JP7385967B2 - coffee machine system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a coffee machine system including a coffee machine equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans, and a terminal having a display section and capable of communicating with the coffee machine.

A coffee machine that performs adjustment using coffee beans has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). The coffee machine proposed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a coffee bean grinding mechanism (grinder) and a coffee beverage extraction mechanism. Additionally, there are also known machines equipped with only a grinder.

On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a remarkable development in terminals that have a display section and a communication function.

JP 2019-30433 Publication

By the way, the state of the coffee machine may change from moment to moment, and it is desirable to understand the state.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a coffee machine system that can grasp the state of the coffee machine.

The coffee machine system of the present invention that solves the above objects has the following features:
multiple coffee machines each equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans;
a plurality of mobile terminals each having a display unit and capable of communicating with the coffee machine;
A coffee machine system comprising:
The coffee machine stores individual device information regarding the coffee machine,
The mobile terminal is capable of performing short-range wireless communication with a coffee machine with which pairing has been established among the plurality of coffee machines,
The mobile terminal is capable of displaying, on the display unit, a communicable machine list indicating coffee machines that are located within a range where the short-range wireless communication is possible but pairing has not yet been established;
The mobile terminal is capable of establishing pairing with a coffee machine included in the communicable machine list,
The mobile terminal is capable of displaying a registered machine list representing coffee machines with which pairing has been established on the display unit,
The mobile terminal acquires first individual device information representing individual device information regarding the coffee machine at a first timing by connecting to a coffee machine included in the registered machine list through the near field communication. and displaying a first individual device display based on the first individual device information on the display section,
The mobile terminal connects to a coffee machine included in the registered machine list through the near field communication, thereby acquiring individual device information regarding the coffee machine at a second timing subsequent to the first timing. When the second individual device information is acquired, the display on the display unit is changed from the first individual device display to a second individual device information based on the second individual device information. This will update the individual device display of
Each of the plurality of coffee machines cannot connect to a plurality of mobile terminals at the same time in the short-range wireless communication, and can only connect to one mobile terminal,
The one mobile terminal disconnects from one of the plurality of coffee machines upon completion of acquiring the individual device information from one of the coffee machines,
Among the plurality of mobile terminals, a mobile terminal other than the one mobile terminal connects to the one coffee machine when the connection between the one coffee machine and the one mobile terminal is disconnected. It is possible to obtain individual device information,
It is characterized by

Also,
The mobile terminal is capable of displaying, on the display unit, an individual device display based on the individual device information for each of the plurality of coffee machines included in the registered machine list, While the individual device information of one of the coffee machines is displayed on the display section, by connecting to another coffee machine among the plurality of coffee machines by the short-range wireless communication, the other coffee machine can be connected to the other coffee machine. It is capable of newly acquiring individual device information of the coffee machine and switching from the individual device display of the one coffee machine to the individual device display of the other coffee machine in accordance with a switching operation,
The individual device display of the other switched coffee machine is updated to the individual device display based on the newly acquired individual device information.
It may be a coffee machine system characterized by the following.

Also,
The individual device information is information including status information representing the state and situation of the coffee machine.
It may be a coffee machine system characterized by the following.

Also,
The individual device information is information including history information representing the history of the coffee machine.
It may be a coffee machine system characterized by the following.

moreover,
The another mobile terminal is capable of repeatedly requesting connection to the one coffee machine while the one coffee machine and the one mobile terminal are connected.
It may be a coffee machine system characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coffee machine system that can grasp the state of the coffee machine.

1 is an external view of a beverage manufacturing device 1. FIG. 1 is a partial front view of the beverage manufacturing device 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the functions of the beverage manufacturing device 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the separation device 6. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drive unit 8 and an extraction container 9. FIG. It is a figure which shows the closed state and open state of the extraction container 9. It is a front view showing the structure of part of upper unit 8A and lower unit 8C. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 7. FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the middle unit 8B. 1 is a block diagram of a control device 11. FIG. (A) is a flowchart of the control process related to one coffee beverage manufacturing operation, and (B) is a flowchart of the extraction process of S3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a crushing device 5. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the crushing device 5 shown in FIG. 12. FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the separation device 6. FIG. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the forming unit 6B. FIG. 6 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of the forming unit 6B. It is a top view of the formation unit 6B, and is a comparative explanatory diagram of cross-sectional area. It is an external perspective view of a coffee bean grinder. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device for a coffee bean grinder. (a) is a diagram showing a coffee bean grinder GM with a hopper unit 402 attached instead of the canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18, and (b) is a diagram showing a coffee bean grinder GM with a funnel unit 403 attached. It is a figure showing machine GM. (a) is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the weighing unit 404 is attached to the option attachment part GM11, and (b) is a perspective view showing the electric screw conveyor ESC. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing some aspects of a cover member 460 disposed at a downstream end opening 4042o of a conveyance passage 4042. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing still another aspect of the cover member 460. (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the lid unit GM21 that opens and closes the bean outlet GM20 provided in the center casing GM10 of the coffee bean grinder GM is closed, and (b) is a diagram in which the lid unit GM21 is opened. FIG. It is a figure which shows the main structure of the grinding device 5 built into the coffee bean grinder GM in the attitude|position with the guideway formation member GM22 facing the front. It is a perspective view showing the first grinder 5A. 20 is a flowchart showing the grinding process of the first grinder 5A, which is executed by the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19. (a) is a diagram showing the separation device 6, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the outer peripheral wall 61a of the upper part 61 of the collection container 60B is removed. (a) is a perspective view of the separation device 6 from which the outer case 60Bo has been removed, as seen diagonally from below, and (b) shows the positional relationship between the outer case 60Bo and the inner case 60Bi by looking through the outer case 60Bo. This is a diagram. (a) is a diagram schematically showing phenomena such as air flow in the separation device shown in FIG. 29, and (b) is a diagram schematically showing phenomena such as air flow in the separation device of a modification. FIG. 26 is a diagram in which the manual setting disk dial 695 shown in FIG. 25 is removed so that the entire connecting duct 661 can be seen. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a second grinder 5B. 3 is a flowchart showing a calibration process executed in an initial operation. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of calibration step by step. It is a figure showing the 2nd grinder 5B in grinding processing. (a) is a diagram showing the manual setting disc dial 695 and the fine adjustment knob dial 696 together with the second motor 503a, and (b) is a diagram with the manual setting disc dial 695 and the second motor 503a removed; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a connecting dial 697 and a rotating shaft 6961 of a fine adjustment knob dial 696. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing of the processing part 11a in grind processing. It is a flowchart which shows the control process which the processing part 11a performs when performing a grind process according to order information. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a server 16. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an input screen of order information. It is a figure showing an example of an input screen in a state where order information is input. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how order information is input. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state when order information is changed. It is a figure which shows an example of the control parameter of the 2nd grinder 5B with respect to an order. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display during execution of a grind process. (a) is a diagram showing an example of a Porter filter used when producing an espresso beverage, and (b) is a diagram showing a basket held by a holding part PFr in a chute GM31 of a coffee bean grinder while holding the handle PFh. It is a diagram showing how PFb is being applied, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing how ground beans that have been ground from a finely ground state to a coarsely ground state are packed into a basket PFb and subjected to leveling and tamping. FIG. (a) is a perspective view showing a single rotary blade 58a constituting the first grinder 5A, and (b) is a view showing a modification of the crushing device 5 shown in FIG. 25 etc. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a modified hammer mechanism together with a chute. It is a diagram showing the striking operation of the hammer H10 step by step. It is a figure which showed step by step the holding operation which holds cup CP by holding part H121 of hammer H10 and fixed holding member GM33. It is a perspective view of the coffee bean grinder of 2nd Embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing a state in which the front cover GM40 is removed from the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 51, and (B) is an exploded perspective view of the hammer mechanism H1. (A) is a side view of the hammer H10, and (B) is a perspective view showing the hammer H10 and the chute GM31 from below. (A) is a perspective view showing the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b located in the initial position and farthest from the rotary blade 58b, and (B) is a perspective view showing the fixed blade 57b from the state shown in (A). It is a perspective view which shows only the removal rotary blade 58b, and (C) is a figure which shows the rotary base 59. (A) is a diagram showing a plan view of the rotary blade 58b, (B) is a diagram showing a cross section so that the first to third flat parts 584 to 586 are visible, and (C) is a diagram showing a plan view of the rotary blade 58b. It is a cross-sectional view showing a portion 586 and a fourth flat portion 587. (A) is a perspective view showing the mechanical switch unit 600 by removing the manual setting disk dial 695 shown in FIG. 51 and a connecting duct (not shown), and (B) is a plan view of the portion shown in (A). be. 56(A) is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the chain line in FIG. 56(B), and FIG. 56(B) is a diagram showing the internal structure of the mechanical switch unit 600 shown in FIG. 56(A). (A) is a diagram showing a lock lever 640 and a gear lock section 641, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a detection signal output from the mechanical switch unit 600 and a count value of a particle size adjustment counter. It is a table showing part of the relationship between the count value of the particle size adjustment counter and the main mill interval. This is a table showing pulses 0 to 105 of a reference table in PWM control of the chaff fan motor 60A2 performed by the processing unit 11a. This is a table showing the 106th to 255th pulses of the reference table. It is a table showing the relationship between the set value of the chaff fan 60A1 and the duty ratio in PWM control. It is a transition diagram of the operating state in the coffee bean grinder GM of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the starting process in the processing part 11a when the power is turned on and the coffee bean grinder GM starts. (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of normal standby state processing executed by the processing unit 11a in the normal standby state, and (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of normal standby state interrupt processing executed by the processing unit 11a in the normal standby state. It is a flowchart. 5 is a time chart showing an example of variation in the count value of a G counter. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of G counter subtraction processing. It is a flowchart showing the flow of grind interrupt processing 1 executed by the processing unit 11a in the grind state, and (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of G counter addition processing. (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of grind interrupt processing 2 executed by the processing unit 11a in the grind state, and (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of air cooling fan monitoring processing. (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of grind processing 3 executed by the processing unit 11a in the grind state, and (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of the grind interrupt processing 3 executed by the processing unit 11a in the grind state. (A) is a diagram showing an example in which the bean clogging condition has been resolved, and (B) is a diagram showing an example in which the current value of the top mill motor is FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the current does not decrease to the clog clearing current value. (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the standby state (while the top mill is stopped) process executed by the processing unit 11a in the standby state (while the top mill is stopped), and (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the standby state (while the top mill is stopped). It is a flowchart showing the flow of standby state (while the top mill is stopped) interrupt processing executed by the section 11a. It is a diagram showing the route of coffee beans, the route of unnecessary materials such as chaff, and the route of after-cleaning. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which unnecessary materials such as chaff are sucked while the top mill 5AM is rotating, and after-cleaning is performed by stronger suction without ending the suction even when the top mill 5AM stops. (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the standby state (during cleaning) process executed by the processing unit 11a in the standby state (during cleaning), and (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of the standby state (during cleaning) process executed by the processing unit 11a in the standby state (during cleaning). 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of state (cleaning in progress) interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the condition insufficient state interruption process which the processing part 11a performs in the condition insufficient state. (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of bean clogging state processing executed by the processing unit 11a in the bean clogging state, and (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of bean clogging state interrupt processing 1 executed by the processing unit 11a in the bean clogging state. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the bean jam state interruption process 2 which the process part 11a performs in a bean jam state. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the bean jam state interrupt process 3 which the process part 11a performs in a bean jam state. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen of a terminal. It is a figure which shows the exchange of various information in coffee machine system GMS executed when the current status icon 1807 displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18 is tapped in online mode. (A) is a diagram showing the display screen 181 on which the abnormal state details page is displayed by tapping the detailed display of the operating state display 1821 shown in FIG. 18C is a diagram showing the display screen 181 on which the operation information details page is displayed by tapping the next page display icon 1822a of the grind count display 1822 shown in FIG. be. It is a figure which shows the display screen 181 in which the status page of the 1st selection machine in offline mode was displayed. (A) is a diagram showing a display screen 181 on which a log page with "grind history" selected is displayed, and (B) is a diagram showing a display screen 181 on which a grind history detail page is displayed. (A) is a table summarizing the notification timing and notification content for each notification, and (B) is a diagram showing the display screen 181 on which the notification page is displayed. (A) is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal 18, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an application program (dedicated application) dedicated to the coffee machine system GMS installed in the storage unit 186 shown in (A). , (C) is a flowchart showing the flow of the status information display method executed by the terminal 18 shown in (A) of the same figure. (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the information processing method executed by the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A), and (B) is a flowchart showing the flow of the information display method executed by the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A). It is a flowchart which shows.

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

<1. Overview of beverage manufacturing equipment>
FIG. 1 is an external view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. A beverage manufacturing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that automatically manufactures a coffee beverage from roasted coffee beans and a liquid (water in this case), and is capable of manufacturing one cup of coffee beverage per manufacturing operation. . Roasted coffee beans as a raw material can be stored in the canister 40. A cup placement section 110 is provided at the bottom of the beverage production device 1, and the produced coffee beverage is poured into the cup from the pouring section 10c.

Beverage manufacturing device 1 includes a housing 100 that forms its exterior and surrounds its internal mechanism. The housing 100 is roughly divided into a main body part 101 and a cover part 102 that covers part of the front and part of the side surfaces of the beverage manufacturing device 1. An information display device 12 is provided on the cover portion 102 . The information display device 12 shown in FIG. 1 is a touch panel display, and is capable of displaying various information as well as receiving input from an administrator of the device or a consumer of the beverage. The information display device 12 is attached to the cover part 102 via a moving mechanism 12a, and can be moved vertically within a certain range by the moving mechanism 12a.

The cover portion 102 is also provided with a bean inlet 103 and an opening/closing door 103a for opening and closing the bean inlet 103. Roasted coffee beans other than those stored in the canister 40 can be charged into the bean input port 103 by opening the opening/closing door 103a. This makes it possible to provide a special drink to beverage consumers.

The cover section 102 shown in FIG. 1 is made of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent cover whose entirety is a transmissive section. Therefore, the mechanism inside the cover portion 102 is visible from the outside. In the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, a part of the manufacturing section that manufactures coffee beverages is visible through the cover section 102. The main body 101 shown in FIG. 1 is entirely non-transparent, making it difficult to see the inside from the outside.

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

The housing 100 on the front side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 has a double structure including a main body part 101 and a cover part 102 on the outside (front side) thereof. A part of the mechanism of the manufacturing department is disposed between the main body part 101 and the cover part 102 in the front-rear direction, and is visible to the user through the cover part 102.

Some mechanisms of the manufacturing department that are visible to the user through the cover section 102 include the collective conveyance section 42, the first grinder 5A, the second grinder 5B, the separation device 6, the extraction container 9, and the like. A rectangular recess 101a recessed toward the back is formed in the front portion of the main body 101, and the extraction container 9 and the like are located at the back of this recess 101a.

Since these mechanisms are visible from the outside through the cover part 102, it may be easier for the administrator to inspect and confirm the operation. Additionally, beverage consumers may be able to enjoy the coffee beverage manufacturing process.

Note that the cover section 102 is supported by the main body section 101 at its right end via a hinge 102a so as to be openable and closable laterally. An engaging portion 102b that maintains the main body portion 101 and the cover portion 102 in a closed state is provided at the left end portion of the cover portion 102. The engaging portion 102b is, for example, a combination of a magnet and iron. By opening the cover section 102, the administrator can inspect a portion of the above-mentioned manufacturing department inside the cover section 102.

Although the cover section 102 shown in FIG. 1 is of a horizontal opening type, it may be of a vertical opening type (vertical opening type) or of a sliding type. Further, the cover portion 102 may be configured so that it cannot be opened or closed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the functions of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. The beverage manufacturing device 1 includes a bean processing device 2 and an extraction device 3 as a coffee beverage manufacturing section.

The bean processing device 2 generates ground beans from roasted coffee beans. The extraction device 3 extracts coffee liquid from the ground beans supplied from the bean processing device 2. The extraction device 3 includes a fluid supply unit 7, a drive unit 8 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, an extraction container 9, and a switching unit 10. Ground beans supplied from the bean processing device 2 are put into an extraction container 9. The fluid supply unit 7 supplies hot water to the extraction container 9. Coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans in the extraction container 9. The hot water containing the extracted coffee liquid is sent to the cup C as a coffee beverage via the switching unit 10.

<2. Fluid supply unit and switching unit>
The configurations of the fluid supply unit 7 and the switching unit 10 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3. First, the fluid supply unit 7 will be explained. The fluid supply unit 7 supplies hot water to the extraction container 9, controls the atmospheric pressure inside the extraction container 9, and the like. In this specification, when atmospheric pressure is exemplified by a number, unless otherwise specified, it means absolute pressure, and gauge pressure is the atmospheric pressure where atmospheric pressure is 0 atmosphere. Atmospheric pressure refers to the atmospheric pressure around the extraction container 9 or the atmospheric pressure of the beverage manufacturing device 1. For example, if the beverage manufacturing device 1 is installed at a point above sea level, the International Civil Aviation Organization (International Civil Aviation Organization) The International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) was established in 1976 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This is the standard atmospheric pressure (1013.25 hPa) at sea level.

Fluid supply unit 7 includes piping 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 pressurization source. The compressor 70 compresses the atmospheric air and sends it out. The compressor 70 is driven by, for example, a motor (not shown) as a drive source. Compressed air sent out from the compressor 70 is supplied to a reserve tank (accumulator) 71 via a check valve 71a. The atmospheric pressure in the reserve tank 71 is monitored by a pressure sensor 71b, and the compressor 70 is driven so as to maintain the atmospheric pressure at a predetermined atmospheric pressure (for example, 7 atmospheres (6 atmospheres in gauge pressure)). The reserve tank 71 is provided with a drain 71c for draining water, so that water generated by compressing air can be drained.

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

The water tank 72 is also provided with a water level sensor 72c. The water level sensor 72c detects the water level of hot water in the water tank 72. When the water level sensor 72c detects that the water level has fallen below a predetermined water level, water is supplied to the water tank 72. Tap water is supplied to the water tank 72 shown in FIG. 3 via a water purifier (not shown). A solenoid valve 72d is provided in the middle of the pipe L2 from the water purifier, and when a drop in the water level is detected by the water level sensor 72c, the solenoid valve 72d is opened to supply water, and when a predetermined water level is reached, the solenoid valve 72d is opened. The valve 72d is closed and the water supply is cut off. In this way, the hot water in the water tank 72 is maintained at a constant water level. Note that water may be supplied to the water tank 72 every time hot water used for producing one coffee beverage is discharged.

The water tank 72 is also provided with a pressure sensor 72g. The pressure sensor 72g detects the atmospheric 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 a solenoid valve 72f. The pressure regulating valve 72e reduces the atmospheric pressure supplied from the reserve tank 71 to a predetermined atmospheric pressure. For example, the pressure is reduced to 3 atm (2 atm in gauge pressure). The solenoid valve 72f switches between supplying and cutting off the atmospheric pressure regulated by the pressure regulating valve 72e to the water tank 72. The solenoid valve 72f is controlled to open and close so that the air pressure inside the water tank 72 is maintained at 3 atmospheres, except when tap water is being supplied to the water tank 72. When tap water is supplied to the water tank 72, the pressure inside the water tank 72 is set to a pressure lower than the water pressure of the tap water using the solenoid valve 72h so that the tap water is smoothly replenished into the water tank 72 by the water pressure of the tap water. Reduce the pressure to (for example, less than 2.5 atmospheres). The electromagnetic valve 72h switches whether or not to release the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere, and releases the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere when the pressure is reduced. In addition, the solenoid valve 72h releases the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere when the atmospheric pressure inside the water tank 72 exceeds 3 atm, other than when tap water is supplied to the water tank 72. maintain.

Hot water in the water tank 72 is supplied to the extraction container 9 via the check valve 72j, the electromagnetic valve 72i, and the pipe L3. Opening the solenoid valve 72i supplies hot water to the extraction container 9, and closing the solenoid valve 72i cuts off the supply of hot water. 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 hot water is provided in the pipe L3, and the temperature of the water supplied to the extraction container 9 is monitored.

