JP7187075B2 - extractor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for brewing beverages (eg, coffee liquor).

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

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

In a device that extracts a beverage (e.g., coffee liquid) by putting hot water and an extraction target (e.g., ground beans) into the extraction container, it is necessary to clean the extraction target residue remaining in the extraction container. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to clean the extraction vessel.

According to the invention,
An extraction device for extracting a beverage (e.g., coffee liquid) from an extraction target (e.g., ground roasted coffee beans),
an extraction container containing the object to be extracted and a liquid, and extracting a beverage from the object to be extracted;
a supply unit that supplies liquid to the extraction vessel,
the brewing container includes a first hole through which the beverage in the brewing container is delivered;
cleaning liquid is supplied into the brewing container by the supply unit through the first hole after the beverage in the brewing container has been delivered through the first hole;
sending air through the first hole when the cleaning liquid is supplied into the extraction container through the first hole;
There is provided an extraction device characterized by:

According to the invention, the extraction vessel can be cleaned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The schematic diagram of the beverage manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device of the beverage manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1; 1 is a perspective view of a bean processing apparatus; FIG. Longitudinal sectional view of the pulverizer. FIG. 2 is a partially broken perspective view of the separation device; FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the forming unit; FIG. 7 is a perspective view and a partial enlarged view of the forming unit of FIG. 6; Comparative explanatory drawing of a cross-sectional area. Explanatory drawing of another example. 3 is a perspective view of the drive unit and extraction container; FIG. 11 shows the closed and open states of the extraction container of FIG. 10; FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the extraction vessel of FIG. 10; FIG. The front view which shows the structure of a part of upper unit and lower unit. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 13; The figure which shows the open state of a cover unit. The figure which shows the opening-and-closing state of an upper and lower plug member. Schematic diagram of the central unit. The figure which shows the operation example of a central part unit. The figure which shows the operation example of a central part unit. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by the control device in FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by the control device in FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by the control device in FIG. 2; FIG. The figure which shows the change of hot water and ground beans by the attitude|position change of an extraction container. The schematic diagram which shows the other example of a central part unit. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by the control device in FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by the control device in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another configuration example of the bean processing device 2 and the extraction device 3. FIG. Sectional drawing of a suction unit. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a horizontal movement mechanism; Partial perspective view of an arm member. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the canister; Sectional drawing of the cylinder part of a canister. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of components of the canister; FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view around the canister in an attached state; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a canister and its surroundings in another example in a mounted state; FIG. 10 is a top view of the canister and its surroundings in another example in the mounted state; FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the canister and its surroundings in another example in the mounted state; FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view around the canister of another example in the mounted state; FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of components of a canister of another example; FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of components of a canister of another example; FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of components of a canister of another example; FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of components of a canister of another example; FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of components of a canister of another example; FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of components of a canister of another example; FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of components of a canister of another example; FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of components of a canister of another example; FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of components of a canister of another example; The figure which shows another example, such as a collection|gathering conveyance path. The figure which shows another example, such as a collection|gathering conveyance path. The figure which shows another example, such as a collection|gathering conveyance path. The figure which shows another example, such as a collection|gathering conveyance path. The figure which shows another example, such as a collection|gathering conveyance path. The figure which shows another example, such as a collection|gathering conveyance path. The figure which shows another example, such as a collection|gathering conveyance path. The figure which shows the structural example of a housing. FIG. 56 is an explanatory view of the operation of the housing in FIG. 55; The figure which shows another structural example of a housing. FIG. 58 is an explanatory view of the operation of the housing in FIG. 57; The figure which shows the canister which attached the tag, and the example of a storage bag. A schematic diagram of a stocker. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of stocker display; The external view of a grinder. Explanatory drawing of the attachment or detachment aspect of the grinder of FIG. FIG. 63 is an explanatory view of the engaging portion of the grinder of FIG. 62; FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram of a modification of the engaging portion of FIG. 64; Sectional drawing which shows the other example of an extraction container. FIG. 68 is an explanatory diagram of the guiding function of the extraction container in the example of FIG. 67; Schematic diagram of a liquid feeding amount adjusting device. FIG. 68 is a sectional view along line IV-IV and a sectional view of another example. FIG. 69 is an explanatory view of the operation of the liquid feeding amount adjusting device of FIG. 68; Schematic diagram and cross-sectional view of another example of a liquid feeding amount adjusting device. Schematic diagram and cross-sectional view of another example of a liquid feeding amount adjusting device. The figure which shows the cross-sectional view of the wall part structure of another example, and the example of a seal|sticker. (A) is a perspective view of another switching unit, and (B) is a perspective view of a decompression unit. (A) is a plan view of the decompression unit of FIG. 72(B), (B) is a cross-sectional view along line VV of FIG. 73(A), and (C) is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI of FIG. 73(A). (A) and (B) are perspective views of a lower case. The top view of the lower case of another example. (A) is a plan view of another example of a lower case, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of another example of a decompression unit taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 78(A).

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

<First embodiment>
<1. Overview of Beverage Production Equipment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device 11 of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. The beverage production apparatus 1 is an apparatus for automatically producing a coffee beverage from roasted coffee beans and liquid (here, water), and is capable of producing one cup of coffee beverage per one production operation. The beverage production device 1 includes a bean processing device 2 , a brewing device 3 and a control device 11 .

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 inputs and outputs signals between the external device and the processing unit 11a.

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 operation unit 12 or detection results of the sensor group 13 . The operation unit 12 is a unit that receives a user's instruction input, and is, for example, a touch panel or a mechanical switch. Via the operating unit 12, the user can command the production of coffee beverages. 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 .

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

<2. Fluid Supply Unit and Switching Unit>
The configurations of the fluid supply unit 7 and the switching unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the fluid supply unit 7 will be described. The fluid supply unit 7 supplies hot water to the extraction container 9, controls the pressure inside the extraction container 9, and the like. In this document, when atmospheric pressure is indicated by numbers, it means absolute pressure unless otherwise specified, and gauge pressure is atmospheric pressure with atmospheric pressure being 0 atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure refers to the atmospheric pressure around the extraction vessel 9 or the atmospheric pressure of the beverage production apparatus. It is the standard atmospheric pressure (1013.25 hPa) at 0m above sea level of the International Standard Atmosphere (= ``International Standard Atmosphere'' [[abbreviation] ISA]) established in 1976 by the Aviation Organization [[abbreviation] ICAO]).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<3. Bean processing equipment>
The bean processing device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bean processing device 2. As shown in 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. When distinguishing the three canisters 40, they are referred to as canisters 40A, 40B, and 40C. Each of the canisters 40A to 40C 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 operation unit 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 individually provided with a conveyor 41 . The conveyor 41 is a delivery mechanism (transportation mechanism) that automatically delivers a predetermined amount of roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40 to the downstream side. The conveyor 41 of this embodiment is a screw conveyor driven by a motor 41a, and is a weighing unit for automatically weighing roasted coffee beans. The amount of rotation of the motor 41a (the amount of rotation of the screw) can control the amount of roasted coffee beans delivered. Each conveyor 41 discharges the roasted coffee beans to a collective conveying path 42 on the downstream side. The aggregate conveying path 42 is composed of a hollow member, and includes an inlet 42a for each conveyor 41 and a common outlet 42b. Roasted coffee beans are supplied to the grinding device 5 from the common outlet 42b. be.

<3-2. Crushing device>
The crushing device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pulverizer 5. As shown in 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 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.

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

The rotary shaft 54a is also provided with a rotary blade 58a, which is a cutter, and a fixed blade 57a, which is a cutter, is provided around the rotary blade 58a. The inside of the body portion 53a communicates with the inlet 50a and the outlet 51a. The roasted coffee beans supplied from the aggregate conveying path 42 enter the body portion 53a laterally from the inlet 50a formed in the side portion of the body portion 53a, and are sandwiched between the rotary blade 58a and the fixed blade 57a. It is pulverized so that it is A restraining plate 56a is provided above the rotating blade 58a of the rotating shaft 54a, and the restraining plate 56a restrains the roasted coffee beans from escaping upward. The grinder 5A grinds the roasted coffee beans to, for example, about 1/4. The crushed ground beans are discharged to the separation device 6 from the discharge port 51a.

The roasted coffee beans supplied to the inlet 50a may be supplied not from above the rotary blade 58a but at a height that hits the side of the rotary blade 58a. In this case, since the rotating blade 58a prevents the roasted coffee beans from escaping upward, the restraining plate 56a may not be provided.

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

The separating device 6 is a mechanism for separating unnecessary substances from the ground beans. Separating device 6 is arranged between grinder 5A and grinder 5B. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the grinder 5A, and the coarsely ground beans are separated by the separation device 6 from unnecessary substances. 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 coffee beverages. The separation device 6 is a mechanism that separates unnecessary substances by air suction force, the details of which will be described later.

The grinder 5B includes a motor 52b and a body portion 53b. A motor 52b is a drive source for the grinder 5B. The body portion 53b is a unit that accommodates a cutter, and has a built-in rotating shaft 54b. A pulley 55b is provided on the rotating shaft 54b, and the driving force of the motor 52b is transmitted to the rotating shaft 54b via the belt 59b and the pulley 55b.

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

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. This can also prevent deterioration of the ground beans (for example, loss of flavor).

<3-2-2. Separation device>
Next, the separating device 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. FIG. 5 is a partially broken perspective view of the separation device 6. As shown in FIG. The separating device 6 includes a suction unit 6A and a forming unit 6B. The forming unit 6B is a hollow body forming a separation chamber SC through which ground beans freely falling from the grinder 5A pass. The suction unit 6A communicates with the separation chamber SC in a direction (horizontal direction in this embodiment) that intersects the passing direction of the ground beans (vertical direction in this embodiment), and extracts the air in the separation chamber SC. It is a unit that sucks the By sucking the air in the separation chamber SC, light objects such as chaff and fine powder are sucked. This allows the unwanted matter to be separated from the ground beans.

The suction unit 6A is a centrifugal mechanism. The suction unit 6A includes a blower 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. The upper portion 61 also includes a radially extending cylindrical connecting portion 61c. The connecting portion 61c is connected to the forming unit 6B to allow communication between the separation chamber SC and the collection container 60B. The connecting portion 61c 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. 5 are generated. Due to this airflow, the air containing unnecessary substances is sucked into the collection container 60B from the separation chamber SC through the connecting portion 61c. Since the connecting portion 61c is open to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b, the air containing unnecessary matter 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 addition, the fins 61 promote the separation of the unnecessary matter D. FIG. As a result, the length of the suction unit 6A in the vertical direction can be suppressed, which contributes to downsizing of the apparatus.

In this embodiment, the formation unit 6B is arranged in the drop path of ground beans by the grinders 5A and 5B, while the centrifugal suction unit 6A is arranged on the side of the drop path. Although the centrifugal separation type mechanism tends to be elongated in the vertical direction, the suction unit 6A can be arranged side by side with respect to the grinders 5A and 5B by displacing the suction unit 6A from the drop path and arranging it laterally. can be done. This contributes to reducing the vertical length of the device. Especially when two-stage grinding is performed by two grinders 5A and 5B, as in this embodiment, the vertical length of the device tends to be long, so such an arrangement of the suction unit 6A reduces the size of the device. It is effective for

The forming unit 6B will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9. FIG. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the forming unit 6B. FIG. 7 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of the forming unit 6B. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the forming unit 6B, and is an explanatory diagram for comparison of cross-sectional areas.

In the case of this embodiment, the forming unit 6B is formed by combining two vertically divided halves. The forming unit 6B includes a tube portion 63 and a separation chamber forming portion 64, and has a spoon shape in plan view. The tube portion 63 is a tubular body that forms a communication passage 63a with the suction unit 6A, and extends in a lateral direction (a direction that intersects a center line CL described later). The separation chamber forming portion 64 is a ring-shaped hollow body that is connected to the pipe portion 63 and forms the separation chamber SC, the center of which is vertically open.

In the present embodiment, in order to separate the unwanted substances from the ground beans, a method is adopted in which lateral wind pressure is applied to the ground beans falling from the grinder 5A to suck the unwanted substances. This has the advantage that the vertical length can be shorter than the centrifugal method.

The separation chamber forming portion 64 includes a vertically extending cylindrical portion 65 . The tubular portion 65 protrudes into the separation chamber SC from its vertical center portion to its lower portion. The tubular portion 65 has an opening 65a at one end on the upper side, and the opening 65a forms an inlet for ground beans communicating with the separation chamber SC. The opening 65a is located outside the separation chamber SC and is connected to the discharge port 51a of the grinder 5A. As a result, the ground beans falling from the discharge port 51a are introduced into the separation chamber forming portion 64 without leakage. The tubular portion 65 has an opening 65b at the other lower end. The opening 65b is positioned within the separation chamber SC. Since the opening 65b faces the separation chamber SC, ground beans falling from the discharge port 51a are introduced into the separation chamber SC without leakage.

In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 65 has a cylindrical shape, and the openings 65a and 65b have concentric circular shapes positioned on the center line CL. This makes it easier for ground beans falling from the discharge port 51 a to pass through the tubular portion 65 . The tubular portion 65 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area of the internal space gradually decreases from the opening portion 65a side toward the opening portion 65b side. Since the inner wall of the tubular portion 65 has a mortar shape, falling ground beans are likely to collide with the inner wall. The ground beans falling from the grinder 5A may adhere to each other and fall as clumps. If the ground beans are in the form of clumps, the separation efficiency of unnecessary substances may be lowered. In the case of the present embodiment, the clumps of the ground beans collide with the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 65 to break the clumps and make it easier to separate the unwanted matter.

Note that the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 65 is not limited to the mortar shape in terms of breaking up lumps of ground beans. If there is a part in the middle of the cylindrical part 65 where the cross-sectional area of the internal space is smaller than that of the opening part 65a, and if there is an inner wall that is inclined (not horizontal) with respect to the center line CL, it will not collide with the mass. The ground beans can be dropped smoothly while accelerating. Further, the cylindrical portion 65 need not protrude into the separation chamber SC, and may have only a portion that protrudes upward from the outer surface of the separation chamber forming portion 64 . However, by protruding the cylindrical portion 65 into the separation chamber SC, the wind velocity around the cylindrical portion 65 can be improved. Therefore, in the region R1 relatively far from the pipe portion 63, the effect of separating unnecessary matter by wind pressure can be enhanced.

The separation chamber forming part 64 has a discharge port 66 communicating with the separation chamber SC, through which the ground beans after the separation of unnecessary substances are discharged. In this embodiment, the discharge port 66 is positioned below the opening 65b, and the ground beans that have passed through the tubular portion 65 pass through the separation chamber SC and freely fall from the discharge port 66. FIG. In the case of this embodiment, the discharge port 66 is a circular opening positioned on the center line CL and concentric with the openings 65a and 65b. Therefore, the ground beans can easily pass through the separation chamber forming portion 64 by free fall, and the ground beans can be prevented from accumulating in the separation chamber forming portion 64 .

