JP4016555B2 - Cup vending machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cup-type vending machine, and more particularly, to a cup-type vending machine capable of displaying whether a coffee liquid extraction operation is appropriate or inappropriate and providing information for obtaining an appropriate extraction state. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional cup-type vending machine, coffee beans ground to a predetermined particle size are supplied to an extraction chamber having a pressure-resistant structure, and a predetermined pressure (5 to 10 kg / cm) is applied to the ground beans with a pump. ² ) To extract coffee liquid by passing hot water at a predetermined temperature (90 to 100 ° C.).
[0003]
In the extraction of ground beans, elution of coffee components such as umami and aroma is promoted by using hot water. Moreover, when hot water is supplied under pressure, the hot water can easily penetrate into the ground bean structure, and as a result, a dark coffee liquid can be extracted in a short time.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to conventional cup-type vending machines, even if extraction conditions such as hot water supply, type of ground beans, and amount of ground beans used are the same, for example, if there is a difference in the moisture absorption state of ground beans, Swellability changes, thereby changing the filtration resistance. When the filtration resistance increases, not only does the extraction time increase and the sales performance decreases, but also the extraction pressure increases, and in the worst case, there is a possibility that the extraction becomes impossible. Moreover, when filtration resistance is small, extraction time will become short and the coffee liquid from which the umami | flavor contained in coffee beans and a fragrance will not fully elute is extracted. When changing the extraction conditions to make this filtration resistance appropriate, the above-mentioned pressure conditions (5-10 kg / cm ² ), The filtration resistance may change greatly even with a slight change, and there is a problem that skill is required to change the extraction conditions.
[0005]
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to easily know whether the filtration resistance at the time of coffee extraction is appropriate or inappropriate, and to set the filtration resistance appropriately without requiring skill when the filtration resistance is inappropriate. It is to provide a cup-type vending machine that can be used.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention supplies ground beans obtained by grinding coffee beans to a predetermined particle size to an extractor. And place In a cup-type vending machine that generates a coffee beverage by supplying a constant high temperature hot water from a hot water tank to the extractor via a pipe, the extraction operation based on the filtration resistance when extracting the ground beans or Has extraction status detection means to detect improperness The extraction state detection means includes a pressure detection unit that detects an extraction pressure at the time of extraction of the ground beans, a measurement unit that measures an extraction time at the time of extraction of the ground beans, and the extraction pressure and the extraction time. When the ground bean extraction result is based on the display and when the ground bean extraction result is in an appropriate range, the display shows an appropriate display, and the ground bean extraction result is in an inappropriate range And a control means for displaying an inappropriate display on the display. Provide cup-type vending machines.
[0007]
According to the cup type vending machine described above, whether or not the extraction operation is performed in a stable state by detecting the appropriateness and inappropriateness of the extraction operation based on the filtration resistance when extracting ground beans, for example, It becomes possible to inform the administrator of the cup type vending machine.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the cup type vending machine of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0009]
FIG. 1 (a) shows a cup-type vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, which detects a cistern 2 connected to a water intake pipe 1 and a change in the level of drinking water provided and stored in the cistern 2. The float switch 2A that outputs a water level lowering signal when the water level falls below the predetermined water level, the intake valve 1A provided in the intake pipe 1, and the drinking water supplied from the cistern 2 through the pipe 3A are heated to a predetermined level. A hot water tank 10 for storing hot water at a temperature, a solenoid valve 20 provided in the pipe 3A, a pump 60 fixed to the outer periphery of the hot water tank 10 to supply hot water under pressure, and the pump 60 and the hot water tank 10 The bypass pipe 60A to be connected, the relief valve 60B that returns the hot water in the pump 60 to the hot water tank 10 by opening the bypass pipe 60A, and the coffee beans are ground to a predetermined particle size to form ground beans. The ground bean supply unit 7, the ground bean canister 8 that discharges ground beans pulverized to a predetermined particle size from the discharge port 80 </ b> B and supplies them to the extractor described later, and the ground beans falling from the ground bean supply unit 7 are received. A metering machine 5 to be weighed, a measuring machine 5, ground bean canister 8, or both are used to extract ground beans of a predetermined particle size with hot water to produce a coffee liquid, and a cup is provided via a beverage supply pipe 30A. 9 provided in the beverage supply pipe 30A, a pressure adjusting electromagnetic valve 90 that is opened and closed at a predetermined timing, a pipe 6A that supplies hot water from the pump 60 to the extractor 30, and a pipe 6A. And a pressure sensor 25 that outputs a pressure signal corresponding to the pressure in the pipe, a flow rate sensor 19 that is provided in the pipe 6A and outputs a flow rate signal corresponding to the flow rate of hot water, and is provided in the pipe 6A and goes upstream. No hot water The check valve 21 is stopped, the pipe 6B is branched from the pipe 6A on the upstream side of the check valve 21 and connected to the hot water tank 10, the extraction hot water valve 22 provided in the pipe 6B, and the extractor 30. Coffee bucket 17 for receiving coffee bean extract, drainage bucket 18 disposed at the bottom of cup 9, sugar container 11 for storing sugar, cream container 12A for storing cream ingredients, and cream ingredients for cappuccino A cream container 12B for storing the sugar, a sugar and cream received through the chute 13, a mixing bowl 14 that is dissolved in a predetermined amount of hot water and supplied to the cup 9 through the supply pipe 14A, and a lower part of the cream container 15A for supplying hot water from the hot water tank 10 to the mixing bowl 14 to be mixed, a hot water valve 23A provided for the pipe 15A, and a mixer disposed at the lower part of the sugar container 11 A pipe 15B for supplying hot water from the hot water tank 10 to the single bowl 14, a hot water valve 23B provided in the pipe 15B, and a pipe 6A on the downstream side of the check valve 21 are branched to the drainage bucket 18 via the hot water valve 24. A pipe 6C for discharging the waste liquid is provided.
