JP3013208B2 - Beverage brewing equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a beverage extracting apparatus for extracting a beverage such as a hot water supply device, a tea supply device and a water cooler.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A beverage brewing apparatus of this type has a heating tank and a cooling tank built in the body of the machine, and the hot water and the cold water in the cooling tank are operated by operating an extraction button installed on the front of the body. , And is extracted into a cup or the like set in an extraction unit provided on the front of the body.

[0003] By the way, as a method for extracting a beverage, there is a quantitative extraction for extracting a certain amount of beverage by operating the extraction button once, or a continuous extraction for continuously extracting the beverage by continuously operating the extraction button. is there.

[0004] Conventionally, in order to cope with each extraction method, there is a beverage extraction device in which a changeover switch of the extraction method is provided inside the body of the machine, and the changeover switch can select either quantitative extraction or continuous extraction. . However, this beverage extraction device has a problem that only one of the extraction methods of the quantitative extraction and the continuous extraction can be performed.

[0005] Therefore, there is a beverage extraction device in which an extraction button for quantitative extraction and an extraction button for continuous extraction are installed on the front of the body so that both quantitative extraction and continuous extraction can be performed.

[0006]

As described above, in the conventional beverage extraction device, when both quantitative extraction and continuous extraction can be performed, an extraction button for quantitative extraction and an extraction button for continuous extraction are used. And the number of extraction buttons installed on the front of the aircraft increases, especially when there are many types of extracted beverages, such as tea, hot and cold water, and many extraction buttons are installed on the front of the aircraft. As a result, the design becomes complicated, and the extraction button is easily operated by mistake.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a beverage extraction apparatus which can perform quantitative extraction and continuous extraction with a single switch, improve the design and improve operability. The purpose is to do so.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage brewing apparatus for brewing beverage by driving a brewing means by operating a switch, wherein the determining means determines the operation time of the switch, and the determining means. Control means for causing the extraction means to perform quantitative extraction when the switch operation time is determined to be within the quantitative extraction designated time, and for performing continuous extraction by the extraction means when determined to be equal to or longer than the quantitative extraction designated time. is there.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the control means cancels the switch operation if the determining means determines that the switch operation time is equal to or longer than the fixed time extraction designated time and within the continuous extraction designated time. In this case, continuous extraction is performed by the extraction means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the control means, when the switch is operated again when the extracting operation is performed by the extracting means,
This is to stop the extraction operation by the extraction means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the control means stops the extraction by the extraction means when a continuous extraction allowable time has elapsed from the start of the continuous extraction by the extraction means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, if the control means determines that the operation time of the switch has continued for more than the continuous extraction time by the determination means, the control is continued. The continuous extraction is performed by the extraction means only during the operation.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, if the switch is operated, for example, for a short time (one-touch operation), the determination means determines that the time is within the designated extraction time, and the control means controls the extraction means to perform the quantitative extraction of the beverage. If the switch is operated for a long time, the determination means determines that the time is equal to or longer than the specified extraction time, and the control means controls the extraction means to perform continuous extraction of the beverage.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, if it is determined that the operation time of the switch is equal to or longer than the specified extraction time and within the specified continuous extraction time, the continuous operation of the beverage can be performed even if the switch is released. Allow extraction to take place.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, if a switch is operated again while performing quantitative extraction or continuous extraction, the extraction operation is stopped at that time. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, during continuous extraction, the extraction operation is stopped when a continuous extraction allowable time has elapsed from the start of the continuous extraction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, if it is determined that the operation time of the switch has continued for more than the designated continuous extraction time, the operation is continued while the switch is continuously operated. Continuous extraction is performed, and the extraction operation is stopped by releasing the operation of the switch.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The configuration of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of the beverage brewing apparatus. Reference numeral 1 denotes an airframe, and a door 2 is provided on the front surface of the airframe 1 so as to be rotatable and openable.

A tank 3 is provided in the body 1, a water supply pipe 4 for supplying a drink such as water into the tank 3 is connected to a lower portion of the tank 3, and hot water in the tank 3 is provided on a side surface. An extraction pipe 5 for extraction is provided in series. The extraction pipe 5 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 6 as extraction means for extracting hot water from the extraction pipe 5 and stopping the extraction. In addition, tank 3
Is provided with a heating means and a cooling means so as to boil or cool the water or the like supplied into the tank 3 so as to keep it at a constant temperature.