The atmospheric pressure in the reserve tank 71 is also supplied to the extraction container 9 via a pressure regulating valve 73a and a solenoid valve 73b. The pressure regulating valve 73a reduces the atmospheric pressure supplied from the reserve tank 71 to a predetermined atmospheric pressure. For example, the pressure is reduced to 5 atm (4 atm in gauge pressure). The electromagnetic valve 73b switches between supplying and blocking the atmospheric pressure regulated by the pressure regulating valve 73a to the extraction container 9. The atmospheric pressure inside the extraction container 9 is detected by a pressure sensor 73d. When the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized, the solenoid 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 (for example, a maximum of 5 atm (4 atm in gauge pressure)). Press. The atmospheric pressure inside the extraction container 9 can be reduced by a solenoid valve 73c. The electromagnetic valve 73c switches whether or not to open the inside of the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere, and opens the inside of the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere when the pressure is abnormal (for example, when the inside of the extraction container 9 exceeds 5 atmospheres).

When one batch of coffee beverage production is completed, the inside of the extraction container 9 is washed with tap water. The solenoid valve 73f is opened during cleaning and supplies tap water to the extraction container 9.

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

<3. Bean processing equipment＞
The bean processing device 2 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The bean processing device 2 includes a storage device 4 and a crushing device 5.

<3-1. Storage device＞
The storage device 4 includes a plurality of canisters 40 in which roasted coffee beans are stored. Three canisters 40 shown in FIG. 1 are provided. The canister 40 includes a cylindrical main body 40a that accommodates roasted coffee beans, and a handle 40b provided on the main body 40a, and is configured to be detachable from the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1.

Each canister 40 may accommodate different types of roasted coffee beans, and the type of roasted coffee beans used for producing the coffee beverage may be selected by operating input to the information display device 12. Roasted coffee beans of different types are, for example, roasted coffee beans of different varieties of coffee beans. Further, roasted coffee beans of different types are coffee beans of the same variety, but may be roasted coffee beans with different degrees of roasting. Further, the different types of roasted coffee beans may be roasted coffee beans with different types and degrees of roasting. Further, at least one of the three canisters 40 may store roasted coffee beans in which roasted coffee beans of a plurality of types are mixed. In this case, roasted coffee beans of each type may have the same degree of roasting.

In addition, although the several canister 40 was provided in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the structure in which only one canister 40 is provided may be sufficient. Furthermore, when a plurality of canisters 40 are provided, all or a plurality of canisters 40 may contain the same type of roasted coffee beans.

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

Each conveyor 41 discharges roasted coffee beans to a collecting conveyance section 42 on the downstream side. The collective conveyance section 42 is formed of a hollow member, and forms a conveyance path for roasted coffee beans from each conveyor 41 to the grinding device 5 (particularly the first grinder 5A). The roasted coffee beans discharged from each conveyor 41 move inside the collection conveyance section 42 by their own weight and flow down to the grinding device 5.

A guide portion 42a is formed in the collective conveyance portion 42 at a position corresponding to the bean input port 103. The guide portion 42a forms a passage that guides the roasted coffee beans input from the bean input port 103 to the grinding device 5 (particularly the first grinder 5A). Thereby, in addition to the roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40, a coffee beverage can also be produced using the roasted coffee beans inputted from the bean input port 103 as a raw material.

<3-2. Grinding device>
The crushing device 5 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the separation device 6. The crushing device 5 includes a first grinder 5A, a second grinder 5B, and a separation device 6. The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are mechanisms for grinding roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4. The roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are ground by the first grinder 5A, and then further ground into powder by the second grinder 5B, and then fed into the extraction container 9 from the discharge pipe 5C.

The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B grind beans with different grain sizes. The first grinder 5A is a coarse grinder, and the second grinder 5B is a fine grinder. The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are each electric grinders, and include a motor as a drive source, a rotary blade driven by the motor, and the like. By changing the rotation speed of the rotary blade, the size (particle size) of the roasted coffee beans to be ground can be changed.

The separating device 6 is a mechanism for separating unnecessary substances from ground beans. The separation device 6 includes a passage portion 630a arranged between the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B. The passage portion 630a is a hollow body that forms a separation chamber through which the ground beans freely falling from the first grinder 5A pass. A passage part 630b extending in a direction (for example, horizontal direction) that intersects the passage direction of ground beans (for example, vertical direction) is connected to passage part 630a, and suction unit 60 is connected to this passage part 630b. It is connected. When the suction unit 60 suctions the air in the passage section 630a, light objects such as chaff and fine powder are suctioned. This allows unnecessary substances to be separated from the ground beans.

The suction unit 60 is a centrifugal mechanism. The suction unit 60 includes a chaff fan unit 60A and a collection container 60B. The chaff fan unit 60A shown in FIG. 4 includes a chaff fan motor and a chaff fan rotationally driven by the chaff fan motor, and exhausts air in the collection container 60B upward.

The collection container 60B includes an upper part 61 and a lower part 62 that are separably engaged. The lower part 62 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper part, and forms a space for accumulating unnecessary materials. The upper part 61 constitutes a lid part that is attached to the opening of the lower part 62. The upper part 61 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 61a and an exhaust pipe 61b formed coaxially with the outer peripheral wall 61a. The chaff fan unit 60A is fixed to the upper part 61 above the exhaust pipe 61b so as to suck the air inside the exhaust pipe 61b. A passage portion 630b is connected to the upper portion 61. The passage portion 630b opens to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b.

By driving the chaff fan unit 60A, air currents indicated by arrows d1 to d3 in FIG. 4 are generated. Due to this airflow, air containing unnecessary substances is sucked from the passage section 630a into the collection container 60B through the passage section 630b. Since the passage portion 630b opens on the side of the exhaust pipe 61b, the air containing unnecessary substances swirls around the exhaust pipe 61b. Unwanted matter D in the air falls due to its weight and is collected in a part of the collection container 60B (deposited on the bottom surface of the lower part 62). Air is exhausted upward through the inside of the exhaust pipe 61b.

A plurality of fins 61d are integrally formed on the circumferential surface of the exhaust pipe 61b. The plurality of fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. Each fin 61d is inclined obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. By providing such fins 61d, swirling of the air containing the waste matter D around the exhaust pipe 61b is promoted.

The lower part 62 shown in FIG. 4 is made of a translucent material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent container whose entirety is a transmissive part. Further, the lower portion 62 is a portion covered by the cover portion 102 (FIG. 2). A manager or a consumer of beverages can see through the cover part 102 and the peripheral wall of the lower part 62 to visually recognize the waste D accumulated in the lower part 62. For the manager, it may be easy to check the cleaning timing of the lower part 62, and for the beverage consumer, being able to visually confirm that the unnecessary material D has been removed increases expectations regarding the quality of the coffee beverage being manufactured. There are cases.

In this way, the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the first grinder 5A, and when the coarsely ground beans pass through the passage section 630a, unnecessary materials are separated by the separator 6. be done. The coarsely ground beans from which unnecessary substances have been separated are finely ground by the second grinder 5B. The unnecessary substances separated by the separator 6 are typically chaff and fine powder. These may reduce the taste of coffee drinks, and by removing chaff and the like from ground beans, the quality of coffee drinks can be improved.

The grinding of roasted coffee beans may be in one grinder (single-stage grinding). However, by performing the two-stage grinding using the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B, the particle size of the ground beans becomes more uniform, and the degree of coffee liquid extraction can be made constant. When beans are crushed, heat may be generated due to friction between the cutter and the beans. By performing the two-stage grinding, it is possible to suppress heat generation due to friction during grinding and prevent deterioration of the ground beans (for example, loss of flavor).

Furthermore, by going through the stages of coarse grinding, separation of unnecessary materials, and fine grinding, it is possible to increase the difference in mass between the unnecessary materials and the ground beans (necessary portion) when separating unnecessary materials such as chaff. This can increase the efficiency of separating unnecessary materials and prevent the ground beans (necessary portion) from being separated as unnecessary materials. Moreover, by separating unnecessary substances using air suction between coarse grinding and fine grinding, heat generation of ground beans can be suppressed by air cooling. This can also prevent the ground beans from deteriorating (for example, losing flavor).

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

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

The extraction container 9 is a chamber including a container body 90 and a lid unit 91. The extraction container 9 is sometimes called a chamber. The middle unit 8B includes an arm member 820 that detachably holds the container body 90. Arm member 820 includes a holding member 820a and a pair of shaft members 820b spaced apart laterally. The holding member 820a is an elastic member made of resin or the like formed in the shape of a C-shaped clip, and holds the container body 90 by its elastic force. The holding member 820a holds the left and right sides 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.

Attachment and detachment of the container body 90 to and from the holding member 820a are performed manually, and the container body 90 is attached to the holding member 820a by pressing the container body 90 backward in the front-rear direction against the holding member 820a. Further, the container body 90 can be separated from the holding member 820a by pulling the container main body 90 forward in the front-rear direction from the holding member 820a.

The pair of shaft members 820b are rods extending in the front-rear direction, and are members that support the holding member 820a. Although the number of shaft members 820b is two, it may be one, or three or more. The holding member 820a is fixed to the front end portions of the pair of shaft members 820b. A pair of shaft members 820b are moved back and forth in the front-back direction by a mechanism to be described later, whereby the holding member 820a is moved back and forth, allowing a movement operation of moving the container body 90 in parallel in the back-and-forth direction. The middle 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 explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the extraction container 9 in a closed state and an open state. As described above, the extraction container 9 is turned upside down by the middle unit 8B. The extraction container 9 in FIG. 6 shows a basic posture in which the lid unit 91 is located on the upper side. In the following description, when referring to the vertical positional relationship, unless otherwise specified, it means the vertical positional relationship in the basic posture.

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

Both the neck portion 90b and the body portion 90e have a cylindrical shape. The shoulder portion 90d is a portion between the neck portion 90b and the body portion 90e, and has a tapered shape such that the cross-sectional area of its internal space gradually decreases from the side of the body portion 90e to the side of the neck portion 90b. ing.

The lid unit 91 is a unit that opens and closes the opening 90a. Opening and closing operations (elevating and lowering operations) of the lid unit 91 are 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 into and fixed to the lower part of the main body member 900. A sealing member 902 is interposed between the main body member 900 and the bottom member 901 to improve airtightness within the container main body 90.

A main body member 900 shown in FIG. 6 is made of a translucent material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent container whose entire body is a transmissive portion. The administrator and the beverage consumer can visually check the extraction status of the coffee beverage inside the container body 90 through the cover part 102 and the main body member 900 of the container body 90. For the administrator, it may be easier to check the brewing operation, and for beverage consumers, the brewing status may be more enjoyable.

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

The lid unit 91 includes a cap-shaped base member 911. The base member 911 has a convex portion 911d and a flange portion 911c that overlaps the flange portion 90c when closed. The convex portion 911d has the same structure as the convex portion 901c in the container body 90, and is provided with a communication hole that communicates the inside of the container body 90 with the outside, and a valve (valve 913 in FIG. 8) that opens and closes this communication hole. It is being The communication hole of the convex portion 911d is mainly used for pouring hot water into the container body 90 and discharging the coffee beverage. A seal member 918a is provided on the convex portion 911d. The seal member 918a is a member for maintaining airtightness between the upper unit 8A or the lower unit 8C and the base member 911. The lid unit 91 is also provided with a seal member 919. The seal member 919 improves the airtightness between the lid unit 91 and the container body 90 when the lid unit 91 is closed. The lid unit 91 holds a filter for filtration.

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

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

The support member 800 is fixedly provided so that its relative position with respect to the frame F does not change, and accommodates the holding member 801. The support member 800 also includes a communication portion 800a that communicates the inside of the support member 800 with the pipe L3. Hot water, tap water, and atmospheric pressure supplied from pipe L3 are introduced into support member 800 via communication portion 800a.

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

The holding member 801 is also a movable member that is provided to be slidable vertically within the support member 800. The elevating shaft 802 is provided so that its axial direction is the vertical direction. The elevating shaft 802 passes airtightly through the top of the support member 800 in the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 800 .

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

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

The elevating shaft 802 is a tubular shaft having a through hole in the central axis, and a probe 803 is inserted into the through hole so as to be slidable up and down. The probe 803 passes airtightly through the top of the holding member 801 in the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the supporting member 800 and the holding member 801.

The probe 803 is an operator that opens and closes the valves 913 and 903 provided inside the convex portions 911d and 901c. When the probe 803 descends, the valves 913 and 903 are changed from the closed state to the open state, and when the probe 803 rises, the valves are opened. It can be changed from an open state to a closed state (by the action of a return spring, not shown).

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

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

The following is a description of the operating unit 81C, which is substantially the same as the explanation of the operating unit 81A. The operation unit 81C includes a support member 810, a holding member 811, a lifting shaft 812, and a probe 813.

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

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

The holding member 811 is also a movable member that is provided to be slidable vertically within the support member 810. The elevating shaft 812 is provided so that its axial direction is the vertical direction. The elevating shaft 812 passes airtightly through the bottom of the support member 800 in the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be able to move up and down with respect to the support member 810 .

The bottom of the holding member 811 is fixed to the lower end of the lifting shaft 812. The holding member 811 slides in the vertical direction as the elevating shaft 812 moves up and down, and the holding member 811 can be attached to and separated from the convex portion 901c and the convex portion 911d.

A screw 812a constituting a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lifting shaft 812. A nut 814b is screwed onto this screw 812a. The lower unit 8C includes a motor 814a, and the nut 814b is rotated on the spot (without moving up or down) by the driving force of the motor 814a. The rotation of the nut 814b moves the elevating shaft 812 up and down.

The elevating shaft 812 is a tubular shaft having a through hole in the central axis, and a probe 813 is inserted into the through hole so as to be slidable up and down. The probe 813 hermetically penetrates the bottom of the holding member 811 in the vertical direction, and is provided to be able to move up and down with respect to the supporting member 810 and the holding member 811.

The probe 813 is an operator that opens and closes the valves 913 and 903 provided inside the convex parts 911d and 901c.As the probe 813 rises, the valves 913 and 903 change from the closed state to the open state, and as the probe 813 descends, the valves open and close. It can be changed from an open state to a closed state (by the action of a return spring, not shown).

A screw 813a constituting a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the probe 813. A nut 815b is screwed onto this screw 813a. The lower unit 8C includes a motor 815a, and the nut 815b is provided to rotate on the spot (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 815a. The probe 813 moves up and down by rotating the nut 815b.

<4-4. Chubu unit>
The middle unit 8B will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the middle unit 8B. The middle unit 8B includes a support unit 81B that supports the extraction container 9. The support unit 81B includes a unit main body 81B' that supports a locking mechanism 821 in addition to the arm member 820 described above.

The lock mechanism 821 is a mechanism that maintains the lid unit 91 in a closed state with respect to the container body 90. The locking mechanism 821 includes a pair of gripping members 821a that vertically hold the flange portion 911c of the lid unit 91 and the flange portion 90c of the container body 90. The pair of gripping members 821a have a C-shaped cross section that fits between the collar portion 911c and the flange portion 90c, and are opened and closed in the left-right direction by the driving force of the motor 822. When the pair of gripping members 821a are in the closed state, each gripping member 821a fits into the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c so as to vertically sandwich them, as shown by the solid line in the box diagram of FIG. The unit 91 is airtightly locked to the container body 90. In this locked state, even if the holding member 801 is raised by the lifting shaft 802 to open the lid unit 91, the lid unit 91 does not move (the lock is not released). In other words, the locking force of the locking mechanism 821 is set to be stronger than the force of opening the lid unit 91 using the holding member 801. This can prevent the lid unit 91 from opening with respect to the container body 90 in the event of an abnormality.

Furthermore, when the pair of gripping members 821a are in the open state, each gripping member 821a is separated from the collar portion 911c and the flange portion 90c, as shown by broken lines in the box diagram of FIG. will be unlocked.

When the holding member 801 is holding the lid unit 91 and the holding member 801 is raised from the lowered position to the raised position, the lid unit 91 is removed from the container body 90 when the pair of gripping members 821a is in the open state. Separated. Conversely, when the pair of gripping members 821a are in the closed state, the engagement of the holding member 801 with the lid unit 91 is released, and only the holding member 801 rises.

The middle unit 8B also includes a mechanism that horizontally moves the arm member 820 in the front-rear direction using a motor 823 as a drive source. Thereby, the container body 90 supported by the arm member 820 can be moved between the extraction position on the rear side (state ST1) and the bean introduction position on the front side (state ST2). The bean loading position is a position where ground beans are loaded into the container main body 90, and the ground beans ground by the second grinder 5B are placed in the opening 90a of the container main body 90 from which the lid unit 91 is separated through the discharge pipe shown in FIG. It is introduced from 5C. In other words, the position of the discharge pipe 5C is above the container body 90 located at the bean input position.

The extraction position is a position where the container body 90 can be operated by the operation unit 81A and the operation unit 81C, a position coaxial with the probes 803 and 813, and a position where coffee liquid is extracted. The extraction position is further back than the bean introduction position. 5, 7, and 8 all show the case where the container body 90 is in the extraction position. In this way, by differentiating the position of the container main body 90 for inputting ground beans, extraction of coffee liquid, and supply of water, steam generated during extraction of coffee liquid can be removed from the exhaust pipe that is the supply part of ground beans. It can prevent adhesion to 5C.

The middle 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. Thereby, the posture of the container body 90 (extraction container 9) can be changed from an upright posture (state ST1) with the neck portion 90b on the upper side to an inverted posture (state ST3) with the neck portion 90b on the lower side. While the extraction container 9 is rotating, the locking mechanism 821 maintains the state in which the lid unit 91 is locked to the container body 90. The extraction container 9 is turned upside down between the upright position and the inverted position. In the inverted posture, the convex portion 911d is located at the position of the convex portion 901c in the upright posture. Further, in the inverted posture, the convex portion 901c is located at the position of the convex portion 911d in the upright posture. Therefore, in the inverted position, the operating unit 81A can open and close the valve 903, and the operating unit 81C can open and close the valve 913.

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

The control device 11 controls the entire beverage manufacturing device 1 . 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, a RAM or a ROM. The I/F section 11c includes an input/output interface that inputs and outputs signals between an external device and the processing section 11a. The I/F unit 11c also includes a communication interface capable of data communication with the server 16 via a communication network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 is capable of communicating with a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone via the communication network 15, and can receive information such as reservations for beverage production and impressions from the mobile terminal 17 of a beverage consumer, for example. .

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

<6. Operation control example>
An example of the control processing of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 executed by the processing unit 11a will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIG. 11(A) shows an example of control related to one coffee beverage production operation. The state of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 before the manufacturing instruction is given is called a standby state. The states of each mechanism in the standby state are as follows.

The extraction device 3 is in the state shown in FIG. The extraction container 9 is in an upright position and is located at the extraction position. The lock mechanism 821 is in a closed state, and the lid unit 91 closes the opening 90a of the container body 90. The holding member 801 is in the lowered position and is attached to the convex portion 911d. The holding member 811 is in the raised position and is attached to the convex portion 901c. Valves 903 and 913 are in a closed state. The switching valve 10a allows the communication portion 810a of the operation unit 81C to communicate with the waste tank T.

In the standby state, when a coffee beverage manufacturing instruction is given, the process shown in FIG. 11(A) is executed. In S1, a preheating process is performed. This process is a process in which hot water is poured into the container body 90 and the container body 90 is heated in advance. First, valves 903 and 913 are opened. As a result, the pipe L3, the extraction container 9, and the waste tank T are brought into communication.

The solenoid valve 72i is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 1500 msec) 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 msec) and then closed. This pressurizes the air in the extraction container 9, promoting the discharge of hot water into the waste tank T. Through the above process, the inside of the extraction container 9 and the pipe L2 are preheated, and cooling of the hot water can be reduced in the subsequent production of the coffee beverage.

In S2, a grinding process 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. Move the container body 90 to the bean loading position. Subsequently, the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5 are operated. As a result, one cup of roasted coffee beans is supplied from the storage device 4 to the first grinder 5A. Roasted coffee beans are ground in two stages by a first grinder 5A and a second grinder 5B, and unnecessary materials are separated by a separator 6. The ground beans are put into the container body 90.

