JP2013244271A - Coffee maker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the hygienic quality, safety, and convenience of a coffee maker.SOLUTION: A coffee maker 100 includes: a tank 1 for storing water; a pump 2 for pressure conveying the water supplied from the tank 1; a boiler 3 for heating and boiling the water from the pump 2 ; a delivering opening 4 delivering the water (hot water) heated by the boiler 3 or steam obtained by boiling water; a first water passage 10 constituted by respective pipes for guiding water (including a hot water or steam) from the tank 1 to the delivering opening 4; a second water passage 20 branched from the first water passage 10 and guiding water respective pipe to the water discharging tray 6; and an electromagnetic valve 7 disposed on the second water passage 20, wherein by opening the electromagnetic valve 7, water in the first water passage 10 is discharged.

Description

  The present invention relates to the technology of a coffee maker.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, coffee makers that make coffee by dripping hot water into a dripper are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also known a coffee maker that can produce steam milk or foamed milk in which milk is bubbled into a milk cup (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Such a coffee maker includes a tank for storing water, a pump for pumping water, a boiler for heating or boiling water, and a discharge port for discharging heated water (hot water) or steam obtained by boiling. , Is composed.

  By the way, the coffee maker which can produce steam milk etc. has arrange | positioned the boiler in the vicinity of a discharge outlet, in order to spout the vapor | steam obtained by boiling water quickly. Therefore, in such a coffee maker, the boiler is disposed at the upper stage of the coffee maker, and there is a problem that water remains in the pipe. That is, such a coffee maker has a problem that water remains in such a portion because a pipe for guiding water from the tank to the boiler through the pump passes through a position lower than the boiler. Therefore, there has been a demand for a coffee maker that can easily drain water remaining in the pipe from the viewpoint of improving hygiene.

  In addition, it is considered that a user of such a coffee maker first makes coffee and then makes steam milk or the like. Therefore, in such a coffee maker, it has been considered ideal to discharge the water remaining in the boiler before producing steam milk or the like. Further, when the boiler is operated with water remaining in the boiler, there may be a case where hot water or steam is unintentionally discharged from the discharge port. Therefore, there has been a demand for a coffee maker that can easily drain the water remaining in the boiler from the viewpoint of improving safety.

  Furthermore, in the conventional coffee maker, it is necessary to discharge the water remaining in the piping and the boiler with new water. For this reason, there has been a demand for a coffee maker that can easily drain the water remaining in the piping and the boiler from the viewpoint of improving the convenience for the user.

JP 2010-284195 A JP 2005-245499 A

  The object of the present invention is to improve the hygiene, safety and convenience of a coffee maker.

  Next, means for solving this problem will be described.

That is, the first invention is
A tank for storing water,
A pump for pumping water supplied from the tank;
A boiler for heating or boiling the water pumped from the pump;
In a coffee maker comprising a discharge port for discharging water (hot water) heated by the boiler or steam obtained by boiling,
A first water channel composed of pipes for guiding water (including hot water or steam) from the tank to the discharge port;
A second water channel constituted by each pipe that branches from the first water channel and guides water to a drain tray;
An electromagnetic valve disposed on the second water channel,
The water in the first water channel can be discharged by opening the electromagnetic valve.

  According to the first invention, the water remaining in the first water channel can be easily discharged. Thereby, coffee, steam milk, etc. can be created with fresh water, and it becomes possible to aim at the improvement of hygiene. Moreover, since the water remaining in the first water channel can be easily discharged, the convenience for the user can be improved.

The second invention is the coffee maker according to the first invention,
The second water channel is branched from the lowest position of the first water channel.

  According to the second invention, all the water remaining in the first water channel can be discharged. Thereby, it becomes possible to further improve the hygiene.

The third invention is the coffee maker according to the first or second invention,
The boiler is arranged above the pump;
The second water channel is branched from between the pump and the boiler in the first water channel.

  According to the third invention, water remaining in the boiler can also be easily discharged. As a result, unintentional hot water or steam can be prevented from being discharged from the discharge port when the boiler is operated, and safety can be improved.

