WO2017077891A1

WO2017077891A1 - Coffee dripper

Info

Publication number: WO2017077891A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/081415
Authority: WO
Inventors: 吉田　貴
Original assignee: 吉田　貴
Priority date: 2015-11-07
Filing date: 2016-10-24
Publication date: 2017-05-11
Also published as: JP2017099831A; JP5898372B1

Abstract

[Problem] The conical apex angle of a conical coffee dripper of the prior art is fixed. Therefore, the amount of ground coffee and the thickness of a ground coffee layer are related, and it is difficult to make different amounts of coffee in a consistent manner. In addition, it is inconvenient to change the degree of extraction. With regard to this problem, a configuration has been proposed that allows the opening angle of an inner surface which contacts a filter to be varied and that is also suitable for divided storage and portability. However, such configuration required some work to adjust the angle. [Solution] Three or more frame members are combined with each other to provide a guide that maintains the shape thereof and that allows the angle formed by the frame members to be varied. Due to this configuration, a coffee dripper is provided that enables easy angle adjustment and that folds to be compact.

Description

Coffee dripper

The present invention relates to a coffee dripper used for coffee drip by setting an inverted conical paper or cloth filter.

There are many ways to extract coffee liquor from ground coffee grounds. The impregnation precipitation method is an ancient method. Special equipment is used for siphons, espresso, coffee presses, percolators and hand drip. In each method, the contact process between coffee powder and hot water or water is different. Even if you use the same baked beans, you can enjoy different tastes of coffee, depending on your taste.
Extraction by hand drip is a simple class of specialized equipment to be used, and has permeated a relatively large number of users. Use a coffee dripper.

There are various forms of coffee drippers.
Typical examples include an open dripper using a cloth flannel filter and a type in which a filter is set on the inner surface of the dripper. Some filter meshes can be used repeatedly, and some drippers are disposable with paper filters.
In this, this invention relates to the coffee dripper which sets and uses a filter on the inner surface of a dripper. The filter to be set is often made of disposable paper, but a cloth made as in Patent Document 1 is also commercially available.
Typical dripper and filter shapes are trapezoidal and conical. The trapezoidal shape is called this because it looks like a trapezoid when viewed in a horizontal direction when set in the dripper.
The commercially available coffee dripper has many contrivances in detail in addition to the above-mentioned difference in basic shape. The size and number of coffee outlets, and the rib shape of the surface inscribed in the filter. Each of them has an optimum configuration according to the assumed or recommended drip method.
The conical dripper described in the present invention is sometimes called a transmission type. The degree of retention of the extract that has passed through the coffee powder layer inside the dripper is low. It has a tendency to flow out relatively smoothly, and has the characteristics that it is easy to perform extraction similar to the open-type flannel filter described above.
The filter used for the conical dripper is mainly a fan shape of 90 degrees in a flat state, and a shape with a vertex angle of 60 degrees set in the dripper. The opening angle of the inner surface of the dripper and the part inscribed in the filter is also approximately 60 degrees.

Utility Model Registration No. 3094018 Japanese Patent No. 5444343 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-35021 Japanese Patent No. 4880695 Japanese Patent No. 5302477 Utility Model Registration No. 3166825

The preceding conical dripper has the following problems.

When the amount of coffee powder is changed in accordance with the required coffee extraction amount, the thickness of the coffee layer in the dripper changes accordingly. It is difficult to extract different amounts as well.
There are many factors that prevent the user from stabilizing the taste of the coffee, but most can be used to stabilize the conditions. On the other hand, this problem occurs depending on the shape of the dripper, which may lead to a weak awareness of the user. It is a fundamental problem that is often said to be "a drip full cup is difficult".

In order to avoid the above problem, many methods are taken to fold the filter deeper than usual to narrow the apex angle of the cone and increase the thickness of the coffee layer.
This method is effective when changing the degree of extraction even when extracting the same amount.
When the thickness of the coffee layer is increased under the condition of extraction with the same moisture content, the taste tends to be strongly extracted. This is because the number of coffee powder particles encountered when the extract passes through the layer increases.
Although the above measures are effective, there is a problem in usability when combined with a commercially available conventional coffee dripper. This is because the filter can be folded at a narrow angle, but the opening angle of the coffee dripper cannot be changed.

Patent document 2 is made in view of said point. Means are provided for varying the opening angle of the conical coffee dripper in contact with the filter. This makes it possible to stably perform extraction with a filter in which the vertex angle of the inverted cone is changed. It can also be used when making trapezoidal filters with an inverted cone.

In many cases, commercially available drippers are molded plastics, ceramics, and the like. It is a little bulky for users to carry / store. As a product, there are disadvantages in terms of logistics.
For example, this problem is often solved in products that are marketed mainly for outdoor use as shown in Patent Document 3. However, the problem described above has not been solved.

In Patent Document 2, since the opening angle of the dripper is variable, a movable or deformable part that is not found in a general conventional example is required.
If the configuration to be adopted is devised, it is possible to design with the aim of improving portability, storage and distribution efficiency by dividing and storing. These characteristics have so far been only for outdoor use.
Applications such as automatic adjustment are also possible for orientations that emphasize ease of handling rather than instrument size.

However, each example shown in Patent Document 2 has a somewhat troublesome aspect in changing the opening angle of the dripper. It is necessary to remove the side plates 3 and 6 once or to disengage the base 83. In order to match the angle with the deeply folded filter, it may be necessary to repeat the adjustment in some cases, which is further troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points.
At least three frame members that are closed on at least one side are combined, and a guide is provided to maintain the shape by changing the angle between the frame members. This makes it possible to adjust the open angle of the dripper to the filter angle even with the filter attached. The dripper shape can be optimized with a more intuitive operation.