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

The ratio of cross-sectional area SC1 to cross-sectional area SC2 is, for example, 95% or less, or 85% or less, or, for example, 60% or more, or 70% or more. Since the opening 65b and the discharge port 66 are concentric circles, they overlap each other when viewed in the direction of the center line CL. Therefore, ground beans that freely fall from the opening 65 b are easily discharged from the discharge port 66 . In addition, it is possible to prevent the falling ground beans from colliding with the edge of the discharge port 66 and jumping to the pipe part 63 side, and suppressing the required ground beans from being sucked into the suction unit 6A. Although the opening area of the one end opening (eg 65a) is smaller than the opening area of the discharge port (eg 66), the opening area of the discharge port (eg 66) and the opening of the one end opening (eg 65a) The areas may be the same, or the opening area of the one end opening (eg 65a) may be larger than the opening area of the outlet (eg 66). Although the opening area of the other end opening (e.g. 65b) is smaller than the opening area of the discharge port (e.g. 66), the opening area of the discharge port (e.g. 66) and the other end opening (e.g. 65b) may be the same, or the opening area of the other end opening (eg 65b) may be larger than the opening area of the discharge port (eg 66). Although the suction unit (eg 6A) sucks air from the outlet 66 and the inlet (eg 65a, 65a'), the amount of air sucked from the inlet (eg 65a, 65a') The amount of air sucked from the outlet 66 may be larger. This is achieved by projecting the other end opening (eg 65b) into the separation chamber and by having the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 66 larger than the size of the opening area of the one end opening (eg 65a). Alternatively, the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 66 may be larger than the opening area of the other end opening (eg, 65b). Alternatively, the distance from the exhaust port 66 to the exhaust pipe 61b may be shorter than the distance from one end opening (for example, 65a) to the exhaust pipe 61b. This may be achieved by making the distance shorter, or by making the distance from the outlet 66 to the blower unit 60A shorter than the distance from one end opening (for example, 65a) to the blower unit 60A. Any one of the inner wall portions of the members (63 to 65) constituting the forming unit 6B and the separation chamber SC, the cylindrical portion 65, and the other end opening (eg, 65b), but the grinder (at least one of 5A and 5B ) directly or indirectly via another member, and the vibration caused by the rotation of the grinder is transmitted to vibrate. For example, in the case of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 in the embodiment, since they are in direct or indirect contact with each other, during the operation of the grinder, the members (63 to 65) constituting the forming unit 6B and separation chamber SC Any of the inner wall portions, the cylindrical portion 65, or the other end opening (eg, 65b) vibrates, and the turbulent air generated in the separation chamber SC due to the vibration causes the other end opening (eg, 65b) to flow into the separation chamber SC. A brake is applied to incoming light wastes to facilitate suction of the wastes by a suction unit (eg 6A). In particular, the forming unit 6B is in direct contact with the grinder 5A out of the grinders 5A and 5B as in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 in the embodiment. A moderate amount of vibration may be applied to facilitate the suction of light unwanted matter.

In the case of this embodiment, the air sucked by the suction unit 6A is mainly sucked from the discharge port 66. As shown in FIG. For this reason, a gap is provided between the discharge port 66 and the inlet 50b of the grinder 5B to promote the suction of air. An arrow d4 schematically indicates the direction of the air flow sucked by the suction unit 6A. By sucking the air from the discharge port 66, it becomes difficult for unnecessary substances to be discharged from the discharge port 66, and the separation performance between the ground beans and the unnecessary substances can be improved. The air sucked by the suction unit 6A is also sucked from the opening 65a.

A turbulent flow promoting portion 67 is formed in the peripheral wall defining the discharge port 66 . The turbulence promoting part 67 causes turbulence in the air sucked from the discharge port 66 into the separation chamber SC. By forming the turbulent flow promoting portion 67, turbulent flow is likely to occur particularly in the region R2 between the opening 65b and the discharge port 66. As shown in FIG. In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the wind speed increases around the cylindrical portion 65, so that the generation of turbulence in the region R2 can be synergistically promoted.

The ground beans introduced into the inlet 65a are agitated under the influence of turbulence when passing through the region R2. In the case of the present embodiment, especially since the cross-sectional area SC2 of the discharge port 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area SC1 of the opening 65b as described above, ground beans always pass through the region R2. Turbulence facilitates the separation of waste materials such as chaff and fines from the ground beans. Therefore, even if the separation chamber SC is a small space, the separation efficiency of unnecessary substances can be improved, and in particular, it contributes to reducing the length of the separation chamber SC in the vertical direction. This is advantageous for miniaturization of the device when performing two-stage grinding with two grinders 5A and 5B.

In the case of this embodiment, the turbulence-promoting section 67 includes a plurality of turbulence-promoting elements 67a. The turbulence promoting element 67a is a protrusion protruding downward in the vertical direction. The projection direction of the turbulence promoting element 67a may be any direction, but a direction within a range from downward to radially inward is preferable in terms of making it easier to generate turbulence in the separation chamber SC. be. If the protruding direction is downward as in this embodiment, the ground beans that have fallen will not be caught, which is more preferable.

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

In the case of this embodiment, the turbulence promoting elements 67a are repeatedly formed in the circumferential direction d5 of the discharge port 66. As shown in FIG. As a result, air is blown into the region R from multiple directions, promoting the generation of turbulence. Adjacent turbulence promoting elements 67a may have different pitches, but are equal in pitch in this embodiment. Twelve turbulent flow promoting elements 67a are formed, but the number of turbulent flow promoting elements 67a is arbitrary.

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

The example EX2 in FIG. 9 shows an example in which the cylindrical portion 65 is not provided. In this case as well, a configuration in which the cross-sectional area SC2 of the outlet 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area SC1' of the inlet 65a' is preferable.

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

<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. 10 is a perspective view of the drive unit 8 and the extraction container 9. FIG.

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 F1 between the beams F1 and 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 820b are advanced and retracted in the front-rear direction by a mechanism to be described later, whereby the holding member 820a is advanced and retracted in the front-rear direction, and the container body 90 can be moved in parallel in the front-rear direction. 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 FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the closed state and the open state of the extraction container 9, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view 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 FIGS. 10 and 11 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. All or part of the container body 90 may have a permeable portion. The transmissive portion may be composed of a colorless transparent or colored transparent material. As a result, the inside of the container body 90 can be visually recognized from the outside. 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 neck portion 90b extends vertically in a region having the same cross-sectional area or cross-sectional shape of the internal space. Also, a region having the same cross-sectional area or cross-sectional shape extends vertically in the body portion 90e and is longer than the neck portion 90b. The cross-sectional area of the internal space is larger in the trunk portion 90e than in the neck portion 90b. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the neck portion 90b to the body portion 90e is, for example, 65% or less, 50% or less, or 35% or less, and is, for example, 10% or more, or 20% or more. The shoulder portion 90d is a portion between the neck portion 90b and the body portion 90e, and has a tapered shape such that the cross-sectional area of the internal space thereof gradually decreases from the body portion 90e side toward the neck portion 90b side. ing. However, the neck portion 90b is only named for the position closer to the opening 90a than the bottom portion 90f for the sake of explanation, and the cross-sectional area of the internal space is necessarily limited to being larger in the body portion 90e than in the neck portion 90b. Instead, the neck portion 90a may be part of the body portion 90e. That is, the extraction container 9 does not have to have a shape having a constricted portion as shown in FIG. It may be shaped like

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 .

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

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

On the outside (lower side) of the bottom member 901, a coil spring 905 and a cylindrical spring bearing 906 are attached to the shaft 903a, and an E-ring 907 is engaged with the end of the shaft 903a. A coil spring 905 and a spring receiver 906 are held between the bottom member 901 and the E-ring 907, and the coil spring 905 biases the plug member 903 in the closing direction. A 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 base member 911 is provided with the same opening/closing mechanism as the plug member 903 in the container body 90 . Specifically, a shaft hole 911b is formed in the center of the base member 911, and a plurality of communication holes 911a are formed around the shaft hole 911b. The communication hole 911a is a through hole that communicates the inside of the container body 90 with the outside, and is mainly used for injecting hot water into the container body 90 and sending out the coffee beverage.

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

On the outside (upper side) of the base member 911, a coil spring 915 and a cylindrical spring bearing 916 are attached to the shaft 913a, and an E-ring 917 is engaged with the end of the shaft 913a. A coil spring 915 and a spring receiver 916 are held between the base member 911 and the E-ring 917, and the coil spring 915 biases the plug member 913 in the closing direction. A sealing member 918a and a ring spring 918b are 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 ring spring 918b is an engaging member for holding the lid unit 91 to the upper unit 8A when the lid unit 91 is opened.

A fixing member 919 is fixed inside (lower side) of the base member 911 . A fixing member 919 supports the filter 910 and the holding member 910a. The filter 910 is a filter for separating the coffee beverage and the residue of the ground beans, for example a metal filter. By using a metal filter, it is possible to provide the user with a coffee beverage containing coffee oil. The holding member 910 a is a porous member that suppresses deformation of the filter 910 . The sealing member 919 a is supported by the fixed member 919 . In this embodiment, the fixing member 919 is an elastic member, and the fixing member 919 and the sealing member 919a improve airtightness between the lid unit 91 and the container body 90 when the lid unit 91 is closed.

A configuration that does not use the sealing member 919a can also be adopted by bringing the flange 90c and the flange 911c into airtight contact.

<4-3. Upper unit and lower unit>
The upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. FIG. 13 is a front view showing the configuration of part of the upper unit 8A and lower unit 8B, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II 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 plug members 903 and 913 . 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 that its relative position to the frame F does not change. A housing portion 800b that houses the holding member 801 is included. The housing portion 800b is a cylindrical space that opens downward and has a closed top. The support member 800 also includes a communicating portion 800a that allows communication between the pipe L3 and the housing portion 800b. Hot water, tap water, and air pressure supplied from pipe L3 are introduced into accommodating portion 800b via communicating portion 800a.

The holding member 801 is a member that detachably holds the lid unit 91 . The holding member 801 includes a housing portion 801b into which the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted. The accommodating portion 801b is a cylindrical space that opens downward and has a closed top. The holding member 801 also includes a communicating portion 801a that communicates the accommodating portion 800b and the accommodating portion 801b. Hot water, tap water, and air pressure supplied from the pipe L3 are introduced into the housing portion 801b through the communicating portions 800a and 801a. The holding member 801 is a movable member that is vertically slidable in the housing portion 800b. The holding member 801 is provided with a sealing member 801c that seals between the holding member 801 and the housing portion 800b, so that airtightness in the housing portion 800b is maintained even while the holding member 801 is sliding.

An engaging portion 801d protruding radially inward is formed on the inner wall of the accommodating portion 801b. The lid unit 91 is held by the holding member 801 by engaging the engaging portion 801d with the ring spring 918b of the lid unit 91 . When a certain amount of force acts to vertically separate the holding member 801 and the lid unit 91, the ring spring 918b is elastically deformed to disengage the engagement portion 801d from the ring spring 918b. As a result, the lid unit 91 and the holding member 801 are separated.

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 the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 800 . The supporting member 800 is provided with a sealing member 800c in the hole portion through which the elevation shaft 802 passes, so that the airtightness in the housing portion 800b is maintained even while the elevation shaft 802 is sliding.

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 . FIG. 15 shows a case where the lid unit 91 is open. The holding member 801 holding the lid unit 91 is in the raised position, and the held lid unit 91 is spaced above the container body 90 . It should be noted that the illustration of some parts is omitted in FIG.

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 the vertical direction, and is vertically movable with respect to the supporting member 800 and the holding member 801 . The holding member 801 is provided with a sealing member 801e at the portion of the hole through which the probe 803 passes, so that the airtightness inside the accommodating portion 801b is maintained even while the probe 803 is sliding.

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

FIG. 16 shows the opening and closing modes of the plug member 903 (and the plug member 913). The holding member 801 is in the lowered position, and the projection 911d is inserted into the holding member 801 . It will be understood that the plug member 903 can be displaced to the open state indicated by the dashed line by lowering the probe 803 (not shown in FIG. 16). When the extraction container 9 is turned upside down, the plug member 913 can be changed from the closed state to the open state. It should be noted that the illustration of some components is omitted in FIG. 16 .

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 turned upside down, and performs opening/closing operations of the plug members 903 and 913. As shown in FIG. 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 support member 810 is fixed so that its relative position to the frame F does not change. A housing portion 810b that houses the holding member 811 is included. The housing portion 810b is a cylindrical space that opens upward and has a closed bottom. 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 housing portion 810b. The coffee beverage, tap water, and residue of ground beans in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a through the communicating portion 810a.

The holding member 811 includes a housing portion 811b into which the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted. The accommodating portion 811b is a cylindrical space that opens upward and has a closed bottom. The holding member 811 also includes a communicating portion 811a that communicates the accommodating portion 810b and the accommodating portion 811b. The coffee beverage, tap water, and residue of ground beans in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a through the communicating portions 810a and 811b. The holding member 811 is a movable member that is vertically slidable in the housing portion 810b. The holding member 811 is provided with a seal member 811c that seals between the holding member 811 and the housing portion 810b, so that the airtightness in the housing portion 810b is maintained even while the holding member 811 is sliding.

An engaging portion 811d protruding radially inward is formed on the inner wall of the housing portion 811b. The lid unit 91 is held by the holding member 811 by engaging the engaging portion 811d with the ring spring 918b of the lid unit 91 . When a certain force or more is applied to vertically separate the holding member 811 and the lid unit 91, the ring spring 918b is elastically deformed to disengage the engaging portion 811d from the ring spring 918b. Thereby, the lid unit 91 and the holding member 811 are separated.

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 810 in the vertical direction and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 810 . The supporting member 810 is provided with a sealing member 810c in the hole portion through which the elevation shaft 812 passes, so that the airtightness in the housing portion 810b is maintained even while the elevation shaft 812 is sliding.

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 the vertical direction, and is vertically movable with respect to the supporting member 810 and the holding member 811 . The holding member 811 is provided with a sealing member 811e in the portion of the hole through which the probe 813 passes, so that the airtightness inside the accommodating portion 811b is maintained even while the probe 813 is sliding.

The probe 813 is provided coaxially with the axis 913a of the plug member 913 (and the axis 903a of the plug member 903). By raising the probe 813, the shaft 913a of the plug member 913 is pushed upward, and the plug member 913 can be changed from the closed state to the open state. Instead of using the probe 813, it is also possible to press the plug member 913 from the closed state to the open state by using the pressure of the air supplied to the extraction container 9 or the water pressure of the water. In this case, the air pressure or water pressure should be higher than the biasing force of the coil spring 915 . For example, at least one or both of inputting a liquid (e.g., hot water) for steaming and inputting a liquid (e.g., purified water, hot water, detergent) for cleaning the extraction container 9 is performed by a liquid input portion (plug member 913 or the plug member 903) is opened in advance and the liquid is pressurized. In order to do so, it may be preferable to keep the input portion (the plug member 913 or the plug member 903) closed or open less than fully open, and open the input portion by the hydraulic pressure of the liquid to be input. For example, the liquid may enter the extraction container 9 instantaneously, or may be poured onto the inner wall of the extraction container 9 or the object to be extracted (for example, ground beans of roasted coffee).

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

A screw 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. 10 and 17. FIG. FIG. 17 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 are 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 the 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

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

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

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). FIG. 18 shows how the container body 90 moves. In FIG. 18, the position of the container body 90 indicated by solid lines indicates the extraction position, and the position of the container body 90 indicated by broken lines is the bean-throwing position. The bean throwing position is a position where 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. 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. 10 and 13 to 16 all show the case where the container body 90 is in the extraction position. In this manner, 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 water, the steam generated during the extraction of the coffee liquid is dissipated into the grinder 5B, which is the supply portion of the ground beans. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ground beans from adhering to the discharge port 51b due to moisture of the steam.

Returning to FIG. 17, 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. FIG. 13 shows the extraction container 9 in an upright position. FIG. 19 illustrates a state in which the extraction container 9 is rotated to change its posture. While the extraction container 9 is rotating, the locking mechanism 821 keeps the lid unit 91 locked to the container body 90 . In FIG. 19, the extraction container 9 indicated by a solid line indicates an inverted posture, and the extraction container 9 indicated by a broken line indicates an intermediate posture (posture during rotation) between the upright posture and the inverted posture. 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 plug member 903, and the operation unit 81C can perform the opening/closing operation for the plug member 913. FIG.

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

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

<5. 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. 20 to 22. FIG. FIG. 20 shows an example of control related to one coffee beverage production operation. The state of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 before the production instruction is given is called a standby state. The state of each mechanism in the standby state is as follows.

The extractor 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. Plug members 903 and 913 are in a closed state. The switching valve 10a communicates the communication portion 810a of the operation unit 81C with the waste tank T. As shown in FIG. The standby state is not limited to the state shown in FIG. 90a may be open.

In the standby state, when there is an instruction to produce a coffee beverage, the process of FIG. 20 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 plug members 903 and 913 are opened. As a result, the pipe L3, the extraction container 9, and the waste tank T are brought into communication.

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

Moreover, when hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 in this preheating, the hot water passes through the filter 910 . Even if the residue of the ground beans used in the production of the previous coffee beverage and the oil produced by extracting the coffee liquid adhere to the filter 910, they are washed away and discharged.

