JP7494645B2 - Beverage supply equipment - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a beverage supply device, and in particular to a beverage supply device equipped with a stirring unit that stirs beverage ingredients in a container.

Conventionally, beverage supply devices equipped with a stirring unit that stirs beverage ingredients in a container are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The beverage supply device of Patent Document 1 produces (cooks) a beverage by stirring the beverage ingredients in a container with a stirring unit. The beverage supply device of Patent Document 1 is provided with a display panel that allows the user (operator) to perform operations. The display panel includes a vending button. The vending button is a button that the operator uses to start the supply of beverage.

JP 2020-031710 A

Here, in the beverage supply device of Patent Document 1, when an operator operates the vending button, cooking begins regardless of the type of beverage ingredients in the container. Therefore, when beverage ingredients that are not compatible with the beverage supply device are placed, it is conceivable to perform control so that the preparation (production) of the beverage does not begin. However, if an operator places beverage ingredients that are not compatible with the beverage supply device in the beverage supply device and the production of the beverage does not begin after the operator operates the vending button, the operator is unable to understand the reason why production has not begun. Therefore, there is a demand for a beverage supply device that allows an operator to understand the reason why production has not begun in the case of a beverage that is not compatible with the beverage supply device.

This invention was made to solve the above problems, and one objective of the invention is to provide a beverage dispenser that allows the operator to understand the reason why beverage production does not start when the beverage is not compatible with the beverage dispenser.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a beverage supply device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a beverage type detection unit that detects whether a beverage is a corresponding beverage from a container containing beverage ingredients, a container mounting unit on which the container is mounted, a stirring unit that stirs the beverage ingredients in the container mounted on the container mounting unit, an alarm unit that issues an alarm to an operator, a control unit that determines whether the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit is a corresponding beverage and, if the beverage is an incompatible beverage, at least controls the alarm unit to notify that it is an incompatible beverage, and a door unit that separates a cooking space where cooking is performed by the stirring unit from the outside, and the control unit is configured to maintain the door unit in an inopen state if the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit is not a corresponding type .

In one aspect of the present invention, the beverage supplying device includes a beverage type detection unit that detects whether or not a beverage is a compatible beverage from a container containing beverage ingredients, a control unit that determines whether or not the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit is a compatible beverage and controls the notification unit to notify the fact that the beverage is an incompatible beverage at least when the beverage is an incompatible beverage, and a door unit that separates a cooking space where cooking is performed by the stirring unit from the outside, and the control unit is configured to maintain a state in which the door unit cannot be opened when the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit is not a compatible type . In this way, when a beverage is incompatible with the beverage supplying device, the operator is notified that the beverage is incompatible, so that the operator can understand that the beverage is incompatible before performing an operation to start the beverage production operation. As a result, when a beverage is incompatible with the beverage supplying device, it is possible to make the operator understand that the beverage is incompatible, so that the operator can understand the reason why the beverage production is not started.

In the beverage supply device according to the above aspect, the beverage type detection unit is preferably configured to read beverage information from an identification unit attached to the container, and the control unit is configured to determine whether or not the beverage is a corresponding beverage based on the beverage information detected by the beverage type detection unit. With this configuration, the operator can easily determine whether or not the beverage is a corresponding beverage by reading beverage information from an identification unit attached to the container of the beverage purchased.

In the beverage supply device according to the above aspect, preferably, the notification unit includes a display unit, and the control unit is configured to control the display unit to display, when the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit is an incompatible beverage, that the beverage is an incompatible beverage. With this configuration, the fact that the beverage is an incompatible beverage is displayed, allowing the operator to visually understand that it is an incompatible beverage. As a result, it is possible to prevent the operator from starting the production of a beverage when incompatible beverage ingredients are placed, and therefore it is possible to prevent the stirring unit from breaking down due to the production of incompatible beverage ingredients.

In this case, preferably, the control unit is configured to control the display unit to display a method for purchasing a beverage until the beverage type detection unit performs a beverage detection operation, and to control the display unit to display instructions for the operation of detecting a beverage to the operator when controlling the beverage type detection unit to perform the beverage detection operation. With this configuration, it is possible to present the operator with a method for purchasing a beverage and a method for the detection operation, so that even if the operator does not know how to purchase a beverage or how to perform the detection operation, the purchase and detection operations can be easily performed. As a result, usability (user convenience) can be improved.

In the beverage supply device according to the above aspect, the control unit is preferably configured to control the door unit to be openable when the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit is a corresponding type. With this configuration, the door unit is openable only when the type of beverage is a corresponding type, so that it is possible to prevent an incompatible type of beverage ingredient from being placed on the container placement unit. As a result, it is possible to prevent the start of production of an incompatible beverage ingredient.

In the beverage supply device according to the above aspect, preferably, an operator detection unit is further provided for detecting an operator, and the control unit is configured to control the beverage type detection unit to perform a beverage type detection operation when the operator detection unit detects the operator. With this configuration, the beverage type detection unit performs a detection operation only when the operator is detected, and therefore, unlike a configuration in which the beverage type detection unit continuously performs a detection operation, the control unit can be prevented from continuously performing a process to determine whether or not a signal has been received from the beverage type detection unit. As a result, an increase in the processing load on the control unit can be prevented.

According to the present invention, as described above, when a beverage is not compatible with the beverage supply device, the operator can understand the reason why the beverage production does not start.