[0010]
The ground bean supply unit 7 includes a bean storage container 7A for storing coffee beans, a coffee mill 7B for crushing coffee beans with a crushing blade (not shown) that rotates at high speed, and a mill motor that rotates the crushing blades of the coffee mill 7B. 7C, and a chute 7D that is ground by the coffee mill 7B and measured based on the volume, is fed from the meter 5 and led to the extractor 30, and is deeply roasted from the bean storage container 7A to the coffee mill 7B. Coffee beans (for example, Brazil) are filled, and the coffee beans are ground to an average particle size of 500 μm to obtain ground beans.
[0011]
The ground bean canister 8 stores ground beans obtained by previously pulverizing coffee beans (for example, Kilimanjaro) roasted from a shallow roast to a medium roast to an average particle size of 750 μm.
[0012]
The hot water tank 10 is a heater H for heating drinking water. ₁ A power supply 10A for supplying current to the tank, a float switch 10B for detecting a change in the water level of the hot water in the tank and outputting a water level lowering signal when the water level falls below a predetermined water level, and a temperature corresponding to the hot water temperature in the tank It has a hot water temperature sensor 10D that outputs a detection signal. The amount of water stored in the hot water tank 10 is 5 liters, and the heater H ₁ Is 1 kw, and the hot water temperature in the hot water tank 10 is kept at about 97 ° C. Moreover, the hot water tank 10 is made to recirculate hot water from the pump 60, when the relief valve 60B of the pump 60 attached to a side part opens. The operating pressure of the relief valve 60B is 10kg / cm ² Is set to
[0013]
The extractor 30 includes a cylinder 32 to which ground beans are supplied via the chute 7D, a piston drive motor 33 that raises and lowers the piston 39 in the cylinder 32, a torque transmission unit 34 that transmits the drive torque of the piston drive motor to the piston 39, A cylinder unit D, which is integrally formed with a slide guide (described later) that is provided at the upper part of the cylinder 32 and engages a guide rail (not shown) formed in the extractor main body, is engaged with the cylinder 32, and is connected via a pipe 6A. A cap 37 that supplies hot water of a predetermined temperature into the cylinder 32, and a gear 36 that receives the driving torque of the cap motor 35 and inclines the cylinder unit D around the fulcrum 34A and engages the cap 37 with the cylinder 32. Have A beverage supply pipe 30A for supplying the extracted coffee liquid to the cup 9 is attached to the lower part of the cylinder 32 of the cylinder unit D, and a pressure adjusting electromagnetic valve 90 is attached to the beverage supply pipe 30A.
[0014]
Further, when the ground beans used for extraction are supplied to the cylinder 32, the extractor 30 performs pre-extraction compression (hereinafter referred to as tamping) so that a predetermined compression amount is obtained based on the relative movement of the cap 37 and the piston 39. Do. Further, after extraction is performed by supplying hot water, the post-extraction compression (hereinafter referred to as packing) is performed by pushing the piston 39 in the direction of the cap 37.
[0015]
The pressure adjusting electromagnetic valve 90 is opened and closed based on a pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 25 provided in the pipe 6A or a predetermined timing corresponding to the extraction operation.
[0016]
In the cup-type vending machine having the above-described configuration, for the sake of simplicity, a cup supply unit that supplies the cup 9, a power supply unit that supplies current to the mill motor 7C, an agitator that stirs the beverage in the cup 9, and a cold The configurations of the beverage piping and the raw material storage unit are not shown.
[0017]
FIG. 1B shows a control block of the cup type vending machine, which stores information such as a control unit 100 for controlling each part of the vending machine, data on the sales amount of coffee drinks, and an extraction operation program. An input unit having a memory 102, a timer 103 that counts a clock generated by a reference clock generation unit (not shown) and measures an extraction time, and a numeric keypad for inputting various data such as the grain size and usage of ground beans 104, liquid crystal that displays information such as the amount of ground beans used from the input unit 104, data such as the grain size of ground beans crushed by the coffee mill 7B, and setting values of the vending machine stored in the memory 102 Controls output signals of various sensors such as a display 105 having a display unit and a moving amount of a piston 56D (described later) of the measuring instrument 5, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and a temperature sensor. A detection unit 106 that outputs to 100, a valve drive unit 107 that drives each electromagnetic valve based on a control signal output from the control unit 100, and a motor that drives each motor based on a control signal output from the control unit 100 A motor drive unit 108 is included.
[0018]
FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the extraction time and the extraction pressure in the above-described extractor 30, and the extraction state is classified into appropriate, semi-appropriate, and inappropriate ranges from the relationship between the extraction time and the extraction pressure. Based on the particle size of ground beans and the amount of ground beans used, the product is classified from inappropriate A to inappropriate D. The appropriate range is that the extraction pressure is 5-8 kg / cm. ² The extraction time is 8 to 12 seconds, and the extraction amount is 40 to 60 ml. In the case of Inadequate A, the ground beans are too coarse and the extraction pressure does not increase. In the unsuitable B, the grain size of the ground beans is appropriate, but the filtration resistance is small due to the small amount used. In the unsuitable C, the grain size of the ground beans is appropriate, but the filtration resistance is large due to the large amount used. Inadequate D, the ground beans are too fine and the extraction pressure is increased. As a practical standard, it can be classified according to the above-mentioned criteria. Also. When performing classification with higher accuracy, it is necessary to consider the extraction amount of the coffee liquid, but it is omitted in the following description.
