Beverage supply device

Abstract

A beverage supply device 1 comprises: a control unit 30 that executes a cleaning mode in which a cleaning agent is supplied to clean a flow path 26; a cleaning agent container 34 that is filled with a cleaning agent and has a recording holder 38; and a reading unit 36 that reads information from the recording holder 38 and transmits the information to the control unit 30. The recording holder 38 holds individual information B1 about the cleaning agent container 34, type information A1 about the cleaning agent, an expiration date C1 of the cleaning agent, and information about a content amount D1 of the cleaning agent. The control unit 30 stores a product type table TB1 and determines whether the product type information A1 read by the reading unit 36 matches product type information A0 serving as an initial value recorded in the product type table TB1. When the product type information A1, A0 does not match each other, the control unit 30 does not allow execution of the cleaning mode.

Description

beverage dispensing equipment

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

[0002] A beverage supply device, such as a coffee machine, has a flow path through which a beverage liquid, such as coffee or milk to be mixed with the coffee, flows. Liquid components, such as coffee or milk components, adhering to the flow path may deteriorate over time. For example, deteriorated coffee components may have an oxidized odor, impairing the flavor of the coffee liquid flowing through the flow path. Furthermore, deteriorated milk components may cause microorganisms to grow in the flow path.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a coffee machine in which a cleaning bottle is permanently installed in a milk cooler. The milk cooler is equipped with a refrigerating chamber for storing milk at low temperatures and is installed in the milk supply section. A milk line is also provided to transport refrigerated milk to the cup side. The milk line is cleaned with a cleaning agent sent from the cleaning bottle, and the milk cooler is formed with a cleaning bottle storage section for permanently storing the cleaning bottle.

[0004] The cleaning bottle also has a slot for inserting the cleaning agent suction tube, a cleaning agent inlet, a supply port, and a drain port. This allows the operator to automatically prepare (dilute and produce) the cleaning agent and perform cleaning work without removing the cleaning bottle from the milk cooler by simply pouring the cleaning agent into the bottle.

[0005] Patent No. 5730042

[0006] In the beverage dispenser of Patent Document 1, the operator manually dispenses the detergent at any timing. Therefore, there is no means to confirm whether the detergent was actually dispensed at the appropriate timing. Furthermore, the operator may intentionally or inadvertently terminate the flow path cleaning mode without dispensing the detergent. Furthermore, because the operator may dispense a detergent other than the authorized detergent, it is impossible to confirm whether the appropriate cleaning mode was executed using the authorized detergent.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide users with safe and secure beverages by reliably executing a specified cleaning mode using a specified cleaning agent at a specified timing.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the beverage supply device of the present invention is a beverage supply device having a flow path through which a beverage liquid flows, and is equipped with a control unit that executes a cleaning mode in which a cleaning agent is supplied to the flow path to clean the flow path, a cleaning agent container that is filled with the cleaning agent and has a record holder, and a reading unit that reads information from the record holder and transmits the information to the control unit, the record holder holds individual information of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container, type information of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container, the expiration date of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container, and information on the content amount of the cleaning agent filled in the cleaning agent container, and the control unit stores a type table in which type information that is the initial value for cleaning agents that can be used in the beverage supply device is recorded, and the control unit determines whether the type information read by the reading unit matches the type information that is the initial value recorded in the type table, and if the type information does not match, the control unit does not allow the cleaning mode to be executed.

[0009] According to the beverage dispenser of the present invention, a predetermined cleaning mode using a predetermined cleaning agent is reliably executed at a predetermined timing, thereby making it possible to provide a user with a safe and secure beverage.

[0010] 8 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the beverage dispenser; FIG. 9 is a flowchart explaining the procedure of the cleaning mode; FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing information held by a barcode; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control unit; FIG. 12 is a table showing information of a product table stored in the control unit; FIG. 13 is a table showing information of a record table stored in the control unit; FIG. 14 is a table showing information of a history table stored in the control unit; FIG. 15 is the first half of a flowchart explaining the execution / non-execution sequence of the cleaning mode; FIG. 16 is the remaining part of the flowchart of FIG. 8; FIG. 17 is a table showing information of a record table according to a modified example; FIG. 18 is the first half of a flowchart explaining the execution / non-execution sequence of the cleaning mode according to the modified example of FIG. 8; FIG. 19 is an external view of a beverage dispenser according to a modified example.