1 is a perspective view of a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment, as viewed from the front side; 1 is a front view of a beverage dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment; 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 300-300 in FIG. 2. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the beverage supply device according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the supply of hot water in a beverage supply device according to an embodiment; 13 is a diagram showing a screen of a beverage supplying device according to an embodiment, showing a method for purchasing a beverage. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen showing a beverage sensing operation of the beverage supplying device according to the embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a screen displayed when the beverage dispenser according to the embodiment requests a beverage to be placed on a container placement unit; FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen indicating that the beverage dispenser according to the embodiment does not support the beverage. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen of a beverage supplying device according to an embodiment, which displays a beverage menu. 1A to 1J are diagrams for explaining cooking operations of a beverage supply device according to one embodiment, and 1K and 1L are diagrams for explaining cleaning operations of a beverage supply device according to one embodiment. 11 is a timing chart showing the stirring position of the stirrer, the drive state of the stirrer rotation drive motor, the drive state of the stirrer up/down drive unit, and the open/close state of the hot water supply unit according to one embodiment. 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining control steps of the stirring unit rotation drive motor and the stirring unit up/down drive unit by the control unit of the beverage dispenser of one embodiment. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a control level of the rotation speed of the stirring unit rotation drive motor by the control unit of the beverage dispenser of one embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of producing a beverage by the beverage dispenser of one embodiment.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

The configuration of a beverage supply device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the configuration by which the beverage supply device 100 produces (prepares) a beverage will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 14.

(Configuration of beverage supply device)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the beverage dispenser 100 is a device that produces a beverage (such as a smoothie) by stirring beverage ingredients (such as vegetables, fruits, ice, etc.) in a container C.

The beverage supply device 100 is installed in a store such as a convenience store, and is used by users (operators) such as customers of the store. The beverage ingredients are frozen, and the container C containing the beverage ingredients is stored in a freezer. The container C is provided with a packaging material that covers the top. The top of the container C is opened by opening the packaging material (lid). The operator places the container C containing the beverage ingredients in the beverage supply device 100 and performs a beverage production start operation. When the beverage production start operation is performed, the beverage supply device 100 stirs and crushes the beverage ingredients in the container C to produce a beverage. Here, in the beverage supply device 100, the side where the operator is located is the front side (Y1 side), the opposite side is the rear side (Y2 side), and the front-to-back direction is the Y direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction in the horizontal direction is the left-to-right direction (X direction), and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction is the up-to-down direction (Z direction).

As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage dispenser 100 includes a beverage type detection unit 1, a container placement unit 2, a stirring unit 3, a control unit 4 (see FIG. 4), a display panel 5, a door unit 6, an operator detection unit 7, a drain pan 8, a hot water supply unit 9, and a drain tank 10. A cooking space S, which is a space for producing (cooking) beverages, is provided within the housing 100a of the beverage dispenser 100. The cooking space S is an area of the housing 100a that is aligned with the direction in which the stirring unit 3 moves (Z direction), as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage type detection unit 1 is provided on the Y1 side of the beverage supply device 100 and on the Z2 side of the door unit 6. The beverage type detection unit 1 is configured to detect whether or not a beverage is a corresponding beverage from a container C containing beverage ingredients. In this embodiment, the beverage type detection unit 1 is configured to read information about the beverage from an identification unit 1a (see FIG. 7) attached to the container C.

The identification unit 1a includes, for example, an information storage medium attached to the container C. The information storage medium includes, for example, a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), an RF tag, etc. The beverage type detection unit 1 includes, for example, an optical reading unit. The reading unit includes, for example, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and a camera capable of reading barcodes and QR codes. In this embodiment, the beverage type detection unit 1 is a camera capable of reading barcodes and QR codes.

The identification unit 1a stores the type of beverage, the beverage ID, etc. The beverage type detection unit 1 reads the information stored in the identification unit 1a and determines whether it matches a list of corresponding beverages pre-stored in memory 42, thereby detecting whether the beverage is a corresponding beverage.

As shown in FIG. 3, the stirring unit 3 is configured to stir the beverage ingredients in the container C placed on the container placement unit 2 in the cooking space S. Specifically, the stirring unit 3 includes a rotating shaft 31 extending in the vertical direction (Z direction) and a blade portion 32 provided at the tip (the end on the Z2 direction side) of the rotating shaft 31. The rotating shaft 31 of the stirring unit 3 is rotated around the rotation axis extending in the vertical direction by the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33. The tip of the rotating shaft 31 is provided with a lid portion 34 for covering the upper opening of the container C when stirring the beverage ingredients in the container C. The lid portion 34 can prevent the beverage ingredients from scattering from the container C during stirring. In the beverage supply device 100, the stirring unit 3 stirs the beverage ingredients in the container C to cook the beverage ingredients and create a beverage.

The beverage supply device 100 is equipped with an agitator vertical drive unit 35 that moves the agitator 3 in the vertical direction (Z direction). The agitator vertical drive unit 35 allows the agitator 3 to move vertically between an agitation position M (lowered position) where the blade 32 is lowered into the container C, and a retracted position E (upper position) where the blade 32 is raised outside the container C.

The display panel 5 is a touch panel that allows the operator to perform operations and indicates the status of the beverage dispenser 100. The display panel 5 includes a display unit 50 (see FIG. 4) and an input receiving unit 51 (see FIG. 4). The detailed configuration of the display unit 50 and the detailed configuration of the input receiving unit 51 will be described later.

