JP6718179B2 - Beverage production equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a beverage manufacturing technique.

Beverage manufacturing apparatuses for manufacturing coffee beverages have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-081544 JP, 2003-024703, A JP, 2013-66697, A

However, the conventional beverage manufacturing apparatus has room for improvement in terms of ease of inspection such as operation confirmation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a beverage manufacturing device that can be easily inspected.

According to the present invention, for example, the following beverage manufacturing apparatus is provided.

According to the invention,
A main body provided with a pouring portion capable of pouring a liquid into an extraction target of an extraction container (for example, ground coffee beans of roasted coffee beans);
An operating part for moving the pouring part,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus comprising:
The main body includes a transmissive portion that allows the movement of the operating portion for moving the pouring portion to be visually recognized from the outside,
The movement of the operation portion for moving said pouring portion during the cleaning operation for cleaning the extraction vessel, Ri viewable der from the outside through the transmitting portion,
A rotation drive unit that rotates the extraction container that can be transmitted through the transmission unit about an axis in the front-rear direction is provided.
There is provided a beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a beverage manufacturing apparatus that can be easily inspected.

The schematic diagram of the beverage manufacturing device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the control apparatus of the beverage manufacturing apparatus of FIG. The perspective view of a bean processing apparatus. FIG. The partially broken perspective view of a separation apparatus. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the forming unit. FIG. 7 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of the forming unit of FIG. 6. Comparison explanatory drawing of cross-sectional area. Explanatory drawing of another example. The perspective view of a drive unit and an extraction container. The figure which shows the closed state and open state of the extraction container of FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the extraction container of FIG. The front view which shows a part of structure of an upper unit and a lower unit. Sectional drawing which follows the II line|wire of FIG. The figure which shows the open state of a lid unit. The figure which shows the opening/closing aspect of an upper and lower stopper member. The schematic diagram of a central part unit. The figure which shows the operation example of a central part unit. The figure which shows the operation example of a central part unit. The flowchart which shows the example of control which the control apparatus of FIG. 2 performs. The flowchart which shows the example of control which the control apparatus of FIG. 2 performs. The flowchart which shows the example of control which the control apparatus of FIG. 2 performs. The figure which shows the change of hot water and ground beans by the attitude change of an extraction container. The schematic diagram which shows the other example of a central part unit. The flowchart which shows the example of control which the control apparatus of FIG. 2 performs. The flowchart which shows the example of control which the control apparatus of FIG. 2 performs. The perspective view which shows the other structural example of the bean processing apparatus 2 and the extraction apparatus 3. Sectional drawing of a suction unit. The partial perspective view of a horizontal movement mechanism. The partial perspective view of an arm member. The exploded perspective view of a canister. Sectional drawing of the cylinder part of a canister. Operation|movement explanatory drawing of the component of a canister. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view around the canister in a mounted state. FIG. 6 is a perspective view around another example of a canister in a mounted state. The figure which looked at the canister periphery of another example in a mounting state from above. The figure which looked at the canister periphery of another example in a mounting state from the bottom. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the canister and its surroundings in another example in a mounted state. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of components of a canister of another example. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of components of a canister of another example. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of components of a canister of another example. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of components of a canister of another example. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of components of a canister of another example. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of components of a canister of another example. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of components of a canister of another example. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of components of a canister of another example. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of components of a canister of another example. The figure which shows another example of an aggregate conveyance path. The figure which shows another example of an aggregate conveyance path. The figure which shows another example of an aggregate conveyance path. The figure which shows another example of an aggregate conveyance path. The figure which shows another example of an aggregate conveyance path. The figure which shows another example of an aggregate conveyance path. The figure which shows another example of an aggregate conveyance path. The figure which shows the structural example of a housing. FIG. 56 is an operation explanatory view of the housing of FIG. 55. The figure which shows another structural example of a housing. The operation explanatory view of the housing of FIG. The figure which shows the example of the canister and the storage bag which attached the tag. A schematic diagram of a stocker. The figure which shows the display example of a stocker. External view of the grinder. FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram of a manner of attaching and detaching the grinder of FIG. 62. FIG. 63 is an explanatory view of an engaging portion of the grinder of FIG. 62. FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the engaging portion of FIG. 64. Sectional drawing which shows the other example of an extraction container. FIG. 68 is an explanatory diagram of a guide function of the extraction container in the example of FIG. 67. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a liquid delivery amount adjusting device. The IV-IV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 68, and the sectional view of another example. FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the liquid delivery volume adjusting device of FIG. 68. FIG. 3 is a schematic view and a cross-sectional view of another example of the liquid delivery amount adjusting device. FIG. 3 is a schematic view and a cross-sectional view of another example of the liquid delivery amount adjusting device. The sectional view of the wall part structure of another example, and the figure showing the example of a seal. (A) is a perspective view of a switching unit of another example, and (B) is a perspective view of a decompression unit. 72A is a plan view of the decompression unit in FIG. 72B, FIG. 73B is a sectional view taken along the line VV of FIG. 73A, and FIG. 73C is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. (A) And (B) is a perspective view of a lower case. The top view of the lower case of example of another. 78A is a plan view of a lower case of another example, and FIG. 78B is a cross-sectional view of a decompression unit of another example taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 78A.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
<1. Outline of beverage manufacturing equipment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device 11 of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. The beverage production apparatus 1 is an apparatus for automatically producing a coffee beverage from roasted coffee beans and a liquid (here, water), and can produce one cup of coffee beverage per production operation. The beverage production device 1 includes a bean processing device 2, an extraction device 3, and a control device 11.

The control device 11 controls the entire beverage manufacturing device 1. The control device 11 includes a processing unit 11a, a storage unit 11b, and an I/F (interface) unit 11c. The processing unit 11a is a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 11b is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The I/F unit 11c inputs and outputs signals between the external device and the processing unit 11a.

The processing unit 11a executes the program stored in the storage unit 11b, and controls the actuator group 14 based on the instruction from the operation unit 12 or the detection result of the sensor group 13. The operation unit 12 is a unit that receives a user's instruction input, and is, for example, a touch panel or a mechanical switch. The user can instruct the production of coffee beverages via the operation unit 12. The sensor group 13 is various sensors (for example, hot water temperature sensor, mechanism operating position detection sensor, pressure sensor, etc.) provided in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. The actuator group 14 is various actuators (for example, a motor, a solenoid valve, a heater, etc.) provided in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1.

The bean processing device 2 generates ground beans from roasted coffee beans. The extraction device 3 extracts the coffee liquid from the ground beans supplied from the bean processing device 2. The extraction device 3 includes a fluid supply unit 7, a drive unit 8, which will be described later, an extraction container 9, and a switching unit 10. The ground beans supplied from the bean processing device 2 are put into the extraction container 9. The fluid supply unit 7 puts hot water into the extraction container 9. Coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans in the extraction container 9. Hot water containing the extracted coffee liquid is delivered to the cup C as a coffee beverage via the switching unit 10.

<2. Fluid supply unit and switching unit>
The configurations of the fluid supply unit 7 and the switching unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the fluid supply unit 7 will be described. The fluid supply unit 7 supplies hot water to the extraction container 9 and controls the atmospheric pressure in the extraction container 9. In the present specification, when the atmospheric pressure is exemplified by numbers, it means the absolute pressure unless otherwise specified, and the gauge pressure is the atmospheric pressure at which the atmospheric pressure is 0 atmospheric pressure. The atmospheric pressure refers to the atmospheric pressure around the extraction container 9 or the atmospheric pressure of the beverage manufacturing apparatus. For example, when the beverage manufacturing apparatus is installed at a position at an altitude of 0 m above sea level, the international civil aviation organization (= “International Civil Aviation Organization”). Aviation Organization” [[omitted] ICAO]) is the standard atmospheric pressure (1013.25 hPa) at 0 m above sea level of the International Standard Atmosphere [[omitted] ISA] established in 1976.

The fluid supply unit 7 includes pipes L1 to L3. The pipe L1 is a pipe through which air flows, and the pipe L2 is a pipe through which water flows. The pipe L3 is a pipe through which both air and water can flow.

The fluid supply unit 7 includes a compressor 70 as a pressure source. The compressor 70 compresses the atmosphere and sends it out. The compressor 70 is driven using, for example, a motor (not shown) as a drive source. The compressed air sent from the compressor 70 is supplied to the reserve tank (accumulator) 71 via the check valve 71a. The air pressure in the reserve tank 71 is monitored by the pressure sensor 71b, and the compressor 70 is driven so as to be maintained at a predetermined air pressure (7 atm (6 atm in gauge pressure) in this embodiment). The reserve tank 71 is provided with a drain 71c for drainage, so that water generated by compression of air can be drained.

Hot water (water) that constitutes a coffee beverage is accumulated in the water tank 72. The water tank 72 is provided with a heater 72a for heating the water in the water tank 72 and a temperature sensor 72b for measuring the temperature of the water. The heater 72a maintains the temperature of the accumulated hot water at a predetermined temperature (120 degrees Celsius in this embodiment) based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 72b. The heater 72a is turned on when the temperature of the hot water is 118 degrees Celsius, and turned off when the temperature of the hot water is 120 degrees Celsius, for example.

The water tank 72 is also provided with a water level sensor 72c. The water level sensor 72c detects the water level of the hot water in the water tank 72. When the water level sensor 72c detects that the water level is lower than a predetermined water level, water is supplied to the water tank 72. In the case of this embodiment, tap water is supplied through a water purifier (not shown). An electromagnetic valve 72d is provided in the middle of the pipe L2 from the water purifier, and when the water level sensor 72c detects a decrease in the water level, the electromagnetic valve 72d is opened and water is supplied. The valve 72d is closed to cut off the water supply. In this way, the hot water in the water tank 72 is maintained at a constant water level. Water may be supplied to the water tank 72 every time hot water used for manufacturing a coffee beverage is discharged.

The water tank 72 is also provided with a pressure sensor 72g. The pressure sensor 72g detects the atmospheric pressure in the water tank 72. The water tank 72 is supplied with the atmospheric pressure in the reserve tank 71 via a pressure regulating valve 72e and a solenoid valve 72f. The pressure regulating valve 72e reduces the atmospheric pressure supplied from the reserve tank 71 to a predetermined atmospheric pressure. In the case of this embodiment, the pressure is reduced to 3 atm (2 atm in gauge pressure). The electromagnetic valve 72f switches between supply and cutoff of the atmospheric pressure adjusted by the pressure adjusting valve 72e to the water tank 72. The electromagnetic valve 72f is controlled to open and close so that the atmospheric pressure in the water tank 72 is maintained at 3 atmospheric pressure except when tap water is supplied to the water tank 72. When tap water is supplied to the water tank 72, the pressure in the water tank 72 is set to be lower than the tap water pressure by the solenoid valve 72h so that tap water is smoothly replenished to the water tank 72 by the tap water pressure. The pressure is reduced to (for example, less than 2.5 atm). The solenoid valve 72h switches whether to open the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere, and opens the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere when the pressure is reduced. Further, the solenoid valve 72h releases the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere when the atmospheric pressure in the water tank 72 exceeds 3 atm except when the tap water is supplied to the water tank 72, and the inside of the water tank 72 becomes 3 atm. maintain.

The hot water in the water tank 72 is supplied to the extraction container 9 via the check valve 72j, the electromagnetic valve 72i and the pipe L3. The hot water is supplied to the extraction container 9 by opening the electromagnetic valve 72i, and the hot water supply is shut off by closing the electromagnetic valve 72i. The amount of hot water supplied to the extraction container 9 can be controlled by the opening time of the electromagnetic valve 72i. However, the opening/closing of the solenoid valve 72i may be controlled by measuring the supply amount. The pipe L3 is provided with a temperature sensor 73e for measuring the temperature of hot water, and the temperature of hot water supplied to the extraction container 9 is monitored.

The atmospheric pressure of the reserve tank 71 is also supplied to the extraction container 9 via the pressure regulating valve 73a and the electromagnetic valve 73b. The pressure regulating valve 73a reduces the atmospheric pressure supplied from the reserve tank 71 to a predetermined atmospheric pressure. In the case of this embodiment, the pressure is reduced to 5 atm (4 atm in gauge pressure). The electromagnetic valve 73b switches between supply and cutoff of the atmospheric pressure adjusted by the pressure adjusting valve 73a to the extraction container 9. The pressure inside the extraction container 9 is detected by the pressure sensor 73d. At the time of pressurizing the inside of the extraction container 9, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 73d, so that the inside of the extraction container 9 has a predetermined atmospheric pressure (in the case of the present embodiment, a maximum of 5 atmospheric pressure (4 atmospheric pressure as a gauge pressure). )). The air pressure in the extraction container 9 can be reduced by the solenoid valve 73c. The electromagnetic valve 73c switches whether to open the inside of the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere, and opens the inside of the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere when the pressure is abnormal (for example, when the inside of the extraction container 9 exceeds 5 atm).

After the one-time production of the coffee beverage, in the present embodiment, the inside of the extraction container 9 is washed with tap water. The solenoid valve 73f is opened during cleaning and supplies tap water to the extraction container 9.

Next, the switching unit 10 will be described. The switching unit 10 is a unit that switches the delivery destination of the liquid delivered from the extraction container 9 to either the pouring portion 10c or the waste tank T. The switching unit 10 includes a switching valve 10a and a motor 10b that drives the switching valve 10a. The switching valve 10a switches the flow path to the pouring portion 10c when the coffee beverage in the extraction container 9 is delivered. The coffee beverage is poured into the cup C from the pouring portion 10c. When discharging the waste liquid (tap water) and the residue (ground beans) at the time of cleaning, the flow path is switched to the waste tank T. The switching valve 10a is a 3-port ball valve in this embodiment. Since the residue passes through the switching valve 10a during cleaning, a ball valve is suitable for the switching valve 10a, and the motor 10b switches its flow path by rotating its rotary shaft.

<3. Bean processing equipment>
The bean processing apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bean processing apparatus 2. The bean processing device 2 includes a storage device 4 and a crushing device 5.

<3-1. Storage device>
The storage device 4 includes a plurality of canisters 40 in which roasted coffee beans are stored. In the case of this embodiment, three canisters 40 are provided. When distinguishing the three canisters 40, they are referred to as canisters 40A, 40B, and 40C. Each of the canisters 40A to 40C may store different types of roasted coffee beans, and the type of roasted coffee beans used for producing the coffee beverage may be selected by an operation input to the operation unit 12. Roasted coffee beans of different types are, for example, roasted coffee beans of different types of coffee beans. The roasted coffee beans of different types are coffee beans of the same type, but may be roasted coffee beans of different roasting degrees. The roasted coffee beans of different types may be roasted coffee beans of different types or roasting degrees. Further, at least one of the three canisters 40 may contain roasted coffee beans in which roasted coffee beans of a plurality of types are mixed. In this case, the roasted coffee beans of each variety may have the same degree of roasting.

Although the plurality of canisters 40 are provided in the present embodiment, the configuration may be such that only one canister 40 is provided. Further, when a plurality of canisters 40 are provided, the same type of roasted coffee beans may be stored in all or a plurality of canisters 40.

Each canister 40 is provided with a conveyor 41 individually. The conveyor 41 is a delivery mechanism (transportation mechanism) that automatically delivers a predetermined amount of roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40 to the downstream side. The conveyor 41 of this embodiment is a screw conveyor that uses a motor 41a as a drive source, and is a weighing unit that automatically weighs roasted coffee beans. The amount of roasted coffee beans delivered can be controlled by the amount of rotation of the motor 41a (the amount of rotation of the screw). Each of the conveyors 41 discharges roasted coffee beans to the collecting and conveying path 42 on the downstream side. The collective conveyance path 42 is formed of a hollow member, includes an input port 42a for each conveyor 41 and a common discharge port 42b, and the roasted coffee beans are supplied to the crushing device 5 from the common discharge port 42b. It

<3-2. Crusher>
The crushing device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the crushing device 5. The crushing device 5 includes grinders 5</b>A and 5</b>B and a separating device 6. The grinders 5A and 5B are a mechanism for grinding the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4. The grinders 5A and 5B have different grain sizes for grinding beans. The grinder 5A is a grinder for coarse grinding, and the grinder 5B is a grinder for fine grinding.

<3-2-1. Grinder>
The grinder 5A includes a motor 52a and a main body 53a. The motor 52a is a drive source of the grinder 5A. The main body 53a is a unit that houses a cutter, and has a rotary shaft 54a built therein. The rotating shaft 54a is provided with a gear 55a, and the driving force of the motor 52a is transmitted to the rotating shaft 54a via the gear 55a.

The rotary shaft 54a is also provided with a rotary blade 58a which is a cutter, and a fixed blade 57a which is a cutter is provided around the rotary blade 58a. The inside of the main body 53a communicates with the inlet 50a and the outlet 51a. The roasted coffee beans supplied from the collecting/conveying path 42 laterally enter the main body 53a through the input port 50a formed on the side of the main body 53a, and are sandwiched between the rotary blade 58a and the fixed blade 57a. It is crushed as it is. A suppressing plate 56a is provided above the rotary blade 58a of the rotating shaft 54a, and the suppressing plate 56a suppresses roasted coffee beans from escaping to the upper side. In the grinder 5A, roasted coffee beans are crushed to about 1/4, for example. The ground beans that have been crushed are discharged to the separation device 6 through the discharge port 51a.

It should be noted that the roasted coffee beans supplied to the charging port 50a may be supplied to a height that hits the side surface of the rotary blade 58a rather than from above. In this case, the rotary blade 58a suppresses the roasted coffee beans from escaping to the upper side, and thus the suppression plate 56a need not be provided.

The grinder 5A may change the size of the roasted coffee beans discharged after being crushed by changing the number of rotations of the rotary blade 58a. Alternatively, the distance between the rotary blade 58a and the fixed blade 57a may be changed by manually adjusting the distance.

The separating device 6 is a mechanism for separating unnecessary substances from ground beans. The separating device 6 is arranged between the grinder 5A and the grinder 5B. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the grinder 5A, and unnecessary substances are separated from the coarsely ground beans by the separation device 6. The coarsely ground beans from which the unnecessary substances are separated are finely ground by the grinder 5B. The unnecessary substances separated by the separation device 6 are typically chaff and fine powder. These may reduce the taste of coffee beverages. The separation device 6 is a mechanism for separating unnecessary substances by the suction force of air, and the details thereof will be described later.

The grinder 5B includes a motor 52b and a main body 53b. The motor 52b is a drive source of the grinder 5B. The main body 53b is a unit that houses a cutter, and has a rotary shaft 54b built therein. A pulley 55b is provided on the rotary shaft 54b, and the driving force of the motor 52b is transmitted to the rotary shaft 54b via the belt 59b and the pulley 55b.

The rotary shaft 54b is also provided with a rotary blade 58b, and the fixed blade 57b is provided above the rotary blade 58b. The inside of the main body 53b communicates with the inlet 50b and the outlet 51b. The ground beans falling from the separating device 6 enter the main body portion 53b through the charging port 50b and are further crushed so as to be sandwiched between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b. The ground beans that have been pulverized into powder are discharged from the discharge port 51b. The grain size of the ground beans in the grinder 5B can be adjusted by adjusting the gap between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b.

The crushing of the roasted coffee beans may be performed by one grinder (single-step crushing). However, as in the present embodiment, by performing the two-stage pulverization by the two grinders 5A and 5B, the grain size of the ground beans can be easily made uniform, and the extraction degree of the coffee liquid can be made constant. When crushing beans, heat may be generated due to friction between the cutter and the beans. By the two-stage crushing, heat generation due to friction during crushing can be suppressed and deterioration of ground beans (for example, deterioration of flavor) can be prevented.

In addition, by passing through the steps of coarse grinding→separation of unnecessary substances→fine grinding, the mass difference between the unnecessary substances and the ground beans (required portion) can be increased when separating unnecessary substances such as chaff. This can increase the efficiency of separating unnecessary substances and prevent ground beans (necessary portions) from being separated as unnecessary substances. In addition, the heat treatment of the ground beans can be suppressed by air cooling by interposing the separation process of the unwanted matter using the suction of air between the coarse grinding and the fine grinding. This can also prevent the ground beans from deteriorating (for example, deteriorating in flavor).

<3-2-2. Separator>
Next, the separation device 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the separating device 6. The separation device 6 includes a suction unit 6A and a forming unit 6B. The forming unit 6B is a hollow body that forms a separation chamber SC through which ground beans that freely fall from the grinder 5A pass. The suction unit 6A communicates with the separation chamber SC in a direction (in the present embodiment, the horizontal direction) that intersects the passing direction of the ground beans (the vertical direction in the present embodiment), and the air in the separation chamber SC is communicated. Is a unit for sucking. By sucking the air in the separation chamber SC, lightweight objects such as chaff and fine powder are sucked. As a result, unnecessary substances can be separated from the ground beans.

The suction unit 6A is a centrifugal separation mechanism. The suction unit 6A includes a blower unit 60A and a collection container 60B. In the case of this embodiment, the blower unit 60A is a fan motor and exhausts the air in the collection container 60B upward.

The collection container 60B includes an upper portion 61 and a lower portion 62 that are separably engaged. The lower portion 62 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper portion, and forms a space for accumulating unnecessary substances. The upper portion 61 constitutes a lid portion that is attached to the opening of the lower portion 62. The upper portion 61 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 61a and an exhaust pipe 61b formed coaxially with the outer peripheral wall 61a. The blower unit 60A is fixed to the upper portion 61 above the exhaust pipe 61b so as to suck the air in the exhaust pipe 61b. The upper portion 61 also includes a tubular connecting portion 61c extending in the radial direction. The connection portion 61c is connected to the forming unit 6B and connects the separation chamber SC and the recovery container 60B. The connecting portion 61c is open to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b.

The airflow indicated by arrows d1 to d3 in FIG. 5 is generated by driving the blower unit 60A. Due to this air flow, air containing unnecessary substances is sucked from the separation chamber SC into the collection container 60B through the connection portion 61c. Since the connecting portion 61c is open to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b, the air containing the unwanted matter swirls around the exhaust pipe 61b. The unwanted matter D in the air falls due to its weight and is collected in a part of the collection container 60B (deposited on the bottom surface of the lower portion 62). The air is exhausted upward through the inside of the exhaust pipe 61b.

A plurality of fins 61d are integrally formed on the peripheral surface of the exhaust pipe 61b. The plurality of fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. Each fin 61d is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust stack 61b. By providing such fins 61, the swirling of the air containing the unwanted matter D around the exhaust pipe 61b is promoted. Further, the fins 61 facilitate the separation of the unwanted matter D. As a result, the vertical length of the suction unit 6A can be suppressed, which contributes to downsizing of the device.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the forming unit 6B is arranged in the dropping path of the ground beans by the grinders 5A and 5B, while the suction unit 6A of the centrifugal separation method is arranged on the side of the dropping path. Although the mechanism of the centrifugal separation system tends to be elongated in the vertical direction, the suction unit 6A is arranged laterally side by side with respect to the grinder 5A and the grinder 5B by arranging the suction unit 6A laterally while shifting it from the drop path. You can This contributes to reducing the vertical length of the device. In particular, when performing two-stage pulverization by the two grinders 5A and 5B as in the present embodiment, the vertical length of the device tends to be long. Therefore, such an arrangement of the suction unit 6A reduces the size of the device. It is effective for

The forming unit 6B will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the forming unit 6B. FIG. 7 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of the forming unit 6B. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the forming unit 6B and is a comparative explanatory view of cross-sectional areas.

In the case of this embodiment, the forming unit 6B is formed by joining two members which are half-divided into upper and lower parts. The forming unit 6B includes a pipe portion 63 and a separation chamber forming portion 64, and has a spoon shape in a plan view. The tube portion 63 is a tubular body that forms a communication passage 63a with the suction unit 6A, and extends in the lateral direction (direction intersecting with a center line CL described later). The separation chamber forming portion 64 is a ring-shaped hollow body that is connected to the pipe portion 63 and forms the separation chamber SC and has a central opening in the vertical direction.

In the present embodiment, when separating the unnecessary material from the ground beans, a method is adopted in which the ground beans falling from the grinder 5A are subjected to a lateral wind pressure to suck the unnecessary materials. This is advantageous in that the length in the vertical direction can be made shorter than that of the centrifugal separation method.

The separation chamber forming portion 64 includes a tubular portion 65 extending in the vertical direction. The tubular portion 65 projects into the separation chamber SC from the central portion in the vertical direction to the lower portion. The tubular portion 65 has an opening 65a at one end on the upper side, and the opening 65a forms an inlet for ground beans that communicates with the separation chamber SC. The opening 65a is located outside the separation chamber SC and is connected to the discharge port 51a of the grinder 5A. As a result, the ground beans falling from the discharge port 51a are introduced into the separation chamber forming unit 64 without leakage. The tubular portion 65 has an opening 65b at the other end on the lower side. The opening 65b is located in the separation chamber SC. Since the opening 65b faces the separation chamber SC, the ground beans falling from the discharge port 51a are introduced into the separation chamber SC without leakage.

In the case of the present embodiment, the tubular portion 65 has a cylindrical shape, and the openings 65a and 65b have concentric circular shapes located on the center line CL. As a result, the ground beans falling from the discharge port 51a easily pass through the tubular portion 65. The tubular portion 65 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area of the internal space gradually decreases from the opening 65a side toward the opening 65b side. Since the inner wall of the tubular portion 65 has a mortar shape, falling ground beans are likely to collide with the inner wall. The ground beans that fall from the grinder 5A may fall as a lump with the grains sticking to each other. If the ground beans are in a lump state, the separation efficiency of unnecessary substances may decrease. In the case of the present embodiment, the ground beans that have become a lump collide with the inner wall of the tubular portion 65, so that the lump can be collapsed and unnecessary substances can be easily separated.