Return the container body 90 to the extraction position. The holding member 801 descends to the lowered position and the lid unit 91 is attached to the container body 90. The lock mechanism 821 is closed, and the lid unit 91 is airtightly locked to the container body 90. The holding member 811 rises to the raised position. Of the valves 903 and 913, valve 903 is in a closed state, and valve 913 is in an open state.

In S3, extraction processing is performed. Here, coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans in the container body 90. FIG. 11(B) is a flowchart of the extraction process in S3.

In S41, in order to steam the ground beans in the extraction container 9, an amount of hot water smaller than one cup's worth of hot water is poured into the extraction container 9. Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 500 msec) and then closed. As a result, hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72. Thereafter, the process waits for a predetermined time (for example, 5000 msec) and ends the process of S41. This process allows the ground beans to be steamed. By steaming the ground beans, the carbon dioxide gas contained in the ground beans can be released and the subsequent extraction effect can be enhanced.

In S42, the remaining amount of hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 so that one cup of hot water is stored in the extraction container 9. Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 7000 msec) and then closed. As a result, hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72.

By the process of S42, the inside of the extraction container 9 can be brought into a state where the temperature exceeds 100 degrees Celsius (for example, about 110 degrees Celsius) at 1 atmosphere. Subsequently, the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized in S43. Here, the solenoid valve 73b is opened and closed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 1000 msec), and the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized to an atmospheric pressure (for example, about 4 atmospheres (about 3 atmospheres in gauge pressure)) at which the hot water does not boil. After that, the valve 913 is closed.

Subsequently, this state is maintained for a predetermined period of time (for example, 7000 msec) to perform immersion-type coffee liquid extraction (S44). As a result, coffee liquid is extracted using an immersion method under high temperature and high pressure. The following effects can be expected from immersion extraction under high temperature and high pressure. First, by applying high pressure, it is possible to make it easier for hot water to penetrate inside the ground beans, and to accelerate the extraction of coffee liquid. Second, the high temperature accelerates the extraction of coffee liquid. Third, high temperatures reduce the viscosity of the oil contained in the ground beans, facilitating oil extraction. This makes it possible to produce a highly aromatic coffee beverage.

The temperature of the hot water (high-temperature water) only needs to be over 100 degrees Celsius, but higher temperatures are advantageous in extracting coffee liquid. On the other hand, increasing the temperature of hot water generally increases costs. Therefore, the temperature of the hot water may be, for example, 105 degrees Celsius or higher, 110 degrees Celsius or higher, or 115 degrees Celsius or higher, or, for example, 130 degrees Celsius or lower, or 120 degrees Celsius or lower. The atmospheric pressure is sufficient as long as it does not cause the water to boil.

In S45, the pressure inside the extraction container 9 is reduced. Here, the atmospheric pressure inside the extraction container 9 is changed to the atmospheric pressure at which the hot water boils. Specifically, the valve 913 is opened, the solenoid valve 73c is opened for a predetermined period of time (for example, 1000 msec), and then closed. The inside of the extraction container 9 is opened to the atmosphere. Thereafter, the valve 913 is closed again.

The pressure in 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 scatter explosively inside the extraction container 9. This allows the water to be boiled uniformly. Furthermore, the destruction of the cell walls of ground beans can be promoted, and the subsequent extraction of coffee liquid can be further promoted. In addition, this boiling can also stir the ground beans and hot water, thereby promoting the extraction of coffee liquid. In this way, the extraction efficiency of coffee liquid can be improved.

In S46, the extraction container 9 is reversed from the upright position to the inverted position. 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. Thereafter, the holding member 801 is returned to the lowered position, and the holding member 811 is returned to the raised position. When the extraction container 9 is in an inverted position, the neck portion 90b and the lid unit 91 are located on the lower side.

In S47, permeation type coffee liquid extraction is performed and the coffee beverage is delivered to cup C. Here, the switching valve 10a is switched to communicate the pouring portion 10c with the passage portion 810a of the operating unit 81C. Further, both valves 903 and 913 are opened. Furthermore, the solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 10,000 msec), and the inside of the extraction container 9 is brought to a predetermined pressure (for example, 1.7 atmospheres (0.7 atmospheres in gauge pressure)). In the extraction container 9, a coffee beverage in which coffee liquid is dissolved in hot water passes through a filter provided in a lid unit 91 and is delivered to a cup C. The filter restricts the leakage of ground bean residue. The extraction process is thus completed.

By using both the immersion type extraction in S44 and the permeation type extraction in S47, the coffee liquid extraction efficiency can be improved. When the extraction container 9 is in an upright position, ground beans are deposited from the body 90e to the bottom 90f. On the other hand, when the extraction container 9 is in an inverted position, ground beans accumulate from the shoulder portion 90d to the neck portion 90b. The cross-sectional area of the body portion 90e is larger than the cross-sectional area of the neck portion 90b, and the thickness of the ground beans piled up in the inverted position is thicker than the piled thickness in the upright position. That is, when the extraction container 9 is in an upright position, the ground beans are deposited relatively thinly and widely, and when the extraction container 9 is in an inverted position, the ground beans are relatively thickly and narrowly deposited.

Since the immersion extraction in S44 is performed with the extraction container 9 in an upright position, the hot water and ground beans can be brought into contact over a wide range, and the extraction efficiency of coffee liquid can be improved. However, in this case, the hot water and ground beans tend to come into partial contact. On the other hand, since the transmission extraction in S47 is performed with the extraction container 9 in an inverted position, the hot water passes through the accumulated ground beans while coming into contact with more ground beans. The hot water comes into contact with the ground beans more evenly, further improving the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid.

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

With the above steps, one coffee beverage manufacturing process is completed. Thereafter, similar processing is repeated for each manufacturing instruction. The time required to produce one coffee beverage is, for example, about 60 to 90 seconds.

<7. Summary of device configuration>
As described above, the beverage manufacturing device 1 includes the bean processing device 2 and the extraction device 3 as a manufacturing section, and more specifically, the bean processing device 2 includes the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5, and the extraction device 3 includes: It includes a fluid supply unit 7, a drive unit 8, an extraction container 9, and a switching unit 10 (see FIGS. 2, 3, etc.). The grinding device 5 receives one cup of roasted coffee beans from the storage device 4, and performs two-stage grinding using a first grinder 5A and a second grinder 5B. At this time, unnecessary substances such as chaff are separated from the ground beans by the separator 6. After the ground beans are put into the extraction container 9, the fluid supply unit 7 pours hot water into the extraction container 9, the drive unit 8 reverses the posture of the extraction container 9, and the switching unit 10 pours hot water into the extraction container 9. After dispensing the liquid, etc., a single drink is provided.

A part of the production section is covered by a cover section 102 configured as a transparent cover, which is a transparent section as a whole, and a user (for example, a manager of the beverage production device 1, a beverage consumer, etc.) 1. Visible from the outside. It is assumed that in the manufacturing section, a plurality of canisters 40 that are part of the storage device 4 are exposed, and other elements are substantially housed within the housing 100; may be housed in In other words, the cover section 102 may be provided so as to cover at least a portion of the manufacturing section.

At least a part of the production section is covered by the cover section 102 so that it can be visually recognized from the outside of the beverage production apparatus 1, so that, for example, when the user is an administrator of the beverage production apparatus 1, the administrator can control the production of beverages. In some cases, it may be possible to check the operation of the equipment along with the preparation. If the user is a purchaser of a beverage, the purchaser may be able to wait for the completion of production of the beverage while increasing expectations for the beverage. For example, the extraction container 9 of the extraction device 3 is visible from the outside of the beverage manufacturing device 1 through the cover part 102, and among the several processes for manufacturing a beverage, the extraction process that is of relatively high interest to the user can be observed. It is. The drive unit 8 acts as a posture changing unit that changes the posture of the extraction container 9, and as described above, the extraction container 9 is a movable part that can be turned upside down in the manufacturing department. Therefore, this reversing operation of the extraction container 9 is relatively easy to attract the user's interest, and by making it observable by the user, it may be possible to entertain the user.

Next, a modification of the crushing device 5 will be described. In the following description, components having the same names as those described above will be described with the same reference numerals used up until now. The crushing device 5 described here differs in appearance from the crushing device shown in FIG. 2, but is functionally the same.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the crushing device 5, and FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the crushing device 5 shown in FIG.

The crushing device 5 shown in FIG. 12 also includes a first grinder 5A, a second grinder 5B, and a separation device 6, like the crushing device shown in FIG. The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are mechanisms for grinding roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 shown in FIG. 2. The first grinder 5A is a grinder for grinding coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1/4) in order to easily separate unnecessary substances attached to the coffee beans. The second grinder 5B is a grinder for grinding the coffee beans crushed by the first grinder 5A into coffee beans having a desired particle size. Therefore, the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B have different particle sizes for grinding beans, and the second grinder 5B has a finer particle size than the first grinder 5A. The particle size of the ground beans in the second grinder 5B can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b, although an error (approximately ±5 μm) may occur.

The first grinder 5A includes a motor 52a (see FIG. 12) and a main body 53a. The motor 52a is a driving source for the first grinder 5A. The main body portion 53a is a unit that accommodates a cutter, and has a built-in rotating shaft 54a as shown in FIG. 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.

As shown in FIG. 13, the rotary shaft 54a is provided with a rotary blade 58a, which is a cutter. Further, a fixed blade 57a serving as a cutter is provided around the rotary blade 58a. The inside of the main body portion 53a communicates with the input port 50a (see FIG. 12) and the discharge port 51a (see FIG. 13). Roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 shown in FIG. 2 enter the main body 53a through the input port 50a formed at the upper part of the main body 53a, and the rotary blade 58a and fixed blade 57a shown in FIG. It is crushed by being sandwiched between the two. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a suppressing plate 56a is provided above the rotary blade 58a of the rotating shaft 54a, and the suppressing plate 56a suppresses roasted coffee beans from escaping upward. In the first grinder 5A, roasted coffee beans are ground to about 1/4, for example. The crushed ground beans are discharged to the separation device 6 from the discharge port 51a.

Note that the roasted coffee beans supplied to the input port 50a may be supplied at a height such that they hit the side surface of the rotary blade 58a instead of from above. In that case, since the rotary blade 58a suppresses the roasted coffee beans from escaping upward, the suppression plate 56a may not be provided.

The first grinder 5A may change the size of 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 separation device 6 shown in FIG. 12 has the same configuration as the separation device 6 described using FIG. This is a mechanism that separates the air by the suction force of air. The roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the first grinder 5A, and unnecessary materials are separated from the coarsely ground beans by the separator 6. The coarsely ground beans from which unnecessary substances have been separated are finely ground by the second grinder 5B.

The second grinder 5B includes a motor 52b (see FIG. 12) and a main body 53b. The motor 52b is a driving source for the second grinder 5B. The main body portion 53b is a unit that accommodates a cutter, and has a built-in rotating shaft 54b as shown in FIG. 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 a belt 59b and a pulley 55b.

As shown in FIG. 13, the rotating shaft 54b is also provided with a rotating blade 58b, and a fixed blade 57b is provided above the rotating blade 58b. The inside of the main body portion 53b communicates with the input port 50b shown in FIG. 12 and the discharge port 51b also shown in FIG. 12. The ground beans falling from the separator 6 enter the main body portion 53b through the input port 50b, and are further crushed by being sandwiched between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b. The ground beans pulverized into powder are discharged from the discharge port 51b. Note that the particle size of the ground beans in the second grinder 5B can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b.

Next, the separation device 6 will be explained anew, although some parts overlap with the previous explanation. FIG. 14 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the separation device 6. Separation device 6 includes a suction unit 6A and a forming unit 6B. The forming unit 6B is a hollow body that forms a separation chamber SC (see FIG. 13) through which ground beans freely falling from the first grinder 5A pass. The suction unit 6A is a unit that communicates with the separation chamber SC in a direction (in this example, the left-right direction) that intersects the passing direction of the ground beans (in this example, the vertical direction), and sucks the air in the separation chamber SC. By suctioning the air in the separation chamber SC, lightweight objects such as chaff and fine powder are suctioned. This allows unnecessary substances to be separated from the ground beans.

The suction unit 6A is a centrifugal mechanism. The suction unit 6A includes a chaff fan unit 60A and a collection container 60B. The chaff fan unit 60A includes a chaff fan motor and a chaff fan rotationally driven by the chaff fan motor, and exhausts air in the recovery container 60B upward.

The collection container 60B includes an upper part 61 and a lower part 62 that are separably engaged. The lower part 62 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper part, and forms a space for accumulating unnecessary materials. The upper part 61 constitutes a lid part that is attached to the opening of the lower part 62. As shown in FIG. 14, the upper part 61 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 61a and an exhaust pipe 61b formed coaxially with the outer peripheral wall 61a. The chaff fan unit 60A is fixed to the upper part 61 above the exhaust pipe 61b so as to suck the air inside the exhaust pipe 61b. The upper portion 61 also includes a cylindrical connecting portion 61c extending in the radial direction. The connecting portion 61c is connected to the forming unit 6B and communicates the separation chamber SC with the recovery container 60B. The connecting portion 61c opens on the side of the exhaust pipe 61b.

By driving the chaff fan unit 60A, air currents indicated by arrows d1 to d3 in FIG. 14 are generated. Due to this airflow, air containing unnecessary substances is sucked from the separation chamber SC into the recovery container 60B through the connection portion 61c. Since the connecting portion 61c opens on the side of the exhaust pipe 61b, the air containing unnecessary substances swirls around the exhaust pipe 61b. Unwanted matter D in the air falls due to its weight and is collected in a part of the collection container 60B (deposited on the bottom surface of the lower part 62). Air is exhausted upward through the inside of the exhaust pipe 61b.

A plurality of fins 61d are integrally formed on the circumferential surface of the exhaust pipe 61b. The plurality of fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. Each fin 61d is inclined obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. By providing such fins 61, swirling of the air containing the waste matter D around the exhaust pipe 61b is promoted. Furthermore, the fins 61 facilitate separation of the unnecessary matter D. As a result, the vertical length of the suction unit 6A can be reduced, contributing to miniaturization of the device.

Further, a forming unit 6B is arranged on the falling path of the ground beans by the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B, and a centrifugal suction unit 6A is arranged on the side of the falling path. Centrifugal separation mechanisms tend to be long in the vertical direction, but by shifting the suction unit 6A from the falling path and arranging it laterally, the suction unit 6A can be moved laterally to the first grinder 5A and second grinder 5B. Can be installed in parallel. This contributes to reducing the length of the device in the vertical direction. In particular, when two-stage grinding is performed using the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B, the length of the device in the vertical direction tends to increase, so this arrangement of the suction unit 6A is effective in downsizing the device. It is.

The forming unit 6B will be explained with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the forming unit 6B. FIG. 16 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of the forming unit 6B. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the forming unit 6B, and is a comparative explanatory diagram of cross-sectional areas.

The forming unit 6B shown in FIG. 15 is formed by combining two members that are cut in half vertically. 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 cylindrical body that forms a communication path 63a with the suction unit 6A, and extends in the lateral direction (a direction intersecting a center line CL, which will be described later). The separation chamber forming part 64 is connected to the pipe part 63, forms a separation chamber SC, and is an annular hollow body whose center is opened in the vertical direction.

In the separation device 6 shown in FIG. 14, in order to separate unnecessary materials from the ground beans, a method is adopted in which horizontal wind pressure is applied to the ground beans falling from the first grinder 5A to suck up the unnecessary materials. . This is advantageous in that the vertical length can be made shorter than the centrifugal separation method.

The separation chamber forming part 64 shown in FIG. 15 includes a cylindrical part 65 extending in the vertical direction. The cylindrical portion 65 protrudes into the separation chamber SC from its vertical center to its lower portion. The cylindrical portion 65 has an opening 65a at one end on the upper side, and the opening 65a forms an input port for ground beans that communicates with the separation chamber SC. The opening 65a is located outside the separation chamber SC and is connected to the discharge port 51a (see FIG. 13) of the first grinder 5A. Thereby, the ground beans falling from the discharge port 51a are introduced into the separation chamber forming part 64 without leaking. The cylindrical portion 65 has an opening 65b at the other end on the lower side. The opening 65b is located 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 leaking.

The cylindrical portion 65 has a cylindrical shape, and the opening 65a and the opening 65b have concentric circular shapes located on the center line CL. This makes it easier for ground beans falling from the outlet 51a to pass through the cylindrical portion 65. The cylindrical portion 65 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area of the internal space gradually decreases from the opening 65a side to the opening 65b side. Since the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 65 has a mortar shape, falling ground beans tend to collide with the inner wall. The ground beans falling from the first grinder 5A may fall in the form of clumps with the grains coming into close contact with each other. If the ground beans are in a lumpy state, the efficiency of separating unnecessary substances may decrease. In the cylindrical portion 65 shown in FIG. 15, the ground beans that have formed a clump collide with the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 65, thereby breaking the clumps and making it easier to separate unnecessary materials.

Note that the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 65 is not limited to the mortar shape in terms of breaking up the clumps of ground beans. 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 65a, and if there is an inner wall that is inclined (not horizontal) with respect to the center line CL, collision with a lump can be prevented. This allows the ground beans to fall smoothly while promoting the process. Further, the cylindrical portion 65 does not need to 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 speed around the cylindrical portion 65 can be improved. Therefore, in the region R1 that is relatively far from the pipe portion 63, the effect of separating unnecessary materials 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 from which unnecessary substances have been separated are discharged. The discharge port 66 shown in FIG. 15 is located below the opening 65b, and the ground beans that have passed through the cylindrical portion 65 pass through the separation chamber SC and freely fall from the discharge port 66. The discharge port 66 is a circular opening located on the center line CL, and is concentric with the openings 65a and 65b. Therefore, the ground beans can easily pass through the separation chamber forming part 64 by free fall, and it is possible to prevent the ground beans from accumulating in the separation chamber forming part 64.

As shown in FIG. 17, the cross-sectional area SC2 of the discharge port 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area SC1 of the opening 65b. The opening 65b and the discharge port 66 overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the opening 65b is projected vertically with respect to the discharge port 66, the opening 65b will fit inside the discharge port 66. In other words, the opening 65b fits within an area where the discharge port 66 is extended in the vertical direction. It is also possible to employ 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.

The ratio of the cross-sectional area SC1 to the cross-sectional area SC2 is, for example, 95% or less, or 85% or less, and is, 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, the ground beans that freely fall from the opening 65b are easily discharged from the discharge port 66. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the falling ground beans from colliding with the edge of the discharge port 66 and splashing toward the pipe portion 63, and to prevent the necessary ground beans from being sucked into the suction unit 6A. Although it has been exemplified that the opening area of the one end opening (for example, 65a) is smaller than the opening area of the discharge port (for example, 66), the opening area of the discharge port (for example, 66) and the opening of the one end opening (for example, 65a) The areas may be the same, or the opening area of one end opening (for example, 65a) may be larger than the opening area of the discharge port (for example, 66). Although it has been exemplified that the opening area of the other end opening (for example, 65b) is smaller than the opening area of the outlet (for example, 66), the opening area of the outlet (for example, 66) and the other end opening (for example, 65b) may have the same opening area, or the opening area of the other end opening (for example, 65b) may be larger than the opening area of the discharge port (for example, 66). Although it has been illustrated that the suction unit (e.g. 6A) sucks air from the outlet 66 and the input port (e.g. 65a, 65a'), the amount of air sucked from the input port (e.g. 65a, 65a') is The amount of air sucked through the exhaust port 66 may be increased. This is achieved because the other end opening (for example, 65b) protrudes into the separation chamber, and the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 66 is larger than the one end opening (for example, 65a). Alternatively, the cross-sectional area of the discharge port 66 may be larger than the opening area of the other end opening (for example, 65b), or the separation chamber may be The distance from the exhaust port 66 to the separation chamber may be shorter than the distance from the exhaust port 66 to the exhaust pipe 61b, or the distance from the exhaust port 66 to the exhaust pipe 61b may be shorter than the distance from the opening at one end (for example, 65a) to the exhaust pipe 61b. This may be realized by having a short distance, or may be realized by having the distance from the discharge port 66 to the chaff fan unit 60A shorter than the distance from the one end opening (for example, 65a) to the chaff fan unit 60A. Either of the inner walls, the cylindrical portion 65, or the other end opening (for example, 65b) of the members (63 to 65) constituting the forming unit 6B or the separation chamber SC, the grinder (at least one of the grinders 5A and 5B) ) may be configured to vibrate by directly or indirectly contacting with the grinder through another member to transmit vibrations caused by the rotation of the grinder. For example, in the case of the coffee bean grinder 1 in the embodiment, since they are in direct or indirect contact, during the operation of the grinder, the members (63 to 65) constituting the forming unit 6B and the separation chamber SC Any one of the inner wall parts, the cylindrical part 65, or the other end opening (for example, 65b) vibrates, and the turbulent air generated in the separation chamber SC due to the vibration causes the separation chamber SC to be removed from the other end opening (for example, 65b). A brake is applied to light unnecessary objects that enter the room, making it easier for the suction unit (for example, 6A) to suck up the unnecessary objects. In particular, as in the coffee bean grinder 1 in the embodiment, the forming unit 6B is in direct contact with the first grinder 5A of the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B; By making contact with the forming unit 6B, appropriate vibration may be applied to the forming unit 6B to facilitate suction of light unnecessary materials.