The door section 6 is a door that separates the cooking space S from the outside, and is provided on the front side (Y1 direction side) of the beverage supply device 100. The door section 6 is a hinged door that opens and closes by rotating around the door section axis 6a (see FIG. 1). The door section 6 is also made of a material that allows the inside of the cooking space S to be seen.

As shown in FIG. 3, the door section 6 includes a door section shaft portion 6a and is configured to be rotatable around the door section shaft portion 6a. Note that FIG. 3 illustrates the door section 6 in the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage dispenser 100 is equipped with a door-closed detection sensor 61 for detecting that the door 6 is in the closed position. The door-closed detection sensor 61 is, for example, an optical sensor. The position at which the door 6 is detected by the door-closed detection sensor 61 is the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage dispenser 100 also includes a door locking mechanism 62 that keeps the door 6 closed. The door locking mechanism 62 is, for example, an electromagnetic lock. The door locking mechanism 62 is configured to be switchable between a state in which the door 6 is locked and a state in which the door 6 is unlocked. The control unit 4 controls the door locking mechanism 62 to switch between a state in which the door 6 is kept closed and a state in which the door 6 can be opened.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operator detection unit 7 is provided on the Y1 side of the beverage supply device 100 and on the Z1 direction side of the display panel 5. The operator detection unit 7 is configured to detect an operator. The operator detection unit 7 is a so-called human presence sensor. The operator detection unit 7 detects an operator operating the beverage supply device 100, for example, by a Doppler method. Specifically, the operator detection unit 7 is configured to detect an operator based on the phase difference between the irradiated microwaves and the reflected waves of the irradiated microwaves reflected by the operator, etc.

3, the container placement section 2 is provided on the tray 20. The tray 20 includes a cleaning container section 21. The container placement section 2 holds a container C. The tray 20 is configured to be movable in the Y direction. That is, the tray 20 holds the container C and moves the container C to the stirring position M (working position W). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the beverage supply device 100 includes a tray drive section 22 that moves the tray 20 in the front-rear direction (Y direction). The tray drive section 22 is configured to be able to move the container placement section 2 to the working position W (rear position) and the placement and removal position R (front position). The working position W is a position where the container placement section 2 is disposed directly below the blade section 32 of the stirring section 3 in the cooking space S. The placement and removal position R is a position where the container placement section 2 is disposed inside the door section 6. The cleaning container section 21 is moved directly below the stirring section 3 when the container placement section 2 moves to the placement and removal position R. Furthermore, when the container placement section 2 is placed at the work position W, the cleaning container section 21 is located further back (in the Y2 direction) than the work position W.

As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage dispenser 100 is equipped with a placement/removal position detection sensor RS for detecting that the tray 20 is located at placement/removal position R, and a work position detection sensor WS for detecting that the tray 20 is located at work position W. The placement/removal position detection sensor RS and the work position detection sensor WS are, for example, microswitches. The tray 20 is moved forward (Y1 direction) by the tray drive unit 22 to a position (placement/removal position R) detected by the placement/removal position detection sensor RS. The tray 20 is also moved backward (Y2 direction) by the tray drive unit 22 to a position (work position W) detected by the work position detection sensor WS.

As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage supply device 100 is equipped with a container detection sensor MS for detecting whether or not a container C is placed on the container mounting section 2. When the container detection sensor MS detects that a container C has been placed on the container mounting section 2, the container mounting section 2 is moved to the working position W. When a container C is not placed on the container mounting section 2, the container mounting section 2 is not moved to the working position W. The container detection sensor MS is, for example, an optical sensor.

As shown in FIG. 3, the drain pan 8 is configured to receive the waste liquid discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning container portion 21 of the tray 20. The drain pan 8 includes a pan portion 81 that receives the waste liquid, and a discharge passage 82 for discharging the waste liquid received in the pan portion 81. A hose 83 that guides the waste liquid to the drain tank 10 is connected to the discharge passage 82. The waste liquid is temporarily stored in the drain tank 10 via the discharge passage 82 and the hose 83. The drain pan 8 also holds the tray 20 so that it can move in the front-to-rear direction (Y direction).

As shown in FIG. 3, the hot water supply unit 9 includes a storage unit 90, a cleaning unit 91, and a supply unit 92.

The storage unit 90 is configured to store water. Specifically, the storage unit 90 is configured to store heated water (hot water). The storage unit 90 also has a heater 93, a water level sensor 94, a temperature sensor 95, and an overflow solenoid valve 96. The storage unit 90 stores water supplied from a water supply source, and the stored water is heated by the heater 93 to become hot water. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 90 is installed at the top of the rear (Y2 side) inside the housing 100a of the beverage dispenser 100.

The temperature sensor 95 has a function of measuring the temperature of the hot water (hot water) in the storage section 90. The control section 4 controls the heater 93 based on the measurement result of the hot water temperature by the temperature sensor 95, thereby heating the hot water in the storage section 90 to a predetermined temperature (for example, 98°C).

The storage unit 90 is controlled so that the level of the stored hot water does not exceed a set upper limit. The storage unit 90 controls the hot water level in the storage unit 90 by controlling the overflow solenoid valve 96 with the control unit 4 based on the hot water level measurement results from the water level sensor 94. It is also possible to manually open the drain valve 9d in the storage unit 90 to drain the hot water in the storage unit 90 through the drainage channel 9c (see Figure 5) into the drainage tank 10.

The cleaning unit 91 is configured to clean the stirring unit 3 by supplying warm water to the tip of the rotating shaft 31 and the blade 32 of the stirring unit 3 in the cooking space S. Details of the configuration by which the cleaning unit 91 cleans the stirring unit 3 will be described later.