Note that the inner wall of the tubular portion 65 is not limited to the mortar shape in terms of breaking the lump of ground beans. There is a portion in the middle of the tubular portion 65 where the cross-sectional area of the internal space is smaller than that of the opening portion 65a, so that if there is an inner wall inclined (not horizontal) with respect to the center line CL, collision with a lump will occur. The ground beans can be smoothly dropped while promoting. Further, the tubular portion 65 does not have to project into the separation chamber SC, and may have only a portion projecting upward from the outer surface of the separation chamber forming portion 64. However, by projecting the tubular portion 65 into the separation chamber SC, the wind speed around the tubular portion 65 can be improved. Therefore, in the region R1 relatively far from the pipe portion 63, the effect of separating the unwanted matter by the wind pressure can be enhanced.

The separation chamber forming unit 64 has a discharge port 66 communicating with the separation chamber SC, through which ground beans after separating unnecessary substances are discharged. In the case of this embodiment, the discharge port 66 is located below the opening 65b, and the ground beans that have passed through the tubular portion 65 pass through the separation chamber SC and fall freely from the discharge port 66. In the case of the present embodiment, the discharge port 66 is a circular opening located on the center line CL, and is an opening that is concentric with the openings 65a and 65b. Therefore, the ground beans easily pass through the separation chamber forming portion 64 by free fall, and it is possible to prevent the ground beans from accumulating in the separation chamber forming portion 64.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the case of the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area SC2 of the discharge port 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area SC1 of the opening 65b. In the case of the present embodiment, the opening 65b and the discharge port 66 overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the opening 65b is projected in the vertical direction with respect to the discharge port 66, the opening 65b will fit inside the discharge port 66. In other words, the opening 65b fits within the region where the discharge port 66 is extended in the vertical direction. A configuration in which the opening 65b and the discharge port 66 are not on the same center line but overlap each other, or a configuration in which at least one of them is not circular but overlap each other can be adopted.

The ratio of the sectional area SC1 to the sectional area SC2 is, for example, 95% or less, or 85% or less, and, for example, 60% or more, or 70% or more. Since the opening 65b and the outlet 66 are concentric circles, they overlap each other when viewed in the direction of the center line CL. Therefore, the ground beans that fall freely from the opening 65b are easily discharged from the discharge port 66. It is also possible to prevent falling ground beans from colliding with the edge of the discharge port 66 and bouncing toward the pipe portion 63 side, and it is also possible to prevent necessary ground beans from being sucked by the suction unit 6A. Although it has been illustrated that the opening area of the one-end opening (eg 65a) is smaller than the opening area of the discharge opening (eg 66), the opening area of the discharge opening (eg 66) and the opening area of the one-end opening (eg 65a) The area may be the same, or the opening area of the one-end opening portion (eg 65a) may be larger than the opening area of the discharge port (eg 66). Although it has been illustrated that the opening area of the other end opening (eg 65b) is smaller than the opening area of the discharge opening (eg 66), the opening area of the discharge opening (eg 66) and the other end opening (eg 65b) May have the same opening area, or the opening area of the other end opening (eg, 65b) may be larger than the opening area of the discharge port (eg, 66). Although it has been illustrated that the suction unit (eg 6A) sucks air from the discharge port 66 and the input port (eg 65a, 65a′), the amount of air sucked from the input port (eg 65a, 65a′) The amount of air sucked from the outlet 66 may be increased. This is achieved because the other end opening (for example, 65b) projects into the separation chamber, and the cross-sectional area of the outlet 66 is larger than the opening area of the one end opening (for example, 65a). Alternatively, it may be realized by making the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 66 larger than the size of the opening area of the opening at the other end (eg, 65b), or from the opening at the one end (eg, 65a) to the separation chamber. The distance from the discharge port 66 to the separation chamber may be shorter than the distance from the discharge port 66 to the separation chamber, or the distance from the discharge port 66 to the discharge cylinder 61b may be shorter than the distance from the one end opening (for example, 65a) to the exhaust pipe 61b. It may be realized by a short distance, or may be realized by a distance from the outlet 66 to the blower unit 60A being shorter than a distance from the one end opening (for example, 65a) to the blower unit 60A. Any one of the inner wall portions of the forming units 6B and the members (63 to 65) forming the separation chamber SC, the cylindrical portion 65, and the other end opening portion (for example, 65b), but at least one of the grinders (5A and 5B) ) Directly or indirectly through another member, the vibration due to the rotation of the grinder is transmitted and vibrates. For example, in the case of the beverage manufacturing device 1 in the embodiment, since they are in direct or indirect contact with each other, during the operation of the grinder, the members (63 to 65) forming the forming unit 6B and the separation chamber SC are Any one of the inner wall portions, the tubular portion 65, or the other end opening (for example, 65b) vibrates, and the turbulent air generated in the separation chamber SC due to the vibration causes the other end opening (for example, 65b) to move to the separation chamber SC. A brake is applied to a light unwanted object that enters so that the unwanted object can be easily sucked by the suction unit (for example, 6A). In particular, the forming unit 6B, like the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 in the embodiment, is in direct contact with the grinder 5A of the grinder 5A and the grinder 5B, but by directly contacting one grinder in this way, the forming unit 6B A moderate amount of vibration may be applied to make it easier to suck a light unwanted material.

In the case of the present embodiment, the air sucked by the suction unit 6A is mainly sucked from the outlet 66. Therefore, a gap is provided between the discharge port 66 and the input port 50b of the grinder 5B, and the suction of air is promoted. The arrow d4 schematically shows the direction of the air flow of the air sucked by the suction unit 6A. By sucking air from the discharge port 66, unnecessary substances are less likely to be discharged from the discharge port 66, and the performance of separating ground beans and unnecessary substances can be improved. The air sucked by the suction unit 6A is also sucked from the opening 65a.

A turbulent flow promoting portion 67 is formed on the peripheral wall that defines the discharge port 66. The turbulent flow promoting portion 67 causes a turbulent flow in the air sucked from the outlet 66 into the separation chamber SC. By forming the turbulent flow promoting portion 67, turbulent flow is likely to occur particularly in the region R2 between the opening 65b and the discharge port 66. Further, in the case of the present embodiment, since the wind speed is improved around the tubular portion 65, it is possible to synergistically promote the generation of turbulent flow in the region R2.

The ground beans introduced into the introduction port 65a are agitated under the influence of turbulent flow when passing through the region R2. In the case of the present embodiment, in particular, since the cross-sectional area SC2 of the discharge port 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area SC1 of the opening 65b as described above, the ground beans always pass through the region R2. Turbulence facilitates the separation of unwanted materials such as chaff and fines from ground beans. Therefore, even if the separation chamber SC is a small space, it is possible to improve the efficiency of separating the unwanted matter, and in particular, it contributes to the reduction of the vertical length of the separation chamber SC, and as in the present embodiment. This is advantageous for downsizing the device when two-stage pulverization is performed by the two grinders 5A and 5B.

In the case of the present embodiment, the turbulent flow promoting portion 67 includes a plurality of turbulent flow promoting elements 67a. The turbulent flow promoting element 67a is a protrusion protruding downward in the vertical direction. The protruding direction of the turbulent flow promoting element 67a may be any direction, but a direction within the range from the downward direction to the radially inward direction is preferable in that turbulent flow is more easily generated in the separation chamber SC. is there. If the protruding direction is downward as in the present embodiment, the ground beans that have fallen are not caught, which is more preferable.

The cross-sectional shape of the turbulent flow promoting element 67a is such that a trapezoidal quadrangular prism is arranged such that the upper base of the cross section faces the direction of the center line CL, and a chamfer 67b is provided inside the tip. The shape of the turbulent flow promoting element 67a is not limited to the shape of this embodiment, but a shape that makes the shape of the discharge port 66 three-dimensionally complicated is preferable.

In the case of the present embodiment, the turbulent flow promoting element 67a is repeatedly formed in the circumferential direction d5 of the discharge port 66. As a result, air is blown into the region R from multiple directions, and the generation of turbulence is promoted. The pitches of the adjacent turbulence promoting elements 67a may be different pitches, but are equal pitches in this embodiment. Although twelve turbulent flow promoting elements 67a are formed, the number of turbulent flow promoting elements 67a is arbitrary.

<3-2-3. Other configuration examples>
Another configuration example of the separation chamber forming unit 64 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The turbulent flow promoting element 67a may be a notch or a hole as well as a protrusion. The example EX1 of FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which the turbulent flow promoting element 67a is a through hole formed in the peripheral wall of the discharge port 66. Such holes can also promote the generation of turbulence in the region R2.

The example of EX2 in FIG. 9 shows an example in which the tubular portion 65 is not provided. Also in this case, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area SC2 of the outlet 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area SC1' of the inlet 65a'.

The opening 65b of the tubular portion 65 may be an opening on an inclined surface instead of an opening on a horizontal plane. In the example of EX3 of FIG. 9, the lower end of the tubular portion 65 on the pipe portion 63 side projects downward from the lower end on the opposite side. By doing so, the ground beans are easily guided to the region R1 side, the residence time of the ground beans in the separation chamber SC can be made longer, and the separation effect can be enhanced.

<4. Drive unit and extraction container>
<4-1. Overview>
The drive unit 8 and the extraction container 9 of the extraction device 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the drive unit 8 and the extraction container 9.

The drive unit 8 is supported by the frame F. The frame F includes upper and lower beam portions F1 and F2 and a column portion F3 that supports the beam portions F1 and F2. The drive unit 8 is roughly divided into three units, an upper unit 8A, a middle unit 8B, and a lower unit 8C. The upper unit 8A is supported by the beam portion F1. The middle unit 8B is supported by the beam portion F1 between the beam portion F1 and the beam portion F2. The lower unit 8C is supported by the beam portion F2.

The extraction container 9 is a chamber including a container body 90 and a lid unit 91. The extraction container 9 may be called a chamber. The middle unit 8B includes an arm member 820 that detachably holds the container body 90. The arm member 820 includes a holding member 820a and a pair of left and right shaft members 820b. The holding member 820a is an elastic member such as a resin formed in a C-shaped clip shape, and holds the container body 90 by its elastic force. The holding member 82a holds the left and right side portions of the container body 90, and the front side of the container body 90 is exposed. This makes it easier to visually recognize the inside of the container body 90 in a front view.

The container body 90 is attached to and detached from the holding member 820a manually, and the container body 90 is attached to the holding member 820a by pressing the container body 90 to the holding member 820a rearward and rearward. Further, the container body 90 can be separated from the holding member 820a by pulling out the container body 90 from the holding member 820a to the front side in the front-rear direction.

The pair of shaft members 820b are rods extending in the front-rear direction, and are members that support the holding member 820a. Although the number of the shaft members 820b is two in the present embodiment, it may be one or three or more. The holding member 820a is fixed to the front ends of the pair of shaft members 820b. By a mechanism described later, the pair of shaft members 820b are moved forward and backward, the holding member 820a is moved forward and backward, and the container main body 90 can be moved in parallel in the forward and backward directions. The middle unit 8B can also perform a turning operation to turn the extraction container 9 upside down, as described later.

<4-2. Extraction container>
The extraction container 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a view showing a closed state and an open state of the extraction container 9, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the extraction container 9. As described above, the extraction container 9 is turned upside down by the middle unit 8B. The extraction container 9 in FIGS. 10 and 11 shows a basic posture in which the lid unit 91 is located on the upper side. In the following description, the vertical positional relationship means the vertical positional relationship in the basic posture unless otherwise specified.

The container body 90 is a bottomed container, and has a bottle shape having a neck portion 90b, a shoulder portion 90d, a body portion 90e, and a bottom portion 90f. The whole or a part of the container body 90 may have a transparent portion. The transparent portion may be made of a colorless transparent material or a colored transparent material. This allows the inside of the container body 90 to be visually recognized. A flange portion 90c that defines an opening 90a that communicates with the internal space of the container body 90 is formed at the end of the neck portion 90b (upper end portion of the container body 90).

Both the neck portion 90b and the body portion 90e have a cylindrical shape. In the neck portion 90b, a region having the same sectional area or sectional shape of the internal space extends in the vertical direction. Further, the body portion 90e also has a region having the same cross-sectional area or cross-sectional shape extending in the vertical direction, and is longer than the neck portion 90b. The trunk 90e has a larger cross-sectional area than the neck 90b. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the neck portion 90b to the body portion 90e is, for example, 65% or less, 50% or less, or 35% or less, and, for example, 10% or more, or 20% or more. The shoulder portion 90d is a portion between the neck portion 90b and the body portion 90e, and has a tapered shape such that the cross-sectional area of the internal space thereof gradually decreases from the body portion 90e side toward the neck portion 90b side. ing. However, the neck portion 90b is merely named for the position closer to the opening 90a than the bottom portion 90f, and the cross-sectional area of the internal space is not necessarily limited to be larger in the trunk portion 90e than in the neck portion 90b. Alternatively, the neck portion 90a may be a part of the body portion 90e. That is, the extraction container 9 does not have to have a shape having a constricted portion as shown in FIG. 10 or the like, and is in the shape of a cylinder or has a flange portion such as 90c provided in the vicinity of the opening 90a or the opening 90a. It may have a different shape.

The lid unit 91 is a unit that opens and closes the opening 90a. The opening/closing operation (elevating operation) of the lid unit 91 is performed by the upper unit 8A.

The container body 90 includes a body member 900 and a bottom member 901. The main body member 900 is a tubular member that forms the neck portion 90b, the shoulder portion 90d, and the body portion 90e and that is open at the top and bottom. The bottom member 901 is a member that forms the bottom portion 90f, and is inserted and fixed to the lower portion of the main body member 900. A seal member 902 is interposed between the main body member 900 and the bottom member 901 to improve the airtightness inside the container main body 90.

A convex portion 901c is provided at the center of the bottom member 901, and a shaft hole 901b is formed in the convex portion 901c. A plurality of communication holes 901a are formed around the shaft hole 901b. The communication hole 901a is a through hole that allows the inside of the container body 90 to communicate with the outside, and is mainly used for discharging a waste liquid and a residue when cleaning the inside of the container body 90.

The shaft hole 901b penetrates the bottom member 901, and the shaft 903a of the plug member 903 is inserted therein. The plug member 903 opens and closes the communication hole 901a from the inside of the container body 90. A seal member 904 is provided between the stopper member 903 and the inner surface (upper surface) of the bottom member 901, and improves the airtightness inside the container body 90 when the stopper member 903 is closed.

On the outer side (lower side) of the bottom member 901, a coil spring 905 and a cylindrical spring receiver 906 are attached to the shaft 903a, and an E ring 907 engages with the end of the shaft 903a. The coil spring 905 and the spring receiver 906 are held between the bottom member 901 and the E ring 907, and the coil spring 905 biases the plug member 903 in the closing direction. A seal member 908 is provided on the convex portion 901c, and the seal member 908 is a member for maintaining an airtight space between the upper unit 8A or the lower unit 8C and the bottom member 901.

The lid unit 91 includes a hat-shaped base member 911. The base member 911 has a protrusion 911d and a flange 911c that overlaps the flange 90c when closed. The base member 911 is provided with the same opening/closing mechanism as the stopper member 903 in the container body 90. Specifically, a shaft hole 911b is formed in the center of the base member 911, and a plurality of communication holes 911a are formed around the shaft hole 911b. The communication hole 911a is a through hole that allows the inside of the container body 90 to communicate with the outside, and is mainly used for injecting hot water into the container body 90 and delivering a coffee beverage.

The shaft hole 911b penetrates the base material 911, and the shaft 913a of the plug member 913 is inserted therein. The plug member 913 opens and closes the communication hole 911 a from the inside of the container body 90. A seal member 914 is provided between the plug member 913 and the inner surface of the base member 911 to improve airtightness inside the container body 90 when the plug member 913 is closed.

On the outer side (upper side) of the base member 911, a coil spring 915 and a cylindrical spring receiver 916 are attached to the shaft 913a, and an E ring 917 engages with the end of the shaft 913a. The coil spring 915 and the spring receiver 916 are held between the base material 911 and the E ring 917, and the coil spring 915 biases the plug member 913 in the closing direction. A seal member 918a and a ring spring 918b are provided on the convex portion 911d. The seal member 918a is a member for keeping the space between the upper unit 8A or the lower unit 8C and the base member 911 airtight. The ring spring 918b is an engaging member for holding the lid unit 91 on the upper unit 8A when the lid unit 91 is opened.

The fixing member 919 is fixed to the inner side (lower side) of the base member 911. The fixing member 919 supports the filter 910 and the holding member 910a. The filter 910 is a filter for separating the coffee beverage and the ground bean residue, and is, for example, a metal filter. By using the metal filter, a coffee drink containing coffee oil can be provided to the user. The holding member 910a is a porous member that suppresses the deformation of the filter 910. The seal member 919a is supported by the fixed member 919. In the case of the present embodiment, the fixing member 919 is an elastic member, and the fixing member 919 and the sealing member 919a improve the airtightness between the lid unit 91 and the container body 90 when the lid unit 91 is closed.

It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the seal member 919a is not used by making the flange 90c and the flange portion 911c airtightly contact each other.

<4-3. Upper unit and lower unit>
The upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. 13 is a front view showing a part of the configuration of the upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8B, and FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line I-I of FIG.

The upper unit 8A includes an operation unit 81A. The operation unit 81A performs opening/closing operation (elevation) of the lid unit 91 with respect to the container body 90 and opening/closing operation of the plug members 903 and 913. The operation unit 81A includes a support member 800, a holding member 801, a lifting shaft 802, and a probe 803.

The supporting member 800 is fixedly provided so that the relative position with respect to the frame F does not change. It includes a housing portion 800b that houses the holding member 801. The accommodating portion 800b is a cylindrical space that opens downward and has a closed top. The support member 800 also includes a communication portion 800a that allows the pipe L3 and the storage portion 800b to communicate with each other. Hot water, tap water, and atmospheric pressure supplied from the pipe L3 are introduced into the accommodation portion 800b through the communication portion 800a.

The holding member 801 is a member that holds the lid unit 91 detachably. The holding member 801 includes a housing portion 801b into which the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted. The housing portion 801b is a cylindrical space that opens downward and has a closed top. The holding member 801 also includes a communication portion 801a that allows the storage portion 800b and the storage portion 801b to communicate with each other. Hot water, tap water, and atmospheric pressure supplied from the pipe L3 are introduced into the accommodation portion 801b through the communication portion 800a and the communication portion 801a. The holding member 801 is a movable member that is provided so as to be slidable in the up-down direction inside the housing portion 800b. The holding member 801 is formed with a seal member 801c that seals between the holding member 801 and the housing portion 800b, and the airtightness inside the housing portion 800b is maintained even while the holding member 801 is sliding.

An engagement portion 801d is formed on the inner wall of the housing portion 801b so as to protrude inward in the radial direction. The lid unit 91 is held by the holding member 801 by engaging the engaging portion 801d and the ring spring 918b of the lid unit 91. When a force of a certain amount or more that separates the holding member 801 and the lid unit 91 in the vertical direction is applied, the engagement between the engagement portion 801d and the ring spring 918 is released due to the elastic deformation of the ring spring 918b. As a result, the lid unit 91 and the holding member 801 are separated.

The lifting shaft 802 is provided so that its axial direction is the vertical direction. The elevating shaft 802 penetrates the top of the support member 800 in the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 800. The supporting member 800 is provided with a seal member 800c in a hole portion through which the elevating shaft 802 passes, so that the airtightness inside the housing portion 800b is maintained even while the elevating shaft 802 is sliding.

The top of the holding member 801 is fixed to the lower end of the elevating shaft 802. The holding member 801 slides in the vertical direction as the lifting shaft 802 moves up and down, so that the holding member 801 can be attached to and separated from the protrusions 911d and 901c. Further, the lid unit 91 can be opened and closed with respect to the container body 90. FIG. 15 shows a case where the lid unit 91 is in the open state. The holding member 801 holding the lid unit 91 is in the raised position, and the held lid unit 91 is separated above the container body 90. Note that in FIG. 15, some of the components are not shown.

A screw 802 a forming a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the elevating shaft 802. A nut 804b is screwed onto the screw 802a. The upper unit 8A includes a motor 804a, and the nut 804b is rotated in place (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 804a. The lifting shaft 802 moves up and down by the rotation of the nut 804b.

The elevating shaft 802 is a tubular shaft having a through hole in its central axis, and a probe 803 is vertically slidably inserted into this through hole. The probe 803 vertically penetrates the top part of the holding member 801, and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 800 and the holding member 801. The holding member 801 is provided with a seal member 801e in a hole portion through which the probe 803 passes, so that the airtightness inside the housing portion 801b is maintained even while the probe 803 is sliding.

The probe 803 is provided coaxially with the shaft 903a of the plug member 903 (and the shaft 913a of the plug member 913). By lowering the probe 803, the shaft 903a of the plug member 903 can be pressed downward, and the plug member 903 can be changed from the closed state to the open state. Instead of using the probe 803, it is possible to press the stopper member 903 by using the atmospheric pressure of the air supplied to the extraction container 9 or the water pressure of water to change the closed state to the open state. In this case, the atmospheric pressure or water pressure may be higher than the biasing force of the coil spring 905.

FIG. 16 shows an opening/closing manner of the plug member 903 (and the plug member 913). The holding member 801 is in the lowered position, and the convex portion 911d is inserted in the holding member 801. It is understood that the stopper member 903 can be displaced to the open state indicated by the broken line by lowering the probe 803 (not shown in FIG. 16). When the extraction container 9 is turned upside down, the plug member 913 can be changed from the closed state to the open state. Note that FIG. 16 omits illustration of some of the components.

A screw 803a forming a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the probe 803. A nut 805b is screwed onto the screw 803a. The upper unit 8A is provided with a motor 805a, and the nut 805b is provided so as to rotate on the spot (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 805a. The probe 803 moves up and down by the rotation of the nut 805b.

The lower unit 8C includes an operation unit 81C. The operation unit 81C has a configuration in which the operation unit 81A is turned upside down, and opens and closes the plug members 903 and 913. The operation unit 81C is also configured to open and close the lid unit 91, but in the present embodiment, the operation unit 81C is not used to open and close the lid unit 91.

Although the operation unit 81A is substantially the same as the description below, the operation unit 81C will be described. The operation unit 81C includes a support member 810, a holding member 811, a lifting shaft 812, and a probe 813.

The support member 810 is fixedly provided so that the relative position with respect to the frame F does not change. It includes a housing portion 810b that houses the holding member 811. The accommodating portion 810b is a cylindrical space that opens upward and has a closed bottom. The support member 810 also includes a communication portion 810a that connects the switching valve 10a of the switching unit 10 and the inside of the storage portion 810b. Residues of coffee drink, tap water, and ground beans in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a via the communication portion 810a.

The holding member 811 includes a housing portion 811b into which the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted. The accommodating portion 811b is a cylindrical space that opens upward and has a closed bottom. The holding member 811 also includes a communication portion 811a that allows the storage portion 810b and the storage portion 811b to communicate with each other. Residues of coffee drink, tap water, and ground beans in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a via the communication portions 810a and 811b. The holding member 811 is a movable member that is provided so as to be slidable in the up-down direction inside the housing portion 810b. The holding member 811 is formed with a seal member 811c that seals between the holding member 811 and the housing portion 810b, and the airtightness inside the housing portion 810b is maintained even while the holding member 811 is sliding.

An engagement portion 811d is formed on the inner wall of the storage portion 811b so as to protrude radially inward. The lid unit 91 is held by the holding member 811 by engaging the engaging portion 811d and the ring spring 918b of the lid unit 91. When a force of a certain amount or more that separates the holding member 811 and the lid unit 91 from each other in the vertical direction is applied, the engagement between the engagement portion 811d and the ring spring 918b is released due to the elastic deformation of the ring spring 918b. As a result, the lid unit 91 and the holding member 811 are separated.

The lifting shaft 812 is provided so that its axial direction is the vertical direction. The elevating shaft 812 penetrates the bottom of the support member 810 in the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 810. The supporting member 810 is provided with a seal member 810c in a hole portion through which the elevating shaft 812 passes, so that the airtightness inside the housing portion 810b is maintained even while the elevating shaft 812 is sliding.

The bottom of the holding member 811 is fixed to the lower end of the lifting shaft 812. The holding member 811 slides in the vertical direction as the lifting shaft 812 moves up and down, so that the holding member 811 can be attached to and separated from the protrusions 901c and 911d. A screw 812a forming a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the elevating shaft 812. A nut 814b is screwed onto the screw 812a. The lower unit 8C includes a motor 814a, and the nut 814b is rotated in place (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 814a. The lifting shaft 812 moves up and down by the rotation of the nut 814b.

The elevating shaft 812 is a tubular shaft having a through hole in the center axis, and the probe 813 is vertically slidably inserted into the through hole. The probe 813 penetrates the bottom of the holding member 811 in the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 810 and the holding member 811. The holding member 811 is provided with a seal member 811e in a hole portion through which the probe 813 passes, so that the airtightness inside the housing portion 811b is maintained even while the probe 813 is sliding.

The probe 813 is provided coaxially with the shaft 913a of the plug member 913 (and the shaft 903a of the plug member 903). By raising the probe 813, the shaft 913a of the plug member 913 can be pressed upward, and the plug member 913 can be changed from the closed state to the open state. Instead of using the probe 813, it is possible to press the stopper member 913 by using the atmospheric pressure of the air supplied to the extraction container 9 or the water pressure of water to change the closed state to the open state. In this case, the atmospheric pressure or water pressure may be higher than the biasing force of the coil spring 915. For example, at least one or both of charging a liquid for steaming (for example, hot water) and charging a liquid for cleaning the extraction container 9 (for example, purified water, hot water, detergent) is a liquid charging portion (plug member). 913 or the plug member 903) is not opened in advance to press-fit the liquid, but the user's preference, how the liquid is shown to the user through the transmissive portion 101, and the degree of liquid momentum are different from usual. In order to do so, it may be preferable to close or open the charging part (the plug member 913 or the plug member 903) less than the full opening, and to open the charging part by the hydraulic pressure of the liquid to be charged. For example, the liquid may momentarily enter the extraction container 9 or be poured onto the shower on the inner wall of the extraction container 9 or the extraction target (for example, ground coffee beans of roasted coffee).

FIG. 16 shows an opening/closing manner of the plug member 913 (and the plug member 903). The holding member 811 is in the raised position, and the convex portion 901c is inserted in the holding member 811. It is understood that the stopper member 913 can be displaced to the open state indicated by the broken line by raising the probe 813 (not shown in FIG. 16). When the extraction container 9 is turned upside down, the plug member 903 can be changed from the closed state to the open state.

A screw 813a forming a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the probe 813. A nut 815b is screwed onto the screw 813a. The lower unit 8C includes a motor 815a, and the nut 815b is provided so as to be rotated in place (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 815a. The rotation of the nut 815b moves the probe 813 up and down.

<4-4. Chubu Unit>
The middle unit 8B will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 17. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the middle unit 8B. The middle unit 8B includes a support unit 81B that supports the extraction container 9. The support unit 81B includes a unit body 81B′ that supports the lock mechanism 821 in addition to the arm member 820 described above.

The lock mechanism 821 is a mechanism that keeps the lid unit 91 closed with respect to the container body 90. The lock mechanism 821 includes a pair of gripping members 821a for vertically sandwiching the flange portion 911c of the lid unit 91 and the flange portion 90c of the container body 90. The pair of gripping members 821a have a C-shaped cross section in which the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c are sandwiched and fitted, and are opened and closed in the left-right direction by the driving force of the motor 822. When the pair of gripping members 821a are in the closed state, as shown by the solid lines in the surrounding view of FIG. 17, each gripping member 821a fits the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c by vertically sandwiching them, The unit 91 is airtightly locked to the container body 90. In this locked state, the lid unit 91 does not move (the lock is not released) even when the holding member 801 is lifted by the elevating shaft 802 to open the lid unit 91. That is, the locking force of the lock mechanism 821 is set to be stronger than the force of opening the lid unit 91 using the holding member 801. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the lid unit 91 from being opened with respect to the container body 90 at the time of abnormality.

When the pair of gripping members 821a is in the open state, the gripping members 821a are separated from the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c as shown by the broken line in the surrounding view of FIG. 17, and the lid unit 91 and the container body 90 are separated. Is unlocked.

Note that the C-shaped cross section of the gripping member 821a is rectangular (the upper side and the lower side are parallel) in the example of the drawing, but may be trapezoidal in which the cross-sectional area becomes narrower on the opening end side. Thereby, the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c can be locked more firmly.

When the engaging portion 801d of the holding member 801 and the ring spring 918b of the lid unit 91 are in the engaged state, and when the holding member 801 is raised from the lowered position to the raised position, the pair of gripping members 821a is in the opened state. The lid unit 91 is separated from the container body 90. On the contrary, when the pair of gripping members 821a is in the closed state, the engagement between the engaging portion 801d and the ring spring 918b is released, and only the holding member 801 moves up.

The middle unit 8B also includes a mechanism that horizontally moves the arm member 820 in the front-rear direction using the motor 823 as a drive source. As a result, the container body 90 supported by the arm member 820 can be moved between the rear extraction position (state ST1) and the front bean insertion position (state ST2). FIG. 18 shows a movement mode of the container body 90. In FIG. 18, the position of the container body 90 shown by the solid line shows the extraction position, and the position of the container body 90 shown by the broken line is the bean charging position. The bean feeding position is a position where the ground beans are put into the container body 90, and the ground beans ground by the grinder 5B are put into the opening 90a of the container body 90 from which the lid unit 91 is separated. The extraction position is a position where the container body 90 can be operated by the operation unit 81A and the operation unit 81C, is a position coaxial with the probes 803 and 813, and is a position for extracting the coffee liquid. 10 and 13 to 16 show the case where the container body 90 is in the extraction position. In this way, by changing the position of the container body 90 between the addition of ground beans and the extraction of coffee liquid and the supply of water, the steam generated during coffee liquid extraction causes the grinder 5B, which is the ground bean supply unit, to operate. It becomes difficult for the ground beans to adhere to the discharge port 51b, and it is possible to prevent the ground beans from sticking to the discharge port 51b due to the water content of steam.

Returning to FIG. 17, the middle unit 8B also includes a mechanism that rotates the support unit 81B around the shaft 825 in the front-rear direction using the motor 824 as a drive source. As a result, the posture of the container body 90 (extraction container 9) can be changed from the upright posture (state ST1) in which the neck portion 90b is upward to the inverted posture (state ST3) in which the neck portion 90b is downward. FIG. 13 shows the extraction container 9 in an upright posture. FIG. 19 illustrates a state in which the extraction container 9 is rotated to change its posture. While the extraction container 9 is rotating, the lid unit 91 is kept locked to the container body 90 by the lock mechanism 821. The extraction container 9 shown by the solid line in FIG. 19 shows the state of the inverted posture, and the extraction container 9 shown by the broken line shows the intermediate posture between the upright posture and the inverted posture (the posture in the middle of rotation). The extraction container 9 is turned upside down in the upright posture and the inverted posture. In the upright posture, the convex portion 911d is located at the position of the convex portion 901c in the upright posture. Further, the convex portion 901c is located in the inverted posture at the position of the convex portion 911d in the upright posture. Therefore, in the inverted posture, the operation unit 81A can perform the opening/closing operation on the plug member 903, and the operation unit 81C can perform the opening/closing operation on the plug member 913.

The grip member 821a may be provided with a grip cover. In that case, in order to suppress the rotation radius of the entire lock mechanism 821 during the rotation operation, the outside of the grip portion cover may be shaved in a front view of the rotation surface. By doing so, it is possible to protect the lock mechanism while preventing interference with other parts.

In the example of FIG. 17, the arm member 820 is moved forward and backward relative to the unit main body 81B′, but a mechanism for fixing the arm member 820 to the unit main body 81B′ is also used as shown in the example of FIG. Can be adopted. In the example of FIG. 24, the unit main body 81B' is horizontally moved in the front-rear direction by a mechanism using a motor 823 as a drive source. As a result, the arm member 820 also moves in the front-back direction, so that the container body 90 can be moved between the extraction position and the bean insertion position.

<5. Operation control example>
An example of the control processing of the beverage manufacturing device 1 executed by the processing unit 11a will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 shows an example of control relating to one coffee beverage manufacturing operation. The state of the beverage production device 1 before the production instruction is called a standby state. The state of each mechanism in the standby state is as follows.

The extraction device 3 is in the state shown in FIG. The extraction container 9 is in an upright posture and is located at the extraction position. The lock mechanism 821 is in the closed state, and the lid unit 91 closes the opening 90a of the container body 90. The holding member 801 is in the lowered position and is attached to the convex portion 911d. The holding member 811 is in the raised position and is attached to the convex portion 901c. The plug members 903 and 913 are in the closed state. The switching valve 10a connects the communication portion 810a of the operation unit 81C to the waste tank T. The standby state is not limited to the state shown in FIG. 10, and for example, the extraction container 9 is in the upright posture and is located at the extraction position, the lock mechanism 821 is in the open state, and the lid unit 91 is in the opening of the container body 90. 90a may be opened.

In the standby state, if there is a coffee beverage manufacturing instruction, the processing of FIG. 20 is executed. In S1, preheat treatment is performed. This process is a process of pouring hot water into the container body 90 to heat the container body 90 in advance. First, the plug members 903 and 913 are opened. As a result, the pipe L3, the extraction container 9, and the waste tank T are in communication with each other.

The electromagnetic valve 72i is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 1500 ms) and then closed. As a result, hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72. Subsequently, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms) and then closed. As a result, the air in the extraction container 9 is pressurized, and the discharge of hot water to the waste tank T is promoted. By the above processing, the inside of the extraction container 9 and the pipe L2 are preheated, and it is possible to reduce the cooling of the hot water in the subsequent production of the coffee beverage.

Further, when hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 in this preheat treatment, the hot water passes through the filter 910. Even if the residue of the ground beans used in the previous production of the coffee beverage or the oil generated by the extraction of the coffee liquid adheres to the filter 910, this is washed out and discharged.

In step S2, grind processing is performed. Here, roasted coffee beans are crushed and the ground beans are put into the container body 90. First, the lock mechanism 821 is opened and the holding member 801 is raised to the raised position. The lid unit 91 is held by the holding member 801, and rises together with the holding member 801. As a result, the lid unit 91 is separated from the container body 90. The holding member 811 descends to the descending position. The container body 90 is moved to the bean charging position. Then, the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5 are operated. As a result, one cup of roasted coffee beans is supplied from the storage device 4 to the grinder 5A. The roasted coffee beans are ground in two stages by the grinders 5A and 5B, and unnecessary substances are separated by the separating device 6. Ground beans are put into the container body 90.

The container body 90 is returned to the extraction position. The holding member 801 is lowered to the lowered position, and the lid unit 91 is attached to the container body 90. The lock mechanism 821 is closed and the lid unit 91 is airtightly locked to the container body 90. The holding member 811 moves up to the raised position. Of the plug members 903 and 913, the plug member 903 is opened and the plug member 913 is closed.

In S3, extraction processing is performed. Here, the coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans in the container body 90. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the extraction process of S3.

In S11, since the ground beans in the extraction container 9 are steamed, a smaller amount of hot water than one cup of hot water is poured into the extraction container 9. Here, the electromagnetic valve 72i is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms). As a result, hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72. After that, the process of S11 is ended after waiting for a predetermined time (for example, 5000 ms). By this process, ground beans can be steamed. The pressure and temperature in the extraction container 9 after this treatment slightly rise, but there is no great difference from the pressure before the treatment.

By steaming the ground beans, the carbon dioxide gas contained in the ground beans can be released and the subsequent extraction effect can be enhanced. In order to steam the whole ground beans, the amount of hot water for steaming is preferably equal to that of the ground beans. Therefore, when pouring hot water for steaming into the extraction container 9, the electromagnetic valve 72h may be temporarily opened and the water tank 72 may be depressurized and poured. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the momentum of the hot water for steaming and to apply the hot water to the beans as evenly as possible, thereby enhancing the steaming effect. The atmospheric pressure in the extraction container 9 during steaming may be lower than the atmospheric pressure during the subsequent immersion-type extraction (S14) described later (atmosphere in which hot water does not boil). This can accelerate the release of carbon dioxide gas. Regarding the carbon dioxide gas released from the ground beans when the ground beans are brought into contact with a liquid (for example, hot water), for example, during steaming or dipping, the release valve 73c is opened once after steaming and the atmosphere is released. Alternatively, the ground beans may be soaked in a liquid (for example, hot water) without being released by also applying the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas. For example, in the case of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, the ground beans are steamed at 2 atm (3 atm in absolute pressure) or 0 atm (1 atm in absolute pressure), and then at 2 atm (3 atm in absolute pressure) A liquid (for example, hot water) is poured into the extraction container 9, immersed at 4 atm (5 atm in absolute pressure), bumped at atmospheric pressure (0 atm (1 atm in absolute pressure)), and the extraction container 9 is rotated. After that, dipping or delivery to the outside of the extraction container 9 is performed while applying 0.7 atm (1.7 atm in absolute pressure) to the extraction container 9, but the pressure of carbon dioxide gas released from the ground beans is also The ground beans may be steamed, soaked, or delivered, or steaming may be performed after releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere before execution, or releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere before soaking at 4 atm. Or release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere before dipping at 2 atmospheres before the 4 atmospheres, or release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere before dipping or sending out 0.7 atmospheres after the 4 atmospheres. May be. Steaming is also performed by adding the pressure of carbon dioxide, dipping at 4 atm also by the pressure of carbon dioxide (for example, dipping at 4 atm + pressure of carbon dioxide), before 4 atm Immersion at 2 atm is also performed with the pressure of carbon dioxide added (for example, immersion is performed at 2 atm + pressure of carbon dioxide), immersion at 0.7 atm after 4 atm is also added with the pressure of carbon dioxide (For example, the immersion may be performed at a pressure of 0.7 atm+carbon dioxide).

The presence or absence of steaming may be selectable by setting. When steaming is not performed, water injection is completed once, which has the effect of shortening the time until the completion of coffee beverage production.

In S12, the remaining amount of hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 so that one cup of hot water is stored in the extraction container 9. Here, the electromagnetic valve 72i is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 7000 ms). As a result, hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72. In this embodiment, the amount of hot water is controlled by the opening time of the solenoid valve 72i, but the amount of hot water may be controlled by measurement with a flow meter or other method.

By the process of S12, the inside of the extraction container 9 can be brought into a state where the temperature exceeds 100 degrees Celsius at 1 atmosphere (for example, about 110 degrees Celsius). Then, the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized by S13. Here, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms), and the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized to a pressure (for example, about 4 atm (about 3 atm in gauge pressure)) at which the hot water does not boil. Then, the plug member 903 is closed.

Subsequently, this state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 7,000 ms) to perform the immersion type coffee liquid extraction (S14). As a result, the coffee liquid is extracted by the immersion method under high temperature and high pressure. The following effects can be expected in the immersion type extraction under high temperature and high pressure. First, by applying a high pressure, hot water can easily penetrate into the ground beans and the extraction of coffee liquid can be promoted. Second, high temperature accelerates extraction of coffee liquor. Third, the high temperature lowers the viscosity of the oil contained in ground beans and accelerates oil extraction. This makes it possible to produce a coffee drink with a high scent. It should be noted that although there is a view that an astringent taste is likely to be produced when the coffee liquid is extracted at a high temperature, in the present embodiment, unnecessary substances such as chaff, which is a source of the astringent taste, are removed in the separation device 6. Therefore, the astringent taste can be suppressed even when the coffee liquid is extracted at a high temperature.

The temperature of the hot water (high-temperature water) may be higher than 100 degrees Celsius, but higher temperature is more advantageous in extracting the coffee liquid. On the other hand, increasing the temperature of the hot water generally increases the cost. Therefore, the temperature of the hot water may be, for example, 105 degrees Celsius or higher, 110 degrees Celsius or higher, or 115 degrees Celsius or higher, and may be 130 degrees Celsius or lower, or 120 degrees Celsius or lower, for example. The pressure may be any pressure that does not boil the hot water.

In S15, the pressure inside the extraction container 9 is reduced. Here, the atmospheric pressure in the extraction container 9 is switched to the atmospheric pressure at which the hot water boils. Specifically, the plug member 913 is opened, and the electromagnetic valve 73c is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms). The inside of the extraction container 9 is opened to the atmosphere. Then, the plug member 913 is closed again.

The inside of the extraction container 9 is rapidly depressurized to a pressure lower than the boiling point pressure, and the hot water in the extraction container 9 is boiled all at once. Hot water and ground beans in the extraction container 9 explosively scatter in the extraction container 9. Thereby, the hot water can be boiled uniformly. Further, it is possible to promote the destruction of the cell wall of ground beans and further accelerate the subsequent extraction of coffee liquor. Moreover, since the ground beans and hot water can be stirred by this boiling, extraction of the coffee liquid can be promoted. Thus, in this embodiment, the extraction efficiency of coffee liquid can be improved. By opening the release valve (73c), the atmospheric pressure in the extraction container 9 is rapidly reduced. The rapid depressurization may be, for example, depressurizing at a rate at which one of a bumping state and a state close to bumping occurs, and specifically, the atmospheric pressure in the extraction container 9 is a vapor pressure (saturated steam pressure, equilibrium). It may be the vapor pressure, etc.) and decompress at a rate that lowers the pressure to less than, or suddenly boil the liquid in the extraction container 9 (for example, hot water or a mixture of hot water and coffee liquid) at a temperature above the boiling point. The pressure may be reduced at various rates. By bumping (for example, a phenomenon in which a liquid that has not boiled (for example, hot water) suddenly boils at a temperature above the boiling point) may be used to destroy cells of ground beans or to mix ground beans with hot water. ..

In S16, the extraction container 9 is inverted from the upright posture to the inverted posture. Here, the holding member 801 is moved to the raised position and the holding member 811 is moved to the lowered position. Then, the support unit 81B is rotated. Then, the holding member 801 is returned to the lowered position and the holding member 811 is returned to the raised position. FIG. 23 shows the state inside the extraction container 9 before and after the inversion. The left side of the figure shows the extraction container 9 in an upright position, and the right side of the figure shows the extraction container 9 in an inverted position. The lid unit 91 including the neck portion 90b and the filter 910 is located on the lower side. The reversal from the upright position to the upright position is not limited to rotating the extraction container 9 by 180 degrees by performing an operation involving the rotation of the extraction container 9, and it is not limited to rotating the extraction container 9 by 180 degrees (for example, 170 degrees). ) Or a certain angle exceeding 180 degrees (for example, 190 degrees). The extraction container 9 may be rotated by an angle exceeding plus or minus 90 degrees. For example, regarding the upright posture and the inverted posture, the erect posture is defined as a portion farthest from a certain portion that constitutes the opening 90a of the extraction container 9 and a portion that does not constitute the opening 90a of the extraction container 9. It is a posture in which the certain portion is located at a higher position than the far portion, and the inverted posture may be a posture in which the certain portion is located at a lower position than the distant portion. Is a posture in which the certain part is located higher than the distant part, and the inverted position is a state in which the certain part is lower than the distant part. It may have a posture. Also, what kind of action should be taken during the posture change from the upright posture to the inverted posture, such as rotating a predetermined number of times (for example, once, plural times, etc.) 360 degrees when rotating from the upright posture to the inverted posture. The position of the extraction container 9 having an upright posture and the position of the extraction container 9 having an inverted posture may be different positions in the front, rear, up, down, left and right, instead of merely rotating.

In S17, transparent coffee liquid extraction is performed, and the coffee beverage is delivered to the cup C. Here, the switching valve 10a is switched to connect the pouring portion 10c and the passage portion 810a of the operation unit 81C. Further, both the plug members 903 and 913 are opened. Further, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 10,000 ms) to bring the inside of the extraction container 9 to a predetermined atmospheric pressure (for example, 1.7 atmospheric pressure (gauge pressure: 0.7 atmospheric pressure)). In the extraction container 9, the coffee beverage in which the coffee liquid is dissolved in the hot water passes through the filter 910 and is delivered to the cup C. The filter 910 regulates leakage of ground bean residues. The combined use of the immersion type extraction in S14 and the permeation type extraction in S17 can improve the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid. With the above, the extraction process ends. Here, an example is shown in which the pressure by the carbon dioxide gas is not released to the atmosphere before the permeation type coffee liquid extraction, but before the permeation type coffee liquid extraction, the release valve 73c is opened and the inside of the extraction container 9 is opened. It is preferable to release the carbon dioxide gas released from the ground beans to the atmosphere to release the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas to the atmosphere.

In the permeation type coffee liquid extraction in S17, only the plug member 903 may be opened and once opened to the atmospheric pressure. By doing so, the atmospheric pressure in the extraction container 9 raised by the carbon dioxide gas generated during the immersion extraction can be lowered. After performing this operation, the plug member 913 may be opened and the electromagnetic valve 73b may be opened to extract the coffee liquid.

The determination of the end of the extraction process may be made based on the pressure change inside the extraction container 9 during the extraction process. For example, when the pressure falls below 1.7 atm to maintain 1.7 atm, pressurization is performed by opening and closing the solenoid valve 73b, and the time interval from pressurization to the next pressurization is less than half from the start of delivery. When it becomes, it may be judged that the transmission is completed and the extraction process may be ended. Alternatively, the determination may be made by increasing the number of pressurizations per unit time.

Here, the relationship between the reversing operation in S16 and the transmissive coffee liquid extraction in S17 will be described with reference to FIG. When the extraction container 9 is in the upright posture, ground beans are accumulated from the body portion 90e to the bottom portion 90f. On the other hand, when the extraction container 9 is in the inverted posture, ground beans are accumulated from the shoulder portion 90d to the neck portion 90b. The cross-sectional area SC11 of the body portion 90e is larger than the cross-sectional area SC12 of the neck portion 90b, and the ground thickness H2 of the ground beans in the inverted posture is thicker than the deposition thickness H1 in the upright posture. That is, ground beans are relatively thin and widely deposited when the extraction container 9 is in the upright posture, and relatively thick and narrowly deposited when the extraction container 9 is in the inverted posture.

In the case of the present embodiment, since the extraction container 9 in S14 is performed with the extraction container 9 in the upright posture, the hot water and the ground beans can be brought into contact with each other over a wide range, and the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid can be improved. However, in this case, the hot water tends to partially contact the ground beans. On the other hand, since the transparent extraction in S17 is performed with the extraction container 9 in the inverted posture, the hot water passes through the accumulated ground beans while contacting more ground beans. The hot water comes into contact with the ground beans evenly, and the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid can be further improved.

When reducing the cross-sectional area of the internal space of the extraction container 9 on the side of the opening 90a, the neck portion 90b may be formed so as to have a shape that gradually narrows to the opening 90a (continuously inclined). As described above, it is preferable that a portion of the neck 90b having a constant cross-sectional area is secured for a certain length in the vertical direction. By doing so, it is possible to make the amount of hot water permeated per unit volume of ground beans evenly close to each other, so that it is possible to improve the efficiency of extraction by the permeation method while preventing overextraction. The cross-sectional shape of the extraction container 9 is not limited to the cylindrical shape, and may be a rectangular tube shape or the like, but by making the extraction container 9 a cylindrical shape as in the present embodiment, the coffee liquid can be extracted more uniformly.

In addition, since hot water and ground beans are stirred when the extraction container 9 is inverted, the extraction efficiency of coffee liquid can be further improved. In the case of this embodiment, since the shoulder portion 90d is formed between the body portion 90e and the neck portion 90b, it is possible to smoothly move the ground beans from the body portion 90e to the neck portion 90b at the time of reversing.

After depressurizing, the operation of shaking the extraction container 9 may be performed for the purpose of stirring the inside of the extraction container 9. Specifically, for example, the operation of tilting and returning the posture of the extraction container 9 within a range of 30 degrees may be repeated a plurality of times. This shaking operation may be performed before the inversion of the extraction container 9 or after the inversion.

Further, in the present embodiment, the immersion type extraction is performed in S14 before depressurization, but the immersion type extraction may be performed after depressurization, and in this case, the process of S14 may be deleted, You may perform the process of S14 and perform immersion extraction before and after decompression.

Further, in the present embodiment, as the depressurizing method of S15, the inside of the extraction container 9 is opened to the atmosphere, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a pressure lower than the pressure inside the extraction container 9 (atmospheric pressure or higher or atmospheric pressure or lower). ), any method such as a method of conducting with the container may be adopted. However, the method of the present embodiment is advantageous in terms of the temperature in the subsequent extraction, the temperature of the coffee beverage to be delivered, the ease of pressure reduction, and the width of pressure reduction. Of course, the opening time of the release valve 73c may be adjusted so that the pressure after depressurization becomes a certain pressure higher than atmospheric pressure (for example, 1.1 atmospheric pressure). The pressure after depressurization may be set to a certain pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure (for example, 0.9 atmospheric pressure). Of course, the pressure after depressurization may be atmospheric pressure.

Further, in order to bring the inside of the extraction container 9 into a high temperature and high pressure state, in the present embodiment, a method of injecting high temperature and high pressure hot water into the extraction container is adopted, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a method of injecting water or hot water lower than a desired temperature into the extraction container 9 and then applying pressure and heating may be adopted.

Returning to FIG. 20, after the extraction process of S3, the discharging process of S4 is performed. Here, a process related to cleaning the inside of the extraction container 9 is performed. FIG. 22 is a flowchart thereof.

In S21, the extraction container 9 is inverted from the inverted posture to the upright posture. Here, first, the plug members 903 and 913 are closed. The holding member 801 is moved to the raised position, and the holding member 811 is moved to the lowered position. Then, the support unit 81B is rotated. The lid unit 91 including the neck portion 90b and the filter 910 is located on the upper side. Then, the holding member 801 is returned to the lowered position and the holding member 811 is returned to the raised position. The inside of the extraction container 9 can be cleaned without removing the filter 910. Further, it is possible to promote that the residue of ground beans adhered to the filter 910 is separated from the filter 910 and dropped due to the vibration when the extraction container 9 is inverted or the impact when the inversion is completed.

In S22, the plug member 913 is opened. The solenoid valve 73f is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 2500 ms). As a result, tap water (purified water) is injected into the extraction container 9. Although the hot water in the water tank 72 can be used for cleaning, consumption of the hot water deteriorates the continuous production performance of coffee beverages. Therefore, tap water (purified water) is used in the present embodiment. However, for cleaning, hot water in the water tank 72 or detergent delivered from a detergent tank (not shown) may be used.

In this embodiment, there is a portion having a constant cross-sectional outer shape near the end portion (neck portion 90b) on the filter 910 side. For this reason, when pouring the cleaning water into the extraction container 9, the water can flow along the wall surface of the extraction container 9 and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

The inside of the extraction container 9 may be opened to the atmosphere for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms) before the water injection in S22 or the inversion in S21. The residual pressure in the extraction container 9 can be released, and the water injection in S22 can be smoothly performed.

In this way, when the inside of the extraction container 9 is opened to the atmosphere, the inside of the extraction container 9 becomes 0 atm in gauge pressure. Therefore, when pouring water, the plug member 913 may be automatically opened due to water pressure. In this case, the process of opening the plug member 913 is unnecessary. When the plug member 913 is opened by water pressure, the balance between the force for returning the plug member 913 to the closed state and the water pressure makes it easier for water to flow along the inner wall surface of the extraction container 9 and the like. Water is easily supplied to the whole.

In S23, the plug member 903 is opened. The switching valve 10a connects the communication portion 810a of the operation unit 81C to the waste tank T. As a result, the pipe L3, the extraction container 9, and the waste tank T are in communication with each other. The solenoid valve 73b is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms). As a result, the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized, and the water in the extraction container 9 is discharged to the waste tank T together with the residue of ground beans. After that, the plug members 903 and 913 are closed, and the process ends.

Since the water used for cleaning is discharged from the communication hole 901a different from the communication hole 911a for discharging the coffee beverage, it is possible to prevent the communication hole 911a from becoming dirty.

The communication hole 901a may be larger than the communication hole 911a, which facilitates discharging of residues and the like. Further, the pressurization in the extraction container 9 may be started during the water injection in S22. This makes it possible to more effectively discharge water and residues in S23. The pressure inside the extraction container 9 can be more vigorously discharged by pressurizing the extraction container 9 at once to about 5 atm (4 atm in gauge pressure). It is possible to supply water to every corner of the inside 9 and improve the cleaning ability of the entire inside.

Further, the plug members 903 and 913 may be left in the open state after the process of S23 is not closed.

As described above, one coffee beverage manufacturing process is completed. Thereafter, similar processing is repeated for each manufacturing instruction. The time required to manufacture one coffee beverage is, for example, about 60 to 90 seconds.

<Second embodiment>
Another example of processing regarding cleaning of the extraction container 9 will be described.

<Discharge process>
In the discharge processing illustrated in FIG. 22, the water injection and the discharge of water and the residue in S22 and S23 are performed only once, but may be performed multiple times. Thereby, the inside of the extraction container 9 can be maintained more cleanly. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a discharge process which replaces the discharge process of FIG.

The processing of S21 to S23 of FIG. 25 is the same as the processing of S21 to S23 of FIG. After the processing of S23, it is determined in S24 whether or not the cleaning has been completed a prescribed number of times. The specified number of times is, for example, twice. If not completed, the process returns to S22, and the processes of S22 and S23 are executed again. If it has been completed, one discharge process ends.

In addition, when repeating the processing of S22 and S23, the amount of water, the degree of pressurization, or the timing may be changed.

Further, the plug member 903 may be closed at the time of water injection in S22. In that case, water may be stored in the extraction container 9 to close the stopper member 913, and the inverting operation of the extraction container 9 may be performed once or plural times. As a result, the cleaning effect inside the extraction container 9 can be improved. When the water injection process of S22 is performed a plurality of times as in the example of FIG. 25, such an inversion operation of the extraction container 9 may be performed in the second and subsequent water injection processes. This is because the amount of the residue remaining in the extraction container 9 is large at the first time and the scattering thereof in the container is avoided.

<Recleaning process>
The extraction container 9 may be cleaned at a timing other than after the extraction of the coffee liquid. For example, it can be performed in a standby state. Alternatively, it can be performed when the user gives an instruction from the operation unit 12. The cleaning process of the extraction container 9 performed at a timing other than immediately after the extraction of the coffee liquid is called a recleaning process. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the recleaning process.

In S31, water injection processing is performed. The process is the same as S22. In S32, the water injected in S31 is drained. The process is the same as S23. With the above, one unit of processing is completed.

Note that the plug member 903 may be closed during the water injection in S31. In the case of the discharge process of FIGS. 22 and 25, the plug member 903 may not be closed during water injection, but the plug member 903 may be closed during water injection only during the recleaning process of FIG. Alternatively, although the plug member 903 is closed at the time of pouring water in the case of the draining process of FIGS. 22 and 25, the amount of pouring water may be different between the draining process and the recleaning process. Further, the water injection amount may be instructable by the user from the operation unit 12.

Further, the recleaning process is basically executed when the extraction container 9 is in the upright posture, but the extraction container 9 may be inverted and executed in the inverted posture.

Further, after a certain period of time has passed since the production of the coffee beverage, the rewashing process using hot water in the water tank 72 may be automatically performed. By performing this operation, the oil component and the like of the coffee liquid that has cooled and solidified in the channel can be washed away.

<Third embodiment>
Another configuration example of the bean processing device 2 and the extraction device 3 will be described. In the following description, the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, or configurations having common functions, will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the configurations of the first embodiment and description thereof will be omitted, and different configurations or functions will be mainly described. To do.

Similar to the first embodiment, also in this embodiment, the extraction device 3 is arranged below the bean processing device 2, and the basic structure is common. The bean processing device 2 includes a storage device 4 and a crushing device 5. The crushing device 5 includes a grinder 5A for coarse particles, a grinder 5B for fine particles, and a separating device 6 for separating unnecessary substances from ground beans between them.

The forming unit 6B of the separating device 6 and the grinder 5B are connected by a conveying pipe 500 extending obliquely downward from the rear to the front. The ground beans from which unnecessary substances have been removed by the separating device 6 are supplied to the grinder 5B through the transport pipe 500 (substantially free fall).

The grinder 5B is provided with a nozzle type delivery pipe 501. The ground beans that have been finely granulated by the grinder 5B are discharged through the delivery pipe 501. The delivery pipe 501 is arranged so that its outlet is located just above the opening 90a of the container body 90 when the container body 90 is located at the bean charging position. In the aspect of FIG. 27, the container main body 90 is located at the extraction position, and the outlet of the delivery pipe 501 is located in front of the container main body 90 and slightly above.

In the case of the present embodiment, the container body 90 at the extraction position is located at a position laterally displaced from directly below the grinder 5B. Therefore, the delivery pipe 501 is curved so that the ground beans are delivered to a position deviated from directly below the grinder 5B.

The main body 53 is provided with a gear 53b' for adjusting the grain size of ground beans. The gear 53b' is operated by a grain size adjusting mechanism (not shown).

<Suction unit>
The configuration of the suction unit 6A will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. FIG. 28 is a vertical sectional view of the suction unit 6A. The suction unit 6A of this embodiment is a mechanism of a centrifugal separation system, like the suction unit 6A of the first embodiment. The basic operation is also the same. That is, the air in the collection container 60B is exhausted upward by the blower unit 60A. As a result, the air containing the unwanted matter swirls around the exhaust pipe 61b from the forming unit 6B via the connecting portion 61c, and the unwanted matter D falls into the recovery container 60B due to its weight. When the air swirls around the exhaust pipe 61b, the swirling of the air and the separation of the unwanted matter D are accelerated by the fins 61d.

In the case of this embodiment, the lower portion 62 of the collection container 60B includes an upper curved portion 62A and a lower collection portion 62B, which are separably engaged with each other. The curved portion 62A is a cylindrical body that extends downward from the upper portion 61 and then bends to the front side.

The collecting portion 62B is a straight bottomed cylindrical body without bending, and is fitted to the lower end of the bending portion 62A. For this reason, the recovery part 62B is obliquely attached to the lower side from the rear to the front. The unwanted matter D is collected in a part of the collection unit 62B (deposited on the bottom). When discarding the unnecessary material D, the recovery part 62B is removed from the curved part 62A. At that time, since the recovery unit 62B may be pulled out forward and downward, the user can easily remove the recovery unit 62B from the front of the device.

The upper portion 61 of the collection container 60B preferably extends in the vertical direction for centrifugal separation. By providing the curved portion 62A, both the centrifugal separation performance and the easy attachment/detachment of the recovery portion 62B can be achieved.

The lower portion 62 of the collection container 60B may have a transparent portion whose inside is visible from the outside. Alternatively, the curved portion 62A may be a non-transmissive member, and only the recovery portion 62B may be a transmissive member. In any case, the user can visually confirm the amount of the unwanted matter D deposited.

<Chubu unit>
The configuration of the middle unit 8B, in particular, the configuration for moving the container body 90 in the horizontal direction will be described with reference to FIGS. 27, 29, and 30. FIG. 29 is a partial perspective view of the horizontal movement mechanism included in the middle unit 8B, and FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view of the arm member 820.

Similar to the first embodiment, the arm member 820 includes a holding member 820a and a pair of left and right shaft members 820b. The pair of shaft members 820b are guided and supported by the unit main body 81B' so as to be movable back and forth. Although the number of the shaft members 820b is two in the present embodiment, it may be one or three or more.

Racks 820c are respectively provided at the rear ends of the pair of shaft members 820b. A pinion driven by a motor 823 (FIG. 17) meshes with the rack 820c, and the arm member 820 moves in the front-rear direction by the rotation of the pinion. The moving range can be limited by the front and rear ends of the rack 820c interfering with other configurations (for example, the disc portion on the front side of the unit main body 81B'). Although the arm member 820 is horizontally moved by the rack-pinion mechanism in this embodiment, another driving mechanism such as a ball screw mechanism may be used.

The holding member 820a is fixed to the front end portions of the pair of shaft members 820b. Like the first embodiment, the holding member 820a is an elastic member such as resin and holds the container body 90 by its elastic force. The container body 90 is attached to and detached from the holding member 820a manually, and the container body 90 is attached to the holding member 820a by pressing the container body 90 to the holding member 820a rearward and rearward. Further, the container body 90 can be separated from the holding member 820a by pulling out the container body 90 from the holding member 820a to the front side in the front-rear direction.

The holding member 820a forms an annular frame body that integrally includes a bottom portion BP, left and right side portions SP, an upper portion UP, and left and right locking portions EP. By making the holding member 820a an annular frame, it is possible to ensure high strength as a whole while allowing its elastic deformation.

The bottom portion BP has a C-shape with the front side opened in plan view, and the container body 90 is mounted on the bottom portion BP. The left and right side parts SP extend upward from the left and right end parts on the rear side of the bottom part BP, and are fixed to the front end parts of the pair of shaft members 820b. In the state in which the container body 90 is held, the left and right side portions SP are located behind the side of the container body 90. The upper part UP is formed so as to connect the upper end parts of the left and right side parts SP, and in the case of the present embodiment, it has an upward convex arch shape. In the state where the container body 90 is held, the upper portion UP is located on the rear side of the container body 90, and the arch portion slightly overlaps the shoulder portion 90d. This prevents the container body 90 from being inadvertently displaced upward.

The left and right locking portions EP extend forward and upward from the upper ends of the left and right side portions SP, and are slightly inward. In the state where the container body 90 is held, the left and right locking portions EP are located from the side of the container body 90 to the front side, and the tip end portion thereof presses the neck portion 90b from the front side. This prevents the container body 90 from falling off the holding member 820a to the front side.

As described above, the holding member 820a of the present embodiment is configured such that the front side of the container body 90 can be easily viewed from the front side in the state where the container body 90 is held, and the user can easily confirm the operation of the container body 90. .. Further, in the case where the whole or a part of the container body 90 has the transmitting portion, the inside of the container body 90 can be easily seen from the front, and the extraction state of the coffee liquid can be easily seen.

A roller RL is provided on the rear side of the unit main body 81B'. The roller RL slides on a circular edge provided on the body frame when the unit body 81B' rotates. The rollers RL may be provided along the circumference of the unit main body 81B', three at every 120 degrees or four at every 90 degrees. At any one rotation angle of the unit main body 81B', at least one of the rollers RL bears the weight thereof by the circular edge of the main body frame. By making the distance from the roller RL to the holding member 820a shorter than the distance from the rear supporting portion of the unit main body 81B', it is possible to reduce the vertical bending.

<Storage device>
<Canister and its attachment/detachment structure (first example)>
The storage device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 27 and FIGS. 31 to 34. In this embodiment, the canister 40 is configured as a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the holder unit 43. Thereby, for example, the type of roasted coffee beans can be exchanged easily and quickly. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the canister 40, FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the tubular portion of the canister 40, FIG. 33 is an operation explanatory view of components of the canister 40, and FIG. ..

The holder unit 43 includes a plurality of mounting portions 44. One canister 40 is detachably attached to one attachment portion 44. In the case of this embodiment, the holder unit 43 includes three mounting portions 44. Therefore, three canisters 40 can be mounted at the same time. When distinguishing the three canisters 40, they are referred to as canisters 40A, 40B, and 40C.

The canister 40 of the present embodiment is an elongated hollow bean container that stores roasted coffee beans. The canister 40 includes members such as a cylinder portion 401, a lid portion 402, a connecting portion 403, a packing 404, an outlet forming portion 405, and an outlet opening/closing portion 408.

The tubular portion 401 has a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and defines a storage space for roasted coffee beans. Both ends of the tubular portion 401 form mouths through which roasted coffee beans can go in and out. The mouth of the end of the tubular portion 401 on the side of the lid 402 is a mouth through which roasted coffee beans do not pass when roasted coffee beans move from the canister 40 into the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (to the conveyor 41). The opening through which the roasted coffee beans pass when the lid 402 is opened to replenish the roasted coffee beans.

In the case of this embodiment, the tubular portion 401 is formed of a transparent member. Thereby, the remaining amount of the roasted coffee beans stored can be visually recognized from the outside. A scale SC is provided on the peripheral wall of the tubular portion 401 in parallel with the axial direction thereof. On the scale SC, a scale is formed as a standard for the remaining amount of roasted coffee beans. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 32, the scale SC also functions as a connecting portion that connects the ends of the plate-shaped material forming the tubular portion 401.

A cylindrical connecting portion 403 is fitted to one end of the tubular portion 401 via an annular packing 404. The packing 404 seals between the flange portion of the connection portion 403 and the end edge of the tubular portion 401, but may be omitted. A female screw is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 403. The lid portion 402 is formed with a male screw threaded to this female screw, and is attachable to and detachable from the connection portion 403. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, with the canister 40 attached to the attachment portion 44, the lid portion 402 can be rotated and removed to replenish the roasted coffee beans.

The lid portion 402 has a hemispherical shell shape and closes one end of the tubular portion 401. A plurality of concave portions are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lid portion 402 in the circumferential direction, so that the user can easily turn the lid portion 402 by putting his/her finger on it.

The outlet forming portion 405 is fixed to the other end of the tubular portion 401 by adhesion or the like. The outlet forming portion 405 is a cup-shaped member that opens upward, and an outlet 405a is formed on the peripheral wall thereof. The outlet 405a is a port through which roasted coffee beans can go in and out, and the roasted coffee beans stored in the tubular portion 401 can be discharged from the outlet 405a to the outside. That is, the outlet 405a is a port through which the roasted coffee beans pass when the roasted coffee beans move from the canister 40 into the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (to the conveyor 41), and a port for supplying beans to the crushing device 5. Is.

The outlet forming portion 405 is also formed with a protrusion 405b, which projects through the opening 401a of the tubular portion 401 to the outside of the peripheral wall of the tubular portion 401. A mark indicating the mounting direction of the canister 40 with respect to the mounting portion 44 is attached to the protruding portion 405b.

The outlet forming portion 405 is also formed with a detection piece 405c extending downward from the projection portion 405b, and the detection piece 405c also projects outside the peripheral wall of the tubular portion 401 through the opening portion 401a. The detection piece 405c is used to detect whether or not the canister 40 is attached to the attachment portion 44.

A coil spring 407 is provided on the bottom of the outlet forming portion 405. Further, the fixing member 406 is attached to the bottom of the outlet forming portion 405. Although FIG. 31 shows a state in which the fixing member 406 is assembled to the outlet forming portion 405, in reality, after the outlet opening/closing portion 408 is attached to the outlet forming portion 405, the outlet forming portion 405 and the fixing member 406 are Then, the fixing member 406 is assembled to the outlet forming portion 405 so as to sandwich the outlet opening/closing portion 408.

The outlet opening/closing portion 408 is a cup-shaped member that opens upward to receive the outlet forming portion 405, and constitutes a lid mechanism or a lid member that opens and closes the outlet 405a. An opening 408a is formed on the peripheral wall of the outlet opening/closing part 408. When the opening 408a overlaps the outlet 405a, the outlet 405a is opened, and when the peripheral wall of the outlet opening/closing unit 408 overlaps the outlet 405a, the outlet 405a is closed. That is, the outlet opening/closing portion 408 is attached to the outlet forming portion 405 so as to be rotatable with respect to the outlet forming portion 405 around the central axis of the tubular portion 401. In the case of the present embodiment, the outlet opening/closing unit 408 is operated by a mechanism on the side of the mounting unit 44 described later to open/close the outlet 405a.

A cylindrical portion 408b protruding downward is provided at the bottom of the outlet opening/closing portion 408, and a space 408b' inside the cylindrical portion 408b forms a concave portion in which the coil spring 407 is arranged. The fixing member 406 described above is inserted into the tubular portion 408b and assembled to the outlet forming portion 405. The coil spring 407 constantly biases the outlet opening/closing portion 408 in a direction away from the outlet forming portion 405.

A protrusion 408c is formed around the cylindrical portion 408b, and a notch 408d with which a claw portion 406a formed on the fixing member 406 is engaged is formed below the protrusion 408c.

The rotation restriction state and the rotation permissible state of the outlet opening/closing unit 408 will be described with reference to FIG. 33. FIG. 33 shows a state in which the outlet forming portion 405, the outlet opening/closing portion 408, and the fixing member 406 are assembled.

A state ST11 shows a view of the outlet forming portion 405, the outlet opening/closing portion 408, and the like viewed from two directions in a state where the canister 40 is not attached to the attaching portion 44. The claw portion 406a is engaged with the notch 408d, and rotation of the outlet opening/closing portion 408 with respect to the outlet forming portion 405 around the central axis of the tubular portion 401 is restricted. The outlet 405a is in a closed state. Due to the bias of the coil spring 407, the outlet forming portion 405 is biased in a direction away from the outlet opening/closing portion 408 as indicated by an arrow. As a result, the engagement between the notch 408d and the claw portion 406a is strongly maintained. Thus, the notch 408d and the claw portion 406a function as a restriction mechanism that restricts the outlet opening/closing portion 408 from opening the outlet 405a when the canister 40 is not attached to the attachment portion 44.

The state ST12 shows a view of the outlet forming portion 405, the outlet opening/closing portion 408, and the like viewed from two directions in a state where the canister 40 is attached to the attaching portion 44. The mounting portion 44 is provided with an abutting portion (a shutter portion 443 described later) that comes into contact with the outlet opening/closing portion 408. By mounting the canister 40 on the mounting portion 44, the outlet opening/closing is resisted against the bias of the coil spring 407. The outlet opening/closing portion 408 is relatively displaced toward the outlet opening/closing portion 408 as indicated by the arrow.

As a result, the notch 408d is separated from the claw portion 406a, and the engagement between them is released. The outlet opening/closing portion 408 is allowed to rotate with respect to the outlet forming portion 405 around the central axis of the tubular portion 401. In the state ST12 of FIG. 33, the outlet 405a is closed, but by rotating the outlet opening/closing unit 408, the outlet 405a can be opened.

FIG. 34 is a vertical sectional view including the peripheral structure of the canister 40 mounted on the mounting portion 44. The mounting portion 44 includes a cup-shaped main body portion 441 into which the end portion of the canister 40 is inserted. The front side of the main body portion 441 is open upward, and the end portion of the tubular portion 401 of the canister 40, the outlet forming portion 405, and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are housed therein, and the rear side thereof has a lattice shape (rib shape). Has been formed.

A groove 441a with which the protrusion 405b is engaged is formed at the edge of the peripheral wall of the main body 441. A sensor 441b that detects the detection piece 405c is arranged adjacent to the groove 441a. The sensor 441b is, for example, a photo interrupter, and when the sensor 441b detects the detection piece 405c, the processing unit 11a recognizes that the canister 40 is attached. If the sensor 441b does not detect the detection piece 405c, the processing unit 11a recognizes that the canister 40 is not attached.

A receiving portion 442 that receives the roasted coffee beans from the canister 40 is also formed on the peripheral wall of the main body portion 441. In the case of the present embodiment, the receiving portion 442 is an opening that communicates with the inside of the conveyor 41. The roasted coffee beans discharged from the outlet 405a of the canister 40 are guided to the conveyor 41 through the receiving portion 442.

Inside the main body portion 441, a shutter portion 443 that is a member having a cup shape that fits the outer shape of the outlet opening/closing portion 408 is provided. The shutter portion 443 is rotatably supported within the main body portion 441 about the central axis of the canister 40, and opens and closes the receiving portion 442. In the case of this embodiment, a plurality of rollers 441d are arranged in the circumferential direction on the peripheral wall of the main body 441 (see FIG. 27). An opening that exposes the roller 441d to the inside is formed on the peripheral wall of the main body 441. The roller 441d is rotatably supported around an axis parallel to the radial direction of the canister 40. The outer peripheral surface of the shutter portion 443 is rotatably supported by contacting the plurality of rollers 441d inside the main body portion 441.

When the canister 40 is not mounted, the shutter portion 443 closes the receiving portion 442 to prevent foreign matter from entering the conveyor 41. FIG. 34 shows a state in which the shutter portion 443 closes the receiving portion 442. After the canister 40 is mounted, the shutter portion 443 can be rotated by driving the motor 41a to open the receiving portion 442.

The shutter portion 443 is attached to the rotating member 444. The rotating member 444 operates the outlet opening/closing unit 408 to rotate the outlet opening/closing unit 408 to open/close the outlet 405a. The rotating member 444 is connected to the drive shaft 445. The drive shaft 445 is arranged so as to be positioned coaxially with the central axis of the canister 40 when the canister 40 is mounted, and is one of the elements for transmitting the driving force of the motor 41 a to the rotating member 444. The rotating member 444 is a cylindrical member that opens upward on the front side. A groove 444a is formed at the edge of the peripheral wall of the rotating member 444, and the projection 408c of the outlet opening/closing portion 408 engages with the groove 444a. Due to this engagement, when the rotating member 444 is rotated, the outlet opening/closing portion 408 is also rotated, and the outlet 405a is opened/closed. FIG. 34 shows a state in which the outlet opening/closing unit 408 closes the outlet 405a.

With the above-described configuration, the rotation of the rotating member 444 causes the shutter portion 443 to close the receiving portion 442 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 to close the outlet 405a (the state shown in FIG. 34, which is referred to as a closed state). The shutter section 443 opens the receiving section 442 and the outlet opening/closing section 408 opens the outlet 405a (a state in which roasted coffee beans are supplied into the apparatus, which is called an open state). The state of the storage device 4 can be switched. These states can be recognized by the processing unit 11a by detecting the rotational position of the shutter unit 443 with a sensor (not shown) (feedback control). As another example, a stepping motor may be used as the motor 41a, and the state of the storage device 4 may be recognized and switched by the control amount (the number of steps) (open loop control).

A bevel gear 445 a is provided on the drive shaft 445, and the bevel gear 445 a meshes with a bevel gear 445 b provided on the drive shaft 46.

The drive shaft 46 is provided with a gear 45b that meshes with a pinion gear 45a provided on the output shaft of the motor 41a, and is rotated by driving the motor 41a. A one-way clutch 445c is interposed between the drive shaft 46 and the bevel gear 445b. The one-way clutch 445c transmits only rotation of the drive shaft 46 in one direction to the bevel gear 445b. That is, when the motor 41a is rotated in one direction, the driving force of the motor 41a is transmitted to the rotating member 444 through the path of the bevel gear 445b, the bevel gear 445a, and the drive shaft 445. Is not transmitted when it rotates in the opposite direction.

The conveyor 41 is a transfer mechanism that transfers the roasted coffee beans from the canister 40. In the case of the present embodiment, the conveyor 41 is provided on the mounting portion 44 side instead of the canister 40 side. That is, the conveyor 41 is provided so as to remain on the mounting portion 44 side when the canister 40 is removed from the mounting portion 44. A configuration in which the canister 40 and the conveyor 41 are integrated can also be adopted, but by configuring them separately as in the present embodiment, the canister 40 can be simplified and reduced in weight.

The screw shaft of the conveyor 41 is connected to the drive shaft 46 via a one-way clutch 47a. The drive transmission direction of the one-way clutch 47a is opposite to that of the one-way clutch 445c. That is, when the motor 41a is rotated in the other direction, the driving force of the motor 41a is transmitted to the screw shaft 47 to convey the roasted coffee beans, but when the motor 41a is rotated in the opposite direction. Is not transmitted.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the rotation direction of the motor 41a is switched between forward and reverse, whereby the rotation of the rotation member 444 (that is, the rotation of the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408) and the rotation of the screw shaft 47 are performed exclusively. be able to.

A control example of the processing unit 11a relating to mounting and dismounting of the canister 40 will be described. When the canister 40 is mounted on the mounting portion 44 by the user, this is detected by the sensor 441b. The processing unit 11a drives the motor 41a to open the shutter unit 443 and the outlet opening/closing unit 408. The protrusion 408c engages with the stopper 441c provided on the inner peripheral wall of the main body portion 441 in the axial direction of the canister 40, and the canister 40 does not drop off from the mounting portion 44 even when the user releases his or her hand. In other words, the protrusion 408c functions as a restricting unit that restricts the canister 40 from being removed from the mounting unit 44 when the outlet opening/closing unit 408 opens the outlet 405a. This can prevent the canister 40 from being removed and the roasted coffee beans in the canister 40 from spilling while the outlet 405a remains open.

Since the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are opened, the roasted coffee beans in the canister 40 are introduced into the conveyor 41 through the receiving portion 442. Wait in this state.

When manufacturing a coffee beverage, the motor 41a is driven to rotate the screw shaft 47 and stop it. As a result, the roasted coffee beans are conveyed to the collective conveyance path 42. The amount of roasted coffee beans used in the production of coffee beverages is automatically measured by the amount of rotation of the screw shaft 47. When it is desired to blend a plurality of roasted coffee beans to produce a coffee beverage in one production of the coffee beverage, the ratio of the amount conveyed by the conveyor 41 to the collective conveyance path 42 is changed between the canisters 40. Good. Thereby, ground beans blended with a plurality of types of roasted coffee beans can be supplied to the extraction container 9.

When replacing the canister 40, the user gives a replacement instruction from the operation unit 12. The processing unit 11a drives the motor 41a to return the shutter unit 443 and the outlet opening/closing unit 408 to the closed state. The user can remove the canister 40 from the mounting portion 44.

<Canister and its attachment/detachment structure (second example)>
The canister 40 and the mounting portion 44 of the second example, which are partially different from the canister 40 and the mounting portion 44 of the first example described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 34, will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 to 47. Of the configurations of the second example, the same configurations as the first example, or configurations having common functions, are given the same reference numerals as the configurations of the first example and description thereof is omitted, and different configurations or functions are focused. Explained.

35 to 37 are external views of the canister 40 and the mounting portion 44 of the second example viewed from multiple directions. Although it has been described that the rear side of the main body 441 of the mounting portion 44 of the first example is formed in a lattice shape (rib shape), it has the same configuration as the main body section 441 of the second example, and its structure is as shown in FIG. It is understood from 36 etc. The rear side of the main body 441 is composed of a plurality of ribs 441e, and the rotating member 444 and the like inside thereof are visible.

The rotating member 444 has two detection pieces 444b that are separated by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction. Two sensors 441f such as a photo interrupter are provided, and these detect two detection pieces 444b. The processing unit 11a recognizes the rotational position of the rotating member 444 based on the detection result of the sensor 441f. That is, it is recognized whether the shutter section 443 and the outlet opening/closing section 408 described in the first example are in the closed state or the open state.

FIG. 38 is a vertical sectional view including the peripheral structure of the canister 40 mounted on the mounting portion 44. The structure of the second example is basically the same as that of the first example, but an elastically deforming portion 405d is formed on the peripheral wall of the outlet forming portion 405 at the peripheral edge of the outlet 405a. The elastically deforming portion 405d is a portion formed by inserting a slit parallel to the peripheral wall of the outlet forming portion 405 from the peripheral edge of the outlet 405a, and is thus configured to be deformed more easily than the surrounding portion. The function of the elastic deformation portion 405d will be described later.

The second example is different from the first example in the configuration related to the rotation regulation and rotation permission of the outlet opening/closing unit 408. This point will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40. The state ST1 in FIG. 39 shows the case where the outlet opening/closing section 408 is in the rotation restriction state, and the state ST22 in FIG. 39 shows the case where the outlet opening/closing section 408 is in the rotation permitting state. Further, FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 39, and states ST21 and ST22 in the same figure correspond to states ST21 and ST22 of FIG.

In the second example, the coil spring 407 of the outlet forming portion 405 and the claw portion 406a of the fixing member 406 in the first example are not provided, and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 is arranged in the axial direction of the tubular portion 401 with respect to the outlet forming portion 405. Relative displacement is not possible, but only relative rotation around this axis is possible.

The scale SC of the second example has a groove GR in which a slider 409 is incorporated. The slider 409 is configured by fastening a front side member and a back side member of the scale SC with two bolts, and is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the scale SC along the groove GR. As a configuration corresponding to the protrusion 405b and the detection piece 405c of the first example, the slider 409 has a protrusion 405b' and a detection piece 405c'. The slider 409 also has a grip portion NB for the user to grip with a fingertip.

The slider 409 has a convex portion 409a capable of engaging with either the concave portion CT1 or CT2 formed on the scale SC. The slider 409 is slidable between a first position where the protrusion 409a engages with the recess CT1 and a second position where the protrusion 409a engages with the recess CT2. State ST21 and state ST22 show the state where the slider 409 is located at the first position, and state ST23 in FIG. 40 shows the state where the slider 409 is located at the second position. The slider 409 is basically located at the first position, and is manually slid to the second position when releasing the biting of the roasted coffee beans described later.

At the end of the scale SC of the second example, a cylindrical support portion SC′ that is open to the outlet forming portion 405 side is fixed. A coil spring 407 of the first example, a coil spring 407' replacing the claw 406a, and a movable member 406a' are supported by the support SC'. At the edge of the outlet opening/closing portion 408, a cutout 408d' that replaces the cutout 408d of the first example is formed. As shown in the state ST21, the movable member 406a' is engaged with the notch 408d', thereby restricting the rotation of the outlet opening/closing portion 408 with respect to the outlet forming portion 405 around the central axis of the tubular portion 401. At this time, the outlet 405a is in a closed state. The movable member 406a' is constantly biased toward the notch 408d' by the coil spring 407'. As a result, the engagement between the notch 408d' and the movable member 406a' is strongly maintained. As described above, the notch 408d' and the movable member 406a' function as a restricting mechanism that restricts the outlet opening/closing unit 408 from opening the outlet 405a when the canister 40 is not attached to the attaching unit 44.

When the canister 40 is attached to the attachment portion 44, as shown in the state ST22, the movable member 406a' comes into contact with the edge of the shutter portion 443 and is pushed into the support portion SC' against the bias of the coil spring 407'. Be done. As a result, the engagement between the movable member 406a' and the notch 408d' is released, and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 is allowed to rotate with respect to the outlet forming portion 405 around the central axis of the tubular portion 401.

A control example of the processing unit 11a relating to mounting and dismounting of the canister 40 in the second example will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 38 to 41. When the user mounts the canister 40 on the mounting portion 44, the movable member 406a′ comes into contact with the end edge of the shutter portion 443, whereby the engagement between the movable member 406a′ and the notch 408d′ is released ( State of state ST22).

The mounting of the canister 40 is detected by the sensor 441b, and the processing unit 11a drives the motor 41a to open the shutter unit 443 and the outlet opening/closing unit 408. The state ST31 of FIG. 41 shows the case where the outlet opening/closing unit 408 is in the closed state, and the state ST32 exemplifies the case where the outlet opening/closing unit 408 shifts from the state ST31 to the open state.

When the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are in the open state, the protrusion 408c engages with the stopper 441c provided on the inner peripheral wall of the main body portion 441 in the axial direction of the canister 40, and the canister is released even when the user releases the canister. 40 does not fall off the mounting portion 44. In other words, the protrusion 408c functions as a restricting unit that restricts the canister 40 from being removed from the mounting unit 44 when the outlet opening/closing unit 408 opens the outlet 405a. This can prevent the canister 40 from being removed and the roasted coffee beans in the canister 40 from spilling while the outlet 405a remains open.

Since the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are opened, the roasted coffee beans in the canister 40 are introduced into the conveyor 41 through the receiving portion 442. Wait in this state.

When manufacturing a coffee beverage, the motor 41a is driven to rotate the screw shaft 47 and stop it. As a result, the roasted coffee beans are conveyed to the collective conveyance path 42. The amount of roasted coffee beans used in the production of coffee beverages is automatically measured by the amount of rotation of the screw shaft 47.

At the base of the receiving unit 442, a bean remaining amount detection sensor SR is provided. The bean remaining amount detection sensor SR is, for example, a transmissive sensor (photo interrupter). When the coffee is produced a predetermined number of times (for example, two cups) after the absence of beans in this position is detected, it may be notified that the canister 40 is empty.

When replacing the canister 40, for example, the user gives a replacement instruction from the operation unit 12. The processing unit 11a drives the motor 41a to return the shutter unit 443 and the outlet opening/closing unit 408 to the closed state. State ST33 in FIG. 41 shows a state where the outlet opening/closing unit 408 is returning to the closed state from state ST32.

When the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are in the closed state, the projection 408c and the stopper 441c are disengaged, and the user can remove the canister 40 from the mounting portion 44. When the canister 40 is removed from the mounting portion 44, the movable member 406a' is again engaged with the notch 408d' by the bias of the coil spring 407' (state of state ST21). As a result, the rotation of the outlet opening/closing portion 408 with respect to the outlet forming portion 405 around the central axis of the tubular portion 401 is again restricted, and the roasted coffee beans remaining in the canister 40 may be accidentally spilled from the outlet 405a. To be prevented.

<Countermeasures for biting>
When the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are returned from the open state to the closed state, the exposure degree (opening area) of the outlet 405a becomes gradually narrower as it overlaps with the peripheral wall of the outlet opening/closing portion 408. 41. Below the broken line in FIG. 41, there is shown a change in the degree of exposure of the outlet 405a in the process of returning the outlet opening/closing portion 408 from the open state to the closed state.

The edge ED1 of the peripheral wall that defines the outlet 405a of the outlet forming portion 405 and the edge ED2 of the peripheral wall that defines the opening 408a of the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are both bulged in the direction facing each other, and The shape is such that the width of the outlet 405a becomes wider on the side of the tubular portion 401. As a result, the roasted coffee beans located between the edge ED1 and the edge ED2 are likely to be pushed out toward the tubular portion 401 side, and the beans are less likely to be caught at a plurality of points. Note that the edges ED1 and ED2 may be formed in a straight line shape without widening, and the width of the outlet 405a may be widened on the cylindrical portion 401 side.

Since the end of the edge ED1 is formed by the elastically deforming portion 405d, when the roasted coffee beans are likely to be caught between the elastically deforming portion 405d and the edge ED2 immediately before the outlet 405a is closed, the elastically deforming portion 405d is elastically deformed. The portion 405d is deformed and the beans are easily repelled. This can further prevent biting of roasted coffee beans.

Next, an example of control relating to prevention of biting of roasted coffee beans will be described. 42 to 44 are cross-sectional views in the radial direction of the canister 40, illustrating the state of the roasted coffee beans contained. 42 to 44 exemplify control from mounting to removal of the canister 40.

FIG. 42 shows a state immediately after the canister 40 is mounted on the mounting portion 44. The shutter part 443 and the outlet opening/closing part 408 are in a closed state. FIG. 43 shows a state in which the shutter section 443 and the outlet opening/closing section 408 are switched to the open state from the state of FIG. The outlet 405a and the receiving portion 442 are opened, and the roasted coffee beans flow out into the conveyor 41.

FIG. 44 shows a state in which the shutter section 443 and the outlet opening/closing section 408 are returned to the closed state again. The rotation of the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 is once stopped before the outlet 405a is completely closed. A part of the outlet 405a is in a closed state, and for example, the outlet 405a is opened so that one roasted coffee bean can pass therethrough. When the motor 41a is a stepping motor, the opening degree of the outlet 405a can be controlled by the control amount (step number).

In this state, the conveyor 41 is driven to remove the roasted coffee beans from around the receiving portion 442. After that, the conveyor 41 is stopped, the shutter part 443 and the outlet opening/closing part 408 are all closed, and the closed state is completely returned. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably prevent the roasted coffee beans from being bitten.

As shown in FIGS. 42 to 44, the cross-sectional shapes of the edges of the outlet forming portion 405, the outlet opening/closing portion 408, and the shutter portion 443 are wedge-shaped or tapered. Since the contact area between the roasted coffee beans and the edge is small, it contributes to the prevention of biting.

Further, as shown in the sectional views of FIGS. 34 and 38, the space around the receiving portion 442 has a larger volume on the front side than on the rear side. Accordingly, when the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are returned from the open state to the closed state, a larger space around the outlet 405a that is gradually narrowed can be secured more and biting of roasted coffee beans can be prevented. By narrowing the rear side, it is possible to reduce the amount of roasted coffee beans remaining here, and when the conveyor 41 is driven in the state of FIG. 44, the roasted coffee beans carried out by the conveyor 41 (for example, discarded). ) Can be reduced.

45 to 47 are also radial cross-sectional views of the canister 40, illustrating the state of the roasted coffee beans contained therein. 45 to 47 exemplify a case where a relatively large amount of roasted coffee beans remains in the receiving portion 442 and the canister 40, and the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are returned from the open state to the closed state. There is.

FIG. 45 shows a case where the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are in an open state. A relatively large amount of roasted coffee beans is accumulated near the outlet 405a and the receiving portion 442.

FIG. 46 shows a state in which the shutter section 443 and the outlet opening/closing section 408 are returned to the closed state. Similar to the example of FIG. 44, the rotation of the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 is once stopped before the outlet 405a is completely closed. In this state, the conveyor 41 is driven to remove the roasted coffee beans from around the receiving portion 442. After that, the conveyor 41 is stopped, and the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are completely returned to the closed state. However, as shown in FIG. 47, roasted coffee beans may be bitten.

For example, when it is not confirmed that the shutter unit 443 and the outlet opening/closing unit 408 have returned to the closed state within the predetermined time, the processing unit 11a notifies the user of the occurrence of the bite. Biting of roasted coffee beans is often resolved by slightly expanding the outlet 405a. Therefore, the outlet forming portion 405 (cylindrical portion 401) may be manually rotated slightly to widen the outlet 405a. However, when the canister 40 is mounted on the mounting portion 44, the outlet forming portion 405 (the tubular portion 401) cannot be manually rotated due to the engagement between the protrusion 405b' and the groove 441a.

Therefore, the user manually slides the slider 409 to the second position as shown in state ST23 of FIG. As a result, the protrusion 405b' is disengaged from the groove 441a, and the engagement between the both is released. It is possible to manually rotate the outlet forming portion 405 (cylindrical portion 401) to eliminate the bite. After that, the user manually returns the slider 409 to the first position, and instructs the operation unit 12 to restart the operation to the closed state. The processing unit 11a drives the motor 41a to completely return the shutter unit 443 and the outlet opening/closing unit 408 to the closed state.

<Receiving section and collective transport path>
The storage device 4 may be provided with a receiving part in a portion different from the mounting part 44, separately from the receiving part 442 for each mounting part 44. The configuration example will be described with reference to FIG. 27 again.

In the example of FIG. 27, a receiving section 42c different from the receiving section 442 is provided. The receiving portion 42c is an opening formed in the front wall portion of the collective conveying path 42. The user can put the roasted coffee beans into the collecting and conveying path 42 from the receiving portion 42c by hand or by using a funnel-shaped device. The introduced roasted coffee beans are supplied to the crushing device 5 by their own weight from the discharge port 42b, and the coffee beverage can be manufactured.

The receiving portion 42c can be used, for example, when a coffee beverage is produced using special roasted coffee beans not stored in the canister 40. The manufacturing processing program used for manufacturing such a special cup of coffee beverage may be selectable or may be a manufacturing processing program that operates under the manufacturing conditions set by the user.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the receiving portion 442 that receives the supply of the roasted coffee beans from the canister 40 and the receiving portion 42c that individually receives the supply of the roasted coffee beans are provided. It is possible to provide the beverage manufacturing device 1 capable of meeting individual needs by the receiving unit 42c while ensuring the mass productivity of coffee beverages.

In the case of the present embodiment, the crushing device 5 (especially coarse particles) is supplied from the receiving part 42c rather than the supply path RT1 (see FIG. 27 in addition to FIG. 27) from the receiving part 442 to the pulverizing device 5 (especially coarse particle grinder 5A). The supply path RT2 to the grinder 5A) has a shorter path length. When roasted coffee beans are charged from the receiving section 42c, they generally fall directly to the discharge port 42b and are supplied to the crushing device 5. This makes it possible to more reliably supply the entire amount of the roasted coffee beans that have been input to the crushing device 5, and it is possible to suppress the waste of beans and the occurrence of measurement errors. The supply path RT2 is a path that joins the supply path RT1. The structure can be made simpler than the structure in which the paths are completely independent from each other.

Since the conveyor 41 does not exist on the supply route RT2, the roasted coffee beans input from the receiving section 42c are not automatically measured. For this reason, the user can freely measure and produce a coffee beverage by adding a desired amount of roasted coffee beans from the receiving unit 42c. However, it is also possible to provide a mechanism for automatically measuring the roasted coffee beans on the supply route RT2.

A front wall of the collective conveyance path 42 of the present embodiment is inclined forward and upward, and is arranged in an inclined posture as a whole. By inclining, the receiving portion 42c can easily receive the roasted coffee beans, and the roasted coffee beans conveyed from the conveyor 41 can also be directed to the crushing device 5.

Since the receiving portion 42c is an opening, the state of the conveyor 41 can be visually inspected via the receiving portion 42c. That is, the receiving portion 42c can also be used as an inspection window.

Hereinafter, another example of the collective conveying path 42 and the receiving section 42c will be described.

In the example of FIG. 48, two receiving portions 42c are provided. As described above, a plurality of receiving portions 42c may be provided. One receiving portion 42c is provided with a lid 42d that can be opened and closed by a hinge 42e. When not in use, the receiving section 42 is closed with the lid 42d to prevent foreign matter from entering the collecting and conveying path 42. The portion where the hinge 42e is provided may be on the upper side, the lower side, the back side, or the front side of the lid 42d. The other receiving portion 42c is formed by a hopper-shaped tube member 42f.

The pipe member 42f may be separable from the collective conveyance path 42 as shown in FIG. The opening 42g is a hole for mounting the pipe member 42f. The opening 42g can also be used as an inspection hole for visually inspecting the inside of the collective conveyance path 42 and the conveyor 41. FIG. 49 also exemplifies a lid 42d provided with wall portions on the left and right sides. By providing the left and right wall portions, when the roasted coffee beans are opened and thrown in, it is difficult for the lid 42d to be spilled to the side. Not only the state of the conveyor 41 but also the state of the roasted coffee beans received from the receiving section 442 and the roasted coffee beans received from the receiving section 442 can be visually recognized through the receiving section 42c. Confirm the state of being sent out, the state in which the roasted coffee beans received from the receiving unit 442 are being sent out into the machine, or the state of not being sent out even though the operation to command sending out is performed be able to. The roasted coffee beans received from the receiving portion 442 can be visually observed to flow downstream (for example, on the mill side). In addition, the user may be able to prevent the roasted coffee beans received from the receiving unit 442 from flowing downstream (for example, on the mill side) via the receiving unit 42c. The roasted coffee beans received from the receiving unit 42c may be made invisible from the receiving unit 442.

In the configuration example EX11 of FIG. 50, the discharge port 42b is located at a position displaced in the left-right direction with respect to the center line CL of the width in the left-right direction of the receiving portion 42c or the collective conveyance path 42. Further, the left bottom LB and the right bottom RB of the collective conveyance path 42 have different inclinations. Due to the left-right asymmetrical shape, it may be possible to suppress the roasted coffee beans from accumulating at a specific portion in the aggregate conveyance path 42.

A configuration example EX12 of FIG. 50 shows an example in which the outlet 42b is connected to the side portion of the crushing device 5 (particularly, the coarse grain grinder 5A) to supply roasted coffee beans. Depending on the structure of the grinder, the case where the roasted coffee beans are supplied from the side of the cutter may operate more smoothly than the case where the roasted coffee beans are supplied from above. The position of the discharge port 42b may be the left and right side parts, the front part, or the rear part, in addition to the bottom part of the collective conveyance path 42.

The example of FIG. 51 shows an example in which a plurality of discharge ports 42b are provided, and a distribution mechanism 42h that distributes roasted coffee beans to any of the discharge ports 42b is provided in the aggregate conveyance path 42. In the example of the figure, two discharge ports 42b are provided, for example, one is connected to the crushing device 5 and the other is connected to the waste box. For example, when the roasted coffee beans remaining on the conveyor 41 are discarded, the distribution mechanism 42h distributes the roasted coffee beans introduced into the collecting and conveying path 42 to the discharge port 42b on the waste box side. In addition, for example, the roasted coffee beans input through the receiving unit 42c (not shown in FIG. 51) are distributed to the discharge port 42b on the crushing device 5 side.

52 to 54 exemplify the housing 1a that covers the storage device 4. The housing 1 a forms the exterior of the beverage manufacturing device 1. 52 is a perspective view of the housing 1a with the canister 40 mounted, FIG. 53 is a front view of the housing 1a, and FIG. 54 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG.

The housing 1a is configured to be openable and closable with respect to a main body housing (not shown) by a hinge portion 1c. The following description is for the case where the housing 1a is in the closed state. A power switch 1b is also provided in the housing 1a.

A receiving portion 42c is formed in the housing 1a, and the receiving portion 42c is opened and closed by a lid 42d. The outline of the opening of the receiving portion 42c is defined by the lid 42d on the upper side and the housing 1a on the lower side.

As shown in FIG. 54, the collective conveying path 42 is disposed behind the receiving section 42c, and the receiving section 42c communicates with the collective conveying path 42. When the roasted coffee beans are put into the receiving portion 42c with the lid 42d opened, the roasted coffee beans are guided to the collective conveying path 42 as shown by the solid arrow, and the crushing device not shown in the figure from the collective conveying path 42. It is discharged to 5. The inner peripheral wall of the receiving portion 42c has a mortar shape inclined toward the front surface of the collective conveyance path 42, and the roasted coffee beans that have been introduced are smoothly guided to the collective conveyance path 42.

The input port 42a of the collective transport path 42 is formed in the rear wall of the collective transport path 42. The roasted coffee beans conveyed from the canister 40 via the conveyor 41 (not shown) are introduced into the collecting and conveying path 42 as indicated by the broken line arrow, and are discharged to the crushing device 5 (not shown). When the lid 42d is opened, the internal conveyor 41 (not shown) can be visually confirmed through the receiving portion 42c, and the inspection can be performed.

A magnet 42e' is arranged near the hinge 42e. The lid 42d is provided with a metal plate 42d' at a portion that abuts the magnet 42e' when opened, and the magnet 42e' attracts the metal plate 42d' to facilitate maintaining the open state of the lid 42d. ing. Further, a recess is formed at the tip of the lid 42d, so that the user can easily put his/her finger on the recess and operate the lid 42d easily.

<Fourth Embodiment>
A configuration example of the housing forming the exterior of the beverage manufacturing device 1 will be described.

<Housing configuration example 1>
FIG. 55 is a perspective view schematically showing the beverage manufacturing device 1 in which the internal mechanism is surrounded by the housing 100. The housing 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape including a front wall, a rear wall, an upper wall, and left and right side walls. The canister 40 is arranged on the upper wall, and the receiving portion 42c is arranged on the upper wall. An outlet 104 is formed in the lower part of the front wall, and a coffee beverage is poured into the cup placed here.

The front wall is formed with a transparent portion 101 that allows the inside of the housing 100 to be visually recognized from the outside. By providing the transparent portion 101, the internal mechanism can be visually recognized from the front side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and the operation can be easily confirmed. Further, the coffee beverage manufacturing process can be observed by a purchaser of the coffee beverage or the like. In the housing 100, the parts other than the transmissive part 101 are basically non-transmissive parts, but other transmissive parts may be included.

The transmissive portion 101 can be formed of a through hole or a transparent member. By being formed of a transparent member such as glass or acrylic resin, steam or the like in the housing 100 can be suppressed from leaking to the outside. The transparent member may be colorless and transparent or colored and transparent. A steam path for sending steam to the outside of the housing 100 may be provided, and the steam path is, for example, a steam inlet provided at a predetermined position in the housing, a steam outlet, a steam inlet, and a steam on the back surface of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. It may be constituted by a steam pipe connecting the outlets, a steam outlet fan for sending air or steam in the steam passage near the steam outlet or the steam outlet to the outside of the beverage production apparatus 1. The steam inlet may be provided at any position near the inlet of the grinder 5A, near the outlet, near the inlet of the grinder 5B, near the outlet, near the opening 90a of the extraction container 9 located at the bean charging position, or at a plurality of positions. When the good transmission part 101 is made of a transparent member, and the transmission part 101 is provided with a hole or notch through which steam escapes, or a steam escape part configured by providing holes, notches or gaps in the housing is mounted, The steam escape portion may have a positional relationship such that the extraction container 9 located at the bean feeding position is closer to the steam inlet than the steam inlet, and the steam escape portion is located at the extraction container 9 located at the extraction position. The steam escape portion may be positioned closer to the steam inlet, or the steam escape portion may be positioned closer to the grinder (for example, at least one of the grinders 5A and 5B) than the steam inlet. The steam escape portion may be arranged such that the extraction container 9 located at the bean feeding position is farther than the steam inlet, and the steam escape portion is located at the extraction position. The extraction container 9 may be located farther from the steam inlet, or the steam escape portion may be located farther in the grinder (eg, at least one of the grinders 5A and 5B) than in the steam inlet. The positional relationship may be such that

In the case of the present embodiment, the transmissive portion 101 is formed of a plate-shaped transparent member and is configured to be openable/closable by a hinge 102. As a result, if the transparent portion 101 is opened, the internal mechanism can be accessed and its maintenance can be performed. FIG. 56 shows a state in which the transmissive portion 101 is opened.

A handle 103 is provided below the transmissive portion 101. The user can easily open and close the transparent portion 101 by gripping the handle 103. At the lower edge of the opening 105 that is opened and closed by the transparent portion 101, a stopper 105 a that restricts the rotation range of the transparent portion 101 is provided at a position corresponding to the handle 103.

In the present embodiment, the opening direction of the transmissive portion 101 is the upward direction, but it may be downward by disposing the hinge 102 below the transmissive portion 101. Further, the opening/closing direction of the transmissive portion 101 may be the horizontal direction instead of the vertical direction. Further, a mechanism for maintaining the open state of the transmissive portion 101 may be provided, and such a mechanism may be provided in the hinge 102, for example. The transparent portion 101 may be provided on the side wall or the upper wall.

<Housing configuration example 2>
Another configuration example of the housing 100 will be described. FIG. 57 is a perspective view schematically showing the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 in which the internal mechanism is surrounded by the housing 100 of another configuration example. Regarding the housing 100 of the present configuration example 2, configurations having the same configurations or functions as those of the housing 100 of FIGS. 55 and 56 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The housing 100 includes an L-shaped main body 110 and a transmissive portion 101 that surrounds an internal mechanism IM arranged on the stage 111 of the main body 110. The transparent portion 101 is formed of a shell-shaped transparent member, and the surface thereof forms a curved surface from the front to the rear. The transmissive portion 101 is extended over the front side, the left and right sides, and the upper side of the internal mechanism IM, and the internal mechanism IM is visible from the front, side, and upper sides of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1.

The transparent portion 101 may become cloudy due to heat generated by the internal mechanism IM or steam. Therefore, a ventilation portion 112a is formed on the back plate 112 at a portion inside the transparent portion 101. The ventilation part 112a may be a hole communicating with the outside air or a duct. In the present embodiment, a plurality of ventilation parts 112a are provided in the upper part and the lower part, but the arrangement may be other than the illustrated form.

The top surface of the stage 111 may get wet due to steam or water leakage of the internal mechanism IM. Therefore, the stage 111 is provided with the drainage portion 111a. A pipe connected to a waste tank (not shown) is connected to the drain portion 111a.

Similar to the configuration example 1 described above, in the configuration example 2 as well, the transparent portion 101 is configured to be openable/closable by the hinge 102. As a result, if the transparent portion 101 is opened, the internal mechanism IM can be accessed and its maintenance can be performed. A handle 103 is provided below the transmissive portion 101. The user can easily open and close the transparent portion 101 by gripping the handle 103. At the front end of the stage 111, a stopper 105a that comes into contact with the handle 103 is provided at a position corresponding to the handle 103. The handle 103 and the stopper 105a may be provided with a metal plate and a magnet that are attracted by magnetic force.

FIG. 58 shows the opened/closed state of the transmissive portion 101. In the closed state shown on the upper side of the figure, it is also possible to look through from the one side to the other side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 through the transmissive portion 101, except for the internal mechanism IM. In the configuration example 2, the hinge 102 is arranged rearward above the transmissive portion 101, and the opening direction of the transmissive portion 101 is the upward direction. However, by disposing the hinge 102 below the transmissive portion 101, the forward direction is set. Good. Further, the opening/closing direction of the transmissive portion 101 may be the horizontal direction instead of the vertical direction. Further, a mechanism for maintaining the open state of the transmissive portion 101 may be provided, and such a mechanism may be provided in the hinge 102, for example. A sensor for detecting opening/closing of the transmissive portion 101 may be provided, and control for stopping the coffee beverage manufacturing operation when the opening operation of the transmissive portion 101 is detected may be performed. Further, a lock mechanism for restricting the opening and closing of the transmissive portion 101 may be provided, and the lock mechanism may be operated during the coffee beverage manufacturing operation to perform control for prohibiting opening of the transmissive portion 101.

<Mechanism surrounded by housing and visible mechanism>
The mechanism surrounded by the housing 100 shown in the configuration example 1 or the configuration example 2 may be the whole or a part of the bean processing device 2 and the extraction device 3. At least a part of the canister 40 may be located outside the housing 100 as in the configuration example 1. The outlet 104 may be outside or inside the housing 100. Even if the ground beans sent from the grinder 5A cannot be seen from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101, the ground beans sent from the grinder 5B can be seen from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101. Good.

Examples of the internal mechanism visible from the outside through the transmissive portion 101 include all or part of the storage device 4, the crushing device 5, and the extraction device 3. The adjacent mechanisms in the front-rear direction may be laterally displaced so that as many mechanisms as possible can be visually recognized from the front side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 through the transmissive portion 101.

Further referring to the crushing device 5, all or part of the separating device 6 can be mentioned.

In the separation device 6, particularly, if all or part of the collection container 62B is visible from the outside via the transmission part 101, it is also possible to view the unwanted matter in the collection container 62B from the outside of the housing 100. Is. It is also possible to visually recognize a state in which the unwanted matter in the recovery container 62B is blown by the air blow of the air blow unit 60A from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101. In the case of the configuration example of FIG. 28, only the portion on the front side of the broken line L11 may be visible from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101.

Further, regarding the crushing device 5, all or part of the coarse-grain grinder 5A and the fine-grain grinder 5B may be visible from the outside of the housing 100 through the transmission part 101.

Furthermore, regarding the extraction device 3, it may be possible that all or a part of the extraction container 9 can be visually recognized from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101. All or part of the movement of the posture of the extraction container 9 such as the reversing operation of the extraction container 9 and the horizontal movement of the extraction container 9 (container main body 90) in the front-rear direction is transmitted from the outside of the housing 100 via the transparent portion 101. It may also be possible to visually recognize it. The opening and closing of the first stopper member (for example, 913) in the extraction container 9 may be visible or may not be visible from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101. The opening and closing of the second stopper member (for example, 903) in the extraction container 9 may or may not be visible from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101. The opening and closing of the lid unit (for example, 91) in the extraction container 9 may or may not be visible from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101.

<Fifth Embodiment>
An example of information management of roasted coffee beans will be described.

<Tag>
When different types of roasted coffee beans are stored in the plurality of canisters 40, it is necessary to manage which mounting portion 44 is mounted with which roasted coffee bean canister 40. As a method thereof, the canister 40 may be provided with a tag having information regarding the type of roasted coffee beans contained therein. FIG. 59 shows an example thereof.

A tag TG is provided on the tubular portion 401 of the canister 40 in FIG. The tag TG is, for example, an RFID tag or a tag provided with a barcode. The tag TG may be attached to the tubular portion 401 with an adhesive. The portion where the tag TG is provided is not limited to the tubular portion 401, and may be the lid portion 402 or the outlet opening/closing portion 408 as shown by a broken line. The tag TG may be provided at a plurality of parts of the canister 40. In addition, the tag TG may be provided in the storage bag 120 that stores the roasted coffee beans before being stored in the canister 40.

The beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 may include a reader that reads the information of the tag TG, and the processing unit 11a may be configured to acquire the read information. A reader may be provided for each mounting unit 44. In this case, the correspondence between the canister 40 and the mounting unit 44 (the type of roasted coffee beans) is determined from the correspondence between the reader that has read the information and the mounting unit 44. Can be specified).

The tag TG may be read by a mobile terminal, and the processing unit 11a may acquire the information read from the mobile terminal by wireless communication.

The information on the type of roasted coffee beans stored may include information such as the place of origin, the degree of roasting, the date of roasting, the roaster, the taste and flavor of the coffee beverage. In addition, the tag TG may have information regarding manufacturing conditions (recipe) for manufacturing a coffee beverage from the stored roasted coffee beans. The processing unit 11a may control the production of the coffee beverage from the roasted coffee beans according to the production information read from the tag TG. The manufacturing information may include hot water temperature, extraction pressure, extraction time, and the like.

<Stocker>
A stocker that stores an unused canister 40 as an accessory of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 60 is a schematic diagram of a stocker 130 as an example thereof.

The stocker 130 includes a plurality of mounting portions 131 a to 131 c (collectively referred to as mounting portions 131) on which the canister 40 is mounted. In the example of the figure, three mounting portions 131c are provided, and the canisters 40 that are not used are mounted in each of them. The stocker 130 includes display units 132 a to 132 c (collectively referred to as display units 132) corresponding to the respective mounting units 131. The display unit 132a corresponds to the mounting unit 131a, and the display unit 132b corresponds to the mounting unit 131b. The display unit 132c corresponds to the mounting unit 131c. The display unit 132 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

The display unit 132 displays information on the roasted coffee beans housed in the canister 40 mounted on the corresponding mounting unit 131. In the case of the example of the same figure, the type of roasted coffee beans is displayed. For example, the display unit 132a on the left side indicates that the roasted coffee beans of the type “A” are stored in the canister 40 mounted on the corresponding mounting unit 131a. The information displayed on the display unit 132 may be acquired from the above-mentioned tag TG. Each mounting unit 131 may include a reader that reads the tag TG.

When the canister 40 is not mounted on the mounting portion 131, the corresponding display portion 132 may display information indicating that the canister 40 is not mounted. In the EX 21 of FIG. 61, the canister 40 is not mounted on the mounting portion 131c, and a symbol indicating that the canister 40 is not mounted is displayed on the display portion 132c. It should be noted that each mounting portion 131 may be provided with a sensor that detects mounting of the canister 40.

When the information on the roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40 is not registered, the corresponding display unit 132 may display information indicating that the roasted coffee beans are not registered. For example, there is a case where no information is stored in the tag TG. In the EX 22 of FIG. 61, the canister 40 is mounted on the mounting portion 131c, but the information of the roasted coffee beans is not registered, and the display portion 132c displays a symbol indicating unregistered. By performing such a display, the user can be prompted to register information.

The canister 130 may include a writer that writes information in the tag TG. When the empty canister 40 (or the canister 40 supplemented with new beans) is mounted on the stocker 130, the information on the roasted coffee beans stored in this canister 40 can be stored in the tag TG from the writer. By doing so, the roasted coffee beans and the canister 40 do not necessarily have to be connected one-on-one. As a method of registering information, for example, the information may be transmitted from the portable terminal to the stocker 130. As another method, the reader attached to the stocker 130 may read and register the tag TG of the bag 120 (FIG. 59) for storing roasted coffee beans.

<Sixth embodiment>
The configuration of the grinder 5B of the third embodiment will be described in detail. The configuration of the grinder 5B described below is also applicable to the grinder 5A.

FIG. 62 is an external view of the grinder 5B. FIG. 63 is an explanatory view of the attachment/detachment mode of the grinder 5B, and schematically shows the structure of the grinder 5B. A state ST31 and a state ST32 in FIG. 63 show a mounted state and a separated state, respectively.

The grinder 5B includes a motor 52b, a motor base 502, a main body 53b, and a grain size adjusting mechanism 503.

The motor 52b is a drive source of the grinder 5B and is supported on the motor base 502. The motor base 502 includes a pinion gear 52b' fixed to the output shaft of the motor 52b and a gear 502a meshing with the pinion gear in a hollow case.

The main body portion 53b is a unit that accommodates a cutter, and a housing that forms the outer shape thereof is composed of a base portion 505a, a gear case portion 505b, and a blade case portion 505c, and these three members are fastened with bolts or the like. It is fixed by a member 505d. When the fastening member 505d is removed, they can be separated from each other, which facilitates maintenance of the inside.

The gear case portion 505b accommodates a gear 55b' that meshes with the gear 502a. A rotating shaft 54b is fixed to the gear 55b', and the rotating shaft 54b is rotatably supported by the gear case portion 505b. The driving force of the motor 52b transmitted to the gear 55b' via the gear 502a rotates the rotating shaft 54b. A rotary blade 58b is provided at the end of the rotary shaft 54b, and a fixed blade 57b is provided above the rotary blade 58b. The fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b are housed in the blade case portion 505c.

The particle size adjusting mechanism 503 is provided in the main body 53b. The grain size adjusting mechanism 503 includes a motor 503a that is a drive source thereof and a worm gear 503b that is rotated by the driving force of the motor 503a. The gear 53b' is a worm wheel that meshes with the worm gear 503b, and is rotatably supported by the gear case portion 505b.

The gear 53b' is provided with an adjustment shaft 503c extending in the up-down direction on the rotation center of the gear 53b'. Gears that mesh with each other are formed on the adjustment shaft 503c and the fixed blade 57b, and the fixed blade 57b is configured to move up and down in the axial direction when the adjustment shaft 503c is rotated. Thereby, the gap between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b can be adjusted, and the grain size of the ground beans in the grinder 5B can be adjusted. The method of adjusting the gap between the fixed blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b is not limited to this, and the position of the adjustment shaft 503c does not have to be on the rotation center.

The delivery pipe 501 is configured to be detachable from the main body 53b. In the case of the present embodiment, the delivery pipe 501 is provided with an engaging portion 501a, and the gear case portion 505b is provided with an engaging portion 505e that engages with the engaging portion 501a. As shown in the state ST31 of FIG. 63, by engaging the engaging portion 501a with the engaging portion 505e from above, both are engaged, and when the engaging portion 501a is pulled out upward, the engagement is released. In the engaged state, the delivery pipe 501 communicates with the opening (ground bean outlet) formed in the peripheral wall of the blade case portion 505c. Since the delivery pipe 501 is detachable from the main body 53b, maintenance or replacement such as clearing clogging of the delivery pipe 501 or cleaning of the main body 53b is facilitated. The shape of the opening of the delivery pipe 501 does not have to be circular, and may be a quadrangle or a figure-eight shape with a concave middle side.

The base portion 505a and the motor base 502 are fixed to each other by a fastening member 504 such as a bolt. When the fastening member 504 is removed, the main body 53b is separated from the motor base 502 and the motor 52b as shown in the state ST32 of FIG. That is, when the main body portion 53b is removed, the motor base 502 and the motor 52b remain on the beverage manufacturing device 1 side (the crushing device 5 side). Since only the main body 53b can be removed, it becomes easier to clean the main body 53b, which is easily soiled by ground beans. Maintenance can be facilitated. Further, since the motor base 502 and the motor 52b remain on the beverage manufacturing device 1 side, it is not necessary to remove the electric wiring or the like. Therefore, maintenance is facilitated.

In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the motor base 502 is stacked on the base portion 505a and fastened by the fastening member 504, but conversely, the base portion 505a is stacked on the motor base 502. It may be. Further, the particle size adjusting mechanism 503 is also removed together with the body part 53b by removing the main body 53b, but the particle size adjusting mechanism 503 may be left on the side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (the side of the crushing apparatus 5), or the motor 503a. Only the beverage production device 1 side (the crushing device 5 side) may remain. Further, the base portion 505a, the gear case portion 505b, and the blade case portion 505c may be separable from each other by separating the main body portion 53b from the beverage manufacturing device 1 side. When it is desired to remove the base portion 505a from the gear case portion 505b and check the internal mechanisms of the main body portion 53b (for example, the gear 55b', the rotating shaft 54b, etc.) and perform maintenance, the main body portion 53b is connected to the beverage production apparatus 1 (for example, , Motor base 502, etc.). Further, the fastening member 504 that attaches the main body portion 53b to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (for example, the motor base 502 or the like) is designed to be removed downward, and the user can see the main body portion 53b from above or obliquely above. Also, it is not possible to visually confirm whether or not the fastening member 504 is attached from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101, and the user cannot easily remove the main body portion 53b for maintenance. A maintenance person of a manufacturer who knows the position of the fastening member 504 can check whether the fastening member 504 is attached from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101 from diagonally below. ..

In the case of the present embodiment, the gear case portion 505b and the blade case portion 505c are provided with engaging portions 506, respectively, and are configured to engage with the motor base 502. Two sets of the engaging portions 506 are provided apart from each other on the left and right. FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram thereof. A state ST41 in FIG. 64 shows a state in which the main body 53b is detached from the motor base 502, a state ST42 shows a state in which they are being engaged, and a state ST43 shows a state in which these engagements are completed.

The engaging portion 506 has an arm shape extending rearward and engages with an engaging portion 502b provided on the motor base 502. The engaging portion 502b extends in the vertical direction and has an inserting portion into which the engaging portion 506 is inserted.

When the main body portion 53b is attached to the motor base 502 as shown in FIG. 64, the engaging portion 506 is assembled so as to be inserted into the engaging portion 502b in the front-rear direction, and the main body portion 53b is lifted. A tapered surface 502c having a slope that widens upward is formed at the rear end of the engaging portion 502b, and the end of the engaging portion 506 abuts on this. The tapered surface 502c acts so as to open the engaging portion 506 in the front-rear direction, and the elastic deformation force allows the main body portion 53b and the motor base 502 to be assembled in the front-rear direction without rattling. After that, the fastening member 504 is attached to the main body portion 53b and the motor base 502 to fasten them. By the engagement between the engagement portion 506 and the engagement portion 502d, an elastic force that separates the main body portion 53b and the motor base 502 in the front-rear direction is exerted, and a vertical load is exerted through the engagement portion 506 and the engagement portion 502d. The motor base 502. For this reason, it becomes difficult for the main body portion 53b to drop off from the motor base 502, and the fixing load of the fastening member 504 can be reduced. The taper may be provided on the engaging portion 506.

FIG. 65 shows a modification of the example of FIG. In this modification, the upper and lower arrangements of the engaging portion 506 and the engaging portion 502b are reversed, and the other configurations are the same. When the main body 53b is attached to the motor base 502, the end of the engaging portion 506 is brought into contact with the tapered surface 502c by pushing down the main body 53b instead of lifting the main body 53b as in the example of FIG. become. The tapered surface 502c acts so as to open the engaging portion 506 in the front-rear direction, and the elastic deformation force allows the main body portion 53b and the motor base 502 to be assembled in the front-rear direction without rattling, as in the example of FIG. .. State ST51 shows a state in which the main body 53b is removed from the motor base 502, state ST52 shows a state in which they are being engaged, and state ST53 shows a state in which these engagements are completed.

In this example, the tapered surface 502c is not essential in that the vertical load is applied to the motor base 502, and a configuration without this is also possible. Further, in this example, the length of the engaging portion 502b in the height direction is longer than that of the engaging portion 506 (for example, twice or more), so that the main body portion 53b has its own weight and is indicated by an arrow 507 in the state ST53 of FIG. It can also be prevented from coming off while rotating.

When this embodiment is combined with the fourth embodiment, all or part of the main body 53b may be visible from the outside through the transmissive portion 101. This facilitates confirmation of the necessity of maintenance of the main body 53b. Conversely, the motor 52b may not be visible from the outside through the transmissive portion 101 when the main body 53b is attached to the motor base 502. In some cases, it may be advantageous in terms of design that parts such as the motor 52b related to the mechanism cannot be visually recognized. Similarly, in the state where the main body portion 53b is attached to the motor base 502, the motor 503a may be invisible from the outside through the transmissive portion 101.

<Seventh embodiment>
Another configuration example of the extraction container 9 will be described. FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the extraction container 9 of this embodiment, showing a state in which it is locked by the holding member 821a. FIG. 67 is an explanatory diagram of a guide function for automatically centering the container body 90 and the lid unit 91.

In the extraction container 9 of this embodiment, a flange 911c and a flange 90c are provided with a guide 911e and a guide 90g, respectively. When the lid unit 91 closes the opening 90a, one of these guide portions 911e and 90g automatically guides the other to center the container body 90 and the lid unit 91.

In the case of the present embodiment, the guide portion 911e is an annular groove formed over the entire circumference of the collar portion 911c. The groove has a triangular cross-sectional shape, and opens downward (toward the container body 90 side). The guide portion 90g is an annular rib formed over the entire circumference of the flange portion 90c. The rib projects upward from the flange portion 90c (toward the lid unit 91) and is inclined corresponding to the inclination of the inner surface of the guide portion 911e.

FIG. 67 illustrates a case where the lid unit 91 closes the opening 90a in a state where the lid unit 91 is separated from the opening 90a. In the case of the example in the figure, the lid unit 91 is displaced from the center line CLc of the container body 90 by a minute amount. The center of the lid unit 91 is the axis of the shaft 913a.

As shown in FIG. 67, when the lid unit 91 is displaced from the center line CLc of the container body 90, when the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c are overlapped with each other, the guide portion 90g has an inclined surface on the radially inner side of the guide portion 911e. And at least one of them is laterally slightly displaced so that the center of the lid unit 91 is aligned with the center line CLc of the container body 90 by the guide. As a result, the container body 90 and the lid unit 91 are automatically centered.

In the present embodiment, the guide portion 911e is a groove and the guide portion 90g is a rib, but these may have the opposite relationship. Further, the shapes of the guide portion 911e and the guide portion 90g can be appropriately selected.

In the case of the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the gripping member 821a is rectangular as in the example of FIG. 17, and the upper inner surface US that forms the upper side of the cross-sectional shape and the lower inner surface LS that forms the lower side of the cross-sectional shape are mutually Parallel. In the locked state, the upper inner surface US contacts a part (contact surface) 911c' of the upper surface of the flange 911c, and the lower inner surface LS contacts a part (contact surface) 90c' of the lower surface of the flange 911c. In the locked state, in the present embodiment, the upper inner surface US, the lower inner surface LS, the contact surface 911c', and the contact surface 90c' are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the center line CLc. When the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized, a force is exerted on the lid unit 91 and the container body 90 to separate them from each other in the vertical direction (more accurately, in the centerline CLc direction). Since the upper inner surface US, the lower inner surface LS, and the contact surface 911c' and the contact surface 90c' are parallel to each other, the component force of the separating force acts in the direction of opening the pair of gripping members 821a left and right. It becomes difficult and the locked state can be maintained more reliably.

<Eighth Embodiment>
A liquid feed rate adjusting device which replaces the water tank 72 of the first embodiment will be described. 68 is a schematic diagram of the liquid delivery amount adjusting device 720 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 69 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 68 and a sectional view of another example (configuration example EX31). Similar to the water tank 72, the liquid delivery amount adjusting device 720 is a device that stores hot water (water) that composes a coffee beverage and that has a function of delivering a fixed amount of hot water. As a result, the hot water required for one cup of coffee beverage is sequentially delivered. Moreover, the amount of hot water to be delivered can be changed. In the following description, configurations having the same functions as the configurations related to the water tank 72 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The liquid delivery amount adjusting device 720 has a tank 720a that stores hot water. The outer wall of the tank 720a includes a peripheral wall 721, an upper wall 723 joined to an upper end portion of the peripheral wall 721, and a bottom wall 724 joined to a lower end portion of the peripheral wall 721. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. Has a cylindrical shape as a whole. A partition wall 722 is provided in the tank 720a, and an internal space thereof is partitioned by the partition wall 722 into an outer cylindrical space 725 and an inner cylindrical space 726A. In the case of the present embodiment, the partition wall 722 is a cylindrical wall body arranged concentrically with the peripheral wall 721, but even if the partition wall 722 is eccentric with respect to the peripheral wall 721 as shown in the configuration example EX31 of FIG. Good.

The space 725 constitutes a storage unit that stores hot water. The space 725 is also referred to as a storage section 725. A movable member 727c is disposed above the space 726A, and the space 726 below the movable member 727c constitutes a storage unit that stores hot water. The space 726 is also referred to as a storage section 726. By partitioning the storage section 725 and the storage section 726 by the partition wall 722 that is a common wall body, the tank 720a can be downsized as compared with partitioning by separate wall bodies.

The reservoir 725 is provided with a heater 72a that heats the water in the reservoir 725 and a temperature sensor 72b that measures the temperature of the water. The heater 72a maintains the temperature of the accumulated hot water at a predetermined temperature (120 degrees Celsius in this embodiment) based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 72b. The heater 72a is turned on when the temperature of the hot water is 118 degrees Celsius, and turned off when the temperature of the hot water is 120 degrees Celsius, for example.

A pipe that supplies the atmospheric pressure in the reserve tank 71 (see FIG. 1) is connected to a portion of the upper wall 723 that defines the storage portion 725, and a solenoid valve 72f is provided here. The liquid delivery amount adjusting device 720 is provided with a sensor (not shown; for example, a sensor corresponding to the pressure sensor 72g in FIG. 1) that detects the atmospheric pressure in the reservoir 725, and the electromagnetic valve 72f is a pressure regulating valve 72e (see FIG. 1). Switching between supply and cutoff of the regulated atmospheric pressure to the storage unit 725. The electromagnetic valve 72f is controlled to open and close so that the atmospheric pressure in the storage unit 725 is maintained at 3 atmospheric pressure except when tap water is supplied to the storage unit 725.

A pipe that connects the reservoir 725 to the atmosphere is connected to a portion of the upper wall 723 that defines the reservoir 725, and a solenoid valve 72h is provided here. At the time of supplying tap water to the storage part 725, the atmospheric pressure of the storage part 725 is reduced to less than 2.5 atm by the solenoid valve 72h so that the tap part is smoothly replenished with tap water. The solenoid valve 72h switches whether to open the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere, and opens the inside of the storage portion 725 to the atmosphere when the pressure is reduced. Further, the electromagnetic valve 72h releases the storage part 725 to the atmosphere and maintains the storage part 725 at 3 atm when the atmospheric pressure in the storage part 725 exceeds 3 atm except when the tap water is supplied to the storage part 725. ..

A pipe L2 for supplying tap water to the storage portion 725 is connected to a portion of the bottom wall 724 that defines the storage portion 725, and an electromagnetic valve 72d is provided here. The solenoid valve 72d is controlled to open and close based on the detection result of a water level sensor 72c, which will be described later, to control the water level of the hot water in the storage section 725.

A pipe L2' for discharging hot water in the storage portion 725 is connected to a portion of the bottom wall 724 that defines the storage portion 725, and an electromagnetic valve 72d' is provided therein. The electromagnetic valve 72d' is opened when the hot water in the storage portion 725 is discarded, and the hot water in the storage portion 725 is discharged to the pipe L2'.

The storage portion 726 is a space whose volume can be changed by moving the movable member 727c. Hot water is supplied to the reservoir 726 from the reservoir 725 via the pipe 728a, the solenoid valve 728, and the pipe 728b. The pipe 728a connects the portion of the bottom wall 724 that defines the storage portion 725 and the solenoid valve 728. The pipe 728b connects the portion of the bottom wall 724 that defines the storage portion 726 and the solenoid valve 728.

In the case of the present embodiment, the solenoid valve 728 is a three-way valve, and can switch communication and cutoff between the pipe 728b and the pipe 728a and communication and cutoff between the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c. Further, the solenoid valve 728 can shut off any of the pipes. The pipe 728c is a pipe for sending the hot water in the storage unit 726 to the extraction container 9.

By switching between communication and cutoff between the pipe 728b and the pipe 728a, communication and cutoff between the storage portion 725 and the storage portion 726 can be switched. By switching connection and disconnection between the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c, it is possible to switch between delivery and storage of hot water in the storage section 726.

When the pipe 728b and the pipe 728a communicate with each other, the solenoid valve 728 shuts off the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c. Conversely, when the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c are in communication with each other, the pipe 728b and the pipe 728a are cut off. The arrow shown by the solenoid valve 728 in the figure indicates the operating state of the solenoid valve 728. In the example of FIG. 68, the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c are communicated with each other, and the pipe 728b and the pipe 728a are cut off. Shows the state.

In the present embodiment, the solenoid valve 728 is a three-way valve, and one solenoid valve 728 is used to switch between them. However, a configuration is also adopted in which the pipe 728b is divided into two, and a valve that switches communication and cutoff between the one pipe 728b and the pipe 728a and a valve that switches communication and cutoff between the other pipe 728b and the pipe 728c are provided. It is possible.

The liquid delivery volume adjusting device 720 includes a drive unit 727. The drive unit 727 is controlled according to the amount of hot water delivered from the storage section 726, and changes the volume of the storage section 726. The amount of hot water required for one cup differs depending on the size of the coffee cup. The drive unit 727 adjusts the volume of the storage section 726 so that an appropriate amount of hot water is delivered from the storage section 726 according to the size of the coffee cup or the like.

The drive unit 727 of the present embodiment is a mechanism that changes the volume of the storage portion 726 by moving the movable member 727c up and down. The movable member 727c is a piston-shaped member that is inserted into the space 726A and configured to slide in the vertical direction, and its bottom surface 727d forms the upper wall of the storage section 726. As the bottom surface 727d moves up and down, the volume of the storage portion 726 changes.

Note that the volume of the storage portion 726 is not changed by moving the position of the upper wall body as in the present embodiment, but is changed by moving the positions of the lower and side wall bodies. A configuration can also be adopted.