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 plug members 903 and 913, the plug member 903 is in an open state and the plug member 913 is in a closed state.

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

In S11, in order to steam the ground beans in the extraction container 9, hot water less than a cup of hot water is poured into the extraction container 9. - 特許庁Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms). As a result, hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72 . After that, the process of S11 is terminated after waiting for a predetermined time (for example, 5000 ms). This process allows the ground beans to be steamed. Although the pressure and temperature inside the extraction vessel 9 rise slightly after this treatment, there is no significant difference from before the treatment.

By steaming the ground beans, the carbon dioxide gas contained in the ground beans can be released, and the subsequent extraction effect can be enhanced. In order to steam the ground beans as a whole, the amount of hot water for steaming is preferably applied evenly to the ground beans. Therefore, when pouring hot water for steaming into the extraction container 9, the electromagnetic valve 72h may be temporarily opened to pour hot water into the water tank 72 while reducing the pressure. By doing so, the momentum of the hot water for steaming can be reduced, and the hot water can be applied to the beans as evenly as possible, thereby enhancing the steaming effect. The pressure inside the extraction container 9 during steaming may be lower than the pressure during subsequent immersion extraction (S14) (at which hot water does not boil). This can promote the release of carbon dioxide gas. When the ground beans are brought into contact with a liquid (for example, hot water), for example, during steaming or immersion, the carbon dioxide released from the ground beans is released by opening the release valve 73c once after steaming and releasing it to the atmosphere. Alternatively, the ground beans may be immersed in liquid (for example, hot water) while applying the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas. For example, in the case of the beverage production apparatus 1, the ground beans are steamed at 2 atmospheres (3 atmospheres in absolute pressure) or 0 atmospheres (1 atmosphere in absolute pressure), and then 2 atmospheres (3 atmospheres in absolute pressure) for one cup. A liquid (for example, hot water) is poured into the extraction container 9, immersed at 4 atmospheres (5 atmospheres in absolute pressure), bumped at atmospheric pressure (0 atmosphere (1 atmosphere in absolute pressure)), and the extraction container 9 is rotated. After that, immersion and delivery to the outside of the extraction container 9 are performed while applying a pressure of 0.7 atm (1.7 atm in absolute pressure) in the extraction container 9, but the pressure of the carbon dioxide released from the ground beans is also After seasoning, the ground beans may be steamed, soaked, or delivered. Steaming may be performed after releasing carbon dioxide gas to the atmosphere before soaking, or carbon dioxide gas may be released to the atmosphere before soaking at 4 atmospheres. or release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere before the 2 atm immersion before the 4 atm, or release the carbon dioxide to the atmosphere before the 0.7 atm immersion and delivery after the 4 atm. may Steaming is performed with carbon dioxide pressure added, immersion at 4 atmospheres is performed with carbon dioxide pressure added (for example, immersion is performed at 4 atmospheres + carbon dioxide pressure), before 4 atmospheres Immersion at 2 atm is performed with carbon dioxide pressure added (for example, immersion at 2 atm + carbon dioxide pressure), or immersion at 0.7 atm after 4 atm is also added with carbon dioxide pressure. (for example, immersion at a pressure of 0.7 atm + carbon dioxide gas).

Note that the presence or absence of steaming may be selectable by setting. When steaming is not carried out, water is only poured once, which has the effect of shortening the time required to complete the production of the coffee beverage.

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

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

Subsequently, this state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 7000 ms) and immersion type coffee liquid extraction is performed (S14). As a result, coffee liquid is extracted by immersion method under high temperature and high pressure. The following effects can be expected from immersion extraction under high temperature and pressure. First, the high pressure makes it easier for the hot water to permeate the inside of the ground beans, thereby promoting the extraction of the coffee liquid. Second, the high temperature promotes the extraction of the coffee liquid. Third, the high temperature lowers the viscosity of the oil contained in the ground beans and promotes the extraction of the oil. This makes it possible to produce a coffee beverage with a high aroma. It should be noted that although there is an opinion that a harsh taste is likely to occur when the coffee liquid is extracted at a high temperature, in the present embodiment, the separation device 6 removes unnecessary substances such as chaff that cause a harsh taste. Therefore, even when the coffee liquid is extracted at a high temperature, the harshness can be suppressed.

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

In S15, the inside of the extraction container 9 is decompressed. Here, the pressure inside the extraction container 9 is switched to the pressure at which hot water boils. Specifically, the plug member 913 is opened, and the electromagnetic valve 73c is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms). The inside of the extraction container 9 is released to the atmosphere. After that, the plug member 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. By opening the release valve (73c), the pressure inside the extraction vessel 9 is rapidly reduced. The rapid decompression may be, for example, decompression at a rate at which one of a state of bumping and a state close to bumping occurs. It may also be vapor pressure, etc.) to reduce the pressure at a rate below the pressure, or to suddenly boil the liquid (for example, hot water or a mixture of hot water and coffee liquid) in the extraction vessel 9 at a temperature exceeding the boiling point. It is also possible to reduce the pressure at a rapid rate. Bumping (for example, a phenomenon in which a non-boiling liquid (e.g., hot water) suddenly boils at a temperature exceeding the boiling point) may destroy the cells of the ground beans or stir the ground beans and hot water. .

In S16, the extraction container 9 is reversed from the upright posture to the inverted posture. Here, the holding member 801 is moved to the raised position, and the holding member 811 is moved to the lowered position. Then, the support unit 81B is rotated. After that, the holding member 801 is returned to the lowered position, and the holding member 811 is returned to the raised position. FIG. 23 shows the state of the extraction container 9 before and after the inversion. The left side of the figure shows the extraction container 9 in an upright position, and the right side of the figure shows the extraction container 9 in an inverted position. A lid unit 91 including a neck portion 90b and a filter 910 is positioned on the lower side. The reversal from the upright posture to the inverted posture is performed by performing an operation that accompanies the rotation of the extraction container 9, and is not limited to rotating the extraction container 9 by 180 degrees. ) or some angle greater than 180 degrees (eg, 190 degrees). The extraction container 9 may be rotated to an angle exceeding plus or minus 90 degrees. For example, with regard to the erect posture and the inverted posture, the part that is the farthest from the part that forms the opening 90a of the extraction container 9 and the part that does not form the opening 90a of the extraction container 9 is considered to be the upright position. It is a posture in which a certain part is positioned higher than the distant part. is a standing posture in which a certain part is positioned higher than the distant part. It can be used as a posture. Also, what kind of action should be taken during the posture change from the upright posture to the inverted posture, such as rotating 360 degrees a predetermined number of times (for example, once, multiple times, etc.) when rotating from the upright posture to the inverted posture? In addition, instead of simple rotation, the position of the extraction container 9 in the upright position and the position of the extraction container 9 in the inverted position may be different positions in the front, back, up, down, left, and right.

In S17, permeation type coffee liquid extraction is performed, and the coffee beverage is delivered to the cup C. Here, the switching valve 10a is switched to allow communication between the pouring portion 10c and the passage portion 810a of the operation unit 81C. Also, the plug members 903 and 913 are both opened. Further, the electromagnetic valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 10000 ms) to set the inside pressure of the extraction container 9 to a predetermined pressure (for example, 1.7 atmospheres (0.7 atmospheres in gauge pressure)). In the extraction container 9, the coffee beverage in which the coffee liquid is dissolved in hot water passes through the filter 910 and is delivered to the cup C. Filter 910 regulates the leakage of ground residue. By using both the immersion type extraction in S14 and the permeation type extraction in S17, the coffee liquid extraction efficiency can be improved. The extraction process is completed as described above. Here, an example is shown in which the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas is not released to the atmosphere before the permeation type coffee liquid extraction. It is preferable to release the pressure due to the carbon dioxide gas to the atmosphere by releasing the carbon dioxide gas released from the ground beans.

In the permeation type coffee liquid extraction in S17, only the plug member 903 may be opened and released to the atmospheric pressure once. By doing so, it is possible to lower the pressure inside the extraction vessel 9 which has risen due to the carbon dioxide generated during the immersion extraction. After performing this operation, the coffee liquid may be extracted by opening the plug member 913 and opening the electromagnetic valve 73b.

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

Here, the relationship between the reversing operation of S16 and the transparent coffee liquid extraction of S17 will be described with reference to FIG. 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 SC11 of the body portion 90e is larger than the cross-sectional area SC12 of the neck portion 90b, and the piled thickness H2 of ground beans in the inverted posture is thicker than the piled thickness H1 in the upright posture. That is, when the extraction container 9 is in the upright posture, the ground beans are relatively thin and are deposited widely, and when the extraction container 9 is in the inverted posture, they are deposited relatively thick and narrow.

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

In order to reduce the cross-sectional area of the internal space of the extraction container 9 on the side of the opening 90a, the neck portion 90b may be formed so as to gradually narrow (continuously inclined) to the opening 90a. It is preferable that the neck portion 90b has a constant cross-sectional area with a constant length in the vertical direction. By doing so, the amount of hot water permeating per unit volume of the ground beans can be made nearly uniform, so that the efficiency of extraction by the permeation method can be improved while preventing over-extraction. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the extraction container 9 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a rectangular tube shape or the like.

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

After depressurization, the operation of shaking the extraction container 9 may be performed for the purpose of agitating the inside of the extraction container 9 . Specifically, for example, the operation of tilting and returning the posture of the extraction container 9 within a range of 30 degrees may be repeated multiple times. This shaking operation may be performed before or after the extraction container 9 is inverted.

Further, in the present embodiment, immersion extraction is performed in S14 before decompression, but immersion extraction may be performed after decompression. In this case, the process of S14 may be omitted, The process of S14 may also be performed to perform immersion extraction before and after depressurization.

Further, in the present embodiment, as a method of decompressing in S15, the inside of the extraction vessel 9 is released to the atmosphere. ), any method may be adopted, such as a method of conducting with the container. However, the method of this embodiment is advantageous in terms of the temperature in the subsequent extraction, the temperature of the coffee beverage to be delivered, the ease of decompression, and the range of decompression. Of course, the opening time of the release valve 73c may be adjusted so that the pressure after decompression becomes a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure (for example, 1.1 atm). The pressure after depressurization may be set to some pressure (eg, 0.9 atm) that is lower than the atmospheric pressure. Of course, the pressure after decompression may be set to the atmospheric pressure.

In addition, in order to bring the inside of the extraction container 9 into a high-temperature and high-pressure state, in the present embodiment, a method of injecting hot water of high temperature and high pressure into the extraction container is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a method of pressurizing and heating after pouring water or hot water having a temperature lower than a desired temperature into the extraction container 9 may be adopted.

Returning to FIG. 20, 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. FIG. 22 is a flow chart thereof.

In S21, the extraction container 9 is reversed from the inverted posture to the upright posture. Here, first, the plug members 903 and 913 are closed. The holding member 801 is moved to the raised position, and the holding member 811 is moved to the lowered position. Then, the support unit 81B is rotated. A lid unit 91 including a neck portion 90b and a filter 910 is positioned on the upper side. After that, the holding member 801 is returned to the lowered position, and the holding member 811 is returned to the raised position. The inside of the extraction container 9 can be cleaned without removing the filter 910 . In addition, the ground beans residue adhering to the filter 910 can be separated from the filter 910 by the vibration when the extraction container 9 is turned over or the impact when the turnover is completed, and can be accelerated to drop.

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

In this embodiment, there is a portion where the cross-sectional shape is constant near the end portion (neck portion 90b) on the filter 910 side. Therefore, when pouring cleaning water into the extraction container 9, the water can flow along the wall surface of the extraction container 9, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect.

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

When the inside of the extraction container 9 is opened to the atmosphere in this way, the gauge pressure inside the extraction container 9 becomes 0 atmospheric pressure. Therefore, when pouring water, the plug member 913 may be automatically opened by the water pressure. In this case, it is not necessary to open the plug member 913 . When the plug member 913 is opened by the water pressure, the balance between the force of returning the plug member 913 to the closed state and the water pressure facilitates the flow of water along the inner wall surface of the extraction container 9 and the inside of the extraction container 9. Water is easily supplied to the whole.

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

Since the water used for cleaning is delivered from the communicating hole 901a different from the communicating hole 911a for delivering the coffee beverage, it is possible to prevent the communicating hole 911a from becoming dirty.

The communication hole 901a may be larger than the communication hole 911a, thereby facilitating the discharge of residue and the like. Moreover, the pressurization inside the extraction container 9 may be started during the water injection in S22. This makes it possible to more effectively discharge water and residue in S23. By pressurizing the inside of the extraction vessel 9 at once, for example, about 5 atm (4 atm in gauge pressure), the residue can be discharged more vigorously, and the water in the extraction vessel 9 rises, Water can be supplied to every corner inside 9 to improve the ability to clean the entire inside.

Further, the plug members 903 and 913 may be kept open without being closed after the process of S23 is completed.

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.

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

<Discharge treatment>
In the discharge process exemplified in FIG. 22, water injection and discharge of water and residue in S22 and S23 are performed only once, but may be performed multiple times. Thereby, the inside of the extraction container 9 can be kept more clean. FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing an example of discharge processing in place of the discharge processing of FIG.

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

It should be noted that the amount of water and the degree or timing of pressurization may be changed when repeating the processes of S22 and S23.

Also, the plug member 903 may be closed when pouring water in S22. In this case, water may be stored in the extraction container 9, the plug member 913 may be closed, and the extraction container 9 may be turned over once or multiple times. As a result, the cleaning effect inside the extraction container 9 can be improved. Note that when the water pouring process of S22 is performed a plurality of times as in the example of FIG. 25, such a reversing operation of the extraction container 9 may be performed in the water pouring process after the second time. This is because the amount of residue remaining in the extraction container 9 is large at the first time, and the scattering of the residue in the container is avoided.

<Re-cleaning process>
The extraction container 9 may be cleaned at a timing other than after the coffee liquid is extracted. For example, it can be done in a standby state. Alternatively, it can be performed when the user instructs from the operation unit 12 . Such a cleaning process of the brewing container 9 performed at a timing other than immediately after the coffee liquid is extracted is called a re-cleaning process. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of re-cleaning processing.

In S31, a water injection process is performed. This is the same processing as S22. In S32, the water poured in in S31 is drained. This is the same processing as S23. Thus, one unit of processing is completed.

It should be noted that the plug member 903 may be closed when pouring water in S31. 22 and 25, the plug member 903 may not be closed when pouring water, but may be closed when pouring water only in the re-cleaning process of FIG. 22 and 25, the plug member 903 is closed when water is injected, but the amount of water injected may be different between the discharge process and the re-cleaning process. Furthermore, the user may be able to instruct the amount of water to be injected from the operation unit 12 .

Further, the re-cleaning process is basically executed when the extraction container 9 is in the upright position, but it may be executed in the inverted position by inverting the extraction container 9 .

Moreover, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the coffee beverage was produced, the re-cleaning process using the hot water in the water tank 72 may be automatically performed. By performing this operation, it is possible to wash away the oil component of the coffee liquid that has cooled and hardened in the flow path.

<Third embodiment>
Another configuration example of the bean processing device 2 and the extraction device 3 will be described. In the following description, configurations that are the same as those of the first embodiment or configurations that have common functions are assigned the same reference numerals as those of the configurations in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted, and the description focuses on different configurations or functions. do.

As in the first embodiment, the extraction device 3 is arranged below the bean processing device 2 in this embodiment as well, and the basic structure is common. The bean processing device 2 includes a storage device 4 and a crushing device 5 . The pulverizing device 5 includes a grinder 5A for coarse grains, a grinder 5B for fine grains, and a separation device 6 for separating wastes from the ground beans therebetween.

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

The grinder 5B is provided with a nozzle-type delivery pipe 501 . Ground beans finely granulated by the grinder 5B are discharged through a delivery pipe 501. - 特許庁The delivery tube 501 is arranged so that its outlet is positioned just above the opening 90a of the container body 90 when the container body 90 is positioned at the bean loading position. The embodiment of FIG. 27 has the container body 90 in the extraction position and the outlet of the delivery tube 501 is located forward and slightly above the container body 90 .

