JP2023170648A - coffee maker - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a coffee maker capable of suppressing retention of dew condensation water and capable of circulating steam or ambient air sufficiently.SOLUTION: A coffee maker 1 includes an extraction container (second container 42) for extracting coffee liquid from coffer powder using hot water and steam, a heater 23 for generating hot water or steam from water, and a tank 50 disposed in a distribution channel of steam from the heater 23 to the extraction container (second container 42). The tank 50 is configured so that the steam generated by the heater 23 can flow into and flow out to an internal space 56, and is configured so that the steam whose moisture content is made relatively small by separating water from the steam that has flowed into the internal space 56 is caused to flow out to a flow channel on the downstream side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a technology for a coffee maker that automatically extracts coffee liquid using coffee grounds and hot water.

Various techniques are known regarding coffee makers that automatically extract coffee liquid using coffee powder and hot water. The coffee maker includes, for example, a siphon type or a drip type.

BACKGROUND ART There is a known coffee maker equipped with an extraction container for extracting coffee liquid (see Patent Document 1). The coffee maker generates hot water from water in a heater, soaks coffee powder in hot water in an extraction container, and then filters the coffee powder by passing the coffee liquid through a filter to extract coffee liquid. Furthermore, some of the coffee makers perform an operation of stirring hot water and coffee grounds using steam generated by a heater when extracting coffee liquid.

JP2017-55980A

However, in the coffee maker, a large amount of condensed water may accumulate in the steam flow path from the heater to the brewing container. As described above, when a large amount of dew condensation water remains in the steam distribution path, the flow path becomes narrow, and steam may not be sufficiently distributed. Further, a part of the steam flow path may be configured as an outside air flow path when outside air is taken in when the pressure is released. As described above, if a large amount of dew condensation water remains in the flow path of the outside air when taking in outside air at the time of pressure release, the flow path becomes narrow and the operation at the time of pressure release may not be performed satisfactorily.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a coffee maker that can suppress the accumulation of condensed water and allow sufficient flow of steam or outside air. Take it as a challenge.

The coffee maker according to the present invention includes an extraction container that extracts coffee liquid from coffee grounds using hot water and steam, a heater that generates the hot water or the steam from water, and a heater that extracts the steam from the heater to the extraction container. a tank disposed in a flow path of the heater, the tank is configured to allow the steam generated by the heater to flow in and out of the interior space, and to separate water from the steam that has flowed into the interior space. It is configured so that the steam, which has a relatively low moisture content, flows out into the flow path on the downstream side.

According to the coffee maker according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of condensed water on the downstream side of the tank, and it is possible to sufficiently circulate steam or outside air.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the internal space is configured such that the lower space is wider than the upper space.

According to this configuration, it is possible to secure a space in which water separated from steam can be stored while preventing the tank main body from increasing in size as much as possible.

In the present invention, a portion of the tank where the steam flows into the internal space and a portion where the steam flows out from the internal space are larger than a portion where water separated from the steam and accumulated in the internal space flows out. Preferably, it is placed above.

According to this configuration, with a simplified configuration, steam can be allowed to flow in, water can be separated from the steam, and the steam with a relatively low moisture content can be allowed to flow out into the flow path on the downstream side.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the steam flow path connected to the tank near a portion where the steam flows out from the internal space is configured to extend upward.

According to this configuration, condensed water generated in the flow path near the tank due to the flow of steam easily flows down into the internal space, and the accumulation of condensed water in the steam flow path is more reliably suppressed. be able to.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a coffee maker according to the present invention. Similarly, a perspective view showing the coffee maker. Similarly, a front view showing the coffee maker. A rear view showing the internal structure of the coffee maker. A block diagram that also controls the coffee maker. A block diagram that also controls the coffee maker. Also of the same coffee maker, (A) Schematic diagram showing the state in which hot water is poured into the second container, (B) Schematic diagram showing the state in which coffee grounds are immersed in hot water, (C) Coffee liquid is passed through the filter and the coffee liquid is extracted. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the liquid is extracted from the second container and flows into the first container. Similarly, an enlarged front view showing the tank of the coffee maker. Similarly, a sectional view showing the tank of the coffee maker.

[Overall configuration of coffee maker]
Next, the coffee maker 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 will be explained. The coffee maker 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 is an embodiment of the coffee maker according to the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the coffee maker 1 is defined in a front-rear direction, a left-right direction, and an up-down direction, as indicated by the arrows shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. However, the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are not intended to limit the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the coffee maker according to the present invention. In addition, in the following description, the descriptions such as front, rear, left, right, top, bottom, etc. refer to the state in which each part constituting the coffee maker 1 is assembled in a predetermined position when the coffee maker 1 is used. It represents the direction as a reference.

The coffee maker 1 automatically extracts coffee liquid using coffee powder and hot water when operated by a user. The coffee maker 1 is an immersion type coffee maker 1, which extracts coffee liquid by soaking coffee powder in hot water and filtering it through a filter 44. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the coffee maker 1 includes a main body 2 and a brewing unit 40.

