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal arrangement of the container cleaning apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning unit. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the control of the control unit during cleaning. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] The configuration of a container cleaning apparatus 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0023] <Configuration of container cleaning device> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container washing apparatus 100 includes a main body 1, a container holder 2, a washing unit 3, a door opening / closing sensor 4, a container holding sensor 5, and a control unit 6. The container washing apparatus 100 also includes an illumination unit 7, an outer surface temperature sensor 8, a reading unit 9, a first fan 10, and a second fan 11. The container washing apparatus 100 is used to wash containers 200. The containers 200 are, for example, containers used for eating and drinking, including cups. The container washing apparatus 100 is installed, for example, in convenience stores, restaurants, and the like. In this embodiment, the front side (front) is defined as Y1, the back side (rear) is defined as Y2, and the front-to-back direction connecting Y1 and Y2 is defined as the Y direction. Furthermore, when viewed from Y1 to Y2, the left side is defined as X1, the right side is defined as X2, and the left-to-right direction connecting X1 and X2 is defined as the X direction. Furthermore, the upper side is designated as Z1, the lower side as Z2, and the vertical direction connecting Z1 and Z2 is designated as the Z direction.

[0024] <Main body configuration> The main body 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body 1 includes a housing 1a and a front cover 1b attached to the front of the housing 1a. The housing 1a is a rectangular parallelepiped with an opening on the front side (Y1 side), and contains a container holder 2, a cleaning unit 3, a door opening / closing sensor 4, a container holder sensor 5, a control unit 6, an illumination unit 7, an outer surface temperature sensor 8, a reading unit 9, a first fan 10, and a second fan 11.

[0025] The front cover 1b is attached so as to cover the opening of the housing 1a. The X1 side of the front cover 1b is attached to the housing 1a. The front cover 1b rotates in the front-rear direction around an axis extending in the up-down direction as the rotation center, thereby switching between an open state and a closed state. By opening the front cover 1b, maintenance of the cleaning unit 3 and other components provided inside the housing 1a can be performed. A display unit 110a and a door 110b are provided on the front side (Y1 side) of the front cover 1b.

[0026] The display unit 110a displays information related to the cleaning of the container 200, as well as an operation screen. By operating the operation screen displayed on the display unit 110a, a cleaning mode with a different cleaning time and temperature of the cleaning liquid is selected. Furthermore, based on the operation of a start button included in the operation screen displayed on the display unit 110a, the control unit 6 performs control to start cleaning. Furthermore, the display unit 110a displays a message that cleaning is in progress. The control unit 6 is configured to perform control to display the operation screen and information on the display unit 110a.

[0027] The door 110b is made of a material that allows the light from the illumination unit 7 to be visible when the door 110b is closed. The door 110b is made of, for example, transparent or translucent plastic or glass. The door 110b is configured to be opened by rotating about a rotation axis extending in the Z direction. The door 110b is configured to be switched between an open state and a closed state manually or automatically. The door 110b has a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a spring, a solenoid, and a fixing member that fixes (locks) the door 110b by being moved by the solenoid. When electricity is supplied to the solenoid, the fixing member fixes the door 110b against the biasing force of the spring, thereby entering the locked state. When the supply of power is stopped, the fixing member moves due to the biasing force of the biasing member, and the door 110b is unlocked.

[0028] <Configuration of container holding section> The container holding part 2 is provided inside the main body part 1. The container holding part 2 is configured to hold a container 200. The container holding part 2 is fixed inside the main body part 1.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the container holder 2 is formed by bending a linear member such as a wire or a wire rod. The container holder 2 includes a bottom surface 2a, a pair of side surfaces 2b, a back surface 2c, and a U-shaped surface 2d. A container 200 is held (placed) on the bottom surface 2a. The bottom surface 2a is formed of a pair of first wires 21a extending in the Y direction and a pair of second wires 22a extending in the X direction and connecting the pair of first wires 21a. A slit is formed in the bottom surface 2a by the pair of second wires 22a, and cleaning liquid adhering to the container 200 falls through the gap in the slit into a waste liquid collection tray disposed below the container holder 2.

[0030] The side surface portions 2b are disposed on the X1 and X2 sides of the bottom surface portion 2a. The side surface portions 2b are formed into a trapezoid in a side view. In detail, the side surface portions 2b are formed into a trapezoid in which the Z1 side is shorter than the Z2 side in a side view, the Y1 side is inclined with respect to the Z direction, and the Y2 side extends along the Z direction.

[0031] The rear surface portion 2c is disposed on the Y2 side of the bottom surface portion 2a. Two wires inclined with respect to the Z direction are disposed on the rear surface portion 2c of the container holder 2 with a distance r1 therebetween. The two wires are inclined toward the Y2 side as they move toward the Z1 side. The distance r1 between the two wires is formed to a dimension that prevents a thin container 200 from falling and allows a thick container 200 to be held centered in the X and Y directions. The distance r1 between the two wires is, for example, between 20 mm and 30 mm, and is preferably set to 25 mm.

[0032] 6, the container holding portion 2 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from above. Specifically, it has a curved portion on the back surface portion 2c side and a straight portion on the side surface portion 2b side. The straight portion on the side surface portion 2b side may extend along the direction in which the bottom surface portion 2a extends, or may extend so as to intersect with the direction in which the bottom surface portion 2a extends.

