Beverage supply device

Abstract

To provide a beverage feeder which can clean both of a beverage pipe and a pneumatic pipe with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A beverage feeder of the disclosure includes: a beverage storage part which stores a beverage; a beverage pipe which supplies the beverage from the beverage storage part to a beverage feed nozzle; a pneumatic pipe connected to a part of the beverage pipe and configured to supply air to the beverage pipe; and a cleaning fluid storage part which is connected to the beverage pipe and the pneumatic pipe and stores cleaning fluid for cleaning the interiors of the beverage pipe and the pneumatic pipe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beverage supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, beverage supply devices that generate beverages and provide them from nozzles and the like have become widespread. In such beverage supply devices, it is important to maintain the hygiene of the internal structure such as pipes for transferring beverages.

[0003] As an example of a beverage supply device, there is one that generates foam milk by including air in milk. Such a beverage supply device has, in addition to a beverage pipe for transferring milk as a beverage, an air pipe for sending air to be included in the milk. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a milk foamer that supplies a cleaning medium to a milk supply pipe and an air supply pipe and cleans them.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, steam used for heating cold water or milk is used as a cleaning medium. Therefore, in order to clean the milk supply pipe and the air supply pipe, it is necessary to connect a cold water pipe and a steam pipe to the milk supply pipe and the air supply pipe. Such a configuration causes complication of the pipe arrangement, and there are concerns about enlargement of the entire device and increase in manufacturing cost.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a beverage supply device capable of cleaning both a beverage pipe and an air pipe with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A beverage supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a beverage storage unit for storing beverages; beverage piping for supplying the beverages from the beverage storage unit to a beverage supply nozzle; air piping connected to a part of the beverage piping for supplying air to the beverage piping; and a cleaning liquid storage unit connected to the beverage piping and the air piping for storing cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the beverage piping and the air piping. The cleaning fluid reservoir has an opening that is open to the atmosphere, and an intake port located inside the cleaning fluid reservoir that draws the air from inside the cleaning fluid reservoir into the air piping. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the beverage supply device of this disclosure, both beverage piping and air piping can be cleaned with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Front view of a beverage dispensing device [Figure 2] Conceptual diagram showing the internal structure of a beverage dispensing device. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the container holding section and nozzle unit located inside the housing. [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view of the nozzle unit and tray, viewed from the front and upper left. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of the piping system showing the main components and piping of the beverage production unit. [Figure 6] Diagram showing the structure of the cistern [Figure 7] Perspective view including the milk tank, cleaning fluid tank, and surrounding components. [Figure 8] A front view diagram of the milk tank, cleaning fluid tank, and their surrounding components. [Figure 9] Perspective view showing the surrounding configuration with the milk tank and cleaning fluid tank removed. [Figure 10] Functional block diagram to explain the functional configuration of a beverage supply system. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating an example of the startup operation of a beverage dispensing system. [Figure 12] A flowchart to explain the water level monitoring operation. [Figure 13] Flowchart for explaining an example of the operation during beverage supply [Figure 14] Flowchart for explaining the milk supply operation [Figure 15] Flowchart for explaining the first cleaning liquid discharge operation [Figure 16] Flowchart for explaining the milk transfer operation [Figure 17] Flowchart for explaining the first cleaning liquid supply operation [Figure 18] Flowchart for explaining the operation of transitioning to the standby state [Figure 19] Flowchart for explaining the operation of transitioning to the standby state [Figure 20] Flowchart for explaining the cleaning operation using the first cleaning liquid [Figure 21] Flowchart for explaining the second cleaning liquid discharge operation [Figure 22] Schematic diagram for explaining the storage amount of the cleaning liquid in each operation

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a beverage supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] <Configuration of Beverage Supply Device 1> FIG. 1 is a front view of the beverage supply device 1. In this specification, the front side is the side facing the user of the beverage supply device 1, and the rear side is the opposite side of the front side. Also, the right side is the right side as viewed from the user, and the left side is the opposite side of the right side. The upper side is the upper side when the beverage supply device is installed on a horizontal plane, and the lower side is the opposite side of the upper side.

[0012] The beverage dispensing device 1 comprises a housing 10 and an operation display unit 20. Figure 2 is an illustrative diagram of the internal structure of the beverage dispensing device 1. Figure 2 shows a portion of the internal structure of the beverage dispensing device 1, i.e., the structure excluding the housing 10, specifically the milk side unit and the cooling unit shown in Figure 5. Figure 2A shows a view of a portion of the milk side unit and the cooling unit from the right side, and Figure 2B shows a view of a portion of the milk side unit and the cooling unit from the front. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container holding unit 30 and nozzle unit 40 provided inside the housing 10.

[0013] The beverage dispenser 1 dispenses a beverage selected by the user via the operation display unit 20 into a container C held in the container holding unit 30, which is then dispensed by the beverage generating unit 50 (see Figure 5) via the nozzle unit 40. Examples of container C include tumblers, water bottles, or cups. In this embodiment, the user is a person who receives a beverage using the beverage dispenser 1, and is distinct from the manager who operates and manages the beverage dispenser 1. The manager is, for example, an employee of the facility (such as a store) where the beverage dispenser 1 is installed.

[0014] A container loading / unloading opening 10A is formed on the front of the housing 10 for loading and unloading container C into and out of the housing 10. A loading / unloading door 11 for opening and closing the container loading / unloading opening 10A is also located on the front of the housing 10. The loading / unloading door 11 is, for example, rotatable around its left end.

[0015] The operation display unit 20 is located on the upper part of the front of the housing 10. The operation display unit 20 is used for beverage selection. The operation display unit 20 is configured, for example, as a touch panel. The operation display unit 20 displays selection buttons for selecting available beverages, and when a user presses an area corresponding to a predetermined selection button, it outputs a beverage identification signal to the control unit 60 (see Figure 5), which will be described later, to identify the pressed area. Alternatively, physical buttons for selecting available beverages may be placed on the housing 10 instead of the operation display unit 20.

[0016] The container holding section 30 holds the container C that is inserted into the housing 10 through the container opening 10A. The container holding section 30 has a mounting section 31 on which the container C is placed and held. The mounting section 31 has a positioning mechanism for the container C, and the position of the container C on the mounting section 31 is fixed each time.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the interior of the beverage supply device 1 is divided into multiple compartments. In the example shown in Figure 2, the beverage supply device 1 has multiple compartments: a room temperature room R1, a semi-cooled room R2, a cool room R3, and a unit room R4. The semi-cooled room R2 and the cool room R3 are separated from the other compartments by insulating material and are cooled by a cooler (not shown). The semi-cooled room R2 is a compartment maintained at a semi-low temperature of, for example, about 10°C. The cool room R3 is a compartment maintained at a low temperature of, for example, about 5°C. The cool room R3 houses the milk tank 52 and the cleaning solution tank 53, which will be described later. The unit room R4 houses a cooler and the like.

[0018] The nozzle unit 40 has at least one nozzle for dispensing the beverage produced by the beverage production unit 50, or the cleaning solution after cleaning the inside of the beverage production unit 50. In this embodiment, as an example, the nozzle unit 40 has a coffee nozzle 41 for dispensing coffee and a milk nozzle 42 for dispensing hot milk, cold milk, or frothed milk. The nozzle unit 40 may also have other nozzles, such as a nozzle for dispensing powdered beverages (such as milk cocoa, milk tea, matcha latte, matcha au lait, cafe latte, or cafe au lait) produced by mixing beverage powder with hot water or milk, or a nozzle for dispensing hot water or cold water.

[0019] Furthermore, the nozzle unit 40 has a moving mechanism 43 that moves the nozzle along the front-rear direction. The moving mechanism 43 can move the position of the nozzle in the front-rear direction between a supply position, when the nozzle is supplying the beverage to a container C held by the container holding unit 30, and a standby position, when it is not. The supply position is a position forward of the standby position, where the position of the nozzle in the front-rear direction coincides with the position of the supply hole 71 of the tray 70, which will be described later. Figure 3 shows the state in which the nozzle is in the standby position. The moving mechanism 43 is composed of, for example, a combination of a motor and a rack mechanism. The movement of the nozzle by the moving mechanism 43 is controlled by the control unit 60.

[0020] A tray 70 is positioned between the nozzle unit 40 and the container holding unit 30. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle unit 40 and tray 70 viewed from the front and upper left. The tray 70 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box with an open top. A rectangular supply hole 71 is formed in the part of the tray 70 that is in front of the center in the front-to-back direction. The supply hole 71 is formed at a position almost directly above the container C held by the container holding unit 30. As a result, the beverage discharged from the nozzle, which is aligned with the position of the supply hole 71 in the front-to-back direction by the moving mechanism 43, is reliably supplied into the container C.

[0021] Furthermore, the tray 70 has a receiving portion 72 for receiving the waste liquid discharged from the nozzle when the beverage supply device 1 is in standby mode. The waste liquid is either the remaining drops of beverage that drip from the nozzle in standby mode, or cleaning liquid used to clean the inside of the nozzle and the internal piping of the beverage generation unit 50. A wall portion 73 is provided around the supply hole 71 to prevent the waste liquid from falling out of the supply hole 71. Behind the receiving portion 72, an inclined surface 74 for discharge is formed, which slopes downward towards the rear.

[0022] Further behind the discharge inclined surface 74, a discharge section 75 is formed. By forming the discharge section 75 at a position corresponding to the lowest end of the discharge inclined surface 74, the drained liquid is more easily guided to the discharge section 75, and the accumulation of drained liquid in the receiving section 72 can be avoided. A discharge pipe is connected further behind the discharge section 75, and the drained liquid is collected by the discharge pipe.

[0023] [Beverage production department 50] Next, the beverage generating unit 50 will be described in detail. The beverage generating unit 50 is located inside the housing 10 (see Figure 1). Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the main components and piping of the beverage generating unit 50.

[0024] The beverage generating unit 50 includes a cistern 51, a milk tank 52, a cleaning solution tank 53, a coffee extraction unit 54, and a control unit 60 that controls the entire beverage supply device 1. The cistern 51 is an example of the cleaning solution generating unit of this disclosure. The milk tank 52 is an example of the beverage storage unit of this disclosure. The cleaning solution tank 53 is an example of the cleaning solution storage unit of this disclosure.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 5, the components of the beverage production unit 50 can be broadly divided into a coffee-side unit for supplying coffee, a milk-side unit for supplying milk, and a cooling unit for keeping milk and other liquids cool. The coffee-side unit includes a cistern 51, a boiler 55, a coffee extraction unit 54, a nozzle unit 40, and a control unit 60. The milk-side unit includes various pipes for supplying milk or cleaning liquid from the milk tank 52 and cleaning liquid tank 53 to the milk nozzle 42 of the nozzle unit 40, and a water bath 56. The cooling unit includes the milk tank 52 and cleaning liquid tank 53 which are kept cool in a cooling chamber R3. In this disclosure, the coffee-side unit, the milk-side unit, and the cooling unit may each be housed in separate enclosures. Furthermore, in the beverage supply device of this disclosure, the coffee-side unit, the milk-side unit, and the cooling unit are not separate units, but at least one of them may be the same unit.