The coffee dripper of the present invention makes it possible to adjust the taste according to the amount to be extracted more easily than in the past. In addition, it is possible to realize an environment in which it is easy to explore the taste of each user. Compared to the conventional method, the angle adjustment of the filter and dripper becomes easier and intuitive operation becomes possible.
By providing an easy-to-understand taste adjustment method, it can be used to relieve users' weakness.
Further, for example, combinations with drip pots using cups and the like described in

Patent Documents

4 and 5 are also effective. In terms of drip performance, it is possible to provide a drip coffee set that has a higher degree of freedom than conventional and has excellent portability and storage.
The present invention adds more controllability and mobility to drip coffee. I think it can contribute to further penetration and development of regular coffee culture.

Is a perspective view showing the configuration of the dripper in Example 1 of the present invention, Is a configuration diagram of a frame member of Example 1 of the present invention, Is a diagram showing a state in which the guide portion of Example 1 of the present invention is spread on a plane, Is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pedestal in Example 1 of the present invention, Is a side view showing the filter mounted state of Example 1 of the present invention, Is a perspective view showing another configuration example of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a storage state of the dripper of FIG. Is a diagram showing a configuration for adding a dripper side plate to Example 1 of the present invention, Is a perspective view showing the configuration of a dripper in Example 2 of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a storage state of the dripper of FIG. Is a top view showing another configuration of the dripper in Example 2 of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a storage state of the dripper of FIG. Is a diagram showing a combination example of the frame members in the present invention, Is an operation explanatory diagram in a conventional conical dripper, FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a response to a conventional problem.

First, the problems of the preceding conical dripper will be described with reference to FIG.

Even if it is limited to the conical dripper, the actual drip methods are various, and the drip process to be premised is first outlined. As a rough process, it is often divided as follows. There are three steps: the first throw to spread the moisture to the coffee powder, the steaming process to stop the pouring and stabilize the coffee powder, and the main extraction process. Actually, each process is performed by various methods and parameters for each individual user, store, organization, and the like. It was derived based on the beliefs and tastes regarding taste and the tendency of grilled beans to be used. The wide range of taste adjustment by the drip method is also a feature of the hand drip method.
For example, there is a method of pouring the filter before the first throw, and a method of starting with the filter being dry. The former places importance on the close contact between the dripper and the filter in the subsequent process, and the latter places importance on the diffusion of the gas generated in the process until the steaming. The steaming process may not be provided depending on the methodology of the preceding and following processes. This extraction is also various. The dripper is sometimes lifted up and poured while the wet coffee powder flows greatly. There is also a method of stirring coffee powder at the tip of the pot while pouring hot water.
Some methodologies, including the best ones, may not apply to some methodologies, but the following explanation assumes the most common method. The dripper is a method of pouring hot water without touching the coffee powder while keeping it horizontal. In the process, attention is paid to the above-described extraction process.
There are countless parameters and methodologies here as well. The extraction temperature, the pouring speed, the pouring position within the powder surface, and the accents given to these over time. In particular, the pouring speed is touched as necessary because it is closely related to the gist of the present invention.

FIG. 14 (A) is a view showing a cross section at the center of the filter when two cups of coffee powder are put into a normal conical paper filter. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the same powder. 1 is a filter and 2 is coffee powder. The coffee powder is put in the same density as (A) and (B), and the volume of the coffee powder in (B) is half that of (A).
The figure shows a state where the surface of the coffee powder is leveled before the drip is started. Here, the distances from the respective coffee powder surfaces to the apex of the cone are 141 and 142 indicated by broken lines. (A) Since the cone of (B) is similar, 142 is about 1.26 times the depth of 141 (one-third root of 2). The area of the upper surface of the coffee powder is about 1.59 times that of (A) in (B) (1/2 of the square root of 2).
Suppose that the moisture content and expansion rate of coffee powder are changed equally between the start of drip and the steaming process. This extraction is performed using a coffee layer having the above-mentioned shape ratio as a filtration layer, assuming that it has expanded in a conical shape.
If this extraction is carefully performed with a moisture content that does not overflow, the outflow from the side of the filter can be suppressed to a small amount. The flow resistance of the filtration layer under the conditions is considered to be about 1.26 times (depth ratio / section ratio) of (A) in (B).
Aiming to make the target extraction amount (A) and (B) in the same time, the pouring speed of (B) is half that of (A). In this case, since the flow resistance is less than twice, the extract tends to flow out earlier than (A). This can be confirmed by a simple experiment. Due to the early spill, the moisture content of the coffee powder remains low. On the other hand, the filtration layer is shallow, and the number of coffee powder particles encountered when the extract passes through the layer is small. (B) is not exactly the same as (A).
In addition, when the molten water of (B) is reduced to 1.26 times that of (A) in order to extract the water content equally, the difference in layer depth is inevitable. Furthermore, the degree of temperature drop of the hot water to be poured usually changes as the extraction time becomes shorter. Thereby, the profile of the component extracted from coffee powder also changes.
It is considered that the extraction result can be approximated by reducing the pouring speed. In other words, the moisture content is lowered to make the contact between the coffee powder and the extract dense, and cover the shallowness of the layer. However, as described above, many difficulties are involved in overcoming the temperature drop and the difference in contact reaction with the powder. Many users are tricking and drip while feeling this on their skin.
In fact, there are many examples that recommend using half the amount of drip and more than half the amount of coffee grounds. It is possible to some extent to obtain similar extraction results according to recommendations. “Techniques” such as raising a part of the coffee powder in the dripper high can be considered. But the fundamental solution is to always drip the same amount of coffee regardless of the amount of extraction required.