[Body]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body 2 includes an extraction switch 3, an ejection switch 4, an ejection port 5, and a taste setting section 6, and supports an extraction unit 40. The main body 2 has various parts built into its housing for the operation of the coffee maker 1 to extract coffee liquid. The main body 2 (housing) includes a lower part 7, a rear part 8, and an upper part 9, with the rear part 8 extending upward from the rear end of the lower part 7, and the upper part 9 extending forward from the upper end of the rear part 8. It has a roughly C-shape (U-shape) when viewed from the side. A support hole 10 penetrating vertically is formed in the upper part 9 (left side of the upper part 9) of the main body 2, and the main body 2 supports the extraction unit 40 in the support hole 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the extraction switch 3 is a push switch and is arranged on the upper surface of the right part of the upper part 9. Note that the extraction switch 3 is not limited to being a push switch, and may be configured with a touch panel or the like, for example, and is set as appropriate depending on the specifications, usage, etc. of the coffee maker 1. The discharge switch 4 is a lever switch and is arranged on the right side of the upper part 9. Note that the discharge switch 4 is not limited to being a lever switch, and may be configured with a touch panel or the like, for example, and is set as appropriate depending on the specifications, usage, etc. of the coffee maker 1. The discharge port 5 discharges coffee liquid based on a user's instruction. The discharge port 5 is provided on the lower surface of the right part of the upper part 9 and opens downward.

The taste setting part 6 is provided on the upper surface of the right part of the upper part 9. The taste setting section 6 is operated by the user to cause the coffee maker 1 to perform various operations and to perform various settings of the coffee maker 1. For example, by operating the taste setting section 6 by the user, the taste of the coffee liquid extracted by the coffee maker 1 (for example, selection of "clean" or "rich", or selection of "bitterness" or "bitterness") can be changed. A selection is made of ``that stands out''). The taste setting section 6 is composed of a plurality of touch switches. Note that the taste setting unit 6 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured with a touch panel, for example, and the display mode and switch operation configuration may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications and usage of the coffee maker 1. set to something.

[Extraction unit]
The extraction unit 40 extracts coffee liquid and stores the extracted coffee liquid. When the brewing switch 3 is operated by the user, the coffee maker 1 automatically starts the coffee liquid extraction operation in the brewing unit 40 based on the program stored in the control unit 11, and extracts the extracted coffee liquid. It is stored in the unit 40. When the user operates the discharge switch 4, the coffee liquid stored in the brewing unit 40 is discharged from the discharge port 5. The extraction unit 40 is detachably supported by the main body 2. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the extraction unit 40 includes a first container 41, a second container 42, a communication section 43, a filter 44, and a support section 60.

The first container 41 stores water that serves as the base of hot water (hot water or steam) for extracting coffee liquid. Water is stored in the first container 41 by the user. Furthermore, the first container 41 stores extracted coffee liquid. That is, the first container 41 is configured to serve both as a water tank for storing water and as a server container for storing coffee liquid. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first container 41 is arranged above (directly above) the second container 42 and the support section 60. The first container 41 is a hollow member, and includes a cylindrical portion and a substantially hemispherical lid portion disposed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion of the first container 41 is configured to be slightly flared in a side view. The first container 41 is configured to protrude upward from the upper surface of the upper part 9 of the main body 2 when the extraction unit 40 is attached to the main body 2 . The first container 41 is made of a resin material. The first container 41 is configured to be transparent or translucent so that the stored water, coffee liquid, etc. can be visually recognized from the outside. Note that the shape of the first container 41 is not limited to such a configuration, and can be made into an appropriate shape depending on the specifications, usage, etc. of the coffee maker 1. Furthermore, the first container 41 is not limited to being made of a resin material, or being transparent or translucent, and the material of the first container 41 may be selected depending on the specifications, usage, etc. of the coffee maker 1. .

The second container 42 extracts coffee liquid by mixing hot water and coffee grounds, soaking the coffee grounds in the hot water, and filtering this through a filter 44. That is, the second container 42 is configured as an extraction container that extracts coffee liquid from coffee powder. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second container 42 is arranged below (directly below) the first container 41 and the support section 60. The second container 42 is a cylindrical member with a bottom, and includes a cylindrical portion and a substantially hemispherical bottom portion disposed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion of the second container 42 is configured to have a slightly flared shape when viewed from the side. The second container 42 is configured to protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper part 9 of the main body 2 when the extraction unit 40 is attached to the main body 2. The second container 42 is made of a resin material. The second container 42 is transparent or translucent so that hot water, extracted coffee liquid, etc. can be visually recognized from the outside. Note that the shape of the second container 42 is not limited to such a configuration, and can be made into an appropriate shape depending on the specifications, usage, etc. of the coffee maker 1. The second container 42 is not limited to being made of a resin material, or being transparent or translucent, and the material of the second container 42 is selected depending on the specifications, usage, etc. of the coffee maker 1.

Regarding the positional relationship between the first container 41 and the second container 42, the first container 41 is not limited to being disposed directly above the second container 42; for example, the first container 41 is placed on the side of the second container 42. The first container 41 and the second container 42 may be arranged so that only a portion of each other overlaps in a plan view or a side view, or the first container 41 and the second container 42 may overlap each other in a plan view or a side view. The configuration may be such that the first container 41 and the second container 42 do not overlap in side view.