[0026] [Description of Cistern 51 and related piping] Cistern 51 is a tank for storing tap water supplied from outside the beverage supply device 1. Cistern 51 is an example of a cleaning liquid generation unit of this disclosure.

[0027] The tap water stored in the cistern 51 is used for extracting coffee by the coffee extraction unit 54, or for cleaning the inside of the piping of the beverage production unit 50. A boiler 55 is located between the cistern 51 and the coffee extraction unit 54, and the tap water supplied to the coffee extraction unit 54 is heated by the boiler 55 to become hot water. The hot water heated by the boiler 55 is supplied to the water bath 56 and may be used to warm milk. The hot water may also be used as steam to froth the milk.

[0028] Figure 6 shows the configuration of the cistern 51. As shown in Figure 6, the cistern 51 includes a tap water supply unit 511, a float 512 for measuring the water level of tap water stored inside, and a processing unit 513 that performs electrolytic treatment to generate hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing the stored tap water.

[0029] The tap water supply unit 511 supplies tap water to the inside of the cistern 51. The tap water supplied from the tap water supply unit 511 includes, for example, tap water supplied from the public water supply that has been filtered by a filtration filter or the like. The float 512 is a water level sensor made of a material that floats on the water surface. The float 512 monitors the water level of the tap water stored inside the cistern 51, and when the tap water stored inside the cistern 51 is used, for example to provide drinking water, tap water is replenished from the tap water supply unit 511 until the water level reaches a predetermined level.

[0030] The water level of the tap water stored in Cistern 51 varies depending on the intended use of the stored tap water. When the tap water stored in Cistern 51 is used for the production of beverages or for the generation of the first washing solution described later, the water level is maintained at the first predetermined position. When the tap water stored in Cistern 51 is used for the generation of the second washing solution described later, the water level is maintained at the second predetermined position, which is higher than the first predetermined position.

[0031] The processing unit 513 has two electrodes 514. By passing an electric current through the two electrodes 514, the processing unit 513 generates hypochlorous acid using chloride ions contained in tap water.

[0032] In the electrolytic treatment, the processing unit 513 applies a predetermined current for a predetermined time to tap water at a predetermined water level, such as a first predetermined water level or a second predetermined water level. This makes it possible to set the hypochlorous acid concentration of the hypochlorous acid water generated inside the cistern 51 to a desired concentration each time. Furthermore, by changing the electrolysis time, the hypochlorous acid concentration contained in the hypochlorous acid water generated inside the cistern 51 can be changed. As a result, the processing unit 513 can generate at least a first cleaning solution, which is hypochlorous acid water with a predetermined first concentration of hypochlorous acid, and a second cleaning solution, which is hypochlorous acid water with a predetermined second concentration of hypochlorous acid. The first concentration is, for example, 5 ppm, and the second concentration is, for example, 30 ppm. The operation of the processing unit 513 is controlled by the control unit 60. Details of the control by the control unit 60 will be described later.

[0033] The first cleaning solution is used to clean the milk piping 86, which is the target of cleaning. The first concentration of the first cleaning solution, 5 ppm, is a concentration that is safe even if ingested by humans. The WHO (World Health Organization) drinking water quality guidelines state that the guideline value for chlorine concentration in drinking water is 5 mg / L, and the first concentration conforms to this guideline.

[0034] On the other hand, the second washing solution is a washing solution used for the purpose of sterilizing the object to be washed. The second washing solution is, for example, a disinfectant that falls under the category of designated additives (a type of food additive) designated by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare pursuant to Article 12 of the Food Sanitation Act. In this case, the Food Sanitation Act mandates that the second washing solution be removed before the final food product (in this embodiment, a beverage) is completed.

[0035] The concentrations of hypochlorous acid contained in the first and second cleaning solutions are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. The concentration of hypochlorous acid in the first cleaning solution may be less than the first concentration (e.g., 5 ppm), with the first concentration as the threshold. Similarly, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the second cleaning solution may be greater than or equal to the second concentration (e.g., 30 ppm), with the second concentration as the threshold. Furthermore, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the first cleaning solution may be within a predetermined first range (e.g., 3 ppm to 5 ppm), and the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the second cleaning solution may be within a predetermined second range (e.g., 30 ppm to 40 ppm).

[0036] Hypochlorous acid water is an example of a cleaning solution in this disclosure. Hypochlorous acid is also an example of a disinfectant component in this disclosure.

[0037] The cistern 51 is connected to the first piping 83 via the first pump P1 and the first flow meter 81. The first pump P1 is a pump that operates based on the control of the control unit 60. The first piping 83 is connected to the second piping 84, which is connected to the coffee extraction unit 54 via the solenoid valve V1 and the boiler 55, and to the third piping 85, which is connected to the cleaning liquid tank 53 via the solenoid valve V2.

[0038] Solenoid valves V1 and V2 operate based on the control of the control unit 60. When solenoid valve V1 is open and solenoid valve V2 is closed, the first pump P1 is operated, supplying tap water stored in the cistern 51 to the boiler 55 through the first pipe 83 and the second pipe 84. On the other hand, when solenoid valve V1 is closed and solenoid valve V2 is open, the first pump P1 is operated, supplying cleaning fluid stored in the cistern 51 to the cleaning fluid tank 53 through the first pipe 83 and the third pipe 85. The first pipe 83 and the third pipe 85 are examples of cleaning fluid piping in this disclosure.

[0039] Although not shown in the diagram, the cistern 51 may also be connected to a discharge pipe for discharging the internal stored liquid (tap water or cleaning solution).

[0040] [Description of the milk tank 52, the cleaning fluid tank 53, and the associated piping] Figures 7, 8, and 9 are diagrams illustrating the milk tank 52 and the cleaning fluid tank 53. Figure 7 is a perspective view including the milk tank 52, the cleaning fluid tank 53, and their surrounding configuration. Figure 8 is a front view of the milk tank 52, the cleaning fluid tank 53, and their surrounding configuration. In Figure 8, the front walls of the milk tank 52 and the cleaning fluid tank 53 are omitted so that the inside of the milk tank 52 and the cleaning fluid tank 53 can be seen. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the surrounding configuration with the milk tank 52 and the cleaning fluid tank 53 removed.

[0041] In this embodiment, the milk tank 52 stores milk to be mixed with coffee extracted in the coffee extraction unit 54 to produce a coffee beverage. The milk in this embodiment is an example of a milk beverage of the present disclosure. In this disclosure, the milk beverage may include not only cow's milk but also animal milk such as goat's milk or sheep's milk, or plant-based milk such as soy milk, nut milk, rice milk, oat milk, or hemp milk. In addition, the milk beverage in this disclosure may include other milk substitutes.

[0042] As described above, the milk tank 52 and the cleaning solution tank 53 are located inside the cold storage chamber R3 (see Figure 2). This prevents the milk stored in the milk tank 52 from deteriorating due to heat.

[0043] The milk tank 52 is a storage unit for storing milk as an example of a beverage. The milk tank 52 is an example of a beverage storage unit of the present disclosure. The milk tank 52 has a lid 521 and a container 522. The container 522 is the main body portion for storing milk, and the lid 521 is the portion that covers the container 522.

[0044] The lid portion 521 has a suction portion 523. The suction portion 523 is a pipe-shaped structure that extends from the lid portion 521 toward the inside of the milk tank 52 and sucks up the milk stored in the milk tank 52.

[0045] With this configuration, the suction unit 523 can stably draw up milk even when the liquid level of milk stored in the milk tank 52 is low. The suction unit 523 is connected to the suction pipe 89 via the first connection part 524. The first connection part 524 detachably connects the suction unit 523 and the suction pipe 89.

[0046] The milk piping 86 is a pipe that transfers milk drawn up from the milk tank 52 to the milk nozzle 42. In the following description, the milk tank 52 side of the milk piping 86 will be referred to as the upstream side, and the milk nozzle 42 side as the downstream side. The upstream end of the milk piping 86 is connected to a three-way valve 87, and the downstream end is connected to the milk nozzle 42. The milk piping 86 is an example of a beverage piping in this disclosure. The milk piping 86 is equipped with, from the upstream side, a three-way valve 87, a second flow meter 88, a solenoid valve V3, a milk pump P2, a solenoid valve V4, a solenoid valve V5, and a water bath 56.

[0047] The three-way valve 87 is a three-way solenoid valve that connects the suction pipe 89, the milk pipe 86, and the fourth pipe 92 extending from inside the cleaning fluid tank 53. The three-way valve 87 and solenoid valves V3, V4, and V5 operate based on the control of the control unit 60. Under the control of the control unit 60, the three-way valve 87 switches the connection destination of the milk pipe 86 to either the suction pipe 89 or the fourth pipe 92. This allows either the milk suctioned from the milk tank 52 or the cleaning fluid suctioned from the cleaning fluid tank 53 to flow selectively through the milk pipe 86.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, an air pipe 93, which will be described later, is connected to the milk pipe 86. Downstream from the milk pump P2, the milk pipe 86 branches into a cold milk pipe 86C and a hot milk pipe 86H. At the connection point J between the milk pipe 86 and the air pipe 93, and at the branching point B between the cold milk pipe 86C and the hot milk pipe 86H, the pipes are connected to each other, and solenoid valves V4, V5, and V6 prevent milk from entering pipes other than the desired ones.

[0049] The second flow meter 88 measures the flow rate of milk or cleaning fluid flowing through the milk piping 86. The milk pump P2 is a pump that operates based on the control of the control unit 60, and when the solenoid valve V3 is open, it transfers the milk stored in the milk tank 52 or the cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 to the milk nozzle 42 via the milk piping 86. At the connection point J upstream of the milk pump P2 and downstream of the solenoid valve V3, the milk piping 86 is connected to the air piping 93, which will be described later.