Next, a method of folding the filter deeper than usual and problems with the preceding dripper in the method will be described with reference to FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure which performs extraction of one cup on the same conditions as extraction of two cups. The taste adjustment described above and the drip amount correspondence mentioned in the previous section will be described in common.

FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the filter 1 is folded at a narrow angle. Folding of the joint portion 151 of the filter is made deeper than usual. From the broken line indicating the original state, the circumference is folded back to about 1 / 1.41 (the square root of 2).
FIG. 15B shows a cross section in a state where this is expanded into a cone and the same amount of coffee powder as in FIG. 14B is added. When the shape ratio of the filtration layer is obtained, the depth 152 is the same as that in FIG. 14A, the area of the upper surface is ½, and the flow resistance is approximately doubled.
When the pouring speed is halved in this extraction, the outflow speed is also halved. That is, the moisture content can be changed in the same manner, and a filtration layer having the same depth as that shown in FIG. 14A can be extracted over the same time. There will be a chance to do the same extraction.
This is also a method that can be used for the taste adjustment. For example, this is effective when the extraction in FIG. 14B using the same amount of coffee powder has an unsatisfactory taste.
The filter 1 and the coffee powder 2 have been illustrated above, and the coffee dripper has been described without being illustrated.

The above measures are effective, but there are the following problems when combined with a commercially available conventional coffee dripper.
A. The filter folded at a narrow angle is in contact with the coffee dripper only around the open area below the dripper. There was a lack of stability and there was a risk of falling during the drip. There was also a concern that the folded filter would spread in the drip due to the expansion of the coffee powder.
B. There are restrictions on the control of side runoff.
As a premise for explanation, this extraction was performed under the condition that it is carefully performed at a moisture content that does not overflow. Thereby, the outflow from the filter side surface can be suppressed to a small amount.
The overflowing pouring speed cannot be generally specified because it varies depending on the grind level, roasting degree, etc. of the coffee powder. In addition, it is difficult to grasp the occurrence at the bottom of the filtration layer. Extracting while detecting signs from the spilled state of the extract and the wetness of the coffee powder surface. But this is generally cumbersome and frustrating. It may be unacceptable in time or character.
In the extraction with the coffee powder overflowing, the flow resistance of the filtration layer is also dominated by the side outflow. 14 (B) and FIG. 15 (B) are the same outflow as in FIG. 14 (A), and the same extraction cannot be expected. As a countermeasure for this, a method of controlling the outflow of the side surface by bringing a dripper into close contact with the filter side surface to some extent is conceivable. However, this is not possible with commercially available conventional coffee drippers.
A. B. In both cases, the filter can be folded at a narrow angle, but the opening angle of the coffee dripper cannot be changed.

The dripper of Patent Document 2 addresses this problem, but has the above-mentioned problem of usability.
Except for Example 3, the side plate is an essential configuration, and most of the filter surface is along the side plate. Side outflow can be controlled to some extent by making a difference in the shape of the side plate surface and the angle between the side plate and the filter. However, the adjustment range does not reach the open state as much as Nel Drip.

The present invention for solving the above-described problems will be described. The principle that the frame member of the present invention maintains the guide portion shape suitable for the dripper will be described with reference to FIG. For simplicity, this is an example in which all the frame members are the same circular member.
FIGS. 13A, 13 </ b> B, 13 </ b> C, and 13 </ b> D show cases where the number of frame members is 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. A central region 139 where all the frame members overlap is provided, and the frame members are crossed and combined.
Assuming that the number of frame members to be used is n, there is a configuration having intersections up to the n−1 order on the outer peripheral side in order from the central portion 139. (A) primary intersection 131 and secondary intersection 132, (B) 131 to tertiary intersection 133, (C) 131 to quaternary intersection 134, (D) 131 to quintic There is an intersection 135. For ease of viewing, (C) and (D) are numbered only at the intersection of one frame member at the top of the figure.
When paying attention to one arbitrary frame member, it goes from the part facing the central part 139 in order from the primary to the highest order crossing to the outer peripheral part, and then returns to the central part 139 in order from the highest order to the primary crossing again. One frame member intersects with other frame members (n−1) × 2 times.
Each figure in FIG. 13 is an example in which the upper and lower relations at the respective intersections are combined in a mesh pattern so that they alternate in order.
Each frame member alternately receives a deformation stress in the opposite direction at each intersection. When the frame member has elasticity, a force is generated to reduce the deformation amount by increasing the distance between adjacent intersections. When the expansion of the area of the central portion 139 is restricted, the outer peripheral portion of each figure is displaced in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface with respect to the central portion 139, and the combination of frame members rises to form a three-dimensional structure.
One or more sets of the respective intersections 131 to 135 are held so that a line connecting the intersections of the same order forms a regular polygon parallel to the paper surface. If attention is paid to each frame member at this time, the force received is the same in all the frame members. Arbitrary frame members and other frame members having the same relative positional relationship in FIG. 13 all maintain the same relative positional relationship and posture in the formed structure.
All the frame members straddle the center part 139 from the part facing the center part 139 and reach the outer peripheral part with the same inclination. The guide itself maintains the shape by forming a regular polygon parallel to the paper surface connecting each of the next intersections 131 to 135 in the circumferential direction.