As shown in FIG. 5 or 7, the communication portion 43 is a cylindrical member that extends in the vertical direction. The communication portion 43 is configured with a communication portion 43a disposed within the first container 41 and a communication portion 43b disposed within the second container 42. An opening at the upper end of the communicating part 43a (one opening) is arranged in the first container 41, and an opening at the lower end of the communicating part 43a (the other opening) is connected to the support part 60. An opening (one opening) at the upper end of the communicating part 43 b is connected to the support part 60 , and an opening (the other opening) at the lower end of the communicating part 43 b is arranged within the second container 42 . The communicating portion 43a and the communicating portion 43b communicate with each other via the connecting portion 60 (the hole 74 of the connecting portion 60). The communication portion 43 is configured as a flow path through which coffee liquid flows. The coffee liquid (filtered coffee liquid) extracted in the second container 42 flows out of the second container 42 through the communication portion 43 and flows into the first container 41 . The communication portion 43 is made of a resin material. The communication portion 43 is configured to be transparent or semi-transparent so that the coffee liquid flowing therethrough can be visually recognized from the outside. Note that the communication portion 43 is not limited to being made of a resin material or being transparent or translucent, and a material or the like to be made of it is selected depending on the specifications, usage, etc. of the coffee maker 1. The shape of the communication portion 43 is not limited to such a configuration, and can be appropriately shaped depending on the specifications, usage, etc. of the coffee maker 1.

As shown in FIG. 5 or 7, the coffee liquid passes through the filter 44 to filter and remove coffee powder mixed in the coffee liquid. The filter 44 is arranged on a filter stand inside the second container 42, and divides the space inside the second container 42 into upper and lower parts. The filter 44 is disposed in the lower part of the second container 42 and near the upper part of the lower opening of the communication part 43 . The opening of the communication part 43 is not arranged in one (upper) space of the spaces divided by the filter 44 in the second container 42, and the opening of the communication part 43 is arranged in the other (lower) space. be done. A filter 44 is placed in the second container 42 by the user, and a predetermined amount of ground coffee is placed above said filter 44 by the user. When extracting the coffee liquid, coffee grounds are mixed in the coffee liquid in one (upper) space of the spaces divided by the filter 44 in the second container 42 . When extracting coffee liquid, in the other (lower) space of the spaces divided by the filter 44 in the second container 42, the coffee liquid passes through the filter 44, and the coffee powder is filtered by the filter 44. The coffee powder has been removed from the coffee liquid.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the support section 60 supports the first container 41 and the second container 42. As shown in FIGS. The support portion 60 is configured in a generally flat disk shape. The support part 60 is configured to be watertight by disposing a packing so that its upper surface and the lower end of the first container 41 (opening of the first container 41) are in contact with each other. With the first container 41 disposed on the upper surface of the support portion 60, water or coffee liquid or the like is stored in the space inside the first container 41. The space formed by the upper surface of the support part 60 and the inside of the first container 41 is configured as a closed space. The support part 60 is configured to be watertight by disposing a packing in a state where the lower surface thereof and the upper end of the second container 42 (opening of the second container 42) are in contact with each other. Coffee liquid is extracted and filtered in the space formed by the lower surface of the support part 60 and the inside of the second container 42. A through hole penetrating in the vertical direction is formed approximately in the center of the support portion 60 . The communication portion 43 is held by the support portion 60 while being inserted into the through hole. The support part 60 is arranged in the upper part 9 of the main body 2 when the extraction unit 40 is attached to the main body 2, and is connected to a flow pipe (a first flow pipe) which is a flow path for water, hot water, steam, coffee liquid, etc. pipe 101, second flow pipe 102, seventh flow pipe 107, ninth flow pipe 109, and eleventh flow pipe 111) (see FIG. 4).

[Details of main unit configuration]
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the main body 2 includes a control section 11, a power supply section 12, a flow meter 21, a water storage section 30, a first pump 22, a heater 23, and a first valve section 24. , a tank 50, a second pump 25, an atmosphere opening section 28, and a second valve section 29, and the control section 11 and the like are arranged within the housing. The main body 2 includes a plurality of flow pipes 101 to 113, which are flow paths for water, hot water, steam, coffee liquid, etc., and the plurality of flow pipes 101 to 113 are arranged within the housing.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 11 controls the coffee maker 1 (extraction switch 3, taste setting unit 6, power supply unit 12, flow meter 21, first pump 22, heater 23, first valve unit 24, second pump 25, second valve portion 29, etc.). The control unit 11 is electrically connected to the extraction switch 3, the power supply unit 12, the flow meter 21, the first pump 22, the heater 23, the first valve unit 24, the second pump 25, the second valve unit 29, etc. .

As shown in FIG. 6, the power supply unit 12 supplies power to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 supplies power to each part of the coffee maker 1 (extraction switch 3, taste setting unit 6, flow meter 21, first pump 22, The heater 23, the first valve part 24, the second pump 25, the second valve part 29, etc.) are supplied with electric power to perform various operations. The power supply unit 12 converts power supplied from an outlet of the coffee maker 1 via an outlet cable (not shown) into predetermined output power according to each part of the coffee maker 1 . Further, the coffee maker 1 is configured to be able to store electric power.

As shown in FIG. 3 or 5, the extraction unit 40 (first container 41) and the discharge port 5 are connected via the first flow pipe 101. When the user operates the discharge switch 4 to turn on the discharge, the coffee liquid stored in the brewing unit 40 (first container 41) passes through the first flow pipe 101 and is discharged from the discharge port 5. Ru. When the user operates the discharge switch 4 to turn the discharge OFF, the discharge of coffee liquid from the discharge port 5 is stopped. Note that, when the user operates the discharge switch 4, the discharge may be automatically turned off after a certain amount of coffee liquid is discharged from the discharge port 5.