The fourth invention is the coffee maker according to any one of the first to third inventions,
Comprising a control device for switching the electromagnetic valve so that it can be freely opened and closed;
The control device is configured to open the electromagnetic valve when the power switch is turned off and close the electromagnetic valve after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to discharge water remaining in the first water channel after making coffee, steam milk, or the like. This makes it possible to improve hygiene even when coffee or steam milk is not created for a long period of time.

The fifth invention is a coffee maker according to any one of the first to third inventions,
Comprising a control device for switching the electromagnetic valve so that it can be freely opened and closed;
The control device opens the electromagnetic valve when the power switch is in the “ON” state, and closes the electromagnetic valve after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to discharge the water remaining in the first water channel before making coffee, steam milk, or the like. Thereby, coffee, steam milk, etc. can be produced reliably using fresh water, and it becomes possible to aim at the improvement of hygiene.

A sixth invention is a coffee maker according to any one of the first to third inventions,
Comprising a control device for switching the electromagnetic valve so that it can be freely opened and closed;
The control device opens the electromagnetic valve when the power switch is in the “off” state, and closes the electromagnetic valve when the power switch is in the “on” state.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the water remaining in the first water channel after making coffee or steam milk can be discharged. Moreover, the first water channel can be dried by opening the electromagnetic valve. This makes it possible to improve hygiene even when coffee or steam milk is not created for a long period of time. Moreover, coffee etc. can be created using fresh water, and it becomes possible to aim at the improvement of hygiene.

  According to the invention according to the present application, it is possible to improve the hygiene, safety, and convenience of the coffee maker.

Sectional drawing which shows the structure of a coffee maker. (2A) Sectional drawing which shows the state which is producing coffee. (2B) Sectional drawing which shows the state which is producing steam milk etc. A simplified diagram showing the configuration of a coffee maker. Flow diagram when creating coffee. (5A) The figure which shows the flow direction of the water and hot water in an extraction process. (5B) The figure which shows the flow direction of the water and hot water in a discharge process. The flow figure at the time of creating steam milk etc. (7A) The figure which shows the flow direction of water and a vapor | steam in a foaming process. (7B) The figure which shows the flow direction of water and a vapor | steam in a discharge process. The flowchart which concerns on other embodiment. The flowchart which concerns on other embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of a drain tray. (11A-11C) Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the drain tray which concerns on other embodiment.

  First, the coffee maker 100 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated easily.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the coffee maker 100. FIG. 2A shows a state where coffee is being created, and FIG. 2B shows a state where steam milk or the like is being created. FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the coffee maker 100.

  The coffee maker 100 can make coffee by dripping hot water into the dripper D (see FIG. 2A). Moreover, the coffee maker 100 can produce steam milk and foamed milk by jetting steam into the milk cup M (see FIG. 2B). The coffee maker 100 mainly includes a tank 1, a pump 2, a boiler 3, and a discharge port 4.

  The tank 1 stores water. The tank 1 is installed in the upper part of the coffee maker 100, and supplies water to a pump 2 installed below the tank 1.

  The pump 2 pumps water supplied from the tank 1. The pump 2 is installed in the middle lower part of the coffee maker 100, and pumps water to the boiler 3 installed above the pump 2.

  The boiler 3 heats or boils water pumped from the pump 2. The boiler 3 is installed in the upper part of the coffee maker 100 and sends heated water (hot water) or steam obtained by boiling to the discharge port 4 installed below the boiler 3.

  The discharge port 4 discharges water (hot water) heated by a boiler or steam obtained by boiling. The discharge port 4 is installed in the middle upper part of the coffee maker 100 and discharges hot water or steam to the dripper D or the milk cup M attached below the discharge port 4 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In addition, in this coffee maker 100, although it is set as the structure which can discharge hot water or steam from one discharge port 4, the structure provided with two or more discharge ports 4 may be sufficient.

  Here, a passage for guiding water (including hot water or steam) from the tank 1 to the discharge port 4 is defined as a first water channel 10. The first water channel 10 includes a pipe 11 that guides water from the tank 1 to the pump 2, a pipe 12 that guides water from the pump 2 to the boiler 3, and a pipe 13 that guides hot water or steam from the boiler 3 to the discharge port 4. Composed. As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the pipe 13 is branched by a switching lever SL, which will be described later, to create a hot water pipe 13a that is a hot water path dripped into the dripper D when making coffee, steam milk, and the like. This is composed of two paths: a steam pipe 13b that is a path for steam to be ejected into the milk cup.