[0050] As described above, downstream of the milk pump P2, the milk piping 86 branches into a cold milk piping 86C and a hot milk piping 86H. The cold milk piping 86C is equipped with a solenoid valve V4, and the hot milk piping 86H is equipped with a solenoid valve V5. When solenoid valve V4 is open and solenoid valve V5 is closed, milk is transferred to the milk nozzle 42 through the cold milk piping 86C. On the other hand, when solenoid valve V5 is open and solenoid valve V4 is closed, milk is heated by the water bath 56 through the hot milk piping 86H before being transferred to the milk nozzle 42. Since hot water is supplied to the water bath 56 from the boiler 55, the milk passing through the hot milk piping 86H is heated by the water bath 56.

[0051] Cold or hot milk is supplied from the milk nozzle 42 to container C (see Figure 1, etc.).

[0052] The cleaning fluid tank 53 stores the cleaning fluid generated by the cistern 51. The cleaning fluid tank 53 is an example of a cleaning fluid storage unit of the present disclosure. The cleaning fluid tank 53 has a lid portion 531 and a container portion 532. The container portion 532 is the main body portion for storing the cleaning fluid, and the lid portion 531 is the portion that covers the opening at the top of the container portion 532 and acts as a lid.

[0053] The lid portion 531 has a suction portion 533, an air intake portion 534, and an opening 535. The suction portion 533 is a pipe-shaped structure that extends from the lid portion 531 toward the inside of the cleaning fluid tank 53 and sucks up the cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53. The air intake portion 534 is a pipe-shaped structure that extends from the lid portion 531 toward the inside of the cleaning fluid tank 53. An intake port 538 is provided at the lower end of the air intake portion 534, and air from inside the cleaning fluid tank 53 is drawn into the air intake portion 534 from the intake port 538. The air drawn into the air intake portion 534 from the intake port 538 is supplied to the milk piping 86 through the air piping 93 described later and is used to froth the milk.

[0054] The lower end of the suction section 533 extends to near the bottom surface of the container section 532 of the cleaning fluid tank 53. On the other hand, the air intake section 534 is shorter than the suction section 533, and the air intake port 538 formed at the lower end of the air intake section 534 is located, for example, away from the bottom surface of the container section 532, and positioned 3 to 5 cm from the lid section 531.

[0055] With this configuration, the suction unit 533 can stably draw up the cleaning fluid even when the liquid level of the cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 is low. The suction unit 533 is connected to the milk piping 86 via the second connection unit 536 and the fourth piping 92. The second connection unit 536 detachably connects the suction unit 533 and the fourth piping 92. The second connection unit 536 is an example of a connection unit in this disclosure.

[0056] On the other hand, with the above configuration, when the liquid level of the cleaning fluid is lower than the intake port 538, the intake port 538 can draw in air from inside the cleaning fluid tank 53 without any problems, even if cleaning fluid is stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53. Furthermore, since the cleaning fluid tank 53 is open to the atmosphere by the opening 535 provided in the lid 531, it is unlikely that there will be insufficient air drawn in through the intake port 538.

[0057] On the other hand, if the cleaning fluid level in the cleaning fluid tank 53 rises above the intake port 538, in other words, if the intake port 538 is submerged in the cleaning fluid, and the air pump P3 (described later) is activated, cleaning fluid will be drawn in from the intake port 538 instead of air.

[0058] The air intake section 534 is connected to the air piping 93 via the third connection section 537. The third connection section 537 detachably connects the air intake section 534 and the air piping 93.

[0059] With this configuration, the air piping 93 can be cleaned using the cleaning fluid taken in from the air intake 534. As the cleaning fluid is taken into the air piping 93 from the air intake 534, the level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank 53 gradually decreases. When the level of the cleaning fluid falls below the level of the intake port 538, no more cleaning fluid is taken in from the intake port 538, and the cleaning of the air piping 93 is completed.

[0060] The air piping 93 connects the air intake 534 and the milk piping 86. The air piping 93 is equipped with an air pump P3 and a solenoid valve V6. The air pump P3 and solenoid valve V6 operate based on the control of the control unit 60. When the liquid level of the cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 is lower than the intake port 538, the solenoid valve V6 is opened and the air pump P3 operates, drawing air in from the intake port 538 and supplying it to the milk piping 86. As a result, when milk is being transported through the milk piping 86, the milk is frothed, and when cleaning fluid is being transported through the milk piping 86, fine bubbles are generated in the cleaning fluid. Also, when the liquid level of the cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 is above the intake port 538, cleaning fluid is drawn in from the intake port 538 and the air piping 93 is cleaned. For example, a one-way pump such as a gas-liquid diaphragm pump may be used for the air pump P3.

[0061] The opening 535 is a hole provided in the lid 531 of the cleaning fluid tank 53. As described above, the opening 535 allows the cleaning fluid tank 53 to be exposed to the atmosphere. In addition, in a plan view, the opening 535 is aligned with the end E of the third pipe 85 that constitutes the cleaning fluid piping, which is on the cleaning fluid tank 53 side. In other words, the end E of the third pipe 85 that constitutes the cleaning fluid piping is located at the center of the opening 535 in a plan view. Furthermore, when the opening 535 and end E are viewed from the front, as shown in Figure 8, end E is close to the opening 535 and is located above the opening 535. As a result, the cleaning fluid transferred from the cistern 51 through the cleaning fluid piping (first pipe 83 and third pipe 85) is supplied to the inside of the cleaning fluid tank 53 from the end E of the third pipe that is on the cleaning fluid tank 53 side, through the opening 535. That is, the opening 535 allows the cleaning fluid supplied from the cistern 51 to flow into the inside.

[0062] As described above, the suction section 523 of the milk tank 52 is detachably connected to the suction pipe 89 by the first connection section 524. Furthermore, the suction section 533 and air intake section 534 of the cleaning liquid tank 53 are detachably connected to the fourth pipe 92 and air pipe 93 by the second connection section 536 and the third connection section 537. As a result, the milk tank 52 and the cleaning liquid tank 53 can be detached from their respective pipes, as shown in Figure 9. This allows the milk tank 52 and the cleaning liquid tank 53 to be removed from the beverage supply device 1 for cleaning, thereby ensuring the hygiene of the milk tank 52 and the cleaning liquid tank 53. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the milk tank 52 and the cleaning liquid tank 53 may be fixed to the piping, making it unnecessary for the milk tank 52 and the cleaning liquid tank 53 to be detachable.

[0063] As described above, the milk tank 52 and the cleaning solution tank 53 are located inside the cold storage chamber R3 (see Figure 2). Furthermore, it is preferable that the piping related to the milk tank 52 and the cleaning solution tank 53 be located inside the semi-cold storage chamber R2. This prevents the milk passing through the piping from deteriorating. The semi-cold storage chamber R2 is, for example, a space inside the housing 10 surrounded by insulating material, as described above, and the inside of the semi-cold storage chamber R2 is maintained at a semi-low temperature by the cold air leaking from the cold storage chamber R3.

[0064] [Description of the boiler 55, coffee extraction unit 54, and related piping] As described above, the boiler 55 is connected to the first pipe 83, which is connected to the cistern 51, via the second pipe 84 where the solenoid valve V1 is located. The boiler 55 heats the tap water supplied from the cistern 51 to make hot water.

[0065] A solenoid valve V7 is provided in the fifth pipe 95. Downstream of the boiler 55 and upstream of the solenoid valve V7, the sixth pipe 97, which is connected to the water bath 56 via a solenoid valve V8, is connected to the fifth pipe 95.

[0066] Solenoid valves V7 and V8 operate based on the control of the control unit 60. When solenoid valve V7 is open and solenoid valve V8 is closed, hot water from the boiler 55 is supplied to the coffee extraction unit 54. When solenoid valve V7 is closed and solenoid valve V8 is open, hot water from the boiler 55 is supplied to the water bath 56.

[0067] The coffee extraction unit 54 extracts coffee liquid using, for example, ground coffee beans. The coffee liquid extracted by the coffee extraction unit 54 is supplied from the coffee nozzle 41 to the container C (see Figure 1, etc.).

[0068] In this embodiment, the beverage generating unit 50 of the beverage supply device 1 has a coffee extraction unit 54, but the beverage supply device of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the beverage generating unit may have, in addition to or instead of the coffee extraction unit, at least one of the following: a powder beverage generating unit for generating powder beverages, or a tea extraction unit for extracting teas. In the beverage supply device of this disclosure, the beverage generating unit may not have a coffee extraction unit, a powder beverage generating unit, or a tea extraction unit, and may only have a configuration for supplying milk. Furthermore, the beverage supply device of this disclosure may not include a coffee extraction unit, a powder beverage generating unit, or a tea extraction unit, and the beverage supply device of this disclosure may be connectable to other devices that include a coffee extraction unit, a powder beverage generating unit, or a tea extraction unit.

[0069] [Functional configuration of beverage supply device 1] Next, the functional configuration of the beverage supply device 1 will be described. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the beverage supply device 1.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, the beverage supply device 1 has as functional blocks an operation display unit 20, a cistern 51, a nozzle unit 40, a coffee extraction unit 54, a boiler 55, a milk circuit 110, a communication unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a control unit 60.

[0071] The milk circuit 110 consists of the three-way valve 87 (solenoid valve), second flow meter 88, solenoid valve V3, solenoid valve V4, solenoid valve V5, milk pump P2, air pump P3, solenoid valve V6, and water bath 56, which are components of the beverage production unit 50 described above. The milk circuit 110 includes a configuration for transferring milk from the milk tank 52 to the milk nozzle 42, a configuration for warming the milk, and a configuration for frothing the milk.

[0072] The communication unit 120 communicates with the outside world using communication methods such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth®. The communication unit 120 can communicate with external mobile terminal devices, such as those owned by users or employees, and can send various notifications to the external mobile terminal devices and accept various settings from the external mobile terminal devices.

[0073] The memory unit 130 stores various information used for the operation of the beverage supply device 1.

[0074] <Example of operation of beverage supply device 1> The following describes in detail an example of the operation of the beverage dispenser 1 having the configuration described above. For the purpose of describing the operation example, let us assume that the beverage dispenser 1 is installed in a store, for example. The beverage dispenser 1 installed in the store starts up when the store opens and transitions to a supply standby state in which it is ready to supply beverages. During business hours, the beverage dispenser 1 is in a supply standby state and performs beverage production, supply, or cleaning operations as needed. When the store closes, the beverage dispenser 1 transitions to a dormant state. The dormant state is a state in which the beverage dispenser 1 does not provide beverages and is waiting to transition to the supply standby state. In this disclosure, the beverage dispenser does not have to be installed in a store, in which case the transition between the supply standby state and the dormant state may be performed at the convenience of the owner of the beverage dispenser.