[0019]
FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the coffee mill 7 </ b> B, in which the coffee beans B are filled from the bean storage container 7 </ b> A (not shown) to the inside of the main body 75. The coffee mill 7 </ b> B is rotatably accommodated in the main body 75. A grinding blade 76 for grinding beans, a rotary shaft 7a of a mill motor 7C for rotating the grinding blade 76, a fixed blade 75A fixed in the main body 75 so as to face the grinding blade 76, and an outer peripheral portion of the rotary shaft 7a. A coffee bean carrying wire 7b attached in a spiral shape, a grinding blade adjusting member 78 that rotatably supports the grinding blade 76 via a bearing 77, and a seal provided between the grinding blade adjusting member 78 and the main body 75. The crushing blade adjusting member 78 has a member 79 and is covered with a lid 7 d provided on the end surface of the main body 75.
[0020]
The crushing blade 76 has a key 76A that is key-coupled to the rotary shaft 7a, and rotates based on the rotation of the rotary shaft 7a and is slidably coupled in the length direction of the rotary shaft 7a.
[0021]
The main body 75 is pulverized by a bean introduction part 75C provided continuously to the coffee bean guidance part 75B, a screw part 75D that is screw-engaged with a screw part 78A of the crushing blade adjusting member 78, a crushing blade 76, and a fixed blade 75A. There is a ground bean discharging section 75E for discharging the ground beans to the introduction section 5A of the measuring instrument 5.
[0022]
The crushing blade adjusting member 78 has a screw portion 78A that is screw-engaged with the screw portion 75D of the main body 75, and rotates by driving a gear portion 78B formed at the end portion with a distance adjusting motor (not shown). The crushing blade 76 is moved in the axial direction of the shaft 4A.
[0023]
FIG. 4 shows the pump 60, which forms a gear pump that supplies hot water from the hot water tank 10 to the downstream side when a pair of gears 60D and 60E rotate in the direction of the arrow. The pair of gears 60D and 60E sends hot water to the pipe 6A at a supply amount corresponding to the rotational speed by rotationally driving the rotary shaft 60F by the pump drive motor 60G.
[0024]
FIG. 5 shows a measuring instrument 5, a measuring chamber 51 having an introduction portion 5 </ b> A for introducing ground beans at the upper portion, a hinge portion 52 that rotatably supports a front lid 5 </ b> B at the end of the measuring chamber 51, A piston 56D that is slidably accommodated inside the chamber 51 is integrally formed, a piston rod 56 having a rack portion 56A on a side surface, a spring portion 56B formed at the rear end of the piston rod 56, and a spring portion The notch 56C formed in the vicinity of 56B, the projections 50A and 50B attached to the measuring chamber 51 and contacting the spring part 56B to restrict the movement of the piston rod 56, and the notch 56C of the spring part 56B are optically provided. An optical sensor 57 for detecting automatically, a drive shaft 58 having a drive gear 58A meshing with the rack portion 56A of the piston rod 56, and a metering mode for rotationally driving the drive shaft 58 via a torque transmission portion 59. Has a 59A, the metering encoder 59B for detecting the amount of rotation is attached to a rotating shaft of the metering motor 59A. The diameter of the drive gear 58A is 17.5 mm, and the outer peripheral length of the gear portion that meshes with the rack portion 56A is about 55 mm. The open end of the lid support member 5C reaches the side of the measuring chamber 51, and has a light detection unit 5E that engages with a photosensor 5D provided on the side of the measuring chamber 51 at the end.
[0025]
FIG. 6A shows a state in which the front lid 5B of the measuring instrument 5 is closed, the pivot shaft of the hinge portion 52 is provided in the vertical direction, and the front lid 5B rotates in the horizontal direction so that the foremost of the measuring chamber 51 is obtained. The hinge part 52 is provided above the opening part of the front lid 5B so that ground beans do not adhere. The front lid 5 </ b> B is fixed via a lid support member 5 </ b> C formed in an inverted “h” shape from the hinge portion 52.
[0026]
FIG. 6B shows a state in which the front lid 5B of the measuring instrument 5 is opened. When ground beans are supplied from the introduction unit 5A to the measuring chamber 51 and the measuring chamber 51 is filled with the ground beans, the front lid 5B is opened. It turns slightly. When light is emitted from the light emitting portion 5a of the optical sensor 5D that has been shielded by the light detecting portion 5E based on this rotation and received by the light receiving portion 5b, the energization to the mill motor 7C is stopped and the measuring chamber is stopped. The supply of ground beans to 51 is stopped. After the stop, the metering motor 59A is energized and the drive gear 58A rotates to move the piston rod 56 forward. A protrusion 56a that abuts the front lid 5B is provided at the tip of the piston 56D, and holds the front lid 5B in an open state after the ground beans are pushed out.
[0027]
FIG. 7 shows the piston rod 56 in a state in which the measurement chamber 51 is not shown, and the front lid 5B has a hinge portion 52 when the piston rod 56 moves forward with the projection 56a of the piston 56D contacting. Is rotated counterclockwise on the paper surface against the reaction force of the spring 55A provided coaxially. At this time, the front lid 5B and the tip of the weighing chamber 51 are separated, and the ground beans easily fall without being sandwiched between the front lid 5B and the weighing chamber 51.
[0028]
FIG. 8 shows the ground bean canister 8, (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a cross section in the A direction of (a). The ground bean canister 8 includes a lower main body 80A, a discharge port 80B that discharges ground beans from the lower main body 80A, an upper main body 80C that can be divided from the lower main body 80A, and a lower main body 80A. Of the lower main body 80A and the upper main body 80C, an engaging claw 81 for fixing the cap 83 to the upper main body 80C by a hinge 82, a claw 84 for fixing the cap 83 in an open state, A gasket 85 interposed in the joint portion, a ground bean auger 86 provided inside the lower body 80A and rotated by an auger motor (not shown), and an agitator 89 for stirring the ground beans attached to the inside of the upper body 80C; A first wheel that has a gear portion that contacts the blade portion of the ground bean auger 86 and rotates based on the rotation of the ground bean auger 86. And a second wheel 88 that rotates by contacting with the first wheel 87, and the agitator 89 is rotated when the second wheel 88 rotates. Swaying up and down by contact with the agitator and agitating ground beans (not shown) stored in the canister.