  In the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment, a flow sensor FS is attached to the middle of the pipe 11. The flow sensor FS transmits a signal to the control device ECU, and the control device ECU can control the operation state of the pump 2 based on this signal.

  In the coffee maker 100, the switching lever SL is attached to the middle part of the pipe 13. The switching lever SL is connected to the pipe 31 in addition to the pipe 13 (the hot water pipe 13a and the steam pipe 13b), and can change the flow direction of the hot water or steam. The switching lever SL transmits a signal to the control device ECU, and the control device ECU can control the operation state of the pump 2 based on this signal. Specifically, if the switching lever SL is tilted to the “coffee” side, the power switch SW is set to the “on” state as the “coffee making state”, and the control unit ECU sets the coffee maker 100 for making coffee. Take control. On the other hand, if the switching lever SL is tilted to the “milk” side, the power switch SW is set to the “ON” state as the “milk production state”, and the control unit ECU controls the coffee maker 100 to produce milk. Do it. If the switching lever SL is not tilted to either side, the power switch SW is turned off and the coffee maker 100 is turned off.

  Further, in the coffee maker 100, a pressure valve PV is attached in the middle of the pipe 12. For example, when the discharge port 4 is clogged and the pressure in the first water channel 10 becomes high, the pressure valve PV sends the water in the first water channel 10 to the drain tray 6 through the heat sink 5. However, a configuration may be adopted in which a pressure sensor is provided instead of the pressure valve PV and an electromagnetic valve 7 described later is opened when the pressure in the first water channel 10 becomes high. That is, the pressure valve PV and the electromagnetic valve 7 can be shared.

  Next, main feature points of the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment includes a second water channel 20 that branches from the first water channel 10 and guides water to the drain tray 6. An electromagnetic valve 7 is attached on the second water channel 20. The second water channel 20 includes a pipe 21 for guiding water from the first water channel 10 to the electromagnetic valve 7, a pipe 22 for guiding water from the electromagnetic valve 7 to the heat sink 5, and a pipe for guiding water from the heat sink 5 to the drain tray 6. 23.

  With such a configuration, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can discharge the water in the first water channel 10 by opening the electromagnetic valve 7. If it demonstrates in detail, this coffee maker 100 can discharge | emit the water in the piping 11 * 12 which comprises the 1st water channel 10 to the drain tray 6 via the 2nd water channel 20 by opening the electromagnetic valve 7 (FIG. 5B, see FIG. 7B). Thereby, this coffee maker 100 can make coffee, steam milk, etc. with fresh water, and it becomes possible to aim at the improvement of hygiene. Moreover, since the water remaining in the first water channel 10 can be easily discharged, the convenience for the user can be improved.

  In the coffee maker 100 according to this embodiment, the second water channel 20 is branched from the lowest position of the first water channel 10. That is, in the coffee maker 100, the second water channel 20 is branched from the lowest position (see point L in FIG. 3) of the pipe 12 constituting the first water channel 10.

  With such a configuration, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can discharge all the water remaining in the first water channel 10. More specifically, the coffee maker 100 can discharge all the water remaining in the pipes 11 and 12 constituting the first water channel 10. Thereby, this coffee maker 100 can aim at the further improvement of hygiene.

  Furthermore, in the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment, the second water channel 20 is branched from between the pump 2 and the boiler 3 in the first water channel 10. That is, in the coffee maker 100, the second water channel 20 is branched from the pipe 12 that connects the pump 2 and the boiler 3.

  With such a configuration, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can easily discharge water remaining in the boiler 3. More specifically, the coffee maker 100 can easily drain the water remaining in the boiler 3 because the water in the boiler 3 flows down the pipe 12 due to gravity (FIGS. 5B and 7B). reference). Thus, the coffee maker 100 can prevent unintentional hot water or steam from being discharged from the discharge port 4 when the boiler 3 is operated, thereby improving safety.