Air sucked by the suction unit 6A is mainly sucked from the exhaust port 66. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 13, a gap is provided between the discharge port 66 and the input port 50b of the second grinder 5B to promote air suction. An arrow d4 shown in FIG. 15 schematically indicates the direction of the airflow sucked by the suction unit 6A. By suctioning air from the outlet 66, unnecessary substances are difficult to be discharged from the outlet 66, and the separation performance between ground beans and unnecessary substances can be improved. Note that the air sucked by the suction unit 6A is also sucked from the opening 65a.

A turbulent flow promoting portion 67 is formed on the peripheral wall defining the discharge port 66 . The turbulence promoting section 67 causes turbulence in the air sucked into the separation chamber SC from the discharge port 66. By forming the turbulence promoting portion 67, turbulence is likely to occur particularly in the region R2 between the opening 65b and the discharge port 66. Furthermore, in the forming unit 6B shown in FIG. 15, since the wind speed increases around the cylindrical portion 65, the generation of turbulence in the region R2 can be synergistically promoted.

The ground beans input into the input port 65a are agitated under the influence of turbulence when passing through the region R2. In particular, since the cross-sectional area SC2 of the discharge port 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area SC1 of the opening 65b as described above, the ground beans always pass through the region R2. The turbulence helps separate unwanted materials such as chaff and fines from the ground beans. Therefore, even if the separation chamber SC is a small space, it is possible to improve the separation efficiency of unnecessary substances, and in particular, it contributes to reducing the vertical length of the separation chamber SC, and the first grinder 5A and the This is advantageous in reducing the size of the device when two-stage grinding is performed using the two-grinder 5B.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the turbulence promoting section 67 includes a plurality of turbulence promoting elements 67a. The turbulence promoting element 67a is a protrusion that protrudes downward in the vertical direction. The protruding direction of the turbulence promoting element 67a may be any direction, but a direction within the range from the bottom to the radially inward direction is preferable in terms of making it easier to generate turbulence in the separation chamber SC. be. If the protruding direction is downward, falling ground beans will not be caught, which is more preferable.

The cross-sectional shape of the turbulence promoting element 67a is a trapezoidal square prism arranged so that the upper base of the cross-section faces in the direction of the center line CL, and as shown in FIG. 16, a chamfer 67b is provided on the inside of the tip. It is shaped like this. Although the shape of the turbulence promoting element 67a is not limited to this shape, a shape that complicates the shape of the discharge port 66 three-dimensionally is suitable.

As shown in FIG. 16, the turbulence promoting elements 67a are repeatedly formed in the circumferential direction d5 of the discharge port 66. As a result, air is blown into the region R2 from multiple directions, promoting the generation of turbulent flow. The pitches of adjacent turbulence promoting elements 67a are the same, but may be different pitches. Furthermore, although twelve turbulence promoting elements 67a are formed, the number of turbulence promoting elements 67a is arbitrary.

The grinding device 5 described above with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17 is incorporated into the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, but the grinding device 5 can also be used alone as a coffee bean grinder. In this case, a storage device that stores roasted coffee beans and supplies the coffee beans to the input port 50a, a control device that controls the grinding device 5, and an information display device are added.

FIG. 18 is an external perspective view of the coffee bean grinder, and FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a control device for the coffee bean grinder. The basic configuration of the coffee bean grinder shown in FIG. 18 is almost the same as the basic configuration of the grinding device 5 described using FIGS. 12 to 17. Hereinafter, components having the same names as those described so far will be given the same reference numerals as those used so far, and differences from the crushing device 5 described using FIGS. 12 to 17 will be explained. I will mainly explain.

The coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 has a storage device 4, a grinding device 5, and a control device 11 shown in FIG. 19 that controls these. The coffee bean grinder GM also has an information display device 12 (see FIG. 19) wirelessly connected to the control device 11. The information display device 12 is a touch panel display for inputting various control instructions and setting values of the coffee bean grinder GM, and in addition to displaying various information, it also receives input from the administrator and the user. Is possible. Further, the information display device 12 is provided with a speaker and a camera.

The control device 11 controls the entire coffee bean grinder GM. 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, a RAM or a ROM. This storage unit 11b stores recipes. The recipe includes information on various conditions for grinding coffee beans, bean information, recipe creator information, comments from the recipe creator, and the like. The I/F section 11c includes an input/output interface that inputs and outputs signals between an external device and the processing section 11a. The I/F unit 11c also includes a communication interface capable of data communication with external terminals such as the server 16 and the mobile terminal 17 via a communication network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 is capable of communicating with a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone via the communication network 15, and can, for example, receive information such as reservations for producing ground coffee beans and impressions from the mobile terminal 17 of the consumer. be. A coffee bean grinding system GS for grinding coffee beans includes a coffee bean grinder 1, a server 16, and a mobile terminal 17.

The processing unit 11a executes the program stored in the storage unit 11b and controls the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5 according to the recipe. More specifically, the processing unit 11a controls the actuator group 14 according to a recipe, or controls the actuator group 14 based on instructions from the information display device 12, detection results from the sensor group 13, or instructions from the server 16. do. The sensor group 13 includes various sensors (for example, a sensor for detecting the operating position of a mechanism, etc.) provided in the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5. The actuator group 14 is various actuators (for example, motors, etc.) provided in the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5.

The storage device 4 shown in FIG. 18 includes a cylindrical canister storage unit 401 and a removable cap 401c that is screwed onto the upper end of the canister storage unit 401 and covers the top surface of the canister storage unit 401. A canister storage chamber (not shown) is provided inside the canister storage unit 401. A plurality of canister storage chambers are provided in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of canisters can be stored inside the canister storage unit 401. The canister not shown here has the same structure as the canister shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the handle 40b is not provided. In the storage device 4, a plurality of canisters stored therein can be selectively used. Therefore, it is possible to perform the grinding process by selecting roasted coffee beans of different varieties or roasted coffee beans with different roasting degrees, or by mixing and grinding multiple types of roasted coffee beans with different varieties and roasting degrees. Processing can also be performed.

Further, the canister storage unit 401 is detachably attached to an option attachment part GM11 provided at the upper part of the center casing GM10 of the coffee bean grinder GM. In addition to the canister storage unit 401, multiple types of units can be attached to this option attachment part GM11. The upper part of the center casing GM10 covers the lower part of the unit attached to the option mounting part GM11. Note that the type of unit attached to the option attachment portion GM11 may be configured to be displayed on an external terminal such as the mobile terminal 17 that can communicate with the coffee bean grinder GM.

20(a) is a diagram showing a coffee bean grinder GM with a hopper unit 402 attached instead of the canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18, and FIG. 20(b) is a diagram with a funnel unit 403 attached. It is a diagram showing a coffee bean grinder GM.

Although FIG. 18 was a perspective view of the coffee bean grinder GM seen from diagonally to the left, FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the coffee bean grinder GM seen from diagonally to the right.

The option mounting portion GM11 shown in FIG. 18 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the center casing GM10. The mounting method of each unit to this option mounting portion GM11 may be a screwing method, or a method in which a locking claw provided on each unit is locked to the option mounting portion GM11, A method may be adopted in which a locking claw provided on the option mounting portion GM11 locks each unit.

The hopper unit 402 shown in FIG. 20(a) is a transparent container in which roasted coffee beans are stored, and the top surface is covered with a removable cap 402c. This hopper unit 402 corresponds to a large single canister.

On the other hand, the funnel unit 403 shown in FIG. 20(b) is funnel-shaped with the inside tapered toward the option mounting portion GM11 side, and the upper end is open. This funnel unit 403 also accommodates roasted coffee beans. In the funnel unit 403, compared to the canister or hopper unit 402, roasted coffee beans can be smoothly supplied to the downstream side. The canister storage unit 401, the hopper unit 402, and the funnel unit 403 are storage units capable of storing roasted coffee beans. These storage units (401 to 403) are provided with supply ports for supplying roasted coffee beans to the downstream side.

Further, a measuring unit can also be attached to the option attachment part GM11.

FIG. 21A is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the weighing unit 404 is attached to the option attachment part GM11.

In the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 21(a), a canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 20 is further attached to a weighing unit 404 attached to an option attachment part GM11. Storage units (401 to 403) capable of storing roasted coffee beans can be detachably attached to the measuring unit 404. The mounting method of the storage unit to the weighing unit 404 may be the same as the mounting method of each unit to the option mounting part GM11, and may be a screwing method, or the locking claw provided on each unit may be attached to the weighing unit 404. It may be a locking method, or a locking claw provided on the metering unit 404 may be locking the storage unit. In the example shown in FIG. 21(a), a locking claw 404k provided on the metering unit 404 locks on a protrusion GM11t of the option mounting portion GM11. Further, a locking claw 401k provided on the canister storage unit 401 is locked on a protrusion 404t provided on the upper part of the inner circumferential wall of the weighing unit 404.

The weighing unit 404 has an inlet 4040, a guide passage 4041, a conveyance passage 4042, and an outlet 4043. When the storage units (401 to 403) are attached to the weighing unit 404, the supply port USP of the storage unit is connected to the receiving port 4040 of the measuring unit 404, and the roasted coffee beans stored in the storage unit are transferred to the receiving port 4040. supplied to The receiving port 4040 and the upstream side of the conveyance passage 4042 are connected by a guide passage 4041. In the conveyance path 4042 shown in FIG. 21(a), the right side is the upstream side and the left side is the downstream side. An electric screw conveyor ESC is disposed within the conveyance passage 4042, and roasted coffee beans are conveyed within the conveyance passage 4042 and sent out from the outlet 4043 toward the grinding device 5. That is, the roasted coffee beans supplied to the receiving port 4040 are guided to the conveyance passage 4042 through the guide passage 4041, and conveyed from the right side to the left side of the conveyance passage 4042 shown in FIG. 21(a). Although the conveyance path 4042 shown in FIG. 21(a) is provided horizontally, the downstream end opening 4042o of the conveyance path 4042 is formed to open obliquely upward. Note that the conveyance path 4042 may be inclined so that the downstream side is higher than the upstream side.

FIG. 21(b) is a perspective view showing the electric screw conveyor ESC.

In the electric screw conveyor ESC shown in FIG. 21(b), the back right side is the upstream side, and the front left side is the downstream side. The electric screw conveyor ESC has a screw shaft ESC1 and a screw blade ESC2 spirally provided on the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft ESC1. Furthermore, a motor ESC3 that rotationally drives the screw shaft ESC1 is built into the upstream end of the electric screw conveyor ESC. The roasted coffee beans guided to the conveyance passage 4042 are conveyed within the conveyance passage 4042 by the rotating screw blade ESC2. The control device 11 controls the rotation of the motor ESC3, and the amount of roasted coffee beans is automatically measured based on the amount of rotation of the screw shaft ESC1. The electric screw conveyor ESC automatically weighs the roasted coffee beans stored in the storage units (401 to 403) and conveys them toward the downstream side.

As shown in FIG. 21(a), a cover member 460 is provided at the downstream end opening 4042o of the conveyance passage 4042. As described above, the downstream end opening 4042o is formed to face obliquely upward, and the cover member 460 is also disposed obliquely. The cover member 460 includes a cover plate 461 and a strip member 451.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing some aspects of the cover member 460 disposed at the downstream end opening 4042o of the conveyance path 4042.

The upper half of the downstream end opening 4042o shown in FIG. 22(a) is covered by a cover plate 461. The cover plate 461 is a rigid body made of resin.

Furthermore, an outlet section 45 is provided at the downstream end of the conveyance passage 4042. The outlet portion 45 is made up of flexible band-like members 451 arranged in the lateral direction at intervals W1. The strip member 451 is more flexible than the cover plate 461. The interval W1 between the strip members 451 is narrower than the size of a typical roasted coffee bean B. Further, the upper end of the strip member 451 is fixed to the lower edge of the cover plate 461, but the lower end of the strip member 451 is a free end. Further, the lower end of the strip member 451 is located inside the edge 4042e that defines the downstream end opening 4042o by a length shorter than the size of the roasted coffee beans B. Although the band member 451 narrows the area of the downstream end opening 4042o, its flexibility allows the roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2 to pass therethrough. That is, in the first place, the area of the downstream end opening 4042o is narrowed to about half by the cover plate 461, making it difficult for the roasted coffee beans B to fall from the downstream end opening 4042o from the time when the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. Furthermore, the area of the downstream end opening 4042o is further narrowed by the band-shaped member 451, making it more difficult for the roasted coffee beans B to fall from the downstream end opening 4042o. Therefore, the roasted coffee beans B are prevented from accidentally entering the downstream side. On the other hand, since the strip member 451 is flexible and has a free lower end, it is turned outward by the pushing force (corresponding to the conveying force) of the roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2. . As a result, the interval W1 between the strip members 451 and the gap between the lower end of the strip member 451 and the edge 4042e defining the downstream end opening 4042o are widened, and the roasted coffee beans B are delivered from the widened intervals and gaps.

Further, in the cover member 460 disposed facing diagonally upward, the band member 451 is also tilted, and the outlet portion 45 is also directed diagonally upward. The outlet portion 45 shown in FIGS. 22(a) to 22(f) faces obliquely upward. The fact that the outlet section 45 faces obliquely upward in this manner also makes it difficult for the roasted coffee beans B to fall from the outlet section 45. However, the outlet portion 45 shown in FIGS. 22(a) to 22(f) may be oriented directly to the side.

The upper half of the downstream end opening 4042o shown in FIG. 22(a) is covered by a cover plate 461. The cover plate 461 is a rigid body made of resin.

The cover member 460 shown in FIGS. 22(b) and 22(c) is the same as the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(a) except that the strip member 451 is longer. The strip member 451 shown in FIG. 22(b) extends downward beyond the edge 4042e that defines the downstream end opening 4042o, and the lower end of the strip member 451 is located outside the edge 4042e. There is. The strip member 451 shown in FIG. 22(c) extends downward just to the edge 4042e that defines the downstream end opening 4042o, and the lower end of the strip member 451 overlaps the edge 4042e. Therefore, in both the cover members 460 shown in FIGS. 22(b) and 22(c), the area of the downstream end opening 4042o can be narrower than in the cover member 460 shown in FIG. The permissibility of passage of roasted coffee beans B becomes low. However, both the strip member 451 shown in FIG. 22(b) and the strip member 451 shown in FIG. The roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the ESC 2 are turned outward by the pushing force. As a result, the roasted coffee beans B are sent out by the pushing force from the outlet section 45 shown in FIG. 22(b) and also from the exit section 45 shown in FIG. 22(c).

The cover member 460 shown in FIGS. 22(d) and 22(e) is the same as the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(a) except for the size of the cover plate 461. In the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(d), a cover plate 461 covers an upper portion corresponding to 1/3 of the size of the downstream end opening 4042o. In the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(e), a cover plate 461 covers a portion from the top to the middle corresponding to ⅔ of the size of the downstream end opening 4042o. Therefore, in the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(d), the area of the downstream end opening 4042o is not narrowed compared to the cover member 460 shown in FIG. becomes higher. However, if the belt-shaped member 451 is also included, the area of the downstream opening 41h is narrowed by more than half, and the roasted coffee beans B become difficult to fall from the outlet part 45 from the time when the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. In addition, in the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(e), the area of the downstream end opening 4042o is narrower than in the cover member 460 shown in FIG. is quite low. For this reason, it is preferable to use a band-like member that is more flexible than the band-like member 451 shown in FIG. 22(a).

A cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(f) does not include a cover plate 461 and is composed only of an outlet portion 45 made of a band-shaped member 451. Both ends of the strip member 451 are fixed to an edge 4042e that defines a downstream end opening 4042o. In the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(f), the area of the downstream end opening 4042o is narrowed by the band member 451. Furthermore, since both ends of the band member 451 are fixed, one end will not turn over outward. However, the interval W2 between the strip members 451 is widened by the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2. The strip member 451 shown in FIG. 22(f) is thinner than the strip member 451 shown in FIG. 22(a). Moreover, the interval W2 between the strip members 451 shown in FIG. 22(f) is narrower than the size of a typical roasted coffee bean B, but wider than the interval W1 between the strip members 451 shown in FIG. 22(a). Therefore, in the band member 451 shown in FIG. 22(f), the distance W2 is more likely to expand due to the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B being conveyed, compared to the band member 451 shown in FIG. 22(a). The distance after expansion is also large. Therefore, the roasted coffee beans B are also sent out from the outlet section 45 shown in FIG. 22(f) by the pushing force.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing still another aspect of the cover member 460.

The cover member 460 shown in FIG. 23(a) is the same as the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(a) except that the configuration of the outlet portion 45 is different. That is, the upper half of the downstream end opening 4042o is covered by the cover plate 461, and the outlet portion 45 is provided in the lower half. The outlet portion 45 shown in FIG. 23(a) includes a rotation shaft 452 extending in the horizontal direction and a lid member 453 that rotates in the vertical direction about the rotation shaft 452. The lid member 453 covers the entire lower half of the downstream end opening 4042o, and has a rectangular outer shape. The lid member 453 shown in FIG. 23(a) covers the entire lower half of the downstream end opening 4042o, and the roasted coffee beans B are difficult to fall from the outlet section 45 from the time when the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. It has become. Moreover, each outlet portion 45 shown in FIG. 23 also faces obliquely upward. Therefore, the lid member 453 also faces obliquely upward, making it difficult to rotate upward. However, due to the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2, the lid member 453 rotates upward as shown by the arrow in the figure, and the outlet portion 453 shown in FIG. Also, roasted coffee beans B are sent out.

The cover member 460 shown in FIG. 23(b) is the same as the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 23(a) except for the size and shape of the cover member 453. The lid member 453 shown in FIG. 23(b) covers a part of the lower half of the downstream end opening 4042o, and has a semicircular outer shape. Therefore, a gap W3 is created between the edge 4042e that defines the downstream end opening 4042o and the lid member 453, but the gap W3 is narrower than the size of a typical roasted coffee bean B. The cover member 460 shown in FIG. 23(b) also makes it difficult for the roasted coffee beans B to fall from the time when the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. On the other hand, due to the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B being conveyed, the lid member 453 is rotated upward as shown by the arrow in the figure, and the roasted coffee beans are Bean B is sent out. In particular, in the outlet section 45 shown in FIG. 23(b), since there is a gap W3, the permissibility of passage of the roasted coffee beans B is higher than that in the outlet section 45 shown in FIG. 23(a).