As shown in FIG. 4 or 5, the extraction unit 40 (first container 41) and the flow meter 21 are connected through the second flow pipe 102, and the flow meter 21 and the water storage section are connected through the third flow pipe 103. 30 are connected, the water storage section 30 and the first pump 22 are connected through the fourth flow pipe 104, the first pump 22 and the heater 23 are connected through the fifth flow pipe 105, and the sixth flow pipe The heater 23 and the first valve section 24 are connected through a pipe 106, and the first valve section 24 and the extraction unit 40 (second container 42) are connected through a seventh flow pipe 107. The first valve part 24 and the tank 50 are connected through the eighth flow pipe 108, and the tank 50 and the extraction unit 40 (support part 60) are connected through the ninth flow pipe 109. The tank 50 and the second pump 25 are connected through the tenth flow pipe 110, and the second pump 25 and the extraction unit 40 (second container 42) are connected through the eleventh flow pipe 111. The tank 50, the second valve part 29, and the atmosphere opening part 28 are connected through the twelfth flow pipe 112. The second valve part 29 and the atmosphere opening part 28 are connected through the thirteenth flow pipe 113.

As shown in FIG. 4 or 5, the flow meter 21 is disposed on the water flow path where the water stored in the first container 41 flows out of the first container 41 and flows into the heater 23. The flow meter 21 measures the flow rate of water stored in the first container 41 flowing out from the first container 41 and flowing downstream (to the heater 23 side). Information regarding the flow rate of water measured by the flow meter 21 is transmitted to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 controls the output of the first pump 22 based on the information regarding the water flow rate so that the set water flow rate is achieved. The water storage unit 30 is disposed upstream of the heater 23 and is disposed on the water flow path where the water stored in the first container 41 flows out of the first container 41 and flows into the heater 23 . Some of the water stored in the first container 41 is temporarily stored in the water storage section 30 before flowing into the heater 23.

As shown in FIG. 4 or 5, the first pump 22 sucks water in the first container 41 and supplies it to the downstream side (heater 23 side). The first pump 22 performs the water suction operation when the user operates the extraction switch 3 to start the coffee liquid extraction operation. The heater 23 is a water heater 23 (flow-through heater). The water sucked by the first pump 22 and stored in the first container 41 passes through the heater 23 so that the water can be warmed (heated) to generate hot water or steam. The first valve part 24 is a three-way valve, and when the user operates the extraction switch 3 to start the extraction operation of coffee liquid, the first valve part 24 is directed to the seventh flow pipe 107 side (second container 42 side). The flow path or the flow path to the eighth flow pipe 108 side (tank 50 side) is opened.

As shown in FIG. 4 or 5, the tank 50 is arranged on the path through which water, hot water, or steam flows out from the heater 23 and flows into the extraction container 40 (first container 41 or second container 42). be done. The second pump 25 sucks water accumulated in the tank 50 and supplies it to the downstream side (second container 42 side). When the second valve part 29 is in an open state, the atmosphere opening part 28 connects the extraction container 40 to the ninth flow path 109, the tank 50, the twelfth flow pipe 112, the second valve part 29, and the thirteenth flow path 113. Unnecessary steam, gas, etc. are exhausted to the outside of the coffee maker 1 through. The atmosphere opening part 28 is an inflow part of the outside air when the outside air is taken into the extraction container 40 etc. at the time of pressure release, and opens at the upper end part of the main body 2 (the upper part 9 of the main body 2). At the time of pressure release, outside air is released into the first container 41 through the atmosphere opening part 28, the thirteenth flow path 113, the second valve part 29, the twelfth flow pipe 112, the tank 50, and the ninth flow path 109. Inflow.

[About the operation of extracting coffee liquid]
Next, the operation of extracting coffee liquid by the coffee maker 1 will be explained. First, as shown in FIG. 7(A), when the user operates the extraction switch 3 to start the extraction operation of coffee liquid, the first pump 22 is activated and the coffee liquid is stored in the first container 41. The water flows out of the extraction unit 40 and flows into the water storage section 30 via the second flow pipe 102, the flow meter 21, and the third flow pipe 103. The water that has entered the water storage section 30 flows out from the water storage section 30 and flows into the heater 23 via the fourth flow pipe 104, the first pump 22, and the fifth flow pipe 105. When the heater 23 is filled with water, the water storage section 30 is also filled with water. When water is stored in the water storage section 30, the flow meter 21 is able to detect the flow rate of water flowing to the heater 23 side. When the heater 23 is filled with water, the water flow path is filled with water from the heater 23 to the water storage section 30. The water that has flowed into the heater 23 is heated by the heater 23 and first generated into steam, which is distributed downstream, and then the water stored in the water storage section 30 flows into the heater 23 and is continuously generated into hot water. be done. The steam generated by the heater 23 flows out from the heater 23 and flows into the second container 42 via the seventh flow pipe 107, steaming the coffee powder on the filter 44 for a predetermined time. After the coffee powder on the filter 44 in the second container 42 is steamed for a predetermined period of time by the steam, the flow of steam is stopped, and the hot water generated by the heater 23 is continuously flowed from the heater 23. It flows out and flows into the second container 42 via the seventh flow pipe 107. When a predetermined amount of hot water flows into the second container 42, the operation of the first pump 22 is stopped. In this way, the water in the first container 41 is drained, the water is turned into hot water, and the hot water is made to flow into the second container 42 (pouring into the second container 42).