A filter holding member that connects the central portion 139 and the outer peripheral portion and does not straddle the central portion 139 is provided. It is not shown in FIG. See Example 1. A conical filter dripper can be configured by adjusting the inclination of the frame member to keep the relative angle between the holding members appropriate. The opening angle can be adjusted steplessly according to the folding angle of the filter. The greater the number of frame members, the more the filter can be held in a horizontal cross section that is closer to a circle. Decide on the balance between usability, appearance, and number of parts.
The shape holding force may be generated even if the cross is not completely mesh-like as shown in FIG. This involves the shape and material of the frame member, the cross-sectional shape and the surface properties, and the conditions cannot be defined unconditionally. In this case, the dripper can be constructed as long as the conical shape of the filter is not greatly distorted.
If the guide itself does not have a shape-retaining force that deviates from the above, there is no force to keep the filter in a normal posture, so that a separate mechanism for preventing overturning and retaining the shape is required. The same applies to a configuration in which a plurality of filter holding members are independently arranged with a hinge to be variable in angle. It is suitable for the automatic adjustment described above, but deviates from the gist of the present invention.

The method of the present invention can also be applied to trapezoidal drippers. A trapezoidal shape is realized by using an even number of frame members and facing the frame members with different shapes. However, in this case, the calculations in FIGS. 14 and 15 are not applicable, and the adjustment range is limited. It is necessary to pay attention to the difference between the assumed / recommended drip method described above. Many trapezoidal drippers currently on the market are supposed to be impregnated. Compared to the conical shape, the extract tends to stay in the dripper. For adjusting the degree of extraction in the impregnated drip, for example, a method as disclosed in Patent Document 6 is suitable. It can be expected that this method is also effective as a means for controlling the outflow described in Problem B. On the other hand, the present invention is more compatible with the concept of a transmission drip than an impregnation type. Of course, it is also possible to combine both methods.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a dripper in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Four frame wires 3 using a stainless spring material are used for the frame member constituting the guide portion. The filter holding part that supports the conical shape is constituted by the chain 4. Reference numeral 5 denotes a pedestal for setting in an extracted coffee receiving container such as a coffee server or a mug, which is also a stainless spring material.

The structure of the guide portion will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B are projection views of the frame wire 3, in which FIG. 2A is a front view, FIG. 2B is a left view, and FIG. 2C is a schematic top view. In this embodiment, the frame wire 3 is formed by bending a single wire.
The four frame wires 3 have the same mesh-like combination as in FIG. 13B in FIG. Although the upper part of the frame wire 3 in the component state is open, it is closed by two caulking portions 26 after being combined in a mesh shape. By providing the double wire portion 28 with two caulking, the frame member is elastic around the entire circumference.
The

fitting portions

21 and 22 define the position of the portion corresponding to the primary intersection 131 in FIG. In order to balance the guide shape, the fitting points are provided on the same circumference having the center on the surface 291 and symmetrically about the center surface 291 of the frame member. Please refer to FIG. 3 showing a state in which the guide portion is spread on a plane. 21 is an upper cross fitting, 22 is a lower cross fitting, the upper cross 21 is fitted to the lower cross 22 of the adjacent frame wire 3, and the lower cross 22 is fitted to the opposite upper cross 21. For ease of viewing, the numbering of each part of the frame wire 3 is limited to a part in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the

fitting portions

21 and 22 are offset from the plane 292 formed by the frame wire 3. In FIG. 2C, illustration is omitted for easy viewing. In FIG. 1, it is offset downward, and in FIG. 3, it is offset in the depth direction in the drawing. Thus, the fitting is stable in the state of FIG. This offset contributes to the ease of assembling work from the storage state described later.
When the principle of FIG. 13B is faithfully reproduced, the positions of the

fitting portions

21 and 22 seen in FIG. 2A are provided on the outer circumference 294 of the entire frame wire 3. Here, the fitting portion is placed on the circumference of a slightly smaller circumference 295, and the frame portion protruding from the circumference 294 is eliminated. The shape size at the time of storage described later is made compact.
25 is an upper loop through which the chain 4 passes, and 27 is a spare loop.
As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, there is an offset in the frame portion above the loop 25 as well. The loop 25 is offset in the direction of the center axis of the dripper, and the preliminary loop 27 and the double portion 28 are offset in the direction of the dripper outer side. This offset avoids interference between the conical filter and the frame wire 3 especially when the opening angle is narrowed.
Reference numeral 23 denotes a lower loop through which the chain 4 passes. Further, it also serves as a guide to the mating counterpart frame wire 3 to facilitate the assembly operation from the storage state described later.
Here, the chain 4 is lowered and tied from the upper loop 25 on the left and right of one frame wire to the lower loop 23 of the frame wire. The lower loop 23 has a width in the path of the chain 4, but when tension is applied, the lower loop 23 is stabilized in the shortest route near the center surface 291 in FIG.
The chain 4 sequentially passes through the upper loop 25 and the lower loop 23 to form the eight filter holding portions 10 in the direction slightly inclined from the entire circumference of the filter and the conical generatrix. By adjusting the length of the chain 4, the interval between the loops 25 between the adjacent frame wires 3 is determined, and the opening angle of the dripper is determined. The end of the chain 4 is sandwiched between the double portions 28 of the frame wire 3 to fix the adjusted length. A separate fixture may be provided.