[0033] The U-shaped portion 2d is formed so as to extend obliquely upward toward the Y1 side from the second wire 22a located on the Y2 side of the pair of second wires 22a of the bottom surface portion 2a. The U-shaped portion 2d has a curved portion on the Y1 side. When the container 200 is placed on the bottom surface portion 2a, the U-shaped portion 2d is configured to protrude forward from the front surface of the container 200 by an amount of 20 mm to 30 mm. The inclination angle of the back surface portion 2c of the U-shaped portion 2d relative to the pair of wires is, for example, 90 degrees or more, preferably 95 degrees. For example, the inclination angle of the U-shaped portion 2d relative to the bottom surface portion 2a is 24 degrees or more, preferably 24.5 degrees.

[0034] A first cleaning member 3a (described later) is attached to the front side of the bottom surface portion 2a. Specifically, the first cleaning member 3a of the cleaning unit 3 (described later) is attached to the area surrounded by the U-shaped portion 2d and the pair of second wires 22a. By surrounding it with wires, contact between the container 200 and the first cleaning member 3a can be prevented. The width r2 of the container holding portion 2 is a dimension that allows a typical water bottle to be stably accommodated, and is set to, for example, 90 mm.

[0035] <Configuration of cleaning section> 2 and 4, the cleaning unit 3 includes a first cleaning member 3a, a second cleaning member 3b, a pump 3c, a hot water tank 3d, a storage tank 3e, and a cleaning liquid temperature sensor 3f. The cleaning unit 3 is configured to supply cleaning liquid to the container 200 held in the container holder 2 to clean the container 200. The cleaning liquid is, for example, hot water. In another example, the cleaning liquid is a solution in which a cleaning agent is added to hot water (water).

[0036] The first cleaning member 3a is configured to clean the container 200. The first cleaning member 3a includes a first nozzle portion. The first nozzle of the first cleaning member 3a is disposed on the front side of the container holder 2. The second cleaning member 3b is configured to clean the first cleaning member 3a. The second cleaning member 3b includes a second nozzle portion. The second nozzle of the second cleaning member 3b is disposed on the rear side of the container holder 2 and obliquely upward with respect to the first cleaning member 3a. The second nozzle of the second cleaning member 3b supplies cleaning liquid toward the first nozzle. The pump 3c is configured to supply liquid to the container 200. The cleaning liquid supplied from the first cleaning member 3a and the second cleaning member 3b is collected in the waste liquid collection unit 51. Specifically, the waste liquid collection unit 51 includes a waste liquid collection tray and a waste liquid collection tank. A waste liquid collection tray is provided below the container holder 2, and the cleaning liquid collected by the waste liquid collection tray is collected in the waste liquid collection tank through a pipe. The waste liquid collection tray is disposed inside the container cleaning apparatus 100. The waste liquid collection tank is disposed outside the container cleaning apparatus 100, for example.

[0037] The pump 3c includes a first pump 31c and a second pump 32c. The first pump 31c is a diaphragm pump that supplies a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid to the storage tank 3e. The second pump 32c is a gear pump that pressurizes the cleaning liquid and is configured to adjust the amount of hot water and pressure. The first pump 31c is disposed between the hot water tank 3d and the storage tank 3e. The second pump 32c is disposed between the storage tank 3e and the first cleaning member 3a.

[0038] The hot water tank 3d is equipped with a heater that heats cleaning liquid (water) supplied from outside. The hot water tank 3d may be connected to a water faucet via piping, for example, and cleaning liquid (water) may be supplied from the water supply, or cleaning liquid may be supplied from a water storage tank. The storage tank 3e is configured to temporarily store cleaning liquid (hot water) supplied from the hot water tank 3d. The storage tank 3e is configured to supply cleaning liquid to the first cleaning member 3a. The hot water tank 3d is configured to supply cleaning liquid to the second cleaning member 3b without passing through the storage tank 3e. A valve 31d is provided in the flow path that supplies cleaning liquid from the hot water tank 3d to the second cleaning member 3b, and when the valve 31d opens and the driving of the first pump 31c is stopped, cleaning liquid is supplied to the second cleaning member 3b. The flow path for supplying the cleaning liquid from the hot water tank 3d to the second cleaning member 3b is inclined downward, so that the cleaning liquid can be supplied to the second cleaning member 3b without providing a pump.

[0039] The cleaning liquid temperature sensor 3f is configured to measure the temperature of the cleaning liquid discharged into the container 200 by the pump 3c. Specifically, the cleaning liquid temperature sensor 3f is disposed between the second pump 32c and the first cleaning member 3a. The cleaning liquid temperature sensor 3f includes a thermistor. The resistance value of the thermistor changes depending on the temperature, and therefore the temperature is detected according to the resistance value.

[0040] <Door Open / Close Sensor Configuration> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the door open / close sensor 4 is configured to detect the open / closed state of the door 110b. The door open / close sensor 4 is, for example, an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and outputs a detection signal when the light receiving unit receives light irradiated from the light emitting unit. When the door open / close sensor 4 is in the closed state, the irradiated light is blocked by the door 110b, so the light receiving unit cannot receive the light and no detection signal is output. On the other hand, when the door is in the open state, the irradiated light is not blocked by the door 110b, so a detection signal is output.

[0041] <Configuration of container holding sensor> As shown in Fig. 3, the container holding sensor 5 is configured to detect that a container 200 is held in the container holding unit 2. The container holding sensor 5 is arranged to the side of the container holding unit 2. The container holding sensor 5 is a reflection sensor, preferably a limited reflection sensor. The container holding sensor 5 includes an irradiation unit and a light receiving unit, and is configured to output a detection signal when irradiated light is reflected by the container 200 and the reflected light is received by the light receiving unit.