Then, as shown in FIG. 7(B), hot water and coffee powder were mixed in the second container 42 (in the upper space of the second container 42) for a predetermined time, and the coffee powder was immersed in the hot water. state (immersed state). A predetermined period of time for soaking the coffee powder in the hot water is set in advance.

Further, when mixing hot water and coffee powder to make the coffee powder immersed in the hot water, steam is flowed into the second container 42 and the hot water and coffee powder are stirred by the steam. At this time, the first pump 22 is activated, and the water stored in the water storage section 30 flows out from the water storage section 30 and flows into the heater 23 after generating hot water, which is heated by the heater 23 to generate steam. be done. Then, the steam heated by the heater 23 flows out from the heater 23 and flows into the tank 50 via the sixth flow pipe 106, the first valve portion 24, and the eighth flow pipe 108. The steam that has entered the tank 50 flows out of the tank 50 and flows into the first container 41 through the ninth flow pipe 109 . The steam that has flowed into the first container 41 flows into the second container 42 through the communication portion 43 .
In this way, steam is caused to flow into the second container 42 and the hot water and coffee powder are stirred by the steam. After the hot water and coffee powder are stirred by steam for a predetermined period of time, the operation of the first pump 22 is stopped. The timing at which steam flows into the second container 42 (the timing at which the first pump 22 operates), the amount of steam, etc. are predetermined by a program or the like. By opening and closing the second valve portion 29, the release to the atmosphere is adjusted during the operation of stirring hot water and coffee grounds using steam. In the operation of stirring the hot water and coffee grounds with steam, the second valve part 29 is generally in a closed state, and when the operation of stirring hot water and coffee grounds with steam is finished, the second valve part 29 is in an open state. be done. In addition, regarding "the operation of flowing steam into the second container 42 and stirring the hot water and coffee grounds with the steam when mixing hot water and coffee grounds and making the coffee grounds immersed in hot water," , or may be configured such that the steam heated by the heater 23 flows from the heater 23 into the second container 42 without passing through the first container 41 and the communication portion 43. shall be.

After the coffee powder is soaked in hot water for a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. The coffee liquid extracted in step 42 is caused to flow out of the second container 42 through the communication portion 43 and flow into the first container 41 . At this time, a pressure difference is created between the inside of the first container 41 and the inside of the second container 42, and the coffee liquid is passed from the second container 42 to the first container 41 via the communication part 43 while being filtered by the filter 44. move it. A configuration in which a pressure difference is created between the inside of the first container 41 and the inside of the second container 42, and the coffee liquid is transferred from the second container 42 to the first container 41 via the communication part 43 while being filtered by the filter 44. For example, an actuator such as a pump may be used to suck the gas in the first container 41 to reduce the pressure inside the first container 41, or to make steam flow into the second container 42 to pressurize the inside of the second container 42. There are configurations that allow pressure to be applied. When the extracted coffee liquid is transferred from the second container 42 to the first container 41, the second valve portion 29 is closed and the inside of the first container 41 is sealed. After the extracted coffee liquid is transferred from the second container 42 to the first container 41, the second valve part 29 is opened and the pressure is released, and the atmosphere opening part 28 and the thirteenth channel 113 are opened. , the outside air flows into the first container 41 through the second valve portion 29 , the twelfth flow pipe 112 , the tank 50 , and the ninth flow path 109 . As described above, the coffee maker 1 performs the operation of extracting coffee liquid.

〔tank〕
As shown in FIG. 4 or 5, the tank 50 is arranged between the heater 23 and the extraction container 40 in the water, hot water, or steam flow path. The tank 50 is arranged in a hot water or steam flow path from the heater 23 to the extraction container 40. The tank 50 is configured to allow water, hot water, steam (steam containing a relatively large amount of water), etc. to flow in and out. The tank 50 separates as much water (condensation) as possible from the inflowing steam, and transfers the steam with relatively low moisture content to a downstream flow path (the ninth flow pipe 109 or the twelfth flow pipe 109). 112). Note that the steam flowing into the tank 50 is steam for stirring hot water and coffee grounds, but since it is generated by the heater 23 immediately after generating hot water for soaking the coffee grounds, the heater It often contains a relatively large amount of water due to the residual hot water in the tank.

In this way, the tank 50 is arranged in the steam distribution path from the heater 23 to the extraction container 40, and separates water from the inflowing steam and transfers the steam with relatively low moisture content to the downstream flow path (the ninth Since the flow pipe 109 or the twelfth flow pipe 112) is configured to flow out, even if steam flows downstream of the tank 50 (inside the steam or outside air flow path), condensed water is prevented from remaining. This allows for sufficient steam or outside air circulation.

As shown in FIG. 8 or 9, the tank 50 includes a first connecting portion 51, a second connecting portion 52, a third connecting portion 53, a fourth connecting portion 54, a tank body 55, and an internal space 56. and.

As shown in FIG. 8 or 9, the tank body 55 of the tank 50 is a box-shaped member having a hollow interior. The space inside the tank body 55 is configured as an internal space 56. Tank 50 is configured to separate water from incoming steam in interior space 56 . The tank 50 is configured such that water separated from the steam or condensed water (water) in the flow path of hot water or steam from the heater 23 to the extraction container 40 is stored in the internal space 56 .