The cover member 460 shown in FIG. 23(c) eliminates the cover plate 461 and consists only of an outlet portion 45 having two rotation shafts 452L, 452R and a pair of left and right cover members 453L, 453R. The two rotation shafts 452L and 452R are inclined from the vertical direction so that the downstream end opening 4042o faces obliquely upward. The left lid member 453L covers the entire left half of the downstream end opening 4042o, and has a semicircular outer shape. The right lid member 453L covers the entire left half of the downstream end opening 4042o, and has a semicircular outer shape. Even at the outlet portion 45 shown in FIG. 23(c), the roasted coffee beans B become difficult to fall from the time when the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. On the other hand, due to the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B being conveyed, the left lid member 453L rotates to the left, and the right lid member 453R rotates to the right, as shown by the arrow in the figure. Roasted coffee beans B are also sent out from the outlet section 45 shown in 23(c).

In addition, although each outlet part 45 shown in FIG. 23 also faced obliquely upward, it may also face directly to the side.

In the above description,
``A coffee machine that prepares coffee using coffee beans,
a conveyance mechanism [for example, electric screw conveyor ESC] that conveys coffee beans toward the opening [for example, downstream end opening 4042o];
an exit section [for example, exit section 45] that allows the coffee beans transported by the transport mechanism to pass through while narrowing the area of the opening;
A coffee machine [for example, beverage manufacturing device 1, coffee bean grinder GM] characterized by having the following. ”
explained.

The conveyance mechanism may be arranged in a cylinder, and the cylinder may have an upstream side serving as a storage side for storing the coffee beans and a downstream side having the opening.

Here, a storage section storing coffee beans, a transport mechanism that transports the coffee beans from the storage section toward an opening, and a transport mechanism that transports the coffee beans transported by the transport mechanism while narrowing the area of the opening. A coffee machine characterized in that it has an outlet section that allows passage. It may be.

Also,
``The outlet section is made up of flexible band-like members [e.g., band-like member 451] arranged in one direction [e.g., horizontal direction] with an interval [e.g., interval W1, W2].
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Note that the one direction may be a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, or an oblique direction.

Further, the outlet portion may have a comb-teeth shape.

Moreover, the band-shaped member may be fixed at both ends [for example, the band-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(f)].

Also,
“The band-like member has one end as a fixed end and the other end as a free end [for example, the band-like member 451 shown in FIGS. 22(a) to 22(e)],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
"The other end is located inside the edge defining the opening [for example, the band-shaped member 451 shown in FIGS. 22(a), 22(d), and 22(e)],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Note that the other end is spaced inward by a first length from the edge that defines the opening [for example, the edge 4042e], and the first length is a length shorter than the size of the coffee bean. It may be

Also,
``The band-shaped member has a part of the side that becomes the other end [for example, the free end side] overlapped with the edge [for example, the edge 4042e] that defines the opening [for example, FIG. 22(b) and a band-shaped member 451 shown in FIG.
A beverage manufacturing device characterized by: ”
Also explained.

That is, the other end may be located outside the edge [for example, the tip of the strip member 451 shown in FIG. 22(b)], or may be located at the edge [for example, The tip of the band-like member 451 shown in (c)] may be used.

Also,
“The interval [for example, the interval W1, W2] is narrower than the size of the coffee beans,
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``A coffee machine characterized by comprising, in addition to the outlet section, a cover section [for example, a cover plate 461] that covers a part of the opening. ”
Also explained.

In addition, the said cover part may be fixedly arranged along the outer periphery of the said opening. Further, the cover portion may be plate-shaped.

Also,
"The outlet section is a lid member [for example, the lid member shown in FIG. 453, left lid member 453L and right lid member 453R],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The outlet portion faces diagonally upward [for example, see the downstream end opening 4042o shown in FIG. 21(a)],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Next, the bean outlet will be explained.

FIG. 24(a) is a diagram showing a closed state of the lid unit GM21 that opens and closes the bean outlet GM20 provided in the center casing GM10 of the coffee bean grinder GM, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state where it opened.

As described above, the option mounting part GM11 is provided at the upper part of the center casing GM10 of the coffee bean grinder GM. Further, a start button GM15 is provided at the middle portion in the height direction of the center casing GM10, and when pressed, the start button GM15 instructs to start the grinding process. Furthermore, the lower part of the center casing GM10 covers the first grinder 5A. The bean outlet GM20 shown in FIG. 24(b) is provided downstream of the option attachment part GM11 and upstream of the first grinder 5A. That is, when the weighing unit 404 is attached to the option mounting part GM11, the position of the bean removal port GM20 is a position on the downstream side of the outlet port 4043 of the weighing unit 404 (see FIG. 21(a)). , when the storage unit (401 to 403) is attached to the option attachment part GM11, the position is downstream of the supply port USP of the storage unit (see FIG. 21(a)). The roasted coffee beans stored in the storage units (401 to 403) are discharged from the bean outlet GM20. Furthermore, when the weighing unit 404 is attached to the option attachment part GM11, surplus beans may be discharged as a result of weighing from the bean outlet GM20. A guide path forming member GM22 is attached to the center casing GM10 so that the roasted coffee beans discharged from the bean outlet GM20 are not scattered. As shown in FIG. 24(b), the roasted coffee beans B discharged from the bean outlet GM20 are guided by this guide path forming member GM22 and slide diagonally downward. If the collection container is placed near the tip of the guide path forming member GM22, the discharged roasted coffee beans can be easily collected into the collection container.

As shown in FIG. 24(b), the lid unit GM21 includes an inner lid GM211 and an outer lid 212. In the closed state shown in FIG. 24(a), the inner lid GM211 is a part of the peripheral wall of a bean transport path (not shown) provided inside the center casing GM10. On the other hand, the outer lid GM212 is a member that constitutes a part of the center casing GM10 in the closed state shown in FIG. 24(a). A bean outlet GM20 provided in the center casing GM10 is closed by this outer lid GM212.

The lid unit GM21 automatically changes from the closed state to the open state under the control of the control device 11, for example, after the measuring unit 404 finishes measuring and sends the measured roasted coffee beans to the first grinder 5A. When the lid unit GM21 is in the open state, the screw blade ESC2 restarts rotation, and the remaining roasted coffee beans are transported and discharged from the bean outlet GM20 before reaching the first grinder 5A. If roasted coffee beans remain in the electric screw conveyor ESC, different types of roasted coffee beans will be mixed together when the next time different types of roasted coffee beans are ground. Therefore, it is necessary to take out the remaining roasted coffee beans from inside the electric screw conveyor ESC. Moreover, even when the measuring unit 404 is not attached and the same type of roasted coffee beans are ground, the bean outlet GM20 functions effectively. Normally, roasted coffee beans are not supplied to the first grinder 5A until the rotational speed of the first motor of the first grinder 5A reaches a constant speed, but the remaining beans in front of the first grinder 5A are It gets ground up by Grinder 5A and I have no choice but to throw it away. However, with the bean outlet GM20, the remaining beans in front of the first grinder 5A can be collected from the bean outlet GM20, and no beans are wasted. When the first grinder 5A stops driving, the lid unit GM21 automatically changes from the closed state to the open state under the control of the control device 11. In addition, when it automatically becomes an open state, it is alerted|reported that it will become an open state in advance. Moreover, the lid unit GM21 is opened and the roasted coffee beans can be taken out from inside the coffee bean grinder GM not only when the grinding process is stopped midway through, but also when the grinding process is stopped midway. Furthermore, the lid unit GM21 may be configured to be able to be manually opened. For example, when the first grinder 5A is in operation, the lid unit GM21 is automatically locked and cannot be opened, but when the first grinder 5A is stopped, the auto-lock is released and it can be opened manually at any time. It may be possible to do so. Alternatively, the lid unit GM21 may also be opened by an instruction from an external terminal such as the mobile terminal 17.

In the grinding method in the coffee bean grinder GM described above, first, a storage unit (401 to 403) capable of storing coffee beans is attached to the optional attachment part GM11 provided upstream of the first grinder 5A (installation step). . Next, the coffee beans stored in the storage unit attached to the option attachment part GM11 are supplied to the first grinder 5A (supply step). Then, the supplied coffee beans are ground by the first grinder 5A (grind step). Finally, the coffee beans remaining between the storage units (401 to 403) and the first grinder 5A are taken out from the bean removal port GM20 (removal step).

Note that the bean outlet GM20 and the outer lid 212 that opens and closes the bean outlet GM20 can also be applied to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1. The bean outlet GM20 may be provided at a position below the bean input port 103, which is upstream of the crushing device 5, by changing the mounting position of the information display device 12.

According to the above description,
``A coffee bean grinder equipped with a grinder [for example, a grinding device 5] for grinding coffee beans,
An option mounting part [for example, option mounting part GM11] is provided upstream of the grinder,
A storage unit capable of storing coffee beans [for example, a canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18, a hopper unit 402 shown in FIG. 20(a)] can be attached to the optional attachment part,
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18]. ' was explained.

According to this coffee bean grinder, various optional units can be attached to the option attachment portion, and the coffee bean grinder is highly expandable. An example of an optional unit is a storage unit capable of storing roasted coffee beans to be supplied to the grinder.

Also,
"A funnel unit for introducing coffee beans [for example, the funnel unit 403 shown in FIG. 20(b)] can be attached to the optional attachment part,"
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“A weighing unit [for example, the weighing unit 404 shown in FIG. 21] that weighs coffee beans and conveys the coffee beans toward the downstream side can be attached to the optional attachment portion.
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
"Upstream of the grinder and downstream of the optional attachment part, an outlet [for example, bean outlet GM20] that can take out coffee beans to the outside is provided,"
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“Provided with a lid [for example, outer lid 212] that opens and closes the outlet;
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

moreover,
"A coffee bean grinding system (for example, FIGS. 10 and 19) characterized by comprising an external device (for example, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee bean grinder."
Also explained.

Also,
``A method for grinding coffee beans in a grinder for grinding coffee beans,
A storage unit that can store coffee beans [for example, a canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18, a hopper unit 402 shown in FIG. 20(a)] in an option mounting part [for example, option mounting part GM11] provided upstream of the grinder. , an installation step of attaching the funnel unit 403 shown in FIG. 20(b);
a grinding step of grinding coffee beans stored in a storage unit attached to the optional attachment part with the grinder;
A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising: ”
Also explained.

According to the above description,
``A coffee bean grinder equipped with a grinder [for example, a grinding device 5] for grinding coffee beans,
Upstream of the grinder, an outlet (for example, bean outlet GM20) that can take out coffee beans to the outside is provided.
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18]. ”
explained.

According to this coffee bean grinder, coffee beans that do not need to be supplied to the grinder can be taken out from the outlet. As a result, coffee beans that do not require grinding can be recovered.

Also,
"Equipped with a lid [for example, outer lid 212] that opens and closes the outlet,
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
"Upstream of the grinder, a storage section [for example, storage device 4] capable of storing coffee beans is provided,
The coffee beans stored in the storage section can be taken out from the extraction port.
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``Equipped with a cover body [for example, center casing GM10] that covers at least a portion of the grinder,
When the lid is in an open state, a part of the cover body is also in an open state, and the coffee beans can be taken out.
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``Equipped with a cover body [for example, center casing GM10] that covers at least a portion of the storage section,
When the lid is in an open state, a part of the cover body is also in an open state, and the coffee beans can be taken out.
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``Equipped with a guide path [for example, a guide path formed by the guide path forming member GM22] for guiding the coffee beans taken out from the outlet,
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

moreover,
"A coffee bean grinding system (for example, FIGS. 10 and 19) characterized by comprising an external device (for example, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee bean grinder."
Also explained.

Also,
``A method for grinding coffee beans in a grinder for grinding coffee beans,
a feeding step of feeding coffee beans to the grinder;
a grinding step of grinding the coffee beans supplied in the supplying step with the grinder;
a take-out step of taking out the coffee beans to the outside from a take-out port provided upstream of the grinder;
A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising: ”
Also explained.

Next, the grinding device 5 of the coffee bean grinder GM will be explained. The basic configuration of this crushing device 5 is the same as the basic configuration of the crushing device 5 described using FIGS. 12 to 17, and includes a first grinder 5A, a second grinder 5B, and a separation device 6. Hereinafter, the differences from the crushing device 5 explained using FIGS. 12 to 17 will be mainly explained, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the grinding device 5 built into the coffee bean grinder GM in which the guide path forming member GM22 shown in FIG. 24 faces forward.

In FIG. 25, a first grinder 5A, a forming unit 6B, and a second grinder 5B are arranged from the upstream side. That is, the forming unit 6B is provided downstream of the first grinder 5A and upstream of the second grinder 5B. The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are mechanisms for grinding roasted coffee beans supplied from a storage unit such as a canister storage unit 401, a hopper unit 402, or a funnel unit 403. Furthermore, when the weighing unit 404 shown in FIG. 21(a) is attached, the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B become a mechanism for grinding roasted coffee beans conveyed by the electric screw conveyor ESC. . The connection structure between the first grinder 5A and the forming unit 6B is the same as the connection structure described using FIG. 13. That is, the forming unit 6B is provided with a cylindrical portion 65 (see FIG. 13), not shown here, and an opening 65a (see FIG. 13) at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 65 is provided with a discharge port of the first grinder 5A. 51a (see FIG. 13 or 26) is connected.

The upper end of the connecting duct 661 is connected to the discharge port 66 of the forming unit 6B. In FIG. 25, the lower portion of this connection duct 661 is hidden from view by the manual setting disk dial 695. The connecting duct 68 and the manual setting disc dial 695 are provided only in the coffee bean grinder GM, and will be described in detail later.

Further, FIG. 25 shows a fixed blade 57b arranged on the upper side and a rotary blade 58b arranged on the lower side, which constitute the second grinder 5B.

Further, the fixed blade 57b is movable up and down relative to the rotary blade 58b, and the particle size of the ground beans can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b. FIG. 25 also shows a worm wheel 691 and a worm gear 692 that meshes with the worm wheel 691 as part of the elevating mechanism for the fixed blade 57b. The elevating mechanism for the fixed blade 57b will also be described in detail later.

First, the first grinder 5A will be explained.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the first grinder 5A.

The first grinder 5A shown in FIG. 26 is a grinder for grinding coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1/4) in order to easily separate unnecessary substances attached to coffee beans. In FIG. 26, a rotating shaft (not shown) extends from above, and a rotating blade 58a, which is a cutter, is provided on the rotating shaft. Further, a fixed blade 57a serving as a cutter is provided around the rotary blade 58a. The fixed blade 57a shown in FIG. 26 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 53a. The rotating shaft is rotated by a first motor (not shown) (see motor 52a shown in FIG. 12), and the rotating blade 58a is rotated.

The roasted coffee beans introduced into the bean conveyance path provided inside the center casing GM10 pass through a portion blocked by the inner lid GM211 shown in FIG. 24(b) and reach the first grinder 5A.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the grinding process of the first grinder 5A, which is executed by the processing section 11a shown in FIG.

The grinding process of the first grinder 5A shown in FIG. 27 is started in response to pressing of the start button GM15 shown in FIG. 24. Moreover, when the metering unit 404 shown in FIG. 21 is attached to the option attachment part GM11, it may be started in response to the start of rotation of the screw blade ESC2. On the other hand, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the electric screw conveyor ESC finishes transporting the set amount of roasted coffee beans, the end condition is satisfied and the grinding process of the first grinder 5A ends. Note that a sensor is provided to detect roasted coffee beans passing through the input port of the first grinder 5A, and the grinding process of the first grinder 5A is started or ended depending on the detection result of this sensor. Good too.

First, the processing unit 11a starts normal rotation of the first motor (step S11), and the rotary blade 58a starts normal rotation. Next, it is determined whether or not to continue the forward rotation of the first motor based on whether or not the above termination condition is satisfied (step S12). If the termination condition is satisfied, the determination result is No, and the The forward rotation of the first motor is stopped (step S17), and the grinding process of the first grinder 5A ends. On the other hand, if the termination condition is not satisfied, the determination result is Yes, the process advances to step S13, and the forward rotation of the first motor is continued.

The upper surface 58a1 of the rotary blade 58a is inclined downward toward the downstream side in the normal rotation direction. At least, the highest position of the upper surface 58a1 of the rotary blade 58a is above the fixed blade 57a. The roasted coffee beans that have reached the first grinder 5A are guided by the upper surface 58a1 of the rotating rotary blade 58a and directed toward the fixed blade 57a by centrifugal force, or they are not guided by the upper surface 58a1 of the rotary blade 58a and are directed to the fixed blade 57a. and is crushed between the fixed blade 57a and the rotating rotary blade 58a. The crushed ground beans are discharged from the discharge port 51a (see FIG. 26(a)) to the forming unit 6B.

Although rare, foreign objects harder than the roasted coffee beans B, such as stones or nails, may be mixed into the roasted coffee beans B that have reached the first grinder 5A. Such foreign matter cannot be ground between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a, and remains caught between them, making it impossible for the rotary blade 58a to rotate normally.

In FIG. 26(a), a stone St is caught between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a, and the rotary blade 58a cannot normally rotate forward. In other words, the rotation has stopped or the rotation speed has decreased significantly. The processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 monitors the current value flowing through the first motor. When the rotary blade 58a cannot normally rotate forward, the current value becomes an abnormal value (a value exceeding the reference value). In step S13 shown in FIG. 27, the processing unit 11a determines whether the current value is an abnormal value, and if the current value is a normal value, the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current value is an abnormal value, the first motor is rotated in reverse (step S14), and the rotary blade 58a starts rotating in reverse.

In FIG. 26(b), the first motor starts rotating in reverse, and the stone St that was caught between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a has fallen. Note that the processing unit 11a may monitor the rotational torque in addition to the current value, and may determine whether the value of the rotational torque is an abnormal value. Alternatively, the processing unit 11a may monitor the number of rotations and the rotational speed of the rotary blade 58a instead of monitoring the first motor, and may determine whether or not these values are abnormal values.

In step S15 following step S14 shown in FIG. 27, an instruction is given to output a notification regarding the detection of an abnormal value. The notification here is an error display displayed on the display screen of the information display device 12 (for example, a text display saying "A bean clogging error has occurred in the first grinder 5A"). An error notification sound may be output from the selected speaker. Furthermore, the processing unit 11a records a log indicating that an abnormal value has been detected in the storage unit 11b (step S16). Note that abnormality notification and abnormality log recording may be performed first, or may be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, only one or both may be executed.

When the execution of step S16 is completed, the process returns to step S11, and the processing unit 11a outputs an instruction to start the forward rotation of the first motor.

FIG. 26(c) shows that the rotation of the first motor has returned to normal rotation and the roasted coffee beans B have been properly ground. The reverse rotation of the first motor shown in FIG. 26(b) is instantaneous, and the return to normal rotation is instantaneous. Note that the first motor may continue to rotate in reverse for a certain period of time. For example, the first motor may continue to rotate in reverse while the abnormality notification is being performed, and when the first motor returns to normal rotation, an error resolution notification that "the bean clogging error has been resolved" may be output.

Note that the falling stone St in FIG. 26(b) reaches the second grinder 5B. Since the second grinder 5B is a grinder for fine grinding, the gap between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b is narrow, and there is a low possibility that the second grinder 5B will get into this gap, and will remain on the fixed blade 57b. Thereafter, maintenance of the crushing device 5 is performed by the error notification in step S15 and the storage of the abnormality log in step S16, and the stone St is removed at that time.

As explained above, during the grinding process of the first grinder 5A executed by the processing unit 11a, the first motor is rotated in the reverse direction. It may also be possible to output an instruction to start reverse rotation. Alternatively, an instruction to stop the rotation of the first motor may be output from an external terminal. Furthermore, it may be possible to output an instruction to stop the operation of the entire coffee bean grinder GM from the external terminal. The processing unit 11a controls the actuator group 14 in response to instructions from such an external terminal.

In addition, in the explanation using FIG. 26, an example was given in which a stone was caught between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a, but in some cases, very hard and deteriorated roasted coffee beans may be caught between them. Even in such a case, the grinding process of the first grinder 5A can be continued by performing the reverse rotation control in step S14. Further, the first motor, the fixed blade 57a, and the rotary blade 58a are not damaged.

Note that a reverse rotation button is provided to rotate the first motor in the reverse direction, and when an abnormal value is detected, the reverse rotation control in step S14 is not performed, but an abnormality notification instruction is issued in step S15, and the first motor is reversely rotated. The rotation may be performed by the user of the coffee bean grinder GM by operating a reverse rotation button.