[0075] [Startup behavior] The following describes an example of the startup operation of the beverage supply device 1. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the startup operation of the beverage supply device 1. As mentioned above, the startup operation is the operation in which the beverage supply device 1 transitions from a paused state in which it stops supplying beverages to a supply standby state in which it enables the supply of beverages and awaits requests for beverage supply.

[0076] In step S1, the control unit 60 initiates the transition from the dormant state to the supply standby state in response to an operation by the administrator. The transition from the dormant state to the supply standby state is initiated, for example, by the administrator operating a button or switch installed on the housing 10. Alternatively, the transition from the dormant state to the supply standby state may be initiated automatically when the current time reaches a predetermined time set in advance.

[0077] In step S2, the control unit 60 performs a second cleaning fluid discharge operation to discharge any second cleaning fluid remaining inside the piping or in the cleaning fluid tank 53 when the system transitioned to the previous pause operation. The fact that the second cleaning fluid remains in the piping when the system transitions to the pause state will be explained later in relation to Figures 18 and 19. Furthermore, the details of the second cleaning fluid discharge operation will be explained later in relation to Figure 21.

[0078] In step S3, the control unit 60 performs the first cleaning solution supply operation once. The first cleaning solution supply operation involves generating a predetermined amount of first cleaning solution (hypochlorous acid water) with a concentration of 5 ppm of the bactericidal component (hypochlorous acid) in the cistern 51, and supplying the generated first cleaning solution to the cleaning solution tank 53 for storage. Details of the first cleaning solution supply operation will be described later.

[0079] In this embodiment, as described above, when the first cleaning solution is generated in the cistern 51, electrolytic treatment is always performed on tap water at a first predetermined water level for a first predetermined time to generate the first cleaning solution. In other words, when the first cleaning solution is generated in the cistern 51, a predetermined amount of the first cleaning solution is always generated. The predetermined amount is equal to the amount stored at the first predetermined water level in the cistern 51. In this embodiment, the predetermined amount is set to 500 ml. In step S3, the first cleaning solution supply operation is performed once, and 500 ml of the first cleaning solution is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 from the cistern 51 through the first pipe 83 and the third pipe 85. The predetermined amount of the first cleaning solution stored in step S3 is all used in the cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution in step S5.

[0080] In step S4, the control unit 60 switches the three-way valve 87 to the fourth pipe 92 side. This makes it possible to supply the first cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 to the milk pipe 86 via the fourth pipe 92.

[0081] In step S5, the control unit 60 performs a cleaning operation using a predetermined amount of the first cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 in step S3. In steps S2 and S5, the second cleaning solution that remained in the piping during the previous pause is discharged, and the inside of the milk piping 86 is cleaned using the first cleaning solution. As described above, a predetermined amount of the first cleaning solution is consumed in one cleaning operation in step S5. Details of the cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution will be described later.

[0082] In step S6, the control unit 60 switches the three-way valve 87 to the suction piping 89 side.

[0083] In step S7, the control unit 60 performs the first cleaning solution supply operation once. Then, in step S8, the control unit 60 performs the first cleaning solution supply operation once more. After that, the control unit 60 puts the beverage supply device 1 into standby mode. As the first cleaning solution supply operation is performed twice in this way, twice the predetermined amount, i.e., 1000 ml of the first cleaning solution, is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53. At this point, the control unit 60 stores the amount of the first cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 in the storage unit 130 (see Figure 10).

[0084] As explained above, in the startup operation of the beverage supply device 1, in the first cleaning solution supply operation in step S3, one dose of the first cleaning solution (approximately 500 ml) is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53, and in step S5, the stored predetermined amount of the first cleaning solution is used to perform a cleaning operation inside the milk piping 86.

[0085] This allows the second cleaning solution inside the milk piping 86 to be discharged and the milk piping 86 to be cleaned with a predetermined amount of the first cleaning solution before the transition from the idle state to the supply standby state is completed. This replaces the first cleaning solution inside the milk piping 86 with one suitable for drinking and ensures hygiene inside the milk piping 86.

[0086] Furthermore, after the cleaning operation in step S5, the first cleaning solution supply operation is performed twice in steps S7 and S8. As a result, immediately after the beverage supply device 1 transitions to the supply standby state, twice the predetermined amount (1000 ml) of the first cleaning solution is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53. This allows cleaning to be performed immediately after the milk supply operation described later while in the supply standby state. In addition, since a sufficient amount of the first cleaning solution is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53, even if the milk supply operation is performed multiple times and the milk piping 86 needs to be cleaned multiple times, the situation in which the first cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 is immediately insufficient can be avoided.

[0087] [Supply standby state] As a result of the startup operation described above, the beverage supply device 1 transitions to a supply standby state. In the supply standby state, the beverage supply device 1 awaits operations such as a user requesting the provision of beverages or an administrator requesting the start of cleaning, and appropriately performs cleaning operations using the first cleaning solution or beverage supply operations depending on the content of the operation. In addition, in the supply standby state, the control unit 60 constantly performs a water level monitoring operation to monitor the water level (liquid level) inside the cistern 51.

[0088] [Water level monitoring operation] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the water level monitoring operation.

[0089] In step S21, the control unit 60 determines whether the cistern 51 is in the process of supplying cleaning fluid (first cleaning fluid or second cleaning fluid) to the cleaning fluid tank 53. The operation of supplying the first cleaning fluid (hereinafter referred to as the first cleaning fluid supply operation) corresponds to the operations from steps S74 to S78 in the flowchart of Figure 17 shown later. The operation of supplying the second cleaning fluid (hereinafter referred to as the second cleaning fluid supply operation) corresponds to the operations in steps S87 and S810 in the flowchart of Figure 18 shown later.

[0090] If the control unit 60 determines in step S21 that the cistern 51 is not performing the first cleaning fluid supply operation or the second cleaning fluid supply operation, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S22. If the control unit 60 determines that the cistern 51 is performing the first cleaning fluid supply operation or the second cleaning fluid supply operation, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S24.

[0091] In step S22, the control unit 60 determines whether the water level in the cistern 51 is at a preset water level (liquid level) using the float 512 (see Figures 6 and 10). If the water level in the cistern 51 is not at a preset water level, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S23. If the water level in the cistern 51 is at a preset water level, the amount of tap water stored in the cistern 51 has not decreased, so the control unit 60 proceeds to step S24.

[0092] In step S23, the control unit 60 activates the tap water supply unit 511 to replenish the cistern 51 with tap water. After that, the control unit 60 returns to the operation in step S22.

[0093] In step S24, the control unit 60 stops the tap water supply unit 511.

[0094] This operation ensures that if the water level in the cistern 51 decreases when it is not in the first or second cleaning fluid supply operation, tap water is quickly replenished. If the water level in the cistern 51 increases, the control unit 60 can simply discharge the excess tap water from the cistern 51. The cistern 51 may also be provided with an overflow path to drain any excess water.

[0095] [Operation when supplying beverage] When the beverage dispenser 1 receives a request from a user for beverages while in a supply standby state, it performs the beverage supply operation. Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the beverage supply operation.

[0096] In step S31, the control unit 60 receives a beverage request operation via the operation display unit 20. A beverage request operation includes operations such as selecting the type of beverage and starting the beverage supply. Alternatively, the beverage request operation may be received via the communication unit 120 (see Figure 10) from an external portable terminal device owned by the user or administrator.

[0097] In step S32, the control unit 60 determines whether the beverage selected in the beverage request operation uses milk. If it is a beverage that uses milk, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S33. If it is not a beverage that uses milk, the control unit 60 performs an appropriate operation to supply the selected beverage and then terminates the operation. Specifically, an appropriate operation such as supplying a cup of hot water, brewing and supplying coffee from the coffee extraction unit 54, or supplying a powdered beverage may be performed.

[0098] In step S33, the control unit 60 performs a milk supply operation. Details of the milk supply operation will be described later. In the milk supply operation, either cold milk or hot milk is supplied, depending on the type of beverage selected by the user.

[0099] In step S34, the control unit 60 switches the three-way valve 87, which is a solenoid valve, to the fourth pipe 92 side. As a result, the milk pipe 86 is connected to the cleaning fluid tank 53 via the fourth pipe 92.

[0100] In step S35, the control unit 60 determines whether the milk selected in the milk supply operation in step S33 was cold or hot. If the selected milk was cold, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S36; if it was hot, it proceeds to step S37.

[0101] In step S36, the control unit 60 opens solenoid valves V3 and V4. The timing of opening solenoid valves V3 and V4 does not have to be simultaneous; for example, solenoid valve V3 may be opened first, then solenoid valve V4, or solenoid valve V3 may be opened first, then solenoid valve V4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the selected milk is hot, in step S37, the control unit 60 opens solenoid valves V3 and V5. The timing of opening solenoid valves V3 and V5 does not have to be simultaneous; for example, solenoid valve V3 may be opened first, then solenoid valve V5, or solenoid valve V5 may be opened first, then solenoid valve V3.

[0102] In this state, in step S38, the control unit 60 activates the milk pump P2. As a result, the first cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank 53 flows through the fourth pipe 92 and the milk pipe 86 to the cold milk pipe 86C or the hot milk pipe 86H, cleaning the inside of the pipes.

[0103] In step S39, the control unit 60 determines, based on the measurement result of the second flow meter 88, whether or not the first cleaning liquid in the amount necessary to clean the inside of the piping (first required amount) has been transferred by the milk pump P2. The first required amount is set based on, for example, the internal volume of the milk piping 86 from the cleaning liquid tank 53 to the branching section B (see Figure 5), the internal volume of the cold milk piping 86C or the hot milk piping 86H, and the sum of the internal volumes from the connection point between the cold milk piping 86C and the hot milk piping 86H to the milk nozzle 42. An example of the first required amount is assumed to be about 50 ml. Information regarding the first required amount is stored in advance in the storage unit 130 (see Figure 10).

[0104] If the control unit 60 determines in step S39 that the first required amount of cleaning fluid has been transferred, it proceeds to step S310; otherwise, it repeats step S39.

[0105] In step S310, the control unit 60 determines whether the current amount of first cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 has fallen below the replenishment standard amount as a result of the cleaning operations in steps S34 to S39. The replenishment standard amount is the amount of first cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 that serves as the criterion for determining whether or not cleaning solution should be replenished in the cleaning solution tank 53. In this embodiment, for example, it is 200 ml. Information regarding the replenishment standard amount is stored in advance in the storage unit 130.