The supply unit 92 is configured to supply water (hot water) from the storage unit 60 into the container C containing the beverage ingredients when the stirring unit 3 stirs the beverage ingredients in the container C. Details of the configuration in which the supply unit 92 supplies water (hot water) into the container C will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 4 is configured to control each part of the beverage supply device 100 based on the detection results of each sensor and the operation results of each button. The control unit 4 functions as a control circuit that controls the operation of the beverage supply device 100. The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the beverage type detection unit 1, the hot water supply unit 9, the tray drive unit 22, the agitation unit rotation drive motor 33, the intrusion sensor 43, the packaging detection unit 44, the agitation unit up/down drive unit 35, the display unit 50, the input reception unit 51, the door closing detection sensor 61, the door lock mechanism 62, the work position detection sensor WS, the placement/removal position detection sensor RS, and the container detection sensor MS.

In this embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to determine whether or not the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is a compatible beverage. The control unit 4 is also configured to control the display unit 50, described below, to notify the user that the beverage is an incompatible beverage, at least when the beverage is an incompatible beverage. Details of the configuration in which the control unit 4 determines whether or not the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is a compatible beverage, and details of the configuration in which the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to notify the user that the beverage is an incompatible beverage will be described later.

The control unit 4 includes a CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 42. The memory 42 stores a cooking and cleaning program that performs a cooking and cleaning process, which is a process for stirring (cooking) the beverage ingredients in the container C and cleaning the stirring unit 3 after cooking. The memory 42 also stores data on the type of beverage (beverage ingredients) and the amount of hot water to be added according to the selected menu, and the stirring time. The memory 42 also stores a list of beverages corresponding to the beverage supply device 100. In this embodiment, the beverage list stores, for example, the ID of the beverage corresponding to the beverage supply device 100, information on the beverage ingredients, etc.

The control unit 4 is also configured to control the supply of water by the supply unit 92 into the container C by controlling the solenoid valve 91c, the solenoid valve 92c, and the pump 97.

The control unit 4 is also configured to control the supply of water for cleaning the agitation unit 3 by the cleaning unit 91 by controlling the solenoid valve 91c, the solenoid valve 92c, and the pump 97.

The control unit 4 is also configured to control the cleaning unit 91 to clean the stirring unit 3 each time the stirring unit 3 stirs the beverage ingredients in the container C. Details of the configuration of the control unit 4 for stirring the beverage ingredients using the stirring unit 3 and for cleaning the stirring unit 3 will be described later.

In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to maintain the door unit 6 in an unopenable state when the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is not the corresponding type, and to control the door unit 6 to an openable state when the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is the corresponding type. Specifically, when the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is not the corresponding type, the control unit 4 controls the door unit 6 to lock the door unit 6 using the door lock mechanism 62, thereby maintaining the door unit 6 in a closed state. This makes it possible to prevent the door unit 6 from being manually opened by an operator.

When the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 corresponds to the type of beverage, the control unit 4 controls the door lock mechanism 62 to release the locked state of the door unit 6, thereby making the door unit 6 openable. This allows the operator to manually open the door unit 6. The control unit 4 is configured to keep the door unit 6 closed when the operator is not detected.

The display panel 5 is a touch panel that allows the operator to perform operations and indicates the status of the beverage supply device 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the display panel 5 includes a display unit 50 and an input receiving unit 51.

The display unit 50 is configured to notify the operator. The display unit 50 is also configured to display information related to beverage production. The display unit 50 includes a thin display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display. The display unit 50 is an example of the "notification unit" in the claims.

The input reception unit 51 is configured to be able to receive touch operations from the operator. The input reception unit 51 is provided on the thin display of the display unit 50. The input reception unit 51 receives touch operations on menu buttons 52 (see FIG. 10) displayed on the display unit 50. The input reception unit 51 outputs a signal based on the touch operation performed by the operator to the control unit 4. The menu button 52 is a button that allows the operator to select a beverage menu and perform an operation to start beverage production. Details of the menu button 52 will be described later.

The intrusion sensor 43 is configured to detect an object entering the cooking space S, where the beverage ingredients are stirred, from the outside. As shown in FIG. 3, the intrusion sensor 43 is provided on the front side (Y1 direction side) of the cooking space S. The intrusion sensor 43 is, for example, an optical sensor.

The control unit 4 is configured to control the device so that the preparation of the beverage does not start when the intrusion sensor 43 detects an intrusion. When the control unit 4 detects an intrusion by the intrusion sensor 43, the control unit 4 controls the device so that the preparation of the beverage does not start, for example, by controlling the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33 not to operate.

The packaging detection unit 44 is configured to detect the packaging material covering the top of the container C placed in the cooking space S in which the beverage ingredients are stirred. The packaging detection unit 44 is, for example, an optical sensor.

The control unit 4 is configured to control a notification to prompt the user to remove the packaging material from the container C when the packaging detection unit 44 detects that there is packaging material in the container C in the cooking space S. For example, the control unit 4 controls the display unit 50 to display a notification saying "Please open."

(Hot water supply)
5, the hot water supply unit 9 is configured to supply hot water supplied from a storage unit 90 to a cleaning unit 91 and a supply unit 92. The hot water supply unit 9 includes a water supply passage 9a, a water supply electromagnetic valve 9b, a drain passage 9c, a drain valve 9d, and an overflow passage 9e. The hot water supply unit 9 is configured to supply hot water into the cooking space S.

