JP2004206554A

JP2004206554A - Raw liquid supply device

Info

Publication number: JP2004206554A
Application number: JP2002376652A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Yasuaki Fujii; 泰明藤井; Toshihisa Hatori; 敏久羽鳥; Teruo Niwada; 照夫庭田
Original assignee: Toshiba Electric Appliances Co Ltd
Current assignee: Toshiba Electric Appliances Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-12-26
Filing date: 2002-12-26
Publication date: 2004-07-22

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a raw liquid supply device 19 capable of omitting a resetting work due to a work of replacing a raw liquid container 72 and exactly detecting the remaining quantity of raw liquid in the raw liquid container 72. <P>SOLUTION: A mass detection means 78 detects mass based on the remaining quantity of the raw liquid of the raw liquid container 72. When the detected mass is greater than a specified value, it is determined that the raw liquid is present and when the mass is smaller than the specified value, it is determined that the raw liquid is absent. The mass detection means 78 detects exchange from a raw liquid container 72 without the raw liquid to a raw liquid container 72 with the raw liquid, and the resetting work due to the exchange work of the raw liquid container 72 is omitted. The mass detection means 78 and a pressure sensor 76 for detecting that the raw liquid in the raw liquid container 72 is exhausted are used together. When the mass is greater than a prescribed value and suction pressure is lower than a prescribed value, existence of the raw liquid is detected and when the mass is smaller than the prescribed value and the suction pressure is higher than the prescribed value, absence of the raw liquid is detected. Thus the remaining quantity of the raw liquid in the raw liquid container 72 is exactly detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、原料液容器の原料液を吸引して供給する原料液供給装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の原料液供給装置は、例えば、カップ入り飲料を販売提供するカップ式飲料自動販売機などの飲料自動販売機に用いられている。この飲料自動販売機では、清涼飲料用の原料液をカップに抽出し、希釈液として冷水や炭酸水などをカップに抽出し、カップ内で原料液と希釈液とを攪拌混合して飲料を調合し、さらに選択に応じて氷を入れ、カップ入り飲料を提供している。
【０００３】
原料液は、清涼飲料の濃縮された原液であり、ビニールなどの可撓性を有する袋体によって構成される原料液容器内に密封状態に収納されている。原料液容器にはチューブなどの原料液供給路の一端が接続され、この原料液供給路の途中に設けられるポンプの１回の作動によって、原料液容器内の所定量の原料液を原料液供給路に吸引するとともに原料液供給路の他端からカップ内へ抽出している。
【０００４】
このような原料液供給装置では、原料液容器内の原料液残量を検知して飲料の売切れ時期や原料液容器の交換時期を把握するために、予め定められた初期の原料液残量からポンプによる原料液の吸引量分を減算して現在の原料液残量を求める残量カウンタを備えている。
【０００５】
また、原料液残量検知用として、原料液容器とポンプとの間の原料液供給路の途中に原料液の吸引圧力によって作動する圧力スイッチを用い、原料液容器に原料液が多く残っている吸引圧力が低い状態では圧力スイッチは作動せず、原料液容器から吸引圧力が高くなることで圧力スイッチが作動し、原料液無しを検知している（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−３２８４７号公報（第３頁ないし第４頁、図１）
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、残量カウンタによる原料液残量検知では、原料液容器内の原料液残量を把握できるが、原料液容器内の実際の原料液残量と残量カウンタで求められた計算上の原料液残量とに誤差が生じた場合、実際には原料液が無いのに有ると判断するおそれがあり、そのため、残量カウンタで求められた計算上の原料液残量がある程度残っている状態で売切れにすることが多く、原料液容器内の原料液を有効に使い切ることができない場合がある。また、原料液容器の交換作業に伴って販売可能にするためには残留カウンタをリセットする必要があり、リセット作業を忘れた場合には原料液容器を交換しても販売可能にならない問題がある。
【０００８】
また、圧力スイッチを用いた原料液残量検知では、原料液容器内の原料液を有効に使い切ったことを検知できるが、原料液容器を交換したことは検知できず、原料液容器の交換作業に伴って販売可能にするためにリセット作業が必要となる問題がある。
【０００９】