[0106] The control unit 60 calculates the current amount of the first cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53, for example, by the following method. That is, the control unit 60 reads the storage amount information from the storage unit 130, which indicates the amount of the first cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 the last time it was stored, and subtracts the first required amount from the storage amount information to obtain the current storage amount.

[0107] If the control unit 60 determines in step S310 that the current storage amount is less than the replenishment standard amount, it proceeds to step S311; otherwise, it terminates the beverage supply operation and returns to the supply standby state.

[0108] In step S311, the control unit 60 performs the first cleaning fluid supply operation (see Figure 17), which will be described later.

[0109] This beverage supply operation allows the beverage supply device 1 to provide beverages containing milk. After providing the beverages containing milk, the beverage supply device 1 can use the first cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 to clean the milk piping 86 and other components. This prevents milk from remaining inside the milk piping 86, thus avoiding a situation where hygiene cannot be maintained.

[0110] In the example shown in Figure 13, the beverage supply device 1 cleaned the milk piping 86 each time it supplied a milk-based beverage, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the beverage supply device 1 may perform cleaning with the first cleaning solution after a certain period of time has elapsed since supplying a milk-based beverage. This reduces the frequency of cleaning. Since new beverages cannot be supplied while cleaning is in progress, cleaning at a reduced frequency ensures the hygiene of the milk piping 86 and shortens the time during which beverages cannot be supplied.

[0111] Furthermore, during beverage supply operation, if the amount of first cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 falls below the replenishment standard amount due to the cleaning operation, the first cleaning solution is automatically replenished. This ensures that the cleaning solution tank 53 maintains a constant amount of first cleaning solution.

[0112] Furthermore, if the milk selected in step S33 is cold milk, solenoid valves V3 and V4 are opened to clean the cold milk piping 86C, and if it is hot milk, solenoid valves V3 and V5 are opened to clean the hot milk piping 86H. This ensures that the used piping from the cold milk piping 86C and the hot milk piping 86H is thoroughly cleaned.

[0113] In the example shown in Figure 13, the pipes to be cleaned were switched using solenoid valves V4 and V5 based on whether the selected milk was cold or hot, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, both the cold milk pipe 86C and the hot milk pipe 86H may be cleaned regardless of whether the selected milk is cold or hot. In this case, for example, solenoid valves V3 and V4 could be opened to complete the cleaning of the cold milk pipe 86C, then solenoid valve V4 could be closed and solenoid valve V5 opened to clean the hot milk pipe 86H.

[0114] [Milk dispensing operation] Next, we will explain the milk supply operation in step S33 of Figure 13. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the milk supply operation.

[0115] In step S41, the control unit 60 performs a first cleaning liquid discharge operation to discharge the first cleaning liquid remaining inside the milk piping 86. Details of the first cleaning liquid discharge operation will be described later. As mentioned above, the first cleaning liquid does not pose any particular problem if ingested by humans, but in this embodiment, this operation is performed to avoid impairing the flavor of the milk.

[0116] In step S42, the control unit 60 moves (advances) the milk nozzle 42 (see Figure 3) to the supply position. This puts the milk dispensed from the milk nozzle 42 into the container C.

[0117] In step S43, the control unit 60 performs a milk transfer operation. The milk transfer operation is the operation of transferring the milk stored in the milk tank 52 to the milk nozzle 42 through the milk piping 86. Details of the milk transfer operation will be described later.

[0118] In step S44, the control unit 60 moves (retracts) the milk nozzle 42 to the standby position. This prevents the cleaning fluid used to clean the milk piping 86 from being mistakenly supplied to the container C, and also allows the cleaning fluid to be discharged through the receiving section 72 (see Figure 4).

[0119] [First cleaning fluid discharge operation] The first cleaning fluid discharge operation in step S41 of Figure 14 will be explained. Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the first cleaning fluid discharge operation.

[0120] In step S51, the control unit 60 switches the three-way valve 87 to the suction piping 89 side.

[0121] In step S52, the control unit 60 determines whether the milk selected during the beverage supply operation (see Figure 13) is cold milk or hot milk. If it determines in step S52 that it is cold milk, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S53; if it determines that it is hot milk, it proceeds to step S54.

[0122] If the control unit 60 determines that the selected milk is cold milk, in step S53, it opens solenoid valves V3 and V4. Note that the timing of opening of solenoid valves V3 and V4 does not have to be simultaneous; these solenoid valves may open sequentially in an appropriate order.

[0123] If the control unit 60 determines that the selected milk is hot milk, in step S54, it opens solenoid valves V3 and V5. Note that the timing of opening solenoid valves V3 and V5 does not have to be simultaneous; these solenoid valves may open sequentially.

[0124] In step S55, the control unit 60 activates the milk pump P2. This causes the milk stored in the milk tank 52 to flow through the milk piping 86, flushing out any remaining cleaning fluid inside the milk piping 86, and discharging it from the milk nozzle 42.

[0125] In step S56, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the first specified amount of milk has been transferred based on the measurement result of the second flow meter 88.

[0126] The first specified amount is determined based on the internal volume of the milk piping 86 from the three-way valve 87 to branch B (see Figure 5), the internal volume of the cold milk piping 86C, and the internal volume from the connection point between the cold milk piping 86C and the hot milk piping 86H to the milk nozzle 42, if the selected milk is cold. The first specified amount is also determined based on the internal volume of the milk piping 86 from the three-way valve 87 to branch B, the internal volume of the hot milk piping 86H, and the internal volume from the connection point between the cold milk piping 86C and the hot milk piping 86H to the milk nozzle 42, if the selected milk is hot during beverage supply operation. The first specified amount may be the same as, for example, the first required amount (see step S39 in Figure 13). Information regarding the first specified amount is stored in the storage unit 130.

[0127] In step S56, if the control unit 60 determines that the first specified amount of milk has been transferred, it proceeds to step S57; otherwise, it returns to the operation in step S55.

[0128] In step S57, the control unit 60 stops the milk pump P2.

[0129] In step S58, the control unit 60 closes the open solenoid valve V3 and either solenoid valve V4 or solenoid valve V5.

[0130] Through the above operation, before supplying a beverage that uses milk, any remaining cleaning solution inside the milk piping 86 can be flushed out using milk. The flushed-out cleaning solution is discharged from the milk nozzle 42 in the standby position. At this time, by flushing out the first cleaning solution using a first specified amount of milk, the milk to be used next remains inside the milk piping 86. This makes it possible to minimize the amount of milk required to flush out the first cleaning solution.

[0131] Furthermore, if the next milk to be used is frothed milk, the air pump P3 may be operated to incorporate air into the milk when flushing the first washing solution with the milk.

[0132] [Milk transfer operation] The milk transfer operation will be explained. Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the milk transfer operation.

[0133] In step S61, the control unit 60 determines whether the beverage selected by the user is a beverage that uses cold milk or a beverage that uses hot milk. If it determines in step S61 that the beverage uses cold milk, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S62. If it determines that the beverage uses hot milk, it proceeds to step S63.

[0134] If it is determined that the beverage will use cold milk, in step S62, the control unit 60 opens the solenoid valves V3 and V4.

[0135] On the other hand, if it is determined that the beverage will be made using hot milk, in step S63, the control unit 60 opens the solenoid valves V3 and V5.

[0136] In step S64, the control unit 60 activates the milk pump P2. This transfers milk to either the cold milk pipe 86C or the hot milk pipe 86H. The milk supplied to the hot milk pipe 86H is heated by the water bath 56.

[0137] In step S65, the control unit 60 determines whether the selected beverage is a beverage that uses frothed milk. If it determines in step S65 that the selected beverage is a beverage that uses frothed milk, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S66; otherwise, it proceeds to step S68.

[0138] In step S66, the control unit 60 opens the solenoid valve V6. In step S67, the control unit 60 activates the air pump P3. This supplies frothing air to the milk piping 86.

[0139] In step S68, the control unit 60 determines whether a second specified amount of milk has been transferred based on the measurement result of the second flow meter 88. The second specified amount is the amount of milk required to produce the selected beverage. Information regarding the second specified amount is stored in the storage unit 130.

[0140] If the control unit 60 determines in step S68 that the second specified amount of milk has been transferred, it proceeds to step S69. If the second specified amount of milk has not been transferred, the control unit 60 returns to step S64.

[0141] In step S69, the control unit 60 stops the operating pump among the milk pump P2 and the air pump P3.

[0142] In step S610, the control unit 60 closes the open solenoid valves among solenoid valves V3, V4, V5, and V6.

[0143] Through the above operations, milk can be supplied in a form suitable for the beverage selected by the user. Specifically, cold milk, cold frothed milk, hot milk, and hot frothed milk can be supplied.

[0144] [First cleaning fluid supply operation] The first cleaning fluid supply operation in step S311 of Figure 13 will be explained in detail. Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the first cleaning fluid supply operation.

[0145] In step S71, the control unit 60 determines whether the water level inside the cistern 51 is at a first predetermined water level based on the water level measurement result from the float 512. If the water level inside the cistern 51 is not at the first predetermined water level, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S72; if it is at the first predetermined water level, it proceeds to step S73.

[0146] In step S72, the control unit 60 activates the tap water supply unit 511 to replenish the cistern 51 with tap water until it reaches the first predetermined water level. If the water level inside the cistern 51 is higher than the first predetermined water level, tap water can be discharged from the discharge unit until it reaches the first predetermined water level.

[0147] In step S73, the control unit 60 controls the processing unit 513 of the cistern 51 to perform electrolytic treatment for a first predetermined time. The first predetermined time is an electrolytic time that is set in advance to generate a first washing solution in which the concentration of the sterilizing component (hypochlorous acid) is a first concentration (for example, 5 ppm).

[0148] Thus, in the first cleaning solution supply operation, electrolytic treatment is performed for a fixed time when the water level inside the cistern 51 is at a first predetermined water level. As a result, the amount of the first cleaning solution generated in the cistern 51 is always constant, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the first cleaning solution is also always constant.

[0149] In addition, in this disclosure, since a first cleaning solution with a constant concentration is supplied, a method for generating the first cleaning solution other than those described above may be employed. For example, a sensor for measuring the concentration of hypochlorous acid may be provided in the cistern, and electrolytic treatment may be performed until the target first concentration (5 ppm) is reached while referring to the concentration measurement value output by the sensor.

[0150] The method for producing the first washing solution in this disclosure includes not only the case where the concentration of the first washing solution is strictly constant, but also the case where the concentration of the first washing solution deviates from the desired value (5 ppm) to an extent that does not pose a practical problem.

