JP7168225B2 - EXTRACTION DEVICE, DISPLAY METHOD IN EXTRACTION DEVICE, AND SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an extraction device for extracting a beverage from an object to be extracted, a display method in the extraction device, and a system.

Known methods for extracting coffee liquid include an immersion method in which ground beans are immersed in hot water (for example, Patent Document 1) and a permeation method in which hot water passes through ground beans (for example, Patent Document 2).

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

In both the conventional immersion type and permeation type, it is required to be able to display the state in the process of extracting the beverage from the object to be extracted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of displaying a state in the process of extracting a beverage from an object to be extracted.

A brewing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a brewing vessel for brewing coffee from coffee beans, a supply means for supplying a liquid to the brewing vessel when brewing the coffee, and controlling the supply of the liquid by the supply means. storage means for storing the amount of liquid in the extraction vessel as liquid amount information; and when the coffee is extracted based on the control by the control means, the time-series change in the amount of liquid in the extraction vessel is recorded. display means for displaying as a liquid volume change graph, wherein the display means displays the liquid volume change graph based on the liquid volume information read from the storage means, and the display means displays a user's According to the operation, the mode of the change in the liquid amount represented by the part of the liquid amount change graph is displayed reflecting the operation, and the storage means corresponds to the liquid amount change graph to which the reflection is performed. The liquid volume information is newly stored, and the control means reads the liquid volume information newly stored in the storage means, and the liquid volume corresponding to the read liquid volume information is the liquid volume of the extraction container. It is characterized by controlling to be

Further, the brewing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a brewing container for extracting coffee from coffee beans, a supply means for supplying a liquid to the brewing container when the coffee is extracted, and a supply of the liquid by the supplying means. storage means for storing the hot water temperature of the brewing container as hot water temperature information; display means for displaying changes as a hot water temperature change graph, wherein the display means displays the hot water temperature change graph based on the hot water temperature information read from the storage means, and the display means According to the user's operation, the mode of change in hot water temperature represented by a part of the hot water temperature change graph is displayed reflecting the operation, and the storage means stores the reflected hot water temperature change graph in the Corresponding hot water temperature information is newly stored, and the control means reads the hot water temperature information newly stored in the storage means, and the hot water temperature corresponding to the read hot water temperature information is the temperature of the extraction container. It is characterized by controlling the hot water temperature.

Further, a display method according to the present invention is a display method executed in a brewing device, comprising: when brewing coffee, a supplying step of supplying a liquid from coffee beans to a brewing container for brewing the coffee; a control step of controlling the supply of the liquid in the supply step; a storage step of storing the amount of liquid in the brewing container as liquid amount information; a display step of displaying a time-series change in the liquid volume as a liquid volume change graph, wherein the display step displays the liquid volume change graph based on the liquid volume information stored in the storage step. In the display step, in accordance with the user's operation, the operation is reflected in the mode of change in the liquid volume represented by a portion of the liquid volume change graph and displayed, and in the storage step, the reflection is performed. The liquid volume information corresponding to the liquid volume change graph is newly stored, and in the control step, the liquid volume information newly stored in the storage step is read, and the liquid volume information corresponding to the read liquid volume information is stored. It is characterized by controlling the amount of liquid to be the amount of liquid in the extraction container.

A system according to the present invention includes an extraction device for extracting coffee from coffee beans and a mobile terminal, wherein the extraction device includes an extraction container for extracting coffee from the coffee beans; supply means for supplying liquid to the brewing container when coffee is extracted; control means for controlling the supply of the liquid by the supply means; storage means for storing the amount of liquid in the brewing container as liquid amount information; a transmitting means for transmitting to the mobile terminal information for displaying a time-series change in the liquid volume in the extraction container as a liquid volume change graph when the coffee is extracted based on the control by the control means; The portable terminal comprises: receiving means for receiving the information transmitted by the transmitting means for displaying a time-series change in the liquid volume in the extraction container as a liquid volume change graph; display means for displaying a time-series change in the liquid amount in the extraction container as a liquid amount change graph based on the information obtained from the liquid amount information read out from the storage means; the liquid volume change graph is displayed based on, the display means displays, in response to an operation by the user, a mode of change in the liquid volume represented by a part of the liquid volume change graph, reflecting the operation; The storage means newly stores liquid volume information corresponding to the reflected liquid volume change graph, and the control means reads the liquid volume information newly stored in the storage means, The liquid volume corresponding to the read liquid volume information is controlled to be the liquid volume of the extraction container.

Further, a display method according to the present invention is a display method executed in a brewing device, comprising: when brewing coffee, a supplying step of supplying a liquid from coffee beans to a brewing container for brewing the coffee; a control step of controlling the supply of the liquid in the supply step; a storage step of storing the hot water temperature of the brewing container as hot water temperature information; a display step of displaying a time-series change in hot water temperature as a hot water temperature change graph, wherein the display step displays the hot water temperature change graph based on the hot water temperature information stored in the storage step. and in the display step, in accordance with the user's operation, the change in hot water temperature represented by a part of the hot water temperature change graph is displayed by reflecting the operation, and in the storing step, the reflection is performed. hot water temperature information corresponding to the hot water temperature change graph is newly stored; The temperature of the hot water is controlled to match the temperature of the extraction container.

According to the present invention, it is possible to display the state in the process of extracting a beverage from an object to be extracted.

The external view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1; Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the function of the beverage production apparatus. 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; Schematic diagram of a liquid feeding amount adjusting device. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 12 and a cross-sectional view of another example; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of preheating; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining hot water supply operation from steaming to extraction; The figure which shows the change of atmospheric pressure. The figure which shows a plot display screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a profile setting screen; The figure which shows a plot display screen. FIG. 10 is a view showing a display screen reflecting user operations; FIG. 10 is a view showing a display screen reflecting user operations; FIG. 10 is a view showing a display screen reflecting user operations; The figure which shows a plot display screen. The figure which shows the display screen displayed by the tabular form. The figure which shows the display screen displayed by the tabular form. The figure which shows the display screen displayed by the tabular form. Diagram showing a profile displayed in tabular form. Diagram showing a profile displayed in tabular form. Diagram showing a profile displayed in tabular form. Diagram showing a profile displayed in tabular form.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same reference numbers are given to the same components, and the description thereof is omitted.