Further, if the weighing unit 404 shown in FIG. 21 is used, roasted coffee beans can be weighed more accurately, but even if the weighing unit 404 is not used, the first grinder 5A can be used to measure a predetermined amount per unit time. Assuming that roasted coffee beans are continuously supplied, the first grinder 5A can measure the roasted coffee beans. That is, the amount of beans ground by the first grinder 5A can be calculated by measuring the time after the current value of the first motor of the first grinder 5A becomes high after starting to grind the beans.

The grinding process of the first grinder 5A described above using FIGS. 26 and 27 can also be applied as the grinding process of the first grinder 5A in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Furthermore, the grinding process of the first grinder 5A described using FIGS. 26 and 27 is also applicable to the grinding process of the second grinder 5B.

According to the above description,
``A coffee machine equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, a first grinder 5A],
The grinder includes a grinding portion [for example, a rotary blade 58a] capable of performing a predetermined rotational operation,
comprising a determination device [for example, a processing unit 11a that executes step S13 shown in FIG. 27] that determines whether the grinding unit is in a normal state in which it can perform normal rotational operation;
A coffee machine [for example, the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18]. ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine, it is possible to detect an abnormal state in which the grinding section is not rotating normally based on the determination result of the determination device.

Also,
``Equipped with a control device [for example, the processing section 11a shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19] that controls the grinder,
The control device is capable of causing the grinding section to perform a rotation operation in the opposite direction to the predetermined rotation operation when the determination device determines that the grinding section is not in the normal state. For example, step S14 shown in FIG. 27],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``Equipped with a drive section [for example, the motor 52a or the first motor shown in FIG. 12] that drives the grinding section,
The determination device determines whether the grinding section is in the normal state depending on whether the current flowing through the drive section exceeds a predetermined value [for example, step S13 shown in FIG. 27],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“If the determination device determines that the grinding section is not in the normal state, a notification device [e.g., information display device 12] that notifies that it is in an abnormal state [e.g., outputs an error display or error notification sound] Equipped with
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``When the determination device determines that the grinding section is not in the normal state, a storage device [for example, the storage section 11b shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. ] Equipped with
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

moreover,
"A coffee machine system (for example, FIGS. 10 and 19) characterized by comprising an external device (for example, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee machine."
Also explained.

Also,
``A start step of starting the rotational operation of the grinding section for grinding coffee beans [for example, step S11 shown in FIG. 27];
A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising a determination step (for example, step S13 shown in FIG. 27) of determining whether the grinding section is in a normal state in which it can perform normal rotational operation. ”
Also explained.

Next, the suction unit 6A, which is not shown in FIG. 25, will be described.

FIG. 28(a) is a diagram showing the separation device 6. FIG. 28(a) shows a suction unit 6A and a forming unit 6B that constitute the separation device 6.

The configuration of the forming unit 6B shown in FIG. 28(a) is the same as the configuration of the forming unit 6B described using FIGS. 13 to 17, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The suction unit 6A shown in FIG. 28(a) connects the separation chamber SC (see also FIGS. 13 and 15) in a direction (in this example, in the left-right direction) that intersects with the passing direction BP (in this example, in the vertical direction) of the ground beans. This is a unit that communicates with the separation chamber SC and sucks the air inside the separation chamber SC. By suctioning the air in the separation chamber SC, lightweight objects such as chaff and fine powder are suctioned. This allows unnecessary substances to be separated from the ground beans.

The suction unit 6A is a centrifugal mechanism. The suction unit 6A includes a chaff fan unit 60A and a collection container 60B. The chaff fan unit 60A has a chaff fan 60A1 and a chaff fan motor 60A2 (see FIG. 30), and when the chaff fan 60A1 is rotationally driven by the chaff fan motor 60A2, air in the separation chamber SC is sucked. Light objects such as chaff and fine powder are collected in collection container 60B. This chaff fan unit 60A is covered with a casing 60C shown in FIG. 18, and the chaff fan unit 60A is not visible in the external perspective view of the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. An exhaust slit (not shown) is provided on the back side of the casing 60C, and the air sucked in by the chaff fan unit 60A is exhausted from the exhaust slit to the outside of the coffee bean grinder GM. An air volume dial 60D (see FIG. 18) is provided above the chaff fan unit 60A. By operating this air volume dial 60D, the suction volume of the fan motor of the chaff fan unit 60A can be changed.

The collection container 60B shown in FIG. 28(a) is composed of an upper part 61 and a lower part 62, like the collection container 60B described using FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 28(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the outer peripheral wall 61a (see FIG. 28(a)) of the upper part 61 of the collection container 60B is removed.

FIG. 28(b) shows the chaff fan unit 60A that was attached to the removed outer peripheral wall 61a. Also shown is the exhaust pipe 61b of the upper part 61. Similarly to the exhaust pipe 61b shown in FIG. 14, the exhaust pipe 61b shown in FIG. 28(b) also has a plurality of fins 61d formed on its circumferential surface. The plurality of fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. Each fin 61d is inclined obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. By providing such fins 61d, swirling of air containing unnecessary substances around the exhaust pipe 61b is promoted.

Moreover, the internal structure of the lower part 62 of the collection container 60B is visible in FIG. 28(b). The lower part 62 shown in FIG. 28(b) is different from the lower part 62 shown in FIG. 14 in that it has a double structure including an outer case 60Bo and an inner case 60Bi. In FIG. 28(b), a part of the inner case 60Bi disposed inside the outer case 60Bo is visible. The inner case 60Bi has an upper end opening 6uo that opens upward, and an exhaust pipe 61b is located inside and above the upper end opening 6uo.

FIG. 29(a) is a perspective view of the separation device 6 with the outer case 60Bo removed, as seen diagonally from below.

This FIG. 29(a) shows the inner case 60Bi. In the lower portion of the peripheral wall 6iw of the inner case 60Bi, a plurality of (four in this example) openings 6io are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. A lower edge 6ioe of the edges defining each opening 6io becomes a part of the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi.

FIG. 29(b) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the outer case 60Bo and the inner case 60Bi by looking through the outer case 60Bo.

As shown in FIG. 29(b), the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi is located near the middle position in the height direction of the outer case 60Bo. Further, a certain amount of clearance is provided between the inner circumferential surface 6ois of the outer case 60Bo and the outer circumferential surface 6ios of the inner case 60Bi.

FIG. 30(a) is a diagram schematically showing phenomena such as air flow within the separation device shown in FIG. 29. In Figure 30(a) and Figure 30(b), which will be described later, the flow of air containing unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder is shown by solid lines or dotted arrows, and the movement of unnecessary substances is shown by dashed-dotted arrows. The flow of air from which the objects are separated is indicated by a chain double-dashed arrow.

By rotationally driving the chaff fan 60A1 by the chaff fan motor 60A2, air containing unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder is passed from the separation chamber SC in the forming unit 6B shown in FIG. 29(a) to the collection container through the connection part 61c. The inside of the upper part 61 of 60B is reached. The connecting portion 61c opens on the side of the exhaust pipe 61b, and the air containing unnecessary substances swirls around the exhaust pipe 61b as shown by solid and dotted arrows in FIG. , enters into the inner case 60Bi from the upper end opening 6uo of the inner case 60Bi. In the upper part of the inner case 60Bi, unnecessary materials such as chaff and fine powder fall due to their weight (see the dashed-dotted arrow), and from the plurality of openings 6io provided near the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi, the outer case 60Bo The particles further fall into the interior (see the one-dot chain arrow) and are deposited on the bottom surface 6obs of the outer case 60Bo. The air from which unnecessary objects have fallen and been separated within the inner case 60Bi turns into an upward airflow from within the inner case 60Bi and rises along the central axis of the exhaust pipe 61b, as shown by the two-dot chain arrow. The air is exhausted to the outside of the coffee bean grinder GM from an exhaust slit (not shown) provided on the back side of the casing 60C shown in FIG. As a result, the case in which unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder accumulate (outer case 60Bo) and the case in which upward air currents occur (inner case 60Bi) are different from each other. Backflow is reduced.

Note that both the outer case 60Bo and the inner case 60Bi are transparent as a whole, so that the internal state can be confirmed from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to check the accumulation of unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder and the flow of airflow from the outside. In addition, even if the whole is not transparent, a part may be transparent, and it may be translucent instead of transparent.

FIG. 30(b) is a diagram schematically showing phenomena such as air flow within the separation device of the modified example.

In this modification, the upper end of the inner case 60Bi is not open, but is closed by a donut-shaped top plate 6ub. The air that swirls around the exhaust pipe 61b and contains unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder continues to swirl along the outer circumferential surface 6ios of the inner case 60Bi and heads toward the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi (solid line and dotted line). (see arrow). Eventually, it enters the inner case 60Bi through a plurality of openings 6io provided near the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi. At this time, unnecessary materials such as chaff and fine powder fall due to their weight (see the dashed-dotted arrow) and accumulate on the bottom surface 6obs of the outer case 60Bo. The air from which the unnecessary objects have fallen and been separated becomes an upward air current inside the inner case 60, as shown by the double-dot chain arrow, and rises along the central axis of the inner case 60, and then reaches the exhaust pipe 61b. and is exhausted to the outside of the coffee bean grinder GM from an exhaust slit (not shown) provided on the back side of the casing 60C shown in FIG. In this modification as well, the case in which unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder accumulate (outer case 60Bo) and the case in which upward airflow occurs (inner case 60Bi) are different cases, making it difficult for unnecessary substances to fly up and causing unnecessary Backflow of material is reduced.

The separation device 6 described above with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30 can also be applied as a separation device of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1.

According to the above description,
"A grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, the first grinder 5A],
a separation section [e.g. separation chamber SC] that separates unnecessary substances [e.g. chaff and fine powder] from coffee beans;
a storage section [for example, the lower part 62 of the collection container 60B] that stores the unnecessary materials separated from the coffee beans in the separation section;
A coffee machine comprising:
The storage section has an outer case body [for example, the outer case 60Bo shown in FIGS. 28 and 29(b)] and an inner case body [for example, the inner case 60Bi shown in FIG. 29] inside the outer case body. and
The inner case body is provided with an opening [for example, an opening 6io] connected to the inside of the outer case body in a peripheral wall [for example, the peripheral wall 6iw shown in FIG. 29(a)].
A coffee machine [for example, the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18]. ”
explained.

The unnecessary material may pass through the opening, or an airflow may pass through the opening.

Also,
``A suction section [e.g., chaff fan unit 60A] is provided above the storage section,
In the inner case body, the airflow containing the unnecessary matter enters inside the peripheral wall, and the unnecessary matter falls under its own weight [for example, the dashed line shown in FIG. 30(a)]. An airflow that is sucked by the suction unit and rises [for example, the two-dot chain line shown in FIG. 30(a)] is generated;
The outer case body is for storing the unnecessary matter [for example, the dashed line shown in FIG. 30(a)] that has passed through the opening.
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

In addition, in the inner case body, the airflow containing the unnecessary matter swirls along the peripheral wall, and the unnecessary matter falls under its own weight near the opening [for example, as shown in the dashed line shown in FIG. 30(b)] On the other hand, an air current [e.g., the double-dashed arrow shown in FIG. The unnecessary items [for example, the one-dot chain arrow shown in FIG. 30(b)] may be stored.

Also,
“The outer case body is provided with a transparent portion [for example, the entire transparent portion],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The inner case body is provided with a transparent portion [for example, the entire transparent portion],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``A discharge section [e.g., an exhaust slit provided on the back side of the casing 60C] for discharging air from the storage section to the outside is provided above the storage section.
A coffee machine characterized by: ” was also explained.

Also,
“The grinder includes a first grinder [e.g., first grinder 5A] and a second grinder [e.g., second grinder 5B],
The separating section is provided downstream of the first grinder and upstream of the second grinder,
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

moreover,
"A coffee machine system (for example, FIGS. 10 and 19) characterized by comprising an external device (for example, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee machine."
Also explained.

Also,
``A method for collecting unnecessary materials generated from coffee beans when grinding them,
a separation step for separating unnecessary substances from coffee beans;
A first step of directing the airflow containing the waste matter to the inside of the peripheral wall of the inner case body, which is disposed inside the outer case body and has an opening connected to the inside of the outer case body in the peripheral wall;
a second step of generating an upward airflow inside the peripheral wall by suctioning the inside from above;
A method for collecting unnecessary materials, comprising: ”
Also explained.

According to this method for collecting unnecessary objects, in the second step, the unnecessary objects fall by their own weight onto the bottom wall of the inner case body, and further fall from the opening to the bottom wall of the outer case body. There is.

Next, the connection duct 661 will be explained.

FIG. 31 is a diagram in which the manual setting disk dial 695 shown in FIG. 25 is removed so that the entire connecting duct 661 can be seen.

FIG. 31 shows a rotary blade 58b constituting the second grinder 5B, a fixed blade 57b that can be raised and lowered relative to the rotary blade 58b, a worm wheel 691, and a worm wheel as part of the lifting mechanism of the fixed blade 57b. Worm gear 692 is shown meshing with 691. The worm wheel 691 has a gear portion 691g, a connecting portion 691c, and a connecting port 691j (see FIG. 32). Further, FIG. 31 shows a holder portion 693 provided between the fixed blade 57b and the worm wheel 691. The fixed blade 57b is screwed to a connecting portion 691c of the worm wheel 691 via a holder portion 693. Therefore, when the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 rotates, the fixed blade 57b also rotates together with the holder portion 693. A thread groove 693s is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the holder portion 693.

Further, the connection port 691j of the worm wheel 691 is connected to the lower end of the connection duct 661. As a result, a passage path for roasted coffee beans is formed such as the discharge port 66 of the forming unit 6B → the connection duct 661 → the worm wheel 691 → the holder part 693 → the fixed blade 57b → the rotary blade 58b. Note that, as shown in FIG. 31, an air suction port 661a is provided at the bottom of the connection duct 661. This air suction port 661a has the same function as the gap between the discharge port 66 and the input port 50b of the second grinder 5B shown in FIG. Separation performance from unnecessary substances is improved.

FIG. 32 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the second grinder 5B.

The second grinder 5B includes a second motor 52b, a motor base 502, a base portion 505a, and a particle size adjustment mechanism 503.

The second motor 52b is a drive source for the second grinder 5B, and is supported above the motor base 502. Further, on the motor base 502, a pinion gear 52b' fixed to the output shaft of the second motor 52b and a gear 502a meshing with this pinion gear are arranged.

A gear 55b' that meshes with the gear 502a is arranged on the base portion 505a. A rotating shaft 54b is fixed to the gear 55b', and the rotating shaft 54b is rotatably supported by the base portion 505a. The driving force of the second motor 52b transmitted to the gear 55b' via the gear 502a rotates the rotating shaft 54b. A rotating blade 58b is provided at the end of the rotating shaft 54b, and a fixed blade 57b is provided above the rotating blade 58b. That is, the fixed blade 57b is arranged opposite to the rotary blade 58b.

The particle size adjustment mechanism 503 has a motor 503a that is its driving source, and a worm gear 692 that is rotated by the driving force of the motor 503a. A gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 meshes with a worm gear 692.

Also shown in FIG. 32 is a frame member 694. The frame member 694 is fixedly arranged on a casing (not shown), and has a thread groove provided on its inner peripheral surface. A thread groove 693s provided on the outer peripheral surface of the holder portion 693 meshes with a thread groove of the frame member 694. As described above, the fixed blade 57b is screwed to the connection part of the worm wheel 691 via the holder part 693. Therefore, when the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 rotates, the fixed blade 57b moves up and down in its axial direction. Note that the connection port 691j of the worm wheel 691 is connected to overlap the lower end of the connection duct 661, and the connection with the lower end of the connection duct 661 is maintained even if the worm wheel 691 is lowered. The fixed blade 57b shown in FIG. 32 is located at the initial position and is farthest from the rotary blade 58b.

The processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 controls the amount of rotation of the motor 503a and adjusts the gap between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b. By adjusting this gap, the particle size of the ground beans in the second grinder 5B can be adjusted.

The detection position of the fixed blade 57b that moves up and down is a predetermined distance (for example, 0.7 mm) away from the rotary blade 58b. The detection position is a position closer to the rotary blade 58b than the initial position of the fixed blade 57b. The second grinder 5B is provided with a sensor 57c that detects that the fixed blade 57b is at the detection position.

The second grinder 5B described above performs an initial operation when the coffee bean grinder GM is powered on. In the initial operation in the second grinder 5B, calibration is performed.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the calibration process executed in the initial operation. Further, FIG. 34 is a diagram showing the state of calibration step by step.

In the second grinder 5B, when the grinding of the roasted coffee beans is finished, the fixed blade 57b returns to the initial position.

At the time when the initial operation is started, the fixed blade 57b is located at the initial position, and the contact step (step S51) shown in FIG. 33 is executed as the first step of calibration. In the contact step, the processing section 11a shown in FIG. 19 drives the motor 503a shown in FIG. 32. The gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 is rotated by the drive of the motor 503a, and the fixed blade 57b in the initial position is lowered until it contacts the rotating blade 58b. FIG. 34(a) is a diagram showing how the first contact step is being performed. In FIG. 34(a), the fixed blade 57b located at the initial position is indicated by a two-dot chain line. When assembling the second grinder 5B, even if the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b are installed as designed, a slight installation error may occur and the installation posture of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b may be incorrect. . Furthermore, due to long-term use, the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b may become misaligned in their mounting positions. Furthermore, the frame member 694 and the rotating shaft 54b may be attached obliquely. In FIG. 34, it is exaggerated to show that the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b are incorrectly attached to each other. If it is as designed, both the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b always maintain a horizontal posture, but the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(a) is tilted toward the upper right, and the fixed blade 57b is tilted to the right. It is tilted downward. When the contact process is executed, the fixed blade 57b descends as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and as shown by the solid line in FIG. 34(a), the fixed blade 57b is tilted to the lowest position. The portion contacts the uppermost portion of the rotary blade 58b due to its inclination. If any part of the fixed blade 57b comes into contact with any part of the rotary blade 58b, the rotational torque and current value of the motor 503a will increase. When the processing unit 11a detects an increase in the rotational torque or an increase in the current value, the processing unit 11a stops the motor 503a, and the contact process ends.

Subsequently, a moving step (step S52) is executed. In the movement process, the processing unit 11a rotates the motor 503a in the opposite direction to the contact process, and raises the fixed blade 57b to the detection position. FIG. 34(b) is a diagram showing how the first movement step is being executed. When the moving step is executed, the fixed blade 57b rises as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and the fixed blade 57 continues to rise until the fixed blade 57b is detected by the sensor 57c shown in FIG. 32. Upon acquiring the detection signal from the sensor 57c, the processing unit 11a stops the rotation of the motor 503a. The motor 503a is a stepping motor, and the processing unit 11a counts the number of steps from when the motor 503a starts rotating until it stops during the movement process, and stores it in the storage unit 11b shown in FIG. 19. There were 20150 steps in the movement process of FIG. 34(b).

Next, a rotation process (step S53) is performed. In the rotation step, the processing unit 11a rotates the second motor 52b shown in FIG. 32 by a predetermined rotation angle. The predetermined rotation angle referred to here may be any angle other than 360 degrees, and here it is set to 90 degrees for ease of understanding, but in reality, it is a predetermined angle of around 35 degrees, for example. As a result, the state of the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(c) has changed to an attitude tilted upward toward the back side of the page. Note that the second motor 52b may be rotated for a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.1 seconds).

Next, step S54 is executed, and it is determined whether the rotary blade 58b has rotated once after starting the calibration. In this example, since the predetermined rotation angle in the rotation process in step S53 is less than 360 degrees, in step S54 it is determined whether the rotary blade 58b has rotated once, but in step S54, the count value of the number of steps is This step is for determining whether the information has been acquired. Further, in order to improve accuracy, step S54 may be a step for determining whether the count value of the number of steps has been acquired a predetermined number of times. The greater the predetermined number of times, the more accurate the calibration will be, but the longer it will take to complete the calibration. An example of the predetermined number of times is about 10 times.