A raw material container 7 for storing raw materials such as tea leaves is disposed in the machine body 1, and the raw material in the raw material container 7 is delivered to a delivery pipe 8 at a lower portion of the raw material container 7. Raw material delivery means 9 is provided.

Further, on the lower front side in the body 1, an extraction unit is provided.
10 and a cup station section 11 are provided. The extraction unit 10 receives the raw material through the delivery pipe 8 and the hot water through the extraction pipe 5, and extracts, for example, tea with tea leaves and hot water to the cup station unit 11. The cup station section 11 is formed in a frame shape opening to the front, and a mounting table 11a on which a cup 12 for holding the extracted beverage is mounted is provided on the bottom face, and spills into the cup station section 11 on the bottom. A drain pipe 13 for discharging a drink or the like abandoned is continuously provided.

The door 2 is provided with a push button type switch 14 for instructing beverage extraction near the upper part, and an entrance 15 for inserting and removing the cup 12 from the front of the cup station part 11 near the lower part.
Is provided.

FIG. 1 shows a control block diagram of the beverage brewing apparatus. Reference numeral 21 denotes a control means. The control means 21 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 6 based on the input of a switch 14, and provides a lamp during beverage brewing. The lighting control of 22 is carried out, and the raw material sending means 9 is operated every predetermined number of times of extraction or each time of extraction. The lamp 22 is disposed near the switch 14 on the front surface of the door 2.

The control means 21 includes a discrimination timer 23 for measuring the operation time of the switch 14, and a first fixed amount extraction time T1 (shown in FIG. 5) suitable for extracting an appropriate amount of beverage into the cup 12. A first fixed-quantity extraction timer 24 for measuring
Continuous extraction allowable time (second quantitative extraction time) T2 which determines the maximum extraction time allowed at one time when beverages are continuously extracted.
Second quantitative extraction timer for timing (shown in FIG. 5)
A timer circuit 26 having 25 functions is provided. In addition,
The discriminating timer 23 starts the control means when the quantitative extraction designated time t1 (shown in FIG. 5) of, for example, about 1/2 second to several seconds and the continuous extraction designated time t2 (shown in FIG. 5) slightly longer than this are reached. Output the signal to 21.

Further, the control means 21 has a function of a discriminating means 27 for discriminating the operation time of the switch 14, and the operation time of the switch 14 is measured by a discrimination timer 23.
It is determined whether the state is extremely short within the designated quantitative extraction time t1, is longer than the designated quantitative extraction time t1 and is slightly longer than the designated continuous extraction time t2, or is longer than the designated continuous extraction time t2.

If the determination means 27 determines that the time is within the quantitative extraction designation time t1, the control means 21 causes the first quantitative extraction timer 24 to perform quantitative extraction for the first quantitative extraction time T1. If it is determined that the time is equal to or longer than the time t1 and within the continuous extraction designated time t2, control is performed so that continuous extraction is performed even when the operation of the switch 14 is released. In addition, if the switch 14 is operated again during the extraction operation, control is performed so that the extraction operation is stopped. In addition, the control is performed so that the extraction is stopped when the continuous extraction allowable time (second quantitative extraction time) T2 measured by the second quantitative extraction timer 25 has elapsed from the start of the continuous extraction. Further, if it is determined that the continuous extraction is continued for the specified time t2 or more, control is performed so that continuous extraction is performed only while the switch 14 is continuously operated.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 and the time chart of FIG.

(1) Quantitative Extraction (Refer to FIGS. 3 and 5 (a)) When quantitatively extracting a beverage, the push-button type switch 14 is pressed down for a short time (one-touch operation).

In the standby state, when the switch 14 is operated (step 1), the solenoid valve 6 is opened (step 2).
The lamp 22 is turned on (step 3), and the counting of the determination timer 23 for determining the operation time of the switch 14 is started (step 4). As a result, the hot and cold water in the tank 3 is extracted by the extraction unit 10, and the beverage rubbed with the raw material or mixed with the raw material in the extraction unit 10 is set in the cup station 11.
Extracted to 12, and the lighting of the lamp 22 indicates that extraction is in progress.