[0029]
FIG. 9 shows the cylinder unit D, where (a) shows the front side and (b) shows the back side. The cap 37 has a seal member 37 </ b> A that seals the gap when inserted into the cylinder 32, and is coupled to the gear 36 by a rod 38. A guide plate 31 having a guide groove g having a predetermined guide pattern is fixed to the fixed portion of the rod 38, and an engagement formed outside the side wall of the cylinder 32 is provided below the guide groove g. The protrusion 32A is engaged. A beverage supply pipe 30A for supplying the extracted coffee liquid to the cup is connected to the lower portion of the piston 39 accommodated in the cylinder 32. The lower side wall of the chute 7D is provided with a wiper W that separates the extraction rod (not shown) pushed upward by the piston 39 from the piston 39. The extraction rod separated by the wiper W is attached to the slide guide 40. It is dropped along the inclined part S. The open / closed state of the cap 37 is detected based on the sensor outputs of a top dead center sensor, a bottom dead center sensor, and a waste disposal position sensor, which are optical sensors (not shown). Similarly, the position of the piston 39 is detected on the basis of sensor outputs of a top dead center sensor and a bottom dead center sensor that are not shown.
[0030]
The cylinder unit D transmits the driving torque of the cap motor 35 via the gear 35A and transmits the gear 36 to the r. ₁ When driven in the direction, r about the fulcrum 34A based on the guide pattern of the guide groove g ₂ Tilted about 30 degrees in the direction and cap 37 is r _Three It is displaced in the direction and inserted into the cylinder 32.
[0031]
FIG. 10 shows the torque transmission part 34, (a) shows a side surface, and (b) shows a front surface. The drive torque of the piston drive motor 33 is transmitted from the gear 341 attached to the rotation shaft of the piston drive motor 33 to the gear 342A, and the gear of the shaft 343 is provided via a gear (not shown) provided coaxially with the gear 342A. 344A. A worm gear 344B is provided below the shaft 343. The driving torque transmitted to the gear 344A is transmitted from the worm gear 344B to the gear 345A of the shaft 345 disposed in the direction orthogonal to the shaft 343, and transmitted to the gear 345B provided coaxially with the gear 345A. The driving torque transmitted to gear 345B is transmitted from gear 346A of shaft 346 to gear 346B, transmitted to gear 347A meshing with gear 346A, and transmitted to gear 347B provided coaxially with gear 347A. A rack portion 348 is attached to the lower portion of the piston 39, and gears 346B and 347B are engaged with both surfaces of the rack portion 348. The gears 346B and 347B sandwich the rack portion 348, and receive the driving torque corresponding to the rotation direction of the piston drive motor 33 to rotate in opposite directions, thereby moving the piston 39 up and down in the cylinder 32.
[0032]
The worm gear 344B provided on the shaft 343 prevents the piston 39 from being lowered by the external force when an external force in the direction of lowering the piston 39 is applied.
[0033]
The piston 39 includes a piston head 39A having a predetermined pressure strength, a piston base 39B that is locked to the piston head 39A by a screw 39C, and fixed to the rack portion 348, and is attached to the piston head 39A and is connected to the coffee from the cylinder 32. A delivery part 39D for delivering the liquid to the beverage supply pipe 30A, an O-ring 39E attached to the outer periphery of the piston head 39A, and a filter formed by a thin corrosion-resistant metal plate and attached to the upper part of the piston head 39A 39F, and the piston head 39A and the piston base 39B are locked so as to have a predetermined clearance in a state where no pressure acts on the piston head 39A.
[0034]
FIG. 11 shows a state in which the cylinder unit D is tilted. When the cap motor 35 is driven from the upright state to rotate the gear 36, the cylinder unit D tilts counterclockwise around the fulcrum 34A. In synchronization with this tilting operation, the cap 37 is lowered and inserted into the cylinder 32. Although not shown in the figure, the cylinder 32 is supplied with a predetermined amount of ground beans pre-weighed via the chute 7D before tilting.
[0035]
FIG. 12 shows a current detection circuit 74 that detects the current supplied to the piston drive motor 33, (a) is a circuit diagram, and (b) shows the relationship between the detected current value and the compression load applied to the piston 39. . A motor drive circuit 70 for controlling the rotation of the piston drive motor 33 is connected to the power line (DC24V) 71, and has signal terminals A and B for receiving energization signals from a control unit (described later). The piston drive motor 33 is fixed to the ground potential via the detection resistor 72 and is connected to the current detection circuit 74 via the A / D converter 73. When the energization signal input to the signal terminal A of the motor drive circuit 70 is H and the energization signal input to the signal terminal B is L, the piston drive motor 33 rotates in the forward rotation direction, and the energization signal input to the signal terminal A is When the energization signal input to the signal terminal B at L is H, the piston drive motor 33 rotates in the reverse direction, and when the energization signal input to the signal terminals A and B is L, the piston drive motor 33 stops, When the energization signal input to the terminals A and B is H, the piston drive motor 33 is braked. When the load applied to the piston 39 is increased by compressing the ground beans, the current supplied to the piston drive motor 33 increases as shown in FIG.