As shown in FIG. 8 or 9, the internal space 56 of the tank 50 (the space through which the steam in the internal space 56 flows) is connected to the steam flow path (the eighth distribution pipe 108 and the ninth distribution pipe 108) connected to the tank 50. 109), so that when steam enters, water is easily separated. The interior space 56 is configured such that the upper space is relatively narrow and the lower space is relatively wide. The back surface of the tank body 55 is configured to be inclined vertically and vertically, and the internal space 56 is configured such that the width in the front and back direction gradually increases as it goes downward.

In this way, the internal space 56 is configured such that the lower space is wider than the upper space, and the width in the front and back direction gradually increases as it goes downward, so that the tank body 55 ( It is possible to secure a space in which water separated from steam can be stored while preventing the internal space 56 from increasing in size as much as possible. Further, since the internal space 56 is configured so that the space gradually becomes wider as it goes downward from the part where the steam flows into the internal space 56 (the part where the first connection part 51 is provided), the steam enters the internal space 56. It is possible to suppress the formation of condensed water due to a sudden enlargement of the space near the inflow portion.

As shown in FIG. 8 or 9, the first connecting portion 51, the second connecting portion 52, the third connecting portion 53, and the fourth connecting portion 54 of the tank 50 are each configured in a cylindrical shape. The first connecting portion 51 is arranged above the third connecting portion 53. The first connecting portion 51 is configured to protrude upward from the left side of the upper end (top surface) of the tank body 55 . The inside of the first connecting portion 51 communicates with the internal space 56 . An eighth flow pipe 108 is connected to the first connection part 51 , and water, hot water, or steam flows from the first connection part 51 into the internal space 56 via the eighth flow pipe 108 . That is, in the tank 50, water, hot water, or steam flows downward from the upper end of the tank body 55 into the internal space 56. The second connecting portion 52 is arranged above the third connecting portion 53. The second connecting portion 52 is configured to protrude upward from the right side of the upper end (upper surface) of the tank body 55. The second connection part 52 is arranged near the first connection part 51. The inside of the second connecting portion 52 communicates with the internal space 56 . A ninth flow pipe 109 is connected to the second connection portion 52 , and the steam in the internal space 56 flows out from the second connection portion 52 through the ninth flow pipe 109 . That is, in the tank 50, steam flows upward from the upper end of the tank body 55 to the outside of the internal space 56.

As shown in FIG. 8 or 9, the third connecting portion 53 of the tank 50 is configured to protrude rightward from the right side (lower side surface) of the lower end portion of the tank body 55. The inside of the third connecting portion 53 communicates with the internal space 56 . A tenth flow pipe 110 is connected to the third connection portion 53, and water or hot water (liquid) accumulated in the internal space 56 flows out from the third connection portion 53 through the tenth flow pipe 110. That is, in the tank 50, water or hot water accumulated in the internal space 56 flows out of the internal space 56 from the lower end of the tank body 55. The fourth connecting portion 54 is arranged above the third connecting portion 53. The fourth connecting portion 54 is configured to protrude rightward from the right side (upper side surface) of the upper end portion of the tank body 55. The inside of the fourth connecting portion 54 communicates with the internal space 56 . A twelfth flow pipe 112 is connected to the fourth connection portion 54 , and the steam in the internal space 56 flows out from the fourth connection portion 54 through the twelfth flow pipe 112 . That is, in the tank 50, steam flows out from the upper end of the tank body 55 to the outside of the internal space 56.

In this way, the portion of the tank 50 where steam flows into the internal space 56 (the first connecting portion 51) and the portion where the steam flows out from the internal space 56 (the second connecting portion 52 and the fourth connecting portion 54) are connected to the internal space. It is arranged above the part (third connection part 53) from which the liquid accumulated in the inside 56 flows out. For this reason, for example, with a simplified configuration without providing a steam suction mechanism, steam is allowed to flow in, water is separated from the steam, and the steam, which has a relatively low moisture content, is discharged to the downstream flow path. can do.

In this way, the portion where steam flows into the internal space 56 (the first connecting portion 51) and the portion where the steam flows out from the internal space 56 (the second connecting portion 52 and the fourth connecting portion 54) are connected to the internal space 56, respectively. Since it is disposed above the inner space 56, the steam flows through a relatively narrow space in the internal space 56, and the steam inflow and outflow operations can be performed relatively smoothly.

The first connecting portion 51 of the tank 50 is configured to protrude upward from the upper end of the tank body 55, and the eighth flow pipe 108 extends upward from the portion (first connecting portion 51) where steam flows into the internal space 56. configured to emit. The second connecting portion 52 is configured to protrude upward from the upper end of the tank body 55, and the ninth flow pipe 109 extends upward from the portion (second connecting portion 52) from which steam flows out from the internal space 56. It is configured as follows. The fourth connection part 54 is configured to protrude to the right from the right side (upper side surface) of the upper end of the tank body 55, and connects the part (fourth connection part 54) from which steam flows out from the internal space 56 to the twelfth flow A tube 112 is configured to extend laterally and immediately upwardly. In this way, the steam flow path (eighth flow pipe 108) connected to the tank body 55 near the part where steam flows into the internal space 56, and the tank main body 55 near the part where steam flows out from the internal space 56. The steam flow paths connected to the tank 50 (the ninth flow pipe 109 and the twelfth flow pipe 112) are configured to extend upward, so that the flow of steam causes the flow of steam near the tank 50. The condensed water generated in the flow path easily flows down into the internal space 56, and it is possible to more reliably prevent condensed water from staying in the steam flow path.