In the case of this embodiment, the container body 90 in the extraction position is positioned laterally displaced from directly below the grinder 5B. Therefore, the delivery pipe 501 is curved to deliver ground beans to a position shifted from directly below the grinder 5B.

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

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

In this embodiment, the lower portion 62 of the collection container 60B includes an upper curved portion 62A and a lower collection portion 62B that separably engage. The curved portion 62A is a cylindrical body extending downward from the upper portion 61 and then bent forward.

The collecting portion 62B is a straight cylindrical body with a bottom without bending, and is fitted to the lower end of the curved portion 62A. For this reason, the recovery part 62B is attached obliquely downward from the rear to the front. Unnecessary matter D is collected in a portion of collection section 62B (accumulated on the bottom). When disposing of the unnecessary items D, the collection portion 62B is removed from the curved portion 62A. At this time, the collecting portion 62B can be pulled forward and downward, so that the user can easily remove the collecting portion 62B from the front of the device.

The upper part 61 of the collection container 60B preferably extends vertically for centrifugal separation. By providing the curved portion 62A, it is possible to achieve both centrifugal separation performance and ease of attaching and detaching the collection portion 62B.

The lower portion 62 of the collection container 60B may have a transparent portion through which the inside can be visually recognized from the outside. Alternatively, the curving portion 62A may be made of a non-permeable member, and only the collection portion 62B may be made of a permeable member. In either case, the user can visually confirm the accumulation amount of the unnecessary matter D. FIG.

<Chubu unit>
27, 29 and 30, the configuration of the central unit 8B, particularly the configuration for horizontally moving the container body 90, etc. will be described. 29 is a partial perspective view of the horizontal movement mechanism provided in the middle unit 8B, and FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view of the arm member 820. FIG.

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

A rack 820c is provided at each rear end of the pair of shaft members 820b. A pinion driven by a motor 823 (FIG. 17) meshes with the rack 820c, and the rotation of the pinion moves the arm member 820 forward and backward. The range of movement can be limited by the front and rear ends of the rack 820c interfering with other components (for example, the disk portion on the front side of the unit main body 81B', etc.). In this embodiment, the arm member 820 is horizontally moved by the rack-pinion mechanism, but other driving mechanisms such as a ball screw mechanism may be used.

The holding member 820a is fixed to the front ends of the pair of shaft members 820b. As in the first embodiment, the holding member 820a is an elastic member such as resin, and holds the container body 90 by its elastic force. The container 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.

The holding member 820a constitutes an annular frame integrally including a bottom portion BP, left and right side portions SP, an upper portion UP, and left and right locking portions EP. By forming the holding member 820a into an annular frame, it is possible to ensure a high strength as a whole while allowing elastic deformation thereof.

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

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

As described above, the holding member 820a of the present embodiment is configured so that the front side of the container body 90 can be easily viewed from the front when the container body 90 is held, and the user can easily check the operation of the container body 90. . Further, when the whole or part of the container main body 90 has a transparent portion, the inside of the container body 90 can be easily seen from the front, and the extraction state of the coffee liquid can be easily visually recognized.

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

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

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

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

The tubular portion 401 has a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and defines a space for accommodating roasted coffee beans. Both end portions of the cylindrical portion 401 constitute openings through which roasted coffee beans can enter and exit. The port at the end of the cylindrical portion 401 on the lid portion 402 side is a port through which the roasted coffee beans do not pass when the roasted coffee beans move from the canister 40 into the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (to the conveyor 41). , through which the roasted coffee beans pass when the lid portion 402 is opened and the roasted coffee beans are replenished.

In the case of this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 401 is made of a transparent member. As a result, the remaining amount of roasted coffee beans stored can be visually recognized from the outside. A scale SC is provided on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 401 so as to extend parallel to its axial direction. The scale SC is formed with graduations serving as a guideline for the remaining amount of roasted coffee beans. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 32, the scale SC also functions as a connecting portion that connects the ends of the plate-shaped material that forms the tubular portion 401 .

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

The lid portion 402 has a hemispherical shell shape and closes one end of the cylindrical portion 401 . A plurality of recesses are formed in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the lid portion 402 so that the user can easily turn the lid portion 402 by putting his/her fingers thereon.

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

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

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

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

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

A cylindrical portion 408b protruding downward is provided at the bottom of the outlet opening/closing portion 408, and a space 408b' inside the cylindrical portion 408b forms a recess in which the coil spring 407 is arranged. The fixing member 406 described above is assembled to the outlet forming portion 405 by inserting the cylindrical portion 408b. A coil spring 407 always urges the outlet opening/closing part 408 in a direction away from the outlet forming part 405 .

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

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

State ST11 shows a view of the outlet forming portion 405, the outlet opening/closing portion 408, and the like in a state where the canister 40 is not yet attached to the attachment portion 44, viewed from two directions. The pawl portion 406 a is engaged with the notch 408 d to restrict the rotation of the outlet opening/closing portion 408 with respect to the outlet forming portion 405 about the central axis of the cylindrical portion 401 . Outlet 405a is in a closed state. The force of the coil spring 407 biases the outlet forming portion 405 away from the outlet opening/closing portion 408 as indicated by the arrow. Thereby, the engagement between the notch 408d and the claw portion 406a is strongly maintained. In this manner, the notch 408d and the claw portion 406a function as a restricting mechanism that restricts the outlet opening/closing portion 408 from opening the outlet 405a when the canister 40 is not attached to the attachment portion 44. FIG.

State ST12 shows a view of the outlet forming portion 405, the outlet opening/closing portion 408, and the like in a state where the canister 40 is attached to the attachment portion 44, viewed from two directions. The mounting portion 44 is provided with a contact portion (a shutter portion 443 to be described later) that contacts the outlet opening/closing portion 408 , and when the canister 40 is mounted on the mounting portion 44 , the outlet is opened and closed against the bias of the coil spring 407 . The outlet opening/closing portion 408 is relatively displaced toward the outlet opening/closing portion 408 as indicated by the arrow.

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

FIG. 34 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the canister 40 mounted on the mounting portion 44, including its peripheral structure. The mounting portion 44 includes a cup-shaped body portion 441 into which the end of the canister 40 is inserted. The body portion 441 has an upwardly open front side, in which the end portion of the cylindrical portion 401 of the canister 40, the outlet forming portion 405, and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are accommodated, and the rear side thereof is formed in a lattice shape (rib shape). formed.

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

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

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

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

The shutter part 443 is attached to the rotating member 444 . The rotating member 444 operates and rotates the outlet opening/closing part 408 to open and close the outlet 405a. Rotating member 444 is connected to drive shaft 445 . The drive shaft 445 is arranged coaxially with the central axis of the canister 40 when the canister 40 is mounted, and is one of the elements that transmit the driving force of the motor 41 a to the rotating member 444 . The rotating member 444 is a cylindrical member that opens upward on the front side. A groove 444a is formed in the edge of the peripheral wall of the rotary member 444, and the protrusion 408c of the outlet opening/closing part 408 is engaged with the groove 444a. Due to this engagement, when the rotary member 444 is rotated, the outlet opening/closing portion 408 is also rotated to open and close the outlet 405a. FIG. 34 shows a state in which the outlet opening/closing unit 408 closes the outlet 405a.

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

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

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

A conveyer 41 is a conveying mechanism for conveying the roasted coffee beans from the canister 40 . In the case of this embodiment, the conveyor 41 is provided not on the canister 40 side but on the mounting portion 44 side. In other words, the conveyor 41 is provided so as to remain on the mounting section 44 side when the canister 40 is removed from the mounting section 44 . A configuration in which the canister 40 and the conveyor 41 are integrated can also be adopted, but by configuring them separately as in the present embodiment, the canister 40 can be simplified and reduced in weight.

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

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

An example of control of the processing unit 11a regarding attachment and detachment of the canister 40 will be described. When the user attaches the canister 40 to the attachment portion 44, this is detected by the sensor 441b. The processing unit 11a drives the motor 41a to open the shutter unit 443 and the exit opening/closing unit 408. FIG. The protrusion 408c engages with a stopper 441c provided on the inner peripheral wall of the main body 441 in the axial direction of the canister 40, so that the canister 40 does not come off from the mounting part 44 even if the user releases his/her hand. In other words, the protrusion 408c functions as a restricting portion that restricts removal of the canister 40 from the mounting portion 44 when the outlet opening/closing portion 408 opens the outlet 405a. As a result, it is possible to prevent the roasted coffee beans in the canister 40 from spilling out when the canister 40 is removed while the outlet 405a is left open.

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

When the coffee beverage is produced, the motor 41a is driven to rotate the screw shaft 47 and stop. As a result, the roasted coffee beans are transported to the collective transport path 42 . The amount of roasted coffee beans used for producing coffee beverages is automatically measured according to the amount of rotation of the screw shaft 47 . When it is desired to blend a plurality of roasted coffee beans to produce a coffee beverage in one coffee beverage production, the ratio of the amount conveyed to the aggregate conveying path 42 by the conveyor 41 is changed between the canisters 40. good too. As a result, ground beans in which a plurality of types of roasted coffee beans are blended can be supplied to the extraction container 9 .

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

<Canister and its detachable structure (second example)>
A second example of the canister 40 and the mounting portion 44 partially different from the first example of the canister 40 and the mounting portion 44 described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 34 will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 to 47 . Among the configurations of the second example, the configurations that are the same as those of the first example or the configurations that have the same functions are given the same reference numerals as those of the first example, and the description is omitted, and the different configurations or functions are mainly described. to explain.

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

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

FIG. 38 is a vertical cross-sectional view including the peripheral structure when the canister 40 is attached to the attachment portion 44. As shown in FIG. The structure of the second example is basically the same as that of the first example, but an elastic deformation portion 405d is formed on the peripheral wall of the outlet forming portion 405 at the periphery of the outlet 405a. The elastically deformable portion 405d is a portion formed by inserting a parallel slit from the peripheral edge of the outlet 405a to the peripheral wall of the outlet forming portion 405, and is configured to deform more easily than the surrounding portion. The function of the elastic deformation portion 405d will be described later.

The second example differs from the first example in the configuration related to rotation regulation and rotation allowance of the outlet opening/closing part 408 . This point will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40. FIG. State ST1 in FIG. 39 shows the case where the outlet opening/closing section 408 is in the rotation restricted state, and state ST22 in FIG. 39 shows the case in which the outlet opening/closing section 408 is in the rotation permitted state. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 39, and states ST21 and ST22 in FIG. 40 correspond to states ST21 and ST22 in FIG.

In the second example, the coil spring 407 of the outlet forming portion 405 and the claw portion 406a of the fixing member 406 in the first example are not provided. Only relative rotation is possible around this axis, rather than a configuration in which relative displacement is performed.

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

The slider 409 has a protrusion 409a that can be engaged with one of the recesses CT1 and CT2 formed on the scale SC. The slider 409 is slidable between a first position where the projection 409a engages with the recess CT1 and a second position where the projection 409a engages with the recess CT2. State ST21 and state ST22 indicate states in which the slider 409 is positioned at the first position, and state ST23 in FIG. 40 indicates a state in which the slider 409 is positioned at the second position. The slider 409 is basically located at the first position, and is manually slid to the second position when the roasted coffee beans are released from bites, which will be described later.

A cylindrical support portion SC' opened toward the outlet forming portion 405 is fixed to the end portion of the scale SC of the second example. The supporting portion SC' supports the coil spring 407 of the first example, the coil spring 407' instead of the claw portion 406a, and the movable member 406a'. A notch 408d' is formed at the edge of the outlet opening/closing part 408 instead of the notch 408d of the first example. As shown in state ST21, the movable member 406a' is engaged with the notch 408d', thereby restricting the rotation of the outlet opening/closing section 408 with respect to the outlet forming section 405 about the central axis of the cylindrical section 401. At this time, the outlet 405a is in a closed state. The coil spring 407' constantly urges the movable member 406a' toward the notch 408d'. Thereby, the engagement between the notch 408d' and the movable member 406a' is strongly maintained. Thus, the notch 408d' and the movable member 406a' function as a restricting mechanism that restricts the outlet opening/closing section 408 from opening the outlet 405a when the canister 40 is not attached to the attachment section 44.

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

An example of the control of the processing unit 11a regarding attachment and detachment of the canister 40 in the second example will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 38 to 41. FIG. When the canister 40 is attached to the attachment portion 44 by the user, the movable member 406a' comes into contact with the edge of the shutter portion 443, thereby releasing the engagement between the movable member 406a' and the notch 408d' ( state ST22).

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

When the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are opened, the protrusion 408c engages with a stopper 441c provided on the inner peripheral wall of the main body portion 441 in the axial direction of the canister 40. 40 does not come off from the mounting part 44. - 特許庁In other words, the protrusion 408c functions as a restricting portion that restricts removal of the canister 40 from the mounting portion 44 when the outlet opening/closing portion 408 opens the outlet 405a. As a result, it is possible to prevent the roasted coffee beans in the canister 40 from spilling out when the canister 40 is removed while the outlet 405a is left open.

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

When the coffee beverage is produced, the motor 41a is driven to rotate the screw shaft 47 and stop. As a result, the roasted coffee beans are transported to the collective transport path 42 . The amount of roasted coffee beans used for producing coffee beverages is automatically measured according to the amount of rotation of the screw shaft 47 .

A bean remaining amount detection sensor SR is provided at the base of the receiving portion 442 . The beans remaining amount detection sensor SR is, for example, a transmission type sensor (photointerrupter). After a predetermined number of times (for example, two cups) of coffee beverages have been produced since the absence of beans was detected at this position, it may be notified that the canister 40 is empty.

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

When the shutter portion 443 and the exit opening/closing portion 408 are closed, the engagement between the projection 408c and the stopper 441c is released, and the user can remove the canister 40 from the mounting portion 44. FIG. When the canister 40 is removed from the mounting portion 44, the movable member 406a' is again engaged with the notch 408d' by the force of the coil spring 407' (state ST21). As a result, the rotation of the outlet opening/closing portion 408 with respect to the outlet forming portion 405 about the central axis of the cylindrical portion 401 is restricted again, and the roasted coffee beans remaining in the canister 40 are prevented from accidentally spilling out from the outlet 405a. prevented.

<Countermeasures against biting>
When the shutter portion 443 and the outlet opening/closing portion 408 are returned from the open state to the closed state, the degree of exposure (opening area) of the outlet 405 a gradually narrows as it overlaps the peripheral wall of the outlet opening/closing portion 408 . Below the dashed line in FIG. 41, changes in the degree of exposure of the outlet 405a are shown in the process of returning the outlet opening/closing section 408 from the open state to the closed state.

The edge ED1 of the peripheral wall defining the outlet 405a of the outlet forming part 405 and the edge ED2 of the peripheral wall defining the opening part 408a of the outlet opening/closing part 408 are both swollen in directions facing each other, and The shape is such that the width of the outlet 405a is widened on the cylindrical portion 401 side. As a result, the roasted coffee beans positioned between the edge ED1 and the edge ED2 are easily pushed out toward the tubular portion 401, and the beans are less likely to be caught at a plurality of points. It should be noted that the edges ED1 and ED2 may be straight instead of bulging, and the outlet 405a may be widened on the cylindrical portion 401 side.

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 42 to 44, the cross-sectional shape of the edge of the exit forming portion 405, the exit opening/closing portion 408 and the shutter portion 443 has a wedge shape or a tapered shape. Since the contact area between the roasted coffee beans and the edge becomes small, it contributes to the prevention of their biting.

Further, as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 34 and 38, the volume of the space around the receiving portion 442 is larger on the front side than on the rear side. As a result, when the shutter part 443 and the outlet opening/closing part 408 are returned from the open state to the closed state, a larger space can be secured around the gradually narrowing outlet 405a, and roasted coffee beans can be prevented from being caught. By narrowing the rear side, it is possible to reduce the amount of roasted coffee beans remaining here, and when the conveyor 41 is driven in the state of FIG. ) can be reduced.