  The coffee maker 100 can operate the pump 2 with the electromagnetic valve 7 opened. By doing so, it is possible to flow water through the pipe 11 and clean the inside of the pipe 11. This is particularly effective if the structure of the pump 2 is a specification that does not allow water to flow when the pump 2 is not operating (specification that water does not pass through the pump 2). That is, by operating the pump 2 with the electromagnetic valve 7 opened, even if the pump 2 has the specifications as described above, the water accumulated between the tank 1 and the pump 2 can be discharged. .

  Further, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment includes a third water channel 30 that guides water (hot water) heated by the boiler 3 or steam obtained by boiling to the drain tray 6. A heat sink 5 is attached on the third water channel 30. The third water channel 30 includes a pipe 31 that guides hot water or steam from the first water channel 10 to the heat sink 5 and a pipe 23 that guides hot water or steam from the heat sink 5 to the drain tray 6. The pipe 23 also constitutes a part of the second water channel 20 described above.

  With such a configuration, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can discharge hot water or steam in the first water channel 10 by operating the switching lever SL. More specifically, the coffee maker 100 operates hot water or steam in the pipe 13 (the hot water pipe 13a and the steam pipe 13b) constituting the first water channel 10 through the third water channel 30 by operating the switching lever SL. It can be discharged to the drain tray 6. Thereby, this coffee maker 100 can make coffee, steam milk, etc. with fresh water, and it becomes possible to aim at the improvement of hygiene.

  The steam pipe 13b and the heat sink 5 are connected by a pipe 32 (see FIG. 3). The pipe 32 prevents the milk from being sucked up from the milk cup M when the steam in the boiler 3 cools and contracts. Therefore, the coffee maker 100 does not suck milk from the milk cup M even if the steam in the boiler 3 cools after producing steam milk or the like.

  Next, each process at the time of making coffee is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart when making coffee. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating the flow directions of water and hot water in the extraction step, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating the flow directions of water and hot water in the discharge step. In addition, the black arrow shown in the figure shows the flow direction of water, and the white arrow shown in the figure shows the flow direction of hot water.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the user of the coffee maker 100 first attaches a dripper D in which a filter and a predetermined amount of coffee powder are set in advance to the coffee maker 100 as shown in FIG. And the server S which stores the extracted coffee is arrange | positioned on the mounting base formed in the lower part in the main body of the coffee maker 100 under the dripper D. Thereafter, the coffee maker 100 starts the following operation when the power switch SW is in the “ON” state for coffee production. The coffee maker 100 is characterized in that a discharging process is performed after an extracting process for producing coffee.

<Extraction process>
In step S <b> 101, the control device ECU operates the boiler 3. At this time, the operation mode of the boiler 3 is the “water heating mode”. Here, the hot water mode refers to an operating state in which the boiler 3 is quickly heated to a predetermined temperature. In addition, the temperature of the boiler 3 is measured using a temperature sensor, for example.

  In step S102, the control device ECU continues to operate the boiler 3. At this time, the operation mode of the boiler 3 is the “heat retention mode”. Here, the heat retention mode refers to an operation state in which the boiler 3 is maintained at a predetermined temperature. In the coffee maker 100, the temperature is maintained by appropriately switching between the operation and stop of the boiler 3.

  In step S103, the control device ECU operates the pump 2. At this time, the operation mode of the pump 2 is “dropping mode”. Here, the dripping mode refers to an operation state in which hot water boiled in the boiler 3 is sent to the discharge port 4 by pumping water to the boiler 3 (see FIG. 5A). The amount of water per unit time guided to the boiler 3 is measured by the flow rate sensor FS.

  In step S104, the control device ECU stops the pump 2. This means that a predetermined amount of hot water has been discharged from the discharge port 4. The amount of hot water discharged from the discharge port 4 is estimated based on the amount of water guided to the boiler 3 in step S103. Further, the pump 2 may be stopped when the water in the tank 1 runs out.

  In step S105, the control device ECU determines whether or not the power switch SW has been turned off. That is, the control device ECU determines whether or not the power switch SW is turned off by operating the switching lever SL. Then, the control device ECU proceeds to step S106 when it is determined that the power switch SW is in the “OFF” state, and repeats step S105 when it is determined that the power switch SW is not in the “OFF” state. In addition, when the power switch SW is set to the “OFF” state when the pump 2 is operating, the control device ECU immediately stops the pump 2.