As shown in FIG. 8 or 9, the internal space 56 of the tank 50 is configured such that water tends to accumulate in a portion of the bottom (right side of the bottom). The internal space 56 is configured such that its bottom surface is inclined toward the lower right and upper left, such that the right portion of the bottom of the internal space 56 is the lowest position. The third connecting part 53 is provided on the right side of the lower end of the tank body 55 and is configured to communicate at the lowest position (right part of the bottom) of the internal space 56. In this way, since the part (third connection part 53) from which the water or hot water (liquid) accumulated in the internal space 56 flows out is configured to communicate at the lowest position (the right part of the bottom), the interior Outflow to the outside of the space 56 can be ensured. Note that the internal space 56 is not limited to having its bottom inclined toward the lower right and upper left, but may be configured so that water tends to accumulate in the center or left portion of the bottom. The bottom may be configured with a flat surface.

Note that when the coffee powder is immersed in hot water in the second container 42, the hot water generated by the heater 23 flows out of the heater 23 and flows into the second container 42 via the seventh flow pipe 107. Instead of the configuration, via the tank 50 (sixth flow pipe 106, first valve part 24, eighth flow pipe 108, tank 50, tenth flow pipe 110, second pump 25, and eleventh flow pipe 111) It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the liquid flows into the second container 42.
When steaming the coffee powder on the filter 44 in the second container 42, instead of the structure in which the steam generated by the heater 23 flows out from the heater 23 and flows into the second container 42 via the seventh flow pipe 107. , the second container via the tank 50 (sixth flow pipe 106, first valve part 24, eighth flow pipe 108, tank 50, tenth flow pipe 110, second pump 25, and eleventh flow pipe 111) 42 may also be adopted.

The tank 50 is configured to store hot water to be mixed with the coffee liquid in the brewing container 40. In the coffee maker 1, hot water stored in a tank 50 is mixed with the coffee liquid in the process of extracting the coffee liquid using hot water.

[About the operation of mixing the hot water stored in the tank with the coffee liquid]
Next, in the coffee maker 1, the operation of mixing hot water stored in the tank 50 (internal space 56) with the coffee liquid in the process of extracting the coffee liquid using hot water in order to adjust the temperature or taste of the coffee liquid will be explained. . When the coffee liquid extraction operation is started, the water stored in the first container 41 flows out of the extraction unit 40 and flows into the water storage section 30, and the water that flowed into the water storage section 30 flows into the heater 23. . The water that has flowed into the heater 23 flows out of the heater 23 and flows into the tank 50 (internal space 56) where it is stored, before being heated by the heater 23 and generated into steam. The amount of water stored in tank 50 is set in advance.

Thereafter, as described above, the water flowing into the heater 23 is heated by the heater 23 and generated into steam, and the steam generated by the heater 23 flows out from the heater 23 and passes through the seventh flow pipe 107 to the seventh flow pipe 107. The coffee powder flows into the second container 42 and is steamed for a predetermined period of time. Next, the hot water generated by the heater 23 flows out from the heater 23 and flows into the second container 42 via the seventh flow pipe 107 to mix the hot water and coffee grounds for a predetermined period of time to soak the coffee grounds in the hot water. state. Further, when mixing hot water and coffee powder to make the coffee powder immersed in the hot water, steam is flowed into the second container 42 and the hot water and coffee powder are stirred by the steam. Furthermore, the water that has flowed into the heater 23 is heated by the heater 23 and generated into steam, and the steam generated by the heater 23 flows out from the heater 23 and flows through the sixth flow pipe 106, the first valve part 24, and the steam generated by the heater 23. It flows into the tank 50 via the eighth flow pipe 108. The steam flowing into the tank 50 flows out from the tank 50 and flows into the second container 42 through the first container 41 and the communication part 43, thereby stirring the hot water and coffee powder.

Here, when the steam that stirs the hot water and coffee powder flows into the tank 50, the water stored in the tank 50 hits the steam and is heated to become hot water. The water stored in the tank 50 is heated by steam to a preset temperature (for example, 70° C.). The temperature of hot water or water in the tank 50 is measured by a temperature sensor placed near the tank 50. Note that the temperature of the hot water heated by steam is not limited to 70°C, and may be other temperatures. In this way, hot water is stored in the tank 50. After the operation of stirring the hot water and coffee powder by steam is completed, the second pump 25 is operated to transfer the hot water stored in the tank 50 to the tenth flow pipe 110, the second pump 25, and the eleventh pump. It is made to flow into the extraction unit 40 (second container 42) via the flow pipe 111. In this manner, in the process of extracting coffee liquid, the hot water stored in the tank 50 is mixed with the coffee liquid (a mixture of hot water and coffee powder) that has been stirred by steam. Then, the extracted coffee liquid (coffee liquid mixed with hot water stored in the tank 50) is transferred from the second container 42 to the first container 41, and the operation of extracting the coffee liquid is completed.

As described above, the tank 50 for storing hot water to be mixed with the coffee liquid is provided, and the temperature of the extracted coffee liquid is adjusted by mixing the hot water stored in the tank 50 with the coffee liquid during the process of extracting the coffee liquid using hot water. Or you can adjust the taste.

As described above, the steam generated by the heater 23 flows into the tank 50 and heats the water in the tank 50 to turn it into hot water, making it possible to adjust the temperature or taste of the extracted coffee liquid. What can be done can be realized with a simple configuration.