The configuration of the pedestal 5 holding the guide portion having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the base 5. Here, the pedestal 5 is configured by a single wire so that the size can be reduced by deformation.
It consists of a central loop portion 46 for holding the guide portion and a wing portion 47 in contact with the receiving container. The central loop portion 46 has eight guide holding portions 41 that are folded slightly downward at an acute angle. A wing 47 is formed in the same plane through the portion 44 where the guide holding portion 41 is doubled and the intersecting

portions

42, 43, and is fixed by a hook 45 on the opposite side of the central loop 46. When folded, the size can be reduced by removing the hook 45 and the

intersections

42 and 43. Use of a non-slip coating or cover on the wing portion 47 improves usability.
The guide holding part 41 is fitted to the horizontal part 24 of the frame wire 3 in FIGS. 1 and 2A and 3 and holds the guide part. The horizontal portions 24 of the opposing wire frames 3 are fixed in parallel with a predetermined interval. As shown in FIG. 2A, the horizontal shaft 293 through which the horizontal portion 24 passes is above the

fitting portions

21 and 22. Since the axis for changing the angle of the frame wire 3 passes through the

fitting portions

21 and 22, when the opening angle of the dripper is narrowed, a stress is generated in the direction in which the interval between the opposing horizontal portions 24 widens. On the contrary, stress is generated in the direction of widening the dripper opening angle by fixing the distance between the horizontal portions 24 to a certain value or less by the guide holding portion 41. This stress antagonizes the tension in the narrow angle direction of the chain 4 described above, and enhances the shape retaining force of the guide portion at a desired opening angle.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the filter 1 is mounted on the dripper described above. The pedestal 5 is not shown for ease of viewing. For example, FIG. 5A shows a case where three cups are extracted, and FIG. 5B shows a case where 1.5 cups are extracted.
The length of the section 51 of the chain 4 connecting the upper loops 25 of the adjacent frame wires 3 is different between (A) and (B). In (B), the opening angle of the dripper is narrowly fixed by adjusting the section 51 to be short.
In (B), the filter 1 enters a little lower than (A). Considering the case where the receiving container is shallow, the installation height fluctuation of the filter 1 due to the opening angle is reduced. Since the difference in the amount of penetration below the filter 1 is proportional to the distance between the

fitting portions

21 and 22, the distance between the

fitting portions

21 and 22 of each frame wire is set short. A configuration in which a plurality of fittings are provided and selected from several inter-fitting distances during assembly is also possible. If priority is given to the stability of filter 1 installation, such as when there is a large amount of coffee powder, select a wide inter-fitting distance.
In the chain 4 before and after passing through the lower loop 23, the section 52 of FIG. 5 is along the conical surface, whereas the section 53 is slightly separated from the conical surface. This float is actually maintained when the filter is dry before the extraction starts. However, when the filter gets wet, subtle deformation occurs and the section 53 extends along, so there is no practical problem. It is also possible to take measures such as adding a chain passing through the lower loop 23 in the opposite direction or devising the shape of the loop. There are a myriad of choices for looping and chaining.

The configuration of FIG. 1 is an example of a minimum number of parts except for the number of frame wires 3. Some parts can be added to improve usability and design. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another configuration example having the same guide portion as FIG.
Here, 63 is a chain hook, and the remaining part of the chain 4 is hooked on the frame wire by adjusting the opening angle. Avoid situations where the hanging chain 4 is soaked in the coffee in the receptacle.
The circular pedestal 61 has four sliding wings 62 and enables a smarter size reduction. There are four slits 64 for holding the guide portion in the same positional relationship as the guide holding portion 41 in FIG. The circular pedestal has a wide range of material options if there is no problem in terms of strength and hygiene. It also leads to reduction and blindfolding of slightly complicated wire combinations, and improves overall design.
Although not shown, a chain that sequentially connects the preliminary loop 27 of the frame wire 3 and the root portion 65 of the wing 62 may be provided. It is possible to drastically increase the stress in the direction of widening the dripper opening angle and to give the dripper a strong shape holding force.

A method of folding the dripper will be described with reference to FIGS.
From the state of FIG. 3 in which the chain 4 is loosened and the pedestal is removed and the frame wire is flattened, the

fitting portions

21 and 22 are unfitted while pushing the outer peripheral portion slightly toward the back of the drawing. Subsequently, each frame wire is shifted clockwise, and the protruding portion 31 is passed through the mating lower loop 23. Thus, the frame wires 3 can be relatively freely overlapped while being guided by the adjacent lower loop 23. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the frame wires are overlapped with each other until they are completely folded. It is illustrated to the extent that the overlapping structure of the frame wires 3 can be understood. Actually, it can be piled up to the extent that the entire diameter of the frame wire 3 becomes substantially the whole.
The circular pedestal 61 and the wing 62 shown in FIG. 6 can also be accommodated in this size.
At the time of assembly, it is the reverse of the above. The frame wire 3 is pulled out in all directions from the stored state to narrow the overlapping portion. The protrusions 31 are passed through the lower loops 23 by shifting counterclockwise, and the