  In step S106, the control device ECU stops the boiler 3. And control device ECU starts the discharge process demonstrated below.

<Discharge process>
In step S107, the control device ECU opens the electromagnetic valve 7 in the “open” state. Thereby, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can discharge the water in the first water channel 10. Specifically, the water in the pipes 11 and 12 constituting the first water channel 10 can be discharged to the drain tray 6 through the second water channel 20 (see FIG. 5B). Moreover, this coffee maker 100 can discharge the hot water in the piping 13 which comprises the 1st water channel 10 to the waste_water | drain tray 6 via the 3rd water channel 30 by operating the switching lever SL (refer FIG. 5B).

  In step S108, the control device ECU determines whether or not the timer function unit T has passed a predetermined time. That is, the control device ECU determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed with the electromagnetic valve 7 in the “open” state. Then, the control unit ECU proceeds to step S109 when a predetermined time has elapsed with the electromagnetic valve 7 in the “open” state, and proceeds to step S107 when determining that the predetermined time has not elapsed with the electromagnetic valve 7 in the “open” state. Migrate to

  In step S109, the control unit ECU sets the electromagnetic valve 7 to the “closed” state. Thus, the coffee maker 100 ends a series of operations of the extraction process and the discharge process. The series of operations described above is an embodiment that can be considered in the coffee maker 100, and is not limited thereto.

  With such an operation, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can discharge the water remaining in the first water channel 10 after making coffee. Accordingly, the coffee maker 100 can improve hygiene even when coffee or steam milk is not created for a long period of time.

  In order to realize such an operation, the electromagnetic valve 7 is preferably of a so-called normally closed type specification that is in an “open” state when supplied with power. This is because no electric power is consumed in the extraction process and it is sufficient to operate only in the discharge process. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Next, each process at the time of producing steam milk etc. is demonstrated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for creating steam milk or the like. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating the flow directions of water and steam in the foaming step, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating the flow directions of water and steam in the discharge step. In addition, the black arrow shown in the figure shows the flow direction of water, and the white arrow shown in the figure shows the flow direction of steam.

  First, a user of the coffee maker 100 attaches a milk cup M, in which a predetermined amount of milk has been placed, to the coffee maker 100 as shown in FIG. 2B. Thereafter, the coffee maker 100 starts the following operation when the power switch SW is in the “ON” state for producing steam milk or the like. The coffee maker 100 is characterized in that a discharging process is performed after a foaming process for producing steam milk or the like.

<Bubbling process>
In step S <b> 201, the control device ECU operates the boiler 3. At this time, the operation mode of the boiler 3 is the “boiling mode”. Here, the boiling mode refers to an operating state in which the boiler 3 is quickly heated to a predetermined temperature. In addition, the temperature of the boiler 3 is measured using a temperature sensor, for example.

  In step S202, the control device ECU continues to operate the boiler 3. At this time, the operation mode of the boiler 3 is the “heat retention mode”. Here, the heat retention mode refers to an operation state in which the boiler 3 is maintained at a predetermined temperature. In the coffee maker 100, the temperature is maintained by appropriately switching between the operation and stop of the boiler 3.

  In step S203, the control device ECU determines whether or not the ejection switch is set to the “ON” state. That is, the control device ECU determines whether or not the ejection switch is set to the “ON” state by operating the switching lever SL. Then, the control device ECU proceeds to step S204 when it is determined that the ejection switch is in the “ON” state, and proceeds to step S202 when it is determined that the power switch SW is not in the “ON” state.

  In step S204, the control device ECU operates the pump 2. At this time, the operation mode of the pump 2 is the “ejection mode”. Here, the ejection mode refers to an operation state in which steam generated in the boiler 3 is sent to the discharge port 4 by pumping water to the boiler 3 (see FIG. 7A). The amount of water per unit time guided to the boiler 3 is measured by the flow rate sensor FS.

  In step S205, the control unit ECU determines whether or not the ejection switch has been turned off. That is, the control device ECU determines whether or not the ejection switch is set to the “off” state by operating the switching lever SL. Then, the control unit ECU proceeds to step S206 when it is determined that the ejection switch is in the “OFF” state, and proceeds to step S204 when it is determined that the power switch SW is not in the “OFF” state.