本発明は、このような問題に鑑みなされたもので、原料液容器の交換作業に伴うリセット作業を省略でき、しかも、原料液容器内の原料液残量を正確に検知できる原料液供給装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載の原料液供給装置は、原料液を収納した原料液容器を装填する原料液容器装填部と、この原料液容器装填部に装填された原料液容器の原料液残量に応じた質量を検知する質量検知手段と、前記原料液容器に接続される原料液供給路と、この原料液供給路の途中に設けられ、原料液容器内の原料液を吸引して原料液供給路の先端から吐出させるポンプと、前記原料液供給路の原料液容器とポンプとの間に設けられ、ポンプによる原料液の吸引圧力を検知する吸引圧力検知手段と、前記質量検知手段および吸引圧力検知手段による検知を監視し、質量が所定値より多く、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときに原料液有りを検知し、質量が所定値より少なく、吸引圧力が所定値より高いときに原料液無しを検知する原料液有無検知手段とを具備しているものである。
【００１１】
そして、この構成では、原料液容器の原料液残量に応じた質量を検知する質量検知手段を備えたため、原料液無しの原料液容器から新たな原料液有りの原料液容器に交換したことを検知し、原料液容器の交換作業に伴うリセット作業を省略可能となる。しかも、この質量検知手段と原料液容器内の原料液を使い切ったことを検知する圧力検知手段との併用により、質量が所定値より多く、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときに原料液有りを検知し、質量が所定値より少なく、吸引圧力が所定値より高いときに原料液無しを検知するため、原料液容器の原料液残量を正確に検知可能となる。
【００１２】
請求項２記載の原料液供給装置は、請求項１記載の原料液供給装置において、原料液有無検知手段は、質量検知手段および吸引圧力検知手段による検知を監視し、質量が所定値より少なく、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときに原料液容器の未装填を検知するものである。
【００１３】
そして、この構成では、質量が所定値より少なく、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときには、原料液容器の未装填を検知可能となる。
【００１４】
請求項３記載の原料液供給装置は、請求項１または２記載の原料液供給装置において、原料液有無検知手段は、質量検知手段および吸引圧力検知手段による検知を監視し、質量が所定値より多い状態から少ない状態に切り換わり、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときに原料液の残量の減少を検知するものである。
【００１５】
そして、この構成では、質量が所定値より多い状態から少ない状態に切り換わり、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときには、原料液の残量の減少を検知可能となる。
【００１６】
請求項４記載の原料液供給装置は、請求項１ないし３いずれか記載の原料液供給装置において、原料液容器内の予め定められた初期の原料液残量からポンプによる原料液の吸引量分を減算して原料液残量を求める残量検知手段を有し、この残量検知手段は、質量検知手段で検知する質量が所定値より多い状態から少ない状態に切り換わった後に多い状態に切り換わることで初期の原料液残量にリセットするものである。
【００１７】
そして、この構成では、原料液容器内の予め定められた初期の原料液残量からポンプによる原料液の吸引量分を減算して原料液残量を求める残量検知手段は、質量検知手段で検知する質量が所定値より多い状態から少ない状態に切り換わった後に多い状態に切り換わることで、つまり原料液無しの原料液容器から新たな原料液有りの原料液容器に交換することで、初期の原料液残量に自動的にリセット可能となる。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の一実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
【００１９】
図３に原料液供給装置を適用したカップ式飲料自動販売機の構成図を示し、このカップ式飲料自動販売機は、カップＣ内に飲料を調合して販売するもので、図示しない機体の前面に販売口が形成され、この販売口の後方にカップステーション11が配設されている。
【００２０】
機体内には、カップＣを供給するカップ供給手段12、飲料の粉末原料を供給する複数の粉末原料供給手段13、カップＣを搬送するカップ搬送手段14、水源に接続される給水部15、湯を供給する湯供給手段16、冷水を供給する冷水供給手段17、氷を供給する氷供給手段18、原料液を供給する原料液供給装置19、炭酸水を供給する炭酸水供給手段20、およびカップＣ内の内容物を攪拌して飲料を調合する攪拌手段21が配設されている。そして、湯供給手段16、冷水供給手段17および炭酸水供給手段20などによって、カップＣ内に希釈液として湯、冷水、炭酸水を供給する希釈液供給手段22が構成されている。
【００２１】
給水部15は、水源に接続される給水管30を有し、この給水管30の途中にバルブ31，32を介して水フィルタ33が接続され、給水管30の先端が水リザーバ34に接続され、この水リザーバ34に常に一定量の水が貯留される。
【００２２】
湯供給手段16は、所定温度に沸き上げた湯を貯留する湯タンク37を有し、この湯タンク37には、水リザーバ34内の水が給水ポンプ38により水リザーバ39を有する給水経路40を通じて送り込まれる。湯タンク37内の湯は、出湯電磁弁41の開放によってリザーバ42を有する出湯経路43を通じて出湯される。出湯経路43には加圧液供給手段44が接続され、この加圧液供給手段44は、リザーバ42内の湯を加圧して送出する加圧ポンプ45、およびこの加圧ポンプ45で加圧された加圧液つまり加圧湯をカップステーション11へ導く加圧液流路46を有している。加圧液流路46の先端側には逆止弁47を介してノズル48が接続され、このノズル48からカップステーション11に搬送された原料入りのカップＣ内に加圧湯が吐出される。
【００２３】
冷水供給手段17は、冷却水を貯留する冷却水槽52、およびこの冷却水槽52の冷却水中に配置される冷却コイル53を設けた出水管54を有し、水リザーバ34内の水が水ポンプ55により冷却コイル53に送られてこの冷却コイル53を通過する間に冷却水との間で熱交換して冷却される。冷却された冷水は出水管54の出水電磁弁56の開放によってカップステーション11のカップＣ内に供給される。なお、冷却水槽52には給水経路40の途中に設けたバルブ57の開放によって冷却水用の水が供給され、また、冷却水槽52の冷却水は図示しない冷却手段によって冷却される。
【００２４】
氷供給手段18は、水リザーバ34からの水の供給を受けて製氷する製氷機60を有し、この製氷機60で製氷された氷が、氷通路61の電磁弁62の開放によってカップステーション11のカップＣ内に供給される。
【００２５】
炭酸水供給手段20は、冷却水槽52の冷却水中に炭酸水容器65が配置され、この炭酸水容器65内では冷却コイル53を通過して冷水ニードル66を通じて導かれる冷水の一部および炭酸ボンベ67から炭酸ガスがそれぞれ供給されて炭酸水が作られ、この炭酸水が炭酸水供給管68の電磁弁69の開放によってカップステーション11に搬送されるカップＣ内に供給される。
【００２６】
また、図１および図３に示すように、原料液供給装置19では、例えばジュースなどの清涼飲料の濃縮されたシロップなどの原液である原料液を供給するもので、予め定められた内容量つまり質量の原料液をビニールなどの可撓性を有する袋体によって密封状態に収納した原料液容器72が原料液の種類毎に用いられる。これら各原料液容器72は段ボール箱などの外箱内に収容されている。