[0042] <Configuration of the control unit> 2, the control unit 6 is configured to control the operation of the container washing apparatus 100. The control unit 6 includes a memory and a CPU. The memory stores the washing mode of the container washing apparatus 100. Details of the control by the control unit 6 during washing will be described later.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lighting unit 7 is disposed within the main body 1. The lighting unit 7 is configured to irradiate light into the space R in which the container holder 2 is provided. Specifically, the lighting unit 7 is provided on both the front side and the back side of the container holder 2. The lighting unit 7 is configured to be turned on when cleaning the container 200. Note that in Figure 3, the arrow indicates that light is irradiated downward.

[0044] <Configuration of the outer surface temperature sensor> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outer surface temperature sensor 8 is disposed on the side of the container holding portion 2. Although Figure 3 shows an example in which the outer surface temperature sensor 8 is disposed next to the container holding sensor 5, the outer surface temperature sensor 8 does not have to be disposed next to the container holding sensor 5. The outer surface temperature sensor 8 is, for example, an infrared sensor. The outer surface temperature sensor 8 is configured to measure the surface temperature of the container 200.

[0045] <Configuration of the reading unit> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reading unit 9 is configured to read the identification information 200a attached to the container 200. The reading unit 9 is provided on the front side of the main body 1. The reading unit 9 is located below the door 110b. The reading unit 9 is a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a two-dimensional code reader, or a three-dimensional code reader. The reading unit 9 may also be configured to read the identification information 200a in the form of an RFID, two-dimensional code, or three-dimensional code attached to a receipt for purchasing a product. The container 200 is provided with the identification information 200a in the form of a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code. The identification information 200a includes information about the material and structure of the container 200. The identification information 200a may also include the type of beverage and information about the user (information about the user's preferences).

[0046] <Configuration of the first and second fans> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first fan 10 is provided at an upper portion inside the main body 1. The first fan 10 is configured to cause air to flow from the top to the bottom inside the main body 1. The first fan 10 is configured to cause air to flow toward the space R in which the container holding unit 2 is disposed. In Figure 3, the arrows indicate the air flow from the front side toward the rear side.

[0047] The second fan 11 is provided inside the main body 1. The second fan 11 is configured to exhaust air from inside the main body 1 to the outside. The second fan 11 is disposed below the first fan 10. In FIG. 3, the arrows indicate the flow of air from the inside to the outside.

[0048] <Control of the control unit> The control unit 6 is configured to control the cleaning unit 3 to clean the container 200 based on the fact that the door opening / closing sensor 4 detects that the door 110b is closed and the container holding sensor 5 detects that the container 200 is being held. Specifically, the control unit 6 is configured to control the cleaning of the container 200 based on the fact that the door opening / closing sensor 4 detects that the door 110b is closed and the locking time, which is the time from when the container holding sensor 5 detects that the container 200 is being held until when the locking time has elapsed. The locking time is set to, for example, one second. The control unit 6 is also configured to control the lighting unit 7 to turn on when the container 200 is being cleaned.

[0049] The control unit 6 is configured to adjust the time for which the door 110b is kept locked after the end of cleaning until it is unlocked, based on the material or structure of the container 200, to lower the temperature of the outer surface of the container 200. For example, if the container 200 is made of plastic, supplying cleaning liquid (hot water) to the inside of the container 200 transfers heat to the outer surface, causing the temperature of the outer surface to rise. Therefore, the time for unlocking the door 110b after the end of cleaning is extended to lower the temperature of the outer surface of the container 200 to a level that the user can hold. On the other hand, if the container 200 has a heat-retaining structure, supplying cleaning liquid to the inside of the container 200 does not transfer heat to the outer surface, making it difficult for the temperature of the outer surface to rise. In this case, there is no need to extend the time for unlocking the door 110b; the time should be long enough to allow sufficient drainage. The control unit 6 may acquire the material or structure of the container 200 by inputting the material or structure of the container 200 via an operation panel displayed on the display unit 110a, or by reading the identification information 200a using the reader 9. A default value is set for the lock state maintaining time, and the control unit 6 is configured to perform control to change the lock state maintaining time based on the default value.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 6 may be configured to adjust the time for which the locked state is maintained from the end of cleaning until the door 110b is unlocked, based on the outer surface temperature of the container 200 detected by the outer surface temperature sensor 8, thereby performing control to lower the outer surface temperature of the container 200. Specifically, when the outer surface temperature of the container 200 detected by the outer surface temperature sensor 8 is higher than a threshold value, the control unit 6 is configured to adjust the time for which the locked state is maintained from the end of cleaning until the door 110b is unlocked, thereby performing control to lower the outer surface temperature of the container 200. The threshold temperature is set to, for example, 55°C. A default value is set for the time for unlocking, and the control unit 6 is configured to perform control to change the time for unlocking based on the default value.

[0051] The control unit 6 is configured to control the first cleaning member 3a to clean the container 200, and then control the second cleaning member 3b to clean the first cleaning member 3a. Specifically, the control unit 6 is configured to control the first cleaning member 3a to clean the container 200, and then control the second cleaning member 3b to clean the first cleaning member 3a based on the door opening / closing sensor 4 detecting the closed state of the door 110b and the container holding sensor 5 detecting a state in which the container 200 is not being held. The cleaning time by the second cleaning member 3b may be the same as or different from the cleaning time by the first cleaning member 3a. The second cleaning member 3b cleans the first cleaning member 3a by supplying cleaning liquid to the first nozzle of the first cleaning member 3a.