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

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

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

For example, when it is not confirmed that the shutter portion 443 and the exit opening/closing portion 408 have returned to the closed state within a predetermined time, the processing portion 11a notifies the user of the occurrence of the jamming. Biting of roasted coffee beans can often be eliminated by widening the outlet 405a a little. Therefore, the outlet forming portion 405 (cylindrical portion 401) is slightly rotated manually to widen the outlet 405a a little. However, when the canister 40 is attached to the attachment portion 44, the engagement between the protrusion 405b' and the groove 441a prevents the outlet forming portion 405 (cylindrical portion 401) from being manually rotated.

Therefore, the user manually slides the slider 409 to the second position as shown in state ST23 of FIG. As a result, the protrusion 405b' is separated from the groove 441a, and the engagement between the two is released. The exit forming part 405 (cylindrical part 401) can be manually rotated to eliminate the jamming. After that, the user manually returns the slider 409 to the first position and instructs the operation unit 12 to resume the operation to the closed state. The processing unit 11a drives the motor 41a to completely return the shutter unit 443 and the exit opening/closing unit 408 to the closed state.

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

In the example of FIG. 27, a receiving portion 42c separate from the receiving portion 442 is provided. The receiving portion 42 c is an opening formed in the front wall portion of the collective transport path 42 . The user can put the roasted coffee beans from the receiving portion 42c into the collective transport path 42 by hand or by using a funnel-shaped device. The roasted coffee beans that have been thrown in are supplied by their own weight from the discharge port 42b to the crusher 5, and the coffee beverage can be produced.

The receiving portion 42c can be used, for example, when special roasted coffee beans that are not contained in the canister 40 are used to produce a coffee beverage. The manufacturing process program used to manufacture such a special cup of coffee beverage may be selectable or may be a manufacturing process program that operates under manufacturing conditions set by the user.

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

In the case of this embodiment, the supply route RT1 (see also FIG. 34 in addition to FIG. 27) from the receiving portion 442 to the pulverizing device 5 (especially the coarse grain grinder 5A) rather than the receiving portion 42c to the pulverizing device 5 (especially the coarse grain grinder 5A). The supply route RT2 up to the grinder 5A) has a shorter route length. When the roasted coffee beans are thrown from the receiving part 42c, they generally drop directly into the discharge port 42b and are supplied to the crusher 5. This makes it possible to more reliably supply the entire amount of the roasted coffee beans that have been thrown in to the crushing device 5, thereby suppressing the waste of beans and the occurrence of weighing errors. The supply route RT2 is a route joined in the middle of the supply route RT1. The structure can be made simpler than a configuration in which completely independent paths are formed.

There is no conveyor 41 on the supply route RT2, so the roasted coffee beans input from the receiving portion 42c are not automatically weighed. For this reason, the user can freely measure and put in a desired amount of roasted coffee beans from the receiving portion 42c to produce a coffee beverage. Of course, it is also possible to provide a mechanism for automatically weighing the roasted coffee beans on the supply route RT2.

The collecting transport path 42 of the present embodiment has a front wall inclined forward and upward, and is arranged in an inclined posture as a whole. By tilting, it becomes easier to receive the roasted coffee beans in the receiving part 42 c , and the roasted coffee beans conveyed from the conveyor 41 can also be directed to the crushing device 5 .

Since the receiving portion 42c is an opening, it is also possible to visually inspect the state of the conveyor 41 through the receiving portion 42c. That is, the receiving portion 42c can also be used as an inspection window.

Another example of the collecting transport path 42 and the receiving portion 42c will be described below.

In the example of FIG. 48, two receiving portions 42c are provided. A plurality of receiving portions 42c may be provided in this way. One receiving portion 42c is provided with a lid 42d that can be opened and closed with a hinge 42e. When not in use, the receiving section 42 is closed with a lid 42d to prevent foreign matter from entering the collective transport path 42. - 特許庁The portion where the hinge 42e is provided may be any of the upper side, the lower side, the back side, and the front side of the lid 42d. The other receiving portion 42c is formed by a hopper-shaped tubular member 42f.

The pipe member 42f may be separable from the collective transport path 42 as shown in FIG. The opening 42g is a hole for mounting the pipe member 42f. The opening 42g can also be used as an inspection hole for visually inspecting the inside of the collecting transport path 42 and the conveyor 41. As shown in FIG. FIG. 49 also illustrates a lid 42d with left and right walls. Since the left and right walls are provided, it is difficult for the roasted coffee beans to spill to the side of the lid 42d when it is opened and the roasted coffee beans are thrown in. What can be visually recognized through the receiving portion 42c is not only the state of the conveyor 41, but also the state of the roasted coffee beans received from the receiving portion 442 and the state of the roasted coffee beans received from the receiving portion 442 entering the machine. Confirm the state of being sent out, the state in which the roasted coffee beans received from the receiving unit 442 are being sent out into the machine, or the state in which they are not sent out even though an operation to instruct them to be sent out is performed. be able to. Also, it is possible to visually observe the state in which the roasted coffee beans received from the receiving portion 442 flow downstream (for example, to the mill side). It may also be possible for the user to prevent the roasted coffee beans received from the receiving portion 442 from flowing downstream (eg, to the mill side) via the receiving portion 42c. The roasted coffee beans received from the receiving portion 42 c may be made invisible from the receiving portion 442 .

In the configuration example EX11 of FIG. 50, the discharge port 42b is located at a position shifted in the left-right direction with respect to the center line CL of the width of the receiving portion 42c or the collective transport path 42 in the left-right direction. In addition, the slopes of the bottom portion LB on the left side and the bottom portion RB on the right side of the collecting transport path 42 are different. The left and right asymmetrical shapes may prevent the roasted coffee beans from accumulating in a specific portion of the collective transport path 42 .

A configuration example EX12 in FIG. 50 shows an example in which a discharge port 42b is connected to the side of the grinding device 5 (particularly the coarse grain grinder 5A) to supply roasted coffee beans. Depending on the grinder configuration, feeding the roasted coffee beans from the side of the cutter may work more smoothly than feeding from the top. The position of the discharge port 42b may be the bottom of the collective transport path 42, the left and right sides, the front, or the rear.

The example of FIG. 51 shows an example in which a plurality of outlets 42b are provided and a distribution mechanism 42h for distributing roasted coffee beans to any one of the outlets 42b is provided in the collective transport path 42. FIG. The example shown in the figure is provided with two outlets 42b, one of which is connected to the crusher 5 and the other of which is connected to a waste box, for example. For example, when discarding the roasted coffee beans remaining on the conveyor 41, the roasted coffee beans introduced into the collective transport path 42 are distributed to the discharge port 42b on the disposal box side by the distribution mechanism 42h. Further, for example, the roasted coffee beans that have been put in through the receiving part 42c (not shown in FIG. 51) are distributed to the discharge port 42b on the crushing device 5 side.

FIGS. 52-54 illustrate an example of a housing 1a covering the storage device 4. FIG. A housing 1 a forms an exterior of the beverage production device 1 . 52 is a perspective view of the housing 1a with the canister 40 attached, FIG. 53 is a front view of the housing 1a, and FIG. 54 is a sectional view taken along line III--III of FIG.

The housing 1a can be opened and closed with respect to a main body housing (not shown) by means of a hinge portion 1c. The following description is for the case where the housing 1a is in the closed state. A power switch 1b is also arranged in the housing 1a.

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

As shown in FIG. 54, the collective transport path 42 is arranged behind the receiving part 42c, and the receiving part 42c communicates with the collective transport path 42. As shown in FIG. When the lid 42d is opened and the roasted coffee beans are thrown into the receiving portion 42c, the roasted coffee beans are guided to the aggregate conveying path 42 as indicated by the solid line arrow, and from the aggregate conveying path 42, a crushing device (not shown in the figure). 5 is discharged. The inner peripheral wall of the receiving portion 42c has a mortar shape that is inclined toward the front surface of the collective transport path 42, so that the introduced roasted coffee beans are smoothly guided to the collective transport path 42.

An input port 42a of the collective transport path 42 is formed in the rear wall of the collective transport path 42. As shown in FIG. Roasted coffee beans conveyed from the canister 40 via a conveyor 41 (not shown) are introduced into a collective conveying path 42 as indicated by a dashed arrow and discharged to a crusher 5 (not shown). When the lid 42d is opened, the conveyor 41 (not shown) inside can be seen through the receiving portion 42c, and can be inspected.

A magnet 42e' is arranged near the hinge 42e. A metal plate 42d' is provided at a portion of the lid portion 42d that abuts on the magnet 42e' when the lid portion 42d is opened, and the magnet 42e' attracts the metal plate 42d', thereby making it easier to maintain the open state of the lid portion 42d. ing. Further, a concave portion is formed in the tip portion of the lid portion 42d, so that the user can easily put his/her finger on the concave portion and operate the lid portion 42d.

<Fourth embodiment>
A configuration example of a housing that forms the exterior of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described.

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

A transparent portion 101 is formed on the front wall so that the inside of the housing 100 can be visually recognized from the outside. By providing the transmission part 101, the internal mechanism can be visually recognized from the front side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and the operation can be easily confirmed. Also, the purchaser of the coffee beverage can observe the manufacturing process of the coffee beverage. In the housing 100, portions other than the transmissive portion 101 are basically non-transmissive portions, but may include other transmissive portions.

The transmission part 101 can be formed with a through hole or a transparent member. By forming with a transparent member such as glass or acrylic resin, it is possible to suppress leakage of steam or the like in the housing 100 to the outside. The transparent member may be colorless and transparent or colored and transparent. A steam path for sending steam out of the housing 100 may be provided, and the steam path includes, for example, a steam inlet provided at a predetermined location in the housing, a steam outlet at the back of the beverage production apparatus 1, a steam inlet and steam. It may be composed of a steam pipe connecting the outlets, a steam sending fan for sending air or steam in a steam outlet or a steam path near the steam outlet to the outside of the beverage production apparatus 1 . The steam inlets are near the inlet and outlet of the grinder 5A, near the inlet and outlet of the grinder 5B, near the opening 90a of the extraction container 9 positioned at the bean charging position, near the opening 90a of the extraction container 9 positioned at the bean charging position, and the like. The transmission part 101 may be provided at any position or at a plurality of positions. , the steam escape part may have a positional relationship such that the extraction container 9 located at the bean input position is closer than the steam inlet, The steam escape part may have a positional relationship such that the extraction container 9 positioned at the extraction position is closer than the steam inlet, and the steam escape part may be a grinder (for example, at least one of the grinders 5A and 5B). The positional relationship may be such that the steam escape part is closer than the steam inlet, and the steam escape part may be positioned so that the extraction container 9 located at the bean throwing position is farther than the steam inlet. Alternatively, the steam escape portion may have a positional relationship such that the extraction container 9 positioned at the extraction position is farther than the steam inlet. and 5B) may be positioned farther than the steam inlet.

In the case of this embodiment, the transmissive portion 101 is formed of a plate-like transparent member and configured to be openable and closable by means of a hinge 102 . As a result, the internal mechanism can be accessed by opening the transparent portion 101, and maintenance thereof is also possible. FIG. 56 shows a state in which the transmissive portion 101 is opened.

A handle 103 is provided at the lower portion of the transmitting portion 101 . By gripping the handle 103 , the user can easily open and close the transmissive portion 101 . A stopper 105 a is provided at a position corresponding to the handle 103 at the lower edge of the opening 105 that is opened and closed by the transmission section 101 to regulate the rotation range of the transmission section 101 .

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

<Housing configuration example 2>
Another configuration example of the housing 100 will be described. FIG. 57 is a perspective view schematically showing the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 in which the internal mechanism is enclosed by the housing 100 of another structural example. With respect to the housing 100 of this configuration example 2, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations or configurations having the same functions as the housing 100 of FIGS.

The housing 100 includes an L-shaped main body 110 and a transmissive portion 101 surrounding an internal mechanism IM arranged on a stage 111 of the main body 110 . The transmitting portion 101 is formed of a shell-shaped transparent member, and its surface forms a curved surface from the front to the rear. The transmission part 101 extends over the front side, the left and right sides, and the upper side of the internal mechanism IM, and the internal mechanism IM can be visually recognized from the front, the side, and the upper side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 .

The permeable part 101 may become cloudy due to the heat and vapor of the internal mechanism IM. Therefore, a ventilating portion 112a is formed on the back plate 112 at the inner portion of the transmissive portion 101. As shown in FIG. The ventilation part 112a may be a hole communicating with the outside air, or may be a duct. In the case of this embodiment, a plurality of ventilation parts 112a are provided in the upper part and the lower part.

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

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

FIG. 58 shows the open/closed state of the transmitting portion 101. FIG. In the closed state shown on the upper side of the figure, it is possible to see from one side to the other side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 through the transparent portion 101, except for the portion of the internal mechanism IM. In configuration example 2, the hinge 102 is arranged at the upper part of the transmissive part 101 behind, and the opening direction of the transmissive part 101 is the upward direction. good too. Also, the opening/closing direction of the transmissive portion 101 may be the horizontal direction instead of the vertical direction. Also, a mechanism for maintaining the open state of the transparent portion 101 may be provided, and such a mechanism may be provided in the hinge 102, for example. A sensor for detecting opening/closing of the transmission section 101 may be provided, and control may be performed to stop the coffee beverage manufacturing operation when the opening operation of the transmission section 101 is detected. Further, a lock mechanism for regulating the opening and closing of the permeable portion 101 may be provided, and the lock mechanism may be operated to prohibit the opening of the permeable portion 101 during the coffee beverage manufacturing operation.

<Mechanism Enclosed in Housing and Visible Mechanism>
The mechanism enclosed by the housing 100 shown in configuration example 1 and configuration example 2 may be all or part of the bean processing device 2 and the extraction device 3 . At least a portion of the canister 40 may be located outside the housing 100 as in the first configuration example. Outlet 104 may be outside or inside housing 100 . Even if the ground beans delivered from the grinder 5A cannot be visually recognized from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101, and the ground beans delivered from the grinder 5B can be seen from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101. good.

The internal mechanism visible from the outside through the transmission part 101 includes all or part of the storage device 4, the pulverization device 5, and the extraction device 3. Adjacent mechanisms in the front-rear direction may be displaced left and right so that as many mechanisms as possible can be seen from the front side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 through the transparent portion 101 .

Further to the comminution device 5, the separation device 6 may be mentioned in whole or in part.

In the separation device 6, especially if all or part of the collection container 62B is visible from the outside through the transmission part 101, it is also possible to visually recognize unnecessary substances in the collection container 62B from the outside of the housing 100. is. It is also possible to visually recognize from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101 how the wastes in the collection container 62B are blown by the air blown by the air blowing unit 60A. In the case of the configuration example of FIG. 28 , only the portion on the front side of the dashed line L11 may be visible from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101 .

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

Further to the extraction device 3 , it may be possible for all or part of the extraction vessel 9 to be visible from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101 . All or part of the change in the posture of the extraction container 9 such as the reversing operation of the extraction container 9 and the horizontal movement of the extraction container 9 (container body 90 ) in the front-rear direction are transmitted from the outside of the housing 100 through the transmission part 101 . It may also be possible to visually recognize the The opening and closing of the first plug member (for example, 913) in the extraction container 9 may or may not be visible from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101 . The opening and closing of the second plug member (for example, 903) in the extraction container 9 may or may not be visible from the outside of the housing 100 through the transparent portion 101 . The opening and closing of the lid unit (for example, 91) in the extraction container 9 may or may not be visible from the outside of the housing 100 through the transmission portion 101. FIG.

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

<tag>
When different kinds of roasted coffee beans are stored in a plurality of canisters 40, it is necessary to manage which canister 40 of which roasted coffee bean is attached to which attachment portion 44.例文帳に追加As such, the canister 40 may be provided with a tag having information regarding the type of roasted coffee beans contained therein. FIG. 59 shows an example thereof.

A tag TG is provided on the cylindrical portion 401 of the canister 40 of FIG. The tag TG is, for example, an RFID tag or a tag with a barcode. The tag TG may be attached to the cylindrical portion 401 with an adhesive. The portion where the tag TG is provided is not limited to the cylindrical portion 401, and may be the lid portion 402 or the outlet opening/closing portion 408 as indicated by the dashed line. The tag TG may be provided at multiple parts of the canister 40 . Also, the tag TG may be provided on the containing bag 120 containing the roasted coffee beans before being contained in the canister 40 .

The beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 may include a reader for reading information on the tag TG, and may be configured so that the read information can be acquired by the processing section 11a. A reader may be provided for each mounting portion 44. In this case, the corresponding relationship between the canister 40 and the mounting portion 44 (the types of roasted coffee beans) can be determined from the correspondence between the reader that has read the information and the mounting portion 44. and the mounting portion 44) can be specified.

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

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

<Stocker>
As an accessory of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, a stocker for storing unused canisters 40 will be described. FIG. 60 is a schematic diagram of the stocker 130 which is an example thereof.

Stocker 130 includes a plurality of mounting portions 131a to 131c (collectively referred to as mounting portion 131) to which canisters 40 are mounted. In the example shown in the figure, three mounting portions 131c are provided, and unused canisters 40 are mounted on each of them. The stocker 130 includes display units 132a to 132c (generically referred to as display units 132) corresponding to the mounting units 131, respectively. The display portion 132a corresponds to the mounting portion 131a, and the display portion 132b corresponds to the mounting portion 131b. The display portion 132c corresponds to the mounting portion 131c. The display unit 132 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

The display portion 132 displays information about the roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40 attached to the corresponding attachment portion 131 . In the case of the example shown in the figure, the types of roasted coffee beans are displayed. For example, the display portion 132a on the left indicates that roasted coffee beans of type "A" are contained in the canister 40 attached to the corresponding attachment portion 131a. Information displayed on the display unit 132 may be obtained from the tag TG described above. Each mounting portion 131 may have a reader for reading the tag TG.

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

If the information on the roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40 is unregistered, the corresponding display section 132 may display information indicating that it is unregistered. For example, when no information is stored in the tag TG. In the EX22 of FIG. 61, the canister 40 is attached to the attachment portion 131c, but the information of the roasted coffee beans is not registered, and the display portion 132c displays a symbol indicating unregistered. By performing such a display, it is possible to prompt the user to register information.

The canister 130 may have a writer that writes information to the tag TG. When an empty canister 40 (or a canister 40 replenished with new beans) is attached to the stocker 130, the information of the roasted coffee beans stored in this canister 40 can be stored in the tag TG from the writer. By doing so, it is not necessary that the roasted coffee beans and the canister 40 are necessarily connected one-to-one. As for the information registration method, for example, the information may be transmitted to the stocker 130 from a portable terminal. Alternatively, a reader attached to the stocker 130 may read and register the tag TG of the roasted coffee bean storage bag 120 (FIG. 59).

<Sixth Embodiment>
The configuration of the grinder 5B of the third embodiment will be explained in detail. The configuration of the grinder 5B described below can also be applied to the grinder 5A.

FIG. 62 is an external view of the grinder 5B. FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram of the attachment/detachment mode of the grinder 5B, and schematically shows the structure of the grinder 5B. State ST31 in FIG. 63 indicates the attached state, and state ST32 indicates the separated state.

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

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

The body portion 53b is a unit that accommodates the cutter, and the housing that forms the outer shape of the body portion 53b is composed of a base portion 505a, a gear case portion 505b, and a blade case portion 505c. It is fixed by the member 505d. When the fastening member 505d is removed, they can be separated from each other, facilitating internal maintenance.

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

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

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

The delivery tube 501 is detachably attached to the body portion 53b. In this embodiment, the delivery tube 501 is provided with an engaging portion 501a, and the gear case portion 505b is provided with an engaging portion 505e that engages with the engaging portion 501a. As shown in state ST31 of FIG. 63, the engaging portion 501a is engaged with the engaging portion 505e from above to engage the two, and the engagement is released by pulling the engaging portion 501a upward. In the engaged state, the delivery pipe 501 communicates with an opening (outlet for ground beans) formed in the peripheral wall of the blade case portion 505c. Since the delivery tube 501 is detachable from the main body 53b, maintenance such as clogging elimination of the delivery tube 501, replacement, and cleaning of the main body 53b are facilitated. The shape of the opening of the delivery tube 501 does not have to be circular, and may be a square or a figure-eight shape with a recessed middle portion of the circle.

The base portion 505a and the motor base 502 are fixed to each other by fastening members 504 such as bolts. When the fastening member 504 is removed, the body portion 53b is separated from the motor base 502 and the motor 52b as shown in state ST32 of FIG. In other words, when the body portion 53b is removed, the motor base 502 and the motor 52b remain on the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 side (the pulverizing device 5 side). Since only the main body portion 53b can be removed, it becomes easy to clean the main body portion 53b, which is easily soiled by ground beans. Maintenance can be facilitated. In addition, since the motor base 502 and the motor 52b remain on the side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, there is no need to remove the electrical wiring or the like. Therefore, maintenance is facilitated.

In this embodiment, the motor base 502 is laid on the base portion 505a and fastened with the fastening member 504. Conversely, the base portion 505a is laid on the motor base 502. There may be. Further, when the body portion 53b is removed, the particle size adjustment mechanism 503 is also removed together with the body portion 53b. A configuration in which only the remaining portion remains on the side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (the side of the crushing device 5) is also possible. Also, the base portion 505a, the gear case portion 505b, and the blade case portion 505c may be separated from each other by separating the body portion 53b from the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 side. If you want to remove the base portion 505a from the gear case portion 505b and check and maintain the mechanism inside the main body portion 53b (eg, the gear 55b′, the rotating shaft 54b, etc.), the main body portion 53b can be replaced with the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (eg, , motor base 502, etc.). Further, the fastening member 504 that attaches the body portion 53b to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (for example, the motor base 502, etc.) is designed to be removed downward, so that the user can see the body portion 53b from above or diagonally above. Also, it is not possible to visually confirm whether or not the fastening member 504 is attached from the outside of the housing 100 through the transmission part 101, so that the user cannot easily remove the main body part 53b for maintenance. A maintenance person of the manufacturer who knows the position of the fastening member 504 can confirm whether or not the fastening member 504 is attached from the outside of the housing 100 via the transparent portion 101 from diagonally below. .

In the case of this embodiment, the gear case portion 505b and the blade case portion 505c are each provided with an engaging portion 506, which is configured to engage with the motor base 502. As shown in FIG. Two sets of engaging portions 506 are provided so as to be separated from each other to the left and right. FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram thereof. State ST41 in FIG. 64 indicates a state in which the body portion 53b is removed from the motor base 502, state ST42 indicates a state in which they are being engaged, and state ST43 indicates a state in which the engagement has been completed.

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

When attaching the body portion 53b to the motor base 502 as shown in FIG. 64, the engaging portion 506 is inserted into the engaging portion 502b in the longitudinal direction, and the body portion 53b is lifted. The rear end of the engaging portion 502b is formed with a tapered surface 502c having an upwardly widening slope, and the end of the engaging portion 506 abuts thereon. The tapered surface 502c acts to open the engaging portion 506 in the front-rear direction, and the elastic deformation force thereof assembles the main body portion 53b and the motor base 502 without backlash in the front-rear direction. The fastening member 504 is then attached to the body portion 53b and the motor base 502 to fasten them together. Due to the engagement between the engaging portion 506 and the engaging portion 502d, an elastic force acts to separate the main body portion 53b and the motor base 502 in the longitudinal direction, and the load in the vertical direction is transferred through the engaging portion 506 and the engaging portion 502d. It is possible to make the motor base 502 bear the load. Therefore, the body portion 53b is less likely to fall off the motor base 502, and the fixing load of the fastening member 504 can be reduced. Note that the taper may be provided at the engaging portion 506 .

FIG. 65 shows a modification of the example of FIG. In this modified example, the upper and lower positions of the engaging portion 506 and the engaging portion 502b are reversed, and other configurations are the same. When the body portion 53b is attached to the motor base 502, instead of lifting the body portion 53b as in the example of FIG. become. The taper surface 502c acts to open the engaging portion 506 in the front-rear direction, and the elastic deformation force of the taper surface 502c assembles the main body portion 53b and the motor base 502 in the front-rear direction without backlash, as in the example of FIG. . A state ST51 indicates a state in which the body portion 53b is removed from the motor base 502, a state ST52 indicates a state in which they are being engaged, and a state ST53 indicates a state in which the engagement has been completed.

Note that, in this example, the tapered surface 502c is not essential in terms of causing the motor base 502 to bear the load in the vertical direction, and a configuration without the tapered surface 502c can also be adopted. Further, in this example, by setting the length of the engaging portion 502b in the height direction longer than that of the engaging portion 506 (for example, twice or more), the main body portion 53b is allowed to move under its own weight as indicated by the arrow 507 in the state ST53 of FIG. It is also possible to prevent it from coming off while rotating like this.

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

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

In the extraction container 9 of the present embodiment, a guide portion 911e and a guide portion 90g are provided on the collar portion 911c and the flange portion 90c, respectively. When the lid unit 91 closes the opening 90a, one of the guide portions 911e and 90g guides the other to automatically center the container body 90 and the lid unit 91. As shown in FIG.

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

FIG. 67 illustrates a case where the lid unit 91 closes the opening 90a after being separated from the opening 90a. In the case of the example of FIG. 4, the lid unit 91 is slightly deviated from the center line CLc of the container body 90 . The center of the lid unit 91 is the axial center of the shaft 913a.

As shown in FIG. 67, when the lid unit 91 is displaced from the center line CLc of the container body 90, when the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c are superimposed, the guide portion 90g is inclined on the radially inner side of the guide portion 911e. At least one of them is slightly displaced in the horizontal direction so that the center of the lid unit 91 is aligned with the center line CLc of the container body 90 by its guidance. As a result, the container body 90 and the lid unit 91 are automatically centered.

In the present embodiment, the grooves are used as the guide portions 911e and the ribs are used as the guide portions 90g, but the relationship may be reversed. Also, the shapes of the guide portion 911e and the guide portion 90g can be appropriately selected.

In the case of this embodiment, the gripping member 821a has a rectangular cross-sectional shape as in the example of FIG. parallel. In the locked state, the upper inner surface US contacts a portion (contact surface) 911c' of the upper surface of the flange portion 911c, and the lower inner surface LS contacts a portion (contact surface) 90c' of the lower surface of the flange portion 911c. In the locked state, in this embodiment, the upper inner surface US, the lower inner surface LS, the contact surface 911c', and the contact surface 90c' are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the center line CLc. When the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized, a force acts on the lid unit 91 and the container body 90 to separate them in the vertical direction (more precisely, in the direction of the center line CLc). Since the upper inner surface US, the lower inner surface LS, the contact surface 911c', and the contact surface 90c' are parallel to each other, a force component in the direction of opening the pair of gripping members 821a to the left and right acts as a force component of the separating force. and the locked state can be maintained more reliably.

<Eighth embodiment>
A liquid feeding amount adjusting device that replaces the water tank 72 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 68 is a schematic diagram of a liquid feeding amount adjusting device 720 of this embodiment, and FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 68 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. 1), 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. 1) for detecting the atmospheric pressure in the reservoir 725, and the solenoid valve 72f is a pressure regulating valve 72e (see FIG. 1). 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 3 atm except when tap water is 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 tap 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, the solenoid valve 72h releases the reservoir 725 to the atmosphere when the pressure in the reservoir 725 exceeds 3 atmospheres except when tap water is supplied to the reservoir 725, and maintains the reservoir 725 at 3 atmospheres. .

A pipe L2 for supplying tap 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. 68, the pipe 728b and the pipe 728c are communicated, and the pipe 728b and the pipe 728a are blocked. 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 driving 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.

Next, an operation example of the liquid feeding amount adjusting device 720 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the volume of the reservoir 726 is adjusted by the drive unit 727 according to the cup size and the like. State ST61 shows this situation. In the example of FIG. 69, the movable member 727c is lowered, and the volume of the reservoir 726 is set to a smaller volume than in the example of FIG. The solenoid valve 728 communicates the pipes 728b and 728c, and hot water is not supplied from the reservoir 725 to the reservoir 726.

When the volume of the reservoir 726 is set, the drive unit 727 is stopped, and the electromagnetic valve 728 allows the pipes 728b and 728a to communicate with each other. Reservoir 725 and reservoir 726 have the same air pressure, and reservoir 726 is on the bottom side of tank 720a. Therefore, hot water is supplied from storage section 725 to storage section 726 due to the head pressure of hot water in storage section 725 . In the case of this embodiment, since it is formed at a position lower than the lowest water level of the hot water in the reservoir 725 (the position of the sensor 731a), there is always a water head difference between the reservoir 725 and the reservoir 726 (storage part 725 hot water is more expensive). Therefore, hot water is supplied from storage section 725 to storage section 726 until storage section 726 is full. State ST62 indicates a state in which storage section 726 is full. The hot water also enters the groove 727c, but the groove 727c has a volume sufficient to ensure air communication, and the amount can be extremely small.

In the case of this embodiment, the storage portion 726 is not provided with the heater 72a, but the storage portion 726 is surrounded by the storage portion 725, so that the heat retention performance of the stored hot water can be ensured. It should be noted that the volume of storage section 726 may be changed by drive unit 727 in state ST62.

Other methods are also possible for supplying hot water from the storage section 725 to the storage section 726, but in this embodiment, hot water is supplied with a relatively simple configuration by utilizing the head difference between the storage section 725 and the storage section 726. can be supplied.

Next, the hot water stored in the storage part 726 is delivered. As shown in state ST63, by connecting the pipes 728b and 728c with the solenoid valve 728, hot water can be delivered from the pipe 728c to the extraction container 9 by its own weight or the pressure of the reservoir 726. After the hot water delivery is started, the hot water in the storage section 726 can be delivered step by step by shutting off the operation state of the solenoid valve 728 between any of the pipes. For example, for the steaming step (S11 in FIG. 21), it is possible to interrupt the delivery of hot water and then perform the step of delivering the remaining hot water (S12 in FIG. 21).

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

As described above, in this embodiment, the amount of hot water delivered can be adjusted. In general, control of opening and closing a valve based on the detection result of a flow rate sensor is used to adjust the delivery amount of the liquid. However, in the case of high-temperature liquids or special liquids, there are cases where compatible flow sensors are not available on the market or are expensive. In this embodiment, by adopting a method of adjusting the volume of the reservoir 726, the amount of hot water delivered can be adjusted without requiring a flow rate sensor.

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

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

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

Next, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the reservoir 729 is supported between the top wall 723 and the bottom wall 724 of the tank 720a. FIG. 73 shows one such example. In the example shown in the figure, a tubular member forming storage portion 729 is supported between top wall 723 and bottom wall 724, and peripheral wall 721 defining storage portion 725 is also supported between top wall 723 and bottom wall. 724. Communicating portions 729a and 729b are formed in the bottom wall 724 and the upper wall 723, respectively. A gasket 729 c is provided between the reservoir 729 and the top wall 723 and bottom wall 724 .

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

When the storage portion 729 is formed of a glass tube or the like, instead of the gasket 729c, the storage portion 729 is formed as shown in the configuration example EX32 in order to prevent the action of the load at the boundary portion between the upper wall 723 and the bottom wall 724. A cover 729d may be provided to cover the upper and lower ends of the . The cover 729d may be made of silicon, for example. In addition, when the storing portion 729 is made of a glass tube or the like, a mesh sheet may be attached to the peripheral surface thereof in order to prevent scattering at the time of breakage, and the glass tube may be reinforced with a material such as polycarbonate. good too.

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

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

The switching unit 10 includes a communicating portion 10d connected to the communicating portion 810a of the operation unit 81C. The coffee beverage, tap water, and residue of ground beans in the container main body 90 are introduced into the switching unit 10 via the communicating portion 810a. The switching valve 10a switches the delivery destination of the coffee beverage or the like introduced into the switching unit 10 to the decompression unit 600 or the pipe 10f. When the coffee beverage is poured into the cup C, the destination of the switching valve 10a is the decompression unit 100, and when the coffee beverage, residue, or the like is discarded, the destination is the pipe 10f.