【００２７】
機体内には各原料液容器72を装填する複数の原料液容器装填部73が設けられている。各原料液容器装填部73に装填された各原料液容器72には種類毎の原料液をカップステーション11のカップＣ内へ供給する各原料液供給路74がそれぞれ接続されている。これら各原料液供給路74はホースなどの管路で構成され、この各原料液供給路74の途中には、原料液容器72側から所定量の原料液を吸い上げてカップステーション11のカップＣへ供給するポンプ75が配設され、原料液容器72とポンプ75との間にはポンプ75による原料液の吸引圧力を検知する吸引圧力検知手段としての圧力センサ76が配設され、カップステーション11側の先端近傍に原料液の逆流を防止する逆止弁77が配設されている。原料液供給路74の途中は冷却水槽52の冷却水中を通過するように配設され、原料液供給路74内を通過する原料液が冷却される。
【００２８】
各原料液容器装填部73には装填された原料液容器72の原料液残量に応じた質量を検知する質量検知手段78が配設されている。この質量検知手段78には、例えば、原料液容器72の質量に応じて検知スイッチがオンオフする検知スイッチ構造や、質量値を測定する質量計などが用いられる。検知スイッチ構造では、原料液容器72が載る載置部79をばね80で上方へ付勢し、原料液容器72内の原料液の残量が多く残っている状態では、載置部79が原料液容器72の質量でばね80の付勢に抗して下降し、この載置部79の下降状態で検知スイッチ81がオフし、また、原料液容器72内の原料液の残量が少なくなると、原料液容器72が軽くなるために、ばね80の付勢で載置部79が上昇し、この載置部79の上昇で検知スイッチ81がオンし、原料液容器72の原料液残量が少なくなったことを検知する。
【００２９】
図１に示す符号84は、希釈液供給手段28の希釈液をカップＣに供給する希釈液ノズルである。
【００３０】
また、図１には、原料液供給装置19を制御する制御部91を示し、この制御部91に圧力センサ76および質量検知手段78からの検知信号を入力し、ポンプ75を制御する。
【００３１】
そして、制御部91は、圧力センサ76および質量検知手段78による検知を監視し、質量が予め設定された所定値より多く、吸引圧力が予め設定された所定値より低いときに原料液有りを検知し、質量が所定値より少なく、吸引圧力が所定値より高いときに原料液無しを検知する原料液有無検知手段92の機能を有している。この原料液有無検知手段92は、質量が所定値より少なく、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときに原料液容器72の未装填を検知する原料液容器未装着検知手段の機能、質量が所定値より多い状態から少ない状態に切り換わり、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときに原料液の残量の減少を検知する原料液減少検知手段の機能を有している。
【００３２】
制御部91は、原料液容器72内の予め定められた初期の原料液残量からポンプ75による原料液の吸引量分を減算して原料液残量を求める残量カウンタである残量検知手段93の機能を有している。この残量検知手段93は、質量検知手段78で検知する質量が所定値より多い状態から少ない状態に切り換わった後に多い状態に切り換わることで初期の原料液残量にリセットするリセット手段の機能を有している。
【００３３】
次に、本実施の形態の動作を説明する。
【００３４】
まず、カップ入り飲料の販売に説明する。
【００３５】
利用者により貨幣が投入され、飲料種類が選択されることにより、カップ供給手段12からカップＣが排出され、このカップＣをカップ搬送手段14で受け取って保持する。
【００３６】
ここで、粉末原料を使用する飲料が選択されている場合には、カップ搬送手段14によってカップＣを選択された飲料種類の飲料供給位置に移動させ、粉末原料供給手段13から供給される粉末原料をカップＣ内に受け入れ、カップ搬送手段14によってカップＣをカップステーション11に移動させる。
【００３７】
カップステーション11においては、湯供給手段16から湯を、または冷水供給手段17から冷水をカップＣ内に供給し、攪拌手段21でカップＣ内の内容物を攪拌混合して飲料を調合する。さらに、冷飲料の場合で氷入りの場合に、氷供給手段18から氷をカップＣ内に供給する。
【００３８】
カップＣ内での飲料の調合が完了したら、機体の販売口を通じて、カップステーション11内の飲料入りのカップＣを取出可能とする。
【００３９】
また、原料液を使用する飲料が選択された場合には、カップ供給手段12から供給されるカップＣをカップ搬送手段14に受け取った後、カップＣを空の状態のままカップステーション11に移動させる。
【００４０】
カップステーション11において、原料液供給装置19のうち、選択された原料液種類に対応するポンプ75を作動し、原料液容器72内の所定量の原料液をカップＣ内に注出する。さらに、飲料種類に応じて、冷水供給手段17から冷水を、炭酸水供給手段20から炭酸水をカップＣ内に供給し、さらに、利用者の選択に応じて、氷供給手段18から氷をカップＣ内に供給し、カップＣ内で原料液と冷水や炭酸水とを混合し、飲料を調合する。
【００４１】
カップＣ内での飲料の調合が完了したら、機体の販売口を通じて、カップステーション11内の飲料入りのカップＣを取出可能とする。
【００４２】
次に、原料液容器72の装填や交換に関連した制御部91による制御動作を図２のフローチャートを参照して説明する。
【００４３】
制御部91では、質量検知手段78および圧力センサ76による検知を監視する（ステップ１）。質量検知手段78は、原料液容器72の装填状態でかつ原料液が予め設定された所定値より多い場合にオンし、原料液容器72の未装填状態や原料液容器72内の原料液が予め設定された所定値より減少した場合にオフする。また、圧力センサ76は、原料液容器72の未装填状態や原料液容器72内に原料液が残っている状態で検知する吸引圧力が予め設定された所定値より低い場合にオフし、原料液容器72内の原料液が無くなって吸引圧力が予め設定された所定値より高くなったときにオンする。
【００４４】
原料液容器72の未装填状態では、質量検知手段78はオフ、圧力センサ76はオフの検知状態にあり、原料液容器72の未装填を検知する。そのため、機体の前面に設けられる複数の選択ボタンのうち該当する選択ボタンに対応して売切表示をする（ステップ２）。
【００４５】
原料液を収納した新たな原料液容器72を原料液容器装填部73に装填して原料液供給路74に接続した場合、質量検知手段78がオフからオンに切り換わり、圧力センサ76はオフのままの状態にあり、原料液有りを検知する。そのため、機体の前面に設けられる複数の選択ボタンのうち該当する選択ボタンに対応して販売可表示をする（ステップ３）。
【００４６】
なお、質量検知手段78がオンして原料液有りを検知しているにもかかわらず、圧力センサ76がオンして原料液無しを検知している状態にあれば、質量検知手段78や圧力センサ76の故障が生じており、機体内に設けられている係員用表示部で異常表示をする（ステップ４）。
【００４７】
そして、原料液を用いた飲料の販売動作に伴い、原料液容器72内の原料液がポンプ75で吸引注出されて原料液残量が減少していく。このとき、残量検知手段93により、原料液容器72内の予め定められた初期の原料液残量から、原料液容器72の装填検知時点からのポンプ75による原料液の吸引量分を減算して原料液残量を求め、機体内に設けられている係員表示部で原料液残量を表示可能とする。そのため、係員が原料液残量を確認でき、交換用の原料液容器72の準備などが可能となる。