  In step S206, the control device ECU stops the pump 2. Thus, the amount of steam discharged from the discharge port 4 can be appropriately changed by the operation of the switching lever SL by the user. Further, the pump 2 may be stopped when the water in the tank 1 runs out.

  In step S207, the control device ECU determines whether or not the power switch SW is in the “OFF” state. That is, the control device ECU determines whether or not the power switch SW is turned off by operating the switching lever SL. Then, the control device ECU proceeds to step S208 when it is determined that the power switch SW is in the “OFF” state, and repeats step S207 when it is determined that the power switch SW is not in the “OFF” state. In addition, when the power switch SW is set to the “OFF” state when the pump 2 is operating, the control device ECU immediately stops the pump 2.

  In step S208, the control device ECU stops the boiler 3. And control device ECU starts the discharge process demonstrated below.

<Discharge process>
In step S209, the control device ECU sets the electromagnetic valve 7 to the “open” state. Thereby, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can discharge the water in the first water channel 10. Specifically, the water in the pipes 11 and 12 constituting the first water channel 10 can be discharged to the drain tray 6 through the second water channel 20 (see FIG. 7B). Moreover, this coffee maker 100 can discharge | emit the vapor | steam in the piping 13 which comprises the 1st water channel 10 to the waste_water | drain tray 6 via the 3rd water channel 30 by operating the switching lever SL (refer FIG. 7B).

  In step S210, the control device ECU determines whether or not the timer function unit T has passed a predetermined time. That is, the control device ECU determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed with the electromagnetic valve 7 in the “open” state. Then, the control unit ECU proceeds to step S211 when a predetermined time has elapsed with the electromagnetic valve 7 in the “open” state, and proceeds to step S209 when determining that the predetermined time has not elapsed with the electromagnetic valve 7 in the “open” state. Migrate to

  In step S211, the control unit ECU sets the electromagnetic valve 7 to the “closed” state. Thus, the coffee maker 100 ends the series of operations of the foaming process and the discharging process. The series of operations described above is an embodiment that can be considered in the coffee maker 100, and is not limited thereto.

  By such an operation, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can discharge the water remaining in the first water channel 10 after producing steam milk or the like. Accordingly, the coffee maker 100 can improve hygiene even when coffee or steam milk is not created for a long period of time.

  In order to realize such an operation, the electromagnetic valve 7 is preferably of a so-called normally closed type specification that is in an “open” state when supplied with power. This is because power is not consumed in the foaming process, and it is sufficient to operate only in the discharging process. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Next, other embodiments that can be considered in the coffee maker 100 will be described.

  8 and 9 show flowcharts according to other embodiments. In addition, it demonstrates using the flowchart at the time of creating coffee as an example here. In the drawing, the same reference numerals as those used in the above description are given.

  FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened when the power switch SW is in the “ON” state, and the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, the coffee maker 100 can first perform the discharging process when the power switch SW is in the “ON” state for coffee production. Similarly, when the power switch SW is in the “ON” state for the production of steam milk or the like, it is possible to perform the discharging process first.

  By such an operation, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can discharge water remaining in the first water channel 10 before making coffee, steam milk, or the like. More specifically, the coffee maker 100 can discharge water in the pipes 11 and 12 constituting the first water channel 10 to the drain tray 6 through the second water channel 20 after making coffee, steam milk, or the like. . Thereby, this coffee maker 100 can produce coffee, steam milk, etc. reliably using fresh water, and can aim at the improvement of hygiene.

  In order to realize such an operation, the electromagnetic valve 7 is preferably of a so-called normally closed type specification that is in an “open” state when supplied with power. This is because no electric power is consumed in the extraction process and it is sufficient to operate only in the discharge process. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened when the power switch SW is in the “OFF” state, and the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed when the power switch SW is in the “ON” state. Thus, the coffee maker 100 keeps the electromagnetic valve 7 in the “open” state when the power switch SW is in the “off” state, and when the power switch SW is in the “on” state for making coffee, The electromagnetic valve 7 can be in a “closed” state. Similarly, when the power switch SW is in the “off” state, the electromagnetic valve 7 is set in the “open” state, and when the power switch SW is in the “on” state for producing steam milk or the like, the electromagnetic valve 7 is set to “ It can also be in the “closed” state.