[0036]
In the extractor 30 of the present embodiment, the compression load applied to the piston 39 is 12.5 kgf when the current detection circuit 74 detects a current of 0.5 A, and the piston 39 is applied when a current of 2 A is detected. The compressive load is 50 kgf. In general, if the compressed amount of ground beans is large, the interval between the ground bean particles becomes small, the passing speed of hot water becomes small and a dark coffee liquid is extracted, and if the compressed amount is small, the ground beans The spacing between the particles is increased, the passing speed of hot water is increased, and a thin coffee liquid is extracted. Based on the relationship between the current value and the compression load, the amount of compression of ground beans corresponding to the coffee liquid to be sold is set by controlling the energization of the piston drive motor 33.
[0037]
FIG. 13 shows the energization characteristics of the piston drive motor 33. The current value at the initial energization until the motor starts rotating from the stopped state is large, and after the rotation, the current value decreases and the current according to the load. Indicates the value. Such a current rising characteristic of the motor is different for each motor, and hinders the detectability of the current change according to the load applied to the piston 39. For example, at the time of tamping of ground beans (compression before extraction), time t ₁ The current rise characteristic at the initial energization is avoided by starting the measurement of the current value after Δt seconds from the start of energization. In the present embodiment, Δt is set to 0.1 second, and the same measurement is performed at the time of each energization of packing (compression during extraction) and heel push-up. Further, since the energization amount increases due to the sliding resistance between the O-ring 39E attached to the piston 39 and the cylinder 32, the current detection circuit 74 outputs a current value obtained by subtracting the current value corresponding to the sliding resistance to the control unit 100. To do.
[0038]
14 (a) to 14 (h) simply show the extraction operation of the extractor 30. FIG. The following operation | movement demonstrates the case where the coffee liquid for blended coffee is extracted.
[0039]
FIG. 14A shows a ground bean supply process, in which the cylinder unit D stands upright, and the ground beans supplied from the measuring device 5 are supplied to the cylinder 32 via the chute 7D.
[0040]
FIG. 14 (b) shows a first state of the extraction preparation step. After supplying the ground beans to the cylinder 32, the cap motor 35 is energized to drive the gear 36 in the direction of the arrow, and the cylinder unit D is moved to the fulcrum 34A. Turn counterclockwise about the center.
[0041]
FIG. 14C shows a second state of the extraction preparation step. The cap 37 is lowered and inserted into the cylinder 32 in synchronization with the inclination of the cylinder unit D, and the drive of the cap motor 35 is stopped. At this time, the gear 36 stops at a position rotated 180 degrees from the state shown in FIG.
[0042]
FIG. 14 (d) shows a first state of the extraction process. When the cap 37 is inserted into the cylinder 32, the piston drive motor 33 is energized to raise the piston 39 in the direction of the arrow, thereby tamping the ground beans. To do. At this time, the pressure adjusting electromagnetic valve 90 is closed so that the liquid in the beverage supply pipe 30A does not flow out to the cup 9 side during tamping. As the compression of the ground beans proceeds, the load applied to the piston 39 increases, and the current value of the piston drive motor 33 increases. When this current value reaches a predetermined value, the piston drive motor 33 is braked, and then the energization is stopped and the piston 39 is stopped to bring the ground beans into a desired compressed state. After compression, hot water is supplied into the cylinder 32 through the pipe 6A.
[0043]
Since the pressure adjusting electromagnetic valve 90 is closed even after the hot water supply is started, the ground bean extraction operation is performed in a state where the inside of the cylinder 32 is increased to a predetermined pressure. When the pressure in the pipe 6A becomes a predetermined pressure, the pressure adjusting electromagnetic valve 90 is opened and high-pressure coffee liquid is poured into the cup 9 (not shown). When pressure is applied to the piston 39 during the extraction of the ground beans, the piston head 39A moves in the pressure acting direction, and the O-ring 39E provided between the piston base 39B and the piston 39 is elastically deformed based on this movement. The cylinder 32 is kept airtight by being in pressure contact with the cylinder 32.
[0044]
FIG. 14 (e) shows a second state of the extraction process. After the pipe 6A is opened to the atmospheric pressure, the piston drive motor 33 is driven to raise the piston 39 in the cylinder 32, and the coffee liquid. Packing the extracted rice cake containing. By opening the pressure adjusting electromagnetic valve 90 provided in the beverage supply pipe 30A during the packing, the squeezed coffee liquid is delivered to the beverage supply pipe 30A.
[0045]
FIG. 14 (f) shows a suction step for sucking air into the cylinder 32, and the piston drive motor 33 is driven in reverse to lower the piston 39. By the downward movement of the piston 39, the coffee liquid staying in the beverage supply pipe 30A is sucked into the cylinder 32 and absorbed by the extraction basket. At this time, hot water staying in the pipe 6A is also sucked by the negative pressure in the cylinder 32.
[0046]
FIG. 14 (g) shows a process for preparing the disposal of the extraction basket, and the cap 37 is separated from the cylinder 32 by driving the cap motor 35 and rotating the gear 36 by 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow from the state shown in FIG. 14 (c). . After separation, the piston 39 is raised to push up the extraction residue remaining in the cylinder 32 and stop.
[0047]
FIG. 14 (h) shows the disposal process of the extraction basket C. When the cap motor 35 is driven and the gear 36 is further rotated 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow, the cylinder unit D rotates and stops in an upright state. The extraction rod C pushed up by the piston 39 during this rotation is scraped off by the wiper W provided on the lower side wall of the chute 7D and falls as indicated by an arrow, and enters the rod bucket (not shown).
[0048]
FIG. 15 is a timing chart when blended coffee is sold by the cup type vending machine described above. In the figure, the output of the top dead center sensor, bottom dead center sensor, spear disposal position sensor of the cap 37, and top dead center sensor and bottom dead center sensor of the piston 39 is ON (H) at the time of light reception, and when light is blocked. OFF (L).