[0052] The control unit 6 is configured to set a cleaning mode including different cleaning times and different temperatures of the cleaning liquid based on the identification information 200a read by the reading unit 9. For example, when the type of beverage supplied to the container 200 is obtained from the identification information 200a, the control unit 6 may be configured to change the temperature of the cleaning liquid if the beverage contains protein compared to when the beverage does not contain protein. Furthermore, if the beverage supplied to the container 200 is water, the cleaning time may be shorter than for other beverages.

[0053] The control unit 6 is configured to drive the first fan 10 and the second fan 11 to remove moisture adhering to the container holding sensor 5. Specifically, the control unit 6 controls the driving of the first fan 10 and the second fan 11 to generate an air current from above downward and an air current from the front to the rear, and external air flows into the main body 1 through the gap between the door 110b and the front cover 1b. The air current removes moisture adhering to the container holding sensor 5. Note that the first fan 10 and the second fan 11 may be provided with a heating unit to heat the inside of the main body 1 and increase the amount of saturated water vapor, thereby facilitating evaporation of moisture adhering to the container holding sensor 5.

[0054] The control unit 6 may be configured to perform at least one of the following controls.

[0055] The control unit 6 is configured to change the duty ratio, which is the ratio of the time the pump 3c supplies the cleaning liquid to the time the supply of the cleaning liquid is stopped, based on the cleaning liquid discharge temperature detected by the cleaning liquid temperature sensor 3f. The duty ratio is calculated by the ratio of the time the pump 3c supplies the cleaning liquid to the total time the pump 3c supplies the cleaning liquid and the time the supply of the cleaning liquid is stopped. The duration for continuously discharging the cleaning liquid is set based on the cleaning liquid's discharge temperature. Even with a different duty ratio, the discharge temperature may be maintained for the set discharge time. Therefore, the control unit 6 is configured to control the pump 3c to achieve the minimum duty ratio among the duty ratios corresponding to the discharge temperature and discharge time. The controlled pump 3c is the second pump 32c. This shortens the time for supplying the cleaning liquid, thereby reducing the amount of cleaning liquid and suppressing an increase in pressure on the flow path. Furthermore, if the temperature detected by the cleaning liquid temperature sensor 3f falls below a predetermined value, the control unit 6 may stop the container cleaning device 100 and display an error on the display unit 110a. This makes it possible to prevent the temperature of the cleaning liquid from dropping excessively.

[0056] The control unit 6 may perform control to heat the flow path through which the cleaning liquid is supplied to the first cleaning member 3a in accordance with the discharge temperature. Specifically, when the discharge temperature is low, the control unit 6 performs control to heat the flow path using a heating unit (not shown) to increase the temperature of the cleaning liquid. Furthermore, when the cleaning unit 3 is provided with a sensor that measures the temperature inside the container 200, the control unit 6 may adjust the amount of cleaning liquid based on the temperature inside the container 200. In this case, when the internal temperature is high, the control unit 6 may be configured to perform control to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid.

[0057] The control unit 6 may be configured to discharge remaining cleaning liquid from the storage tank 3e when the container cleaning device 100 is started. Specifically, the control unit 6 controls the second pump 32c to discharge the cleaning liquid from the storage tank 3e. This allows the cleaning liquid remaining in the storage tank 3e to be discharged if the power of the container cleaning device 100 is suddenly turned off, thereby improving hygiene. In this case, the cleaning liquid may be discharged using the first cleaning member 3a, or a discharge flow path other than the first cleaning member 3a may be provided. Furthermore, when discharging the cleaning liquid to the discharge flow path, a different pump may be used instead of the second pump 32c.

[0058] The control unit 6 may control the temperature of the cleaning liquid by mixing the cleaning liquid supplied from the outside with the cleaning liquid in the storage tank 3e. In this case, a flow path is provided that supplies the cleaning liquid directly to the container 200 from the outside via the first cleaning member 3a. A third pump 33c is provided in the flow path that supplies the cleaning liquid directly to the container 200 from the outside. The control unit 6 may obtain whether the beverage to be served is hot or cold, for example, based on the identification information 200a read by the reading unit 9 or an input from an operation panel displayed on the display unit 110a, and adjust the temperature of the cleaning liquid to minimize the temperature difference between the beverages to be served. The control unit 6 may also adjust the temperature of the cleaning liquid by accepting a selection of the temperature of the cleaning liquid and a selection of the finishing temperature based on, for example, the operation panel or a user's terminal operation. The control unit 6 may also control the third pump 33c to supply high-temperature cleaning liquid for sterilization from the second pump 32c and then supply low-temperature cleaning liquid at high pressure for cleaning.

[0059] The control unit 6 may perform control to supply water to the inside of the container 200 during the locked state maintenance time to actively cool the outer surface of the container 200. In this case, the control unit 6 may supply water to the container 200 via the first cleaning member 3a, or may supply water to the container 200 from the outside via a separately provided flow path.

[0060] The control unit 6 may perform control to determine whether or not the container 200 is a container to be washed based on the identification information 200a read by the reading unit 9. Specifically, when only containers 200 supplied in the store where the container washing device 100 is installed are to be washed, the control unit 6 is configured to perform control to determine whether or not the container 200 is a container to be washed based on the store information included in the identification information 200a read by the reading unit 9.