【００４８】
原料液容器72内の原料液残量が減少し、原料液残量に応じた質量が予め設定された所定値より減少することで、質量検知手段78のみがオンからオフに切り換わり、原料液減少を検知する（ステップ５）。そのため、機体内に設けられる係員用表示部で減少表示をする（ステップ６）。
【００４９】
原料液容器72内の原料液残量が減少を検知している時点で新たな原料液容器72に交換した場合、質量検知手段78がオフからオンに切り換わり、圧力センサ76はオフのままの状態にあり、原料液容器72の交換を検知する（ステップ７）。原料液容器72の交換を検知したら、残量検知手段93を初期の原料液残量に自動リセットし（ステップ10）、ステップ３に戻って継続して販売可となる。
【００５０】
原料液容器72内の原料液残量が減少しても原料液容器72を交換しない場合には、原料液容器72内の原料液を使い切り、吸引圧力が高まって圧力センサ76がオフからオンに切り換わることで、原料液無しを検知する。そのため、機体の前面に設けられる複数の選択ボタンのうち該当する選択ボタンに対応して売切表示をする（ステップ８）。
【００５１】
原料液無しを検知した後に、新たな原料液容器72に交換した場合、質量検知手段78がオフからオンに切り換わり、圧力センサ76がオンからオフに切り換わり、原料液容器72の交換を検知する（ステップ９）。原料液容器72の交換を検知したら、残量検知手段93を初期の原料液残量に自動リセットし、ステップ３に戻って継続して販売可となる。
【００５２】
このように、原料液容器72の原料液残量に応じた質量を検知する質量検知手段78を備えたため、原料液無しの原料液容器72から新たな原料液有りの原料液容器72に交換したことを検知でき、原料液容器72の交換作業に伴うリセット作業を省略できる。しかも、この質量検知手段78と原料液容器72内の原料液を有効に使い切ったことを検知する圧力センサ76との併用により、質量が所定値より多く、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときに原料液有りを検知し、質量が所定値より少なく、吸引圧力が所定値より高いときに原料液無しを検知するため、原料液容器72の原料液残量を正確に検知できる。
【００５３】
さらに、質量が所定値より少なく、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときには、原料液容器72の未装填を検知でき、また、質量が所定値より多い状態から少ない状態に切り換わり、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときには、原料液の残量の減少を検知できる。
【００５４】
また、原料液容器72内の予め定められた初期の原料液残量からポンプ75による原料液の吸引量分を減算して原料液残量を求める残量検知手段93は、質量検知手段78で検知する質量が所定値より多い状態から少ない状態に切り換わった後に多い状態に切り換わることで、つまり原料液無しの原料液容器72から新たな原料液有りの原料液容器72に交換することで、初期の原料液残量に自動的にリセットできる。
【００５５】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載の原料液供給装置によれば、原料液容器の原料液残量に応じた質量を検知する質量検知手段を備えたため、原料液無しの原料液容器から新たな原料液有りの原料液容器に交換したことを検知でき、原料液容器の交換作業に伴うリセット作業を省略でき、しかも、この質量検知手段と原料液容器内の原料液を使い切ったことを検知する圧力検知手段との併用により、質量が所定値より多く、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときに原料液有りを検知し、質量が所定値より少なく、吸引圧力が所定値より高いときに原料液無しを検知するため、原料液容器の原料液残量を正確に検知できる。
【００５６】
請求項２記載の原料液供給装置によれば、請求項１記載の原料液供給装置の効果に加えて、質量が所定値より少なく、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときには、原料液容器の未装填を検知できる。
【００５７】
請求項３記載の原料液供給装置によれば、請求項１または２記載の原料液供給装置の効果に加えて、質量が所定値より多い状態から少ない状態に切り換わり、吸引圧力が所定値より低いときには、原料液の残量の減少を検知できる。
【００５８】
請求項４記載の原料液供給装置によれば、請求項１ないし３いずれか記載の原料液供給装置の効果に加えて、原料液容器内の予め定められた初期の原料液残量からポンプによる原料液の吸引量分を減算して原料液残量を求める残量検知手段は、質量検知手段で検知する質量が所定値より多い状態から少ない状態に切り換わった後に多い状態に切り換わることで、つまり原料液無しの原料液容器から新たな原料液有りの原料液容器に交換することで、初期の原料液残量に自動的にリセットできる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施の形態を示す原料液供給装置の構成図である。
【図２】同上原料液供給装置の検知動作を説明するフローチャートである。
【図３】同上原料液供給装置を適用したカップ式飲料自動販売機の構成図である。
【符号の説明】
19 原料液供給装置
72 原料液容器
73 原料液容器装填部
74 原料液供給路
75 ポンプ
76 吸引圧力検知手段としての圧力センサ
78 質量検知手段
92 原料液有無検知手段
93 残量検知手段[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a raw material liquid supply device that sucks and supplies a raw material liquid from a raw material liquid container.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of raw material liquid supply device has been used in a beverage vending machine such as a cup-type beverage vending machine that sells and provides a beverage in a cup. In this beverage vending machine, a liquid material for a soft drink is extracted into a cup, cold water or carbonated water is extracted into the cup as a diluting liquid, and the raw material liquid and the diluting liquid are stirred and mixed in the cup to prepare a beverage. They also provide iced beverages with ice according to their choice.