fitting parts

21 and 22 are fitted. After each horizontal portion 24 is fitted to the pedestal, the opening angle is narrowed and fixed with the chain 4.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the side outflow response described in Problem B. FIG.
The dripper side plate 8 of FIG. 8A is made of a material such as a silicon sheet and has a fan shape of slightly over 180 degrees. It is flexible and has the necessary shape retention, food hygiene safety, and heat resistance. Reference numeral 81 is a scale indicating the standard of the opening angle to be formed. Here, the scale from 1 cup to 4 cups is exemplified as the amount of drip. When the fan-shaped end portion 82 is wound along the desired scale 81 and the outer periphery thereof is aligned, the side plate 8 forms a conical surface with a standard opening angle of a desired drip amount.
FIG. 8B is a side view showing a state in which the side plate 8 and the filter 1 are mounted on the dripper. An example of extracting 1.5 cups was illustrated.
Here, the side plate 8 is held by the guide portion in contact with the upper loop 25 at the upper side and the lower loop 23 at the lower side.
In this state, the side plate 8 itself functions as a filter holding member. When it is assumed that the side plate 8 is used, the chain 4 may not be provided as long as the side surface 8 is held by the guide portion in the vertical range within the required dripper opening angle. FIG. 8B is an example in which the chain 4 is not provided. The loop is not necessary and the structure of the frame wire 3 can be simplified. (It is not simplified in the figure.)
In this embodiment, the example in which the shape holding force of the guide portion is reinforced by the tension of the chain 4 has been described, but this is not essential. Practical holding force can be obtained by modifying the positions of the

fitting portions

21 and 22, the cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape of the frame wire 3, and the friction coefficient of the surface. Alternatively, there is a method of more actively providing a fixing means by a step or engagement. Since the guide part itself has a uniform shape holding force, the fixing means may not necessarily be provided on all the frame members. Fixing in one place is also possible. FIG. 8 (B) does not show other reinforcement measures.
If the guide portion is equipped with a filter holding member other than the side plate 8 with a chain or the like, a wide adjustment range of the extraction degree can be secured including the case where the side plate 8 is not used.

In this embodiment, since the frame member is substantially circular, there is a space between the frame member and the filter below the upper opening of the dripper. For this reason, it is difficult to touch the filter even if the dripper is lifted by holding the guide during extraction. It has a convenient shape for checking the wetness of each part of the filter and the dripping of the extract.
The opening angle of the cone can be 60 degrees or more. In this case, the filter is folded deeply on the apex side of FIG. In this case, however, the conical busbar becomes shorter on one side, so that the edge of the filter can be lowered, and the amount of powder contained is limited. Take measures such as using a large filter or stacking multiple sheets at different angles.
As described above, the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 has been mainly described, but there are a wide range of other configuration options.
The number of frame members may be three or more. As the number increases, the polygon formed by the upper loop becomes closer to a circle even if the opening angle is narrowed. The offset of the superstructure described in FIG. 2 is less necessary, and the structure of the frame member is simplified. The space between the upper loops is narrowed according to the number of frame members, and the shape of the lower part of the frame member and the structure of the base are devised.
Although the frame member closed by crimping the stainless steel wire has been described, of course, it may be welded. Productivity can be improved if the difficulty of bending and assembly is reduced by dividing the structure at appropriate locations. Other materials that are not problematic in terms of strength, heat resistance, and food hygiene may be used. As a divided configuration, there is a method in which the intersecting portion of the secondary intersection or more is made into a material and shape suitable for the above-described holding power enhancement. It is possible to achieve both simplification of configuration and productivity. Mass production is possible by using a material that can be integrally molded.
The chain has been adopted in consideration of hygiene and drainage after use / washing, but any string or belt-like member with no problem in strength, heat resistance and food hygiene can be used. If it is flexible, the range of ease of use such as fixing with simple knots will be expanded.
In the event of an emergency such as a chain break, you can substitute a string that is close to you.
A configuration without a pedestal is also possible if a chain or the like generates a stress that widens the opening angle of the guide portion. A tensile stress may be applied between the different orders of 131 to 135 while maintaining the cross-sectional shape. The same applies to the case where a practical shape holding force is obtained only by the frame member as described above. The entire dripper has a substantially spherical shape and can be placed as it is in a receiving container having a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the frame member. Although the sinking into the receiving container becomes large, it can be set in a stable and free posture. Depending on the situation, such as when it is difficult to keep the receiving container level such as a rocky place, it is preferable. You may provide the protrusion, handle, etc. which assist dripping fall prevention and horizontal support.
Although an example in which all the filter holding portions are configured by one chain 4 has been shown, there is a concept of providing a separate chain for each holding portion assuming an emergency use when the chain is broken. In this case, if the angle adjusting chain is configured differently from the holding portion, for example, the upper portion makes one round, the adjustment does not become complicated. If fixing means other than the chain described in the previous stage is employed, a simple application in which only each holding portion is configured by a chain or the like is possible.
Furthermore, it is simpler if the shape of the filter holding part is added to the frame member itself. There is a method of providing a holding portion as a part of the frame member inside the substantially circular frame member in the present embodiment. However, the holding portion is not exactly the same angle as the holding portion by the chain 4 of the above embodiment. Design with attention to the angle formed by the holding part, the opening at the lower end, and the stabilization of the filter holding height. There is also a configuration in which a holding portion that extends upward or downward with an appropriate size of the combined portion of the frame members is provided. This is an application in which the frame member is not circular. It is the same in that it does not become a holding part of the same angle as the holding part of the above embodiment. When the crossing portion of the frame member is fitted in order to fix the cross-sectional shape of the guide portion at a certain horizontal position, it is not limited to the primary cross 131 and may be any order. Similarly, pay attention to the angle formed by the holding part, the opening at the lower end, and the holding height of the filter.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a dripper in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
For the frame member of the guide portion, four frame wires 93 using a stainless spring material are used. A top cover 94 that covers the connecting portion of the frame wire 93 to ensure elasticity is provided at the outermost vertex portion. 95 is a pedestal comprising two parts, which is also a stainless spring material. The width of the pedestal 95 is different on the left and right in the figure, and the flat side 951 and the wide side pedestal 952 are combined and fixed to form a plane in contact with the receiving container.
The frame wire 93 is not circular, but has a shape in which a plurality of slightly elongated ellipses are combined. Like FIG. 13B, they are combined in a mesh shape. Each

pedestal

951, 952 has a respective end portion 96 attached rotatably to the outer periphery side of the secondary cross 132 of each frame wire 93. Although not clearly shown in the figure, each pedestal end portion 96 is formed so that the lower side of the attachment loop extends to the outer peripheral side, and the arm portions 97 of the opposite pedestals are horizontally locked.