[0061] The container washing apparatus 100 may also include a communication unit capable of communicating with a mobile device carried by a user. The communication unit may be, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark). This allows the user to input information such as the washing time and temperature of the washing liquid via the mobile device, and the control unit 6 can perform washing based on the input information. The control unit 6 may also be configured to control the transmission of information to the mobile device. The information may include at least one of advertisements tailored to the user, benefits based on the number of uses, and special effects tailored to each user.

[0062] The container cleaning apparatus 100 may include a drying unit that sends air into the container 200 to dry the interior. The drying unit is configured to extend from below toward the interior of the container 200 after cleaning the container 200 and send air. The drying unit is configured not to contact the bottom surface of the container 200. Specifically, the drying unit includes a distance sensor and is configured to extend toward a position within the container 200 that does not contact the container 200 based on the detection result of the distance sensor. The drying unit is provided with a filter at an air outlet to prevent foreign matter from entering the drying unit. The drying unit may also include an ultraviolet ray irradiation member and be configured to sterilize the interior of the container 200 using the ultraviolet ray irradiation member. The ultraviolet ray may be UVA, UVB, or UVC. The control unit 6 may be configured to control the drying unit to dry and sterilize the interior of the container 200 during the locked state maintenance time.

[0063] <Container cleaning> The control flow during cleaning will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Steps S1 to S11 are steps for cleaning the container 200, and steps S12 to S17 are steps for cleaning the first cleaning member 3a. Step S1 is configured to accept operations via a display panel displayed on the display unit 110a. In addition to a start button for the cleaning operation, the display panel may display at least one of a screen for inputting information about the container 200 and a screen for selecting a cleaning mode. Furthermore, the identification information 200a may be read via the reader 9.

[0064] In step S2, the step to be followed differs depending on whether or not the container holding sensor 5 detects that a container 200 is being held. In other words, the step to be followed differs depending on whether or not the control unit 6 receives a detection signal from the container holding sensor 5. If the container holding sensor 5 detects that a container 200 is being held (receives a detection signal), the process proceeds to step S3; if the container holding sensor 5 does not detect that a container 200 is being held (receives a detection signal), the process repeats step S2.

[0065] In step S3, the step to be followed differs depending on whether the door opening / closing sensor 4 has detected the door 110b in a closed state. In other words, the step to be followed differs depending on whether the control unit 6 has received a detection signal from the door opening / closing sensor 4. The door opening / closing sensor 4 is configured to output a detection signal when the door 110b is in an open state, and the detection of the closed state of the door opening / closing sensor 4 refers to the control unit 6 receiving the detection signal (the door 110b has entered an open state) and then no longer receiving the detection signal. If the door opening / closing sensor 4 has detected the closed state of the door 110b (no longer receiving the detection signal), the process proceeds to step S4; if the door opening / closing sensor 4 has not detected the closed state (it has received the detection signal), step S3 is repeated. The order of steps S2 and S3 may be reversed, or they may be performed simultaneously.

[0066] In step S4, the step to be followed differs depending on whether the locking time has elapsed. If the locking time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S5; if the locking time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S6. Note that the control unit 6 is configured to perform control to lock the door 110b when the door open / close sensor 4 detects that the door 110b is closed in step S3. Specifically, the control unit 6 controls the supply of power to the solenoid, thereby locking the door 110b.

[0067] In step S5, the control unit 6 is configured to control the lighting units 7 to turn on. Specifically, the control unit 6 is configured to control the lighting units 7 to turn on before starting cleaning of the container 200. In step S5, the control unit 6 is configured to control the lighting units 7 to turn on simultaneously. In another example, the control unit 6 may vary the timing at which the control unit 6 controls the lighting units 7 to turn on. In this case, the control unit 6 may control the lighting units 7 to turn on some of the lighting units 7 between steps S1 and S2, and in step S5, the control unit 6 may control the remaining lighting units 7 to turn on. More specifically, the control unit 6 may control the lighting units 7 arranged on the front side of the container holder 2 to turn on between steps S1 and S2, and in step S5, the control unit 6 may control the lighting units arranged on the back side of the container holder 2 to turn on. The lighting unit 7, which is arranged on the front side of the container holding unit 2, lights up between steps S1 and S2, thereby prompting the user to hold the container 200 in the container holding unit 2.

[0068] In step S6, the supply of cleaning liquid begins. Specifically, the control unit 6 controls the first pump 31c to operate so as to supply a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid from the hot water tank 3d to the storage tank 3e, and controls the second pump 32c to operate so as to supply cleaning liquid from the storage tank 3e to the first cleaning member 3a. The control unit 6 is configured to control the supply of cleaning liquid from the second pump 32c to the first cleaning member 3a based on the temperature of the cleaning liquid and the cleaning time. The first pump 31c is stopped after supplying a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid to the storage tank 3e. Steps S5 and S6 may be reversed or may be performed simultaneously.

[0069] In step S7, the supply of the cleaning liquid is stopped. Specifically, the control unit 6 performs control to stop the supply of the cleaning liquid when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the supply of the cleaning liquid. The control unit 6 performs control to stop the driving of the second pump 32c.

[0070] In step S8, the step to be followed differs depending on whether the surface temperature of the container 200 is equal to or lower than the threshold. Specifically, if the surface temperature of the container 200 detected by the outer surface temperature sensor 8 is not equal to or lower than the threshold, the control unit 6 proceeds to step S9 and performs control to adjust the locked state maintenance time. Then, after the control unit 6 maintains the locked state for the adjusted locked state maintenance time, the control unit 6 proceeds to step S10 and unlocks the door 110b. On the other hand, if the surface temperature of the container 200 detected by the outer surface temperature sensor 8 is equal to or lower than the threshold, the control unit 6 maintains the locked state for a predetermined locked state maintenance time without adjusting the locked state maintenance time, and then proceeds to step S10 and unlocks the door 110b. Specifically, the control unit 6 performs control to stop the supply of power to the solenoid.