The water supply passage 9a is configured to supply water from a water supply source to the storage section 90. The water supply passage 9a mechanically connects the water supply source and the storage section 90. The water supply solenoid valve 9b has a function of regulating the amount of water supplied from the water supply source to the storage section 90.

The cleaning section 91 includes a supply pipe 91a, a discharge section 91b, and a solenoid valve 91c.

The cleaning unit 91 is configured to clean the stirring unit 3 with heated water (warm water) stored in the storage unit 90. The cleaning unit 91 cleans the position where the beverage ingredients come into contact with the stirring unit 3 during cooking (mixing). The cleaning unit 91 discharges the warm water in the storage unit 90, which is pumped by the pump 97, from the discharge unit 91b via the electromagnetic valve 91c and the supply pipe 91a, and cleans the stirring unit 3 with the discharged warm water.

The hot water used to wash the stirring unit 3 is drained into the drain pan 8. The washing container 21 is a container used when performing the washing operation to wash the stirring unit 3 that is exposed to the beverage when preparing the beverage ingredients. Specifically, the washing container 21 is provided on the tray 20, and is formed in a cylindrical shape so that it can surround the part of the stirring unit 3 that is to be washed. The washing container 21 has an inner wall surface portion that suppresses the scattering of hot water while the stirring unit 3 is being washed.

The supply unit 92 includes a supply pipe 92a, a discharge unit 92b, and an electromagnetic valve 92c. The hot water supply unit 9 is configured to discharge hot water supplied from the storage unit 90 into the container C via the discharge unit 92b of the supply unit 92 arranged in the cooking space S. After hot water is supplied into the container C by the hot water supply unit 9, the beverage supply device 100 produces a beverage by stirring and grinding the frozen beverage ingredients.

Here, if the type of beverage is not compatible with the beverage supply device 100, it is conceivable that control will be performed so that preparation of the beverage does not begin. In that case, the operator will not be able to understand the reason why preparation does not begin.

In this embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to determine whether or not the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is a corresponding beverage. Specifically, the control unit 4 is configured to determine whether or not the beverage is a corresponding beverage based on information about the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1. The beverage information is obtained by the operator having the beverage type detection unit 1 read the identification unit 1a (see FIG. 7) attached to the container C.

(Display of beverage purchase method and beverage production method)
In this embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to control the display unit 50 to display a method for purchasing a beverage after the beverage supply device 100 is powered on or after the beverage production is completed, until the beverage type detection unit 1 performs a beverage detection operation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 4 displays a message 5a indicating a method for purchasing a beverage on the display unit 50 until the beverage type detection unit 1 performs a beverage detection operation. By displaying the message 5a indicating the method for purchasing a beverage on the display unit 50, the operator can easily understand the method for purchasing a beverage, thereby improving the convenience of the operator. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 4 displays an image 11a of a container C on the display unit 50 together with the message 5a indicating the method for purchasing a beverage. This can further improve the convenience of the operator.

In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to control the display unit 50 to display instructions for the operation of detecting a beverage to the operator when controlling the beverage type detection unit 1 to perform a beverage detection operation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display a message 5b instructing the operation of detecting a beverage. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display an image 11b indicating the detection operation together with the message 5b instructing the operation of detecting a beverage. This makes it possible to visually present the detection operation to the operator, thereby allowing the operator to easily understand the detection operation.

When the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is a type that corresponds to the beverage supply device 100, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display a message 5c to place the purchased beverage (container C) on the container placement unit 2, as shown in FIG. 8. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display an image 11c of the action of placing the container C on the container placement unit 2, along with the message 5c to place the container C on the container placement unit 2. This makes it possible to visually present the action of placing the container C on the container placement unit 2 to the operator, so that the operator can easily understand the action of placing the container C on the container placement unit 2.

When the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is not compatible with the beverage supply device 100, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display a message 5d indicating that the purchased beverage is not compatible with the beverage supply device 100, as shown in FIG. 9. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display an image 11d indicating that the purchased beverage is not compatible with the beverage supply device 100, along with a message 5d indicating that the purchased beverage is not compatible with the beverage supply device 100. This makes it possible to visually present to the operator that the purchased beverage is not compatible with the beverage supply device 100, so that the operator can easily understand that the purchased beverage is not compatible with the beverage supply device 100.

(Display menu button)
When a container C is placed on the container placement unit 2 (see FIG. 3), the control unit 4 controls the display unit 50 to display menu buttons 52, as shown in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the control unit 4 displays three types of menu buttons 52, namely, menu button 52a, menu button 52b, and menu button 52c. The control unit 4 also controls the display unit 50 to display a message 5e indicating that a menu is to be selected. The control unit 4 also controls the display unit 50 to display an image 11e showing the finished beverage for each menu. The finished beverage for each menu refers to the texture of the beverage when cooked according to each menu.

Menu button 52a is the menu button used to select the "Rolling" menu. Menu button 52b is the menu button used to select the "Normal" menu. Menu button 52c is the menu button used to select the "Smooth" menu.

In this embodiment, the control unit 4 starts the beverage preparation operation based on the menu selected (operationally input) by the operator. Specifically, the control unit 4 is configured to perform control to adjust at least one of the amount of water (hot water) supplied by the supply unit 92 to the container C and the stirring time by the stirrer 3 based on the operation input received by the menu button 52.