If the determination in step S54 is "NO", the data acquisition process consisting of three steps: a contact step (step S51), a movement step (step S52), and a rotation step (step S53) is executed again. In FIG. 34(d), the second contact step is performed, and the fixed blade 57b descends as indicated by the arrow in the figure. Due to the execution of the rotation process, the position of the uppermost portion of the rotary blade 58b in the circumferential direction is different from that in the first contact process. Therefore, the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(d) are in contact with each other at different parts than in the first contact step. In FIG. 34(e), the second moving step is being performed. This second movement process had 20170 steps. In FIG. 34(f), the second rotation process has been performed, and the rotary blade 58b has rotated 90 degrees. As a result, the state of the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(f) has changed to an attitude tilted toward the upper left.

When the rotation step in FIG. 34(f) is completed, the rotary blade 58b has been rotated 180 degrees since the start of calibration, and the third data acquisition process is executed. In FIG. 34(g), the third contact step is performed, and the fixed blade 57b descends as indicated by the arrow in the figure. Due to the execution of the second rotation process, different parts of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(g) are in contact with each other than in the previous contact process. In FIG. 34(h), the third movement step is being executed. There were 20160 steps in this third movement step. In FIG. 34(i), the third rotation process has been performed, and the rotary blade 58b has rotated 90 degrees. As a result, the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(i) has changed its state to be tilted upward toward the front side of the page.

When the rotation step in FIG. 34(i) is completed, the rotary blade 58b has been rotated 270 degrees since the start of calibration, and the fourth data acquisition process is executed. Although the fourth data acquisition process is not shown in FIG. 34, it is similar to FIGS. 34(d) to 34(f). In the fourth movement step, there were 20168 steps. Further, when the fourth rotation step is executed, the rotary blade 58b is rotated 360 degrees since the start of calibration, and the determination in step S54 shown in FIG. 33 is "Yes", and the step Proceed to S55.

In step S55, the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 executes a calibration value calculation step. The storage unit 11b stores count values of the number of steps of the motor 503a acquired in each of the four data acquisition processes. The processing unit 11a calculates a calibration value from these four count values. The calibration value may be the average value of the four count values, or the median value of the four count values (1/2 value of the sum of the minimum value and the maximum value). In the example shown in FIG. 34, the average value is 20162 steps, and the median value is 20160 steps. The calculated calibration value is stored in the storage unit 11b. The calibration value is updated each time the coffee bean grinder GM is powered on and performs an initial operation. When the execution of step S55 is completed, the calibration ends.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the second grinder 5B in the grinding process.

FIG. 35(a) is a diagram showing an example in an ideal state in which both the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b always maintain a horizontal posture as designed.

The diagram shown on the left side of FIG. 35(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the fixed blade 57b is located at the initial position. The processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 adjusts the particle size of the ground beans in the second grinder 5B according to the various manufacturing conditions (recipes) for grinding roasted coffee beans stored in the storage unit 11b. The particle size adjustment mechanism 503 shown in FIG. The above recipe defines manufacturing conditions in an ideal state, and in adjusting the particle size of ground beans in the second grinder 5B, the motor 503a is rotated by 20160 steps and the fixed blade 57b is lowered from the initial position. The diagram shown on the right side of FIG. 35(a) is a diagram schematically showing how roasted coffee beans B are being pulverized. The fixed blade 57b in the figure on the right is at the position specified in the recipe, which is lowered by rotating the motor 503a by 20160 steps from the initial position.

FIG. 35(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b are installed in a misaligned manner as shown in FIG. 34.

The diagram shown on the left side of FIG. 35(b) is also a diagram showing a state in which the fixed blade 57b is located at the initial position. The fixed blade 57b shown in FIG. 35(b) is tilted toward the lower right. On the other hand, the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 35(b) is tilted toward the upper right. The same recipe as the example shown in FIG. 35(a) is used here as well. Therefore, the motor 503a should be rotated by 20160 steps, but the amount of rotation of the motor 503a is corrected using the calibration value obtained in step S55 shown in FIG. In the ideal case shown in FIG. 35(a), the number of steps of the motor 503a required to raise the fixed blade 57b from the state where the fixed blade 57b is in contact with the rotary blade 58b to the detection position is stored in the memory shown in FIG. It is stored in advance in the section 11b as a reference value. In correcting the rotation amount of the motor 503a, the corrected rotation amount is calculated from the ratio between the calibration value obtained in step S55 shown in FIG. 33 and a reference value stored in advance in the storage unit 11b. In this example, the rotation amount after correction was 20140 steps. The diagram shown on the right side of FIG. 35(b) is also a diagram schematically showing how roasted coffee beans B are being pulverized. The fixed blade 57b in the figure on the right is in the corrected position after being lowered by rotating the motor 503a by 20140 steps from the initial position. However, the average distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 35(b) is approximately the same as the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 35(a). Therefore, even if roasted coffee beans B are ground in the state shown on the right side of Figure 35(b), it is the same as when roasted coffee beans B are ground in the state shown on the right side of Figure 35(a). You can get ground beans of fine grain size.

In the above explanation, the calibration value is obtained using the number of steps of the motor 503a when raising the fixed blade 57b to the detection position, but when the fixed blade 57b is lowered from the detection position, the fixed blade 57b comes into contact with the rotary blade 58b. The calibration value can also be determined using the number of steps up to the point.

Further, although the configuration was such that only the fixed blade 57b of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b moves up and down, the rotating blade 58b may also move up and down, and in this case, the number of steps of both blades is used. Calibration values can be found using Further, the movement of the blade is not limited to vertical movement, but may also be moved in the left-right direction, for example. Moreover, the positions of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b may be opposite, and the fixed blade 57b may be arranged below and the rotary blade 58b may be arranged above.

Although the fixed blade 57b does not rotate when roasted coffee beans B are crushed, the calibration method shown in FIG. 33 can be applied even if the fixed blade 57b rotates. Moreover, although the calibration method shown in FIG. 33 is a method for the second grinder 5B, the calibration method shown in FIG. 33 can be similarly performed for the first grinder 5A.

Further, the calibration value calculation step of step S55 shown in FIG. 33 is not executed at the calibration stage, and only the count values for a plurality of times are stored in the storage unit 11b, and the calibration value is calculated at the stage when the recipe to be used is determined. Alternatively, the amount of rotation may be corrected directly from the stored count values for a plurality of times. Note that the calculation of the calibration value and the correction of the rotation amount may be performed by the control unit of the information display device 12 instead of the processing unit 11a shown in FIG.

In the above description,
“The first crushing section [for example, the rotary blade 58b],
a second crushing section [for example, fixed blade 57b];
A rotation mechanism (for example, a second motor 52b, a pinion gear 52b', a gear 502a, a gear) that rotates at least one of the first crusher and the second crusher (for example, the rotary blade 58b) 55b', rotating shaft 54b],
Movement to move at least the second crushing part of the first crushing part and the second crushing part (for example, raise and lower) and adjust the interval between the first crushing part and the second crushing part mechanism [for example, particle size adjustment mechanism 503],
a sensor [for example, sensor 57c] that detects the second crushing section located at a position [for example, detection position] a predetermined length [for example, 0.7 mm] away from the first crushing section;
a control unit that controls the movement mechanism [for example, the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19];
Equipped with
The extraction target [for example, roasted coffee beans stored in the storage device 4, or roasted coffee beans B (ground beans) ground by the first grinder 5A] is transferred to the first grinding section and the second grinding section. Grind between the grinding sections,
From the state where the second crushing section contacts the first crushing section [for example, the states shown in FIGS. 34(a), 34(d), and 34(g)], the sensor detects the second crushing The operation of moving the second crushing section until the second crushing section is detected [for example, the operation shown by arrows in FIGS. 34(b), 34(e), and 34(h)] is performed by rotating the The process is performed several times while changing the state of the part [for example, the direction of the rotary blade 58b],
The control unit controls the moving mechanism based on a value related to the amount of movement of the second crushing unit in the plurality of operations [for example, a count value of the number of steps of the motor 503a] [for example, based on a calibration value]. and rotates the motor 503a by the amount of rotation corrected using the calibration value.
An extraction target grinding device [for example, the second grinder 5B] characterized by the following. ”
explained.

The rotation mechanism may rotate the first crushing section, the second crushing section, or the rotating mechanism may rotate the first crushing section and the second crushing section. It is also possible to rotate both blades of the second crushing section.

Further, the moving mechanism may move only the second crushing section of the first crushing section and the second crushing section, or may also move the first crushing section. It may be.

Further, the operation may be an operation of moving only the second crushing section among the first crushing section and the second crushing section, or an operation of moving only the second crushing section between the first crushing section and the second crushing section. It may be an operation of moving both blades of the crushing section.

Further, the state change of the crushing section in the operation may be a change of the state of the first crushing section, a change of the state of the second crushing section, or a change of the state of the first crushing section. The state of both the crushing unit and the second crushing unit may be changed. Further, the state change referred to herein may be a change in direction or a change in posture.

Also,
"A first crushing section [for example, rotary blade 58b] and a second crushing section [for example, fixed blade 57b],
A rotation mechanism (for example, a second motor 52b, a pinion gear 52b', a gear 502a, a gear) that rotates at least one of the first crusher and the second crusher (for example, the rotary blade 58b) 55b', rotating shaft 54b],
Movement to move at least the second crushing part of the first crushing part and the second crushing part (for example, raise and lower) and adjust the interval between the first crushing part and the second crushing part mechanism [for example, particle size adjustment mechanism 503],
a sensor [for example, sensor 57c] that detects the second crushing section located at a position [for example, detection position] a predetermined length [for example, 0.7 mm] away from the first crushing section;
a control unit that controls the movement mechanism [for example, the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19];
Equipped with
Grinding the extraction target between the first grinding section and the second grinding section,
34 (b), (e), and (h))] to the first crushing section. The operation of moving the second crushing section until it comes into contact with the object [for example, the operation shown by arrows in FIGS. The state of the crushing part [for example, the direction of the rotary blade 58b] is changed by the rotation indicated by the arrow in FIGS. 34(c), 34(f), and 34(i) several times,
The control unit controls the moving mechanism based on a value related to the amount of movement of the second crushing unit in the plurality of operations [for example, a count value of the number of steps of the motor 503a] [for example, based on a calibration value]. and rotates the motor 503a by the amount of rotation corrected using the calibration value.
An extraction target grinding device [for example, the second grinder 5B] characterized by the following. ”
Also explained.

Further, a first crushing section, a second crushing section attached opposite to the first crushing section, a rotation mechanism that rotates the first crushing section, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the second crushing section. a moving mechanism that moves toward and away from the first blade; a sensor that detects the second crushing section located a predetermined distance from the first crushing section; and a control that controls the moving mechanism. The extraction target is crushed between the first crushing part and the second crushing part, and the sensor is in a state where the second crushing part is in contact with the first crushing part. The operation of moving the second crushing unit until the second crushing unit is detected is performed multiple times by changing the direction of the first crushing unit by rotation by the rotation mechanism, and the control unit The extraction target crushing device may be characterized in that the moving mechanism is controlled based on a value related to the amount of movement of the second crushing section in the operation.

Also,
``The control unit is configured to operate based on the average value or median value [for example, 1/2 value of the sum of the minimum value and the maximum value] of the values related to the movement amount of the second crushing part in the plurality of operations. and controlling the moving mechanism,
An extraction target crushing device characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The above operation is performed during the initial operation when the power is turned on.
An extraction target crushing device characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The control unit controls the moving mechanism according to the desired particle size after grinding of the extraction target [for example, the particle size of ground beans], and causes the moving mechanism to adjust the interval.
An extraction target crushing device characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The moving mechanism uses a motor [for example, the second motor 52b] as a driving source,
The value related to the movement amount of the second crushing section is the value related to the rotation amount of the motor [for example, the count value of the number of steps of the motor 503a],
An extraction target crushing device characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The first crushing section is a first blade [for example, the rotary blade 58b],
The second crushing section is a second blade [for example, fixed blade 57b],
The second crushing section is installed opposite to the first crushing section,
An extraction target crushing device characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The operation of moving the second crushing unit from the state where the second crushing unit is in contact with the first crushing unit until the sensor detects the second crushing unit is performed by rotation by the rotation mechanism. Repeatedly changing the direction of the crushing part [for example, the example shown in FIG. 34],
An extraction target crushing device characterized by: ”
Also explained.

In the above description,
``A calibration method that is executed when the power is turned on in the extraction target grinding device [for example, the second grinder 5B],
From the state where the first crushing part [for example, the rotary blade 58b] and the second crushing part [for example, the fixed blade 57b] are in contact with each other, the second crushing part is separated from the first crushing part by a predetermined length [for example, 0.7 mm] [for example, the moving step of step S52, FIG. 34(b), FIG. 34(e), and FIG. 34(h)]; ,
After carrying out the moving step, a state changing step [e.g., step S53] of changing the state of at least one of the first and second grinding sections [e.g., rotary blade 58b]; rotation process, FIG. 34(c), FIG. 34(f), and FIG. 34(i)];
A contacting step of bringing the second crushing section, which is separated from the first crushing section by a predetermined distance, into contact with the first crushing section in a state where the state of the crushing section has been changed by the state changing step [e.g. S51, FIG. 34(a), FIG. 34(d), and FIG. 34(g)],
By repeatedly performing the moving step, the state changing step, and the contact step [for example, the data acquisition process shown in FIG. Obtaining a value related to the amount of movement of the second crushing section [for example, a count value of the number of steps of the motor 503a] multiple times;
A calibration method [for example, the calibration method shown in FIG. 33]. ”
Also explained.

Note that the state changing step is a rotation step of rotating at least one of the first crushing section and the second crushing section and changing the direction of the crushing section after implementing the moving step. In this embodiment, by repeatedly performing the moving step, the rotating step, and the contacting step, the direction of the crushing portion is changed and a value regarding the amount of movement of the second crushing portion is obtained multiple times. Good too.

Further, the value regarding the amount of movement of the second crushing section may be a value regarding the amount of movement [for example, the amount of rise] of the second crushing section in the moving step, or the value regarding the amount of movement of the second crushing section in the moving step, or the value regarding the amount of movement of the second crushing section in the contacting step. The value may be related to the amount of movement (for example, the amount of descent) of the crushing section. Alternatively, both may be used together.

Further, the process may include a calibration value calculation process (for example, a calibration value calculation step in step S55) of calculating a calibration value based on the movement amount of the second crushing section acquired a plurality of times. The calibration value may be an average value of the movement amount of the second crushing section obtained a plurality of times, or may be a median value.

In the above explanation, the fixed blade 57b was raised and lowered by driving the second motor 52b, but the fixed blade 57b can also be raised and lowered manually to set the particle size of the ground beans. This manual setting of the particle size of the ground beans can be performed using a manual setting disc dial and a fine adjustment knob dial.

36(a) is a diagram showing the manual setting disc dial 695 and the fine adjustment knob dial 696 together with the second motor 503a, and FIG. 36(b) is a diagram showing the manual setting disc dial 695 and the second motor 503a. 503a is removed to show the connection dial 697 and the rotating shaft 6961 of the fine adjustment knob dial 696. Note that FIG. 36 shows a part of the connecting duct 661 and the forming unit 6B. Further, FIG. 36(b) also shows a hammer member GM32, which will be described in detail later.

Also shown in FIG. 36 is a lever member 698. As shown in FIG. 36(a), a rotating shaft 6921 of a worm gear 692 meshed with a gear portion 691g of a worm wheel 691 is pivotally supported by this lever member 698. Further, the lever member 698 is supported pivotally on a rotating shaft 6961 of a fine adjustment knob dial 696 shown in FIG. 36(b). The posture of the lever member 698 shown in FIG. 36 is the initial posture. When the lever member 698 is in the initial position, the worm gear 692 is engaged with the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691, and as the worm gear 692 rotates, the worm wheel 691 rotates, and the fixed blade 57b moves up and down. The lever member 698 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6(b) about the rotation shaft 6961 of the fine adjustment knob dial 696. The lever member 698 is lifted by rotating in the direction of the arrow, changes to a released position, and can maintain the released position. When the lever member 698 is lifted and changed to the release position, the worm gear 692 pivotally supported by the lever member 698 separates from the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691, and the meshing with the gear portion 691g is released. Note that although the lever member 698 can change its posture between the initial posture and the released posture, a biasing force is exerted by a spring member 6981 provided on the rotating shaft 6961 in the direction of returning to the initial posture. When the lever member 698 is in the released position, the worm wheel 691 is in a freely rotatable state, and the fixed blade 57b is also in a freely rotatable state. If the grinding process is performed in this state, the fixed blade 57b will also rotate as the rotary blade 58b rotates, and the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b will increase. Therefore, it is necessary to return the lever member 698 to the initial position during the grinding process.

FIG. 36(a) shows a pinion gear 503b attached to the rotating shaft of the second motor 503a, and the pinion gear 503b is also not shown in FIG. 36(b) with the second motor 503a removed. ing. The rotational driving force of the second motor 503a is transmitted from the pinion gear 503b to the worm gear 692 and the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 via a two-stage gear and a transmission gear 6962, which will be described later.

A connection dial 697 shown in FIG. 36(b) connects the manual setting disk dial 695 and the worm gear 692. FIG. 36(b) shows a connecting dial 697 connected to a worm wheel 691, and both rotate together. A connecting gear 697g is provided on the upper surface of the connecting dial 697. The manual setting disc dial 695 shown in FIG. The illustrated gear and the connecting gear 697g mesh with each other.

When the lever member 698 is in the initial position, the worm gear 692 is engaged with the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691, so the manual setting disc dial 695 cannot be rotated. On the other hand, when the lever member 698 is in the released position, the worm gear 692 is not engaged with the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691, so that the manual setting disc dial 695 can be rotated. When the manual setting disc dial 695 is rotated, the worm gear 692 is rotated via the connecting gear 697g, and the fixed blade 57b can be raised and lowered.

The minimum unit that can be adjusted by rotating the manual setting disc dial 695 is one tooth of the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691. That is, unless the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 is rotated by one tooth, the worm gear 692 cannot mesh with the gear portion 691g, and the lever member 698 cannot return from the released position to the initial position. Therefore, adjustment of less than one tooth is not possible using the manual setting disk dial 695.

On the other hand, when the second motor 503a rotates and the worm gear 692 rotates, it takes time to make a large adjustment (adjustment of one tooth or more) due to the reduction ratio of the worm gear 692. Therefore, when making large adjustments, quick adjustments can be made by operating the manual setting disk dial 695 that can directly rotate the worm wheel 691. In adjustment using the manual setting disc dial 695, the fixed blade 57b is lowered and the position of the fixed blade 57b at the moment it hits the rotary blade 58b is set as the reference point (zero point). You can tell when the blade hits by the sound of the blade hitting the blade. Although not shown, the manual setting disk dial 695 has a scale including 0 in the circumferential direction. Further, the manual setting disc dial 695 rotates below the center casing GM10 shown in FIG. 18 etc., and a reference line GM10k is marked on the lower end of the center casing GM10. The manual setting disk dial 695 is rotated to lower the fixed blade 565, and when the fixed blade 57b hits the rotary blade 58b, the rotational operation is stopped at that point. Lift up the manual setting disc dial 695, align the 0 scale with the reference line GM10k marked on the center casing GM10, and then lower the manual setting disc dial 695 that had been lifted straight down. By doing this, the reference point (zero point) can be recorded. To set the particle size of the ground beans, the fixed blade 57b is raised and lowered based on the reference point (zero point) thus recorded, and the interval between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b is adjusted.

Further, a transmission gear 6962 is provided at the terminal end of the rotating shaft 6961 of the fine adjustment knob dial 696. This transmission gear 6962 meshes with the second gear 503c2 (see FIG. 36(b)), which is a two-stage gear, and also meshes with the worm gear 692. The first gear 503c1 of this two-stage gear meshes with the pinion gear 503b. Therefore, when the second motor 503a is driven to rotate, the fine adjustment knob dial 696 also rotates, and the worm wheel 691 also rotates. Further, when the second motor 503a is stopped, the fine adjustment knob dial 696 can be rotated, and the worm wheel 691 is also rotated by rotating the fine adjustment knob dial 696. When the fine adjustment knob dial 696 is rotated once, the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 is rotated by one tooth. Therefore, when the fine adjustment knob dial 696 is rotated, adjustment of less than one tooth of the worm gear 692 is possible, as in the case where the second motor 503a is rotationally driven and the worm wheel 691 is rotated. In manually setting the grain size of ground beans, the grain size is roughly set using the manual setting disk dial 695, and the set grain size is finely adjusted using the fine adjustment knob dial 696. By doing so, it is possible to quickly and finely set the granularity.