[0071] Note that step S8 may be a step of identifying whether the surface temperature of container 200 is equal to or lower than a threshold value, or a step of identifying whether container 200 is made of a predetermined material and structure. In this case, if container 200 is prone to a rise in temperature of its outer surface, the process may proceed to step S9, and if not, the process may proceed to step S10.

[0072] In step S11, the lighting units 7 are turned off. Specifically, the control unit 6 is configured to turn off the lighting units 7 after the door 110b is unlocked. This allows the user to remove the container 200 from the container cleaning apparatus 100. In step S11, the control unit 6 is configured to control the multiple lighting units 7 to be turned off simultaneously. In another example, the control unit 6 may control the multiple lighting units 7 to be turned off at different times. In this case, the control unit 6 may control the multiple lighting units 7 to be turned off at some of the multiple lighting units 7 in step S11, and then control the remaining multiple lighting units 7 to be turned off between step S11 and step S12, or between step S12 and step S13. More specifically, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the lighting unit 7 arranged on the front side of the container holding unit 2 to be turned off in step S11, and between steps S11 and S12 or between steps S12 and S13, the control unit 6 may control the lighting unit arranged on the back side of the container holding unit 2 to be turned off. By turning off the lighting unit 7 arranged on the back side of the container holding unit 2 between steps S11 and S12 or between steps S12 and S13, the user can be prompted to remove the container 200 from the container holding unit 2.

[0073] In step S12, the step to be followed differs depending on whether holding of a container 200 is detected. Specifically, the control unit 6 follows different steps depending on whether holding of a container 200 is detected by the container holding sensor 5. If the container holding sensor 5 detects a container 200, step S12 is followed; if not, step S13 is followed. This step is a step for detecting whether the container 200 that has been cleaned has been removed by the user, and for detecting whether another container 200 is being held after the container 200 has been removed and before the steps from step S12 onwards are performed.

[0074] In step S13, the step to be followed differs depending on whether the door opening / closing sensor 4 has detected the closed state of the door 110b. In other words, the step to be followed differs depending on whether the control unit 6 has received a detection signal from the door opening / closing sensor 4. As in step S3, the door opening / closing sensor 4 is configured to output a detection signal when the door 110b is in an open state, and the detection of the closed state of the door opening / closing sensor 4 refers to the control unit 6 receiving the detection signal (the door 110b has entered an open state) and then no longer receiving the detection signal. If the door opening / closing sensor 4 has detected the closed state of the door 110b (no longer receiving the detection signal), the process proceeds to step S14; if the door opening / closing sensor 4 has not detected the closed state (it has received the detection signal), step S13 is repeated. The order of steps S12 and S13 may be reversed, or they may be performed simultaneously.

[0075] In step S14, the control unit 6 controls to lock the door 110b. Specifically, the control unit 6 controls to supply power to the solenoid, thereby locking the door 110b. In step S15, the supply of cleaning liquid is started. Specifically, the control unit 6 is configured to switch the flow path for the cleaning liquid from the flow path for the first cleaning member 3a to the flow path for the second cleaning member 3b, and to supply the cleaning liquid to the second cleaning member 3b by opening the valve 31d.

[0076] In step S16, the supply of cleaning liquid is stopped. Specifically, the control unit 6 performs control to close the valve and stop the supply of cleaning liquid when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the supply of cleaning liquid. In step S17, the control unit 6 performs control to unlock the door 110b. Specifically, the control unit 6 performs control to stop the supply of power to the solenoid. This causes the container 200 to be held in the container holder 2 and ready for cleaning.

[0077] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0078] In this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 6 is provided which controls the cleaning unit 3 to clean the container 200 based on the door open / close sensor 4 detecting the closed state of the door 110b and the container holding sensor 5 detecting the state in which the container 200 is held. As a result, cleaning is started when the container 200 is placed in the container holding unit 2 and the closed state of the door 110b is detected, so that the container 200 can be cleaned when the container 200 is held and the door 110b is securely closed. As a result, the cleaning liquid is supplied when the door 110b is closed and the container 200 is held, so that leakage of the cleaning liquid to the outside can be prevented and cleaning can be prevented from being started when the container 200 is not placed.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 6 is configured to control washing of the container 200 based on the fact that the door open / close sensor 4 detects that the door 110b is closed and the locking time from when the container holding sensor 5 detects that the container 200 is held until when the door is locked has elapsed. As a result, by controlling washing of the container 200 based on the fact that the locking time from when the container holding sensor 5 detects that the container 200 is held until when the door is locked has elapsed, washing can be started with the door 110b in a securely locked state. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the door 110b from being opened during washing, and therefore it is possible to reliably prevent the washing liquid from leaking to the outside.