  With such an operation, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can discharge water remaining in the first water channel 10 after making coffee, steam milk, or the like. Moreover, the first water channel 10 can be dried by opening the electromagnetic valve 7. More specifically, the coffee maker 100 can dry the pipes 11, 12, and 13 constituting the first water channel 10 by opening the electromagnetic valve 7. Accordingly, the coffee maker 100 can improve hygiene even when coffee or steam milk is not created for a long period of time. Moreover, coffee etc. can be created using fresh water, and it becomes possible to aim at the improvement of hygiene.

  In order to realize such an operation, the electromagnetic valve 7 preferably has a so-called normally open type specification that is in a “closed” state when receiving power supply. This is because the electromagnetic valve 7 can be maintained in the “open” state when the power switch SW is in the “off” state. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Next, other characteristic points of the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the drain tray 6. 11A to 11C are cross-sectional views showing the structure of the drain tray 6 according to another embodiment. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of hot water or steam.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the drain tray 6 of the coffee maker 100 has a pool 6p. The pool 6p is a recess formed in the floor plate of the drain tray 6. For this reason, the discharged water (including water that has been cooled and condensed by hot water or steam) is accumulated in the water reservoir 6p. And the hot water or steam discharged | emitted from the piping 23 is discharged toward the water collected in the water reservoir 6p.

  With such a configuration, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can absorb the discharged hot water or steam into the water accumulated in the water reservoir 6p or reduce the temperature. Thereby, this coffee maker 100 can suppress diffusion of high-temperature hot water or steam, and can improve safety.

  Such a design concept can also be realized by inclining the floor plate of the drain tray 6 as shown in FIG. 11A. That is, the water reservoir 6p is formed by inclining the floor plate of the drain tray 6. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11B, the same effect can be obtained by providing a partition plate 6dw on the floor plate of the drain tray 6.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the shielding plate 6sw is formed so as to surround the space above the water reservoir 6p, there is an additional effect. This is because the shielding plate 6sw hinders the flow of hot water or steam that has rolled up.

  With such a configuration, the coffee maker 100 according to the present embodiment can further suppress diffusion of hot water or steam. As a result, the coffee maker 100 can further improve safety.

100 Coffee Maker 1 Tank 2 Pump 3 Boiler 4 Discharge Port 5 Heat Sink 6 Drain Tray 7 Electromagnetic Valve 10 First Water Channel 20 Second Water Channel 30 Third Water Channel SW Power Switch

Claims (6)

A tank for storing water,
A pump for pumping water supplied from the tank;
A boiler for heating or boiling the water pumped from the pump;
In a coffee maker comprising a discharge port for discharging water (hot water) heated by the boiler or steam obtained by boiling,
A first water channel composed of pipes for guiding water (including hot water or steam) from the tank to the discharge port;
A second water channel constituted by each pipe that branches from the first water channel and guides water to a drain tray;
An electromagnetic valve disposed on the second water channel,
A coffee maker characterized in that the water in the first water channel can be discharged by opening the electromagnetic valve.   The coffee maker according to claim 1, wherein the second water channel is branched from a lowest position of the first water channel. The boiler is arranged above the pump;
The coffee maker according to claim 1, wherein the second water channel is branched from between the pump and the boiler in the first water channel. Comprising a control device for switching the electromagnetic valve so that it can be freely opened and closed;
4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device opens the electromagnetic valve when a power switch is turned off, and closes the electromagnetic valve after a predetermined time has elapsed. Coffee maker as described in. Comprising a control device for switching the electromagnetic valve so that it can be freely opened and closed;
4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device opens the electromagnetic valve when a power switch is in an “ON” state, and closes the electromagnetic valve after a predetermined time has elapsed. Coffee maker as described in. Comprising a control device for switching the electromagnetic valve so that it can be freely opened and closed;
2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device opens the electromagnetic valve when the power switch is turned off, and closes the electromagnetic valve when the power switch is turned on. The coffee maker according to claim 3.

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