[0011] A beverage dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows the internal configuration of the beverage dispenser 1. The beverage dispenser 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a coffee machine that provides a user with coffee ground from coffee beans, and includes, from top to bottom, an ingredient container 2, a grinder 4, an extractor 6, and a drip pan 8. Coffee beans are placed in the ingredient container 2, and the coffee beans that fall from the ingredient container 2 are ground by the grinder 4 to become coffee powder, which then falls into the extractor 6.

[0012] A hot water flow path 10 is connected to the extractor 6, and in this hot water flow path 10, a water boiling unit 12 and a hot water control valve 14 are provided, in that order from upstream in the hot water flow direction. Hot water that has been boiled by the water boiling unit 12 and whose amount is controlled appropriately by the hot water control valve 14 is supplied to the extractor 6. In the extractor 6, coffee is extracted by pouring the hot water onto the coffee powder. At the same time as the coffee is extracted, an extraction pump 18 (described below) runs in reverse, sending air from the bottom of the extractor 6 and causing air bubbles to rise into the hot water, thereby agitating the coffee powder and hot water.

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

[0014] A cup chamber 24 is provided directly below the dispensing nozzle 20, in which a cup 22 is placed when serving coffee to a user. Coffee liquid is sucked from the drip pan 8 by the extraction pump 18 and discharged from the dispensing nozzle 20 into the cup 22 placed in the cup chamber 24. The user can remove the cup 22 with the coffee liquid from the cup chamber 24 and enjoy the coffee.

[0015] Here, the extractor 6, drip pan 8, and extraction path 16 including the extraction pump 18 and dispensing nozzle 20 are defined as a series of flow paths 26 with which the beverage liquid, i.e., coffee liquid, can come into contact. Coffee components adhering to the flow path 26 may deteriorate over time. The deteriorated coffee components take on an oxidized odor, impairing the flavor of the coffee liquid flowing through the flow path 26. Therefore, the beverage dispenser 1 is provided with a flow path cleaning system 28 for automatically cleaning the flow path 26 periodically.

[0016] The flow path cleaning system 28 includes a control unit 30, a detergent flow path 32, a detergent container 34, a detergent pump 42, a detergent control valve 44, and a reading unit 36. The control unit 30 includes a microprocessor, a memory, and the like, and executes a cleaning mode in which the detergent is supplied to the flow path 26 to clean the flow path 26. The detergent container 34 is filled with a liquid detergent and has a sticker on which a barcode (record carrier) 38 is printed attached. The barcode 38 is, for example, a two-dimensional code as shown in FIG. 1 .

[0017] The reading unit 36 ​​is electrically connected to the control unit 30, reads information from the barcode 38, and transmits the information of the read barcode 38 to the control unit 30. The reading unit 36 ​​is a barcode reader, and in this embodiment, is positioned at a storage position 40 for the detergent container 34 inside the beverage dispenser 1, and can automatically read the barcode 38 simply by placing (loading) the detergent container 34 in the storage position 40.

[0018] The detergent flow path 32 is also connected to the extractor 6, and is provided with a detergent container 34, a detergent pump 42, and a detergent control valve 44 in this order from upstream in the direction of detergent flow. The detergent pump 42 and the detergent control valve 44 are electrically connected to the control unit 30, and when the cleaning mode is executed, the control unit 30 causes the detergent pump 42 to suck detergent from the detergent container 34, and supplies the detergent, the amount of which is controlled by the detergent control valve 44, to the extractor 6. The control unit 30 is also electrically connected to the water heating unit 12, hot water control valve 14, extractor 6, and extraction pump 18 described above, and these perform various operations according to commands from the control unit 30.

[0019] 2 shows a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the cleaning mode. When the cleaning mode is started, first, a predetermined amount of cleaning agent is supplied to the extractor 6 via the cleaning agent flow path 32 (step S1), and then a predetermined amount of hot water is supplied to the extractor 6 via the hot water flow path 10 (step S2). Next, the extraction pump 18 is operated in reverse to send air from the bottom of the extractor 6, causing bubbles to rise in the mixture of cleaning agent and hot water, thereby agitating the cleaning agent and hot water (step S3). This results in a cleaning solution in which the cleaning agent is dissolved in the hot water.