[0080] Furthermore, as described above, this embodiment further includes an illumination unit 7 that is disposed within the main body 1 and irradiates the space R in which the container holder 2 is provided, the door 110b is formed from a material that allows the light from the illumination unit 7 to be visible when the door 110b is closed, and the control unit 6 is configured to control the illumination unit 7 to be turned on when the container 200 is being washed. As a result, the illumination unit 7 is turned on, allowing the user to clearly see the inside, and therefore the user can clearly see whether or not washing is in progress. As a result, the user can be prevented from opening or closing the door 110b during washing.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the cleaning liquid is hot water, and the control unit 6 is configured to adjust the locked state maintenance time from the end of cleaning until the door 110b is unlocked, based on the material or structure of the container 200, to control the temperature of the outer surface of the container 200 to be lowered. Here, depending on the material or structure of the container 200, the outer surface of the container 200 may be heated by the hot water and become too hot for the user to hold the container 200. Therefore, with the above configuration, the control unit 6 adjusts the locked state maintenance time to lower the outer surface temperature of the container 200, thereby making it possible to lower the outer surface temperature of the container 200 to a level that allows the user to remove the container 200 after cleaning. Furthermore, because the door 110b is locked, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from accidentally touching the container 200 when its outer surface is hot.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the device further includes an outer surface temperature sensor 8 that detects the outer surface temperature of the container 200, the cleaning liquid is hot water, and the control unit 6 is configured to adjust the time for which the locked state is maintained from the end of cleaning until the door 110b is unlocked, based on the outer surface temperature of the container 200 detected by the outer surface temperature sensor 8, thereby performing control to lower the outer surface temperature of the container 200. As a result, the outer surface temperature sensor 8 can measure the temperature of the outer surface of the container 200 and obtain the value of the temperature of the outer surface of the container 200, so that the door 110b can be locked until the temperature of the outer surface of the container 200 has reliably dropped to a temperature at which the user can hold the container 200.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 6 is configured to adjust the time for which the locked state is maintained from the end of cleaning until the door 110b is unlocked, to perform control to lower the outer surface temperature of the container 200, when the outer surface temperature of the container 200 detected by the outer surface temperature sensor 8 is higher than the threshold value. In this way, by setting the threshold value to the upper limit temperature at which the user can remove the container 200, the door 110b can be locked, preventing the user from removing the container 200, until the temperature of the outer surface of the container 200 drops to a temperature at which the user can remove the container 200.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the cleaning unit 3 includes a first cleaning member 3a that cleans the container 200 and a second cleaning member 3b that cleans the first cleaning member 3a, and the control unit 6 is configured to control the first cleaning member 3a to clean the container 200, and then control the second cleaning member 3b to clean the first cleaning member 3a. As a result, even if dirt adheres to the first cleaning member 3a when cleaning the container 200, the dirt adhered to the first cleaning member 3a can be removed by the second cleaning member 3b, thereby saving the user the trouble of cleaning the first cleaning member 3a every time the container 200 is cleaned.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 6 is configured to control the first cleaning member 3a to clean the container 200, and then control the second cleaning member 3b to clean the first cleaning member 3a based on the detection of the closed state of the door 110b by the door open / close sensor 4 and the detection of the state in which the container 200 is not being held by the container holding sensor 5. As a result, when the first cleaning member 3a is cleaned by the second cleaning member 3b, the door 110b is in the closed state, which makes it possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from leaking to the outside.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the cleaning unit 3 further includes a pump 3c that supplies liquid to the container 200 and a cleaning liquid temperature sensor 3f that measures the temperature of the cleaning liquid discharged by the pump 3c into the container 200, and the control unit 6 is configured to change the duty ratio, which is the ratio between the time for which the pump 3c supplies the cleaning liquid and the time for which the supply of the cleaning liquid is stopped, based on the discharge temperature of the cleaning liquid detected by the cleaning liquid temperature sensor 3f. This makes it possible to select an optimal duty ratio based on the discharge temperature of the cleaning liquid, thereby shortening the time for which the cleaning liquid is supplied in accordance with the optimal duty ratio and reducing the amount of cleaning liquid used.

[0087] Furthermore, as described above, this embodiment further includes a reader 9 that reads the identification information 200a attached to the container 200, and the control unit 6 is configured to set a cleaning mode including different cleaning times and different cleaning fluid temperatures based on the identification information 200a read by the reader 9. As a result, by including information about the material and structure of the container 200 in the identification information 200a, the control unit 6 can control the cleaning by selecting a cleaning mode including a more appropriate cleaning time and cleaning fluid temperature based on the information about the material and structure of the container 200 included in the read identification information 200a. Furthermore, by including information about the type of beverage purchased in the identification information 200a, the control unit 6 can control the cleaning by selecting a cleaning mode including a more appropriate cleaning time and cleaning fluid temperature based on the type of beverage included in the read identification information 200a.

[0088] Furthermore, as described above, this embodiment further includes a first fan 10 provided at the top inside the main body 1 to cause air to flow from the top to the bottom inside the main body 1, and a second fan 11 provided inside the main body 1 to exhaust air from inside the main body 1 to the outside, and the control unit 6 is configured to perform control to remove moisture adhering to the container holding sensor 5 by driving the first fan 10 and the second fan 11. This allows the airflow generated by driving the first fan 10 and the second fan 11 to remove moisture adhering to the container holding sensor 5, thereby preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the container holding sensor 5 due to adhering moisture.