<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, 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 solenoid valve 72f is controlled to open and close so that the pressure inside the water tank 72 is maintained at 3 atm except when water is being supplied to the water tank 72 . At the time of supplying water to the water tank 72, the pressure in the water tank 72 is set to a pressure lower than the water pressure of the water (for example, 2.0) by the electromagnetic valve 72h so that the water tank 72 is smoothly replenished with water. Reduce the pressure to less than 5 atm). 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. Besides, 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 to maintain the inside of the water tank 72 at 3 atm except when water is supplied to the water tank 72. do.

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, it is possible to reduce the pressure to 5 atmospheres (4 atmospheres in gauge pressure) or less. 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 water. The electromagnetic valve 73f is opened during cleaning to supply 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 (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 container 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. Light objects such as chaff and fine powder are sucked by the suction unit 60 sucking the air in the passage portion 63a. 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, cold water, and air pressure supplied from the pipe L3 are introduced into the support member 800 through the 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, cold water, and atmospheric pressure supplied from the pipe L3 can be supplied into the extraction container 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, water, and residue of ground beans in the container main 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, 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 and the mobile terminal 17 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. . A system for extracting a coffee beverage liquid from an extraction target includes the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, the server 16, and the mobile terminal 17. FIG.

A beverage consumer (user) can set a profile for beverage production from the portable terminal 17 . FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a profile setting screen displayed on the mobile terminal 17. As shown in FIG. The user can adjust the amount of hot water to be extracted and the like on the portable terminal 17 on the screen 1801 of FIG. The screen 1801 of FIG. 18 is basically the same as the setting items displayed on the information display device 12. For example, the user can set the amount of hot water to be brewed to his/her preferred value on the mobile terminal 17 before visiting the cafe. can be adjusted to

Display area 1802 allows the user to optionally adjust and set the amount of coffee beans. In addition, the display area 1803 allows the user to arbitrarily adjust and set the grinding grain size. In addition, the display area 1804 allows the user to arbitrarily adjust and set the amount of hot water to be steamed. In addition, the display area 1805 allows the user to arbitrarily adjust and set the steaming time. In addition, the display area 1806 allows the user to arbitrarily adjust and set the amount of extracted hot water. In addition, the display area 1807 allows the user to arbitrarily adjust and set the extraction pressure. In addition, the display area 1808 allows the user to arbitrarily adjust and set the extraction time.

A button 1809 is a button for confirming the contents of the display areas 1802 to 1808 . In the case of FIG. 18, when a button 1809 is pressed, the contents of display areas 1802 to 1808 are saved and a two-dimensional code is displayed. The user can, for example, visit a cafe and hold the two-dimensional code displayed on the mobile terminal 17 over the imaging unit of the information display device 12 to convey the contents of the display areas 1802 to 1808 to the information display device 12. . Button 1809 does not have to be a button for displaying a two-dimensional code. For example, a button for confirming and saving the contents of the display areas 1802 to 1808 may be used. You can do it.

By enabling parameter adjustment for coffee beverage extraction as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the parameters for brewing the coffee beverage as shown in FIG. 18 are referred to as a brewing profile or recipe.

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 .

Next, the liquid feeding amount adjusting device for the water tank 72 will be described. In this embodiment, the supply (pouring) of hot water from the water tank 72 to the extraction vessel 9 is performed by a liquid feed amount adjusting device having a water tank 72 as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the liquid feeding amount adjusting device 720, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 12 and a cross-sectional view of another example (configuration example EX31). Like the water tank 72, the liquid feed amount adjusting device 720 is a tank that stores hot water (water) that constitutes the coffee beverage, and is a device that has a function of feeding a constant amount of hot water. This sequentially delivers the hot water required for one cup of coffee beverage. Moreover, the amount of hot water for one cup to be delivered can be changed. In the following description, components having the same functions as those related to the water tank 72 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The liquid feeding amount adjusting device 720 has a tank 720a for accumulating hot water. The outer wall of the tank 720a includes a peripheral wall 721, a top wall 723 joined to the upper end of the peripheral wall 721, and a bottom wall 724 joined to the lower end of the peripheral wall 721, and as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. has a cylindrical shape as a whole. A partition wall 722 is provided in the tank 720a, and the internal space is partitioned by the partition wall 722 into an outer cylindrical space 725 and an inner cylindrical space 726A. In the case of this embodiment, the partition wall 722 is a cylindrical wall body arranged concentrically with the peripheral wall 721, but as shown in the configuration example EX31 of FIG. good.

The space 725 constitutes a storage section that stores hot water. The space 725 is also called a reservoir 725 . A movable member 727c is arranged in the upper part of the space 726A, and the space 726 in the lower part constitutes a storage part for storing hot water. The space 726 is also called a reservoir 726 . By partitioning the storage part 725 and the storage part 726 with the partition wall 722 which is a common wall, the size of the tank 720a can be reduced rather than partitioning with separate walls.

The reservoir 725 is provided with a heater 72a for heating the water in the reservoir 725 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.

A portion of the upper wall 723 that defines the reservoir 725 is connected to a pipe for supplying the air pressure in the reserve tank 71 (see FIG. 3), and is provided with an electromagnetic valve 72f. The liquid feeding amount adjusting device 720 has a sensor (not shown. For example, a sensor corresponding to the pressure sensor 72g in FIG. 3) for detecting the atmospheric pressure in the reservoir 725, and the electromagnetic valve 72f is a pressure regulating valve 72e (see FIG. 3). It switches between supply and cutoff of the regulated air pressure to the reservoir 725 . The solenoid valve 72f is controlled to open/close so that the pressure inside the reservoir 725 is maintained at a predetermined pressure, for example, 3 atmospheres, except when water is being supplied to the reservoir 725 .

A portion of the upper wall 723 that defines the reservoir 725 is also connected to a pipe that communicates the reservoir 725 with the atmosphere, and an electromagnetic valve 72h is provided here. When water is supplied to reservoir 725, the pressure of reservoir 725 is reduced to less than 2.5 atmospheres by electromagnetic valve 72h so that reservoir 725 is smoothly replenished with tap water. The electromagnetic valve 72h switches whether to release the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere, and releases the inside of the reservoir 725 to the atmosphere when the pressure is reduced. In addition, when the pressure in the reservoir 725 exceeds, for example, 3 atm, the solenoid valve 72h releases the reservoir 725 to the atmosphere to maintain the reservoir 725 at 3 atm except when water is supplied to the reservoir 725. .

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

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

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

In this embodiment, the solenoid valve 728 is a three-way valve, and can switch between communication and disconnection between the pipes 728b and 728a and between communication and disconnection between the pipes 728b and 728c. Also, the solenoid valve 728 can cut off any of the pipes. The pipe 728c is a pipe for sending the hot water in the reservoir 726 to the extraction container 9. As shown in FIG.