[0003]
The raw material liquid is a concentrated raw liquid of a soft drink, and is housed in a sealed state in a raw material liquid container formed of a flexible bag such as vinyl. One end of a raw material liquid supply passage such as a tube is connected to the raw material liquid container, and a single operation of a pump provided in the middle of the raw material liquid supply passage supplies a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container. The liquid is sucked into the passage and extracted from the other end of the raw material liquid supply passage into the cup.
[0004]
In such a raw material liquid supply device, in order to detect the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container and to grasp the timing of the sold out beverage and the replacement time of the raw material liquid container, a predetermined initial raw material liquid remaining amount is used. A remaining amount counter is provided for obtaining the current remaining amount of the raw material liquid by subtracting the amount of the raw material liquid sucked by the pump.
[0005]
Further, for detecting the remaining amount of the raw material liquid, a pressure switch operated by the suction pressure of the raw material liquid is used in the middle of the raw material liquid supply path between the raw material liquid container and the pump, and a large amount of the raw material liquid remains in the raw material liquid container. When the suction pressure is low, the pressure switch does not operate. When the suction pressure increases from the raw material liquid container, the pressure switch operates to detect the absence of the raw material liquid (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-32847 (pages 3 and 4, FIG. 1)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the detection of the remaining amount of the raw material liquid by the remaining amount counter, the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container can be grasped. When there is an error in the remaining amount of liquid, there is a possibility that it is judged that there is actually no raw material liquid, and therefore, there is a certain amount of remaining raw material liquid calculated by the remaining amount counter. In many cases, the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container cannot be used up effectively. In addition, it is necessary to reset the residual counter in order to be able to sell with the replacement of the raw material container, and if the reset operation is forgotten, there is a problem that the raw material container cannot be sold even if the raw material container is replaced. .
[0008]
Further, in the detection of the remaining amount of the raw material liquid using the pressure switch, it is possible to detect that the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container has been effectively used up, but it is not possible to detect that the raw material liquid container has been replaced. Accordingly, there is a problem that a resetting operation is required in order to make it possible to sell.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and a raw material liquid supply apparatus that can omit a resetting operation accompanying a replacement operation of a raw material liquid container and can accurately detect the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container. The purpose is to provide.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a raw material liquid supply device which is configured to load a raw material liquid container containing a raw material liquid, and to supply the raw material liquid remaining in the raw material liquid container loaded in the raw material liquid container loading section. Mass detection means for detecting the mass, a raw material liquid supply path connected to the raw material liquid container, and provided in the middle of the raw material liquid supply path, for sucking the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container, A pump that discharges from the tip, a suction pressure detection unit that is provided between the source liquid container and the pump in the source liquid supply path, and detects a suction pressure of the source liquid by the pump, the mass detection unit, and the suction pressure detection unit Monitoring the presence of the liquid material when the mass is higher than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value, and detects the absence of the liquid material when the mass is lower than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is higher than the predetermined value. Raw material liquid presence detection means It is those that are Bei.
[0011]
And, in this configuration, since the mass detecting means for detecting the mass according to the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container is provided, it is necessary to replace the raw material liquid container without the raw material liquid with the raw material liquid container with the new raw material liquid. Detecting and resetting work accompanying the work of replacing the raw material liquid container can be omitted. In addition, the combined use of the mass detecting means and the pressure detecting means for detecting that the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container has been used up enables the presence of the raw material liquid to be detected when the mass is higher than a predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value. When the mass is smaller than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is higher than the predetermined value, the absence of the raw material liquid is detected, so that the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container can be accurately detected.
[0012]
The raw material liquid supply device according to claim 2 is the raw material liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the raw material liquid presence detection unit monitors detection by the mass detection unit and the suction pressure detection unit, and the mass is smaller than a predetermined value. When the suction pressure is lower than a predetermined value, the unloading of the raw material liquid container is detected.
[0013]
With this configuration, when the mass is smaller than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value, it is possible to detect that the raw material liquid container has not been loaded.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the raw material liquid supply apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the raw material liquid presence / absence detecting means monitors the detection by the mass detecting means and the suction pressure detecting means, and the mass is set to a predetermined value. The state is switched from a large state to a small state, and when the suction pressure is lower than a predetermined value, a decrease in the remaining amount of the raw material liquid is detected.
[0015]
Then, with this configuration, the state is switched from a state in which the mass is larger than the predetermined value to a state in which the mass is smaller, and when the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value, a decrease in the remaining amount of the raw material liquid can be detected.
[0016]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the raw material liquid supply apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the amount of the raw material liquid suctioned by the pump is calculated from a predetermined initial remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container. Is subtracted to obtain the remaining amount of the raw material liquid, and the remaining amount detecting means switches from a state in which the mass detected by the mass detecting means is larger than a predetermined value to a smaller state, and then switches to a larger state. In other words, the raw material liquid is reset to the initial remaining amount.
[0017]
In this configuration, the remaining amount detecting means for subtracting the amount of the raw material liquid sucked by the pump from the predetermined initial amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container to obtain the remaining amount of the raw material liquid is a mass detecting means. By switching from a state in which the mass to be detected is larger than a predetermined value to a state in which it is smaller than a predetermined value and then to a state in which the detected mass is larger, that is, by replacing the raw material liquid container with no raw material liquid with a raw material liquid container with a new raw material liquid, Automatically reset to the remaining amount of the raw material liquid.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
FIG. 3 shows a configuration diagram of a cup-type beverage vending machine to which the raw material liquid supply device is applied. This cup-type beverage vending machine mixes a beverage in a cup C and sells the beverage. A sales outlet is formed at the rear of the vehicle, and a cup station 11 is disposed behind the sales outlet.