[0049]
When the purchaser inserts a coin, a control signal is output from the sales control unit (not shown) to the control unit 100 to open the extraction hot water valve 22 and the pump 60 is driven at a low speed to supply a small amount of hot water to the pipe 6A. Is sent out. At this time, the pump 60 is driven at a low speed so as to send out a hot water of a pumping amount that does not push open the check valve 21 provided in the pipe 6A. As a result, hot water staying in the pipe 6A is pumped to the pipe 6B and returned to the hot water tank 10, and the pipe 6A is warmed with hot water of about 90 to 95 ° C. supplied from the hot water tank 10.
[0050]
When the warming of the pipe 6A is finished, the pump 60 is stopped and the hot water valve 22 is closed after a certain time. The reason for delaying the timing of closing the extraction hot water valve 22 is that when the extraction hot water valve 22 is closed simultaneously with the pump stop or before the pump 60 is stopped, the pressure in the pipe 6A rises and the check valve 21 is pushed open. This is to prevent hot water from being supplied to the extractor 30 and absorbed by the ground beans in the cylinder 32.
[0051]
In addition to driving the pump 60 at a low speed, for example, a pipe line is formed so that the pipe resistance of the pipe 6B including the extraction hot water valve 22 is smaller than the pipe resistance of the pipe 6A. 22 may be opened.
[0052]
Here, if the purchaser presses the selection button for blended coffee containing sugar and cream after the pump 60 is stopped and before the extraction hot water valve 22 is closed, a sales signal is output to the control unit 100. Based on the input of the sales signal, the control unit 100 closes the extraction hot water valve 22 and starts the sales operation.
[0053]
When the buyer presses the selection button for blended coffee containing sugar and cream after the extraction hot water valve 22 is closed, a sales signal is output to the control unit 100, and the control unit 100 outputs an energization signal to the power supply unit of the metering motor 59A. To do. Based on this energization signal, the weighing motor 59A rotates, and the ground beans having an average particle diameter of 500 μm accommodated in the weighing chamber 51 are pushed out by the piston 56D and supplied to the cylinder 32 of the extractor 30 via the chute 7D. The piston 56D moves backward by a movement amount corresponding to the volume (bulk) in order to weigh the ground beans used at the time of next sale with the frontmost part as a reference position (measurement origin). This amount of movement is set by counting the pulses output from the weighing encoder 59B and stopping the rotation of the weighing motor 59A when a predetermined count value is reached.
[0054]
After supplying the ground beans, the cap motor 35 is driven to tilt the cylinder unit D of the extractor 30 to the extraction position. In synchronism with this inclination, the pressure adjusting electromagnetic valve 90 is closed and the hot water valve 24 is opened, and then the cap 37 is inserted into the cylinder 32. As a result, the optical sensor 36C is turned on, and the control unit 100 outputs an energization signal to the motor drive circuit 70 to drive the piston drive motor 33. The piston 39 is driven by the piston drive motor 33 to rise in the cylinder 32 and tamping the ground beans. The current value of the piston drive motor 33 at the time of tamping is detected by the current detection circuit 74. When a predetermined current value corresponding to the coffee liquid to be sold is detected, the piston drive motor 33 is braked, and then the energization is stopped. To do.
[0055]
The ground bean supply unit 7 pulverizes the coffee beans supplied from the bean storage container 7A with the coffee mill 7B so as to have an average particle size of 500 μm. Supply.
[0056]
After tamping the ground beans, the hot water valve 23A of the pipe 15A connected to the hot water tank 10 is opened to supply hot water to the mixing bowl 14, and the sugar supplied from the sugar container 11 is dissolved with hot water. In the case of blended coffee, the amount of hot water for dissolving sugar is about 95 ml. Similarly, the hot water valve 23B of the pipe 15B is opened to supply hot water to the mixing bowl 14, and the cream raw material supplied from the cream container 12A is dissolved with hot water.
[0057]
Subsequently, the pump 60 is driven, and hot water heated to about 90 to 95 ° C. is supplied to the cylinder 32 at a pressure of 10 ml per second at about 8 atm. At this time, since the pressure adjusting electromagnetic valve 90 provided in the beverage supply pipe 30A is closed, the ground beans in the cylinder 32 are exposed to hot water whose pressure has been increased to a predetermined pressure. As a result, a coffee liquid from which the coffee components are sufficiently eluted from the beginning of extraction is extracted. After the start of extraction, when a predetermined pressure value is detected by the pressure sensor 25, about 40 ml of coffee liquid is poured into the cup 9 through the beverage supply pipe 30A by opening the pressure adjusting electromagnetic valve 90. The controller 100 stops driving the pump 60 when the flow rate signal input from the flow rate sensor 19 reaches a predetermined value. The coffee liquid poured into the cup 9 is supplied with hot water in which the sugar is dissolved from the mixing bowl 14 of the sugar supply system, and further supplied with hot water in which the cream is dissolved from the mixing bowl 14 of the cream supply system. The By mixing the hot water in which the sugar and cream are dissolved, a coffee beverage having a dilution ratio corresponding to the sales amount (about 150 ml) is produced.
[0058]
When the purchaser selects a blended coffee that does not contain sugar and cream, only about 95 ml of diluted hot water is poured into the cup 9 from the pipe 15B through the mixing bowl 14 of the sugar supply system.
[0059]
After the pump 60 is stopped, the hot water valve 24 is opened after a predetermined time (0.5 seconds), and the piston drive motor 33 is driven to further raise the piston 39. Based on the upward movement of the piston 39, the extraction basket is packed. By this packing, the coffee liquid contained in the ground beans is squeezed out and flows out into the beverage supply pipe 30A, and a compacted extraction basket is formed. Subsequently, the hot water valve 24 is closed, and the piston drive motor 33 is reversely driven to lower the piston 39. As a result, the coffee liquid staying in the beverage supply pipe 30 </ b> A is sucked into the cylinder 32. The sucked coffee liquid is absorbed by the extractor.