When the time of the determination timer 23 reaches the fixed amount extraction designated time t1 (step 5), it is determined whether or not the operation of the switch 14 has been released (step 6).

Here, since the switch 14 is operated only for a very short time by one-touch operation, the operation of the switch 14 is released when the fixed amount extraction designated time t1 is reached. Therefore, the timer of the determination timer 23 is cleared (step 7), and the timer of the first fixed-quantity extraction timer 24 is started (step 8).

Until the first fixed amount extraction timer 24 times out, it is determined whether or not the switch 14 has been operated again (steps 9 and 10).

When the first fixed-quantity extraction timer 24 has timed out, the timer of the first fixed-quantity extraction timer 24 is cleared (step 11), the solenoid valve 6 is closed (step 12), and the lamp is turned off with a slight delay (step). 13). Thereby, the extraction of hot water from the tank 3 is stopped, and the lamp 22
Is turned off to indicate that the extraction is completed. And
In the cup 12, a fixed amount of beverage is extracted.

After a fixed quantity of beverage is designated, if a small quantity below the fixed quantity is to be extracted, or if a small additional quantity is to be extracted, the switch 14 is operated again during the extraction.

That is, in step 9, if the switch 14 is operated again before the time of the first fixed-quantity extraction timer 24 expires, the process proceeds to steps 11 to 13, and the extraction of the beverage is stopped. Therefore, when the switch 14 is re-operated, the quantitative extraction is stopped, and a small amount of beverage below the quantitative amount can be extracted into the cup 12, or a small amount of beverage can be added to the cup 12 already containing the beverage.

(2) Continuous Extraction (See FIGS. 4 and 5 (b)) In the case of continuously extracting beverages, there are two operations. As the first continuous extraction (see FIG. 5 (b-1)), the push-button switch 14 is pressed down for a slightly longer time than the one-touch operation at the time of quantitative extraction.

When the switch 14 is operated in the standby state, the beverage is extracted to the cup 12 and the lamp 22 is turned on to indicate that the beverage is being extracted through steps 1 to 5. Then, in steps 5 and 6, the switch 14 is continuously operated when the time of the determination timer 23 reaches the fixed amount extraction designated time t1, so that the process proceeds to step 14.
When the count of the determination timer 23 reaches the continuous extraction designated time t2, it is determined whether or not the operation of the switch 14 has been released (step 15).

Here, since the switch 14 is operated only for a slightly longer time than the one-touch operation, the operation of the switch 14 is released when the continuous extraction designated time t2 is reached. Therefore, the timer of the determination timer 23 is cleared (step 16), and the timer of the second fixed-quantity extraction timer 25 is started (step 17).

Therefore, even if the operation of the switch 14 is released, the beverage is continuously extracted. During this continuous extraction, it is determined whether or not the switch 14 has been operated again (step 18), and it is also determined whether or not the second fixed-quantity extraction timer 25 has expired (step 19).

Then, when the desired amount of beverage is extracted into the cup 12, the switch 14 is operated again, or when the second fixed-quantity extraction timer 25 times out, the second fixed-quantity extraction timer is set.
Clear 25 (Step 20), proceed to Steps 11 to 13, and stop the extraction of the beverage and ramp
22 turns off and the completion of extraction is displayed.

Therefore, when the switch 14 is operated again, the extraction of the beverage is stopped, and the desired amount of the beverage can be continuously extracted.

It should be noted that the extraction of the beverage is stopped even when the second fixed-quantity extraction timer 25 has expired, because the water in the tank 3 becomes empty if the extraction state is left due to an operation error or the like, or In order to cope with the problem of supplying hot and cold water lacking in the proper temperature, etc. Also, as a usage method, the first fixed amount extraction corresponding to the timing of the first fixed amount extraction timer 24 is set to an amount suitable for a small cup. Against
Any purpose may be used, such as performing the second quantitative extraction corresponding to the timing of the second quantitative extraction timer 25 in an amount corresponding to the large cup.

Next, a second continuous extraction (see FIG. 5 (b-2))
As a continuous extraction designated time t2.
The push-down operation is performed continuously for a long time as described above.