[0020]
Inside the machine, a cup supply means 12 for supplying a cup C, a plurality of powder material supply means 13 for supplying a powder material for a beverage, a cup transport means 14 for transporting the cup C, a water supply unit 15 connected to a water source, hot water Hot water supply means 16 for supplying water, cold water supply means 17 for supplying cold water, ice supply means 18 for supplying ice, raw material liquid supply device 19 for supplying a raw material liquid, carbonated water supply means 20 for supplying carbonated water, and a cup A stirring means 21 for stirring the contents in C to prepare a beverage is provided. The hot water supply means 16, the cold water supply means 17, the carbonated water supply means 20, and the like constitute a diluent supply means 22 for supplying hot water, cold water, and carbonated water as a diluent into the cup C.
[0021]
The water supply section 15 has a water supply pipe 30 connected to a water source. A water filter 33 is connected to the water supply pipe 30 via valves 31 and 32 in the middle of the water supply pipe 30, and a distal end of the water supply pipe 30 is connected to a water reservoir 34. A constant amount of water is always stored in the water reservoir 34.
[0022]
The hot water supply means 16 has a hot water tank 37 for storing hot water boiled to a predetermined temperature.In the hot water tank 37, water in a water reservoir 34 is supplied by a water supply pump 38 through a water supply path 40 having a water reservoir 39. Sent in. Hot water in the hot water tank 37 is discharged through a hot water supply path 43 having a reservoir 42 by opening the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 41. A pressurized liquid supply means 44 is connected to the hot water supply path 43, and the pressurized liquid supply means 44 is pressurized by the pressurizing pump 45 for pressurizing and sending out hot water in the reservoir 42, and pressurized by the pressurizing pump 45. A pressurized liquid channel 46 for guiding the pressurized liquid, that is, pressurized hot water, to the cup station 11 is provided. A nozzle 48 is connected to the distal end side of the pressurized liquid channel 46 via a check valve 47, and pressurized water is discharged from the nozzle 48 into the cup C containing the raw material conveyed to the cup station 11.
[0023]
The cold water supply means 17 has a cooling water tank 52 for storing cooling water, and a water outlet pipe 54 provided with a cooling coil 53 arranged in the cooling water in the cooling water tank 52, and the water in the water reservoir 34 is supplied to a water pump 55. The cooling water is sent to the cooling coil 53 and passes through the cooling coil 53 to be cooled by exchanging heat with the cooling water. The cooled cold water is supplied into the cup C of the cup station 11 by opening the water discharge solenoid valve 56 of the water discharge pipe 54. The cooling water tank 52 is supplied with water for cooling water by opening a valve 57 provided in the middle of the water supply path 40, and the cooling water in the cooling water tank 52 is cooled by cooling means (not shown).
[0024]
The ice supply means 18 has an ice maker 60 for making ice by receiving the supply of water from the water reservoir 34, and ice produced by the ice maker 60 is supplied to the cup station 11 by opening a solenoid valve 62 of an ice passage 61. Is supplied into the cup C.
[0025]
In the carbonated water supply means 20, a carbonated water container 65 is disposed in the cooling water of the cooling water tank 52. In the carbonated water container 65, a part of the cold water guided through the cold water needle 66 through the cooling coil 53 and a carbonated cylinder 67 are provided. Are supplied to the cup C to be conveyed to the cup station 11 by opening the electromagnetic valve 69 of the carbonated water supply pipe 68.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the raw material liquid supply device 19 supplies a raw material liquid that is a raw liquid such as a concentrated syrup of a soft drink such as a juice. A raw material container 72 containing a mass of the raw material liquid in a sealed state with a flexible bag such as vinyl is used for each type of the raw material liquid. Each of these raw material liquid containers 72 is housed in an outer box such as a cardboard box.
[0027]
A plurality of material liquid container loading sections 73 for loading the respective material liquid containers 72 are provided in the body. Each raw material liquid container 72 loaded in each raw material liquid container loading section 73 is connected to each raw material liquid supply path 74 for supplying a raw material liquid of each type into the cup C of the cup station 11. Each of these raw material liquid supply paths 74 is constituted by a pipe such as a hose. In the middle of each of the raw material liquid supply paths 74, a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid is sucked from the raw material liquid container 72 side, and is drawn into the cup C of the cup station 11. A supply pump 75 is provided, and a pressure sensor 76 as suction pressure detecting means for detecting a suction pressure of the raw material liquid by the pump 75 is provided between the raw material liquid container 72 and the pump 75. A check valve 77 for preventing backflow of the raw material liquid is provided near the tip of the check valve. The raw material liquid supply path 74 is disposed so as to pass through the cooling water in the cooling water tank 52 in the middle of the raw material liquid supply path 74, and the raw material liquid passing through the raw material liquid supply path 74 is cooled.
[0028]
Each raw material liquid container loading section 73 is provided with a mass detecting means 78 for detecting a mass according to the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the loaded raw material liquid container 72. As the mass detection means 78, for example, a detection switch structure in which a detection switch is turned on / off according to the mass of the raw material liquid container 72, a mass meter for measuring a mass value, and the like are used. In the detection switch structure, the mounting portion 79 on which the raw material liquid container 72 is mounted is urged upward by a spring 80, and when the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 remains large, the mounting portion 79 When the weight of the liquid container 72 is lowered against the bias of the spring 80, the detection switch 81 is turned off in the lowered state of the mounting portion 79, and when the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 decreases. In order to reduce the weight of the raw material liquid container 72, the mounting portion 79 is raised by the urging of the spring 80, and the detection switch 81 is turned on by the raising of the mounting portion 79, and the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 is reduced. Detect when it is running low.
[0029]
Reference numeral 84 shown in FIG. 1 denotes a diluent nozzle that supplies the diluent of the diluent supply unit 28 to the cup C.
[0030]
FIG. 1 shows a control unit 91 for controlling the raw material liquid supply device 19. The control unit 91 receives detection signals from the pressure sensor 76 and the mass detection unit 78 and controls the pump 75.