[0151] In step S74, the control unit 60 opens the solenoid valve V2.

[0152] In step S75, the control unit 60 activates the first pump P1.

[0153] In step S76, the control unit 60 determines whether the first flow meter 81 is running idle. The first flow meter 81 runs idle when the cistern 51 is empty. If the first flow meter 81 is running idle, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S77; otherwise, it returns to step S75.

[0154] In step S77, the control unit 60 stops the first pump P1.

[0155] In step S78, the control unit 60 closes the solenoid valve V2.

[0156] Thus, in the first cleaning solution supply operation, an electrolytic treatment for a predetermined time is performed when a predetermined amount of water is stored in the cistern 51, so that a first cleaning solution with a constant concentration can always be produced. Furthermore, the predetermined amount of first cleaning solution produced by the electrolytic treatment is transferred to the cleaning solution tank 53 through the first pipe 83 and the third pipe 85 until the cistern 51 is empty. In other words, in the first cleaning solution supply operation, all of the predetermined amount of first cleaning solution produced in the cistern 51 is transferred to the cleaning solution tank 53. As a result, the amount of first cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 and the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the first cleaning solution are always constant.

[0157] Furthermore, in order to ensure that all of the first cleaning solution generated in the cistern 51 is transferred to the cleaning solution tank 53, methods other than those described above (continuing transfer until the first flow meter 81 runs dry) may be employed. For example, the time required to transfer a predetermined amount of the first cleaning solution from the cistern 51 may be measured experimentally in advance, and the first pump P1 may be operated for a sufficiently longer time than the measured time (for example, twice the measured time). Also, if any first cleaning solution remains in the cistern 51 after the first pump P1 has been operated for a certain period of time, the remaining first cleaning solution may be discharged from the discharge port of the cistern 51.

[0158] As explained in steps S7 and S8 of Figure 11, the above-described first cleaning solution supply operation may be repeated multiple times. This makes it possible to store an integer multiple of a predetermined amount of first cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank 53. In this embodiment, for example, when the startup operation of the beverage supply device 1 is completed and it transitions to the supply standby state, twice the predetermined amount (500 ml) of first cleaning solution (1000 ml) is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53. In the supply standby state of the beverage supply device 1, a first required amount (for example, 50 ml) of first cleaning solution is used each time a beverage is supplied, but since a large amount (1000 ml) of first cleaning solution is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 compared to the first required amount used for one wash, even if multiple washes are performed, it is possible to avoid a situation where the amount of first cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 becomes insufficient. In this embodiment, the hypochlorous acid water used as the first cleaning solution is highly stable, so even if a large amount is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53, its cleaning ability is not easily lost. As a result, it is not necessary to frequently perform the first cleaning solution supply operation shown in Figure 17.

[0159] [Transition to hibernation state] This section describes the operation of the beverage supply device 1 to transition to a pause state. Figures 18 and 19 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the beverage supply device 1 to transition to a pause state.

[0160] In step S81, the control unit 60 receives a sleep state transition operation via the operation display unit 20. A sleep state transition operation is an operation to transition the beverage supply device 1 from the supply standby state to the sleep state, for example, when the store closes. After step S81, the control unit 60 performs the operations of steps S82 and S83 and steps S84 and S85 in parallel. Note that the transition from the supply standby state to the sleep state may be triggered by something other than the sleep state transition operation. For example, the transition from the supply standby state to the sleep state may start automatically when the current time reaches a predetermined time set in advance.

[0161] In step S82, the control unit 60 performs a second cleaning solution generation operation once. The second cleaning solution generation operation is an operation in which a predetermined amount of a second cleaning solution (hypochlorous acid water) is generated in the cistern 51, the concentration of the bactericidal component (hypochlorous acid) contained therein is a second concentration (for example, 30 ppm).

[0162] In the second cleaning solution generation operation, when the water level in the cistern 51 is at the second predetermined level, in other words, when a predetermined amount of water is stored in the cistern 51, electrolysis is performed on the tap water in the cistern 51 for a second predetermined time. This ensures that a predetermined amount of second cleaning solution of a certain concentration is always generated. The second predetermined time is the electrolysis time that is set in advance to generate a second cleaning solution in which the concentration of the sterilizing component (hypochlorous acid) is at the second concentration.

[0163] Here, the second predetermined water level during the second cleaning solution generation operation is set higher than the first predetermined water level during beverage supply standby or the first cleaning solution supply operation. As a result, the amount of second cleaning solution generated per cycle during the second cleaning solution generation operation is greater than the amount of first cleaning solution generated during the first cleaning solution supply operation. In the following explanation, the amount of second cleaning solution generated in one cycle of the second cleaning solution generation operation will be referred to as the second predetermined amount. The second predetermined amount is a larger amount than the predetermined amount, which is the amount of first cleaning solution generated in the cistern 51. If the amount of first cleaning solution generated (determined amount) is 500 ml, the second predetermined amount should be set to, for example, 520 ml.

[0164] Furthermore, the control unit 60 generates a second cleaning solution by performing electrolytic treatment on a second predetermined amount of tap water for a second predetermined time that is longer than the first predetermined time required to generate the first cleaning solution. This makes it possible to generate a second cleaning solution of a constant amount and with a constant concentration of hypochlorous acid each time the second cleaning solution generation operation is performed.

[0165] As explained in relation to Figure 6, the amount of tap water stored inside the cistern 51 is monitored by the float 512, and each time the stored tap water is used, the tap water supply unit 511 replenishes it so that the water level reaches the first predetermined water level or the second predetermined water level. In other words, the water level of the tap water stored in the cistern 51 is controlled to be at approximately the same position. As described above, when the control unit 60 generates the second cleaning solution in the cistern 51, it controls the water level to be at a second predetermined position higher than the first predetermined water level. Therefore, the area where the water level of the tap water at the first predetermined water level touches the inner surface of the cistern 51 during drinking water supply standby or during the first cleaning solution supply operation is covered by the second cleaning solution at the second predetermined water level. The area where the surface of the tap water at the first predetermined water level comes into contact with the inner surface of the cistern 51 is an interface between tap water and air, and therefore dirt tends to accumulate there. However, by covering this interface with the second cleaning solution, which contains a relatively large amount of sterilizing components, the interface can be sterilized, and the hygiene of the inner surface of the cistern 51 can be ensured.

[0166] In step S83, the control unit 60 determines whether the second cleaning solution generation operation in step S82 has been completed. If it determines that the second cleaning solution generation operation has been completed, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S86; otherwise, it repeats step S83.

[0167] In step S84, the control unit 60 switches the three-way valve 87 to the fourth pipe 92 side. As a result, the first cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 flows to the milk pipe 86 through the fourth pipe 92.

[0168] In step S85, the control unit 60 performs a cleaning operation using the first cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 (see Figure 20 shown later). After the operation in step S85, the control unit 60 proceeds to the operation in step S86.

[0169] If it is determined in step S83 that the second cleaning solution generation operation is complete, or after the operation in step S85, in step S86 the control unit 60 determines whether or not the cleaning solution tank 53 is empty. The control unit 60 can confirm whether or not the cleaning solution tank 53 is empty by, for example, a detection signal from a sensor installed inside the cleaning solution tank 53.

[0170] If the control unit 60 determines in step S86 that the cleaning fluid tank 53 is empty, it proceeds to step S87; otherwise, it repeats the determination operation in step S86.

[0171] In step S87, the control unit 60 transfers the second batch of cleaning solution generated in step S82 to the empty cleaning solution tank 53.

[0172] In step S88, the control unit 60 performs the second cleaning solution generation operation once again. The second cleaning solution generation operation performed in step S88 is the same operation as the second cleaning solution generation operation performed in step S82.

[0173] In step S89, the control unit 60 determines whether the second cleaning solution generation operation in step S88 has been completed. If it determines that the second cleaning solution generation operation has been completed, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S810; otherwise, it repeats the determination operation in step S89.

[0174] In step S810, the control unit 60 transfers the amount of second cleaning solution generated in step S82 to the cleaning solution tank 53, which already contains an amount of second cleaning solution.

[0175] In step S811, the control unit 60 determines whether the operation to transfer two more portions of the second cleaning solution has been performed after the operation to transfer one portion of the second cleaning solution in step S87. If it determines in step S811 that the operation to transfer two more portions of the second cleaning solution has been performed, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S91 in Figure 19. If the operation to transfer two more portions of the second cleaning solution has not been performed in step S811, that is, if only one more transfer operation has been performed after the operation to transfer one portion of the second cleaning solution in step S87, the control unit 60 returns to step S88.

[0176] Thus, according to the operations from step S81 to step S811, the second cleaning solution generation operation and the operation of transferring the generated second cleaning solution to the cleaning solution tank 53 are repeated a total of three times. As a result, the cleaning solution tank 53 stores three times the second predetermined amount of the second cleaning solution (for example, 1560 ml) (for example, 520 ml).

[0177] Through three second cleaning fluid generation and transfer operations, three times the second predetermined amount of second cleaning fluid is stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53, causing the liquid level in the cleaning fluid tank 53 to be higher than the intake port 538. In other words, by repeating the second cleaning fluid generation and transfer operations multiple times, the liquid level of the second cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 can be made higher than the intake port 538. As a result, the intake port 538 becomes submerged in the second cleaning fluid, making it possible to draw the second cleaning fluid into the air piping 93 connected to the air intake section 534.

[0178] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the second cleaning solution generation operation and transfer operation are repeated three times, but the number of repetitions is not limited to three. The number of repetitions should be set to an appropriate number such that the liquid level of the second cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 becomes higher than the suction port 538.

[0179] In step S91 of Figure 19, the control unit 60 opens solenoid valves V3, V4, and V6.

[0180] In step S92, the control unit 60 activates the milk pump P2 and the air pump P3. As a result, the second cleaning solution is drawn in from the suction port 538 and flows into the air piping 93. This allows the air piping 93 to be cleaned and sterilized.

[0181] In step S93, the control unit 60 determines whether or not it is no longer possible to take in the second cleaning fluid from the suction port 538. This determination is made, for example, by whether or not the air pump P3 is running idle. For example, the air pump P3 running idle occurs when the amount of second cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 decreases and it becomes impossible to take in the second cleaning fluid from the suction port 538. Alternatively, in step S93, the control unit 60 may determine that it is no longer possible to take in the second cleaning fluid from the suction port 538 when the flow rate shown on a flow meter (not shown) becomes zero. Furthermore, in step S93, the control unit 60 may determine that it is no longer possible to take in the second cleaning fluid from the suction port 538 when the time the air pump P3 has been operating has reached a predetermined time. In this case, for example, the time until it becomes impossible to take in the second cleaning fluid from the suction port 538 can be experimentally measured in advance by operating the air pump P3 from a state where three times the amount of second cleaning fluid is stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53, and the measurement result can be stored as a criterion for determination. If it is determined that it is no longer possible to take in the second cleaning fluid from the intake port 538, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S94; otherwise, it returns to step S92.