When water separated from steam or condensed water in the hot water or steam distribution path from the heater 23 to the extraction container 40 is stored in the internal space 56 of the tank 50, the steam in the internal space 56 is stored. The separated water or condensed water and the hot water in the tank 50 are integrated. In this way, the tank 50 has both the function of storing water separated from steam or condensed water and the function of storing hot water to be mixed with coffee liquid. It can be constructed more compactly than those in which the function of storing hot water to be mixed with water is constructed separately.

When mixing the hot water stored in the tank 50 with the coffee liquid, instead of supplying the hot water stored in the tank 50 to the second container 42 and mixing it with the coffee liquid, a second pump is used via the eleventh distribution pipe 111. 25 and the first container 41 may be connected to each other, and the hot water stored in the tank 50 may be supplied to the second container 42 and mixed with the coffee liquid. At this time, the hot water generated by the heater 23 may be stored in the tank 50.

It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the steam generated by the heater 23 flows into the tank 50 to heat the hot water in the tank 50. With this configuration, the temperature of the hot water in the tank 50 can be adjusted to more precisely adjust the temperature or taste of the extracted coffee liquid. The taste setting section 6 may be operated by the user to adjust the temperature of the hot water or water in the tank 50 to an arbitrary temperature. The operation of adjusting the temperature of hot water or water in the tank 50 to an arbitrary temperature is performed by controlling the output of the heater 23 by the control unit 11 based on information regarding the temperature transmitted from the temperature sensor. You can also. By adjusting the temperature of hot water or water in the tank 50 to an arbitrary temperature in this way, it is possible to more precisely adjust the temperature or taste of the extracted coffee liquid.

Instead of a configuration in which the timing at which water or hot water flows into the tank 50 (internal space 56) is before the steam for steaming coffee powder flows into the extraction container 40 (second container 42) (before hot water is poured into the extraction container 40). During or after pouring the hot water into the extraction container 40, but before the steam that stirs the pre-hot water and the coffee powder flows into the extraction container 40 (second container 42). shall also be good. The timing at which water or hot water flows into the tank 50 is before the steam for steaming coffee powder flows into the extraction container 40 (second container 42) (before pouring hot water into the extraction container 40); It may be during the pouring of hot water into the brewing container 40 or after pouring the hot water into the extraction container 40, but before the steam that stirs the pre-hot water and the coffee powder flows into the extraction container 40 (second container 42). . The taste setting unit 6 may be operated by the user to allow water or hot water to flow into the tank 50 at any timing. In this way, by setting the timing at which water or hot water flows into the tank 50 to be arbitrary, the temperature of the hot water stored in the tank 50 can be adjusted to more precisely adjust the temperature or taste of the extracted coffee liquid. be able to.

In the coffee maker 1, the hot water stored in the tank 50 is mixed with the coffee liquid at the final stage of the coffee liquid extraction process.By being configured in this way, the coffee maker 1 is heated without being used in the coffee liquid extraction process. It is possible to suppress the generation of wasteful water remaining in the tank.

Instead of a configuration in which the timing for flowing the hot water stored in the tank 50 into the extraction unit 40 (second container 42) is after the operation of stirring the hot water and coffee powder with steam in the second container 42 is completed, After pouring hot water into the second container 42 and before the operation of stirring the hot water and coffee grounds with steam in the second container 42, or the operation of stirring the hot water and coffee grounds with steam in the second container 42 It may be inside. The timing at which the hot water stored in the tank 50 flows into the extraction unit 40 is determined by moving the hot water stored in the tank 50 from the second container 42 to the first container 41 and then supplying the hot water stored in the tank 50 to the first container 41. It shall be acceptable to do so. The user may operate the flavor setting section 6 to cause the hot water stored in the tank 50 to flow into the extraction unit 40 at any timing. By allowing the hot water stored in the tank 50 to flow into the extraction unit 40 at an arbitrary timing as described above, it is possible to more precisely adjust the temperature or taste of the extracted coffee liquid.

The amount of hot water or water stored in the tank 50 can also be set to an arbitrary amount by operating the taste setting section 6 by the user. By setting the amount of hot water or water stored in the tank 50 to an arbitrary amount in this way, it is possible to more precisely adjust the temperature or taste of the extracted coffee liquid.

1 Coffee maker 2 Main unit 23 Heater 41 First container (water container and server container)
42 Second container (extraction container)
50 Tank 55 Main body 56 Internal space

Claims (4)

an extraction container that extracts coffee liquid from coffee grounds using hot water and steam;
a heater that generates the hot water or the steam from water;
a tank disposed in a flow path of the steam from the heater to the extraction container,
The tank is configured to allow the steam generated by the heater to flow in and out of the interior space, and separates water from the steam that has flowed into the interior space, so that the steam with a relatively low moisture content is transferred to the downstream side. A coffee maker configured to drain into a flow path. The internal space is configured such that the lower space is wider than the upper space.
The coffee maker according to claim 1. A portion of the tank where the steam flows into the internal space and a portion where the steam flows out from the internal space are arranged above a portion where water separated from the steam and accumulated in the internal space flows out. The coffee maker according to claim 1 or claim 2. 4. The coffee maker according to claim 3, wherein the steam flow path connected to the tank near the part where the steam exits from the internal space is configured to extend upward.

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