[0031]
Then, the control unit 91 monitors the detection by the pressure sensor 76 and the mass detecting means 78, and detects the presence of the raw material liquid when the mass is larger than a predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than a predetermined value. In addition, when the mass is smaller than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is higher than the predetermined value, it has the function of the raw material liquid presence / absence detecting means 92 for detecting the absence of the raw material liquid. The raw material liquid presence / absence detecting means 92 has a function of a raw material container non-mounting detecting means for detecting the unloaded state of the raw material liquid container 72 when the mass is smaller than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value, and the mass is larger than the predetermined value. It switches from a large state to a small state, and has a function of a raw material liquid decrease detecting means for detecting a decrease in the residual amount of the raw material liquid when the suction pressure is lower than a predetermined value.
[0032]
The control unit 91 is a remaining amount detecting means which is a remaining amount counter for obtaining the remaining amount of the raw material liquid by subtracting the amount of the raw material liquid suctioned by the pump 75 from the predetermined initial remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72. It has 93 functions. The remaining amount detecting means 93 is a function of a resetting means for resetting the initial amount of the raw material liquid by switching from a state in which the mass detected by the mass detecting means 78 is larger than a predetermined value to a smaller state and then to a larger state. have.
[0033]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
[0034]
First, a description will be given of the sale of a drink in a cup.
[0035]
When the user inserts money and selects a beverage type, the cup C is discharged from the cup supply means 12, and the cup C is received and held by the cup transport means 14.
[0036]
Here, when the beverage using the powdered raw material is selected, the cup C is moved to the beverage supply position of the selected beverage type by the cup transporting means 14, and the powdered raw material supplied from the powdered raw material supplying means 13 is supplied. Is received in the cup C, and the cup C is moved to the cup station 11 by the cup transport means 14.
[0037]
In the cup station 11, hot water is supplied from the hot water supply means 16 or cold water is supplied from the cold water supply means 17 into the cup C, and the contents in the cup C are stirred and mixed by the stirring means 21 to prepare a beverage. Further, in the case of a cold drink and ice, the ice is supplied from the ice supply means 18 into the cup C.
[0038]
When the preparation of the beverage in the cup C is completed, the cup C containing the beverage in the cup station 11 can be taken out through the sales outlet of the machine.
[0039]
When a beverage using the raw material liquid is selected, the cup C supplied from the cup supply unit 12 is received by the cup transport unit 14, and then the cup C is moved to the cup station 11 in an empty state. .
[0040]
In the cup station 11, the pump 75 corresponding to the selected type of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid supply device 19 is operated, and a predetermined amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 is poured into the cup C. Further, cold water is supplied from the cold water supply means 17 and carbonated water is supplied from the carbonated water supply means 20 into the cup C according to the type of beverage, and ice is supplied from the ice supply means 18 according to the user's selection. C, and the raw material liquid is mixed with cold water or carbonated water in the cup C to prepare a beverage.
[0041]
When the preparation of the beverage in the cup C is completed, the cup C containing the beverage in the cup station 11 can be taken out through the sales outlet of the machine.
[0042]
Next, the control operation of the control unit 91 related to the loading and replacement of the raw material liquid container 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0043]
The control unit 91 monitors the detection by the mass detecting means 78 and the pressure sensor 76 (step 1). The mass detection means 78 is turned on when the raw material liquid container 72 is loaded and the raw material liquid is larger than a predetermined value, and the raw liquid container 72 is not loaded or the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 is Turns off when it decreases below the set predetermined value. Further, the pressure sensor 76 is turned off when the suction pressure detected in the unloaded state of the raw material liquid container 72 or in the state where the raw material liquid remains in the raw material liquid container 72 is lower than a predetermined value, and It turns on when the raw material liquid in the container 72 runs out and the suction pressure becomes higher than a predetermined value.
[0044]
When the raw material liquid container 72 is not loaded, the mass detecting means 78 is off and the pressure sensor 76 is off, and the unloaded raw material container 72 is detected. For this reason, a sold-out display is made corresponding to the corresponding selection button among the plurality of selection buttons provided on the front of the body (step 2).
[0045]
When a new source liquid container 72 containing the source liquid is loaded into the source liquid container loading unit 73 and connected to the source liquid supply path 74, the mass detection unit 78 switches from off to on, and the pressure sensor 76 turns off. In this state, the presence of the raw material liquid is detected. For this reason, a display of available for sale is made corresponding to the corresponding one of the plurality of selection buttons provided on the front of the body (step 3).
[0046]
If the pressure sensor 76 is on to detect the absence of the raw material liquid even though the mass detecting means 78 is on to detect the presence of the raw material liquid, the mass detecting means 78 and the pressure sensor Since the failure of 76 has occurred, an error is displayed on the display unit for staff provided in the airframe (step 4).
[0047]
Then, with the selling operation of the beverage using the raw material liquid, the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 is suctioned out by the pump 75, and the remaining amount of the raw material liquid is reduced. At this time, the remaining amount detecting means 93 subtracts the amount of the raw material liquid sucked by the pump 75 from the time when the loading of the raw material liquid container 72 is detected from the predetermined initial raw material liquid remaining amount in the raw material liquid container 72. To obtain the remaining amount of the raw material liquid, and to display the remaining amount of the raw material liquid on an attendant display unit provided in the machine body. Therefore, the attendant can check the remaining amount of the raw material liquid, and prepare the replacement raw material liquid container 72 and the like.
[0048]
When the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 decreases and the mass according to the remaining amount of the raw material liquid decreases from a predetermined value, only the mass detecting means 78 is switched from ON to OFF, and the raw material liquid remains. A decrease is detected (step 5). For this reason, a decrease display is performed on the attendant display provided in the body (step 6).
[0049]
When the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 is replaced with a new raw material liquid container 72 at the time of detecting a decrease, the mass detecting means 78 switches from off to on, and the pressure sensor 76 remains off. In this state, the replacement of the raw material liquid container 72 is detected (step 7). When the replacement of the raw material liquid container 72 is detected, the residual amount detecting means 93 is automatically reset to the initial residual amount of the raw material liquid (step 10), and the process returns to step 3 to continue selling.