By switching between communication and disconnection between the pipes 728b and 728a, communication and disconnection between the reservoirs 725 and 726 can be switched. By switching between communication and disconnection between the pipes 728b and 728c, hot water delivery and storage in the storage section 726 can be switched.

When the pipes 728b and 728a are communicated with each other, the electromagnetic valve 728 shuts off the pipes 728b and 728c. Conversely, when the pipes 728b and 728c are in communication, the pipes 728b and 728a are blocked. The arrows shown in the solenoid valve 728 in the drawing indicate the operating state of the solenoid valve 728. In the example of FIG. state.

In this embodiment, the electromagnetic valve 728 is a three-way valve, so that one electromagnetic valve 728 is used to perform these switching. However, a configuration is also adopted in which the pipe 728b is divided into two, and a valve for switching communication and blocking between one pipe 728b and the pipe 728a and a valve for switching communication and blocking between the other pipe 728b and the pipe 728c are provided. It is possible.

The liquid feeding amount adjusting device 720 includes a drive unit 727 . Drive unit 727 is controlled in accordance with the amount of hot water delivered from reservoir 726 to change the volume of reservoir 726 . Depending on the size of the coffee cup, the required amount of hot water for one cup is different. The drive unit 727 adjusts the volume of the reservoir 726 so that an appropriate amount of hot water is delivered from the reservoir 726 according to the size of the coffee cup.

The drive unit 727 of this embodiment is a mechanism that changes the volume of the reservoir 726 by vertically moving the movable member 727c. The movable member 727c is a piston-like member configured to be inserted into the space 726A and slide in the vertical direction. As the bottom surface 727d rises and lowers, the volume of the storage section 726 changes.

Note that the volume of the reservoir 726 is not changed by moving the position of the upper wall as in this embodiment, but is changed by moving the position of the lower or side wall. Configurations are also possible.

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

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

The drive unit 727 includes a motor 727a supported by the upper wall 723 as a drive source, and a screw shaft 727b as a moving mechanism for moving the movable member 727c. The screw shaft 727b extends vertically and is rotated by the driving force of the motor 727a. The movable member 727c has an open screw hole 727f in its upper surface, and the screw shaft 727b is engaged with this screw hole 727f. The movable member 727c is provided with a detent (not shown), and moves vertically as the screw shaft 727b rotates. The anti-rotation may be, for example, vertically extending concave and convex portions provided on the inner surface of the partition wall 722 and the peripheral surface of the movable member 727c.

In this embodiment, a screw mechanism consisting of a screw shaft 727b and a screw hole 727f is used as a moving mechanism for moving the movable member 727c, but this is not the only option, and other mechanisms such as a rack-pinion mechanism can also be used. be.

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

The storage portion 729 communicates with the storage portion 725 at a communication portion 729a located below the sensor 731a, and communicates with the storage portion 725 at a communication portion 729b located above the sensor 731b. The hot water in the reservoir 725 flows into the reservoir 729 through the communicating portion 729a. The communication portion 729b is an air communication portion that communicates the storage portion 725 and the storage portion 729, and air communicates between the storage portions 725 and 729 via the communication portion 729b. Therefore, the water level of hot water in reservoir 729 is equal to the water level of hot water in reservoir 725 .

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

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

The sensors 731 a and 731 b are, for example, optical sensors (photo interrupters), and detect the float 730 from the outside of the reservoir 729 . When the float 730 is detected by the sensor 731a, the electromagnetic valve 72d is opened and water is supplied to the reservoir 725. As shown in FIG. That is, the sensor 731 a monitors the lower limit of the hot water level in the reservoir 725 . The lower limit of the water level is set at a position higher than that of the heater 72a, so that empty heating by the heater 72a can be prevented.

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

A configuration equivalent to the water level sensor 72c can also be constructed inside the reservoir 725 . However, by constructing the water level sensor 72c outside the reservoir 725 as in this embodiment, it becomes easier to check the water level of the reservoir 725 from the outside.

<6. Operation control example>
An example of control processing of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 executed by the processing section 11a will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A(A) and (B), FIGS. 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. 14 and 15, the solenoid valve 728 is shown as solenoid valve 728-1 and solenoid valve 728-2 for explanation of the operation. The state in which the pipes 728b and 728a are communicated in FIG. 12 corresponds to the state in which the solenoid valve 728-1 is opened and the solenoid valve 728-2 is closed in FIGS. On the other hand, the state in which the pipes 728b and 728c are communicated in FIG. 12 corresponds to the state in which the solenoid valve 728-1 is closed and the solenoid valve 728-2 is opened in FIGS.

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.

At this time, the movable member 727c is positioned at a predetermined initial position as shown in FIG. 14(a). Then, the movable member 727c is moved upward as shown in FIG. Then, the electromagnetic valve 728 is switched so that the pipes 728b and 728a are communicated, and a predetermined small amount of hot water for preheating (smaller than the amount of hot water for steaming) is stored in the storage portion 726. Then, as shown in FIG. 14(c), the electromagnetic valve 728 is switched so that the pipes 728b and 728c are communicated, and a small amount of hot water for preheating is injected into the extraction container 9. Then, as shown in FIG.

The pressure in the reserve tank 71 is supplied to the water tank 72 via a pressure regulating valve 72e and an electromagnetic valve 72f, and 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). In the process of reducing the pressure, as shown in FIG. 14(d), boiling of the water in the water tank 72 is accelerated, and steam is supplied to the extraction container 9 through the opening 722a, the reservoir 726, and the pipe 728c. . At this time, the solenoid valve 728 is controlled so that the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c are communicated for a predetermined period of time. By sending steam from the tank 720a to the extraction container 9, the pressure in the tank 720a is reduced, the hot water in the tank 720a is stirred, and the relatively high-temperature hot water in the upper layer and the relatively low-temperature hot water in the lower layer are mixed. As a result of averaging, if the target temperature is not reached (for example, if the temperature is below 118 degrees Celsius), the heater 72a is turned on to heat the water in the tank 720a. Even after the pipes 728b and 728c are disconnected, boiling in the water tank 72 continues until the pressure is reduced to 3 atm, as shown in FIGS. 14(e) and 14(f).

Then, as shown in FIG. 14(g), the electromagnetic valve 728 is switched so that the pipe 728b and the pipe 728a are communicated, and the hot water for steaming (eg, 30 cc) is stored in the reservoir 726. After that, as shown in FIG. 14(h), the pipe 728b and the pipe 728a are cut off. By the above process, the inside of the brewing container 9 is preheated, and cooling of the hot water can be reduced 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 this embodiment, the air pressure in the extraction container 9 is changed in each injection operation of hot water in the extraction process of S3. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing changes in air pressure inside the extraction container 9 during the extraction process of S3. The extraction process of S3 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG.

In S11, in order to steam the ground beans in the extraction container 9, hot water (for example, 30 cc) less than a cup of hot water is poured into the extraction container 9. Here, as shown in FIG. 15(i), the electromagnetic valve 728 is switched so that the piping 728b and the piping 728c are communicated, and hot water for steaming is injected into the extraction container 9. FIG. At that time, the solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time and then closed. As a result, the air in the extraction container 9 is pressurized from 1 atm to 1.7 atm, for example, as shown in period 1601 in FIG. After that, as shown in FIG. 15(j), the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c are cut off, and as shown in period 1602 in FIG. 16, the process of S11 is finished after waiting for a predetermined time (for example, 15000 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 FIG. 16, the solid line indicates changes in the atmospheric pressure inside the extraction container 9, and the broken line indicates changes in the amount of hot water in the extraction container 9. As shown in FIG. During period 1601, 30 cc of hot water is supplied along with the change in atmospheric pressure. In time period 1602, the hot water remains at 30cc.

In S12, as shown in FIG. 15(k), the electromagnetic valve 728 is switched so that the pipes 728b and 728c are communicated, and a predetermined amount of hot water (for example, 40 cc) is injected into the extraction container 9 for one cup. Here, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time and then closed. As a result, the air in the extraction container 9 is pressurized from 1.7 atmospheres to 3 atmospheres, as shown in period 1603 in FIG.

By the process of S12, the inside of the extraction container 9 can be brought to a temperature exceeding 100 degrees Celsius (for example, about 110 degrees Celsius). In S13, the remaining hot water (for example, 30 cc) of the cup is poured into the extraction container 9 while the pipes 728b and 728c are in communication. Furthermore, in S13, the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized. Here, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms), and as shown in period 1604 in FIG. )). The total amount of hot water to be poured for steaming in period 1601, the amount of hot water to be poured in period 1603, and the amount of hot water to be poured in period 1604 in FIG. 16 can be adjusted to a predetermined amount (for example, 100 cc). After that, the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c are cut off, and the valve 903 is closed. FIG. 15(l) corresponds to this time point, and while the state of FIG. 15(l) is maintained, the following processes of S14 and S15 are performed.

Subsequently, in the process of S14, immersion extraction (S141) and chamber pressure reduction (S142) are performed. When the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized to, for example, 5 atm in S13, this state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms) as shown in period 1605 in FIG. decompress quickly. 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 electromagnetic valve 73c is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms) and then closed, thereby releasing the inside of the extraction container 9 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. After rapid decompression, this state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 3000 ms) as indicated by period 1606 in FIG. After that, the electromagnetic valve 73c is opened for a predetermined time and then closed to further reduce the pressure from 1.5 atmospheres to, for example, 1 atmosphere. Then, as indicated by period 1607 in FIG. 16, this state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms).

In this embodiment, extraction of the coffee liquid by the immersion method under high temperature and high pressure is performed by the process of S14 as described above. 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 reduces 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. In addition, since the pressure is reduced in two stages, for example, from 5 atm to 1.5 atm and from 1.5 atm to 1 atm in S14, compared to the one-stage decompression from 5 atm to 1 atm, the extraction container It is possible to suppress pressure fluctuations in the extraction container 9, and there is no need to provide a structure for reducing pressure fluctuations in the extraction container 9, and as a result, it may be possible to prevent the structure from becoming large.

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. After maintaining 1 atmospheric pressure for 1 second in S14, the solenoid valve 73b is opened for a prescribed period of time and then closed to pressurize to a prescribed atmospheric pressure (for example, 1.5 atmospheric pressure). Also, during the period 1607 , such pressurization may push a very small amount of liquid (about 5 cc) in the pipe leading to the extraction container 9 into the extraction container 9 .

In S15, 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. The period of S15 corresponds to period 1608 in FIG. After the extraction container 9 is turned over, the electromagnetic valve 73c is opened for a predetermined time and then closed to reduce the pressure to 1 atm. Then, as indicated by period 1609 in FIG. 16, this state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 2000 ms). Further, in the present embodiment, hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 after the extraction container 9 is inverted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(m), the electromagnetic valve 728 is switched so that the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c are communicated, and a predetermined amount of hot water (80 cc, for example) is injected into the extraction vessel 9.

At S16, 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. In this embodiment, in the extraction of coffee liquid in S16, the coffee liquid is delivered by steam and the coffee liquid is delivered by air from the reserve tank 71 . When the coffee liquid is delivered by steam, first, hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 after the extraction container 9 is inverted (FIG. 15(m)), and then water is supplied to the water tank 72 (FIG. 15(n)). After waiting for a predetermined time in period 1609, the water tank 72 is pressurized from 1 atmospheric pressure to 2.0 atmospheric pressure via the pressure regulating valve 72e and the electromagnetic valve 72f. Here, since the pipes 728b and 728c are communicated with each other, when the steam in the water tank 72 is supplied to the extraction container 9, the pressure in the water tank 72 is lowered to promote boiling. As the steam is sent from the tank 720a to the extraction container 9, the pressure in the tank 720a decreases, and if the target temperature is not reached (for example, when the temperature is below 118 degrees Celsius), the heater 72a is turned on and the tank 720a of water will be boiled. At this time, the pressure in the extraction container 9 becomes about 1.6 atmospheres due to the pressure of the steam, and the coffee beverage in which the coffee liquid is dissolved in the hot water passes through the filter provided in the lid unit 91 and is delivered to the cup C. This period corresponds to period 1610 in FIG. The filter regulates the leakage of ground residue. With the above-described configuration, boiling of the water tank 72 stirs the water to make the temperature distribution uniform, and the coffee liquid can sometimes be extracted at a high temperature. Then, as shown in FIG. 15(o), the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c are cut off.

Next, in order to deliver the coffee liquid by supplying pressure from the reserve tank 71, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened for a predetermined period of time and then closed, thereby increasing the pressure inside the extraction container 9 to a predetermined pressure (for example, 2.0 pressure). pressure. As a result, the coffee beverage in which the coffee liquid is dissolved in the hot water is delivered to the cup C through the filter provided in the lid unit 91 . This period corresponds to period 1611 in FIG. The filter regulates the leakage of ground residue. With the configuration as described above, the coffee beverage is delivered by a plurality of pressure sources. In addition, since the coffee beverage is finally delivered with the highest pressure among the plurality of pressure sources, it may be possible to reduce coffee beverage residue in the delivery structure portion.

In this embodiment, the immersion extraction in S14 and the permeation extraction in S16 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 type extraction in S16 is performed with the extraction container 9 in an inverted position, the hot water passes through the accumulated 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 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.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the information shown in FIG. 16 displayed on the information display device 12. As shown in FIG. FIG. 17 shows an example in which the results of actual measurement of the pressure in the extraction container 9 and the amount of hot water during extraction are plotted in real time as the extraction progresses. In FIG. 17, the thin solid line indicates the target pressure change in the brewing container 9 when brewing a cup of coffee (pressure change graph), and the thin dashed line indicates the target pressure when brewing a cup of coffee. It shows the change in the amount of hot water in the extraction vessel 9 (liquid amount change graph). In addition, the thick solid line shows how the pressure change in the extraction container 9 that changes in real time during actual coffee extraction is plotted in real time, and the thick dashed line shows the extraction container that changes in real time during actual coffee extraction. It shows how the change in the amount of hot water in 9 is plotted in real time. The pressure and the amount of hot water in the extraction vessel 9 may be measured by providing a pressure sensor or a water level sensor in the extraction vessel 9, or based on the measurement values obtained by the pressure sensor 72g and the water level sensor 72c. It is also possible to obtain

In FIG. 17, periods 1601 to 1605 and halfway through 1606 are plotted, the current extraction process progresses halfway through period 1606, the pressure in the extraction vessel 9 is 1.2 atmospheres, and the amount of hot water in the extraction vessel 9 is 100cc. It shows that In other words, as the extraction process progresses after the middle of the period 1606, the results of actually measuring the pressure and the amount of hot water in the extraction container 9 are plotted and displayed successively. Moreover, FIG. 17 shows that the target pressure and amount of hot water are not actually reached in each period due to malfunctions of various valves, paths of hot water and pressure, leakage in the extraction container 9, and the like. That is, the display in FIG. 17 enables the user to compare the target value and the actual value.

In FIG. 17, target pressure change in the extraction vessel 9, target hot water amount change in the extraction vessel 9, measured pressure change in the extraction vessel 9, measured hot water amount change in the extraction vessel 9, was showing However, the target pressure change in the extraction container 9 and the measured pressure change in the extraction container 9 may be displayed. Alternatively, the target change in the amount of hot water in the extraction container 9 and the measured change in the amount of hot water in the extraction container 9 may be displayed.

Also, in FIG. 17, the length of each period of the periods 1601 to 1611 is shown uniformly, but the graph is displayed on the information display device 12 at intervals corresponding to the actual length of time of each period. can be In the above, the periods 1601 to 1611 are explained as periods, but they may be processes. Rapid depressurization process after (pressurized atmosphere release process 1), rapid depressurization process after standby state (pressurized atmosphere release process 2), standby process 1, container posture change process (container reversal process), standby process 2, beverage delivery Process 1, beverage delivery process 2, and the like may be used.

In addition, a plurality of patterns of graphs of the pressure in the extraction container 9, the amount of hot water, and the length of each period shown in FIG. A cup of coffee may be extracted by making a selection and controlling the pressure in the extraction container 9, the amount of hot water, and the length of each period so as to achieve the selected pattern.

17, the target pressure change in the extraction vessel 9, the target hot water amount in the extraction vessel 9, the measured pressure change in the extraction vessel 9, and the measured hot water amount in the extraction vessel 9 is displayed over the entire period of extracting a cup of coffee, the target pressure change in the extraction container 9, the target hot water amount change in the extraction container 9, the measured pressure in the extraction container 9 and the measured change in the amount of hot water in the extraction container 9 may be stored in the storage means, and may be displayed again in response to the user's operation on the operation unit such as the information display device 12 .

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing how the plot display in FIG. 17 ends up to the period 1611. In FIG. In other words, as shown in FIG. 19, the target pressure change (pressure information) in the brewing container 9 and the target hot water amount in the brewing container 9 are displayed over the entire period of brewing one cup of coffee. (liquid volume information), the measured pressure change in the extraction container 9 (pressure information), and the measured change in the hot water volume in the extraction container 9 (liquid volume information) are stored in a storage means (for example, the storage unit 11b). Further, the information may be redisplayed according to the user's operation on the operation unit of the information display device 12 . With such a configuration, for example, when the user corrects the recipe so that the extracted coffee taste and the graph shown in FIG. It may be possible to refer to

In this embodiment, the user adjusts the target value of the time width of each period (each process) and the pressure/hot water amount by touching the graph on the screen showing the information of FIG. 16 displayed on the information display device 12. It is possible to

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing how the user adjusts the target pressure value in the period 1602 (the steaming process) on the screen of FIG. In FIG. 20 , when the user touches a point on the graph of the period 1602 for which adjustment is desired and performs a downward flick operation, the processing unit 11a reflects the operation and sets the target value of the pressure in the period 1602 to 1.8. The information display device 12 is controlled to change the atmospheric pressure to 1.5 atmospheric pressure.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing how the user adjusts the duration of period 1602 on the screen of FIG. In FIG. 21, when the user touches a portion of a period 1602 desired to be adjusted and flicks leftward, the processing unit 11a reflects the operation and changes the time of the period 1602 from 15 seconds to 10 seconds. Control the information display device 12 to display. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, as the time width of the period 1602 is adjusted, the graph of the pressure and hot water amount is also matched with the changes in the adjacent period. By adjusting the time width in this way, it may be possible to change the rate of increase of the pressure or the amount of hot water.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing how the user adjusts the target amount of hot water for period 1605 (high-pressure immersion step) on the screen of FIG. In FIG. 22, when the user touches a point on the graph of period 1605 for which adjustment is desired and performs a downward flick operation, processing unit 11a reflects the operation and changes the amount of hot water in period 1605 from 100 cc to 90 cc. The information display device 12 is controlled to display

20 and 22 show a configuration for the user to adjust the target value of pressure/hot water volume. However, the user may adjust the measured pressure/hot water amount. Also, on the screen of FIG. 19, the user may be allowed to adjust at least one of the target value of pressure/hot water amount, the measured value of pressure/hot water amount, and the period.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the measured values of the pressure inside the extraction vessel 9 and the amount of hot water inside the extraction vessel 9 are plotted and displayed on the information display device 12 in real time. Here, the measured values of other parameters such as the pressure and the amount of hot water, such as the hot water temperature, may also be plotted and displayed on the information display device 12 in real time.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state (temperature change graph) when the plot display of the hot water temperature in the extraction container 9 is finished up to the period 1611. As shown in FIG. When the plot display up to the period 1611 ends, the processing unit 11a stores the measured change in the temperature of the hot water in the extraction container 9 (temperature information) in the storage means. Then, it may be possible to display again according to a user operation (for example, a touch operation on a touch panel) on the operation unit of the information display device 12 . The hot water temperature in the extraction vessel 9 may be measured by, for example, a temperature sensor (an example of a temperature acquisition means) provided in the extraction vessel 9, or may be acquired based on the measured value of the temperature sensor 72b. You can make it work. By enabling the display again in response to the user's operation on the operation unit of the information display device 12, the user can distinguish between the taste of the extracted coffee and the graph as shown in FIG. 23 displayed on the information display device 12. In some cases, it can be used as a reference when modifying recipes for different tastes and flavors. Also, on the screen of FIG. 23, the user may be allowed to adjust at least one of hot water temperature and period by flick operation or the like.

In addition to the hot water temperature, the temperature of the air in the extraction container 9 and the pressure of the hot water in the extraction container 9 can also be measured. ), and the measured values may be plotted and displayed on the information display device 12 in real time. In addition, at least one of the pressure/amount of hot water/hot water temperature in the pipe from the liquid supply amount adjusting device 720 or the extraction container 9 to the outlet (spout) of the coffee beverage to the cup C, or the pressure/amount of hot water/hot water temperature at the outlet can be measured, and the measured values may be plotted and displayed on the information display device 12 in real time.

As other parameters, the information display device 12 may display target values such as the grain size of ground beans by the grinder 5A, the grain size of ground beans by the grinder 5B, the degree of chaff separation, and the like. For example, a sensor for measuring the size of the ground beans may be provided at the passing portion where the ground beans freely fall from the grinders 5A and 5B so that the measured value of the particle size can be obtained. Further, the measured values may be stored in a storage unit, and may be redisplayed according to the user's operation on the operation section of the information display device 12 .

When the user makes adjustments on the screens of FIGS. 19 to 23 and gives an instruction to produce a coffee beverage, the processing unit 11a operates various actuators (for example, , motors, solenoid valves, heaters, etc.), and executes the processing of FIG. 11(A). Here, the temperature of the hot water is adjusted, for example, by supplying water to the hot water of 120° C. in the reservoir 725 in the liquid feeding amount adjusting device 720 .

In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the time from the start of extraction and the actual measured values of pressure at various locations (for example, inside the extraction container 9) are displayed as a pressure measured value graph. , changes in intensity of various tastes, and changes in strength of each flavor may be displayed as a graph. For example, the pressure inside the extraction container 9 is actually measured, and from the measured value, for example, the level indicating the strength of sourness (sourness level) is estimated. Then, by graphing how the sourness level changes from the start of extraction to the completion of extraction, an estimated taste value graph may be displayed.

Also, the time from the start of extraction, the target value of taste based on the setting of various tastes, and the measured value, predicted value, calculated value, or estimated value of the taste may be displayed. For example, the extraction is completed 70 seconds after the start of extraction, and the sourness level is set to increase to level 10 at that time. Then, in the next 20 seconds, the temperature is raised to level 8, and in the remaining 30 seconds, the temperature is raised to level 10, so that the change in hot water temperature, the change in pressure, and the addition of hot water and cold water are controlled. A graph of the change may be displayed as a taste target value graph. Then, as in the case of pressure, a target value graph of taste is displayed, and an estimated value graph of taste is displayed in real time by superimposing it on the target value graph of taste during extraction. good. It has been mentioned above that the measured value of pressure is used to obtain an estimated value of taste. It is also possible to make an actual measurement and make an estimation using those measured values, or derive an actual measured value using a taste sensor.

Moreover, although sourness is shown as an example of the taste, any taste such as bitterness, sweetness, richness, freshness, umami, and saltiness may be used. In addition, it is also possible to display a graph of an estimated value or an actual measurement value of the strength of flavor, not limited to the taste. Further, not only a graph of target values, estimated values, or measured values of one taste, but also graphs of target values, estimated values, or measured values of a plurality of taste intensities may be displayed. Alternatively, a taste chart showing the balance of a plurality of tastes may be displayed, and how the balance of the plurality of tastes changes in the extraction process may be displayed to the user by changing the taste chart.

FIG. 20 shows an example in which the user flicks a portion of the graph for a desired period to change the pressure target value for that period. Alternatively, the user may change the target value of the intensity of taste for the period by performing an operation such as flicking a point on the graph of the period for which the adjustment is desired. As in FIG. 21, even if the user adjusts the time width of the period in which the user desires adjustment, the target value of the taste strength in that period changes. good.

FIG. 20 shows an example in which the user performs an operation such as flicking a point on the graph for a desired period to change the target pressure value for that period. Alternatively, the change in taste of the beverage (coffee) to be served may be indicated. For example, along with a pressure target value graph as shown in FIG. 20, a taste chart showing the balance of a plurality of tastes of the beverage to be extracted when the displayed pressure change is performed in the extraction process is displayed. Then, when the user performs an operation such as flicking a point on the graph for a desired period of adjustment, a change in the target pressure value for that period is displayed, and a plurality of The user may be shown how the taste balance changes by displaying a changing taste chart. At that time, the taste chart may be changed and displayed according to the change of the corresponding line of the pressure target value graph according to the user's flick operation. Here, the plurality of tastes may include any taste such as sourness, bitterness, sweetness, richness, freshness, umami, and saltiness, and is not limited to taste, and may include strength of flavor. good. In addition, it is not limited to responding to changes in the target value of pressure. For example, the amount of hot water as shown in FIG. It is also possible to display a change in taste balance corresponding to a change in the length of the period of various steps in the extraction process.

19 to 23, the configuration for graph display on the information display device 12 has been described. However, the display format is not limited to graphs, and may be other formats.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of display in table form instead of the graph form of FIG. In FIG. 24, T1-T11 correspond to periods 1601-1611. As shown in FIG. 24, the target value for each period (process) is displayed as a numerical value. In FIG. 24, since the measurement has not been performed yet, the column of "actual measurement" is displayed as "not yet". Also, the table of FIG. 24 may be displayed such that each numerical value can be edited by the user. With such a configuration, it is possible to change the target values on the table of FIG. 24 as explained in FIGS. 20-22. Changes in the target values received on the table of FIG. 24 are registered as a recipe in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. When an instruction to manufacture a coffee beverage is given in the same manner as described above, the processing unit 11a performs , various actuators (for example, motors, solenoid valves, heaters, etc.) provided in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 are controlled, and the processing of FIG. 11A is executed.

27, 28, 29, and 30 are diagrams showing examples of registered recipes. FIG. 27 shows an example of a registered recipe that is adjusted by the user so that the target values displayed as defaults, such as those shown in FIG. FIG. 28 shows an example of a registered recipe in which the user adjusts the default target values displayed as shown in FIG. 24 so as to omit the steaming process. FIG. 29 shows an example of a registered recipe in which the user adjusts the default target values displayed as shown in FIG. 24 so that the degree of pressure reduction after high-pressure immersion is reduced. FIG. 30 is an example of a registered recipe that is adjusted by the user so that the target values displayed as defaults, such as those shown in FIG. 24, are higher during high-pressure immersion. In this way, there are cases where various recipes can be registered based on the table displayed as in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example in which the measured values of FIG. 17 are displayed in tabular format instead of graph format. In FIG. 25, T1-T11 correspond to periods 1601-1611. As shown in FIG. 25, the target value for each period (process) is displayed as a numerical value. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, as the acquired pressure/hot water amount measurement values are acquired, they are sequentially displayed in the “actual measurement” column.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example in which the measured values of FIG. 19 are displayed in tabular format instead of graph format. As shown in FIG. 26, the obtained pressure/water volume measurements are displayed over the entire period of brewing one cup of coffee. Moreover, the measured values displayed in FIG. 26 may be stored in the storage means, and may be redisplayed according to the user's operation on the operation section of the information display device 12 . At that time, the display format may be selectable according to the user's operation, such as graph format or table format. In addition, in FIGS. 24 to 26, target values/measured values for pressure and hot water volume are displayed, but target values/measured values for other parameters such as hot water temperature are displayed and edited by the user. It may be possible.

In the above description, the screens of FIGS. 17 and 19 to 30 are described as being displayed on the information display device 12. FIG. However, the information may be displayed on a device different from the beverage manufacturing device 1 instead of the information display device 12 . For example, the screens shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 to 30 may be displayed on the mobile terminal 17 shown in FIG. In that case, the processing unit 11a transmits data (for example, HTML files) for displaying the screens of FIGS. In addition to displaying the screens of FIGS. 17 and 19 to 30 on the mobile terminal 17, as described above, the graph display can be changed to reflect the user's operation, and the target value/ It may be possible to edit the measured value. With such a configuration, the following cases can be handled. For example, the user places an order by changing the recipe registered in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 on his/her mobile terminal 17 and transmitting the content of the changed recipe to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 . After the beverage is served, the clerk improves the content of the recipe on the information display device 12 and transmits the improved recipe to the mobile terminal 17.例文帳に追加In such a case, the user can change the recipe or the like on the portable terminal 17 that the user is accustomed to using, which may improve convenience. In addition, it may be possible to acquire recipes that have been improved by the store clerk.

<Summary of embodiment>
The extraction apparatus of the above embodiment includes an extraction container (extraction container 9) for extracting a beverage from an object to be extracted, supply means (FIG. 3) for supplying liquid to the extraction container, and control means for controlling the supply of (liquid feeding amount adjusting device 720), display means for displaying the state in the extraction container when the beverage is extracted based on the control by the control means, and display means (information display device 12 ) is provided. Further, the state in the extraction container is the amount of liquid in the extraction container, and the display means displays the change in the amount of liquid in the extraction container as a liquid amount change graph when the beverage is extracted. It is characterized by

With such a configuration, it is possible, for example, to display changes in the amount of liquid in the brewing container when brewing the beverage.

Further, the supply means is configured to be capable of sequentially executing a plurality of extraction steps when extracting the beverage, and the extraction device measures the amount of liquid in the extraction container in each of the plurality of extraction steps. Storage means (storage unit 11b) for storing amount information is provided, and the display means displays the liquid amount change graph based on the liquid amount information read out from the storage means.

With such a configuration, the user can refer to, for example, the read liquid volume change graph to change the recipe.

In addition, the display means reflects the operation in a mode of change in the liquid amount represented by a part of the liquid amount change graph in accordance with the user's operation, and the storage means performs the reflection. The liquid volume information corresponding to the liquid volume change graph is newly stored, and the control means reads out the liquid volume information newly stored in the storage means and stores the liquid volume information corresponding to the read out liquid volume information. It is characterized in that the amount of liquid is controlled so as to be the amount of liquid in the extraction container in each of the plurality of extraction steps. The extraction device further comprises liquid volume acquisition means for acquiring the liquid volume in the extraction container, and the display means displays the liquid volume change graph based on the liquid volume acquired by the liquid volume acquisition means. characterized by

With such a configuration, the user can change, for example, the measured and displayed liquid volume change graph by flicking or the like.

Further, the supply means can supply air pressure to the brewing container, the state inside the brewing container is the air pressure inside the brewing container, and the display means displays the brewing liquid when the beverage is brewed. It is characterized by displaying changes in the air pressure inside the container as a pressure change graph. Further, the storage means can store the air pressure in the extraction vessel in each of the plurality of extraction steps as pressure information, and the display means displays the pressure information based on the pressure information read from the storage means. It is characterized by displaying a change graph.

With such a configuration, the user can change the recipe, for example, by referring to the read pressure change graph.

In addition, the display means reflects the operation in a mode of pressure change represented by a part of the pressure change graph in accordance with the user's operation, and the storage means stores the above-mentioned pressure information corresponding to the pressure change graph is newly stored; It is characterized by controlling the air pressure in the extraction container in each step. The extraction device further comprises pressure acquisition means for acquiring the air pressure in the extraction container, and the display means displays the pressure change graph based on the air pressure acquired by the pressure acquisition means. do.

With such a configuration, the user can change the measured and displayed pressure change graph by a flick operation or the like, for example.

Further, the display means is characterized in that it can display the liquid volume change graph and the pressure change graph as one screen. With such a configuration, the liquid amount change graph and the pressure change graph can be displayed on one screen.

Further, the state inside the extraction container is the temperature of the hot water in the extraction container, and the display means displays changes in the temperature of the hot water in the extraction container as a temperature change graph when the beverage is extracted. characterized by Further, the storage means can store the temperature of hot water in the extraction container in each of the plurality of extraction steps as temperature information, and the display means can store the temperature information based on the temperature information read from the storage means. It is characterized by displaying a temperature change graph.

With such a configuration, the user can change the recipe, for example, by referring to the read temperature change graph.

In addition, the display means reflects the operation in a mode of temperature change represented by a part of the temperature change graph in accordance with the user's operation, and the storage means displays the temperature change mode indicated by the part of the temperature change graph. The temperature information corresponding to the temperature change graph is newly stored, and the control means reads the temperature information newly stored in the storage means, and the hot water temperature corresponding to the read temperature information is set to the plurality of hot water temperatures. It is characterized by controlling the temperature of hot water in the extraction container in each of the extraction steps. Further, the extraction device is characterized by comprising temperature acquiring means for acquiring the temperature of the hot water in the extraction container, and the display means displaying the temperature change graph based on the air pressure acquired by the temperature acquiring means. and

With such a configuration, the user can change the measured and displayed temperature change graph by a flick operation or the like, for example.

Further, the display means is capable of displaying the liquid amount change graph, the pressure change graph and the temperature change graph as one screen. With such a configuration, the liquid amount change graph, the pressure change graph, and the temperature change graph can be displayed on one screen.

1 Beverage production device: 9 Extraction vessel: 71 Reserve tank: 72 Water tank: 720 Liquid feeding amount control device: 727 Drive unit: 72f, 72h, 73c, 73b, 728 Solenoid valve

Claims (5)

an extraction container for extracting coffee from coffee beans;
supply means for supplying liquid to the extraction container when extracting the coffee;
a control means for controlling the supply of the liquid by the supply means;
storage means for storing the amount of liquid in the extraction container as liquid amount information;
display means for displaying a time-series change in the liquid volume in the extraction container as a liquid volume change graph when the coffee is extracted based on the control by the control means;
The display means displays the liquid volume change graph based on the liquid volume information read from the storage means,
The display means displays, in accordance with a user's operation, a mode of change in the liquid volume represented by a portion of the liquid volume change graph reflecting the operation,
The storage means newly stores liquid volume information corresponding to the reflected liquid volume change graph,
The control means reads the liquid volume information newly stored in the storage means, and controls the liquid volume corresponding to the read liquid volume information to be the liquid volume of the extraction container.
An extraction device characterized by: an extraction container for extracting coffee from coffee beans;
supply means for supplying liquid to the extraction container when extracting the coffee;
a control means for controlling the supply of the liquid by the supply means;
a storage means for storing the hot water temperature of the extraction container as hot water temperature information;
display means for displaying time-series changes in the temperature of hot water in the extraction container as a hot water temperature change graph when the coffee is extracted based on the control by the control means;
the display means displays the hot water temperature change graph based on the hot water temperature information read from the storage means;
The display means displays, in accordance with a user's operation, a mode of change in hot water temperature represented by a part of the hot water temperature change graph reflecting the operation,
The storage means newly stores hot water temperature information corresponding to the reflected hot water temperature change graph,
The control means reads the hot water temperature information newly stored in the storage means, and controls the hot water temperature corresponding to the read hot water temperature information to be the hot water temperature of the extraction vessel.
An extraction device characterized by: A display method performed in an extraction device, comprising:
a supplying step of supplying a liquid to an extraction container for extracting the coffee from the coffee beans when extracting the coffee;
a control step of controlling the supply of the liquid in the supply step;
a storage step of storing the liquid volume in the extraction container as liquid volume information;
a display step of displaying a time-series change in the liquid volume of the extraction container as a liquid volume change graph when the coffee is extracted based on the control in the control step;
In the displaying step, the liquid volume change graph is displayed based on the liquid volume information stored in the storing step;
In the display step, in accordance with a user's operation, displaying a mode of change in liquid volume represented by a portion of the liquid volume change graph reflecting the operation,
in the storing step, newly storing liquid volume information corresponding to the reflected liquid volume change graph;
In the control step, the liquid volume information newly stored in the storage step is read, and the liquid volume corresponding to the read liquid volume information is controlled to be the liquid volume of the extraction container.
A display method characterized by: A system including an extraction device for extracting coffee from coffee beans and a mobile terminal,
The extraction device is
a brewing container for brewing coffee from the coffee beans;
supply means for supplying liquid to the extraction container when extracting the coffee;
a control means for controlling the supply of the liquid by the supply means;
storage means for storing the amount of liquid in the extraction container as liquid amount information;
a transmitting means for transmitting to the mobile terminal information for displaying a time-series change in the liquid volume in the extraction container as a liquid volume change graph when the coffee is extracted based on the control by the control means; prepared,
The mobile terminal is
receiving means for receiving the information transmitted by the transmitting means for displaying the time-series change in the liquid volume in the extraction container as a liquid volume change graph;
display means for displaying a time-series change in the liquid volume in the extraction container as a liquid volume change graph based on the information received by the receiving means;
The display means displays the liquid volume change graph based on the liquid volume information read from the storage means,
The display means displays, in accordance with a user's operation, a mode of change in the liquid volume represented by a portion of the liquid volume change graph reflecting the operation,
The storage means newly stores liquid volume information corresponding to the reflected liquid volume change graph,
The control means reads the liquid volume information newly stored in the storage means, and controls the liquid volume corresponding to the read liquid volume information to be the liquid volume of the extraction container.
A system characterized by: A display method performed in an extraction device, comprising:
a supplying step of supplying a liquid to an extraction container for extracting the coffee from the coffee beans when extracting the coffee;
a control step of controlling the supply of the liquid in the supply step;
a storage step of storing the hot water temperature of the extraction container as hot water temperature information;
a display step of displaying time-series changes in the hot water temperature of the extraction container as a hot water temperature change graph when the coffee is extracted based on the control in the control step;
In the displaying step, the hot water temperature change graph is displayed based on the hot water temperature information stored in the storing step;
In the display step, in accordance with a user's operation, a change in hot water temperature represented by a part of the hot water temperature change graph is displayed in a way that reflects the operation,
in the storing step, newly storing hot water temperature information corresponding to the reflected hot water temperature change graph;
In the controlling step, the hot water temperature information newly stored in the storing step is read, and the hot water temperature corresponding to the read hot water temperature information is controlled to be the hot water temperature of the extraction vessel.
A display method characterized by:

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