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

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

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

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

The introduction pipe 604 is a cylindrical pipe extending in the front-rear direction, one end 604a of which is connected to the switching valve 10a, and the other end of which is an introduction port 604b that opens into the space 600a for introducing the coffee beverage into the space 600a. constitutes The introduction port 604b is formed at a position higher than the delivery port 605, so that the coffee beverage can easily flow to the delivery port 605 due to its own weight. In addition, the introduction port 604b is formed closer to the delivery port 605 than the communication hole 606 in a plan view (horizontal position).

The decompression unit 600 has a monaka structure in which an upper case 601 constituting its upper half and a lower case 602 constituting its lower half are vertically coupled to form a space 600a.

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

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

A communication hole 606 is formed in the wall of the decompression unit 600 to communicate the space 600a with the atmosphere. When the coffee beverage is introduced into the space 600a in a pressurized state, the air in the space 600a is discharged from the communication hole 606 to the atmosphere. This allows the coffee beverage to be decompressed. In the case of this embodiment, the communication hole 606 is formed in the upper wall portion 600b forming the top portion of the decompression portion 600 so that the introduction port 604b is positioned lower than the communication hole 606 . By forming the communication hole 606 at a high position in the space 600a, it is possible to suppress the coffee beverage from leaking out from the communication hole 606.

The space 600a of this embodiment is a space elongated in the left-right direction, and an introduction port 604b is formed at one end (left end) 600c in the longitudinal direction. 600d (right end), and in the case of the present embodiment, it is formed in an intermediate portion between one end 600c and the other end 600d. When the coffee beverage introduced from the introduction port 604b has a strong momentum, it passes through the delivery port 605, flows to the other end 600d side, and then returns to the delivery port 605, so that the momentum of the coffee beverage is effective. can be weakened to

In addition, since the introduction port 604b and the delivery port 605 are formed at positions offset in the horizontal direction, it is possible to secure a longer section for the coffee beverage to flow through the space 600a, thereby reducing the momentum. can.

The communication hole 606 is formed in a portion closer to the introduction port 604b than the delivery port 605 in the horizontal direction. With such an arrangement, it is possible to prevent the coffee beverage from leaking from the communication hole 606 due to the force of the coffee beverage flowing from the introduction port 604 d to the delivery port 605 . Also, the gas mixed in the coffee beverage can easily escape from the communication hole 606 at an early stage, and can be prevented from blowing out from the delivery port 605 . Note that the number and positions of the communication holes 606 are not limited to this, and a plurality of communication holes 606 may be provided, and it is also possible to form the communication holes 606 in different locations.

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

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

A cutout 614a having a C-shaped cross section is formed in the peripheral surface 614 so as to extend the flow path in the introduction pipe 604 in the front-rear direction, and the end of the cutout 614a faces the introduction port 604a. A wall surface 614b is formed. When the force of the coffee beverage introduced from the introduction port 604b is strong, the force can be weakened by colliding with the wall surface 614b.

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

The walls 621 and 622 are connected to each other at their ends, and as a whole form a pillar with an L-shaped cross section. Wall bodies 621 and 622 extend to a position facing communication hole 606 , and communication hole 606 is surrounded by wall bodies 621 and 622 in plan view of decompression unit 600 . In other words, the wall 621 is positioned forward of the communication hole 606 and the wall 622 is positioned right of the communication hole 606 .

Such walls 621 and 622 serve as baffle plates that prevent the coffee beverage in the space 600 a from flowing toward the communication hole 606 , and can prevent the coffee beverage from leaking from the communication hole 606 . The walls 621 and 622 extend to a position higher than the introduction port 604b and reach a position with a slight gap from the upper wall 600b. In this embodiment, this gap is smaller than the diameter of inlet 604b. Also, the height from the introduction port 604b to the upper ends of the walls 621 and 622 is longer than the diameter of the introduction port 604b.

With such a configuration, even when a large amount of coffee beverage is flowed in, it is difficult for it to blow out from the communication hole 606 . When the pressure of the coffee beverage flowing into the decompression unit 600 is high, there is a possibility that the space 600ahe is sprayed out in the form of mist from the introduction port 604b. , making it difficult for the soaring drops to come out of the container.

In the case of this embodiment, the introduction port 604b opens in the wall 621. As shown in FIG. The coffee beverage that has flowed into the space 600a from the inlet 604b is prevented from moving backward by the wall 621, and the coffee beverage that has the strongest momentum can be prevented from heading toward the communication hole 606 immediately after the inflow. Enlarging the diameter of the inlet 604d is effective in reducing the momentum of the inflowing coffee beverage, and is, for example, 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

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

The bulging portion 602b has an L shape, and an imaginary line 633 connecting the inlet 604b formed in the wall 621 and the outlet 605 crosses the flange portion 602a. An upper case (not shown) is provided with a bulging portion having a shape corresponding to the bulging portion 602b. In other words, the configuration is such that the coffee beverage flows from the introduction port 604b to the delivery port 605 while being detoured in an L-shape. This can help reduce the momentum of the coffee beverage and separate the air.

The bottom surfaces 630, 631, and 632 are inclined downward in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. This allows the coffee beverage to flow smoothly from the introduction port 604b to the delivery port 605 under its own weight.

A gap 621a with the peripheral surface is formed at the right end of the wall 621 so that even if the coffee beverage enters the space 621b on the back side of the wall 621, it does not accumulate there and escapes through the gap 621a. I have to.

FIG. 78(A) shows a plan view of another lower case 602, and FIG. 78(B) is a sectional view of a decompression unit 600 using the lower case 602 of FIG. 78(A). A) is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII.

In this example, the decompression part 600 is elongated in the front-rear direction. The wall 621 is provided not on the lower case 602 but on the upper case 601 . In plan view, the introduction port 605b is positioned on a straight line from one end 604a of the introduction pipe 604 to the delivery port 605, and the wall 621 is inclined with respect to this straight line.

The bottom surface 641 is slanted in one direction downward from the rear to the front, and has a structure in which the coffee beverage is less likely to accumulate at the peripheral edge of the space 600a. Comparing the height from the introduction port 604b to the communication hole 606 with the height from the delivery port 605 to the introduction port 604b, the former height is higher.

The bottom surface 641 is slanted in one direction downward from the rear to the front, and has a structure in which the coffee beverage is less likely to accumulate at the peripheral edge of the space 600a. Comparing the height from the introduction port 604b to the communication hole 606 with the height from the delivery port 605 to the introduction port 604b, the former height is higher. Also, the communication hole 606 may be provided above the delivery port 605 . By doing so, the distance from the introduction port 604b to the communication hole 606 is increased, and the distance from the delivery port 605 is also increased, thereby facilitating the separation of the air and the coffee beverage.

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

<Summary of embodiment>
The above embodiments disclose at least the following devices or methods.

A1. A separation device (for example 6) for separating waste from ground roasted coffee beans,
a forming unit (e.g. 6B) forming a separation chamber (e.g. SC) through which the ground beans pass;
a suction unit (e.g., 6A) that communicates with the separation chamber in a direction that intersects the passing direction of the ground beans and sucks air in the separation chamber;
The forming unit comprises:
The ground bean input port (for example, 65a, 65a') in communication with the separation chamber;
a discharge port (e.g., 66) for the ground beans in communication with the separation chamber;
air is sucked into the separation chamber from the outlet by the suction of the suction unit;
A separation device characterized by:

A2. The opening area of the outlet (for example, SC2) is larger than the opening area of the inlet (for example, SC1');
A separation device characterized by:

A3. The forming unit comprises a tubular portion (e.g. 65),
One end opening of the tubular portion (eg 65a) forms the inlet,
The other end opening (eg 65b) of the cylindrical portion faces the separation chamber,
The opening area of the outlet is larger than the opening area of the other end opening,
A separation device characterized by:

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

A5. The cylindrical portion extends vertically,
At least a portion of the lower end of the cylindrical portion on the suction unit side protrudes downward from at least a portion of the lower end on the opposite side (for example, FIG. 9, EX3),
A separation device characterized by:

A6. Air is sucked into the separation chamber from the inlet by the suction of the suction unit.
A separation device characterized by:

A7. The cylindrical portion extends vertically,
The other end opening fits within an area extending vertically from the outlet (for example, FIG. 8),
A separation device characterized by:

A8. The one end opening, the other end opening and the discharge port are all circular and arranged on the same center line (e.g. CL) (e.g. FIG. 8),
A separation device characterized by:

A9. The forming unit comprises:
a pipe portion (eg, 63) extending in a direction intersecting the same center line and forming a communication passage with the suction unit;
a separation chamber forming portion (e.g., 64) connected to the pipe portion and forming the separation chamber;
The separation chamber forming part has an annular shape centered on the same center line (for example, FIG. 8),
A separation device characterized by:

A10. A turbulence promoting portion (e.g., 67) is formed on the peripheral wall of the outlet to generate turbulence in the air sucked into the separation chamber from the outlet.
A separation device characterized by:

A11. The turbulence-promoting section includes a plurality of turbulence-promoting elements (e.g., 67a),
A separation device characterized by:

A12. The plurality of turbulence promoting elements are repeatedly formed in a circumferential direction of the outlet,
A separation device characterized by:

A13. the plurality of turbulence-enhancing elements are a plurality of protrusions, a plurality of notches, or a plurality of holes;
A separation device characterized by:

A14. The cylindrical portion protrudes into the separation chamber,
the one end opening of the cylindrical portion is positioned outside the separation chamber;
The other end opening of the cylindrical portion is located within the separation chamber,
A separation device characterized by:

A15. A first grinder (for example, 5A) for coarsely grinding roasted coffee beans;
the separation device for separating unnecessary matter from the ground beans discharged from the first grinder;
A second grinder (for example, 5B) that finely grinds the ground beans discharged from the separation device,
A comminuting device (eg 5), characterized in that:

A16. the crushing device;
An extraction device (for example, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from the ground beans discharged from the grinding device,
A beverage production device (eg 1) characterized by:

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

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

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

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

B5. the liquid supplied to the extraction vessel is a heated liquid and is pumped into the extraction vessel at a third atmospheric pressure at which the liquid does not boil;
the third atmospheric pressure is lower than the first atmospheric pressure and higher than the second atmospheric pressure;
An extraction method characterized by:

B6. Before the decompression step, a steaming step (for example, S11) of steaming the ground beans with the liquid supplied to the extraction container,
In the steaming step, the pressure inside the extraction container is maintained at the third pressure.
An extraction method characterized by:

B7. A step of extracting coffee by immersion in the extraction vessel before the pressure reduction step (e.g. S14),
An extraction method characterized by:

B8. An extraction device (for example, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground roasted coffee beans,
an extraction vessel (e.g. 9);
a supply unit (e.g. 7) supplying liquid and pneumatic pressure to said extraction vessel;
a control unit (e.g. 11) for controlling said supply unit;
The control unit is
performing pressure reduction control to switch the inside of the extraction container containing the ground beans and the liquid from a first atmospheric pressure to a second atmospheric pressure lower than the first atmospheric pressure (for example, S15),
the first atmospheric pressure is an atmospheric pressure at which the liquid at a predetermined temperature does not boil;
The second atmospheric pressure is the atmospheric pressure at which the liquid that did not boil at the first atmospheric pressure boils,
the switching from the first atmospheric pressure to the second atmospheric pressure is performed by releasing the atmospheric pressure within the extraction vessel;
An extraction device characterized by:

C1. An extraction device (for example, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground roasted coffee beans,
a brewing vessel (e.g. 9) comprising a neck (e.g. 90b) having an opening (e.g. 90a) and a body (e.g. 90e) containing the ground beans and liquid;
a filter (e.g., 910) positioned in the opening of the neck to regulate leakage of the ground beans;
a driving unit (e.g., 8B) that changes the orientation of the extraction container from a first orientation in which the neck portion is on the upper side to a second orientation in which the neck portion is on the lower side;
An extraction device characterized by:

C2. the extraction vessel includes a lid unit (e.g. 91) containing the filter;
The lid unit is
When the ground beans are put into the extraction container (for example, S2), the opening is opened,
covering the opening (e.g. S3) when brewing coffee liquid in the brewing vessel;
An extraction device characterized by:

C3. In the first posture, the ground beans are deposited on the body,
In the second posture, the ground beans accumulate on the neck,
The extraction container is formed so that the thickness of the ground beans is thicker in the second posture than in the first posture,
An extraction device characterized by:

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

C5. the extraction vessel has a shoulder (e.g., 90d) between the body and the neck;
The cross-sectional area of the internal space of the shoulder portion gradually decreases toward the neck portion,
An extraction device characterized by:

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

C7. the first posture is maintained for at least a predetermined immersion time (e.g. S14);
An extraction device characterized by:

C8. the second posture is maintained for at least a predetermined transmission time (e.g. S17);
An extraction device characterized by:

C9. An extraction method for extracting coffee liquid from ground roasted coffee beans,
a immersion step (for example, S14) of immersing the ground beans deposited in the extraction container in the first mode in a liquid in the extraction container in the first posture;
a reversing step (for example, S16) of reversing the posture of the extraction container from the first posture to the second posture and depositing the ground beans in the second mode;
a permeation step (for example, S17) of delivering the liquid from the extraction container in the second posture,
The second aspect is an aspect in which the ground beans are thicker than the first aspect,
In the permeation step, the liquid is delivered through the ground beans that have accumulated in the second aspect.
An extraction method characterized by:

C10. the extraction vessel includes a thick portion (e.g. 90e) and a thin portion (e.g. 90b);
In the first posture, the ground beans are deposited on the thick portion,
In the second posture, the ground beans are deposited on the narrow portion.
An extraction method characterized by:

D1. a separation device (e.g. 6) for separating wastes from the grounds of roasted coffee beans;
A beverage production device (for example 1) comprising an extraction device (for example 3) for extracting coffee liquid from the ground beans from which the unnecessary matter has been separated by the separation device,
A housing (e.g., 100) that forms an exterior of the beverage production apparatus,
the housing includes a first transmissive portion (e.g., 101) that allows at least a portion of the separation device to be visible from the outside;
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

D2. A beverage production device (e.g. 1) comprising an extraction device (e.g. 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground roasted coffee beans,
A housing (e.g., 100) that forms an exterior of the beverage production apparatus,
The extraction device includes an extraction container (e.g., 9) that contains the ground beans and liquid and extracts coffee liquid, and a drive unit (e.g., 8B) that moves the extraction container when extracting coffee liquid,
the housing includes a first transmissive portion (e.g., 101) that allows at least a portion of the extraction vessel to be visible from the outside;
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

D3. The separation device includes a collection container (for example, 60B) in which the unnecessary matter is stored,
The collection container includes a second transmissive portion (e.g., 62) that allows the stored unwanted matter to be visible from the outside,
The unnecessary matter stored in the collection container can be visually recognized from the outside through the first transmission part and the second transmission part,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

D4. The separation device includes a blower unit (e.g., 60A) that exhausts the air in the collection container,
The air blowing unit and the collection container constitute a centrifugal separation device that collects the unnecessary matter in a part of the collection container.
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

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

D6. A first grinder (for example, 5A) for coarsely grinding roasted coffee beans;
A second grinder (for example, 5B) that finely grinds roasted coffee beans,
The separation device separates the unnecessary matter from the ground beans discharged from the first grinder,
The second grinder finely grinds the ground beans from which the unnecessary matter has been separated by the separation device,
In the second grinder, at least part of the second grinder is visible through the first transmission part,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

D7. The first transmission part is configured to be freely openable (for example, FIGS. 56 and 58),
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

D8. The first transmission part has a shape that allows the inside of the beverage manufacturing device to be viewed at least from the front and sides of the beverage manufacturing device (for example, FIG. 58),
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

D9. The first transmission part includes a curved surface (for example, FIG. 58),
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

D10. By driving the drive unit, the posture of the brewing container changes when the coffee liquid is brewed,
A change in the posture of the extraction container can be visually recognized through the first transmission part;
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