In steps 14 and 15, the discrimination timer 23
When the time reaches the specified extraction time t2, the switch
Since the operation of the switch 14 has been continuously performed, the process proceeds to step 21, the timer of the determination timer 23 is cleared, and it is determined whether or not the operation of the switch 14 is released (step 22).

While the switch 14 is operated, the beverage is continuously extracted, and when the operation of the switch 14 is released, the process proceeds to steps 11 to 13, where the extraction of the beverage is stopped and slightly delayed. The lamp 22 is turned off and the completion of extraction is displayed.

Therefore, when the operation of the switch 14 is released, the extraction of the beverage is stopped, and the desired amount of beverage can be continuously extracted regardless of whether the amount is equal to or higher than the predetermined amount.

At the same time as the counting of the determination timer 23 in step 4 is started, the counting of the first fixed-quantity extraction timer 24 and the second fixed-quantity extraction timer 25 may be started.

Further, in order to make it easier for the user to select between the quantitative extraction and the continuous extraction by operating the switch 14, the change of the mode may be notified by sound. For example, one sound is emitted immediately before reaching the fixed amount extraction designated time t1 in step 5 or between step 5 and step 6. In this case, if the sound is emitted immediately before the fixed time extraction designated time t1 is reached, the user hears this sound and cancels the operation of the switch 14 to find that the fixed amount extraction operation has begun, and cancels the operation of the switch 14. Otherwise, it can be understood that the continuous extraction operation has been started. In addition, even when the sound is emitted after reaching the fixed amount extraction designated time t1, since the user can determine whether or not the switch 14 has been released before and after the sound, correction after hearing the sound is possible. It is.

[0050]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the switch is operated, for example, for a short time (one-touch operation), the operation time is determined to be within the quantitative extraction designated time, and the quantitative extraction is performed. If the operation is performed for a long time, it is possible to determine that the operation time is equal to or longer than the designated extraction time and perform continuous extraction. Therefore, quantitative extraction and continuous extraction can be arbitrarily selected with one switch, and the number of switches can be reduced, the design can be improved, and the operability can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, if it is determined that the switch operation time is equal to or longer than the fixed-quantity extraction designated time and is within the continuous extraction designated time, the beverage can be dispensed even if the switch is released. Continuous extraction can be performed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, when the switch is operated again during the quantitative extraction or the continuous extraction, the extraction operation is performed at that time. Can be stopped.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, at the time of continuous extraction, the extraction operation can be stopped when a continuous extraction allowable time has elapsed from the start of the continuous extraction.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, if it is determined that the operation time of the switch has continued for the continuous extraction designated time or more, the switch is continuously operated. During the period, continuous extraction is performed, and the extraction operation can be stopped by releasing the operation of the switch.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram showing one embodiment of a beverage extraction device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage extraction device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an extraction operation according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the extraction operation of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating an extraction operation of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 6 Solenoid valve as extraction means 14 Switch 21 Control means 27 Judgment means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A47J 31/00 A47J 31/52

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A beverage brewing apparatus for brewing a beverage by driving a brewing unit by operating a switch, wherein the determining unit determines the operating time of the switch, and the operating time of the switch is within a specified extraction time by the determining unit. Control means for causing the extraction means to perform quantitative extraction by the extraction means, and for determining that the extraction time is equal to or longer than the designated extraction time, by the extraction means to perform continuous extraction. 2. The control means, if the operation time of the switch is determined by the determination means to be equal to or longer than the specified time for the quantitative extraction and within the specified time for the continuous extraction, to cause the extraction means to perform the continuous extraction even when the switch is released. Claim 1 characterized by the following:
A beverage brewing device according to any one of the preceding claims. 3. The control means stops the extraction operation by the extraction means when the switch is operated again while the extraction means is performing the extraction operation. A beverage brewing device according to any one of the preceding claims. 4. The beverage extraction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means stops the extraction by the extraction means when a continuous extraction allowable time has elapsed from the start of the continuous extraction by the extraction means. 5. The control means, if the determination means determines that the switch operation time has continued for the continuous extraction designated time or more, causes the extraction means to perform continuous extraction only while the switch is continuously operated. The beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein