JP7153318B2 - beverage production equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for producing beverages.

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

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

There is a need for structural improvements in beverage production equipment so that it is user-friendly for users (eg, equipment administrators, beverage consumers, etc.).

An object of the present invention is to improve the usability of a beverage production apparatus.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage manufacturing apparatus, the beverage manufacturing apparatus comprising:
A beverage production apparatus comprising a production unit for producing beverages,
a transparent cover that covers at least part of the manufacturing unit;
a detection unit that detects a user's input operation to the transparent cover, which is an input operation for instructing the operation of the manufacturing unit;
The at least part of the manufacturing unit includes a movable part that follows the input operation.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the usability of a beverage manufacturing apparatus can be improved.

The external view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1; 2 is a schematic diagram of functions of the beverage production apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially broken perspective view of the separation device; 3 is a perspective view of the drive unit and extraction container; FIG. 6 shows the closed and open states of the brewing container of FIG. 5; FIG. The front view which shows the structure of a part of upper unit and lower unit. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 7; Schematic diagram of the central unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device of the beverage manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1; 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing an example of control executed by a control device; 1 is a perspective view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 having a transparent display function on a cover portion. FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 in which the cover portion is provided with a function of a transparent display. The front view which shows an example of the display mode at the time of a grinding process. The front view which shows an example of the display mode which prompts the filling of roasted coffee beans. The front view which shows an example of the display mode in the case of an extraction process. The front view which shows an example of the display mode in the case of an extraction process. The front view which shows an example of the display mode when maintenance is required. The perspective view which shows an example of the display mode when maintenance is required. The perspective view which shows an example of the display mode when maintenance is required. The front view which shows an example of the display mode which prompts a predetermined confirmation. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 having a touch panel type transparent display function provided on a cover portion. FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 in which the cover portion is provided with a touch panel type transparent display function. The front view which shows an example of the display mode at the time of inputting predetermined|prescribed operation. The front view which shows an example of the display aspect in a certain process which manufactures a drink. The front view which shows an example of the display aspect in a certain process which manufactures a drink. The front view which shows an example of the display aspect in a certain process which manufactures a drink. The front view which shows an example of the display mode which prompts a user to input an operation in a certain process during drink manufacture. The front view which shows an example of the display mode which prompts a user to input an operation in a certain process during drink manufacture. The front view which shows the aspect which the movable part of a manufacturing department moves following a user's input operation. The front view which shows an example of the display mode which prompts a user to input an operation in a certain process during drink manufacture. The front view which shows an example of the display mode when maintenance is required. The front view which shows an example of the display mode when maintenance is required. The perspective view which shows an example of the display mode when maintenance is required. The perspective view which shows an example of the display mode when maintenance is required. The front view which shows an example of the display mode which calls a predetermined|prescribed alert with respect to a user.

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

<1. Overview of Beverage Production Equipment>
FIG. 1 is an external view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. FIG. The beverage production apparatus 1 of this embodiment is an apparatus for automatically producing a coffee beverage from roasted coffee beans and liquid (here, water), and can produce a cup of coffee beverage per one production operation. . Roasted coffee beans as a raw material can be accommodated in the canister 40 . A cup placing portion 110 is provided in the lower portion of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and the manufactured coffee beverage is poured into the cup from the pouring portion 10c.

Beverage production apparatus 1 includes a housing 100 that forms its exterior and encloses internal mechanisms. The housing 100 is roughly divided into a main body portion 101 and a cover portion 102 that covers part of the front surface and part of the side surface of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 . An information display device 12 is provided on the cover portion 102 . In the case of this embodiment, the information display device 12 is a touch-panel display, and can display various types of information as well as receive inputs from the administrator of the device and beverage consumers. The information display device 12 is attached to the cover portion 102 via a moving mechanism 12a, and is vertically movable within a certain range by the moving mechanism 12a.

The cover portion 102 is also provided with a bean inlet 103 and a door 103 a for opening and closing the bean inlet 103 . Roasted coffee beans different from the roasted coffee beans stored in the canister 40 can be thrown into the bean inlet 103 by opening the opening/closing door 103 . This makes it possible to provide a special cup to the beverage consumer.

In this embodiment, the cover portion 102 is made of a translucent material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent cover whose entirety is a transmissive portion. Therefore, the inner mechanism covered with the cover portion 102 can be visually recognized from the outside. In the case of this embodiment, a portion of the production section that produces coffee beverages is visible through the cover section 102 . In this embodiment, the main body 101 is entirely non-transmissive, making it difficult to see the inside from the outside.

FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, showing a part of the production section visible to the user when the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 is viewed from the front. The cover part 102 and the information display device 12 are illustrated by imaginary lines.

A housing 100 in the front portion of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 has a double structure including a main body portion 101 and a cover portion 102 on the outside (front side) thereof. A part of the mechanism of the manufacturing department is arranged between the main body part 101 and the cover part 12 in the front-rear direction, and can be visually recognized by the user through the cover part 102 .

In the case of this embodiment, part of the mechanisms of the manufacturing department that can be visually recognized by the user through the cover part 102 are the collecting transport part 42, the grinders 5A and 5B, the separation device 6, the extraction container 9, and the like, which will be described later. A rectangular recess 101a recessed inward is formed in the front portion of the main body 101, and the extraction container 9 and the like are positioned in the recess 101a inward.

Since these mechanisms can be visually recognized from the outside through the cover portion 102, it may be easier for the administrator to inspect and confirm the operation. In addition, beverage consumers may be able to enjoy the coffee beverage manufacturing process.

The right end of the cover portion 102 is supported by the main body portion 101 via a hinge 102a so that it can be opened and closed horizontally. An engaging portion 102b is provided at the left end of the cover portion 102 to keep the body portion 101 and the cover portion 102 closed. The engaging portion 102b is, for example, a combination of magnet and iron. By opening the cover section 102, the manager can inspect a part of the above-described manufacturing section inside.

In the case of the present embodiment, the cover portion 102 is of a horizontal opening type, but it may be of a vertical opening type (vertical opening type) or of a sliding type. Also, the cover portion 102 may be configured such that it cannot be opened and closed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the functions of the beverage production apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. The beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a bean processing apparatus 2 and an extraction apparatus 3 as a coffee beverage manufacturing unit.

The bean processing device 2 produces ground beans from roasted coffee beans. The extraction device 3 extracts coffee liquid from ground beans supplied from the bean processing device 2 . The extraction device 3 includes a fluid supply unit 7, a drive unit 8, an extraction container 9 and a switching unit 10, which will be described later. Ground beans supplied from the bean processing device 2 are put into the extraction container 9 . The fluid supply unit 7 feeds 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. - 特許庁

<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, controls the pressure inside the extraction container 9, and the like. In this document, when atmospheric pressure is indicated by numbers, it means absolute pressure unless otherwise specified, and gauge pressure is atmospheric pressure with atmospheric pressure being 0 atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure refers to the atmospheric pressure around the extraction vessel 9 or the atmospheric pressure of the beverage production apparatus. It is the standard atmospheric pressure (1013.25 hPa) at 0m above sea level of the International Standard Atmosphere (= ``International Standard Atmosphere'' [[abbreviation] ISA]) established in 1976 by the Aviation Organization [[abbreviation] ICAO]).

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 source of pressurization. Compressor 70 compresses and delivers atmospheric air. The compressor 70 is driven by, for example, a motor (not shown) as a drive source. Compressed air delivered from the compressor 70 is supplied to a reserve tank (accumulator) 71 via a check valve 71a. The air pressure in the reserve tank 71 is monitored by a pressure sensor 71b, and the compressor 70 is driven so as to maintain a predetermined air pressure (7 atmospheres (6 atmospheres in gauge pressure) in this embodiment). The reserve tank 71 is provided with a drain 71c for draining water so that water generated by the compressed air can be drained.

The water tank 72 stores hot water (water) that constitutes the coffee beverage. 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, for example, when the hot water temperature is 118 degrees Celsius, and turned off when the temperature is 120 degrees Celsius.

The water tank 72 is also provided with a water level sensor 72c. A water level sensor 72 c detects the water level of hot water in the water tank 72 . Water is supplied to the water tank 72 when the water level sensor 72c detects that the water level has fallen below a predetermined level. In the case of this embodiment, tap water is supplied via a water purifier (not shown). A solenoid valve 72d is provided in the middle of the pipe L2 from the water purifier. When the water level sensor 72c detects a drop in the water level, the solenoid valve 72d is opened to supply water. The valve 72d is closed to shut off the water supply. Thus, the hot water in the water tank 72 is maintained at a constant water level. The water tank 72 may be supplied with water each time the hot water used for making one coffee beverage is discharged.

The water tank 72 is also provided with a pressure sensor 72g. A pressure sensor 72 g detects the air pressure inside the water tank 72 . Air pressure in the reserve tank 71 is supplied to the water tank 72 via a pressure regulating valve 72e and an electromagnetic valve 72f. The pressure regulating valve 72e reduces the pressure supplied from the reserve tank 71 to a predetermined pressure. In the case of this embodiment, the pressure is reduced to 3 atmospheres (2 atmospheres in gauge pressure). The solenoid valve 72f switches between supplying and blocking the air 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 pressure inside the water tank 72 is maintained at 3 atm 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 lower than the water pressure of the tap water by the solenoid valve 72h so that the water tank 72 is smoothly replenished with tap water. Reduce the pressure to (eg, less than 2.5 atmospheres). The solenoid valve 72h switches whether to open the water tank 72 to the atmosphere or not, and when the pressure is reduced, the water tank 72 is opened to the atmosphere. In addition, when the pressure inside the water tank 72 exceeds 3 atm, the solenoid valve 72h releases the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere except when tap water is supplied to the water tank 72, and the inside of the water tank 72 is reduced to 3 atm. maintain.

The hot water in the water tank 72 is supplied to the extraction container 9 via the check valve 72j, the solenoid valve 72i and the pipe L3. Hot water is supplied to the extraction container 9 by opening the solenoid valve 72i, and the supply of hot water is cut off by closing the solenoid 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 and closing of the solenoid valve 72i may be controlled by measuring the supply amount. A temperature sensor 73e for measuring the temperature of the hot water is provided in the pipe L3, and the temperature of the hot water supplied to the extraction vessel 9 is monitored.

The air pressure in the reserve tank 71 is also supplied to the extraction vessel 9 via a pressure regulating valve 73a and an electromagnetic valve 73b. The pressure regulating valve 73a reduces the pressure supplied from the reserve tank 71 to a predetermined pressure. In the case of this embodiment, the pressure is reduced to 5 atmospheres (4 atmospheres in gauge pressure). The electromagnetic valve 73b switches between supplying and blocking the pressure adjusted by the pressure adjusting valve 73a to the extraction vessel 9. As shown in FIG. The pressure inside the extraction container 9 is detected by a pressure sensor 73d. When the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 73d, and the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized to a predetermined atmospheric pressure (in this embodiment, a maximum of 5 atmospheres (4 atmospheres in gauge pressure). )). The pressure inside the extraction container 9 can be reduced by the electromagnetic valve 73c. The electromagnetic valve 73c switches whether to release the inside of the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere, and releases 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 atmospheres).

After the production of one coffee beverage is finished, in the case of this embodiment, the inside of the extraction container 9 is washed with tap water. The electromagnetic valve 73f is opened during cleaning to supply tap water to the extraction vessel 9. As shown in FIG.

Next, the switching unit 10 will be explained. 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 section 10c or the waste tank T. FIG. 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 residue (ground beans) during washing, the flow path is switched to the waste tank T. The switching valve 10a is a 3-port ball valve in this embodiment. Since residue passes through the switching valve 10a during cleaning, the switching valve 10a is preferably a ball valve, and the motor 10b rotates its rotary shaft to switch the flow path.

<3. Bean processing equipment>
The bean processing device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 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 this embodiment, three canisters 40 are provided. The canister 40 includes a cylindrical main body 40a for containing roasted coffee beans and a handle 40b provided on the main body 40a, and is detachably attached to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

Each canister 40 may contain different types of roasted coffee beans so that the type of roasted coffee beans used to produce the coffee beverage can be selected by operating the information display device 12 . Different kinds of roasted coffee beans are, for example, roasted coffee beans of different coffee bean varieties. The roasted coffee beans of different types are coffee beans of the same variety, but may be roasted coffee beans of different roasting degrees. Moreover, the roasted coffee beans of different types may be roasted coffee beans of different types and degrees of roasting. Also, at least one of the three canisters 40 may contain roasted coffee beans in which roasted coffee beans of a plurality of varieties are mixed. In this case, the roasted coffee beans of each variety may have the same degree of roasting.

In addition, although a plurality of canisters 40 are provided in the present embodiment, a configuration in which only one canister 40 is provided may be employed. Also, when a plurality of canisters 40 are provided, the same kind of roasted coffee beans may be accommodated in all or a plurality of canisters 40 .

Each canister 40 is detachably attached to a weighing and conveying device 41 . The weighing and conveying device 41 is, for example, an electric screw conveyor, and automatically weighs a predetermined amount of roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40 and delivers them to the downstream side.

Each measuring and conveying device 41 discharges the roasted coffee beans to a collective conveying section 42 on the downstream side. The collective conveying portion 42 is composed of a hollow member, and forms a conveying passage for the roasted coffee beans from each conveyor 41 to the crushing device 5 (particularly the grinder 5A). The roasted coffee beans discharged from each weighing/conveying device 41 move by their own weight inside the collective conveying unit 42 and flow down to the crushing device 5 .

A guide portion 42 a is formed at a position corresponding to the bean input port 103 in the aggregate transport portion 42 . The guide portion 42a forms a passage for guiding the roasted coffee beans introduced from the bean inlet 103 to the grinding device 5 (particularly the grinder 5A). As a result, coffee beverages made from roasted coffee beans fed from the bean feeding port 103 can be produced in addition to the roasted coffee beans housed in the canister 40. - 特許庁

<3-2. Crushing device>
The crushing device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the separating device 6. FIG. The crushing device 5 includes grinders 5A and 5B and a separation device 6. The grinders 5A and 5B are mechanisms for grinding the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4. FIG. The roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are ground by the grinder 5A, further ground by the grinder 5B into powder, and introduced into the extraction vessel 9 through the discharge pipe 5C.

The grinders 5A and 5B differ in grain size for grinding beans. The grinder 5A is a grinder for coarse grinding, and the grinder 5B is a grinder for fine grinding. Each of the grinders 5A and 5B is an electric grinder, and includes a motor as a driving source and a rotating blade driven by the motor. The size (particle size) of the roasted coffee beans to be pulverized can be changed by changing the rotation speed of the rotary blade.

The separating device 6 is a mechanism for separating unnecessary substances from the ground beans. Separating device 6 includes passage 63a arranged between grinders 5A and 5B. The passage portion 63a is a hollow body forming a separation chamber through which ground beans freely falling from the grinder 5A pass. The passage portion 63a is connected to a passage portion 63b extending in a direction (horizontal direction in this embodiment) that intersects the passing direction of the ground beans (vertical direction in this embodiment). The suction unit 60 is connected to the portion 63b. By the suction unit 60 sucking the air in the passage part 63a,
Lightweight objects such as chaff and fines are aspirated. This allows the unwanted matter to be separated from the ground beans.

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

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 top, forming a space for accumulating unnecessary items. 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 therewith. 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. A passage portion 63 b is connected to the upper portion 61 . The passage portion 63b opens to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b.

By driving the blower unit 60A, air currents indicated by arrows d1 to d3 in FIG. 4 are generated. Due to this airflow, the air containing unnecessary matter is sucked into the collection container 60B from the passage portion 63a through the passage portion 63b. Since the passage portion 63b is open to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b, the air containing unnecessary substances swirls around the exhaust pipe 61b. The waste D in the air falls by its weight and is collected in a portion of the collection container 60B (deposited on the bottom surface of the lower portion 62). 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. A plurality of fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. Each fin 61d is obliquely inclined with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. By providing such fins 61, the swirl of the air containing the unwanted matter D around the exhaust pipe 61b is promoted.

In the case of this embodiment, the lower portion 62 is made of a translucent material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent container whose entirety is a transmissive portion. A lower portion 62 is a portion covered with a cover portion 102 (FIG. 2). A manager or a consumer of the beverage can see the unwanted matter D accumulated in the lower portion 62 through the cover portion 102 and the peripheral wall of the lower portion 62 . It may be easier for the administrator to confirm the cleaning timing of the lower portion 62, and for the consumer of the beverage, it is possible to visually confirm that the unnecessary matter D has been removed, which increases expectations for the quality of the coffee beverage being produced. Sometimes.

Thus, in this embodiment, the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the grinder 5A, and when the coarsely ground beans pass through the passage portion 63a, the separation device 6 separates unwanted substances from them. are separated. The coarsely ground beans from which unnecessary matter has been separated are finely ground by the grinder 5B. The wastes separated by the separation device 6 are typically chaff and fine powder. These can reduce the taste of the coffee beverage, and removing chaff and the like from the ground beans can improve the quality of the coffee beverage.

Grinding of roasted coffee beans may be in one grinder (single stage grinding). However, as in the present embodiment, two-stage grinding by the two grinders 5A and 5B makes it easier for the ground beans to have a uniform particle size, and the extraction degree of the coffee liquid can be made constant. During grinding of beans, heat may be generated due to friction between the cutter and the beans. The two-stage pulverization can suppress heat generation due to friction during pulverization and prevent deterioration of the ground beans (for example, loss of flavor).

In addition, by going through the stages of coarse grinding → separation of unnecessary substances → fine grinding, when separating unnecessary substances such as chaff, it is possible to increase the mass difference between the unnecessary substances and the ground beans (required parts). This can improve the separation efficiency of unnecessary substances, and can prevent ground beans (required portions) from being separated as unnecessary substances. In addition, the heat generation of the ground beans can be suppressed by the air cooling by interposing the unnecessary matter separation processing using air suction between the coarse grinding and the fine grinding.

<4. Drive unit and extraction container>
<4-1. Overview>
The drive unit 8 and extraction container 9 of the extraction device 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the drive unit 8 and the extraction container 9. FIG. Most of the drive unit 8 is surrounded by the body portion 101 .

The drive unit 8 is supported by the frame F. The frame F includes upper and lower beams F1 and F2 and a column F3 that supports the beams 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 F1. The middle unit 8B is supported by the beam portion F1 and the pillar portion F3 between the beam portion F1 and the beam portion F2. The lower unit 8C is supported by the beam F2.

The extraction container 9 is a chamber containing a container body 90 and a lid unit 91 . The extraction container 9 may be called a chamber. The central unit 8B includes an arm member 820 that detachably holds the container body 90. As shown in FIG. Arm member 820 includes a holding member 820a and a pair of shaft members 820b spaced apart from each other in the left and right direction. The holding member 820a is an elastic member such as resin formed in a C-shaped clip, 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 when viewed from the front.

The container main body 90 is attached to and detached from the holding member 820a by manual operation, and the container main body 90 is attached to the holding member 820a by pressing the container main body 90 forward and backward against the holding member 820a. Further, the container main body 90 can be separated from the holding member 820a by pulling the container main body 90 forward from the holding member 820a.

Each of the pair of shaft members 820b is a rod extending in the front-rear direction, and is a member that supports the holding member 820a. Although the number of shaft members 820b is two in this embodiment, the number may be one or three or more. The holding member 820a is fixed to the front ends of the pair of shaft members 820b. The pair of shaft members 82b are moved forward and backward by a mechanism to be described later, whereby the holding member 820a is moved forward and backward, and the container body 90 can be translated forward and backward. The central unit 8B is also capable of rotating the extraction container 9 upside down, as will be described later.

<4-2. Extraction container>
The extraction container 9 will be described with reference to FIG. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the closed state and the open state of the extraction container 9. FIG. As described above, the extraction vessel 9 is turned upside down by the central unit 8B. The extraction container 9 in FIG. 6 shows a basic posture in which the lid unit 91 is positioned on the upper side. In the following description, when the vertical positional relationship is described, it means the vertical positional relationship in the basic posture unless otherwise specified.

The container body 90 is a container with a bottom and has a bottle shape having a neck portion 90b, a shoulder portion 90d, a body portion 90e and a bottom portion 90f. A flange portion 90c defining an opening 90a communicating with the internal space of the container body 90 is formed at the end of the neck portion 90b (upper end of the container body 90).

Both the neck portion 90b and the body portion 90e have a cylindrical shape. 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.

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

Container body 90 includes a body member 900 and a bottom member 901 . The main body member 900 is a cylindrical member that is open at the top and bottom and forms a neck portion 90b, a shoulder portion 90d, and a body portion 90e. 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. As shown in FIG. A sealing member 902 is interposed between the body member 900 and the bottom member 901 to improve the airtightness inside the container body 90 .

In the case of this embodiment, the main body member 900 is made of a translucent material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent container whose entirety is a transmissive portion. A manager or a consumer of the beverage can see the extraction state of the coffee beverage in the container body 90 through the cover portion 102 and the body member 900 of the container body 90 . For the manager, it may be easy to check the extraction operation, and for the consumer of the beverage, it may be possible to enjoy the extraction situation.

A convex portion 901c is provided in the central portion of the bottom member 901, and the convex portion 901c has a communication hole that communicates the inside of the container body 90 with the outside and a valve (valve 903 in FIG. 8) that opens and closes the communication hole. is provided. The communication hole is used for discharging waste liquid and residue when cleaning the inside of the container body 90 . A sealing member 908 is provided on the convex portion 901c, and the sealing member 908 is a member for maintaining airtightness between the upper unit 8A or the lower unit 8C and the bottom member 901. As shown in FIG.

The lid unit 91 includes a hat-shaped base member 911 . The base member 911 has a convex portion 911d and a flange portion 911c that overlaps the flange portion 90c when closed. The convex portion 911d has the same structure as the convex portion 901c of the container body 90, and is provided with a communication hole for communicating the inside of the container body 90 with the outside and a valve (valve 913 in FIG. 8) for opening and closing the communication hole. It is The communication hole of the projection 911d is mainly used for injecting hot water into the container body 90 and sending out the coffee beverage. A sealing member 918a is provided on the convex portion 911d. The sealing member 918a is a member for maintaining airtightness between the upper unit 8A or the lower unit 8C and the base member 911. As shown in FIG. The lid unit 91 is also provided with a sealing member 919 . The sealing member 919 improves the airtightness between the lid unit 91 and the container body 90 when the lid unit 91 is closed. The lid unit 91 holds a filter for filtration.

<4-3. Upper unit and lower unit>
The upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of part of the upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C, and FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG.

The upper unit 8A includes an operation unit 81A. The operation unit 81A performs opening/closing operation (lifting/lowering) of the lid unit 91 with respect to the container body 90 and opening/closing operation of the valves of the convex portions 901c and 911d. The operation unit 81A includes a support member 800, a holding member 801, an elevation shaft 802 and a probe 803.

The support member 800 is fixed so as not to change its relative position to the frame F, and accommodates the holding member 801 . The support member 800 also includes a communicating portion 800a that allows the inside of the support member 800 to communicate with the pipe L3. Hot water, tap water, and air pressure supplied from pipe L3 are introduced into support member 800 via communicating portion 800a.

The holding member 801 is a member capable of detachably holding the lid unit 91 . The holding member 801 has a cylindrical space into which the protrusion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the protrusion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted, and has a mechanism for detachably holding them. This mechanism is, for example, a snap ring mechanism, which engages with a certain pressing force and disengages with a certain separating force. Hot water, tap water, and air pressure supplied from the pipe L3 can be supplied into the extraction vessel 9 via the communicating portion 800a and the communicating hole 801a of the holding member 801. FIG.

The holding member 801 is also a movable member that is vertically slidable within the support member 800 . The elevating shaft 802 is provided so that its axial direction is the vertical direction. The elevating shaft 802 penetrates the top portion of the support member 800 in an air-tight manner in the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 800 .

A top portion of the holding member 801 is fixed to the lower end portion of the lifting shaft 802 . The holding member 801 slides in the vertical direction by raising and lowering the elevating shaft 802, so that the holding member 801 can be attached to and separated from the projections 911d and 901c. Also, the lid unit 91 can be opened and closed with respect to the container body 90 .

A screw 802a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lifting shaft 802 . A nut 804b is screwed onto the screw 802a. The upper unit 8A has a motor 804a, and the nut 804b is rotated on the spot (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 804a. The elevation shaft 802 is raised and lowered by the rotation of the nut 804b.

The elevating shaft 802 is a tubular shaft having a through hole in its central axis, and the probe 803 is inserted into the through hole so as to be vertically slidable. The probe 803 penetrates the top portion of the holding member 801 in an air-tight manner in the vertical direction, and is vertically movable with respect to the supporting member 800 and the holding member 801 .

The probe 803 is an operator for opening and closing the valves 913 and 903 provided inside the convex portions 911d and 901c. It can be changed from an open state to a closed state (by the action of a return spring, not shown).

A screw 803 a that constitutes 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 has 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. Rotation of the nut 805b moves the probe 803 up and down.

The lower unit 8C includes an operation unit 81C. The operation unit 81C has a configuration in which the operation unit 81A is vertically inverted, and performs opening and closing operations of the valves 913 and 903 provided inside the convex portions 911d and 901c. Although the operation unit 81C is also configured to be able to open and close the lid unit 91, the operation unit 81C is not used for opening and closing the lid unit 91 in this embodiment.

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

The supporting member 810 is fixed so as not to change its relative position to the frame F, and accommodates the holding member 811 . The support member 810 also includes a communicating portion 810a that allows communication between the switching valve 10a of the switching unit 10 and the inside of the support member 810 . The coffee beverage, tap water, and residue of ground beans in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a through the communicating portion 810a.

The holding member 811 has a cylindrical space into which the projection 911d of the lid unit 91 or the projection 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted, and has a mechanism for detachably holding them. This mechanism is, for example, a snap ring mechanism, which engages with a certain pressing force and disengages with a certain separating force. The coffee beverage, tap water, and residue of ground beans in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a through the communicating portion 810a and the communicating hole 811a of the holding member 811. As shown in FIG.

The holding member 811 is also a movable member that is vertically slidable within the support member 810 . The elevating shaft 812 is provided so that its axial direction is the vertical direction. The elevating shaft 812 penetrates the bottom of the support member 800 in an air-tight manner in the vertical direction, and is provided to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 810 .

A bottom portion of a holding member 811 is fixed to the lower end portion of the lifting shaft 812 . The holding member 811 slides in the vertical direction by raising and lowering the elevating shaft 812, and the holding member 811 can be attached to and separated from the projections 901c and 911d.

A screw 812 a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lifting shaft 812 . A nut 814b is screwed onto the screw 812a. The lower unit 8C has a motor 814a, and the nut 814b is rotated on the spot (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 814a. The elevation shaft 812 is raised and lowered by the rotation of the nut 814b.

The elevating shaft 812 is a tubular shaft having a through hole in its central axis, and a probe 813 is inserted into the through hole so as to be vertically slidable. The probe 813 penetrates the bottom of the holding member 811 in an air-tight manner in the vertical direction, and is vertically movable with respect to the supporting member 810 and the holding member 811 .

The probe 813 is an operator for opening and closing the valves 913 and 903 provided inside the convex portions 911d and 901c. It can be changed from an open state to a closed state (by the action of a return spring, not shown).

A screw 813 a that constitutes 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 has a motor 815a, and the nut 815b is provided so as to rotate on the spot (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 815a. Rotation of the nut 815b moves the probe 813 up and down.

<4-4. Chubu Unit>
The central unit 8B will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9. FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the central unit 8B. The middle unit 8B includes a support unit 81B that supports the extraction vessel 9. As shown in FIG. 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 locking mechanism 821 includes a pair of gripping members 821a that vertically sandwich the flange portion 911c of the lid unit 91 and the flange portion 90c of the container body 90. As shown in FIG. The pair of gripping members 821a has a C-shaped cross section that is fitted with the collar portion 911c and the flange portion 90c sandwiched therebetween, and is opened and closed in the left-right direction by the driving force of the motor 822 . When the pair of gripping members 821a is in the closed state, each gripping member 821a engages the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c so as to vertically sandwich the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c, as indicated by solid lines in the enclosing view of FIG. The unit 91 is hermetically locked to the container body 90 . In this locked state, even if the holding member 801 is lifted by the lifting shaft 802 to open the lid unit 91, the lid unit 91 does not move (lock is not released). That is, the locking force of the locking mechanism 821 is set stronger than the force of opening the lid unit 91 using the holding member 801 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the lid unit 91 from being opened with respect to the container body 90 in the event of an abnormality.

When the pair of gripping members 821a are in the open state, the gripping members 821a are separated from the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c, as indicated by the broken lines in the encircled view of FIG. is unlocked with

When the holding member 801 is holding the lid unit 91 and when the holding member 801 is raised from the lowered position to the raised position, the lid unit 91 is lifted from the container body 90 when the pair of gripping members 821a is open. separated. Conversely, when the pair of gripping members 821a is closed, the holding member 801 with respect to the lid unit 91 is released, and only the holding member 801 is raised.

The central unit 8B also includes a mechanism for horizontally moving 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 extracting position (state ST1) and the front bean throwing position (state ST2). The bean-throwing-in position is a position at which ground beans are thrown into the container body 90, and the ground beans ground by the grinder 5B are thrown into the opening 90a of the container body 90 from which the lid unit 91 is separated from the discharge pipe 5C. In other words, the position of the discharge pipe 5C is above the container body 90 positioned at the bean loading position.

The extraction position is a position where the container body 90 can be operated by the operation units 81A and 81C, is coaxial with the probes 803 and 813, and is a position where coffee liquid is extracted. The extraction position is a position on the back side of the bean-throwing-in position. 5, 7 and 8 all show the container body 90 in the extraction position. In this way, by changing the position of the container body 90 for the input of the ground beans, the extraction of the coffee liquid, and the supply of the water, the steam generated during the extraction of the coffee liquid is discharged from the discharge pipe, which is the supply portion of the ground beans. Adherence to 5C can be prevented.

The central unit 8B also includes a mechanism that rotates the support unit 81B around a longitudinal axis 825 using a 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) with the neck portion 90b on the upper side to the inverted posture (state ST3) with the neck portion 90b on the lower side. While the extraction container 9 is rotating, the locking mechanism 821 keeps the lid unit 91 locked to the container body 90 . The extraction container 9 is turned upside down between the upright posture and the inverted posture. In the inverted posture, the convex portion 911d is positioned at the position of the convex portion 901c in the upright posture. In addition, the convex portion 901c in the inverted posture is positioned at the position of the convex portion 911d in the erect posture. Therefore, in the inverted posture, the operation unit 81A can perform the opening/closing operation for the valve 903, and the operation unit 81C can perform the opening/closing operation for the valve 913. FIG.

<5. Control device>
The control device 11 of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the control device 11. As shown in FIG.

The control device 11 controls the beverage manufacturing device 1 as a whole. The control device 11 includes a processing section 11a, a storage section 11b and an I/F (interface) section 11c. The processing unit 11a is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 11b is, for example, RAM or ROM. The I/F unit 11c includes an input/output interface for inputting/outputting signals between an external device and the processing unit 11a. The I/F unit 11c also includes a communication interface capable of data communication with the server 16 via the communication network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 can communicate with a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone via a communication network 15, and can receive, for example, information such as reservations for beverage production and impressions from the mobile terminal 17 of beverage consumers. .

The processing unit 11 a executes a program stored in the storage unit 11 b and controls the actuator group 14 based on instructions from the information display device 12 , detection results from the sensor group 13 , or instructions from the server 16 . The sensor group 13 is various sensors provided in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (for example, a hot water temperature sensor, a mechanism operating position detection sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.). The actuator group 14 is various actuators (for example, a motor, an electromagnetic valve, a heater, etc.) provided in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 .

<6. Operation control example>
An example of control processing of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 executed by the processing unit 11a will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A(A) and (B). FIG. 11A shows a control example related to one coffee beverage production operation. The state of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 before the production instruction is given 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 of FIG. The extraction container 9 is in an upright posture and positioned at the extraction position. The lock mechanism 821 is closed, and the lid unit 91 closes the opening 90a of the container body 90 . The holding member 801 is in the lowered position and attached to the projection 911d. The holding member 811 is in the raised position and attached to the projection 901c. Valves 903 and 913 are in a closed state. The switching valve 10a communicates the communication portion 810a of the operation unit 8C with the waste tank T. As shown in FIG.

In the standby state, when there is an instruction to produce a coffee beverage, the process of FIG. 11(A) is executed. Preheating is performed in S1. This process is a process of pouring hot water into the container body 90 to heat the container body 90 in advance. First, the valves 903 and 913 are opened. As a result, the pipe L3, the extraction container 9, and the waste tank T are brought into communication.

The electromagnetic valve 72i is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 1500 ms) and then closed. As a result, hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72 . Subsequently, the electromagnetic valve 73 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 facilitated. By the above process, 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.

In S2, grind processing is performed. Here, roasted coffee beans are ground 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 is lowered to the lowered position. The container main body 90 is moved to the bean-throwing-in position. Subsequently, the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5 are operated. As a result, a 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 unwanted substances are separated by the separation device 6. - 特許庁Ground beans are put into the container main body 90 .

The container body 90 is returned to the extraction position. The holding member 801 is lowered to the lowered position to attach the lid unit 91 to the container body 90 . The lock mechanism 821 is closed to airtightly lock the lid unit 91 to the container body 90 . The holding member 811 rises to the raised position. Of the valves 903 and 913, the valve 903 is opened and the valve 913 is closed.

Extraction processing is performed in S3. Here, coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans in the container body 90 . FIG. 11B is a flow chart of the extraction process of S3.

In S11, in order to steam the ground beans in the extraction container 9, hot water less than a cup of hot water is poured into the extraction container 9. - 特許庁Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms). As a result, hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72 . After that, the process of S11 is terminated after waiting for a predetermined time (for example, 5000 ms). This process allows the ground beans to be steamed. 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 S12, the remaining amount of hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 so that the extraction container 9 can accommodate a cup of hot water. Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 7000 ms). As a result, hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72 .

By the process of S12, the inside of the extraction container 9 can be brought to a state of a temperature exceeding 100 degrees Celsius (for example, about 110 degrees Celsius) at 1 atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized in S13. Here, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms) to pressurize the inside of the extraction container 9 to a pressure that does not boil hot water (for example, about 4 atmospheres (about 3 atmospheres in gauge pressure)). After that, the valve 903 is closed.

Subsequently, this state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 7000 ms) and immersion type coffee liquid extraction is performed (S14). As a result, coffee liquid is extracted by immersion method under high temperature and high pressure. The following effects can be expected from immersion extraction under high temperature and pressure. First, the high pressure makes it easier for the hot water to permeate the inside of the ground beans, thereby promoting the extraction of the coffee liquid. Second, the high temperature promotes the extraction of the coffee liquid. Third, the high temperature lowers the viscosity of the oil contained in the ground beans and promotes the extraction of the oil. This makes it possible to produce a coffee beverage with a high aroma.

The temperature of the hot water (high-temperature water) should be above 100 degrees Celsius, but a higher temperature is advantageous in extracting the coffee liquid. On the other hand, raising the temperature of the hot water generally results in an increase in cost. Therefore, the temperature of the hot water may be, for example, 105 degrees Celsius or higher, or 110 degrees Celsius or higher, or 115 degrees Celsius or higher, or, for example, 130 degrees Celsius or lower, or 120 degrees Celsius or lower. The atmospheric pressure should be such that hot water does not boil.

In S15, the inside of the extraction container 9 is decompressed. Here, the pressure inside the extraction container 9 is switched to the pressure at which hot water boils. Specifically, the valve 913 is opened, and the solenoid valve 73c is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms). The inside of the extraction container 9 is released to the atmosphere. After that, the valve 913 is closed again.

The pressure inside the extraction container 9 is rapidly reduced to a pressure lower than the boiling point pressure, and the hot water in the extraction container 9 boils at once. The hot water and ground beans in the extraction container 9 are explosively scattered within the extraction container 9. - 特許庁This allows the water to boil evenly. In addition, destruction of the cell walls of the ground beans can be promoted, and subsequent extraction of the coffee liquid can be further promoted. In addition, the boiling can stir the ground beans and the hot water, thereby promoting the extraction of the coffee liquid. Thus, in this embodiment, the coffee liquid extraction efficiency can be improved.

In S16, the extraction container 9 is reversed 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. After that, the holding member 801 is returned to the lowered position, and the holding member 811 is returned to the raised position. In the inverted extraction container 9, the neck portion 90b and the lid unit 91 are positioned on the lower side.

In S17, permeation type coffee liquid extraction is performed, and the coffee beverage is delivered to the cup C. Here, the switching valve 10a is switched to allow communication between the pouring portion 10c and the passage portion 810a of the operation unit 81C. Also, both the valves 903 and 913 are opened. Further, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 10000 ms) to set the inside pressure of the extraction container 9 to a predetermined pressure (for example, 1.7 atmospheres (0.7 atmospheres in gauge pressure)). In the extraction container 9, the coffee beverage in which the coffee liquid is dissolved in hot water passes through the filter provided in the lid unit 91 and is delivered to the cup C. The filter regulates the leakage of ground residue. The extraction process is completed as described above.

In this embodiment, the immersion extraction in S14 and the permeation extraction in S17 are used together to improve extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid. When the extraction container 9 is in an upright position, the ground beans are deposited from the body portion 90e to the bottom portion 90f. On the other hand, when the extraction container 9 is in an inverted position, the ground beans are deposited from the shoulder portion 90d to the neck portion 90b. The cross-sectional area of the body portion 90e is larger than the cross-sectional area of the neck portion 90b, and the ground beans are deposited thicker in the inverted posture than in the upright posture. That is, when the extraction container 9 is in the upright posture, the ground beans are relatively thin and are deposited widely, and when the extraction container 9 is in the inverted posture, they are deposited relatively thick and narrow.

In the case of this embodiment, the immersion extraction in S14 is performed with the extraction vessel 9 in an upright position, so that 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, hot water and ground beans tend to come into partial contact. On the other hand, since the permeation extraction in S17 is performed with the extraction container 9 in an inverted position, the hot water passes through the piled ground beans while coming into contact with more ground beans. The hot water comes into contact with the ground beans more evenly, and the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid can be further improved.

Returning to FIG. 11A, after the extraction process of S3, the discharge process of S4 is performed. Here, processing related to cleaning the inside of the extraction container 9 is performed. Cleaning of the extraction container 9 is performed by returning the extraction container 9 from the inverted position to the upright position and supplying tap water (purified water) to the extraction container 9 . Then, the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized, and the water in the extraction container 9 is discharged to the disposal tank T together with the residue of the ground beans.

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

<7. Example of Device Configuration in which Cover Unit 102 is Provided with Transparent Display Function>
As described above, the cover part 102 constitutes a transparent cover whose entirety is a transparent part, and a part of the manufacturing part of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 can be used by a user (for example, an administrator of the apparatus 1, a beverage consumer, etc.). etc.) are covered so as to be visible from the outside of the device 1 . The manufacturing section includes the aforementioned bean processing device 2 and extraction device 3, more specifically, the bean processing device 2 includes a storage device 4 and a crushing device 5, the extraction device 3 includes a fluid supply unit 7, a drive unit 8, an extraction container 9 and a switching unit 10 (see FIGS. 2, 3, etc.). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the plurality of canisters 40, which are part of the storage device 4, are exposed and the other elements are substantially contained within the housing 100, but other In some embodiments, the entire manufacturing section may be housed within housing 100 . In other words, the cover section 102 may be provided so as to cover at least part of the manufacturing section.

At least a part of the manufacturing department is covered by the cover part 102 so as to be visible from the outside of the device 1, so that, for example, when the user is the manager of the device 1, the manager can start the device while preparing to manufacture the beverage. It may also be possible to perform an operational check. If the user is a purchaser of a beverage, the purchaser may be able to wait for the completion of production of the beverage while raising expectations for the beverage. In this embodiment, for example, the extraction container 9 of the extraction device 3 can be visually recognized from the outside of the device 1 through the cover part 102, and the extraction process, which is of relatively high interest to the user, is one of several processes for producing beverages. The process is observable. As described above, the extraction container 9 is a movable part that can be turned upside down in the manufacturing department, and can be said to be a part that relatively attracts the user's interest. Therefore, it may be possible to entertain the user by allowing the user to observe the reversing operation of the extraction container 9 .

According to such an apparatus configuration, the user can visually recognize at least a part of the production department (or the aspect inside the apparatus 1) through the cover section 102, and can acquire predetermined information through the information display device 12. . Therefore, in addition to improving usability of the device 1, it may be possible to make the user wait without getting bored until the beverage is manufactured. In the above configuration, the information display device 12 can mainly display information indicating the progress of manufacturing by the manufacturing department (for example, demonstration images), but other information (for example, advertisement images) can be displayed as necessary. ) may be displayed. The images here include still image images and moving image images. The video may be either live action or animation (including computer graphics), but in the case of a demonstration video, for the purpose of attracting the user's interest, for example, larger movements than live action (movement that stands out) may be used. may be displayed as animation.

On the other hand, while the beverage is being manufactured, the user may leave the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 as necessary, and confirms the display contents of the information display device 12 while confirming the state inside the apparatus 1 through the cover portion 102. It may be troublesome for the user to do so.

12A is a perspective view of a beverage production device 1 with a transparent display 201 as an example of an embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a partial front view of the device 1. FIG. In this example, the information display unit 121 is superimposed on the cover unit 102 as another element for displaying content different from the content displayed by the information display device 12 and/or a part of the content displayed by the information display device 12. arranged and they form a transparent display 201 . As the transparent display 201 (information display section 121), a transparent organic EL display, a transparent inorganic EL display, a transparent liquid crystal display, or the like is preferably used. , is used as a substrate for forming pixels.

For example, in the case of a transparent organic EL display, the transparent display 201 includes a plurality of organic compound layers on the cover portion 102, and transparent electrodes such as ITO (indium tin oxide) on the upper and lower layers of the plurality of organic compound layers. is formed. Examples of the plurality of organic compound layers include an organic light-emitting layer, an electron injection layer, a hole injection layer, and the like. For example, in the case of a transparent liquid crystal display, the transparent display 201 is formed by arranging a plurality of pixels each including a red pixel, a green pixel and a blue pixel as sub-pixels on the cover portion 102 . Alternatively, the transparent display 201 may be configured so that color expression in each pixel can be realized by a so-called FSC (Field Sequential Color) method.

As another example, the information display unit 121 may be a projector, a movie machine, or the like, which can display information at a predetermined distance. In this case, the information display section 121 is provided on the main body section 101 at a position away from the cover section 102 . The information display unit 121 may display information on the cover unit 102, but may also be able to implement so-called projection mapping, for example, display information on the surface of each part of the manufacturing department.

In this example, it is assumed that the function of displaying information on the transparent display 201 is implemented by the aforementioned control device 11 (see FIG. 10). For example, the control device 11 includes a driver for driving and controlling the transparent display 201, and the transparent display 201 is driven by the driver and displays information according to the drive signal from the driver, for example. For example, the control device 11 may be configured by mounting electronic components including semiconductor devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and PLCs (Programmable Logic Devices) on a printed circuit board together with the driver.

The transparent display 201 is curved and includes a front portion P1, a side portion P2 and a curved portion P3. The front portion P1 is a portion of the transparent display 201 on the front side of the device 1 and extends in the lateral direction of the device 1, but it does not necessarily have to be flat in one direction. That is, the front portion P1 corresponds to a portion that can be easily seen by a user standing in front of the device 1, and is formed at an angle of about 0 to 30° with respect to the horizontal direction of the device 1, for example. The side portion P2 is a portion of the transparent display 201 on the side of the device 1 and extending in the front-rear direction of the device 1, but it is not necessarily flat in one direction. That is, the side portion P2 corresponds to a portion that is easily seen by a user standing on the side of the device 1, and is formed at an angle of, for example, 0 to 30° with respect to the front-rear direction of the device 1. As shown in FIG. The curved portion P3 is located between the front portion P1 and the side portion P2, and is a portion curved while connecting the front portion P1 and the side portion P2.

The transparent display 201 can display predetermined information (preferably information useful to the user). In this example, the information display device 12 can be used together when displaying information. For example, the transparent display 201 can be attached to/in place of the information display device 12 to display information indicating the progress of manufacturing by the manufacturing department. As a result, the user can grasp the progress up to the completion of the production of the beverage. As an example, the transparent display 201 displays information (for example, a mark) in a relatively large size that is easy for the user to understand even from a distance from the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and the information display device 12 displays information indicating the details. (eg, text, etc.) may be displayed. Therefore, the user can, for example, temporarily leave the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 until the beverage is completely manufactured, and return to the apparatus 1 as necessary to check the progress of manufacturing. In order to call attention to the user who has temporarily left the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 may be provided with a sound generating section (for example, a speaker) that generates a notification sound.

13A and 13B are partial front views showing an example of the display mode of the transparent display 201. FIG. For example, in the grind process (see S2 in FIG. 11A), the transparent display 201 displays text information INF131 of "bean grind execution" as shown in FIG. 13A. Thereby, the user can recognize that the grinding process is being performed appropriately, and can grasp the progress of the beverage production. Additionally, the transparent display 201 can also display graphical information INF 132 indicating the amount of roasted coffee beans remaining in each canister 40 . Thereby, the user can know the remaining amount of roasted coffee beans in the canister 40, and can also prepare to fill the canister with roasted coffee beans as necessary.

If any of the plurality of canisters 40 (e.g., the left canister 40) is substantially empty/running out of roasted coffee beans, the transparent display 201 will display "Add Coffee Beans" as shown in FIG. 13B. Please," character information INF133 is displayed. The transparent display 201 can also display graphical information INF134 that prompts filling of the canister 40 with roasted coffee beans in addition to/in place of the textual information INF133.

The above-mentioned graphic information is information formed by combining lines, symbols, etc., in addition to figures such as triangles and squares. It may be possible (for example, a mark representing the content of the notification, its related content, etc.).

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, in the extraction process (see S3 in FIG. 11), the transparent display 201 displays character information INF141 of "extracting...". The transparent display 201 can also display graphical information INF142 indicating that the beverage is being poured into the cup on the placing section 110, accompanying/alternatively to the textual information INF141. . The transparent display 201 may display information indicating the time until the extraction process is completed, accompanying the information INF141 and INF142.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the extraction process is completed, the transparent display 201 displays the character information INF151 of "Completed". The transparent display 201 may display graphic information INF152 indicating that the user can take out the cup from the placing section 110 in addition to/in place of the text information INF151.

Although the graphic information INF132, INF134, INF142, and INF152 described above are all composed of a combination of graphics, lines, symbols, etc., and do not contain characters, they may be combined with characters. This also applies to other graphic information described below.

In addition, for example, in the standby state of the beverage production apparatus 1 (or, during beverage production, with interruption of the production as necessary), when predetermined maintenance is required for the apparatus 1, the transparent display 201 can display information prompting the user to perform maintenance of the device 1 . FIG. 16 shows an example of the display mode of the transparent display 201 when maintenance is required. Here, as an example, the case where the collection container 60B (see FIG. 4) of the separation device 6 is full of unnecessary substances D, or the case where the amount of unnecessary substances D in the collection container 60B exceeds the reference amount is shown. 201 displays character information INF161 of "collection container is full".

At that time, the character information INF161 is displayed at a position where the user can easily understand which part covered by the cover part 102 should be checked and where the collection container 60B can be visually recognized through the cover part 102. good. In the example of FIG. 16, the transparent display 201 displays character information INF161 at a position below the collection container 60B that does not overlap with the collection container 60B when viewed from the front, and at a position that partially overlaps with the lower portion of the collection container 60B. An up arrow mark (triangular mark) INF1611 is displayed. Alternatively, the character information INF161 may be displayed together with the upward arrow mark INF1611 at a position partially overlapping the lower portion of the collection container 60B. According to these display modes, the user can easily identify the portion requiring maintenance. Further, the transparent display 201 may display graphic information for prompting cleaning of the collection container 60B in addition to/in place of the character information INF161.

As described above, the transparent display 201 is curved and includes a front portion P1, side portions P2, and a curved portion P3. Therefore, the visibility of each element of the manufacturing section of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 visible through the cover section 102 may vary depending on the viewing direction of the user with respect to the apparatus 1 (in other words, the user's standing position with respect to the apparatus 1). For example, in the case of this example, it is easier for the user to visually recognize the extraction container 9 of the extraction device 3 when viewed from the front than when viewed from the side. On the other hand, the crushing device 5 is easier for the user to see when viewed from the side (in this example, when viewed from the left side) than when viewed from the front. A side view (right side view in this example) is easier for the user to visually recognize.

Therefore, the transparent display 201 can selectively display the information to be displayed on a part of the front portion P1, the side portion P2, and the curved portion P3 as required. In other words, the transparent display 201 can display predetermined information on any of the front portion P1, the side portion P2, and the curved portion P3. For example, the transparent display 201 can display the information to be displayed in such a manner that it overlaps the part related to the information in the manufacturing department in one of the front part P1 and the side part P2 and does not overlap in the other. is. As a result, the user can acquire the information and visually recognize the portion related to the information, and the user can appropriately recognize the internal state of the device 1 in some cases.

For example, when the part to be maintained in the manufacturing department is easier to see when viewed from the front than when viewed from the side, the information INF171 prompting maintenance is displayed in the front part P1 as shown in FIG. 17A. good. At this time, the information INF 171 is preferably displayed together with an arrow mark or the like at a position that does not overlap or partially overlaps with the maintenance target portion when viewed from the front.

Further, for example, when the part to be maintained in the production department is easier to see when viewed from the side than when viewed from the front, the information INF171 prompting maintenance is displayed in the side part P2 as shown in FIG. 17B. should be displayed in At this time, the information INF 171 is preferably displayed together with an arrow mark or the like at a position that does not overlap or partially overlaps with the maintenance target portion when viewed from the side.

Here, two cases of a front view and a side view have been described for ease of understanding. The same can be said for the line-of-sight direction). Alternatively, the transparent display 201 displays the information INF 171 at a position where a line connecting the portion to be maintained and the information INF 171 intersects the display surface of the transparent display 201 substantially perpendicularly (about 60 to 90°) when viewed from above, for example. It may be displayed. In this case, when the user views the information INF 171 from the front, the user can visually recognize the portion subject to maintenance substantially at the same time.

Alternatively, as another example, when the part to be maintained is easier to see when viewed from the front, the transparent display 201 displays the information INF171 on the side part P2, and the part can be seen from the front side. You may display the arrow mark which shows that. Similarly, when the part to be maintained is easier to see when viewed from the side, the transparent display 201 displays the information INF171 on the front part P1 and also displays an arrow indicating that the part can be seen from the side. mark may be displayed.

According to these display modes, the user can obtain information about maintenance from the information INF 171 and can confirm the portion to be maintained without significantly changing the direction of the line of sight. Moreover, these are not limited to the case of displaying information about maintenance, but can also be applied to the case of displaying information about any part of the manufacturing department.

Additionally, a light source unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be provided in the cover unit 102 . Each piece of information displayed by the transparent display 201, including the information INF171, may be displayed at a position overlapping the light source section. As a result, the light source section acts as a backlight to make each information displayed by the transparent display 201 stand out, and the user can easily notice that some information is being displayed by the transparent display 201. Sometimes.

A plurality of light source units may be provided in the cover unit 102. For example, each light source unit may be arranged so as to illuminate each part of the production unit. For example, when the part to be maintained in the manufacturing department is easily visible in the front view, the information INF171 (see FIG. 17A) is displayed in the front part P1 and overlaps the information INF171 in the front view among the plurality of light source parts. An object may emit light. Further, for example, when a portion to be maintained in the manufacturing department is easily visible in a side view, the information INF171 is displayed in the side part P2, and the information INF171 overlaps with the information INF171 in the side view among the plurality of light source parts. It may also emit light.

In some cases, the transparent display 201 can display information to be displayed on all of the front portion P1, the side portions P2, and the curved portion P3, if necessary. For example, the display on the front portion P1 is difficult to see when viewed from the side, and the display on the side portion P2 is difficult to see when viewed from the front. Therefore, information that does not require visual confirmation of the manufacturing section in the cover section 102 may be displayed on all of the front section P1, the side section P2, and the curved section P3. This allows the user to acquire the information or notice that the information is displayed from any position relative to the beverage production apparatus 1 .

When predetermined information is displayed on part/all of the front portion P1, the side portion P2, and the curved portion P3, the transparent display 201 displays the information with a transmittance that allows the state inside the cover portion 102 to be visually recognized. It is also possible to When predetermined information is displayed on all of the front portion P1, the side portions P2, and the curved portion P3, a single piece of information may be displayed over the entire transparent display 201, or the front portion P1 and the side portions may be displayed. The information may be displayed separately for each of P2 and curved portion P3.

Due to the structure of the cover part 102 (due to the curved shape of the cover part 102), the user can see the back side of the side part P2 from the front part P1 and the back side of the front part P1 from the side part P2. It is possible. At that time, the user can also see the information (character information or graphic information) displayed on the front part P1 or the side part P2 from the back side. Similarly, the user can also look from one of the right side P2 and the left side P2 to the back of the other, and in doing so, view the information displayed on the other from the back. It is possible. Therefore, when information is displayed on any part of the transparent display 201 , the user can easily notice it from any position with respect to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 .

As described above, the cover portion 102, which is a transparent cover, can be opened and closed by the hinge 102a at the right end portion. That is, in this example including the transparent display 201 , the cover section 102 can be opened and closed together with the information display section 121 . By opening the cover part 102, the user can clean the manufacturing part covered by the cover part 102 of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 or replace parts.

When cover portion 102 is opened, transparent display 201 preferably displays graphic information INF172 as an image indicating that cover portion 102 is open, as shown in FIG. 17C. This is advantageous in preventing the user from forgetting to close the cover part 102 . For example, when the cover portion 102 is in a slightly released state (a state in which the engaging portion 102b is not properly engaged), the graphic information INF172 is displayed, so that the user can quickly notice that the transparent cover has been forgotten to be closed. becomes possible.

Further, for example, the display position of the graphic information INF 172 may be changed according to the degree of opening/closing of the cover portion 102 (the amount of rotation). As a result, it is possible to display the image at a position that is easy for the user to see so that the user can notice it. In this case, a sensor (camera, infrared sensor, etc.) may be provided to detect the position of the user with respect to the device.

Also, when the cover part 102 is closed, the transparent display 201 suppresses the display of the graphic information INF172. Thereby, the user can recognize that the cover part 102 is properly closed.

As described above, according to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present example, the transparent display 201 is formed by overlapping the cover portion 102, which is a transparent cover, and the information display portion 121 with each other. According to such an apparatus configuration, the user can not only visually recognize the manufacturing department of the apparatus 1 through the cover section 102 but also acquire predetermined information while visually recognizing the manufacturing department. It is advantageous for improving the usability of In addition, displaying predetermined information on the transparent display 201 may be advantageous in improving the design during use.

Also, transparent display 201 may display information indicating a portion that cannot be visually recognized through cover portion 102 . As a result, it may be possible to make the user imagine an invisible process in the production of beverages, and to wait without boring the user. For example, before the start of the grinding process (see S2 in FIG. 11A), the roasted coffee beans are transported from the canister 40 to the grinding device 5, but if the collective transport unit 42 is opaque, the user can can't see In that case, the transparent display 201 may display a moving image of the roasted coffee beans being transported. According to such a display mode, the user can confirm information on both visible and invisible parts of the manufacturing department at once.

In place of the information display device 12, the transparent display 201 may display information indicating the progress of manufacturing by the manufacturing department (for example, video for demonstration). When displaying a part of the production department, the transparent display 201 may display the part in a size larger than the actual size (for example, enlarged in real-time, and conspicuous in animation). be. Displaying a display target in a large size to make it stand out makes it easier to attract the user's line of sight, so that it may be possible to make the user wait without getting bored.

This also applies to the case of displaying moving images. For example, the transparent display 201 may display an image showing the liquid (eg, hot water, coffee liquid, etc.) that the manufacturing department handles in manufacturing the beverage. In such cases, the transparent display 201 may display a motion that is greater than the actual motion of the liquid. This can be easily realized by animation, for example.

<8. Example of Device Configuration in which Cover Unit 102 is Provided with Transparent Touch Panel Function>
According to the apparatus configuration including the transparent touch panel 201, it is possible to make the user wait without getting bored until the beverage is manufactured. On the other hand, until the beverage is manufactured, it is conceivable to have the user intervene in the manufacturing process by inputting operations to the information display device 12 by the user so as to keep the user entertained and not bored. In such a case, the user should be able to input a predetermined operation without significantly changing the line-of-sight direction to the manufacturing department, thereby improving the usability of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 .

18A is a perspective view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 including a touch panel type transparent display 20 instead of the information display device 12 as another example of the embodiment, and FIG. 18B is a partial front view of the apparatus 1. FIG. . In this example, a detection unit 122 capable of detecting a user's input operation to the cover unit 102 is arranged so as to overlap the cover unit 102 , and they form a transparent touch panel 202 . For the transparent touch panel 202 (detection unit 122), a known touch panel capable of detecting a touch operation by a user may be used. A known method such as a pressure-sensitive method for detecting the pressure caused by the pressure may be adopted. In this case, the cover part 102 is used as a substrate for forming a sensor array capable of detecting touch operations by the user.

The input operation is an operation for instructing the operation of the manufacturing department, and in this example, it is a touch operation involving direct contact by the user (the finger of the user). Actions (gestures) that do not involve direct contact, such as hand movements, may be detectable. Examples of touch operations include, but are not limited to, tap operations, flick operations, swipe operations, and the like. For example, the detection unit 122 may be able to detect other operations (pinch-in operation (pinch operation), pinch-out operation (stretch operation), slide operation, etc.) when inputting an operation to a tablet terminal such as a smartphone. . Note that the concept of the tap operation also includes a double tap operation, a long tap operation, and the like.

Also in this example, the transparent display 201 is formed by overlapping the information display section 121 with the cover section 102, similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 12A and the like. The touch panel type transparent display 20 of this example is realized by overlapping the transparent display 201 and the transparent touch panel 202 . In the following description, the touch panel type transparent display 20 may be expressed as "touch panel display 20" or simply as "display 20".

In this example, since the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 does not include the information display device 12, the input operation by the user is performed on the touch panel display 20 that implements a GUI (graphical user interface). The display 20 includes a front portion P1, a side portion P2, and a curved portion P3, similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 12A and the like. The display 20 can display information on any of the front portion P1, the side portions P2, and the curved portion P3, and can detect an input operation on any of the front portion P1, the side portions P2, and the curved portion P3. It has become. In this example, the function of displaying information on the display 20 and the function of detecting an input operation to the display 20 by the user are both realized by the aforementioned control device 11 (see FIG. 10). do.

As shown in FIG. 19, for example, in the standby state of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, the touch panel display 20 displays a setting change window INF191. The window INF191 includes one or more tap buttons, and in this example includes a "manufacturing process setting" button, an "apparatus detail setting" button, and an "OK" button. The user taps either the "manufacturing process setting" button or the "detailed device setting" button to change desired settings, and then taps the "OK" button to perform each step of the beverage manufacturing process (Fig. 11) can be started.

After the production of the beverage is started, the touch panel display 20 can display information indicating the progress of production by the production department. For example, the display 20 may display information indicating the progress of each process in a position that at least partially overlaps a portion of the manufacturing department corresponding to the process.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, before the start of the grinding process (see S2 in FIG. 11A), while the roasted coffee beans are being transported from the canister 40 to the grinding device 5, the display 20 displays "Beans The character information INF 201 of "Conveying" is displayed. Since the roasted coffee beans are conveyed to the crushing device 5 through the collective conveying unit 42, the character information INF201 is, for example, at a position at least partially overlapping the collective conveying unit 42 and/or at least It can be displayed in a partially overlapping position.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 20B, during the grinding process, the display 20 displays text information INF202 of "bean grinding in progress". Since the grinding process is performed in the crushing device 5 , the text information INF 202 can be displayed at a position that at least partially overlaps the crushing device 5 . In relation to the textual information INF201, the textual information INF202 can be displayed at a position different from the position where the textual information INF201 was displayed (for example, below the position where the textual information INF201 was displayed). This makes it easier for the user to understand that the step of the beverage manufacturing process has progressed.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 20C, the display 20 displays "extracting" character information INF203 during the extraction process (see S3 in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B). Since the extraction process is performed by the extraction device 3 , the character information INF 203 can be displayed at a position that at least partially overlaps the extraction device 3 . In the brewing device 3, the brewing vessel 9 is, as described above, a movable part that can be turned over, and is a part of the manufacturing department that easily attracts the user's interest. Therefore, the character information INF 203 should be displayed at a position that at least partially overlaps with the extraction container 9 .

According to these display modes, the user can visually know in which part of the manufacturing department each of the beverage manufacturing processes is being performed, and the user can continue to operate until the beverage manufacturing is completed. Sometimes you can wait without getting bored.

It may also be possible to entertain the user and make it less tedious by having the user intervene in certain processes until the beverage is made. In this example, for example, when the extraction container 9 is turned over (see S16 in FIG. 11B), the user himself/herself gives an operation instruction for executing the turnover, thereby entertaining the user. may be possible.

FIG. 21A is an example of the display mode of the display 20 in a state of waiting for an input operation by the user for executing the inversion of the extraction container 9 . In this example, the display 20 displays graphic information INF211 prompting the user to perform a flick operation or swipe operation. As another example, as shown in FIG. 21B, graphic information INF 212 may be displayed that indicates which process in the beverage production the input operation is for intervening and prompts the user to perform the input operation. In this example, since the extraction container 9 is easy to see when viewed from the front, the graphic information INF211 or INF212 should preferably be displayed on the front part P1 so as to at least partially overlap the extraction container 9 .

As shown in FIG. 22, for example, the user U performs a downward swipe operation in response to the graphic information INF211 or INF212 being displayed on the display 20, thereby instructing the reversal of the extraction container 9. be able to. When the user U performs a downward swipe operation, the extraction container 9 is reversed following this swipe operation. That is, the container body 90 of the extraction container 9 rotates so that the direction of the communication hole for communicating the inside and outside of the container body 90 changes following the user's swipe operation. This allows the user to intervene in a part of the process of beverage production, such as the process of adding raw materials through the communication holes and the process of discharging the extracted beverage from the communication holes. Sometimes it is possible to enjoy the time.

As shown in FIG. 23, after the extraction container 9 has been turned over, the display 20 displays character information INF231 as a button for tapping to prompt an instruction to start transmissive extraction (see S17 in FIG. 11B). . The user can start transparent extraction by tapping this character information INF231.

According to these modes of use, the user can be involved in part of the beverage manufacturing process until the beverage is manufactured, and thus can be able to wait without getting bored.

The mode of use of the touch panel display 20 is not limited to the above examples, and the display 20 can also be used in applications other than the beverage manufacturing process. For example, in the present embodiment, the movable part of the production unit is the extraction container 9, but the above description can be applied to other movable parts other than the extraction container 9 as well. As an example, when it is necessary to separate the upper portion 61 and the lower portion 62 in order to clean the inside of the collection container 60B (see FIG. 4) of the separation device 6, information prompting an input operation for releasing the locked state is provided. It may be displayed by the display 20 .

Moreover, the above-described contents are not limited to the case of inputting an instruction for moving a movable part, but can be applied to various aspects. is also applicable.

As an example, when changing the setting of the grinding mode (for example, the grain size of beans) by the grinding device 5, the display 20 may display information prompting an input operation therefor. For example, the user can change the set value (target value) of the grain size of beans ground by the grinding device 5 to a smaller value by performing a pinch-in operation, or to a larger value by performing a pinch-out operation. is possible.

As another example, when changing the setting of the separation mode by the separation device 6 (for example, the amount of air blown by the blower unit 60A (suction force by the suction unit 60)), the display 20 displays information prompting an input operation for that purpose. may be displayed by For example, the user can change the set value of the blowing volume of the blower unit 60A to a smaller value by performing a pinch-in operation, or to a larger value by performing a pinch-out operation.

As another example, when changing the setting of the extraction mode (for example, air pressure, water pressure, etc., pressure in the extraction container 9) by the extraction device 3, the display 20 displays information prompting an input operation for that purpose. may For example, the user can change the set value of the pressure inside the extraction vessel 9 to a smaller value by performing a pinch-in operation, or to a greater value by performing a pinch-out operation.

In this example, the touch panel display 20 is provided as a GUI that replaces the information display device 12, so that the functions of the information display device 12 (for example, a function of displaying predetermined information, a predetermined input operation, etc.) etc.). Therefore, for example, in a state where information is displayed on the display 20, the user may be able to move the display position as necessary.

As an example, FIG. 24A shows a display mode of the display 20 when the collection container 60B is full of unnecessary substances D or when the amount of unnecessary substances D in the collection container 60B exceeds the reference amount. Here, it is assumed that the display 20 displays character information INF241 of "collection container is full".

12A and the like, also in this example, the visibility of each element of the manufacturing department visible through the cover part 102 depends on the line-of-sight direction of the user with respect to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (the user's standing position with respect to the apparatus 1). position). For example, the collection container 60B is easier for the user to visually recognize when viewed from the side than when viewed from the front. In this example, the display 20 displays character information INF241 on the front part P1 by standard setting, and also displays a right arrow mark INF2411 on the right side of the character information INF241 so as to partially overlap the collection container 60B. do. Therefore, even though the character information INF241 is displayed on the front part P1, the right arrow mark INF2411 allows the user to relatively easily visually recognize the collection container 60B that requires maintenance (here, cleaning).

On the other hand, some users may prefer that the character information INF 241 is displayed on the side portion P2 or the curved portion P3 rather than the front portion P1. In such a case, for example, as shown in FIG. 24B, the user U presses the character information INF241 with a finger and slides the finger in a desired direction (a so-called drag operation) to display the character information INF241. 20 can be moved to any desired position.

In the example of FIG. 24B, the user U moves the character information INF241 rightward so that part of it straddles the side portion P2 and/or the curved portion P3. At that time, the display 20 suppresses the display of the right arrow mark INF2411 and newly displays the up arrow mark INF2412 according to the movement of the character information INF241. According to such a display mode, regardless of the display position of the character information INF241, the user can relatively easily visually recognize the collection container 60B requiring maintenance by the right arrow mark INF2411 or INF2412.

When displaying the character information INF 241 again in another similar situation, the display 20 can also display the character information INF 241 again at the display position after the movement. This can be realized by the controller 11 that drives the display 20 storing the display position history of the character information INF241 in the storage unit 11b.

A mode in which the display position of information on the touch panel display 20 is movable is not limited to the above example, and can be used in applications other than the beverage manufacturing process, for example. As an example, FIG. 25A shows a mode in which the display 20 displays character information INF 251 of "Press the 'OK' button" after the initial setting of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 is completed. Here, it is assumed that the character information INF251 is displayed on the front part P1. For example, as shown in FIG. 25B, the user U performs a drag operation on the character information INF251 to move the display position to the side portion P2 (or to the curved portion P3) through the curved portion P3. It is possible. Note that the user U can put the apparatus 1 in a standby state by tapping the "OK" button displayed as a tap button in the character information INF251.

As described above, the touch panel display 20 can detect an input operation to any of the front portion P1, the side portions P2, and the curved portion P3. can also display predetermined information. Therefore, when the character information INF251 is moved from the front portion P1 to the side portion P2 through the curved portion P3, the display 20 displays the character information INF251 passing through the curved portion P3 on the curved portion P3. Good. This allows the user to perform a drag operation for changing the display position of the character information INF 251 without any sense of incongruity.

The touch panel display 20 may detect, by the detection unit 122, an input operation related to a portion of the manufacturing department that is easily visible in a front view and an input operation related to a portion that is easily visible in a side view, respectively. . For example, when the display 20 waits for the input of an operation related to a portion that is easily visible when viewed from the front, the information display unit 121 may display information prompting the input of the operation on the front portion P1. Further, for example, when the display 20 waits for input of an operation related to a portion that is easily visible in a side view, the information display unit 121 may display information prompting the input of the operation on the side portion P2. . Further, when the display 20 individually detects an input operation related to a portion of the manufacturing department that is easily visible in both front view and side view, the information prompting the input of the operation is displayed as information. The display unit 121 may display the curved portion P3. According to these display modes, the user can input a predetermined operation at a position where the target portion of the manufacturing department can be easily visually recognized, and the display 20 can be input to any of the front portion P1, the side portion P2, and the curved portion P3. The detected operation can also be detected by the detection unit 122 . This is also applicable when inputting an instruction for moving a movable part represented by the extraction container 9 described above.

Further, as described above, the cover portion 102, which is a transparent cover, can be opened and closed by the hinge 102a at the right end portion. Therefore, when cover portion 102 is opened, as shown in FIG. 26, touch panel display 20 preferably displays graphic information INF261 as an image indicating that cover portion 102 is open. As a result, the user can quickly notice that the cover part 102 has been forgotten to be closed. Also, when the cover unit 102 is closed, the display 20 suppresses the display of the graphic information INF261.

As described above, according to this example, the transparent touch panel 202 is formed by overlapping the cover portion 102, which is a transparent cover, and the detection portion 122 that detects an input operation to the cover portion 102 by the user. This configuration is advantageous for improving the usability of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 . In addition, according to this example, the user's input operation can be detected in the cover portion 102, which may be advantageous in terms of improving the design during use.

In this example, the transparent display 201 and the transparent touch panel 202 constitute the touch panel type transparent display 20 . According to this example, it is possible to control the production section of the beverage production apparatus 1 or change the display mode of the display 20 based on the detection result by the detection section 122 . At that time, the user can visually recognize the predetermined information and the manufacturing department substantially simultaneously without significantly changing the direction of the line of sight. Therefore, according to this example, it is advantageous to improve the usability of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 . In addition, the device 1 is equipped with an extraction container 9 as a movable part that can be turned upside down in the production department, and it is also possible to entertain the user by involving the user in the process of turning the extraction container 9 in the beverage production. Become.

Also in this example, a light source unit may be provided in the cover unit 102 for highlighting each piece of information displayed on the touch panel display 20, as in the configuration of FIG. 12A and the like. This may allow the user to easily notice that some information is being displayed by the display 20 . In this example, since the display 20 can detect an input operation by the user, the lighting mode of the light source unit may be changed based on the input operation, which may entertain the user. .

The present invention is not limited to the several aspects and examples shown above, and the contents thereof can be combined with each other without departing from the scope of the present invention. may be changed intentionally. In addition, it goes without saying that the individual terms described in this specification are only used for the purpose of describing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the strict meanings of the terms. It can also include equivalents thereof. For example, expressions such as “apparatus” and “department” may be rephrased as “unit” and “module”.

<Other embodiments>
In the above embodiment, coffee beverages are exclusively targeted, but various beverages such as teas such as Japanese tea and black tea, and soups can also be targeted. In addition, as extraction targets, coffee beans, raw coffee beans, ground coffee beans, roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee beans, unroasted coffee beans, ground unroasted coffee beans Beans, powdered coffee beans, instant coffee, coffee in pods, etc. have been exemplified, coffee beverages etc. have been exemplified as beverages, and coffee liquid has been exemplified as beverage liquids, but are not limited to these. In addition, extraction targets include tea leaves such as Japanese tea, black tea, and oolong tea, ground tea leaves, vegetables, crushed vegetables, fruits, crushed fruits, grains, crushed grains, mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms, and mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms. mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms that have been dried after heating, mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms that have been heated and dried and crushed, fish such as bonito, crushed fish such as bonito, bonito Fish that has been dried after heating, such as bonito, that has been dried after heating and then pulverized, Seaweed such as kelp, Crushed seaweed such as kelp, Heated seaweed such as kelp Products that have been dried after heating, products that have been dried after heating seaweed such as kombu and pulverized, products that have been dried after heating meat such as beef, pork, and chicken, products that have been dried after heating pulverized, beef bones, pig bones, chicken bones, etc. that have been dried after heating, and pulverized meat that has been dried after heating. , Beverages such as Japanese tea, black tea, oolong tea, vegetable juice, fruit juice, soup, soup stock, soup, etc. Beverages include Japanese tea extract, black tea extract, oolong tea extract, vegetable extract , fruit extract, mushroom extract, fish extract, meat extract, bone extract and the like. In addition, although water, tap water, purified water, hot water, and washing water are described in the examples, any description may be changed, for example, water may be replaced with hot water or hot water may be replaced with water. It may be replaced by description, and all may be replaced by liquid, steam, hot water, cooling water, cold water, and the like. For example, if it is a description that the object to be extracted (for example, ground roasted coffee beans) and hot water are put in the extraction container 9, the object to be extracted (for example, ground roasted coffee beans) and cold water (simply water may be used). It may be replaced with the description of placing in the extraction container 9, and in this case, it may be regarded as an extraction method for cold brew coffee or the like or a beverage production apparatus.

<Summary of embodiment>
The above-described embodiments disclose the following devices or methods.

A1. A beverage production apparatus (for example 1) comprising a production unit (for example 2, 3) for producing a beverage,
a transparent cover (for example 102) covering at least part of the manufacturing unit;
and an information display portion (for example, 12, 121) provided on the transparent cover.

According to A1 above, a user (for example, a manager of a beverage manufacturing apparatus, a beverage consumer, etc.) can visually recognize at least a part of the manufacturing department through the transparent cover, and the information display section provided on the transparent cover Predetermined information can be obtained. Thereby, the usability of the beverage manufacturing apparatus can be improved. In addition, it is possible to make the user wait without getting bored until the beverage is manufactured.

A2. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the information display unit displays information indicating the progress of the manufacturing by the manufacturing unit.

According to A2 above, the user can grasp the progress up to completion of production of the beverage.

A3. A beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the manufacturing unit includes, as at least the part covered by the transparent cover, an extraction device (for example, 3) that extracts the beverage from raw materials.

According to A3 above, among several processes for manufacturing beverages, the brewing status, which is of relatively high interest to the user, can be visually recognized.

A4. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the information display unit may display an image of part of the production unit in a size larger than an actual size of the part.

According to A4 above, the display target is displayed in a large size to make it stand out, thereby making it easier to attract the user's line of sight.

A5. said production unit includes a movable part (e.g. 9),
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the information display unit may display an image showing a manner in which the movable portion of the production unit moves in a larger motion than the actual motion of the movable portion.

According to A5 above, the display target is displayed with a large movement to make it stand out, thereby making it easier to attract the user's line of sight, and thereby making it possible to make the user wait without getting bored.

A6. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the information display unit may display an image indicating the liquid.

According to A6 above, it is possible to make the user wait without getting bored by making the user imagine the process up to the completion of the production of the beverage.

A7. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the information display unit may display an image showing the flow of the liquid with a larger movement than the movement of the liquid actually handled by the manufacturing unit when manufacturing the beverage.

According to A7 above, the display target is displayed in a large motion to make it stand out, thereby making it easier to attract the user's line of sight.

A8. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the information display section is a display (for example, 12) exposed from the transparent cover.

According to A8, the function of A1 can be realized relatively easily.

A9. A beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transparent cover and the information display unit overlap each other to form a transparent display (for example, 201).

According to A9, it is possible to realize the function of A1 while improving designability.

A10. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transparent display may display an image so as to overlap with the at least part of the manufacturing section.

According to A10 above, the user can visually recognize the state inside the apparatus through the transparent display, and can obtain predetermined information from the image displayed on the transparent display.

A11. The transparent display includes a front portion (for example P1) and a side portion (for example P2) by being curved, and
The transparent display may display an image so as to overlap the at least part of the production department on one of the front part and the side part and not overlap the at least part on the other. beverage production equipment.

According to A11 above, both the state inside the device and the displayed image (information) can be visually recognized.

A12. The transparent display includes a front portion (for example P1) and a side portion (for example P2) by being curved, and
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transparent display may display an image on both the front portion and the side portion.

According to A12 above, regardless of the position of the user with respect to the beverage manufacturing apparatus, it is possible to make it easier for the user to visually recognize the displayed image.

A13. A detection unit (for example, 122) for detecting an input operation by a user,
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transparent display moves an image displayed on one of the front portion and the side portion to the other based on the detection result of the detection section.

According to A13 above, the user can change the display position of the image as necessary, thereby improving usability.

A14. The transparent display includes a curved portion (for example, P3) that is curved while connecting the front portion and the side portion,
The transparent display is capable of displaying an image on the curved portion, and when the image displayed on one of the front portion and the side portion is moved to the other, the image passes through the curved portion. A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized in that it is displayed on the curved portion.

According to A14 described above, the user can perform an operation for changing the display position of an image without discomfort.

A15. In the transparent display, the transparent cover is configured to be openable and closable together with the information display unit,
The transparent display displays an image indicating that the transparent cover is open when the transparent cover is opened, and suppresses display of the image when the transparent cover is closed. A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

According to A15, the inside of the apparatus can be cleaned or the parts inside the apparatus can be replaced by making the transparent cover openable and closable. make it possible.

A16. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the production section includes a portion that cannot be visually recognized through the transparent cover, and the information display section may display information indicating the portion.

According to A16 above, since the user can obtain information about the invisible part from the information display unit, it is possible to have the user imagine the process of the invisible invisible and wait without getting tired of the user. may become.

A17. The production unit includes an extraction device (for example, 3) that extracts the beverage from raw materials,
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the information display unit displays information indicating the extraction status of the extraction device.

According to A17 above, among several processes for manufacturing beverages, information indicating the extraction status, which is of relatively high interest to the user, is displayed.

A18. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the information display unit displays information indicating the extraction status at a position overlapping with the extraction device.

According to A18 above, the user can visually recognize both the extraction device and the information without significantly changing the line-of-sight direction.

A19. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the information display unit displays information indicating the progress of each process of the manufacturing by the manufacturing unit at a position overlapping a portion of the manufacturing unit corresponding to the process.

According to A19 above, the user can visually know in which part of the production department each of the processes for producing beverages is being carried out. As a result, it is possible to make the user wait without getting bored until the beverage is manufactured.

A20. A light source that is visible through the transparent cover,
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the information display section displays information at a position overlapping with the light source section.

According to A20, the information can be conspicuous.

B1. A beverage production apparatus (for example, 1) comprising a production unit for producing beverages,
a transparent cover (for example 102) covering at least part of the manufacturing unit;
A beverage production apparatus, comprising: a detection unit (for example, 122) that detects an input operation by a user to the transparent cover, the input operation for instructing the operation of the production unit.

According to B1 above, it is possible to improve the usability of the beverage manufacturing apparatus. In addition, it can be advantageous in improving designability.

B2. A beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transparent cover and the detection unit overlap each other to form a transparent touch panel (for example, 202).

According to B2, the configuration of B1 can be realized relatively easily.

B3. A beverage manufacturing apparatus comprising a control device (for example, 11) that controls driving of the manufacturing section based on a signal from the detecting section.

According to B3, the configuration of B1 can be realized relatively easily.

B4. The beverage production apparatus, wherein the detection section may detect an input operation to a portion of the transparent cover that overlaps the at least part of the production section.

According to B4, the user can perform an input operation while viewing the inside of the apparatus through the transparent cover without significantly changing the direction of the line of sight.

B5. The detection unit performs a first input operation for instructing the operation of the production unit (for example, 9) that is easy to see when viewed from the front, and the operation of the production unit (for example, 5 and 6) that is easy to see when viewed from the side. a second input operation for instructing and are each detectable;
The detection unit detects the first input operation out of the first input operation and the second input operation in a portion of the transparent cover that overlaps with the at least part of the manufacturing unit when viewed from the front, A beverage manufacturing device characterized by detecting.

According to B5 above, the user can input an operation at a position where the moving target can be easily visually recognized.

B6. The detection unit performs a first input operation for instructing the operation of the production unit (for example, 9) that is easy to see when viewed from the front, and the operation of the production unit (for example, 5 and 6) that is easy to see when viewed from the side. a second input operation for instructing and are each detectable;
The detection unit detects the second input operation out of the first input operation and the second input operation in a portion of the transparent cover that overlaps with the at least part of the manufacturing unit in a side view, A beverage manufacturing device characterized by detecting.

According to B6 above, the user can input an operation at a position where the moving target can be easily visually recognized.

B7. The transparent cover and the detection unit overlap each other to form a transparent touch panel (for example, 202),
The transparent touch panel includes a front part (for example P1) and a side part (for example P2), and a curved part (for example P3) connecting them,
Beverage production, wherein the detection unit detects a third input operation for instructing the operation of the production unit (for example, 9), which is easy to see in both front view and side view, in the bending part. Device.

According to B7 above, the user can input an operation at a position where the moving target can be easily visually recognized.

B8. The production unit includes an extraction device (for example, 3) that extracts the beverage from raw materials,
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transparent cover is provided so that the extraction device can be visually recognized.

According to B8 above, among several processes for manufacturing beverages, the progress of the process of which the degree of interest is relatively high for the user can be visually recognized. As a result, it is possible to make the user wait without getting bored until the beverage is manufactured.

B9. A beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the extraction device starts extraction of the beverage in response to an input operation to the transparent cover by a user.

According to B9 above, it is possible to make the user wait without getting bored until the beverage is manufactured.

B10. an information display portion (for example 121), wherein the transparent cover and the information display portion overlap each other to form a transparent display (for example 201);
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transparent display displays an image for accepting a user's input operation in response to the extraction of the beverage being enabled by the extraction device.

According to B10 described above, it becomes easier for the user to visually understand what kind of operation the user should input in order to start extracting the beverage, thereby improving usability.

B11. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transparent display displays information indicating that the extraction of the beverage is being performed in response to the extraction of the beverage being started by the extraction device.

According to B11 above, it is possible to make the user wait without getting bored until the beverage is manufactured.

B12. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transparent display displays information indicating that the extraction of the beverage by the extraction device has been completed.

According to B12 above, it is possible to inform the user that the production of the beverage has been completed.

B13. an information display portion (for example 121), wherein the transparent cover and the information display portion overlap each other to form a transparent display (for example 201);
The transparent cover is configured to be openable and closable together with the information display unit,
The transparent display displays an image indicating that the transparent cover is open when the transparent cover is opened, and suppresses display of the image when the transparent cover is closed. A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

According to B13, the inside of the apparatus can be cleaned or the parts inside the apparatus can be replaced by making the transparent cover openable and closable. Such a configuration prevents the user from forgetting to close the transparent cover. make it possible.

C1. A beverage production apparatus (for example, 1) comprising a production unit for producing beverages,
a transparent cover (for example 102) covering at least part of the manufacturing unit;
a detection unit (for example, 122) that detects an input operation by a user to the transparent cover for instructing the operation of the manufacturing unit,
A beverage production apparatus, wherein the at least part of the production unit includes a movable part (eg, 9) that follows the input operation.

According to C1, the usability of the beverage manufacturing apparatus can be improved. In addition, it can be advantageous for improving designability. In addition, by making the visible portion movable and allowing the user to intervene in the beverage manufacturing process, it is possible to make the user wait without getting bored until the beverage is manufactured.

C2. A beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transparent cover and the detection unit overlap each other to form a transparent touch panel (for example, 202).

According to C2, the configuration of C1 can be realized relatively easily.

C3. The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the input operation includes at least one of a tap operation, a flick operation, and a swipe operation.

According to C3, the configuration of C1 can be realized relatively easily.

C4. A beverage manufacturing apparatus comprising a control device (for example, 11) that controls driving of the movable portion based on a signal from the detection section.

According to C4, the configuration of C1 can be realized relatively easily.

C5. A beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the manufacturing unit includes, as the movable part, an extraction device (for example, 3) that extracts the beverage from raw materials.

According to C5, the extraction device used for the extraction process, which is relatively interesting, is a movable part that follows the user's input operation, so that the effect of C1 can be appropriately realized.

C6. The extraction device includes a container body (e.g., 90) and a communication hole for communicating inside and outside the container body,
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the container body rotates so as to change the direction of the communication hole following the input operation.

According to C6, the user can intervene in the process of putting ingredients into the container through the communication hole and the process of discharging the extracted beverage from the communication hole, so that the effect of C1 can be appropriately realized.

C7. A light source that is visible through the transparent cover,
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the light source section changes a lighting mode based on the input operation.

According to C7, it is possible to visually entertain the user.

C8. The beverage production apparatus, wherein the detection section may detect an input operation to a portion of the transparent cover that overlaps the at least part of the production section.

According to C8, the user can perform an input operation while viewing the inside of the apparatus through the transparent cover without significantly changing the line-of-sight direction.

C9. The detection unit performs a first input operation for instructing the operation of the production unit (for example, 9) that is easy to see when viewed from the front, and the operation of the production unit (for example, 5 and 6) that is easy to see when viewed from the side. a second input operation for instructing and are each detectable;
The detection unit detects the first input operation out of the first input operation and the second input operation in a portion of the transparent cover that overlaps with the at least part of the manufacturing unit when viewed from the front, A beverage manufacturing device characterized by detecting.

According to C9 above, the user can input an operation at a position where the moving target can be easily visually recognized.

C10. The detection unit performs a first input operation for instructing the operation of the production unit (for example, 9) that is easy to see when viewed from the front, and the operation of the production unit (for example, 5 and 6) that is easy to see when viewed from the side. a second input operation for instructing and are each detectable;
The detection unit detects the second input operation out of the first input operation and the second input operation in a portion of the transparent cover that overlaps with the at least part of the manufacturing unit in a side view, A beverage manufacturing device characterized by detecting.

According to C10, the user can input an operation at a position where the moving target can be easily viewed.

C11. The transparent cover and the detection unit overlap each other to form a transparent touch panel (for example, 202),
The transparent touch panel includes a front part (for example P1) and a side part (for example P2), and a curved part (for example P3) connecting them,
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the detecting section detects, at the bending section, a third input operation for instructing the operation of the manufacturing section, which is easily visible in both front view and side view.

According to C11, the user can input an operation at a position where the moving target can be easily visually recognized.

C12. an information display portion (for example 121), wherein the transparent cover and the information display portion overlap each other to form a transparent display (for example 201);
The transparent cover is configured to be openable and closable together with the information display unit,
The transparent display displays an image indicating that the transparent cover is open when the transparent cover is opened, and suppresses display of the image when the transparent cover is closed. A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

According to C12, the inside of the apparatus can be cleaned or the parts inside the apparatus can be replaced by making the transparent cover openable and closable. make it possible.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, to publicize the scope of the invention, the following claims are included.

1: beverage manufacturing apparatus, 102: cover section, 121: information display section, 122: detection section.

Claims (12)

A beverage production apparatus comprising a production unit for producing beverages,
a transparent cover that covers at least part of the manufacturing unit;
a detection unit that detects a user's input operation to the transparent cover, which is an input operation for instructing the operation of the manufacturing unit;
The beverage manufacturing apparatus, wherein the at least part of the manufacturing section includes a movable portion that follows the input operation. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transparent cover and the detection section overlap each other to form a transparent touch panel. 3. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input operation includes at least one of a tap operation, a flick operation and a swipe operation. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a control device that controls driving of the movable portion based on a signal from the detection section. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the manufacturing section includes, as the movable portion, an extraction device that extracts the beverage from raw materials. The extraction device includes a container body and a communication hole for communicating inside and outside the container body,
6. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the container body rotates so as to change the direction of the communication hole following the input operation. A light source that is visible through the transparent cover,
The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the light source section changes a lighting mode based on the input operation. 8. The detection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detection unit may detect an input operation to a portion of the transparent cover that overlaps with the at least part of the manufacturing unit. beverage production equipment. The detection unit performs a first input operation for instructing an operation of the manufacturing unit that is easily visible in a front view, and a second input operation for instructing an operation of the manufacturing unit that is easily visible in a side view. , respectively, and
The detection unit detects the first input operation out of the first input operation and the second input operation in a portion of the transparent cover that overlaps with the at least part of the manufacturing unit when viewed from the front, The beverage production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by detecting. The detection unit performs a first input operation for instructing an operation of the manufacturing unit that is easily visible in a front view, and a second input operation for instructing an operation of the manufacturing unit that is easily visible in a side view. , respectively, and
The detection unit detects the second input operation out of the first input operation and the second input operation in a portion of the transparent cover that overlaps with the at least part of the manufacturing unit in a side view, 10. The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by detecting. The transparent cover and the detection unit overlap each other to form a transparent touch panel,
The transparent touch panel includes a front portion, a side portion, and a curved portion connecting them,
1 to 4, wherein the detection unit detects, at the bending unit, a third input operation for instructing the operation of the manufacturing unit, which is easily recognizable in both a front view and a side view. 11. The beverage production apparatus according to any one of 10. an information display unit, wherein the transparent cover and the information display unit overlap each other to form a transparent display;
The transparent cover is configured to be openable and closable together with the information display unit,
The transparent display displays an image indicating that the transparent cover is open when the transparent cover is opened, and suppresses display of the image when the transparent cover is closed. The beverage production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that:

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