The movable member 727c includes a seal member (not shown) that forms a seal with the inner surface of the partition wall 722, and slides liquid-tightly on the inner surface of the partition wall 722. However, a groove 727e extending in the vertical direction is formed on the peripheral surface of the movable member 727c, and the groove 727e has a gap with the inner surface of the partition wall 722.

The groove 727e is formed so as to communicate with the opening 722a penetrating the partition wall 722 in the thickness direction. The opening 722a is an air communication portion that is formed above the highest water level (the position of the sensor 731b described below) of the hot water in the storage portion 725 and that connects the storage portion 725 and the space 726A. Air communicates with the storage portion 725 and the storage portion 726 through the opening 722a and the groove 727e, and the atmospheric pressures in these spaces are the same. In addition, when the storage portions 725 and 726 are always kept at the atmospheric pressure, a passage communicating with the atmosphere may be provided separately.

The drive unit 727 includes a motor 727a supported by the upper wall 723 as a drive source, and a screw shaft 727b as a moving mechanism that moves the movable member 727c. The screw shaft 727b extends in the vertical direction and rotates by the driving force of the motor 727a. The movable member 727c has a screw hole 727f opened on the upper surface thereof, and the screw shaft 727b is engaged with the screw hole 727f. The movable member 727c has a rotation stopper (not shown), and moves in the vertical direction by the rotation of the screw shaft 727b. The whirl-stop may be, for example, a concave portion and a convex portion that are provided on the inner surface of the partition wall 722 and the peripheral surface of the movable member 727c and that extend in the vertical direction.

In the present embodiment, as the moving mechanism for moving the movable member 727c, the screw mechanism including the screw shaft 727b and the screw hole 727f is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and another mechanism such as a rack-pinion mechanism can be adopted. is there.

The water level sensor 72c is a measurement unit that measures the water level of the hot water in the storage section 725. The water level sensor 72c includes a hollow cylindrical storage part 729 extending vertically, a float 730 provided in the storage part 729, and a lower sensor 731a and an upper sensor 731b that detect the float 730.

The storage section 729 communicates with the storage section 725 at a communication section 729a located below the sensor 731a, and communicates with the storage section 725 at a communication section 729b located above the sensor 731b. Hot water in the storage section 725 flows into the storage section 729 via the communication section 729a. The communication part 729b is an air communication part that connects the storage part 725 and the storage part 729, and air is connected between the storage part 725 and the storage part 729 via the communication part 729b. Therefore, the water level of the hot water in the storage section 729 becomes equal to the water level of the hot water in the storage section 725.

In the case of this embodiment, the storage section 729 is made of a transparent member such as glass or acrylic. Thereby, the water level of the hot water in the storage section 729 can be visually recognized from the outside, and as a result, the user can check the water level of the hot water in the storage section 725. Of course, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a transparent part is provided on a part of the peripheral wall (721) of the storage part 725 to make the water level visible.

The float 730 may be of any type as long as it floats in hot water in the storage section 729.

The sensors 731a and 731b are, for example, optical sensors (photo interrupters), and detect the float 730 from the outside of the storage unit 729. When the float 730 is detected by the sensor 731a, the solenoid valve 72d is opened and water is supplied to the reservoir 725. That is, the sensor 731a monitors the lower limit of the water level of the hot water in the storage section 725. The lower limit of the water level is set to a position higher than that of the heater 72a, so that it is possible to prevent the heater 72a from heating the empty space.

When the float 730 is detected by the sensor 731b, the electromagnetic valve 72d is closed and the supply of water to the reservoir 725 is stopped. That is, the sensor 731b monitors the upper limit of the water level of the hot water in the storage section 725.

It is also possible to build a structure equivalent to the water level sensor 72c inside the storage part 725. However, by constructing the water level sensor 72c outside the storage part 725 as in the present embodiment, it becomes easier to confirm the water level of the storage part 725 from the outside.

Next, an operation example of the liquid delivery amount adjusting device 720 will be described with reference to FIG. 70. First, the volume of the storage section 726 is adjusted by the drive unit 727 according to the cup size and the like. The state ST61 shows that state. In the example of the same figure, the movable member 727c is lowered, and the volume of the storage portion 726 is set to a volume smaller than that of the example of FIG. The solenoid valve 728 connects the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c, and hot water is not supplied from the storage portion 725 to the storage portion 726.

When the volume of the storage portion 726 is set, the drive unit 727 is stopped and the pipe 728b and the pipe 728a are made to communicate with each other by the electromagnetic valve 728. The storage section 725 and the storage section 726 have the same atmospheric pressure, and the storage section 726 is on the bottom side of the tank 720a. Therefore, the hot water head pressure of the storage unit 725 supplies the hot water from the storage unit 725 to the storage unit 726. In the case of the present embodiment, since the water is formed at a position lower than the lowest level of the hot water in the reservoir 725 (the position of the sensor 731a), there is always a head difference between the reservoir 725 and the reservoir 726 (the reservoir 725). 725 hot water is higher). Therefore, hot water is supplied from storage part 725 to storage part 726 until storage part 726 becomes full. The state ST62 shows a state in which the storage section 726 is full. Although the hot water also enters the groove 727c, the groove 727c has a volume sufficient to ensure the communication of air, and can have a very small amount.

In the case of the present embodiment, the storage section 726 is not provided with the heater 72a, but since the storage section 726 is surrounded by the storage section 725, it is possible to secure the heat retaining performance of the stored hot water. In addition, in the state ST62, the drive unit 727 may change the volume of the storage section 726.

The hot water can be supplied from the storage section 725 to the storage section 726 by other methods, but in the present embodiment, the hot water is relatively simple in structure by utilizing the head difference between the storage section 725 and the storage section 726. Can be supplied.

Next, the hot water stored in the storage unit 726 is delivered. As shown in the state ST63, by connecting the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c with each other by the solenoid valve 728, hot water can be delivered from the pipe 728c to the extraction container 9 by its own weight or the atmospheric pressure of the reservoir 726. After the start of hot water delivery, the hot water in the storage section 726 can be delivered in stages by shutting off the operating state of the solenoid valve 728 between both pipes. For example, for the steaming step (S11 in FIG. 21), it is possible to perform the step of sending hot water and interrupting it, and then performing the step of sending the remaining hot water (S12 in FIG. 21).

In any case, all the hot water stored in the storage unit 726 is delivered. The delivery confirmation of the total amount can be performed by the opening time of the solenoid valve 728 (communication time between the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c). Each time the hot water stored in the storage section 726 is delivered once, the control valve 72d may be opened to supply the storage section 725 with water in proportion to the amount.

As described above, in this embodiment, the amount of hot water delivered can be adjusted. In order to adjust the delivery amount of the liquid, generally, a control of opening and closing a valve using a flow rate sensor is used. However, in the case of a high-temperature liquid or a special liquid, there is a case where a compatible flow sensor is not commercially available or expensive. In this embodiment, by adopting a method of adjusting the volume of the storage portion 726, the amount of hot water delivered can be adjusted without the need for a flow rate sensor.

Next, another configuration example of the tank 720a will be described. FIG. 71 is a schematic view of a liquid delivery amount adjusting device 720 having a different configuration of the tank 720a and a horizontal sectional view of the tank 720a.

In the example of FIG. 68, the storage section 726 is located inside the storage section 725, but a configuration in which the storage section 725 and the storage section 726 are arranged side by side as in the example of FIG. 71 can also be adopted. Further, in the example of FIG. 68, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the storage section 725, the storage section 726, and the storage section 729 is circular, but it may be polygonal such as rectangular as in the example of FIG. 71. Also, other horizontal cross-sectional shapes such as an elliptical shape can be adopted. Further, the communication portions 729a and 729b may be configured to communicate the lower end and the upper end of the storage portion 729 with the storage portion 725 as in the example of FIG.

FIG. 72 is also a schematic view of a liquid delivery amount adjusting device 720 having a different tank configuration and a horizontal sectional view of the tank portion. In the example shown in the figure, the tank 720b that constitutes the reservoir 725 and the tank 720c that constitutes the reservoir 726 are separately configured. Such a tank configuration can also be adopted. Further, in the example of FIG. 72, the storage section 726 is formed at a position where the bottom surface is lower than the storage section 725. This makes it easy to supply hot water by utilizing the head difference.

Next, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the storage portion 729 is supported between the upper wall 723 and the bottom wall 724 of the tank 720a. FIG. 73 shows an example thereof. In the example of the same drawing, a tubular member forming the storage portion 729 is supported between the upper wall 723 and the bottom wall 724, and the peripheral wall 721 that defines the storage portion 725 is also the upper wall 723 and the bottom wall. 724 and 724. The communication portions 729a and 729b are formed on the bottom wall 724 and the upper wall 723, respectively. A gasket 729c is provided between the storage portion 729 and the top wall 723 and the bottom wall 724.

In the case of the example in FIG. 73, the storage portion 729 can be supported by using the upper wall 723 and the bottom wall 724. In particular, since the storage portion 729 and the peripheral wall 721 are juxtaposed, the peripheral wall 721 is stored in the storage portion 729. It can also be utilized as a reinforcing member for 729.

When the storage portion 729 is formed of a glass tube or the like, in order to prevent the action of the load at the boundary portion between the upper wall 723 and the bottom wall 724, instead of the gasket 729c, as shown in the configuration example EX32, the storage portion 729 A cover 729d that covers the upper and lower ends may be provided. The cover 729d may be made of silicon, for example. Further, when the storage portion 729 is formed of a glass tube or the like, a mesh sheet may be attached to the peripheral surface of the storage section 729 in order to prevent scattering when the glass tube is broken. Good.

<Ninth Embodiment>
Another configuration example of the switching unit 10 will be described. FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the switching unit 10 of this embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the switching unit 10 of the present embodiment also switches the delivery destination of the liquid delivered from the extraction container 9 to either the pouring portion 10c or the waste tank T (not shown in FIG. 74). And the same reference numerals are used for configurations having the same function.

The outline of this embodiment will be described. In the extraction process illustrated in FIG. 21, the coffee beverage is delivered to the extraction container 9 at a predetermined atmospheric pressure (1.7 atmospheric pressure as an example) in S17. When the atmospheric pressure at this time is set to be high, the delivery efficiency of the coffee beverage is improved, but the momentum of the coffee beverage poured into the cup C becomes strong and may spill. The switching unit 10 of the present embodiment includes the decompression unit 600, and decompresses the coffee beverage poured into the cup C. This allows the coffee beverage to be poured more gently into the beverage container (cup C). Hereinafter, the configuration of the switching unit 10 will be described.

The switching unit 10 includes a communication portion 10d connected to the communication portion 810a of the operation unit 81C. Residues of coffee drink, tap water, and ground beans in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching unit 10 via the communication portion 810a. The switching valve 10a switches the destination of the coffee beverage or the like introduced into the switching unit 10 to the decompression unit 600 or the pipe 10f. The switching valve 10a uses the decompression unit 100 as the destination when pouring a coffee beverage into the cup C, and uses the pipe 10f as the destination when discarding the coffee beverage, residue, and the like.

The pipe 10f is connected to a mounting portion 10e to which the waste tank T is mounted. A pipe 10g is also connected to the mounting portion 10e. The pipe 10g is a pipe that constitutes another disposal route that does not pass through the switching unit 10, and is used, for example, when the water is discarded from the water tank 72. Further, a drainage section 111a provided on the stage 111 (FIG. 57) may be connected to the pipe 10g.

The decompression unit 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. 74(A) and (B), FIGS. 75(A) to (C), and FIGS. 76(A) and (B). 74B is a perspective view of the decompression unit 600, FIG. 75A is a plan view of the decompression unit 600, FIGS. 75B and 75C are cross-sectional views taken along line VV of FIG. 75A, and VI. It is a VI line sectional view. 76(A) and 76(B) are perspective views of the lower case 602.

The decompression unit 600 is a hollow box (decompression container) having a space 600a inside. The decompression unit 600 includes an introduction pipe 604a into which the coffee beverage is introduced via the switching valve 10a and a pouring unit 10c for pouring the coffee beverage into the cup C, and the space 600a before pouring the manufactured coffee beverage into the cup C. Is configured to pass the coffee beverage. The volume of the space 600a is, for example, a volume larger than the maximum liquid volume of one cup of coffee beverage.

The pouring portion 10c is formed so as to project downward from the bottom portion of the decompression portion 600, and has a delivery port 605 at its lower end portion. The delivery port 605 communicates with the space 600a and delivers the coffee beverage passing through the space 600a. The delivery port 605 may form a spout, or a nozzle that forms the spout may be connected.

The introduction pipe 604 is a cylindrical pipe extending in the front-rear direction, one end portion 604a thereof is connected to the switching valve 10a, and the other end portion thereof introduces the coffee beverage into the space 600a, and the introduction port 604b opened in the space 600a. Is composed of. The introduction port 604b is formed at a position higher than the delivery port 605, and the coffee beverage is easily flown to the delivery port 605 by its own weight. The introduction port 604b is formed closer to the delivery port 605 than the communication hole 606 in a plan view (horizontal position).

The decompression unit 600 has a monaca structure in which an upper case 601 forming the upper half thereof and a lower case 602 forming the lower half thereof are vertically combined to form a space 600a.

The upper case 601 has a flange portion 601a and a bulging portion 601b that is surrounded by the flange portion 601a and bulges upward. The bulging portion 601b defines the upper portion of the space 600a. The lower case 602 has a flange portion 602a and a bulging portion 602b which is surrounded by the flange portion 602a and bulges downward. The bulging portion 602b defines the lower portion of the space 600a.

The upper case 601 and the lower case 602 are fastened with screws by overlapping the flange portion 601a and the flange portion 602a. A seal member 603 is interposed between the flange portion 601a and the flange portion 602a to seal the space 600a.

A communication hole 606 for communicating the space 600a with the atmosphere is formed in the wall of the decompression unit 600. When the coffee drink is introduced into the space 600a under pressure, the air in the space 600a is discharged to the atmosphere through the communication hole 606. This allows the coffee beverage to be depressurized. In the case of the present embodiment, the communication hole 606 is formed in the upper wall portion 600b forming the top of the decompression unit 600 so that the introduction port 604b is located at a position lower than the communication hole 606. By forming the communication hole 606 at a high position in the space 600a, it is possible to prevent the coffee beverage from leaking from the communication hole 606.

The space 600a of the present embodiment is a space that is long in the left-right direction, an inlet 604b is formed on the side of one end (left end) 600c in the longitudinal direction, and the outlet 605 has one end 600c and the other end. It is located at a position separated from the portion (right end portion) 600d, and in the case of the present embodiment, it is formed in the intermediate portion between the one end portion 600c and the other end portion 600d. When the momentum of the coffee beverage introduced from the introduction port 604b is strong, the coffee beverage passes through the outlet port 605, flows toward the other end 600d side, and then flows back to the outlet port 605, so that the momentum of the coffee beverage is effective. Can be weakened to.

In addition, since the introduction port 604b and the delivery port 605 are formed at positions displaced in the horizontal direction, it is possible to secure a longer section in which the coffee beverage flows in the space 600a and reduce the momentum thereof. it can.

The communication hole 606 is formed in a position closer to the inlet 604b than the outlet 605 in the horizontal direction. With such an arrangement, it is possible to make it difficult for the coffee beverage to leak from the communication hole 606 due to the momentum of the coffee beverage from the introduction port 604d toward the delivery port 605. Further, the gas mixed in the coffee beverage can easily escape from the communication hole 606 early, and can be prevented from being blown out from the delivery port 605. Note that the number and position of the communication holes 606 are not limited to this, and a plurality of communication holes 606 may be provided, or the communication holes 606 can be formed at different portions.

The lower case 602 forms left and right bottom surfaces 610 and 611 and front and rear peripheral surfaces 612 and 613 of the space 600a. Each of these surfaces is an inclined surface that is inclined toward the delivery port 605, and it is possible to prevent the coffee beverage in the space 600a from staying in the space 600a and facilitate the flow to the delivery port 605.

The lower case 602 also forms the left and right peripheral surfaces 614 and 615 of the space 600a. The peripheral surface 614 is a peripheral surface on the one end portion 600c side, and the peripheral surface 615 is a peripheral surface on the other end portion 600d side.

A notch 614a having a C-shaped cross section is formed on the peripheral surface 614 so as to extend the flow path in the introduction pipe 604 in the front-rear direction, and the end of the notch 614a faces the introduction port 604a. The wall surface 614b is formed. When the momentum of the coffee beverage introduced from the introduction port 604b is strong, it can collide with the wall surface 614b and weaken the momentum.

In the lower case 602, wall bodies 621 and 622 extending in the vertical direction are formed. The wall surface of the wall body 621 is parallel to the left-right vertical direction, and the wall surface of the wall body 622 is parallel to the front-back vertical direction. In other words, the wall surface of the wall body 621 is a surface that intersects the passage direction (front-rear direction) of the passage in the introduction pipe 604, and is a surface that is orthogonal in the present embodiment. Further, the wall surface of the wall body 622 is a surface that does not intersect the passage direction (front-back direction) of the passage in the introduction pipe 604, and is a parallel surface in the present embodiment.

The wall bodies 621 and 622 are continuous at their ends, and as a whole form a columnar body having an L-shaped cross section. The walls 621 and 622 are extended to a position facing the communication hole 606, and the communication hole 606 is surrounded by the walls 621 and 622 in a plan view of the decompression unit 600. In other words, the wall body 621 is located on the front side of the communication hole 606, and the wall body 622 is located on the right side of the communication hole 606.

The walls 621 and 622 serve as an obstacle plate for preventing the coffee beverage in the space 600a from going to the communication hole 606, and can prevent the coffee beverage from leaking from the communication hole 606. The wall bodies 621 and 622 extend to a position higher than the inlet 604b and reach a position having a slight gap with the upper wall portion 600b. In the case of this embodiment, this gap is smaller than the diameter of the inlet 604b. Further, the height from the inlet 604b to the upper ends of the walls 621 and 622 is longer than the diameter of the inlet 604b.

With such a configuration, even if a large amount of coffee beverage is introduced, it is difficult for the communication hole 606 to blow out. When the pressure of the coffee beverage flowing into the decompression unit 600 is high, there is a possibility that the coffee may blow out from the inlet 604b in a space 600ahe mist, but by narrowing the gap between the upper ends of the wall bodies 621 and 622 and the upper wall 600b , Soaking drops make it difficult to get out of the container.

In the case of the present embodiment, the introduction port 604b is opened in the wall body 621. The coffee beverage that has flowed into the space 600a from the introduction port 604b is prevented from moving to the rear side by the wall body 621, and the coffee beverage having the strongest momentum immediately after the inflow can be prevented from going to the communication hole 606. Increasing the diameter of the introduction port 604d is effective in reducing the momentum of the inflowing coffee beverage, and is, for example, 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

Next, another configuration example of the decompression unit 600 will be described. FIG. 77 is a plan view of a lower case 602 of another example. In the example of the figure, a plurality of communication holes 606A and 606B are formed in an upper case (not shown). Each of the communication holes 606A and 606B is located horizontally closer to the introduction port 604b than the delivery port 605, so that air can easily escape early.

The bulging portion 602b has an L shape, and an imaginary line 633 that connects the introduction port 604b formed in the wall body 621 and the delivery port 605 intersects the flange portion 602a. A bulging part having a shape corresponding to the bulging part 602b is provided on the upper case (not shown). That is, the coffee beverage flows to the delivery port 605 while detouring from the introduction port 604b into an L shape. This can reduce the momentum of the coffee beverage and promote air separation.

The bottom surfaces 630, 631, 632 are inclined downward in the direction shown by the arrow in the figure, and the bottom surfaces are inclined downward in order from the bottom surface 630→bottom surface 631→bottom surface 632. As a result, the coffee beverage can easily flow smoothly from the introduction port 604b to the delivery port 605 due to its own weight.

A gap 621a with the peripheral surface is formed at the right end portion of the wall body 621, and even if a coffee beverage enters the space 621b on the back side of the wall body 621, it does not collect there and can escape from the gap 621a. I have to.

78(A) is a plan view of a lower case 602 of still another example, and FIG. 78(B) is a cross-sectional view of a pressure reducing unit 600 using the lower case 602 of FIG. 78(A). It is sectional drawing which follows the VII-VII line of A).

In this example, the pressure reducing portion 600 is formed to be long in the front-rear direction. The wall body 621 is provided in the upper case 601 instead of the lower case 602. In a plan view, the introduction port 605b is located on a straight line from the one end 604a of the introduction pipe 604 to the delivery port 605, and the wall body 621 is inclined with respect to this straight line.

The bottom surface 641 is tilted in one direction from the rear toward the front, and has a structure in which coffee beverage is hard to collect in the peripheral portion of the space 600a. Comparing the height from the introduction port 604b to the communication hole 606 and the height from the delivery port 605 to the introduction port 604b, the former height is higher.

The bottom surface 641 is tilted in one direction from the rear toward the front, and has a structure in which coffee beverage is hard to collect in the peripheral portion of the space 600a. Comparing the height from the introduction port 604b to the communication hole 606 and the height from the delivery port 605 to the introduction port 604b, the former height is higher. Further, the communication hole 606 may be provided above the delivery port 605. By doing so, the distance from the introduction port 604b to the communication hole 606 is increased and the distance from the delivery port 605 is also increased, which facilitates separation of air and coffee beverage.

<Other Embodiments>
The embodiments described above can be combined with each other. In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the coffee beverage is exclusively targeted, but various beverages such as tea such as Japanese tea and black tea and soup can also be targeted. In addition, coffee beans, green coffee beans, ground coffee beans, roasted coffee beans, ground coffee beans for roasted coffee beans, unroasted coffee beans, and ground coffee beans for roasting are also extracted. Beans and the like, powdered coffee beans, instant coffee, coffee in pods, and the like have been exemplified, coffee beverages and the like have been exemplified as beverages, and coffee liquids have been exemplified as beverage liquids, but they are not limited thereto. Also, as extraction targets, tea leaves such as Japanese tea, black tea, oolong tea, ground tea leaves, vegetables, crushed vegetables, fruits, crushed fruits, grains, crushed grains, mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms, mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms. Shredded mushrooms, dried mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms, dried mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms and dried products, fish such as bonito, crushed fish such as bonito, bonito Heated fish such as kelp, dried fish such as bonito, crushed fish, seaweed such as kelp, seaweed such as kelp, heated seaweed such as kelp A product dried afterwards, a product obtained by crushing a product dried after heating seaweeds such as kelp, a product dried after heating meat such as cattle, pigs, birds, etc., a product dried after heating the meat etc. Crushed material, beef bones, pork bones, bird bones, etc., dried meat after heating, extracted material such as crushed dried bones after heating the bone etc. As the beverage, any beverage such as Japanese tea, black tea, oolong tea, vegetable juice, fruit juice, soup, dashi, soup, etc. may be used as the beverage, and as the beverage liquid, Japanese tea extract, black tea extract, oolong tea extract, vegetable extract The extract may be fruit extract, mushroom extract, fish extract, meat extract, bone extract, or the like. In the examples, water, tap water, purified water, hot water, and wash water are described, but for example, water may be replaced with hot water, hot water may be replaced with water, etc. It may be replaced with the description, and all may be replaced with liquid, steam, high temperature water, cooling water, cold water, and the like. For example, if it is described that the extraction target (for example, roasted coffee beans ground beans) and hot water are put in the extraction container 9, the extraction target (for example, roasted coffee beans ground beans) and cold water (simply water may be used). It may be replaced with the description that it is put in the extraction container 9, and in this case, it may be regarded as a method for extracting brewed coffee or a beverage manufacturing apparatus.

<Summary of Embodiments>
The above embodiment discloses at least the following apparatus or method.

A1. A separating device (for example, 6) for separating unnecessary substances from ground coffee beans of roasted coffee beans,
A forming unit (eg 6B) forming a separation chamber (eg SC) through which the ground beans pass,
A suction unit (for example, 6A) that communicates with the separation chamber in a direction intersecting with the passage direction of the ground beans and sucks air in the separation chamber,
The forming unit is
An input port (for example, 65a, 65a') for the ground beans, which is in communication with the separation chamber,
An outlet (for example, 66) for the ground beans, which is in communication with the separation chamber,
By the suction of the suction unit, air is sucked from the outlet to the separation chamber,
Separation device characterized by the above.

A2. The opening area of the outlet (eg SC2) is larger than the opening area of the inlet (eg SC1′),
Separation device characterized by the above.

A3. The forming unit includes a tubular portion (for example, 65),
The one end opening portion (for example, 65a) of the tubular portion forms the input port,
The other end opening (for example, 65b) of the tubular portion faces the separation chamber,
The opening area of the discharge port is larger than the opening area of the other end opening,
Separation device characterized by the above.

A4. The internal space of the tubular portion has a shape in which its cross-sectional area decreases from the one end opening side toward the other end opening side (for example, FIG. 6),
Separation device characterized by the above.

A5. The tubular portion is extended in the vertical direction,
At least a portion of the lower end of the tubular portion on the suction unit side projects below at least a portion of the lower end on the opposite side (for example, FIG. 9, EX3),
Separation device characterized by the above.

A6. By the suction of the suction unit, air is sucked from the input port to the separation chamber,
Separation device characterized by the above.

A7. The tubular portion is extended in the vertical direction,
The other end opening fits within a region extending the discharge port in the vertical direction (eg, FIG. 8),
Separation device characterized by the above.

A8. The one end opening, the other end opening, and the discharge port are all circular and are arranged on the same center line (for example, CL) (for example, FIG. 8),
Separation device characterized by the above.

A9. The forming unit is
A tube portion (eg, 63) extending in a direction intersecting with the same center line and forming a communication path with the suction unit;
A separation chamber forming part (for example, 64) that is connected to the pipe part and forms the separation chamber,
The separation chamber forming portion has an annular shape centered on the same center line (for example, FIG. 8),
Separation device characterized by the above.

A10. A turbulent flow promoting portion (for example, 67) that causes a turbulent flow in the air sucked from the outlet to the separation chamber is formed on the peripheral wall of the outlet.
Separation device characterized by the above.

A11. The turbulence promoting section includes a plurality of turbulence promoting elements (for example, 67a),
Separation device characterized by the above.