[0020] Next, the extraction pump 18 is rotated in the normal direction to fill the flow path 26, including the extraction passage 16 extending from the extractor 6 to the dispensing nozzle 20, with a portion of the cleaning agent formed in step S3 (step S4). Next, the flow path 26 filled with the cleaning agent is left standing for a predetermined period of time (step S5). This promotes the decomposition and removal of coffee components adhering to the flow path 26. Next, the extraction pump 18 is rotated in the normal direction to discharge the entire amount of cleaning agent, including the cleaning agent filling the flow path 26 and the cleaning agent remaining in the extractor 6, from the dispensing nozzle 20 (step S6).

[0021] Next, the hot water boiling unit 12 and the hot water control valve 14 are operated to supply hot water to the extractor 6 (step S7). Next, the extraction pump 18 is operated in reverse, sending air from the bottom of the extractor 6 and stirring the hot water by causing bubbles to rise into the hot water (step S8). This causes the cleaning agent attached to the inner wall surface of the extractor 6 to dissolve and dilute in the hot water. Next, the extraction pump 18 is operated in forward direction, discharging the entire amount of hot water stored in the extractor 6 from the dispensing nozzle 20 (step S9). Next, it is determined whether steps S7, S8, and S9 have been completed a predetermined number of times (N times) (step S10). If the determination result is No and steps S7, S8, and S9 have not been completed N times, the process proceeds to step S7 again. On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes and steps S7, S8, and S9 have been completed N times, the cleaning mode is terminated.

[0022] 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the information stored in the barcode 38. The barcode 38 stores information such as product type information A of the detergent filled in the detergent container 34, individual information B of the detergent filled in the detergent container 34, expiration date C of the detergent filled in the detergent container 34, and amount D of the detergent filled in the detergent container 34. This information is read by the reading unit 36 ​​and transmitted to the control unit 30.

[0023] Fig. 4 shows a configuration diagram of the control unit 30, Fig. 5 shows a table showing information in a product type table TB1 stored in the control unit 30, Fig. 6 shows a table showing information in a record table TB2 stored in the control unit 30, and Fig. 7 shows a table showing information in a history table TB3 stored in the control unit 30. As shown in Fig. 5, the product type table TB1 has an initial value A0 of product type information A for cleaning agents usable in the beverage dispenser 1 registered in advance. Specifically, the product type information A specified for the beverage dispenser 1 when the beverage dispenser 1 was manufactured is registered in advance in the memory of the control unit 30.

[0024] 6, the record table TB2 records the following information: detergent product type information A, detergent individual information B, detergent expiration date C, detergent content D, detergent usage limit E, detergent usage limit F, number of washes G, and wash start date H. The values ​​of the detergent product type information A, individual information B, expiration date C, and content D recorded in the record table TB2 are the read values ​​when the reading unit 36 ​​reads the barcode 38.

[0025] The limit date of use E is a calculated value obtained by adding the number of times that can be used F (assuming that the cleaning mode is executed once a day) to the cleaning start date H. The number of times that can be used F is a calculated value obtained by dividing the content volume D by K (the amount of cleaning agent used per cleaning). The amount used per cleaning K is set to the standard value (average value) or minimum value of the amount of cleaning agent used per cleaning. The number of cleanings G is the number of times the cleaning mode is executed, and is counted up each time the cleaning mode is executed.

[0026] The cleaning start date H is recorded as the date when the cleaning mode was first executed. Based on the information recorded in the record table TB2, the control unit 30 executes the cleaning mode. Furthermore, if multiple beverage dispensers 1 are operated in the same store, the information in the multiple record tables TB2 stored in the control unit 30 of each beverage dispenser 1 is shared with each other via wireless or wired communication. This makes it possible to collectively grasp the execution status of the cleaning mode and the usage status of the cleaning agent of each beverage dispenser 1.

[0027] 7, history table TB3 records the history of the type information A of the detergent used, the associated individual information BX (1, ​​2, ..., X), and the cleaning start date HX (1, ​​2, ..., X). X is the number of times the barcode 38 has been read by the reading unit 36, and the initial value of X is "0."

[0028] Fig. 8 shows the first half of a flowchart illustrating the sequence for determining whether or not to execute the cleaning mode, and Fig. 9 shows the remaining part of the flowchart of Fig. 8. The beverage dispenser 1 is provided with a water cleaning button and a detergent cleaning button (not shown). When the detergent cleaning button is selected and pressed to start the cleaning mode of this embodiment using detergent, the control unit 30 first issues a cleaning start command (step S11). Next, it is determined whether the product type information A recorded in the record table TB2 of the control unit 30 matches the initial value A0 recorded in the product type table TB1 (A = A0) (step S12).

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

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

[0031] If the determination result is No and H = Null is not true, the control unit 30 already has a record of the cleaning start date H in the record table TB2, and the process proceeds to step S17 (described later). On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes and H = Null is true, the control unit 30 records in the record table TB2 that the cleaning start date H is the execution date of the cleaning mode (H = Today) (step S16). Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the usage limit date E is after the execution date of the cleaning mode (E ≥ Today) (step S17).

[0032] If the determination result is No and E≧Today is not true, the process proceeds to steps S21 and S22 in that order. On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes and E≧Today is true, the process determines whether the number of washes G is less than the number of usable times F (G<F) (step S18). If the determination result is No and G<F is not true, and the number of washes G is not less than the number of usable times F, that is, if the number of washes G is equal to or greater than the number of usable times F, the number of usable times F will be exceeded when the next wash mode is executed.

[0033] Therefore, to prevent such a situation, the process proceeds to steps S21 and S22 in sequence. On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes and G<F is established, then cleaning is performed (step S19), and the number of cleanings G is counted up (G=G+1) (step S20), after which the cleaning mode is terminated. On the other hand, after the cleaning start instruction is canceled in step S21 and the individual information B is recorded in the history table TB3 in step S22, a command to load a new cleaning agent container 34 or to start replacing the new cleaning agent container 34 is displayed on the display unit of the beverage supply device 1 (step S23, via "1"; see FIG. 9).

[0034] Next, the display unit displays "Please read the barcode" (Step S24). The next replacement of the detergent container 34 will not be performed until the content volume D of the detergent becomes less than the single-use amount K of the detergent described above. Next, when the reading unit 36 ​​starts reading the information on the barcode 38 (Step S25), "Reading" is displayed (Step S26). Next, it is determined whether the information on the barcode 38 has been read (Step S27). If the determination result is No, that is, the information has not been read, the process proceeds to Step S28.

[0035] On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes and information reading has been performed, the process proceeds to step S29. In step S28, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the determination result is No and the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S27 again to attempt to determine whether information reading has been performed. On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes and the predetermined time has elapsed, the number of information readings is counted up (N = N + 1) (step S35), and it is determined whether the count is a predetermined number, for example, 3 times or less (N ≦ 3) (step S36). If the determination result is No and the number of information readings counted is not 3 times or less, i.e., it is the fourth time, it is determined that the allowable number of readings has been exceeded, so an error indicating that information reading is not possible has occurred, and the cleaning mode is terminated (transition to FIG. 8 via "3").

[0036] On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes and the number of times information has been read is three or less, the process proceeds to step S23 and the above-mentioned steps are executed again to attempt reading information from the barcode 38 again by the reading unit 36 ​​from the beginning. Going back to step S27, if it is determined that reading of information from the barcode 38 by the reading unit 36 ​​was successful, it is determined whether or not the product type information A1 read by the reading unit 36 ​​matches the initial value A0 of the product type information A recorded in the product type table TB1 (A1=A0) (step S29).

[0037] If the determination result is No, and A1 = A0 does not hold, then a message "Please prepare a new detergent" is displayed (step S34), and the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes, and A1 = A0 holds, then the individual information B1 read by the reading unit 36 ​​is compared with all the individual information BX recorded in the history table TB3, and it is determined whether the individual information B1 does not match any of the individual information BX (B1 ≠ BX) (step S30).

[0038] If the determination result is No and B1 ≠ BX does not hold, the process proceeds to steps S34 and S35 described above in that order. On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes and B1 ≠ BX holds, the process next determines whether the expiration date C1 read by the reading unit 36 ​​is after the execution date of the cleaning mode (C1 ≧ Today) (step S31). If the determination result is No and C1 ≧ Today does not hold, the process proceeds to steps S34 and S35 in that order.

[0039] On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes and C1≧Today is established, then in step S32, the information read by the reading unit 36 ​​is recorded in table TB2 as product type information A=A1, individual information B=B1, expiration date C=C1, and content D=D1. Furthermore, the information on the calculated number of times usable F (=D / K) is recorded in table TB2, and further, because a new detergent container 34 has been set, the information on the number of times cleaning G=0 and cleaning start date H=Null is recorded in table TB2.

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

[0041] As described above, in the beverage dispenser 1 of this embodiment, a barcode 38 is affixed to the detergent container 34 filled with detergent, and the information in the barcode 38 is read by the reading unit 36 ​​and transmitted to the control unit 30. The barcode 38 holds information on the detergent's type A1, detergent's individual information B1, the detergent's expiration date C1, and the detergent's content amount D1. The control unit 30 stores a type table TB1 in which type information A0, which is the initial value for detergents that can be used in the beverage dispenser 1, is recorded.

[0042] The system then determines whether the product type information A1 read by the reading unit 36 ​​matches the product type information A0, which is the initial value recorded in the product type table TB1, and if the product type information A1 and A0 do not match, the system ends the cleaning mode and does not allow it to be executed. This allows the system to execute the appropriate cleaning mode using the guaranteed genuine cleaning agent, thereby providing the user with a safe and secure beverage.

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

[0044] By managing information about each individual detergent container 34 and detergent in the record table TB2, it is possible to reliably execute a predetermined cleaning mode at a predetermined timing using a predetermined detergent filled in a predetermined detergent container 34. This eliminates the possibility of an operator's action or omission, and ensures that an appropriate cleaning mode is executed, thereby ensuring that a safe and secure beverage is provided to the user.

[0045] The control unit 30 also records information on the number of times the detergent can be used F, the number of cleaning cycles G, which is the number of times the cleaning mode has been executed, and the cleaning start date H, which is the first time the cleaning mode was executed, in the recording table TB2. This allows the second and subsequent cleaning cycles to be executed at predetermined timings in a more planned manner.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 30 determines whether the individual information B1 read by the reading unit 36 ​​matches the individual information BX recorded in the record table TB2, and if the individual information B1 and BX match, ends the cleaning mode and does not allow it to be executed. This makes it possible to prevent the reuse of the cleaning agent container 34 between different beverage dispensers 1, copying of barcodes, etc.

[0047] The control unit 30 also determines whether the expiration date C1 read by the reading unit 36 ​​is after the execution date of the cleaning mode, and if the expiration date C1 is not after the execution date of the cleaning mode, ends the cleaning mode and does not allow the cleaning mode to be executed, thereby preventing the use of a cleaning agent whose expiration date C1 has passed.

[0048] Furthermore, assuming that the cleaning mode is executed once a day, the control unit 30 calculates the cleaning agent usage limit date E by adding the usable count F to the cleaning start date H and records the calculated date in the record table TB2. The control unit 30 then determines whether the usage limit date E recorded in the record table TB2 is after the cleaning mode execution date, and if the usage limit date E is not after the cleaning mode execution date, ends the cleaning mode and does not allow the cleaning mode to be executed. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning mode from being executed when the usable count F has been exceeded.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 30 determines whether the number of cleaning cycles G is less than the number of usable cycles F, and if the number of cleaning cycles G is not less than the number of usable cycles F, ends the cleaning mode and does not permit execution of the cleaning mode. This prevents a situation in which the number of cleaning cycles G is equal to or greater than the number of usable cycles F, causing the cleaning mode to be executed even when there is a shortage of detergent, for example.

[0050] Furthermore, when the control unit 30 does not permit execution of the cleaning mode in each of the above-mentioned determinations, it commands the loading of a new cleaning agent container 34 or the start of replacement with a new cleaning agent container. This allows for quick replacement with a new cleaning agent container 34 when the cleaning agent is insufficient, and also allows for quick replacement of a cleaning agent container 34 that has run out of cleaning agent or is filled with an inappropriate cleaning agent with a new cleaning agent container 34. Therefore, the cleaning mode can be reliably executed at the predetermined timing as originally planned.

[0051] Furthermore, when multiple beverage dispensers 1 are operated in the same establishment, the information in the multiple record tables TB2 stored in the control units 30 of the multiple beverage dispensers 1 is shared among them. This allows the execution status of the cleaning mode and the usage status of the cleaning agent of each beverage dispenser 1 to be grasped all at once, thereby enabling the execution of the cleaning mode of each beverage dispenser 1 to be carried out more efficiently.

[0052] This concludes the description of the embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the total cumulative amount of detergent used G' may be recorded in the record table TB2 instead of the number of washes G shown in Figure 6. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, steps S18' and S20' are executed instead of steps S18 and S20 shown in Figure 8, respectively.

[0053] In step S18', the control unit 30 sets the current usage amount L of the detergent when the cleaning mode is executed this time (on that day), and calculates the remaining amount of detergent (D-G') by subtracting the total cumulative usage amount G' of the detergent from the content amount D of the detergent. Note that the current usage amount L of the detergent can be set to several times (N times) the above-mentioned single usage amount K, or the current usage amount L may be registered in the record table TB2 in advance, and an appropriate current usage amount L may be selected as appropriate from the record table TB2.

[0054] The control unit 30 then determines whether the current amount of detergent used, L, is equal to or less than the remaining amount of detergent (D-G'). If the current amount of detergent used, L, is not equal to or less than the remaining amount (D-G'), the control unit 30 terminates the cleaning mode and does not permit execution of the cleaning mode. This prevents a situation in which the cleaning mode is executed even when there is a shortage of detergent. After step S18', cleaning is executed (step S19), and the current amount of detergent used, L, is added to the total accumulated amount of detergent used, G' (G' = G' + L) (step S20'), and the cleaning mode is then terminated. The remaining parts of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 are the same as those in FIG. 9, and therefore will not be illustrated or described again.

[0055] 1, the cleaning mode shown in Fig. 2, and the execution / non-execution sequences of the cleaning mode shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 9, and Fig. 11 are applicable not only to coffee machines but also to milk units that supply milk to coffee liquid, and other devices that produce and supply various beverages. Furthermore, the configurations of the beverage supply device 1, the flow path cleaning system 28, and the execution / non-execution sequences of the cleaning mode are not strictly limited to those in the above embodiment.

[0056] For example, the beverage dispenser 1 may be provided with a cancel button (not shown), and the cleaning mode execution sequence may be forcibly terminated by pressing this button at any time. Furthermore, information other than the initial value A0 of the variety information may be registered in the variety table TB1 as needed, or variety information that is no longer in use may be deleted. In this case, the information may be registered manually at the location where the beverage dispenser 1 is installed, or automatically registered and updated via wired or wireless communication.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the reading unit 36 ​​is provided in the storage position 40 for the detergent container 34 inside the beverage dispenser 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reading unit 36 ​​may be provided on the outer surface of the beverage dispenser 1, for example, below an exhibition section (or display) 46 for displaying product samples, as shown in Fig. 12 .

[0058] Furthermore, the barcode 38 may be printed on an object other than the detergent container 34, such as a management form such as a receipt, as long as it can be uniquely managed with respect to each detergent container 34. Furthermore, a record carrier other than the barcode 38 (such as an RFID tag or IC tag) may be attached to the detergent container 34 as long as it is capable of recording, storing, and reading information. Furthermore, the reading unit 36 ​​may be, other than a barcode reader, such as a camera or a reader adapted to the record carrier, as long as it is capable of reading information from the record carrier.

[0059] 1 Beverage supply device 26 Flow path 30 Control unit 34 Detergent container 36 Reading unit 38 Barcode (record holder) A0 Initial value of product type information A, A1 Product type information B, B1 Individual information C, C1 Expiry date D, D1 Contents E Limitation date of use F Number of times usable G Number of cleanings G' Total accumulated amount used H Start date of cleaning K Amount used per time L Amount used this time D-G' Remaining amount TB1 Product type table TB2 Record table

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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