[0182] In step S94, the control unit 60 determines, based on the measurement result of the second flow meter 88, whether or not a second required amount of the second cleaning liquid necessary to clean the inside of the cold milk piping 86C has been transferred by the milk pump P2. The second required amount is, for example, 500 ml.

[0183] If the control unit 60 determines in step S94 that the second required amount of the second cleaning solution has been transferred, it proceeds to step S95; otherwise, it repeats step S94.

[0184] In step S95, the control unit 60 closes solenoid valve V4 and opens solenoid valve V5. This allows the second cleaning fluid to flow into the hot milk piping 86H.

[0185] In step S96, the control unit 60 determines, based on the measurement result of the second flow meter 88, whether or not the third required amount of the second cleaning solution necessary for cleaning and sterilizing the milk piping 86 has been transferred by the milk pump P2. The third required amount is, for example, 500 ml.

[0186] If the control unit 60 determines in step S96 that the third required amount of the second cleaning solution has been transferred, it proceeds to step S97; otherwise, it repeats step S96. Through this operation, the milk piping 86 is cleaned and sterilized with a sufficient amount of the second cleaning solution, and hygiene is maintained.

[0187] In step S97, the control unit 60 stops the operation of the air pump P3 and closes the solenoid valve V6. Also, in step S98, the control unit 60 stops the operation of the milk pump P2.

[0188] In step S99, the control unit 60 closes the solenoid valves V3 and V5. In step S910, the control unit 60 switches the three-way valve 87 from the fourth piping 92 side to the suction piping 89 side. As a result, the second cleaning fluid remains inside the milk piping 86 during the paused state.

[0189] After step S910 is completed, the beverage supply device enters a pause state. In the pause state, the cleaning solution tank 53 contains the unused portion of the second cleaning solution (e.g., 1560 ml) that was stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 during the operation up to step S811 in Figure 18, which is equivalent to three second cleaning solution generation operations. Also, as described above, the second cleaning solution used for cleaning and sterilization remains inside the milk piping 86. The second cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 and the second cleaning solution remaining in the milk piping 86 during the pause state are flushed out by the second cleaning solution discharge operation (step S2 in Figure 11) during the next startup operation.

[0190] In the operation examples shown in Figures 18 and 19, after it is determined in step S93 that the second cleaning fluid cannot be taken in, the control unit 60 keeps the solenoid valve V6 open and continues to drive the air pump P3 until it is determined in step S96 that the third required amount of the second cleaning fluid has been transferred. This allows air to be blown into the second cleaning fluid downstream of the connection point J between the milk piping 86 and the air piping 93 using the air pump P3, thereby generating a second cleaning fluid containing fine bubbles. This improves the cleaning ability of the second cleaning fluid compared to the case where it does not contain fine bubbles.

[0191] As explained above, during the transition to the idle state, the beverage supply device 1 uses all of the first cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 to clean the milk piping 86, and then generates a second cleaning solution with a higher concentration of sterilizing components and stores it in the cleaning solution tank 53. At this time, the generation and transfer operations of the second cleaning solution are repeated multiple times (three times in the example of Figure 18) so that the liquid level of the second cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank 53 is higher than the intake port 538. This allows the second cleaning solution to be taken in from the intake port 538, and the inside of the air piping 93 connected to the air intake section 534 can be cleaned and sterilized.

[0192] Furthermore, the inside of the milk piping 86 and air piping 93 are cleaned and sterilized using the second cleaning solution, and the second cleaning solution used for cleaning and sterilization remains in the milk piping 86 during the idle period. This suppresses the growth of bacteria inside the milk piping 86.

[0193] In the examples shown in Figures 18 and 19, the second cleaning solution remained in the milk piping 86 during the idle state, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, after cleaning the milk piping 86 and air piping 93 using all of the second cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53, the first cleaning solution supply operation shown in Figure 17 and the cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution shown in Figure 20 may be performed to wash away the second cleaning solution with the first cleaning solution. In this case, the first cleaning solution will remain in the milk piping 86 during the idle state. For example, if the hypochlorous acid concentration of the first cleaning solution is relatively high, the hygiene of the milk piping 86 during the idle state can be maintained even by such an operation.

[0194] As described above, in the operation examples shown in Figures 18 and 19, the second cleaning solution containing fine bubbles is generated by continuing to drive the air pump P3 with the solenoid valve V6 open even after it becomes impossible to take in the second cleaning solution from the intake port 538. The disclosure is not limited thereto, and the control unit 60 may close the solenoid valve V6 and stop the air pump P3 when it is determined in step S811 that it is not possible to take in the second cleaning solution. In this case, it is not possible to include fine bubbles in the second cleaning solution, but the second cleaning solution can be left in the air piping 93 during the paused state.

[0195] [Cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution] The cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution in step S5 of Figure 11 or step S85 of Figure 18 will be described. Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating the cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution.

[0196] In step S101, the control unit 60 opens the solenoid valves V3 and V4.

[0197] In step S102, the control unit 60 activates the milk pump P2. This causes the first cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid tank 53 to flow through the fourth pipe 92 and the milk pipe 86 to the cold milk pipe 86C, cleaning the inside of the pipes.

[0198] In step S103, the control unit 60 determines, based on the measurement result of the second flow meter 88, whether or not a fourth required amount of the first cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the cold milk piping 86C has been transferred by the milk pump P2. The fourth required amount is set based on the sum of the internal volume of the milk piping 86 from the cleaning liquid tank 53 to the branching point B (see Figure 5), the internal volume of the cold milk piping 86C, and the internal volume from the connection point between the cold milk piping 86C and the hot milk piping 86H to the milk nozzle 42.

[0199] If the control unit 60 determines in step S103 that the fourth required amount of cleaning fluid has been transferred, it proceeds to step S104; otherwise, it repeats step S103.

[0200] In step S104, the control unit 60 closes solenoid valve V4 and opens solenoid valve V5. This allows the first cleaning liquid to flow into the hot milk piping 86H.

[0201] In step S105, the control unit 60 determines whether the cleaning fluid tank 53 is empty due to the transfer of the first cleaning fluid up to step S104. The control unit 60 can confirm whether the cleaning fluid tank 53 is empty by, for example, a detection signal from a sensor installed inside the cleaning fluid tank 53.

[0202] If the control unit 60 determines in step S105 that the cleaning fluid tank 53 is empty, it proceeds to step S106; otherwise, it repeats step S105.

[0203] In step S106, the control unit 60 stops the operation of the milk pump P2.

[0204] In step S107, the control unit 60 closes solenoid valves V3 and V5.

[0205] Thus, in the cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution, the entire milk piping 86, including the cold milk piping 86C and the hot milk piping 86H, can be cleaned with the first cleaning solution. In addition, in the cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution, fine bubbles may be added to the first cleaning solution downstream of the connection point J between the milk piping 86 and the air piping 93 by opening the solenoid valves V3 and V6 and operating the air pump P3. This improves the cleaning ability of the first cleaning solution compared to the case where fine bubbles are not included.

[0206] [Second cleaning fluid discharge operation] Next, we will describe the details of the second cleaning fluid discharge operation in step S2 of Figure 11. Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating the second cleaning fluid discharge operation.

[0207] In step S111, the control unit 60 switches the three-way valve 87 to the fourth piping 92 side.

[0208] In step S112, the control unit 60 opens solenoid valve V3 and either solenoid valve V4 or solenoid valve V5. Here, solenoid valve V4 or V5 is opened to discharge the second cleaning fluid, not to clean the inside of the piping, so the control unit 60 may open either solenoid valve V4 or V5.

[0209] In step S113, the control unit 60 activates the milk pump P2. This causes the second cleaning fluid remaining in the cleaning fluid tank 53 to be discharged from the milk nozzle 42.

[0210] In step S114, the control unit 60 determines whether the cleaning fluid tank 53 is empty or not. The control unit 60 determines whether the cleaning fluid tank 53 is empty or not based, for example, on whether the second flow meter 88 has run dry or not. Alternatively, the control unit 60 may know in advance the amount of second cleaning fluid remaining in the cleaning fluid tank 53 and make the determination based on whether that amount of second cleaning fluid has passed through the second flow meter 88. In this case, the control unit 60 only needs to know the amount of second cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 and the amount of second cleaning fluid used for cleaning during the previous pause transition operation.

[0211] In step S114, if the control unit 60 determines that the cleaning fluid tank 53 is empty, it proceeds to step S115; otherwise, it repeats the operation in step S114.

[0212] In step S115, the control unit 60 closes the open solenoid valve V3 and either solenoid valve V4 or solenoid valve V5.

[0213] In step S116, the control unit 60 stops the milk pump P2.

[0214] This second cleaning fluid discharge operation allows all of the second cleaning fluid that remained in the cleaning fluid tank 53 or piping during the previous pause transition operation to be discharged, preventing the second cleaning fluid from being mixed with beverages and served.

[0215] [Notification action] The notification operation of the beverage supply device 1 will now be described. The notification operation is an operation that notifies the administrator or user of the operating status when the beverage supply device 1 is performing a cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution, or a cleaning and sterilization operation using the second cleaning solution.

[0216] In each of the operations described above, when the control unit 60 is performing a cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution, or a cleaning and sterilization operation using the second cleaning solution, it displays the operation status on the operation display unit 20.

[0217] More specifically, when the control unit 60 is generating the first cleaning solution or the second cleaning solution, it displays a message, symbol, or icon such as "Cleaning solution being generated!". Also, when the control unit 60 is transferring the first cleaning solution or the second cleaning solution from the cistern 51 to the cleaning solution tank 53, it displays a message, symbol, or icon such as "Cleaning solution being transferred!". Furthermore, when the control unit 60 is performing a cleaning operation using the first cleaning solution or a cleaning and sterilization operation using the second cleaning solution, it displays a message, symbol, or icon such as "Pipe cleaning in progress!" or "Pipe sterilization in progress!".

[0218] This allows the administrator or user of the beverage dispenser 1 to understand what operations the beverage dispenser 1 is performing to maintain the hygiene of the piping inside the beverage dispenser 1. Therefore, it provides a sense of security when the administrator or user uses the beverage dispenser 1.