[0060]
For disposal of the extraction basket, after the cap motor 35 is driven and the cap 37 is separated from the cylinder 32, the piston drive motor 33 is driven to rotate forward to raise the piston 39, whereby the extraction basket compacted by the packing is removed. The cylinder motor D is pushed up and exposed from the top of the cylinder 32, and the cap motor 35 is driven in this state to rotate the cylinder unit D to the upright position. During this rotation, the extraction rod comes into contact with the wiper W provided on the lower side wall of the chute 7D and is removed from the cylinder unit D. After removing the extraction basket, the selling operation is completed by driving the piston drive motor 33 in the reverse direction to lower the piston 39.
[0061]
FIG. 16A shows a display on the display 105 based on the above-described sales operation. After the extraction operation is completed, a dot corresponding to the extraction state is displayed on the graph having the extraction time (X axis) and the extraction pressure (Y axis). A is displayed. According to the illustrated dot A, the extraction time is about 10 seconds and the extraction pressure is about 8 kg / cm. ² Are within the appropriate range 105a, and on the right side of the graph are displayed an extraction state display (here, “texture”) 105A, an extraction time display 105B, and an extraction pressure display 105C. For example, the appropriate range 105a may be displayed in green so that it can be easily identified.
[0062]
FIG. 16 (b) shows the display on the display 105 when it is out of the proper range. According to the illustrated dot B, the extraction time is about 17 seconds and the extraction pressure is about 7 kg / cm. ² In the inappropriate C range, and on the right side of the graph, on the right side of the graph, an extraction status display (here, “Feat C”) 105A, an extraction time display 105B, an extraction pressure display 105C, and an increase / decrease display of the amount of ground beans used (here “ "Dark""105D, and ground bean grain size display (here" Kona Rasa ") 105E are displayed. Thus, when the dot B is displayed in the inappropriate range, for example, the dot B may be displayed in red so that it can be easily identified that it is out of the proper range.
[0063]
“Karaarasa” displays “Araku”, which indicates the meaning of coarsening the ground beans, and “Komakaku”, which indicates the meaning of making the ground beans fine. A “-” prompting the user to use the beans is displayed. In the case of Inappropriate C, the grain size of the ground beans is not adjusted, so there is no indication in “Kona Arasa”, and “−” is displayed in “Kona Ryo” so as to reduce the amount of ground beans used.
[0064]
According to the cup-type vending machine described above, by displaying the extraction time and extraction pressure based on the extraction operation on the display, even if the person is unfamiliar with the operation of the vending machine, is the filtration resistance at the time of extraction appropriate or inappropriate? Can be easily grasped. In addition, when the filtration resistance is not appropriate, the increase / decrease display of the amount of ground beans and the particle size display of the ground beans are displayed as information for setting the appropriate range, so the extraction conditions can be easily changed. Can do.
[0065]
FIG. 16C shows another configuration of the display unit that displays the extraction state. For example, according to the extraction state, six LEDs 106 that are lit two by two are arranged in a straight line to form the display unit. When the extraction is good and the filtration resistance is appropriate, 6 lights are turned on. When the extraction resistance is inappropriate and the filtration resistance is inappropriate, the number corresponding to the above-mentioned inappropriate state (improper AC) is selected. The LED may blink. As a result, the extraction state can be simply displayed. Further, in the display 105 using the liquid crystal display unit, an LED can be formed as a display on the screen, and the extraction state can be simply displayed based on the lighting display or blinking display of the LED.
[0066]
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the grain size and amount of ground beans are changed based on the extraction pressure and the extraction time has been described. However, in the present embodiment, the relief valve 60B (operating pressure 10 kg / cm ² ) And a hot water supply pressure of a predetermined pressure (5 to 8 kg / cm). ² ) Is possible to keep. From this, when extracting a certain amount of coffee liquid, the converted value of the extraction pressure can be obtained from the flow rate data obtained by detecting the flow rate of hot water pumped through the pipe 6A by the flow rate sensor 19. For example, a flow rate at the time of extraction is detected by a flow rate sensor 19 that has a windmill that rotates based on the pumping of hot water and outputs a pulse proportional to the flow rate. In this case, since the filtration resistance is inversely proportional to the flow rate, the extraction pressure is converted by obtaining the reciprocal of the output pulse.
[0067]
FIG. 17 shows the relationship between the extraction value of the extraction pressure (hereinafter referred to as the conversion value) and the extraction time when the extraction amount of the coffee liquid is 50 ml, and the extraction state is appropriate, semi-appropriate or inappropriate from the relationship between the conversion value and the extraction time. The unsuitable extraction state is classified from unsuitable A to unsuitable C based on the particle size of ground beans and the amount of ground beans used. The appropriate range is that the extraction time is 8 to 10 seconds and the extraction amount is 40 to 60 ml. The explanation of improper A to improper C is the same as that described in FIG.
[0068]
According to the configuration described above, when the hot water supply pressure is maintained at a predetermined pressure, the extraction pressure can be converted based on the flow rate data of the hot water being pumped through the pipe, thus eliminating the pressure sensor having a large component cost. As a result, the apparatus cost can be reduced.
[0069]
In the above-described embodiment, the operation in the case of producing hot coffee with a cup-type vending machine has been described, but it can also be applied to a device such as a coffee maker.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above, according to the cup type vending machine of the present invention, since the appropriateness or inappropriateness of the extraction operation based on the filtration resistance when extracting ground beans is detected, the filtration resistance at the time of coffee extraction is appropriate. It is possible to easily know whether or not the filtration resistance is appropriate, and when the filtration resistance is inappropriate, the filtration resistance can be set appropriately without requiring skill.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1A is an explanatory view showing a cup-type vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
(B) is a control block of the cup-type vending machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between extraction time and extraction pressure
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a coffee mill of a cup type vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a pump mounted on a cup type vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of the front surface portion (closed state) of the measuring instrument.