E1. A beverage manufacturing apparatus (for example, 1) for manufacturing a beverage made from roasted coffee beans,
a bean container (e.g. 40) containing roasted coffee beans;
a mounting portion (for example, 44) to which the bean container is mounted;
a first receiving portion (e.g., 442) for receiving the roasted coffee beans;
a second receiving portion (e.g., 42c) for receiving the roasted coffee beans;
The first receiving part receives the roasted coffee beans from the bean container mounted on the mounting part,
The second receiving portion is an opening formed at a location different from the mounting portion,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

E2. A delivery unit (e.g., 41) for automatically delivering a predetermined amount of roasted coffee beans received in the first receiving unit to the downstream side,
The roasted coffee beans received in the second receiving unit can be used for manufacturing a beverage without being automatically delivered by the delivery unit.
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

E3. A grinder (e.g. 5A) for grinding roasted coffee beans is further provided,
The roasted coffee beans received by the first receiving unit or the second receiving unit are supplied to the grinder,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

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

E5. a first supply route (for example, RT1) through which the roasted coffee beans received in the first receiving unit pass;
A second supply route (for example, RT2) through which the roasted coffee beans received in the second receiving unit pass,
The second supply route merges with the first supply route,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

E6. The delivery unit is a screw conveyor, and is a unit that delivers a predetermined amount of the roasted coffee beans according to the amount of rotation of the screw shaft (e.g., 47).
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

E7. the delivery unit is visible through the opening (e.g. 42c);
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

E8. The bean container comprises an outlet (e.g., 405a) for roasted coffee beans to the first receiving portion and a lid mechanism (e.g., 408) for opening and closing the outlet,
The beverage production apparatus includes a drive mechanism (for example, 41a, 444, 445c) that automatically opens the outlet from a closed state to an open state after the bean container is mounted on the mounting portion by operating the lid mechanism.
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

E9. The drive mechanism is capable of operating the lid mechanism to automatically close the outlet from an open state to a closed state.
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

F1. An extraction device (for example, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground roasted coffee beans,
a container (e.g., 90) in which the ground beans and liquid are contained and coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans;
The container is placed at a ground bean supply position (for example, the bean input position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 9) for supplying the ground beans to the container, and a liquid supply position for supplying liquid to the container (for example, the extraction position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9). and a drive unit (e.g. 8B) that moves to
An extraction device characterized by:

F2. a housing (e.g., 100) forming an exterior of the extraction device;
The housing includes a transparent portion (e.g., 101) that allows the movement of the container to be visible from the outside,
An extraction device characterized by:

F3. The drive unit reciprocates the container between the ground bean supply position and the liquid supply position (e.g., FIG. 9);
An extraction device characterized by:

F4. the drive unit horizontally translates the container (e.g., FIG. 9);
An extraction device characterized by:

F5. the drive unit includes a support member (e.g., 820) that supports the container;
An extraction device characterized by:

F6. The support member is
a holding member (e.g., 820a) that holds the container;
a shaft member (e.g., 820b) coupled to the holding member and extending in the direction of movement of the container;
When the moving direction of the container is the front-back direction of the container, the holding member extends over the left and right sides and the bottom of the container (for example, FIGS. 29 and 30),
the shaft member is connected to the retaining member on each side of the container;
the shaft member is moved in the direction of movement;
An extraction device characterized by:

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

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

F9. When the movement direction of the container is the front-to-back direction of the container, the front of the container is visible through the transmission part, and the liquid supply position is on the back side of the ground bean supply position. is the position of (e.g. Fig. 9),
An extraction device characterized by:

F10. a lid unit (e.g., 91) detachably attached to the opening (e.g., 90a) of the container at the liquid supply position;
The lid unit includes a hole (e.g., 911a) that communicates the inside of the container with the outside,
The liquid is supplied into the container through the hole with the lid unit attached to the opening at the liquid supply position.
An extraction device characterized by:

F11. With the lid unit separated from the opening at the liquid supply position, the container moves to the ground bean supply position, and the ground beans are supplied into the container through the opening.
An extraction device characterized by:

F12. The drive unit includes a mechanism for reversing the container and the lid unit between a first posture in which the lid unit is positioned on the upper side and a second posture in which the lid unit is positioned on the lower side at the liquid supply position, and a mechanism for opening the hole. including a plug member (e.g. 913) that opens and closes,
liquid is supplied into the container in the first posture;
in the second position the plug member opens the hole through which the coffee beverage is delivered from the container;
An extraction device characterized by:

G1. An extraction device (for example, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground roasted coffee beans,
an extraction container (for example, 9) containing the ground beans and liquid and extracting coffee liquid from the ground beans;
a supply unit (e.g. 7) for supplying liquid to the extraction vessel,
The extraction vessel is
a first hole (e.g., 911a) through which the coffee beverage in the brewing vessel is delivered;
a second hole (e.g., 901a) through which liquid used for cleaning in the extraction vessel is delivered;
An extraction device characterized by:

G2. A drive unit (e.g., 8B) for reversing the orientation of the extraction container between a first orientation and a second orientation,
the first hole is located at the lower end of the extraction vessel in the first posture and at the upper end of the extraction vessel in the second posture;
the second hole is located at the top end of the extraction vessel in the first position and at the bottom end of the extraction vessel in the second position;
An extraction device characterized by:

G3. After the coffee beverage in the brewing container is delivered through the first hole while the brewing container is in the first posture, the driving unit changes the brewing container to the second posture, cleaning liquid is supplied into the extraction vessel by the supply unit through the first hole;
An extraction device characterized by:

G4. A filter (e.g., 910) that regulates leakage of the ground beans in the extraction container from the first hole,
An extraction device characterized by:

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

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

G7. The extraction container includes a first plug member (e.g., 913) that opens and closes the first hole, and a second plug member (e.g., 903) that opens and closes the second hole,
An extraction device characterized by:

G8. The extraction container includes a transmissive portion (e.g., 90) whose interior is visible,
An extraction device characterized by:

G9. the second hole is larger than the first hole,
sending air through the first hole when the cleaning liquid is supplied into the extraction container through the first hole;
An extraction device characterized by:

H1. A beverage manufacturing apparatus (for example, 1) for manufacturing a beverage made from roasted coffee beans,
a bean container (e.g. 40) containing roasted coffee beans;
a mounting portion (for example, 44) to which the bean container is detachably mounted;
a transport mechanism (for example, 41) capable of transporting the roasted coffee beans from the bean container,
The transport mechanism is provided so as to remain on the mounting section side when the bean container is removed from the mounting section.
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

H2. The bean container is
a first port through which the roasted coffee beans can enter and exit (for example, the end of the tubular portion 401);
a second port (e.g., 405a) through which the roasted coffee beans can enter and exit,
The first port is a port through which the roasted coffee beans do not pass when moving from the bean container into the beverage manufacturing apparatus,
The second port is a port through which the roasted coffee beans pass when moving from the bean container into the beverage manufacturing apparatus,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

H3. The bean container includes an opening/closing member (e.g., 408) that opens and closes the second port,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

H4. The bean container is
a barrel (e.g., 401);
a forming member (e.g., 405) provided at the end of the barrel and forming the second port;
The opening/closing member is attached to the forming member so as to be rotatable around the central axis of the cylindrical portion.
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

H5. The mounting part is provided with a drive mechanism (for example, 41a, 444, 445c) that can open the second port by operating the opening and closing member.
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

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

H7. The mounting portion is provided with restricting means (e.g., 408c) that restricts removal of the bean container when the second opening is open.
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

H8. The transport mechanism transports the roasted coffee beans received in a receiving unit (eg, 442),
The receiving part receives the roasted coffee beans from the bean container mounted on the mounting part,
driving the transport mechanism with the second opening partially closed by the opening/closing member (for example, FIG. 44), and then completely closing the second opening by the opening/closing member;
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

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

H10. The bean container includes restricting means (for example, 406a, 408d, 406a', 408d') that restricts the opening and closing member from opening the second port when the bean container is not attached to the attachment part.
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

I1. A grinding device (e.g. 5) for grinding roasted coffee beans,
a main body (eg 53b) with a cutter;
a motor (e.g., 52b) that drives the cutter,
the body is removable from the comminution device leaving the motor in the comminution device (e.g., FIG. 63);
A crushing device characterized by:

I2. The main body includes an adjustment mechanism (e.g., 503) that adjusts the particle size of ground beans,
A crushing device characterized by:

I3. The adjustment mechanism includes a motor (e.g., 503a) different from the motor as a drive source,
A crushing device characterized by:

I4. a detachable delivery tube (e.g., 501) that delivers ground beans to a location laterally offset from beneath the grinder;
A crushing device characterized by:

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

I6. The motor cannot be visually recognized from the outside through the transmission part in a state where the main body part is attached to the crushing device,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

I7. The main body includes an adjustment mechanism (for example, 503) that adjusts the particle size of ground beans,
The adjustment mechanism includes a motor (e.g., 503a) different from the motor as a drive source,
In a state in which the main body is attached to the crushing device, the another motor cannot be visually recognized from the outside through the transmission part,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

J1. An extraction device (for example, 3) for extracting coffee liquid from ground roasted coffee beans,
a container body (for example, 90) containing the ground beans and liquid;
a lid (for example, 91) that closes the opening (for example, 90a) of the container body;
a lock mechanism (e.g., 821) that locks the container body and the lid while the lid closes the opening;
An extraction device characterized by:

J2. the container body includes a peripheral edge (e.g., 90c) that defines the opening;
The lid includes a collar (e.g., 911c) that overlaps the peripheral edge,
The lock mechanism includes a fitting portion (e.g., 821) that fits the peripheral edge portion and the collar portion that are overlapped with each other so as to sandwich them,
An extraction device characterized by:

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

J4. a holding part (for example, 801) holding the lid;
Driving means (e.g., 8A) for moving the holding portion to a first position where the lid closes the opening and a second position where the lid is separated from the opening,
An extraction device characterized by:

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

J6. The lid includes a sealing member (e.g., 919a) that seals between the container body and the lid,
An extraction device characterized by:

J7. When the locking mechanism locks the container body and the lid, the lid cannot be moved to the second position even by driving the driving means.
An extraction device characterized by:

J8. The lid is
a hole (e.g., 911a) through the lid;
a plug member (e.g., 913) that opens and closes the hole,
In a state in which the container body and the lid are locked by the locking mechanism, air having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure is supplied into the container body through the hole.
An extraction device characterized by:

J9. The plug member can be opened by pressure of air supplied into the container body,
An extraction device characterized by:

J10. The lid is
a hole (e.g., 911a) through the lid;
a plug member (e.g., 913) that opens and closes the hole,
Water is supplied into the container body through the hole while the container body and the lid are locked by the locking mechanism.
An extraction device characterized by:

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

K1. A first reservoir (e.g. 725) that holds liquid
When,
a second reservoir (for example, 726) that stores the liquid supplied from the first reservoir
When,
a communication switching means (for example, 728) for switching between communication and disconnection between the first reservoir and the second reservoir;
a delivery switching means (for example, 728) for switching delivery and storage of the liquid supplied to the second reservoir;
driving means (e.g., 727) for changing the volume of the second reservoir corresponding to the amount of liquid delivered from the second reservoir;
A liquid feeding amount adjusting device (for example, 720) characterized by:

K2. The first reservoir and the second reservoir are separated by a common wall (for example, 722),
A liquid volume adjusting device characterized by:

K3. A heater (e.g., 72a) that heats the liquid stored in the first storage unit,
A liquid feeding amount adjusting device characterized by:

K4. A measurement unit (for example, 72c) that measures the liquid level of the first storage unit,
The measurement unit
a float (e.g., 730) floating on the liquid;
an upper first sensor (e.g., 731b) that detects the float;
a lower second sensor (e.g., 731a) that detects the float;
A liquid feeding amount adjusting device characterized by:

K5. The measurement unit
A third storage unit (for example, 729) that stores the liquid,
the float is positioned within the third reservoir;
the third reservoir is in communication with the first reservoir at a position below the second sensor (e.g., 729a);
A liquid feeding amount adjusting device characterized by:

K6. An air communication portion (e.g., 722a) that communicates air between the first reservoir and the second reservoir,
A liquid feeding amount adjusting device characterized by:

K7. An air communication portion (e.g., 729b) that communicates air between the first storage portion and the third storage portion at a position above the first sensor,
A liquid feeding amount adjusting device characterized by:

K8. when the liquid in the second reservoir is delivered, the liquid is supplied to the first reservoir;
A liquid feeding amount adjusting device characterized by:

K9. The liquid is supplied from the first reservoir to the second reservoir by the hydraulic head pressure in the first reservoir.
A liquid feeding amount adjusting device characterized by:

K10. The drive means
a movable member (for example, 727c) that constitutes a wall that defines the volume of the second storage section;
a motor (e.g. 727a);
a moving mechanism (for example, 727b, 727f) that moves the movable member by the driving force of the motor;
A liquid feeding amount adjusting device characterized by:

L1. A beverage production device (e.g. 1) for producing a beverage and pouring it into a beverage container (e.g. C),
Before pouring the manufactured beverage into the beverage container, a pressure reduction unit (e.g. 600) through which the beverage passes,
A communication hole (e.g., 606) is formed in the decompression unit to communicate the inside of the decompression unit with the atmosphere.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by:

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

L3. The decompression unit includes a delivery port (eg, 605) for delivering the beverage,
The delivery port is formed at a position lower than the communication hole,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

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

L5. The communication hole is formed at a site closer to the introduction port than the delivery port,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

L6. A valve (e.g., 10a) that switches the destination of the beverage to a flow path different from the decompression unit when the beverage is discarded,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

L7. The introduction port and the delivery port are formed at positions offset in the horizontal direction,
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by:

L8. The decompression unit is
an introduction port (eg, 604b) for introducing the beverage into the decompression unit;
a delivery port (e.g., 605) for delivering said beverage;
The internal space (eg, 600a) of the decompression section includes one horizontal end (eg, 600c) and the other horizontal end (eg, 600d),
The introduction port is formed in the one end side in the horizontal direction,
The delivery port is formed at a position spaced apart from the one end and the other end in the horizontal direction,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by:

L9. The decompression unit is
an introduction port (eg, 604b) for introducing the beverage into the decompression unit;
a delivery port (e.g., 605) for delivering said beverage;
The internal space (eg, 600a) of the decompression section includes one horizontal end (eg, 600c) and the other horizontal end (eg, 600d),
The introduction port is formed closer to the one end side than the center in the horizontal direction in the internal space of the decompression unit,
The delivery port is formed at a position closer to the center in the horizontal direction in the internal space of the decompression unit than the other end,
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by:

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

Claims (4)

An extraction device for extracting a beverage from an object to be extracted,
an extraction container containing the object to be extracted and a liquid, and extracting a beverage from the object to be extracted;
a supply unit that supplies liquid to the extraction vessel,
the brewing container includes a first hole through which the beverage in the brewing container is delivered;
cleaning liquid is supplied into the brewing container by the supply unit through the first hole after the beverage in the brewing container has been delivered through the first hole;
sending air through the first hole when the cleaning liquid is supplied into the extraction container through the first hole;
An extraction device characterized by: The extraction device of claim 1, comprising:
A drive unit for reversing the orientation of the extraction container between a first orientation and a second orientation,
The first posture is such that the first hole is positioned at the lower end of the extraction container,
The second posture is such that the first hole is positioned at the upper end of the extraction container,
After the beverage in the brewing container is delivered through the first hole while the brewing container is in the first posture, the driving unit changes the brewing container to the second posture, and cleaning liquid is supplied into the extraction vessel by the supply unit through a first hole;
An extraction device characterized by: An extraction device according to claim 2,
the extraction vessel includes a second hole through which liquid used for cleaning within the extraction vessel is delivered;
the first position is such that the first hole is positioned at the lower end of the extraction container and the second hole is positioned at the upper end of the extraction container;
the second position is such that the first hole is positioned at the upper end of the extraction container and the second hole is positioned at the lower end of the extraction container;
the cleaning liquid in the extraction container is delivered through the second hole while the extraction container is in the second posture;
An extraction device characterized by: A brewing device according to claim 3, comprising:
the second hole is larger than the first hole;
An extraction device characterized by:

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