When the menu button 52a is operated and "Gorogoro" is selected as the beverage menu, the control unit 4 sets the amount of water to be supplied by the supply unit 92 into the container C to a predetermined amount set for the "Gorogoro" menu. The predetermined amount preset for the "Gorogoro" menu is less than the predetermined amount preset for the "Normal" menu. Specifically, when supplying water into the container C by the supply unit 92, the control unit 4 sets the operating time of the pump 97 to be shorter than the time preset for the "Normal" menu.

When the menu button 52b is operated and "regular" is selected as the beverage menu, the control unit 4 sets the amount of water to be supplied by the supply unit 92 into the container C to a predetermined amount that has been set in advance. Specifically, the control unit 4 sets the operating time of the pump 97 to a predetermined length when the supply unit 92 supplies water into the container C.

When the menu button 52c is operated and "thin" is selected as the beverage menu, the control unit 4 sets the amount of water supplied by the supply unit 92 into the container C to a predetermined amount set for the "thin" menu. The predetermined amount set for the "thin" menu is a larger amount than the predetermined amount set for the "normal" menu. Specifically, when supplying water into the container C by the supply unit 92, the control unit 4 sets the operating time of the pump 97 to be longer than the time set for the "normal" menu. The amount of water supplied for each menu is stored in the memory 42.

(Cooking and cleaning work)
The control unit 4 performs the operations (cooking and cleaning operations) shown in (A) to (L) of Fig. 11 every time a beverage is produced. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the door unit 6 is shown in a broken line to indicate that the door unit 6 is open. Also, the door unit 6 is shown in a solid line to indicate that the door unit 6 is closed.

In the beverage supply device 100 before cooking shown in FIG. 11 (A), the container placement section 2 is located at placement/removal position R, the stirring section 3 is located at retracted position E, the door section 6 is located at closed position, and the cleaning container section 21 is located at working position W. When an operator performs a detection operation and the beverage is compatible with the beverage supply device 100, the door section 6 is unlocked. Therefore, the operator can open the door section 6 as shown in FIG. 11 (B).

Then, the operator places a container C containing beverage ingredients on the container placement section 2, and with the door section 6 closed by the operator as shown in FIG. 11(C), the operator operates the menu button 52 to start beverage production. When the operator operates the menu button 52, the control section 4 controls the door lock mechanism 62 to lock the door section 6. Next, as shown in FIG. 11(D), the tray 20 is moved rearward by the tray drive section 22 to a position (working position W) detected by the work position detection sensor WS. The tray 20 is moved to the work position W when the container detection sensor MS (see FIG. 3) detects that a container C has been placed on the container placement section 2.

As shown in FIG. 11(E), water from the storage section 90 (see FIG. 3) is supplied from the discharge section 92b of the supply section 92 (see FIG. 3) into the container C containing the beverage ingredients.

As shown in Figure 11 (F), the agitator 3 is moved downward by the agitator vertical drive unit 35 (see Figure 3) to agitation position M where the beverage ingredients in the container C can be cooked (agitated) and crushed. Next, the rotating shaft 31 (see Figure 3) and the blade unit 32 (see Figure 3) of the agitator 3 are rotated by the agitator rotation drive motor 33 (see Figure 3) and raised and lowered by the agitator vertical drive unit 35. As a result, the beverage ingredients in the container C are agitated and crushed.

When stirring by the stirring unit 3 is completed, the stirring unit 3 is moved upward by the stirring unit up/down drive unit 35 to the retracted position E, as shown in FIG. 11(G). As shown in FIG. 11(H), the tray 20 is moved forward by the tray drive unit 22 to a position (loading/removing position R) detected by the loading/removing position detection sensor RS. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11(I), the operator opens the door unit 6, allowing the operator to remove the container C containing the produced beverage from the container loading unit 2 of the tray 20. Next, as shown in FIG. 11(J), the operator closes the door unit 6 to a position (closed position) detected by the door closing detection sensor 61.

As shown in FIG. 11 (K), the agitator 3 is moved downward to agitation position M by the agitator vertical drive unit 35 in order to perform cleaning with warm water in the cleaning unit 91 (see FIG. 3). When a predetermined cleaning time has elapsed since the start of cleaning, the agitator 3 is moved upward to retracted position E by the agitator vertical drive unit 35 as shown in FIG. 11 (L). This ends the cleaning operation. During the cleaning operation, the door unit 6 is kept closed.

(Adjusting cooking operations according to the menu)
Next, a configuration in which the control unit 4 adjusts the cooking operation in accordance with the menu selected by the operator will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14.

As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 4 controls the hot water supply unit 9 (solenoid valve 91c) based on the operation of the menu button 52, and supplies an amount of hot water according to the menu into the container C. Specifically, the control unit 4 adjusts the time t1 for opening the solenoid valve 91c, thereby supplying an amount of hot water according to the menu into the container C.

Then, the control unit 4 drives the stirring unit up/down drive unit 35 to move the stirring unit 3 from the retracted position E to the stirring start position M1.

After the stirring unit 3 moves to the stirring start position M1, the control unit 4 controls the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33 to start cooking the beverage. The control unit 4 is configured to control the rotation speed of the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33 according to the menu selected by the operator. The control unit 4 also controls the stirring position M of the stirring unit 3 in the Z direction according to the menu selected by the operator. Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the stirring position M by driving the stirring unit up/down drive unit 35 to move the stirring unit 3 up and down in the Z direction. That is, the control unit 4 changes at least one of the amount of water supplied to the container C, the stirring speed of the stirring unit 3, and the stirring position M of the stirring unit 3 (the position of the stirring unit 3 in the Z direction) according to the menu selected by the operator.