(B) is explanatory drawing of the front part (open state) of a measuring instrument.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a ground bean canister according to an embodiment of the present invention.
(B) is a sectional view in the A direction of (a).
FIG. 9A is a front view in which a part of the extractor according to the embodiment of the present invention is cut away.
(B) is a rear view of the extractor according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 (a) is a side view of the torque transmission unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
(B) is the front view which notched some torque transmission parts which concern on embodiment of this invention
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an extractor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram showing a current detection circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
(B) is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a compressive load and the electric current value of a motor.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing energization characteristics of a piston drive motor.
FIGS. 14A to 14H are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the extractor according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a timing chart of the cup type vending machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16A is an explanatory view showing a first display display of the cup-type vending machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
(B) is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd display display of the cup-type vending machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.
(C) is explanatory drawing which shows the other structure of the display part which displays an extraction state.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between extraction pressure (converted value) and extraction time
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Intake pipe
1A Intake valve
2 Sistern
2A float switch
3A piping
4A Rotating shaft
5 Weighing instrument
5A introduction
5B Front lid
5C Lid support member
5D optical sensor
5E Photodetector
5a Light emitting part
5b Light receiver
6A piping
6B piping
6C piping
7 Bean supply department
7A Bean storage container
7B coffee mill
7C Mill motor
7D shoot
7a Rotating shaft
7b wire
7d lid
8 Bean canister
9 cups
10 Hot water tank
10A power supply
10B Float switch
10D hot water temperature sensor
11 Sugar container
12A cream container
12B cream container
13 Shoot
14 Mixing bowl
14A supply pipe
15A piping
15B piping
17 滓 Bucket
18 Drainage bucket
19 Flow sensor
20 Solenoid valve
21 Check valve
22 Extraction hot water valve
23A hot water valve
23B hot water valve
24 hot water valve
25 Pressure sensor
30 Extractor
30A Beverage supply pipe
31 Guide plate
32 cylinders
32A engagement protrusion
33 Piston drive motor
34 Torque transmission
34A fulcrum
35 Cap motor
35A gear
36 gear
36C optical sensor
37 cap
37A Seal member
38 rods
39 Piston
39A Piston head
39B Piston base
39C screw
39D sending section
39F filter
39E ring
75E Bean discharge part
40 Slide guide
50A protrusion
51 Weighing room
52 Hinge
55A Spring
56 piston rod
56A rack
56B Spring part
56D piston
56a Protrusion
57 Optical sensor
58 Drive shaft
58A Drive gear
59 Torque transmission
59A Weighing motor
59B Weighing encoder
60 pumps
60A bypass pipe
60B relief valve
60D gear
60E gear
60F rotation axis
60G pump drive motor
70 Motor drive circuit
72 Sensing resistance
73 Converter
74 Current detection circuit
75 body
75A fixed blade
75B coffee bean guidance part
75C Bean introduction part
75D thread
76 Grinding blade
76A key
77 Bearing
78 Grinding blade adjustment member
78A Screw part
78B Gear section
79 Seal member
80A Lower body
80B discharge port
80C upper body
81 engaging claw
82 Hinge
83 cap
84 nails
85 Gasket
86 Bean Ogre
87 wheels
88 wheels
88A pin
89 Agitator
90 Pressure regulating solenoid valve
100 Control unit
102 memory
103 timer
104 Input section
105 display
105A Extraction status display
105B Extraction time display
105C Extraction pressure display
105D Increase / decrease display
105E Grain size display
105a Suitable range
106 Detection unit
107 Valve drive
108 Motor drive unit
341 Gear
342A gear
343 axes
344A gear
344B Worm gear
345 axes
345A gear
345B gear
346 axes
346A Gear
346A Gear
346B gear
346B gear
347A gear
347B gear
348 rack

Claims (4)

In a cup-type vending machine for supplying coffee beans by supplying ground beans obtained by pulverizing coffee beans to a predetermined particle size to an extractor and supplying predetermined hot water from a hot water tank to the extractor via a pipe ,
Having an extraction state detecting means for detecting appropriate or inappropriate extraction operation based on filtration resistance when extracting the ground beans,
The extraction state detection means includes a pressure detection unit that detects an extraction pressure during extraction of the ground beans, a measurement unit that measures an extraction time during extraction of the ground beans, and the extraction pressure and the extraction time based on the extraction time. When the display of the ground bean extraction result and the extraction result of the ground bean are in an appropriate range, the proper display is displayed on the display, and when the extraction result of the ground bean is in an inappropriate range, A cup-type vending machine comprising control means for displaying an inappropriate display on a display. Said pressure detection unit, cup type of the extraction machine configuration for detecting a converted value obtained by converting the flow rate data of the hot water to be supplied as the extraction pressure to claim any preceding claim at a predetermined supply pressure vending machine. The control means displays dots based on the extraction result of the ground beans on two-dimensional coordinates displayed on the display with the extraction pressure as a first coordinate axis and the extraction time as a second coordinate axis, When the extraction result is appropriate, the appropriate display, the extraction time, and the extraction pressure are displayed. When the extraction result is inappropriate, in addition to the inappropriate display, the extraction time, and the extraction pressure cup type automatic vending machine as in claim 1 wherein the structure for displaying the correction information granularity of the ground beans. The display is formed by arranging a plurality of LED linearly, the extraction result cups vending number of LED to structure to be lit at a predetermined lighting pattern or blinking pattern according to claim claim 1 wherein in response to Machine.

Images