[0219] In this disclosure, various notification methods may be employed for notification to administrators or users in notification operations, in addition to the examples described above. For example, information indicating the generation state or storage state of the first or second cleaning solution may be displayed on a display unit (not shown). Information indicating the generation state of the first or second cleaning solution includes information such as the amount of cleaning solution being generated, the current concentration, and the target concentration when the first or second cleaning solution is being generated by electrolysis in the cistern 51. Information indicating the storage state includes information such as the amount and concentration of cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53. Information indicating the generation state or storage state may be displayed on a display unit in the form of text, for example, or in the form of an image schematically showing the generation amount or storage amount, as illustrated in Figure 22 shown later.

[0220] Furthermore, the beverage supply device 1 may also count and notify the number of times cleaning operations are performed while in supply standby or idle state.

[0221] The beverage supply device 1 may be equipped with a communication unit capable of communicating with an external public network, and may transmit information indicating its operating status to a mobile terminal or other device held by the administrator or user, causing the mobile terminal to be notified.

[0222] <Regarding the amount of cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53> As described above, in the beverage supply device 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, a cleaning solution corresponding to the various operations performed is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 and used. The amount of cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 for each operation is summarized below.

[0223] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating the amount of cleaning solution stored in each operation. As described above, when the cleaning solution is generated in the cistern 51, if the water level in the cistern 51 is below a predetermined level, the generation of the cleaning solution will not start. As a result, a predetermined amount (e.g., 500 ml) of the first cleaning solution is generated in the cistern 51 each time. Similarly, a second predetermined amount (e.g., 520 ml) of the second cleaning solution is generated each time. At this time, as described above, electrolysis is performed for a first predetermined time or a second predetermined time when a predetermined amount or a second predetermined amount of tap water is stored in the cistern 51. This makes it possible to keep the concentration of the first or second cleaning solution generated in the cistern 51 constant each time.

[0224] Thus, in the cistern 51, in order to maintain a constant concentration of the cleaning solution, only a predetermined amount of the first cleaning solution and a second predetermined amount of the second cleaning solution are produced. For this reason, the amount of cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 is a predetermined amount or an integer multiple of the second predetermined amount.

[0225] Figure 22A shows the amount of first cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 during the first cleaning fluid supply operation (see step S3 in Figure 11) performed during startup. As described above, one first cleaning fluid supply operation is performed here, so Figure 22A shows a predetermined amount (500 ml) of first cleaning fluid being stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53.

[0226] Figure 22B shows the amount of first cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53 during the first cleaning fluid supply operation (see steps S7 and S8 in Figure 11), which is performed at the end of the startup operation before transitioning to the supply standby state. As mentioned above, two first cleaning fluid supply operations are performed here, so Figure 22B shows that twice the predetermined amount (1000 ml) of first cleaning fluid is stored in the cleaning fluid tank 53.

[0227] Figure 22C shows the amount of cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 before the first cleaning solution supply operation (see steps S311 in Figure 13 and Figure 17) is performed during beverage supply operation. Here, since the first cleaning solution is used in steps S35 to S39 in Figure 13, the amount of cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 has decreased, and Figure 22C shows that it has reached 200 ml, which is an example of the replenishment standard amount. Subsequently, the first cleaning solution supply operation is performed, and a predetermined amount of the first cleaning solution is added to the cleaning solution tank 53. Figure 22D shows the amount of cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 after the predetermined amount of the first cleaning solution has been added. Figure 22D shows that when the amount of first cleaning solution remaining in the cleaning solution tank 53 reaches 200 ml, which is the replenishment standard amount, a predetermined amount of 500 ml of the first cleaning solution is added.

[0228] Figure 22E shows that during the transition to the idle state, three times the second predetermined amount (520 ml), or 1560 ml, of the second cleaning solution is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53 through the transfer of the second cleaning solution three times (see steps S82 to S811 in Figure 18). As shown in Figure 22E, when three times the second predetermined amount of the second cleaning solution is stored in the cleaning solution tank 53, the liquid level of the second cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank 53 becomes higher than the intake port 538. This allows the air piping 93 to be cleaned and sterilized by the second cleaning solution taken in through the intake port 538.

[0229] <Mechanism of action, effect> As described above, the beverage supply device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a milk tank 52 (an example of a beverage storage unit of the present disclosure) for storing beverages such as milk, a milk pipe 86 (an example of a beverage storage unit of the present disclosure) for supplying beverages from the milk tank 52 to a beverage supply nozzle, an air pipe 93 connected to a part of the milk pipe 86 for supplying air to the milk pipe 86, and a cleaning liquid tank 53 (an example of a cleaning liquid storage unit of the present disclosure) connected to the milk pipe 86 and the air pipe 93 for storing cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the milk pipe 86 and the air pipe 93.

[0230] This configuration allows for the cleaning of both beverage and air piping with a simple structure.

[0231] Furthermore, according to the beverage supply device 1 of the embodiment of this disclosure, the cleaning liquid tank 53 has an opening 535 that is open to the atmosphere and an intake port 538 located inside the cleaning liquid tank 53 that takes in air from inside the cleaning liquid tank 53 into the air pipe 93. The device also further includes a control unit 60 that controls the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 53. When cleaning the milk pipe 86, the control unit 60 controls the liquid level to a position lower than the intake port 538, and when cleaning the air pipe 93, it controls the liquid level to a position higher than the intake port 538. With this configuration, both the beverage pipe and the air pipe can be cleaned with a simple structure.

[0232] Furthermore, according to the beverage supply device 1 of the embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit 60 controls the liquid level to a position lower than the intake port 538 when the concentration of the sterilizing component contained in the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 53 is a first threshold (e.g., 5 ppm), and controls the liquid level to a position higher than the intake port 538 when the concentration is a second threshold (e.g., 30 ppm) which is higher than the first threshold. This allows the inside of the air piping 93 to be cleaned with a second cleaning liquid at the second threshold, which has a higher sterilizing ability.

[0233] <Variation> The above-described embodiment explains an example in which a cleaning solution is generated in the cistern 51. The disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, a processing unit and electrodes may be provided in the cleaning solution tank 53, and the cleaning solution may be generated in the cleaning solution tank 53. Even in such a case, since the milk tank 52 and the cleaning solution tank 53 are provided independently, there is no need to replace them during cleaning, which is preferable.

[0234] In the embodiments described above, examples were given in which the first and second cleaning solutions were hypochlorous acid water. For example, in this disclosure, at least one of the first and second cleaning solutions does not have to be hypochlorous acid water, and other solutions containing a sterilizing component, such as ozonated water, may be used. In this case, an ozonated water generator is required separately from the processing unit 513 and the electrode 514, but it is possible to clean and sterilize the milk piping 86 using two types of cleaning solutions.

[0235] In the embodiment described above, the air intake section 534 is formed to be shorter than the suction section 533, and the suction port 538 formed at the lower end of the air intake section 534 is positioned away from the bottom surface of the container section 532, for example. In this disclosure, for example, the air intake section may be configured to be vertically movable. In this case, by moving the suction port provided in the air intake section downward, the liquid level becomes relatively higher than the suction port, and the cleaning liquid can be drawn in even if the amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank is small. As a result, the relative height relationship between the liquid level and the suction port can be changed by moving the air intake section up and down, so that the air piping can be cleaned regardless of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank.

[0236] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the air intake section may extend to near the bottom surface of the cleaning fluid tank, and multiple intake ports may be provided at different heights within the air intake section. Moreover, in this disclosure, multiple air intake sections may be provided within the cleaning fluid tank, and the heights of the intake ports provided in the multiple air intake sections may differ. In this case, a solenoid valve can be provided to connect to one of the multiple air intake sections, and when the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank is low and the air piping is to be cleaned, the solenoid valve can be switched to connect to an air intake section with a lower intake port. This allows the relative height relationship between the liquid level and the intake port to be changed by switching the solenoid valve, so that the air piping can be cleaned regardless of the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid tank. [Industrial applicability]

[0237] This disclosure is suitable for beverage supply devices that provide beverages. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0238] 1 Beverage dispensing equipment 10 cabinets 10A Container opening 11. Entrance / Exit Door 20 Operation display section 30 Container holding part 31 Mounting section 40 Nozzle Units 41 Coffee Nozzle 42 Milk Nozzle 43 Moving mechanism 50 Beverage production department 51 Cistern 511 Water Supply Department 512 Float 513 Processing Unit 514 Electrode 52 Milk Tanks 521 Lid 522 Container section 523 Suction section 524 First connection section 53 Cleaning solution tank 531 Lid 532 Container section 533 Suction section 534 Air intake section 535 Aperture 536 Second connection section 537 Third connection section 538 Inlet 54 Coffee brewing section 55 Boiler 56 Water bath 60 Control Unit 70 trays 71 Supply hole 72 Receiving part 73 Wall 74 Discharge slope 75 Discharge section 81 1st flow meter 83. First Piping 84. Second Piping 85 Third Piping 86 Milk piping 86C Cold milk piping 86H Hot Milk Piping 87 Three-way valve 88 2nd flow meter 89 Suction piping 92 Fourth pipe 93 Air Piping 95 Fifth pipe 97. Piping No. 6 110 Milk Circuit 120 Communications Department 130 Storage section V1,V2,V3,V4,V5,V6,V7,V8 Solenoid valve P1 Pump No. 1 P2 Milk Pump P3 Air Pump

Claims

1. A beverage storage section for storing beverages, A beverage piping system for supplying the beverage from the beverage storage unit to the beverage supply nozzle, An air pipe connected to a portion of the beverage piping and supplying air to the beverage piping, A cleaning liquid storage unit is connected to the beverage piping and the air piping and stores a cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the beverage piping and the air piping, Equipped with, The cleaning fluid reservoir has an opening that is open to the atmosphere and an intake port located inside the cleaning fluid reservoir that draws the air from inside the cleaning fluid reservoir into the air piping. Beverage dispensing equipment.

2. The system further includes a control unit for controlling the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid reservoir, The control unit controls the liquid level to be lower than the intake port when cleaning the beverage piping, and controls the liquid level to be higher than the intake port when cleaning the air piping. The beverage supply device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit controls the liquid level to be lower than the intake port when the concentration of the sterilizing component in the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid reservoir is a first threshold, and controls the liquid level to be higher than the intake port when the concentration is higher than the first threshold (a second threshold). The beverage supply device according to claim 2.

Images