[0089] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but is illustrated by the claims, and includes all modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0090] For example, in the above embodiment, the container cleaning device includes an illumination unit, an outer surface temperature sensor, a reading unit, a first fan, and a second fan, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, at least one of the illumination unit, the outer surface temperature sensor, the reading unit, the first fan, and the second fan does not have to be included.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example of an operation screen is shown on the display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, operation buttons may be provided separately from or instead of the display unit.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the control unit performs control to start cleaning after the lock time has elapsed since the door open / close sensor detected that the door is closed and the container holding sensor detected that a container is being held, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, cleaning may be started based on the lock detection sensor detecting the locked state of the door in addition to or instead of the lock time having elapsed.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the container holder is fixed inside the main body, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the container holder may be movably provided inside the main body. In this case, the position where the container is held by the container holder and the position where the container is cleaned are aligned in the Y direction, and the container holder may move in the Y direction without changing its position in the Z direction. Furthermore, the container holder may tilt in the Z direction due to the weight of the container while holding the container, and the container holder may move in the Y direction when the tilt is detected by a sensor such as an optical sensor.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the container holder is U-shaped when viewed from above, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the container holder may be V-shaped when viewed from above, or may be U-shaped (or U-shaped) with a straight back surface.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the waste liquid collection tank is provided outside the container washing apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the waste liquid collection tank may be provided inside the container washing apparatus. Furthermore, the waste liquid may be directly discharged to the outside without providing a waste liquid collection tank.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the cleaning liquid temperature sensor includes a thermistor, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the cleaning liquid temperature sensor may be a sensor other than a thermistor, such as an infrared sensor.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the container holding sensor is a reflection sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the container holding sensor may be a weight sensor or a pressure sensor disposed below the container holder.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the outer surface temperature sensor is an infrared sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the outer surface temperature sensor may include a thermistor.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the container washing device is provided with a reading unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a portable terminal carried by a user may be provided with a reading unit, and the identification information read by the portable terminal may be transmitted to the container washing device, whereby the control unit may perform control to select a washing mode.

[0100] In the above embodiment, a default value is set for the locked state maintenance time, and the control unit changes the unlocked time based on the default value, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the locked state maintenance time is set according to the material and structure or the outer surface temperature of the container, and the control unit may set the locked state maintenance time according to the material and structure or the outer surface temperature of the container.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the control unit drives the first and second fans to remove moisture from the container holding sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, in addition to or instead of driving the first and second fans, a nonwoven fabric may be attached to the container holding sensor to remove moisture from the container holding sensor.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a flow path was provided to supply the cleaning liquid directly to the container from the outside via the first cleaning unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the cleaning liquid may be supplied directly to the container from the outside without passing through the first cleaning unit. Also, a flow path for supplying the cleaning liquid directly to the container may not be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 Main body 2 Container holding part 3 Cleaning section 3a First cleaning member 3b Second cleaning member 3c Pump 3f Cleaning fluid temperature sensor 4 Door open / close sensor 5 Container holding sensor 6 Control Unit 7. Lighting Section 8. External surface temperature sensor 9 Reading unit 10 First Fan 11 Second Fan 100 Container cleaning device 110b Door 200 containers 200a Identification Information

Claims

1. a main body provided with a door; a container holder provided inside the main body and configured to hold a container; a cleaning unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to the container held by the container holding unit and cleans the container; a door opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing state of the door; a container holding sensor that detects that the container is held in the container holding portion; A container cleaning device comprising: a control unit that controls the cleaning unit to clean the container based on the door opening / closing sensor detecting the closed state of the door and the container holding sensor detecting the state in which the container is held.

2. The container washing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the washing of the container based on the door opening / closing sensor detecting the closed state of the door and the locking time elapsed from when the container holding sensor detects that the container is being held until the door is locked.

3. a lighting unit disposed in the main body and configured to irradiate light into a space in which the container holder is provided; the door is formed of a material through which light from the lighting unit is visible when the door is closed, The container washing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the lighting unit to be turned on when the container is being washed.

4. the cleaning liquid is hot water, The container cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the time for which the locked state is maintained from the end of cleaning until the door is unlocked based on the material or structure of the container, thereby controlling the temperature of the outer surface of the container to be lowered.

5. Further provided is an outer surface temperature sensor that detects the outer surface temperature of the container; the cleaning liquid is hot water, The container cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the time for which the locked state is maintained from the end of cleaning until the door is unlocked based on the outer surface temperature of the container detected by the outer surface temperature sensor, thereby controlling the container to lower its outer surface temperature.

6. The container cleaning device described in claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the time for which the locked state is maintained from the end of cleaning until the door is unlocked when the outer surface temperature of the container detected by the outer surface temperature sensor is higher than a threshold value, thereby controlling to lower the outer surface temperature of the container.

7. the cleaning unit includes a first cleaning member that cleans the container and a second cleaning member that cleans the first cleaning member, The container cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the first cleaning member to clean the container, and then control the second cleaning member to clean the first cleaning member.

8. The container cleaning device described in claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to control the cleaning of the container by the first cleaning member, and then, based on the detection of the closed state of the door by the door opening / closing sensor and the detection of the state in which the container is not being held by the container holding sensor, to control the cleaning of the first cleaning member by the second cleaning member.

9. the cleaning unit further includes a pump that supplies liquid to the container, and a cleaning liquid temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the cleaning liquid discharged into the container by the pump; The container cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to change a duty ratio, which is the ratio of the time the pump supplies the cleaning liquid to the time the supply of the cleaning liquid is stopped, based on the discharge temperature of the cleaning liquid detected by the cleaning liquid temperature sensor.

10. Further, a reading unit is provided for reading the identification information attached to the container, The container washing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to set a washing mode including different washing times and different temperatures of the washing liquid based on the identification information read by the reading unit.

11. a first fan provided at an upper portion inside the main body portion and configured to cause air to flow from the upper portion to the lower portion inside the main body portion; a second fan provided inside the main body portion and configured to exhaust air from inside the main body portion to the outside, The container cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the removal of moisture adhering to the container holding sensor by driving the first fan and the second fan.

Images