The present embodiment is an example in which a special shape holding force reinforcing member is not provided in the guide portion. In FIG. 9, the filter is held only by the frame wire 93 without providing another member for holding the filter. The upper and lower portions of the frame wire 93 near the tertiary intersection 133 hold the filter at the innermost peripheral portion. Depending on the adjustment, it is possible to use only the upper part.
Since the arrangement of the secondary intersection 132 is fixed, the cross-sectional area of the innermost peripheral portion changes according to the opening angle of the guide. When the opening angle is narrowed, the innermost peripheral portion becomes smaller, which contributes to a reduction in the amount of sagging caused by the filter apex angle.
Since the lower part of the frame wire 93 is smooth with a substantially constant radius of curvature, rotation of each frame wire, that is, posture change in each plane direction is likely to occur. When the inclination due to rotation increases and each crossing portion reaches a portion having a different radius of curvature, the posture changes in the cone apex direction, and the guide shape is distorted. In consideration of this point, although not shown, the shape of the frame wire 93 is devised. For example, unnecessary rotation can be suppressed by giving a geometrical accent such as slightly reducing the radius of curvature near the intersection passing through the outside.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a storage state in which the dripper of FIG. 9 is folded. The vertical relationship of each intersection is not shown accurately.
The locked state of the pedestal end 96 and the arm 97 is released, the thin pedestal 951 is passed through the wide pedestal 952, and both pedestals are inverted at the lower side. Accordingly, the linked guide portion is released from the shape maintenance of the secondary intersection 132, the thickness in the left-right direction in FIG. 9 is reduced, and the frame wire 93 becomes parallel and becomes flat. The inverted both

pedestals

951 and 952 are also slightly spread and covered from both sides, and are folded to the size of about one frame wire 93 as a whole.
Assemble in the reverse operation.
All dripper members are combined together, making assembly and storage very simple.

As described above, in this example, the filter is held at two or one place in the vertical direction. Among them, the upper holding is in the vicinity of the tertiary intersection 133 and moves upward as the opening angle becomes narrower. By reducing the radius of curvature of the lower portion of the frame wire 93 as compared to the first embodiment, the guide-shaped holding force is strengthened and the change in the filter holding position is suppressed. In many cases, it can be used without problems.
When a small amount of coffee powder is put into the filter folded at a narrow angle, the powder may not reach the upper holding position, which may cause some inconvenience. When the filter gets wet during drip, the frame wire may interfere with the upper part of the filter without powder due to a change in the shape of the filter itself or external factors. There is no possibility that a distorted filter covers or buckles the coffee powder.
When the above is assumed, a filter holding member is added. Of course, this can be avoided by using the dripper side plate 8 of the first embodiment, but the adjustment range of the extraction degree is limited as described above.
The holding member is added in such a manner that the conical section is supported horizontally in a substantially circular shape or is supported by a line segment in a direction substantially parallel to the generatrix. An ideal frame wire 93 that closely follows a cone with various apex angles is ideal, but it is necessary to change the elliptical shape of the frame wire in accordance with the apex angle.
From the top cover 94, a line connecting the lowest part of the opposite frame wire runs along the conical generatrix. When connecting here, note that the distance varies depending on the opening angle of the guide. When an elastic member is used, the tensile force becomes a stress in the direction of expanding the guide, and thus there is a case where it is necessary to take care such as further strengthening the shape holding force of the guide itself.
There is also a method of extending a weak elastic member downward from the top cover 94 and parallel to the frame wire 93. Although it is dressed by being pushed by the filter, the power to spread the guide works at this time as well.

FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating another configuration of the second embodiment. The filter holding member described above is provided in a sliding manner. No stress that hinders the shape holding force of the guide.
A slit 116 is provided at the top portion of the frame wire 113, a stainless steel thin wire 114 is passed through, and is engaged with a primary cross 131 of the opposite frame wire. Considering the storage time described later, the vertical engagement and the horizontal engagement are arranged diagonally. Although not shown, the thin wire 114 above the slit 116 is prevented from coming down downward by bending or the like. When the opening angle is wide, the thin wire 114 protrudes above the frame wire 113 to stabilize the holding above the filter.
The frame wire 113 is a stainless spring material. Like FIG. 13B, they are combined in a mesh shape. Based on the premise of the filter holding member, the frame width is secured to the top, giving it a shape that gives priority to stable holding and comfortable use on hand. As with the previous example, rotation suppression is stabilized with an accent of the radius of curvature.
The two holding members 115 are attached to the secondary intersection 132 of the frame wire 113. The lengths of the two opposing sides of the quadrangle formed by the secondary intersection 132 are equal and are more strictly defined than in FIG. The loop 1151 at the end is attached to a pedestal (not shown), the distance between the two sides is fixed, and the guide portion is erected. The pedestal may be anything as long as the holding material 115 can be kept parallel to be suitable for placement on the receiving container. The end loop 1151 is not limited to the loop, and may have another shape suitable for mounting the pedestal. The distance between the holding members 115 is maintained so that the secondary intersection 132 forms a quadrangle having the same length of the four sides.
In the case where the shape of the same order intersection that is intended to spread uniformly is a regular polygon, geometrically, the circumference that is the maximum outer shape or the length of at least one side may be specified, or both may be used in combination. In reality, however, the shape of the frame wire 113 is distorted due to variations in the shape and surface properties. In this example, the distortion of the guide shape is suppressed by determining the length of all sides.
Prior to mounting the pedestal, only the length of the two sides facing each other is determined by the holding material 115 for the quadrangle formed by the secondary intersection 132. This quadrangle is stable in the form of a square, a rectangle having two sides of which length is determined as a short side, or a quadrangle in which the holding material 115 is almost stuck. With the uniform shape holding force of the frame wire 113, the frame wire 113 has resistance to deformation to a parallelogram or a quadrangle smaller than the square. With this characteristic, transition between the use state and the storage state described later can be performed with one touch.
The fine wire 114 and the holding material 115 are attached through the two frame wires 113. During use or at the time of storage, which will be described later, there is no trouble that the mounting portion passes through the intersection and the mounting location shifts.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a storage state in which the dripper of FIG. 11 is folded. The vertical relationship of each intersection is not shown accurately. When the holding material 115 is brought closer to each other beyond the resistance of the guide portion described above from the state of FIG. 11, there is a stable point in the folded state in which the frame wire 113 is overlapped in a substantially flat plate shape. If you want to expand the usage, you can do the reverse operation,
The holding material 115 can be stored and unfolded with a single touch of only a push-pull operation.
The added thin wire 114 hardly protrudes from the slit 116 in the stored state. The structure of the pedestal portion can also be devised, and it can be stored and assembled to the same size as the previous example very easily. The holding member 115 can be integrated by incorporating a pedestal function.
Of course, the use of the dripper side plate 8 of the first embodiment is also possible.
In this example, since the cross-sectional shape is maintained at the secondary intersection 132 and the width of the frame member is secured wide, a space can be secured between the frame member and the filter, particularly in the lower part. For this reason, it is difficult to touch the filter even if the dripper is lifted by holding the guide during extraction. It has a convenient shape for checking the wetness of each part of the filter and the dripping of the extract.

As described above, the second embodiment in which only the self-shape holding force of the guide portion is used has been described. A simpler structure and operability than in the first embodiment can be obtained. The guide fixing part to the pedestal is illustrated as an example different from the first embodiment. It may be attached at the primary intersection 131. The comfort of hand-held drip and how it sinks into the receiving container will change. Actually, it is selected appropriately based on the user's drip method and compatibility with other instruments used.
The number of frame members may be three or more. The greater the number, the closer the cross section holding the filter is to a circle. However, an even number configuration is desirable for folding similar to FIGS. Although the definition of the regular polygon is somewhat complicated, the structure for maintaining the shape can be simplified by optimally selecting the side that determines the length and the vertex that determines the maximum outer shape. As with the previous example, a one-touch folding structure is also possible.
The opening angle of the cone can be 60 degrees or more. In this case, the filter is folded deeply on the apex side of FIG. In this case, however, the conical busbar becomes shorter on one side, so that the edge of the filter can be lowered, and the amount of powder contained is limited. Take measures such as using a large filter or stacking multiple sheets at different angles.
The frame member and pedestal of the stainless wire may be manufactured by caulking or the like, or may be welded. Productivity can be improved if the difficulty of bending and assembly is reduced by dividing the structure at appropriate locations. Other materials that are not problematic in terms of strength, heat resistance, and food hygiene may be used. There is also a method in which the frame member is divided into a material / shape suitable for strengthening the holding force as described above at the intersecting portion of the secondary intersection or higher. It is possible to achieve both simplification of configuration and productivity. Mass production is possible by using a material that can be integrally molded.
The structure of the pedestal takes an optimum shape from the conditions such as the configuration of the guide portion. As long as the storage size is not concerned, it may be an integral type instead of a multi-piece configuration. There is also a strategy to pursue stability and design using other materials. There is a possibility that usability can be improved in another dimension, such as using a storage case for the folded guide as a base.
In consideration of hygiene and drainage after use / cleaning, stainless steel wires are used for the holding member, but any member that does not have any problems in strength, heat resistance, and food hygiene can be used. A plate-like or net-like member can be used to increase the stability of filter holding.
If the cross-sectional shape is maintained, a configuration without a pedestal is possible. It can be left as it is in a receiving container having a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the frame member. Although the sinking into the receiving container becomes large, it can be set in a stable and free posture. Depending on the situation, such as when it is difficult to keep the receiving container level such as a rocky place, it is preferable. You may provide the protrusion, handle, etc. which assist dripping fall prevention and horizontal support. Considering use in kitchens and stores, this product alone can be used as a tool that can be mounted on a commercially available coffee dripper and the degree of extraction can be customized by minimizing or omitting pedestal and cross-section holding means. You can find sex.

Used in cooking products industry, coffee industry, outdoor products industry, etc.

1 is a filter,
2 is coffee powder
3, 93, 113 are frame wires,
4 is the chain,

Reference numerals

5 and 95 denote pedestals.

Claims

In the coffee dripper that changes the opening angle of the part holding the conical filter,
A coffee dripper comprising: a guide that holds three or more frame members that are closed at least on one side, and that maintains the shape of the frame member by changing the angle between the frame members.
The coffee dripper of claim 1,
A coffee dripper comprising the guides combined in a mesh shape so that the vertical relationship is alternated at the intersection of each frame member and another frame member.