[0050]
If the raw material liquid container 72 is not replaced even if the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 is reduced, the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 is used up, the suction pressure increases, and the pressure sensor 76 switches from off to on. By switching, the absence of the raw material liquid is detected. For this reason, a sold-out display is made corresponding to the corresponding one of the plurality of selection buttons provided on the front of the machine (step 8).
[0051]
When a new raw material liquid container 72 is replaced after detecting the absence of the raw material liquid, the mass detecting means 78 switches from off to on, the pressure sensor 76 switches from on to off, and the replacement of the raw material liquid container 72 is detected. (Step 9). When the replacement of the raw material liquid container 72 is detected, the remaining amount detecting means 93 is automatically reset to the initial remaining amount of the raw material liquid, and the process returns to step 3 to enable continuous sale.
[0052]
As described above, since the mass detecting means 78 for detecting the mass according to the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 was provided, the raw material liquid container 72 without the raw material liquid was replaced with the raw material liquid container 72 with the new raw material liquid. Can be detected, and the resetting work accompanying the replacement work of the raw material liquid container 72 can be omitted. Moreover, the combined use of the mass detecting means 78 and the pressure sensor 76 for detecting that the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 has been effectively used up allows the raw material to be supplied when the mass is larger than a predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value. Since the presence of liquid is detected and the absence of the raw material liquid is detected when the mass is smaller than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is higher than the predetermined value, the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 can be accurately detected.
[0053]
Further, when the mass is smaller than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value, it is possible to detect that the raw material liquid container 72 is not loaded, and the state is switched from a state where the mass is larger than the predetermined value to a state where the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value. When it is lower, a decrease in the remaining amount of the raw material liquid can be detected.
[0054]
Further, the remaining amount detecting means 93 for obtaining the remaining amount of the raw material liquid by subtracting the amount of the raw material liquid sucked by the pump 75 from the predetermined initial amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container 72 is a mass detecting means 78. By switching from a state in which the detected mass is larger than a predetermined value to a state in which the mass is larger than a predetermined value, and then switching to a larger state, that is, by replacing the raw material liquid container 72 with no raw material liquid with a raw material liquid container 72 with a new raw material liquid. It can be automatically reset to the initial raw material liquid level.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
According to the raw material liquid supply device of the first aspect, since the raw material liquid container is provided with the mass detecting means for detecting the mass according to the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container, the raw material liquid container without the raw material liquid is supplied with the new raw material liquid. It is possible to detect that the liquid container has been replaced, and to omit the resetting work involved in replacing the raw material liquid container. In addition, the mass detecting means and the pressure detecting means for detecting that the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container has been used up are used. By the combined use, when the mass is greater than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value, the presence of the raw material liquid is detected, and when the mass is less than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is higher than the predetermined value, the absence of the raw material liquid is detected. The remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container can be accurately detected.
[0056]
According to the raw material liquid supply device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the raw material liquid supply device of the first aspect, when the mass is smaller than the predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value, the raw material liquid container is not loaded. Can be detected.
[0057]
According to the raw material liquid supply device according to the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the raw material liquid supply device according to the first or second aspect, the state is switched from a state in which the mass is larger than a predetermined value to a state in which the mass is smaller, and the suction pressure is higher than the predetermined value. When it is low, a decrease in the remaining amount of the raw material liquid can be detected.
[0058]
According to the raw material liquid supply device according to the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the raw material liquid supply device according to any one of the first to third aspects, a pump is used based on a predetermined initial residual amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container. The remaining amount detecting means for obtaining the remaining amount of the raw material liquid by subtracting the suction amount of the raw material liquid is configured such that the mass detected by the mass detecting means is switched from a state larger than a predetermined value to a smaller state and then to a larger state. That is, by replacing the raw material liquid container without the raw material liquid with a new raw material liquid container having the raw material liquid, the initial remaining amount of the raw material liquid can be automatically reset.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a raw material liquid supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a detection operation of the raw material liquid supply device.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a cup-type beverage vending machine to which the raw material liquid supply device is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
19 Raw material liquid supply device
72 Material liquid container
73 Material liquid container loading section
74 Raw material supply path
75 pump
76 Pressure sensor as suction pressure detecting means
78 Mass detection means
92 Material liquid presence detection means
93 Remaining amount detection means

Claims

A raw material liquid container loading section for loading a raw material liquid container containing the raw material liquid,
Mass detection means for detecting a mass corresponding to the remaining amount of the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container loaded in the raw material liquid container loading unit,
A raw material liquid supply passage connected to the raw material liquid container,
A pump that is provided in the middle of the raw material liquid supply path and sucks the raw material liquid in the raw material liquid container and discharges the raw material liquid from the tip of the raw material liquid supply path;
A suction pressure detecting means provided between the raw material liquid container of the raw material liquid supply path and the pump, for detecting a suction pressure of the raw material liquid by the pump,
The detection by the mass detecting means and the suction pressure detecting means is monitored, and when the mass is higher than a predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value, the presence of the raw material liquid is detected, the mass is lower than the predetermined value, and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value. A raw material liquid presence / absence detecting means for detecting the absence of the raw material liquid when the raw material liquid is higher.

The raw material liquid presence / absence detecting means monitors the detection by the mass detecting means and the suction pressure detecting means, and detects that the raw material liquid container is not loaded when the mass is smaller than a predetermined value and the suction pressure is lower than the predetermined value. The raw material liquid supply device according to claim 1.

The raw material liquid presence / absence detecting means monitors the detection by the mass detecting means and the suction pressure detecting means, and switches from a state where the mass is larger than a predetermined value to a state where the mass is smaller than the predetermined value. 3. The raw material liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein a decrease is detected.

A residual amount detecting unit for subtracting the amount of the raw material liquid sucked by the pump from a predetermined initial raw material liquid residual amount in the raw material liquid container to obtain a raw material liquid residual amount,
The remaining amount detecting means resets the initial raw material liquid amount by switching from a state in which the mass detected by the mass detecting means is larger than a predetermined value to a smaller state and then to a larger state. Item 4. The raw material liquid supply device according to any one of Items 1 to 3.