A12. The plurality of turbulent flow promoting elements are repeatedly formed in the circumferential direction of the discharge port,
Separation device characterized by the above.

A13. The plurality of turbulence promoting elements are a plurality of protrusions, a plurality of notches, or a plurality of holes,
Separation device characterized by the above.

A14. The tubular portion projects into the separation chamber,
The one end opening of the tubular portion is located outside the separation chamber,
The other end opening of the tubular portion is located in the separation chamber,
Separation device characterized by the above.

A15. A first grinder (for example, 5A) that roughly grinds roasted coffee beans,
A separation device for separating unnecessary substances from ground beans discharged from the first grinder,
A second grinder (for example, 5B) for finely grinding the ground beans discharged from the separating device,
A crushing device (for example, 5) characterized by the above.

A16. With the above crushing device,
An extracting device (for example, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from the ground beans discharged from the pulverizing device,
A beverage manufacturing device (for example, 1) characterized by the above.

B1. An extraction method for extracting coffee liquid from ground coffee beans of roasted coffee beans,
A depressurizing step (for example, S15) of switching the inside of the extraction container containing the ground beans and the liquid from the first atmospheric pressure to the second atmospheric pressure lower than the first atmospheric pressure,
An extraction step of extracting coffee liquid from the ground beans (for example, S17),
The first atmospheric pressure is an atmospheric pressure at which the liquid at a predetermined temperature does not boil,
The second atmospheric pressure is the atmospheric pressure at which the liquid that did not boil at the first atmospheric pressure boils,
Switching from the first atmospheric pressure to the second atmospheric pressure is performed by releasing the atmospheric pressure in the extraction container,
An extraction method characterized by the above.

B2. In the extraction step, the coffee liquid is extracted by a permeation method while discharging the liquid in the extraction container from the extraction container,
An extraction method characterized by the above.

B3. In the extraction step, the coffee liquid is extracted by an immersion method in the extraction container,
An extraction method characterized by the above.

B4. The liquid is hot water,
The predetermined temperature is a temperature equal to or higher than the boiling point of the liquid in the first atmospheric pressure,
The first atmospheric pressure is an atmospheric pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure,
The second atmospheric pressure is atmospheric pressure,
An extraction method characterized by the above.

B5. The liquid supplied to the extraction container is a heated liquid, and is pressure-fed to the extraction container at a third atmospheric pressure at which the liquid does not boil,
The third atmospheric pressure is lower than the first atmospheric pressure and higher than the second atmospheric pressure,
An extraction method characterized by the above.

B6. Before the depressurizing step, includes a steaming step (for example, S11) of steaming the ground beans with the liquid supplied to the extraction container,
In the steaming step, maintaining the atmospheric pressure in the extraction container at the third atmospheric pressure,
An extraction method characterized by the above.

B7. Prior to the depressurizing step, including a step of extracting coffee by immersion in the extraction container (for example, S14),
An extraction method characterized by the above.

B8. An extraction device (eg, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground coffee beans of roasted coffee beans,
An extraction container (eg 9),
A supply unit (eg 7) for supplying liquid and air pressure to the extraction vessel,
A control unit (for example, 11) for controlling the supply unit,
The control unit is
The inside of the extraction container in which the ground beans and the liquid are stored, a pressure reducing control is performed to switch from a first atmospheric pressure to a second atmospheric pressure lower than the first atmospheric pressure (for example, S15),
The first atmospheric pressure is an atmospheric pressure at which the liquid at a predetermined temperature does not boil,
The second atmospheric pressure is the atmospheric pressure at which the liquid that did not boil at the first atmospheric pressure boils,
Switching from the first atmospheric pressure to the second atmospheric pressure is performed by releasing the atmospheric pressure in the extraction container,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

C1. An extraction device (eg, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground coffee beans of roasted coffee beans,
An extraction container (for example, 9) containing a neck portion (for example, 90b) having an opening (for example, 90a) and a body portion (for example, 90e), in which the ground beans and the liquid are stored,
A filter (for example, 910) that is disposed in the opening of the neck portion and controls leakage of the ground beans,
The posture of the extraction container, the neck portion from a first upper posture, a drive unit for changing the neck portion to a second lower posture (e.g., 8B), and,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

C2. The extraction container includes a lid unit (eg 91) including the filter,
The lid unit is
When the ground beans are put into the extraction container (for example, S2), the opening is opened,
Covering the opening when extracting coffee liquid in the extraction container (eg S3),
An extraction device characterized by the above.

C3. In the first posture, the ground beans are accumulated on the body,
In the second posture, the ground beans are deposited on the neck portion,
The extraction container is formed such that, in the second attitude, the ground bean pile thickness is thicker than in the first attitude.
An extraction device characterized by the above.

C4. The neck portion has a smaller cross-sectional area of the internal space than the body portion,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

C5. The extraction container has a shoulder (for example, 90d) between the body and the neck,
The shoulder has a cross-sectional area of the internal space gradually reduced toward the neck,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

C6. The neck portion has a cylindrical shape,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

C7. The first posture is maintained for at least a predetermined immersion time (for example, S14),
An extraction device characterized by the above.

C8. The second posture is maintained at least for a predetermined transmission time (for example, S17),
An extraction device characterized by the above.

C9. An extraction method for extracting coffee liquid from ground coffee beans of roasted coffee beans,
In the extraction container of the first posture, a dipping step of dipping the ground beans deposited in a first mode in the extraction container in a liquid (for example, S14),
An inversion step (for example, S16) in which the attitude of the extraction container is inverted from the first attitude to the second attitude, and the ground beans are accumulated in the second aspect,
And a permeation step (for example, S17) of delivering the liquid from the extraction container in the second posture,
In the second aspect, the accumulated thickness of the ground beans is thicker than in the first aspect,
In the permeation step, the ground beans accumulated in the second aspect are passed to deliver the liquid.
An extraction method characterized by the above.

C10. The extraction container includes a thick portion (eg 90e) and a thin portion (eg 90b),
In the first posture, the ground beans are accumulated on the thick portion,
In the second posture, the ground beans are deposited on the thin portion,
An extraction method characterized by the above.

D1. A separating device (for example, 6) for separating unnecessary substances from ground coffee beans of roasted coffee beans,
A beverage manufacturing device (for example, 1) comprising an extracting device (for example, 3) for extracting a coffee liquid from the ground beans from which the unnecessary substances have been separated by the separating device,
A housing (eg, 100) that forms the exterior of the beverage production device,
The housing includes a first transparent portion (for example, 101) that allows at least a part of the separation device to be visible from the outside.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

D2. A beverage production device (eg 1) comprising an extraction device (eg 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground coffee beans of roasted coffee beans, comprising:
A housing (eg, 100) that forms the exterior of the beverage production device,
The brewing device contains the ground beans and a liquid, and includes a brewing container (eg, 9) for extracting coffee liquid, and a drive unit (eg, 8B) for moving the brewing container when extracting the coffee liquid,
The housing includes a first transparent portion (for example, 101) that allows at least a part of the extraction container to be visible from the outside,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

D3. The separation device includes a collection container (for example, 60B) in which the unwanted matter is stored,
The collection container includes a second transparent portion (for example, 62) capable of visually recognizing the unwanted matter contained therein from the outside,
It is possible to visually recognize the unwanted matter contained in the recovery container from the outside through the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

D4. The separation device includes a blower unit (for example, 60A) that exhausts the air in the collection container,
The blower unit and the collection container constitute a centrifugal separator that collects the unwanted matter in a part of the collection container,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

D5. The collection container is detachable from the separation device,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

D6. A first grinder (for example, 5A) that roughly grinds roasted coffee beans,
A second grinder (for example, 5B) for finely grinding roasted coffee beans,
The separation device separates the unnecessary material from the ground beans discharged from the first grinder,
The second grinder finely grinds the ground beans from which the unnecessary substances have been separated by the separation device,
The second grinder, at least a part of the second grinder is visible through the first transmissive portion,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

D7. The first transparent portion is configured to be openable and closable (for example, FIGS. 56 and 58),
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

D8. The first transparent portion, at least from the front and side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus, has a shape that allows the inside of the apparatus to be visually recognized (for example, FIG. 58),
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

D9. The first transparent portion includes a curved surface (for example, FIG. 58),
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

D10. By the drive of the drive unit, the attitude of the brewing container changes during brewing of coffee liquid,
It is possible to visually recognize a change in the posture of the extraction container via the first transmission part,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

E1. A beverage manufacturing apparatus (for example, 1) for manufacturing a beverage using roasted coffee beans as a raw material,
A bean container (eg 40) containing roasted coffee beans,
A mounting part (eg 44) to which the bean container is mounted,
A first receiving part (eg 442) for receiving the roasted coffee beans,
A second receiving portion (for example, 42c) for receiving the roasted coffee beans,
The first receiving unit receives the roasted coffee beans from the bean container mounted on the mounting unit,
The second receiving portion is an opening formed in a portion different from the mounting portion,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

E2. A delivery unit (for example, 41) for automatically delivering the predetermined amount of roasted coffee beans received in the first receiving portion to the downstream side,
The roasted coffee beans received in the second receiving section are not automatically delivered by the delivery unit and can be used for producing a beverage,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

E3. Further equipped with a grinder (for example, 5A) for grinding roasted coffee beans,
The roasted coffee beans received by the first receiving unit or the second receiving unit are supplied to the grinder,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

E4. The supply route of roasted coffee beans from the second receiving unit to the grinder (for example RT2) is more than the supply route of roasted coffee beans from the first receiving unit to the grinder (for example RT1). Short path length,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

E5. A first supply path (eg RT1) through which the roasted coffee beans received in the first receiving section pass,
A second supply path (for example, RT2) through which the roasted coffee beans received in the second receiving section pass, further comprising:
The second supply path joins in the middle of the first supply path,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

E6. The delivery unit is a screw conveyor, which is a unit for delivering a predetermined amount of the roasted coffee beans according to a rotation amount of a screw shaft (for example, 47).
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

E7. The delivery unit is visible through the opening (eg 42c),
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

E8. The bean container includes an outlet (for example, 405a) of roasted coffee beans to the first receiving unit, and a lid mechanism (for example, 408) that opens and closes the outlet,
The beverage manufacturing device comprises a drive mechanism (for example, 41a, 444, 445c) that automatically opens the outlet from a closed state to an open state by operating the lid mechanism and attaching the bean container to the attaching unit.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

E9. The drive mechanism can operate the lid mechanism to automatically close the outlet from an open state to a closed state,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

F1. An extraction device (eg, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground coffee beans of roasted coffee beans,
A container (for example, 90) in which the ground beans and the liquid are stored, and coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans,
The container is a ground bean supply position for supplying the ground beans to the container (for example, a bean insertion position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 9) and a liquid supply position for supplying liquid to the container (for example, an extraction position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 9). And a drive unit (for example, 8B) that moves to,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F2. A housing (eg 100) forming the exterior of the extraction device,
The housing includes a transparent portion (for example, 101) that allows the movement of the container to be visually recognized from the outside.
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F3. The drive unit reciprocates the container between the ground bean supply position and the liquid supply position (for example, FIG. 9),
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F4. The drive unit horizontally translates the container (eg, FIG. 9),
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F5. The drive unit includes a support member (eg, 820) that supports the container,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F6. The support member is
A holding member (for example, 820a) for holding the container,
A shaft member (for example, 820b) connected to the holding member and extending in the moving direction of the container,
The holding member, when the moving direction of the container is the front-back direction of the container, is extended across each of the left and right sides and the bottom of the container (for example, FIG. 29, FIG. 30),
The shaft member is connected to the holding member on each side of the container,
The shaft member is moved in the moving direction,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F7. After the ground beans are supplied to the container at the ground bean supply position, liquid is supplied to the container at the liquid supply position,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F8. After the liquid for preheating is supplied to the container at the liquid supply position, the ground beans are supplied to the container at the ground bean supply position, and then the liquid is supplied to the container at the liquid supply position.
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F9. When the moving direction of the container is the front-back direction of the container, the front of the container is visible through the transmission part, and the liquid supply position is on the back side of the ground bean supply position. Position (eg, Figure 9),
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F10. A lid unit (eg, 91) detachably attached to the opening (eg, 90a) of the container at the liquid supply position,
The lid unit includes a hole (for example, 911a) that communicates the inside of the container with the outside,
Liquid is supplied into the container through the hole in a state where the lid unit is attached to the opening at the liquid supply position,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F11. In a state in which the lid unit is separated from the opening at the liquid supply position, the container moves to the ground bean supply position, and the ground beans are supplied into the container through the opening,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

F12. The drive unit includes a mechanism for reversing the container and the lid unit into a first posture in which the lid unit is located on the upper side and a second posture in which the lid unit is located at the liquid supply position, and the hole. Including a plug member (eg 913) that opens and closes,
Liquid is supplied into the container in the first posture,
In the second position, the stopper member opens the hole, and the coffee beverage is delivered from the container through the hole.
An extraction device characterized by the above.

G1. An extraction device (eg, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground coffee beans of roasted coffee beans,
An extraction container (for example, 9) in which the ground beans and the liquid are stored, and coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans,
A supply unit (for example, 7) for supplying a liquid to the extraction container,
The extraction container is
A first hole (eg 911a) into which the coffee beverage in the brewing container is delivered,
A second hole (for example, 901a) through which the liquid used for cleaning the inside of the extraction container is delivered,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

G2. A drive unit (for example, 8B) that reverses the posture of the extraction container between the first posture and the second posture,
The first hole is located at the lower end of the extraction container in the first posture, at the upper end of the extraction container in the second posture,
The second hole is located at the upper end of the extraction container in the first posture, located at the lower end of the extraction container in the second posture,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

G3. After the coffee beverage in the extraction container is delivered through the first hole in a state where the extraction container is in the first posture, the extraction container is changed to the second posture by the drive unit, A cleaning liquid is supplied into the extraction container by the supply unit through the first hole,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

G4. A filter (for example, 910) that restricts leakage of the ground beans in the extraction container from the first hole is provided,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

G5. The filter is a metal filter,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

G6. The metal filter is located on the side of the lower end portion of the extraction container in the first posture, and is located on the side of the upper end portion of the extraction container in the second posture,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

G7. The extraction container includes a first stopper member (for example, 913) that opens and closes the first hole, and a second stopper member (for example, 903) that opens and closes the second hole,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

G8. The extraction container includes a transparent portion (for example, 90) whose inside is visible,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

G9. The second hole is larger than the first hole,
When the cleaning liquid is supplied into the extraction container from the first hole, air is sent from the first hole,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

H1. A beverage manufacturing apparatus (for example, 1) for manufacturing a beverage using roasted coffee beans as a raw material,
A bean container (eg 40) containing roasted coffee beans,
A mounting part (eg 44) to which the bean container is detachably mounted,
A transport mechanism capable of transporting the roasted coffee beans from the bean container (eg 41),
The transport mechanism is provided so as to remain on the mounting portion side when the bean container is removed from the mounting portion.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

H2. The bean container is
A first mouth that allows the roasted coffee beans to come in and out (for example, the end of the tubular portion 401),
A second mouth (for example, 405a) that allows the roasted coffee beans to come in and out,
The first mouth is a mouth that does not pass when the roasted coffee beans move from the bean container into the beverage manufacturing apparatus,
The second mouth is a mouth through which the roasted coffee beans pass when moving from the bean container into the beverage manufacturing apparatus.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

H3. The bean container includes an opening/closing member (for example, 408) that opens and closes the second mouth,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

H4. The bean container is
A tubular part (eg 401),
And a forming member (for example, 405) that is provided at the end of the tubular portion and forms the second opening,
The opening/closing member is attached to the forming member so as to be rotatable around the central axis of the tubular portion,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

H5. The mounting portion is provided with a drive mechanism (for example, 41a, 444, 445c) capable of opening the second opening by operating the opening/closing member.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

H6. The drive mechanism is capable of operating the opening/closing member to close the second opening.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

H7. The mounting portion is provided with a regulation means (for example, 408c) that regulates the removal of the bean container when the second mouth is opened.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

H8. The transport mechanism transports the roasted coffee beans received in a receiving unit (for example, 442),
The receiving unit receives the roasted coffee beans from the bean container mounted on the mounting unit,
Driving the transport mechanism in a state where the second opening is partially closed by the opening/closing member (for example, FIG. 44), and then closing the second opening by the opening/closing member.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

H9. The transport mechanism transports the roasted coffee beans received in a receiving unit (for example, 442),
The receiving unit receives the roasted coffee beans from the bean container mounted on the mounting unit,
The mounting portion is provided with a shutter (for example, 443) that opens and closes the receiving portion,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

H10. The bean container includes a regulation unit (for example, 406a, 408d, 406a', 408d') that regulates the opening/closing member from opening the second mouth when the bean container is not attached to the attachment unit.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

I1. A crushing device for grinding roasted coffee beans (eg 5),
A body part (e.g. 53b) with a cutter,
A motor for driving the cutter (for example, 52b),
It is possible to remove the main body from the crushing device while leaving the motor in the crushing device (for example, FIG. 63),
A crushing device characterized by the above.

I2. The main body portion includes an adjusting mechanism (for example, 503) that adjusts the grain size of ground beans,
A crushing device characterized by the above.

I3. The adjustment mechanism includes, as a drive source, a motor (for example, 503a) different from the motor,
A crushing device characterized by the above.

I4. A detachable delivery pipe (for example, 501) for delivering the ground beans to a position laterally displaced from directly below the crushing device is provided.
A crushing device characterized by the above.

I5. A beverage production device (eg 1) for producing coffee beverages, comprising:
A grinding device (eg 5) for grinding roasted coffee beans,
An extracting device (for example, 3) for extracting coffee from the ground beans delivered from the crushing device,
A housing (eg, 100) that forms an exterior of the beverage manufacturing apparatus,
The crushing device,
A body part (e.g. 53b) with a cutter,
A motor for driving the cutter (for example, 52b),
The body is removable from the crushing device leaving the motor in the crushing device (eg FIG. 63),
The housing includes a transparent portion (for example, 101) that allows at least a part of the body portion to be visually recognized from the outside.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

I6. In a state where the main body part is attached to the crushing device, the motor cannot be visually recognized from the outside through the transmitting part,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

I7. The main body portion is provided with an adjusting mechanism (for example, 503) for adjusting the grain size of ground beans,
The adjustment mechanism includes, as a drive source, a motor (for example, 503a) different from the motor,
In a state where the main body unit is attached to the crushing device, the another motor cannot be visually recognized from the outside through the transmitting unit,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

J1. An extraction device (for example, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground beans of roasted coffee beans,
A container body (for example, 90) containing the ground beans and the liquid,
A lid (for example, 91) that closes the opening (for example, 90a) of the container body,
In a state where the lid closes the opening, a lock mechanism (for example, 821) that locks the container body and the lid is provided,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

J2. The container body includes a peripheral portion (for example, 90c) that defines the opening,
The lid includes a collar portion (for example, 911c) that is overlapped with the peripheral portion,
The lock mechanism includes a fitting portion (for example, 821) that fits the peripheral portion and the flange portion, which are overlapped with each other, so as to sandwich them.
An extraction device characterized by the above.

J3. The fitting portion includes a first surface (for example, LS) that contacts the peripheral portion in a fitted state and a second surface (for example, US) that contacts the flange portion,
The peripheral portion includes a third surface (for example, 90c') that contacts the first surface,
The collar portion includes a fourth surface (for example, 911c') that comes into contact with the second surface,
In the fitted state, the first surface to the fourth surface are parallel to each other,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

J4. A holding portion (for example, 801) that holds the lid,
The holding portion is provided with a drive unit (for example, 8A) that moves the first position where the lid closes the opening and the second position where the lid is separated from the opening,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

J5. The collar portion and the peripheral portion include a guide portion (for example, 90g, 911e) that guides each other so that the container body and the lid are aligned when the collar portion and the peripheral portion are overlapped with each other. ,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

J6. The lid includes a seal member (for example, 919a) that seals between the container body and the lid,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

J7. When the lock mechanism locks the container body and the lid, the lid cannot be moved to the second position even if the driving unit is driven.
An extraction device characterized by the above.

J8. The lid is
With a hole that penetrates the lid (for example, 911a),
Including a plug member (for example, 913) for opening and closing the hole,
In a state where the container body and the lid are locked by the lock mechanism, air having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure is supplied into the container body through the hole.
An extraction device characterized by the above.

J9. The stopper member can be opened by the atmospheric pressure of the air supplied into the container body.
An extraction device characterized by the above.

J10. The lid is
With a hole that penetrates the lid (for example, 911a),
And a plug member for opening and closing the hole (for example, 913),
In a state where the container body and the lid are locked by the lock mechanism, water is supplied into the container body through the hole,
An extraction device characterized by the above.

J11. The stopper member can be opened by the liquid pressure of the liquid supplied into the container body.
An extraction device characterized by the above.

K1. First storage part (for example, 725) that stores liquid
When,
A second storage part (for example, 726) that stores the liquid supplied from the first storage part
When,
A communication switching unit (for example, 728) that switches between communication and cutoff between the first storage unit and the second storage unit,
Delivery switching means (for example, 728) that switches between delivery and storage of the liquid supplied to the second storage section,
Corresponding to the amount of liquid delivered from the second storage unit, a drive means (for example, 727) for changing the volume of the second storage unit,
A liquid feed rate adjusting device (for example, 720).

K2. The first storage portion and the second storage portion are partitioned by a common wall body (for example, 722),
A liquid volume adjusting device characterized in that

K3. A heater (for example, 72a) for heating the liquid stored in the first storage portion is provided,
A liquid delivery amount adjusting device characterized by the above.

K4. A measurement unit (for example, 72c) for measuring the liquid level of the first storage unit is provided,
The measurement unit,
With a float floating on the liquid (for example, 730),
An upper first sensor for detecting the float (for example, 731b),
A second sensor on the lower side for detecting the float (for example, 731a), and,
A liquid delivery amount adjusting device characterized by the above.

K5. The measurement unit,
A third storage part (for example, 729) for storing the liquid is provided,
The float is disposed in the third storage section,
The third reservoir is in communication with the first reservoir at a position lower than the second sensor (for example, 729a),
A liquid delivery amount adjusting device characterized by the above.

K6. An air communication unit (for example, 722a) for communicating air between the first storage unit and the second storage unit is provided,
A liquid delivery amount adjusting device characterized by the above.

K7. At a position above the first sensor, an air communication portion (for example, 729b) that communicates air between the first storage portion and the third storage portion is provided,
A liquid delivery amount adjusting device characterized by the above.

K8. When the liquid in the second storage section is delivered, the liquid is supplied to the first storage section,
A liquid delivery amount adjusting device characterized by the above.

K9. By the head pressure in the first reservoir, the liquid is supplied from the first reservoir to the second reservoir,
A liquid delivery amount adjusting device characterized by the above.

K10. The drive means is
A movable member (for example, 727c) that constitutes a wall body that defines the volume of the second storage portion,
A motor (for example, 727a),
A moving mechanism that moves the movable member by the driving force of the motor (for example, 727b, 727f),
A liquid delivery amount adjusting device characterized by the above.

L1. A beverage manufacturing apparatus (for example, 1) for producing a beverage and pouring it into a beverage container (for example, C),
Before pouring the produced beverage into the beverage container, a decompression unit through which the beverage passes (e.g. 600),
A communication hole (for example, 606) is formed in the decompression unit so that the decompression unit communicates with the atmosphere.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

L2. The decompression unit has an upper wall portion (for example, 600b),
The communication hole is formed in the upper wall portion,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

L3. The decompression unit includes a delivery port (for example, 605) that delivers the beverage,
The delivery port is formed at a position lower than the communication hole,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

L4. The decompression unit includes an introduction port (for example, 604b) for introducing the beverage into the decompression unit,
The introduction port is formed at a position lower than the communication hole and higher than the delivery port.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

L5. The communication hole is formed in a portion closer to the introduction port than the delivery port,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

L6. When discarding the beverage, a valve for switching the destination of the beverage to a flow path different from the decompression unit (for example, 10a) is provided,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

L7. The introduction port and the delivery port are formed at positions displaced in the horizontal direction,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

L8. The decompression unit,
An introduction port (for example, 604b) for introducing the beverage into the decompression unit,
A delivery port (for example, 605) for delivering the beverage,
The internal space of the decompression unit (for example, 600a) includes one end in the horizontal direction (for example, 600c) and the other end (for example, 600d),
The introduction port is formed on the one end side in the horizontal direction,
The delivery port is formed at a position apart from the one end and the other end in the horizontal direction,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

L9. The decompression unit,
An introduction port (for example, 604b) for introducing the beverage into the decompression unit,
A delivery port (for example, 605) for delivering the beverage,
The internal space of the decompression unit (for example, 600a) includes one end in the horizontal direction (for example, 600c) and the other end (for example, 600d),
The introduction port is formed on the one end side with respect to the horizontal center in the internal space of the decompression unit,
The delivery port is formed at a position closer to the center in the horizontal direction in the internal space of the decompression unit than the other end portion.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the scope of the present invention public, the following claims are attached.

Claims (5)

A main body provided with a pouring portion capable of pouring a liquid into an extraction target of an extraction container ,
An operating part for moving the pouring part,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus comprising:
The main body includes a transmissive portion that allows the movement of the operating portion for moving the pouring portion to be visually recognized from the outside,
The movement of the operation portion for moving said pouring portion during the cleaning operation for cleaning the extraction vessel, Ri viewable der from the outside through the transmitting portion,
A rotation drive unit that rotates the extraction container that can be transmitted through the transmission unit about an axis in the front-rear direction is provided.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,
Through the transparent portion, the movement of the pouring portion is visible from the outside,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above. The beverage manufacturing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
Since the transparent portion has a shape bent from the center of the front surface of the main body to the side portion, the movement of the pouring portion can be visually recognized from the front surface of the main body and another angle.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The operation unit is composed of a plurality of parts,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A drive unit that drives the operation unit is provided in the main body,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above.

Images