13 and 14 show Table T1, which shows the control steps when the control unit 4 controls the rotation speed and stirring position M of the stirring unit 3, and Table T2, which shows the speed level of the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33. Table T1 shows the stirring position M, stop time, and rotation level of the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33 for each step. Table T2 shows the rotation level of the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33. Table T2 shows the rotation level of the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33 by the duty ratio in PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33. In other words, the rotation level of the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33 is represented by the ratio of the ON time to the OFF time of the signal in one period of the pulse signal that rotates the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33.

As shown in Table T1, the control unit 4 adjusts the cooking operation by determining which of the preset control steps to execute depending on the menu selected by the operator. The example shown in Table T1 shows the control steps when the operator selects the "normal" menu. The control unit 4 adjusts the cooking operation by controlling step numbers 1 to 6. For example, if the operator selects the "rumbling" menu, the control unit 4 controls step numbers 1 to 3 shown in Table T1. Also, for example, if the operator selects the "smooth" menu, the control unit 4 controls the stirring unit rotation drive motor 33 and the stirring unit up/down drive unit 35 based on the control steps (not shown) from step number 6 onwards.

(Beverage manufacturing process)
Next, a beverage production process performed by the control unit 4 of the beverage supply device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S1, the control unit 4 controls the display unit 50 to display a method for purchasing a beverage. Specifically, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display a message 5a (see FIG. 6) indicating a method for purchasing a beverage.

In step S2, the control unit 4 determines whether or not an operator has been detected based on the signal input from the operator detection unit 7. If an operator has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S3. If an operator has been detected, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S3, the control unit 4 determines whether or not an operation input by the operator has been received based on a signal from the input receiving unit 51. If the operator has not performed an input operation, the process proceeds to step S2. If the operator has performed an input operation, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display a message 5b (see FIG. 7) instructing the user to perform an operation to detect the beverage.

In step S5, the control unit 4 determines whether or not a beverage has been detected by the beverage type detection unit 1. If a beverage has not been detected by the beverage type detection unit 1, the process of step S5 is repeated. If a beverage has been detected by the beverage type detection unit 1, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the control unit 4 determines whether the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is a corresponding beverage. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether the beverage is a corresponding beverage based on whether the detected beverage is included in a list of corresponding beverages stored in the memory 42. If the beverage is not a corresponding beverage, the process proceeds to step S7. If the beverage is a corresponding beverage, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S7, the control unit 4 maintains the door unit 6 in a state in which it cannot be opened. Specifically, if the door unit 6 is locked by the door locking mechanism 62, the control unit 4 maintains the locked state of the door unit 6. Furthermore, if the door unit 6 is not locked by the door locking mechanism 62, the control unit 4 locks the door unit 6.

In step S8, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display a message 5d (see FIG. 9) indicating that the beverage is incompatible. The process then ends.

When the process proceeds from step S6 to step S9, in step S9, the control unit 4 sets the door unit 6 in an openable state. Specifically, if the door unit 6 is locked by the door locking mechanism 62, the control unit 4 unlocks the door unit 6. If the door unit 6 is not locked by the door locking mechanism 62, the control unit 4 maintains the door unit 6 in an unlocked state.

In step S10, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display a message 5c (see FIG. 8) indicating that a beverage (container C) is to be placed on the container placement unit 2.

In step S11, the control unit 4 determines whether or not a container C has been placed on the container placement unit 2. If a container C has been placed on the container placement unit 2, the process proceeds to step S12. If a container C has not been placed on the container placement unit 2, the process of step S11 is repeated.

In step S12, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 50 to display the menu button 52 and a message 5e (see FIG. 10) instructing the user to select a menu.

In step S13, the control unit 4 determines whether or not a menu has been selected. If a menu has not been selected, the process of step S13 is repeated. If a menu has been selected, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the control unit 4 performs a beverage preparation operation according to the selected menu. The process then ends. In this embodiment, the control unit 4 performs a cleaning operation of the stirring unit 3 after the cooking operation is completed.

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

In this embodiment, as described above, the beverage supply device 100 includes a beverage type detection unit 1 that detects whether a beverage is a compatible beverage from a container C containing beverage ingredients, a container placement unit 2 on which the container C is placed, a stirring unit 3 that stirs the beverage ingredients in the container C placed on the container placement unit 2, a notification unit that notifies an operator, and a control unit 4 that determines whether the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is a compatible beverage and controls the notification unit to notify the operator that the beverage is an incompatible beverage at least when the beverage is an incompatible beverage. This allows the operator to know that the beverage is incompatible with the beverage supply device 100 before the operator performs an operation to start the beverage production operation. As a result, in the case of a beverage that is incompatible with the beverage supply device 100, it is possible to make the operator know that the beverage is incompatible, so that the operator can understand the reason why the beverage production is not started.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the beverage type detection unit 1 is configured to read beverage information from the identification unit 1a attached to the container C, and the control unit 4 is configured to determine whether or not the beverage is a corresponding beverage based on the beverage information detected by the beverage type detection unit 1. This allows the user to easily determine whether or not the beverage is a corresponding beverage by reading the beverage information from the identification unit 1a attached to the container C of the beverage purchased by the user.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the notification unit includes the display unit 50, and the control unit 4 is configured to control the display unit 50 to display the fact that the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit 1 is an incompatible beverage when the beverage is incompatible. This displays the fact that the beverage is incompatible, allowing the user to visually understand that it is an incompatible beverage. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from performing an operation to start the production of a beverage when incompatible beverage ingredients are placed, and therefore it is possible to prevent the stirring unit 3 from breaking down due to the production of incompatible beverage ingredients.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 4 is configured to control the display unit 50 to display a method for purchasing a beverage until the beverage type detection unit 1 performs a beverage detection operation, and to control the display unit 50 to display instructions for the operation of detecting a beverage to the operator when controlling the beverage type detection unit 1 to perform the beverage detection operation. This makes it possible to present the operator with a method for purchasing a beverage and a method for the detection operation, so that even if the operator does not know how to purchase a beverage or how to perform the detection operation, the purchase and detection operations can be easily performed. As a result, usability (user convenience) can be improved.

As described above, this embodiment further includes a door section 6 that separates the cooking space S where cooking is performed by the stirring section 3 from the outside, and the control section 4 is configured to control the door section 6 to maintain an unopenable state when the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection section 1 is not a corresponding type, and to control the door section 6 to an openable state when the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection section 1 is a corresponding type. This allows the door section 6 to be opened only when the type of beverage is a corresponding type, thereby preventing incompatible types of beverage ingredients from being placed on the container placement section 2. As a result, it is possible to prevent the start of production of incompatible beverage ingredients.

As described above, this embodiment further includes an operator detection unit 7 that detects an operator, and the control unit 4 is configured to control the beverage type detection unit 1 to perform a beverage type detection operation when the operator detection unit 7 detects the operator. As a result, the beverage type detection unit 1 performs a detection operation only when the operator is detected, and unlike a configuration in which the beverage type detection unit 1 continuously performs a detection operation, the control unit 4 can be prevented from continuously performing the process of determining whether or not a signal has been received from the beverage type detection unit 1. As a result, an increase in the processing load on the control unit 4 can be prevented.

(Modification)
It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the beverage type detection unit 1 is a barcode reader is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the beverage type detection unit 1 may be a QR code reader. The beverage type detection unit 1 may be configured in any way as long as it is capable of acquiring beverage information.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the notification unit included the display unit 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the notification unit may be configured to notify the operator by sound, such as a speaker that issues a voice message.

In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the door unit 6 is manually opened and closed by an operator is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the beverage supply device 100 may be provided with a door unit drive unit that rotates the door unit 6 around the door unit shaft 6a so as to open and close the door unit 6. The control unit 4 may be configured to control the door unit drive unit to perform the opening and closing operation of the door unit 6. The door unit drive unit includes, for example, a motor. In addition, the control unit 4 may be configured to start producing a beverage after closing the door unit 6 when it is detected that the container C placed on the container placement unit 2 has been placed at the work position W. That is, the beverage supply device 100 may be configured to produce a beverage without the operator touching the beverage supply device 100. With this configuration, the beverage is produced without the operator touching the beverage supply device 100, so that the psychological burden on the operator of touching the beverage supply device 100 used by an unspecified number of operators can be reduced.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the operator detection unit 7 detects the operator by the Doppler method has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the operator detection unit 7 may be, for example, an infrared sensor. The operator detection unit 7 may be configured in any way as long as it is capable of detecting the operator.

In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the beverage supply device 100 includes an operator detection unit 7 has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the beverage supply device 100 does not have to include an operator detection unit 7. However, if the beverage supply device 100 does not include an operator detection unit 7, the detection operation of the beverage type detection unit 1 will be continuously performed, and the life of the beverage type detection unit 1 will be shortened. For this reason, it is preferable that the beverage supply device 100 includes an operator detection unit 7.

In the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, an example was shown in which the control processing of the control unit 4 was explained using a flow-driven flowchart in which processing is performed in order according to a processing flow, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control processing of the control unit 4 may be performed by event-driven processing in which processing is performed on an event-by-event basis. In this case, the control processing may be performed completely event-driven, or may be a combination of event-driven and flow-driven.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Beverage type detection unit 2 Container placement unit 3 Stirring unit 4 Control unit 6 Door unit 7 Operator detection unit 50 Display unit (notification unit)
100 Beverage supply device C Container S Cooking space

Claims (6)

a beverage type detection unit that detects whether a beverage is a corresponding beverage from a container containing beverage ingredients;
A container placement section on which the container is placed;
a stirring unit that stirs the beverage ingredients in the container placed on the container placement unit;
a notification unit that notifies an operator;
a control unit that determines whether the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit is a compatible beverage, and at least when the beverage is an incompatible beverage, controls the notification unit to notify the fact that the beverage is an incompatible beverage;
A door portion that separates a cooking space where cooking is performed by the stirring portion from the outside ,
The control unit is configured to maintain the door unit in an unopenable state when the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit is not a corresponding type . The beverage type detection unit is configured to read information about the beverage from an identification unit attached to the container,
The beverage supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to determine whether the beverage is a corresponding beverage based on information about the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit. The notification unit includes a display unit,
The beverage supply device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to control the display unit to display a message indicating that the beverage is an incompatible beverage when the beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit is an incompatible beverage. The beverage supply device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to display a method for purchasing the beverage until the beverage type detection unit detects the beverage, and controls the display unit to display instructions to an operator for detecting the beverage when the control unit controls the beverage type detection unit to detect the beverage. A beverage supply device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is configured to control the door unit to an openable state when the type of beverage detected by the beverage type detection unit is a corresponding type. Further comprising an operator detection unit that detects an operator,
A beverage supply device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to control the beverage type detection unit to perform detection operation of the type of beverage when an operator is detected by the operator detection unit.

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