Note that manual setting using the manual setting disc dial 695 and the fine adjustment knob dial 696 can also be applied to the second grinder 5B of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

Next, a method for controlling the amount of ground beans fed into the second grinder 5B will be described.

As described above, the roasted coffee beans are ground to a certain size (for example, about 1/4) by the first grinder 5A. Hereinafter, the beans crushed into a certain size by the first grinder 5A will be referred to as ground beans to distinguish them from ground beans (especially coarsely ground beans). The second grinder 5B grinds the ground beans crushed by the first grinder 5A to a desired particle size. Here, if a large amount of ground beans is sent from the first grinder 5A exceeding the appropriate allowable amount for the grinding process by the second grinder 5B, the ground beans are separated between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b. This causes the ground beans to accumulate between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b. The ground beans that are staying there receive frictional heat from the rotating rotary blade 58b and become hot. In particular, finely ground beans are easily affected by heat, and more oil than necessary is likely to appear on the surface of the ground beans. Coffee drinks extracted from beans ground this way tend to have a dark taste.

When the first grinder 5A is operating at the upper limit of its processing capacity, if the rotation speed of the first motor for the first grinder 5A is lowered, the amount of ground beans sent from the first grinder 5A per unit time can be reduced. quantity decreases.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the control process of the processing unit 11a in the grind process.

The control process shown in FIG. 37 is started in response to pressing of the start button GM15 shown in FIG. 24. Moreover, when the metering unit 404 shown in FIG. 21 is attached to the option attachment part GM11, it may be started in response to the start of rotation of the screw blade ESC2 shown in FIG. 21(b).

First, the processing unit 11a starts rotation of the first motor for the first grinder 5A and the second motor 503a for the second grinder 5B (step S21). In this step S21, both the first motor and the second motor 503a start rotating at respective preset rotational speeds. As a result, the rotary blade 58a starts rotating in the first grinder 5A, and the rotary blade 58b starts rotating in the second grinder 5B. Note that the rotation of the first motor and the rotation of the second motor 503a do not have to be started at the same time, and the rotation of the second motor 503a may be started after the rotation of the first motor is started. For example, when the first grinder 5A starts grinding, the rotational torque and current value of the first motor increase. When the processing unit 11a detects an increase in the rotational torque of the first motor or an increase in the current value, the processing unit 11a may start the rotation of the second motor 503a. When the first motor for the first grinder 5A starts rotating, ground beans are sent to the second grinder 5B.

In the following step S22, it is determined whether or not to continue the rotation of the first motor. For example, a predetermined amount of time has passed since the electric screw conveyor ESC finished conveying, a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the rotational torque of the first motor has decreased, or a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the current value of the first motor has decreased. When the time period elapses, the determination result becomes No, and the rotation of the first motor is stopped (step S27). On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes, the process advances to step S23.

A sensor for detecting passage of the ground beans is provided near the input port of the second grinder 5B, and the processing section 11a shown in FIG. Monitor. In step S23, it is determined whether the input amount per unit time exceeds a reference value. The reference value is a variable that changes depending on the type of coffee beans, the particle size of the ground beans, the rotational speed set for the second motor 503a, etc., and multiple types of reference values are stored in the storage unit 11b shown in FIG. There is. For example, the harder the coffee bean, the smaller the reference value. The recipe specifies the type of coffee beans, the particle size of the ground beans, etc., and the processing unit 11a selects a reference value according to the recipe, executes the determination process in step S23, and sets various setting values. A reference value is selected in accordance with the above, and the determination process of step S23 is executed. If the input amount per unit time exceeds the reference value, the rotational speed of the first motor is reduced (step S24), and the process returns to step S22. The rate at which the rotational speed of the first motor is reduced may be a predetermined rate, or may be a rate depending on the extent to which the input amount exceeds a reference value. As the rotational speed of the first motor decreases, the amount of ground beans sent out from the first grinder 5A per unit time decreases. As a result, the input amount can be reduced, and the ground beans are prevented from staying between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b, and the ground beans are less susceptible to heat. Coffee beverages extracted from beans ground this way tend to have a brighter flavor without the negative effects of oil.

If it is determined in step S23 that the input amount is less than the reference value, it is determined whether the rotational speed of the first motor is in a decelerated state, and if it is not in a decelerated state, the process proceeds to step S22. If the rotational speed is returned to the decelerated state, the rotational speed is returned to the set rotational speed (step S26), and then the process returns to step S22.

In step S28 following step S27 in which the rotation of the first motor is stopped, it is determined whether or not to stop the rotation of the second motor 503a. For example, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the rotational torque of the second motor 503a has decreased, or a predetermined time has elapsed since the current value of the second motor 503a has decreased, the determination result will be Yes, and the second motor The rotation is stopped (step S29), and this control process ends.

In the control process described above, the amount of ground beans input to the second grinder 5B is controlled by controlling the rotational speed of the first motor for the first grinder 5A. It is also possible to control the amount of ground beans input into the second grinder 5B by controlling the rotation speed of the motor ESC3 that rotates the blade ESC2. Furthermore, by controlling both the rotational speed of the first motor and the rotational speed of the motor ESC3, it is possible to control the amount of ground beans fed into the second grinder 5B.

Note that the control process shown in FIG. 37 can also be executed by the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 10, and can be executed by controlling the rotation speed of the motor 52a for the first grinder 5A shown in FIG. By controlling the conveyance speed of the grinder 41, the amount of ground beans fed into the second grinder 5B shown in FIG. 2 can be controlled.

Furthermore, the rotational speed of the rotary blade 58a of the first grinder 5A may change depending on the hardness of the roasted coffee beans. Originally, the rotation speed of the first motor of the first grinder 5A is set so as not to exceed the allowable amount of grind processing by the second grinder 5B, but the rotation speed of the first motor of the first grinder 5A or the unit of the first motor The number of rotations per unit time (rotational speed) may be monitored, and if the number of rotations per unit time exceeds a reference value, the rotational speed of the first motor may be reduced.

The control process in the grinding process described above using FIG. 37 can also be applied as the control process in the grinding process of the crushing device of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Further, an instruction to reduce or restore the rotational speed of the first motor may be output from an external terminal such as the mobile terminal 17 shown in FIG.

According to the above description,
``A coffee machine equipped with a second grinder [for example, second grinder 5B] that grinds coffee beans,
controlling the amount of coffee beans introduced into the second grinder [for example, step S24 shown in FIG. 37];
A coffee machine [for example, the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 or the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1]. ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine, the input amount is controlled in consideration of the state of grinding coffee beans in the grinder.

Note that the coffee beans referred to herein may be split beans, ground beans, or beans that are not split or ground.

The reason for controlling the amount of input is to prevent the residence time of the ground beans in the second grinder from becoming longer than necessary. In the second grinder, if the amount of coffee beans input is larger than the amount of ground beans sent out, the ground beans will stay in the second grinder for a longer time, and the ground beans will be adversely affected by heat. It becomes easier to receive. Therefore, in the above-mentioned coffee machine, the input amount is controlled to prevent this from happening. Therefore, the machine is controlled in consideration of the state in which the coffee beans are ground in the grinder.

Also,
``Controlling the input amount according to the type of coffee beans,
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Note that the type of coffee beans may be the variety of coffee beans, the degree of roasting of the coffee beans, or a combination of the variety and degree of roasting.

Also,
``A first grinder [for example, a first grinder 5A] for grinding coffee beans is provided upstream of the second grinder,
Coffee, characterized in that the amount of coffee beans fed into the second grinder is controlled by controlling the speed at which the first grinder grinds coffee beans (for example, the rotational speed of the first motor). machine. ”
Also explained.

Also,
``Upstream of the second grinder, a supply device that supplies coffee beans downstream [for example, the measuring unit 404 shown in FIG. 21, the conveyor 41 shown in FIG. 2] is provided,
controlling the amount of coffee beans input into the second grinder by controlling the supply speed of the coffee beans by the supply device;
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“A first grinder for grinding coffee beans [e.g., first grinder 5A] disposed upstream of the second grinder;
a supply device disposed upstream of the first grinder that supplies coffee beans downstream [for example, the weighing unit 404 shown in FIG. 21, the conveyor 41 shown in FIG. 2];
Equipped with
reducing the amount of coffee beans input into the second grinder by controlling at least one of the first grinder and the supply device;
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

For example, the amount of coffee beans input into the second grinder may be reduced by controlling both the first grinder and the supply device.

moreover,
"A coffee machine system (for example, FIG. 10 or FIG. 19) that includes an external device (for example, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee machine."
Also explained.

Also,
"Starting the introduction of coffee beans into the second grinder (step S21 shown in FIG. 37),
A step of controlling the amount of coffee beans introduced into the second grinder (step S24 shown in FIG. 37);
A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising: ”
Also explained.

The ground beans ground by the second grinder 5B are discharged from the chute GM31 shown in FIG. 18.

The chute GM31 shown in FIG. 18 guides ground beans sent out in a substantially horizontal direction downward. The coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 is provided with a hammer member GM32 that hits the chute GM31. This hammer member GM32 rotates around a rotation shaft GM321 that extends in the vertical direction. The ground beans sent out in a substantially horizontal direction may collide with and adhere to the inner wall of the chute GM31. The user rotates the hammer member GM32 to hit the chute GM31, giving an impact to the attached ground beans and causing them to fall.

Next, an example will be described in which the grinding process is performed according to order information from outside the coffee bean grinder GM (for example, the server 16 or the mobile terminal 17 shown in FIG. 19).

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the control process executed by the processing unit 11a when performing the grind process according to the order information.

In step S31, it is determined whether or not order information has been received. If order information has not been received, this step S31 is repeatedly executed. If the order information is accepted, the process advances to step S32. Note that the specific contents of the order information will be described later.

In step S32, the received order information is displayed on the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 19, and the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, it is determined whether or not an operation to start grinding coffee beans has been received. The grind start operation here is an operation of the information display device 12, which will be described in detail later. If the grind start operation has not been accepted, the process proceeds to step S34, and if the grind start operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S36.

In step S34, it is determined whether an operation to change order information has been accepted. The order information changing operation here is also an operation on the information display device 12, which will be described in detail later. If the operation to change the order information has been accepted, the process advances to step S35, and if the operation to change the order information has not been accepted, the process returns to step S33.

In step S35, the received order information is updated according to the order information changing operation, and the process returns to step S33.

During the period from receiving the order information to receiving the grind start operation, the received order information can be changed in steps S34 and S35. The grind start operation and the order information change operation are not limited to the operation of the information display device 12, but may be made to accept operations from the mobile terminal 17, and information on this operation is transmitted to the coffee bean grinder GM. The transmission route may be any route as long as it is suitable.

In step S36, grinding of coffee beans is performed. First, the amount of roasted coffee beans specified by the order information is supplied from the storage device 4 to the first grinder 5B. The ground beans crushed in the first grinder 5B are fed to the second grinder 5B after unnecessary substances are separated by a separator 6. In this second grinder 5B, coffee beans are ground while changing the interval between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b at predetermined intervals (for example, in increments of 50 μm) according to the order information, and the ground coffee beans are transferred to the chute GM31 shown in FIG. is discharged from. When this grinding process is completed, the process for producing ground coffee beans is completed.

In the above example, a case has been described in which the grinding process is executed according to order information from outside the coffee grinder GM, but the configuration may also be such that the order information is input directly to the coffee grinder GM using the information display device 12. good. In this configuration, step S32, step S34, and step S35 shown in FIG. 38 may be deleted.

In addition, in the above example, the order information can be changed between receiving the order information and receiving the grind start operation, but without providing an opportunity for such changes, the grind process will be performed as soon as the order information is received. may be started.

Here, the recipe will be explained in detail. The recipe includes a grind recipe that includes only grind information for grinding coffee beans, and a beverage manufacturing recipe that includes information on various manufacturing conditions for producing a coffee beverage, such as coffee beverage extraction conditions in addition to the grind information. There is a recipe. The coffee bean grinder GM can perform the grinding process as long as it has a grinding recipe, but if the beverage manufacturing recipe is displayed on the information display device 12, the coffee beverage extraction process that is executed after the grinding process can be executed. Depending on the conditions, it may be possible to modify the grinding conditions, and a better quality coffee beverage may be obtained.

The storage unit 11b shown in FIG. 19 may continue to store the recipe, or may acquire the recipe from the server 16 before starting the grinding process and store it only while the grinding process is being executed. After finishing the grinding process, the recipe may be deleted from the storage unit 11b. Alternatively, the storage unit 11b stores only part of the information (for example, bean information and recipe creator information) of the recipe, and the remaining information of the recipe is sent from the server 16 before starting the grinding process. After acquiring the information (for example, information on various conditions for grinding coffee beans) and completing the grinding process, the remaining information may be deleted from the storage unit 11b. Note that the recipe stored in the storage unit 11b is encrypted.

Further, the recipes are managed in a database in the server 16.

FIGS. 39(A) to 39(C) are diagrams showing examples of data stored in the server 16. FIG. 39(A) shows data 1500 stored in the beverage information database. The data 1500 includes a recipe ID 1501, creator information 1502 showing the creator of the recipe, manufacturing number information 1503 showing the number of times beverage information was selected and manufactured by the user in the past, raw material information, manufacturing method, and type 1512, 1513. . The raw material information includes bean information 1504 indicating the type of beans, production area information 1505 indicating the production area of the beans, and roasting degree information 1506 indicating the degree of roasting of the beans. The manufacturing method also includes the amount of beans used in one extraction 1507, the grinding particle size of the beans 1508, the amount of steaming water 1509, the steaming time 1510, and the amount of extraction hot water 1511. Among these pieces of information, the most necessary information in the grinding process is the ground particle size 1508 of the beans, but other information may also be necessary when considering the ground particle size 1508 of the beans. Type 1 (1512) is type information indicating whether the beverage is a hot beverage or iced beverage, and Type 2 (1513) is type information indicating the flavor of the beverage. In addition, in this embodiment, the manufacturing number information 1503 will be explained as being the number of times that a plurality of beverage manufacturing apparatuses have manufactured the beverage corresponding to the manufacturing number information 1503. May be stored.

FIG. 39(B) is exemplary data 1520 of the user information database. The user may be a store, or a store employee or customer. The data 1520 includes ID information 1521 indicating a user identifier, name information 1522 indicating the user's name, age information 1523 indicating the user's age, and gender information 1524 indicating the user's gender. In one example, the data 1520 may further include information corresponding to the user's address, user's nickname information, and user's photo data.

FIG. 39(C) is exemplary data 1530 of the grind history database. The data 1530 includes user information 1531 regarding the user who instructed the grinding, date and time information 1532 regarding the grinding date and time, a recipe ID 1533 used in the grinding process, a machine ID 1534 corresponding to the coffee bean grinder GM that performed the grinding process, and a machine ID 1534 corresponding to the coffee bean grinder GM that performed the grinding process. It includes a store ID 1535 corresponding to the store where the machine GM is installed. In one example, data 1530 may further include price information corresponding to the price of ground coffee beans, and the like. Further, a coffee beverage manufacturing history database may also be stored in a manner similar to the grind history database.

The data 1500, 1510, and 1530 described above may also be stored in the storage unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder GM.

Next, examples of operations on order information will be described using FIGS. 40 to 45 while referring to the control process flow described using FIG. 38. FIGS. 40 to 42 are diagrams showing how order information is input. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the state when order information is changed. FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of control parameters of the second grinder 5B for orders. FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display during execution of the grind process.

In this example, it is assumed that an application for transmitting order information regarding ground coffee beans is installed on the mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone. FIG. 40 shows an example of an order information input screen using this application. On this input screen, there is an order title input field 170, the desired type of coffee beans 1711, the amount of coffee beans 1712, an input table 172 for specifying the ratio of coffee beans to the particle size when grinding them, and a fine-ground state to a coarse-ground state. A fine→coarse grind button 173a for instructing how to grind, a coarse→fine grind button 173b for instructing how to grind from coarse to fine, and a graph for displaying the contents input to the input table 172 in a graph. Area 174, a send button 175 for sending order information, and a recipe registration button 176 for registering order information as a grind recipe are displayed. The type of coffee beans you desire is transmitted from the coffee bean grinder GM with which this mobile terminal 17 communicates, and by tapping the pull-down button on the right end, you can select the type of coffee beans that have been sent. All types of coffee beans are displayed. For example, all types of beans stored in the canisters currently stored in the canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18 are displayed. Alternatively, all types of beans available at the store where the coffee bean grinder GM is installed may be displayed. The types of coffee beans are distinguished not only by the variety of the coffee beans but also by the name of the farm where they were grown. They are also distinguished by their degree of roasting (very light roast, light roast, medium light roast, medium roast, medium dark roast, dark roast, very dark roast, extremely dark roast). The amount of coffee beans 1712 can also be specified in 5g increments using the pull-down menu. Note that it may be possible to allow direct input. More details on how to grind coffee beans will be given later.

FIG. 41 shows an example of an input screen in which order information has been input. In this input screen, the words "Geisha for French Press" are entered in the title input field 170. In addition, for coffee bean type 1711, Geisha coffee beans grown at Kopei Farm are selected, roasted to a very dark roast, and the amount of coffee beans is 60g. . In the input table 172, "40" indicating the proportion of the particle size of 200 μm and "60" indicating the proportion of the particle size of 800 μm are input, and it is shown that the total proportion is "100"%. Further, it is shown that comments corresponding to each of the particle size of 200 μm, the particle size of 800 μm, and the total have been input. Further, the fine→coarse grind button 173a is selected. In the graph area 174, the contents input to the input table 172 are displayed in the form of a graph. This graph shows two peaks, of which the peak on the left indicates that 200 μm particle size accounts for 40% of the proportion, and the peak on the right indicates that 800 μm particle size accounts for 60% of the proportion. ing.

In the graph area 174, the content input to the input table 172 can be indirectly changed by dragging a part of the graph. FIG. 42 shows an example in which the right peak of the two peaks in the graph area 174 shown in FIG. 41 is moved to the left. As a result of this operation, "60" indicating the proportion of the particle size of 800 μm input in the input table 172 becomes "0", indicating that "0" indicating the proportion of the particle size of 600 μm has been changed to "60". has been done. The input method by dragging such a graph is not limited to changing the granularity, but may also be a method for changing the ratio. For example, by dragging a portion of the graph up or down, the corresponding granularity ratio may be increased or decreased.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 42, after a value is input to the input table 172, the value input to the input table 172 is changed by dragging a part of the graph. Not limited to this configuration, it is possible to display an initial state graph (a flat straight line, shown by a thick line in FIG. 39) in the graph area 174 from a state before values are input to the input table 172 (initial state), The value of the input table 172 may be set by dragging this graph.

By using the input method using a graph as described above, the user can set the granularity ratio more intuitively.

In addition, increasing or decreasing the size of one peak can reduce the size of other peaks, such as increasing or decreasing the size of one peak. It is also possible to relatively increase or decrease the value. When the size of the graph area 174 is limited, the graph area 174 can be used more effectively.

After setting the title, type and amount of coffee beans, particle size ratio, and grinding method (fine → coarse, coarse → fine), tap the send button 175 to send the coffee beans via the communication network 15 shown in FIG. 19. Order information is transmitted to the control device 11 of the grinder GM. In addition, after once transmitting to the server 16, it may be transmitted to the coffee bean grinder GM via the server 16 and the communication network 15.

In addition, order information such as title, type and amount of coffee beans, particle size ratio, and grind method (fine → coarse, coarse → fine) was set here, but this order information can be saved and used as a grind recipe. It is also possible to do so. In this case, by tapping the recipe registration button 176, the order information is transmitted to the server 16 via the communication network 15. The server 16 also manages grind recipes as a database, and a grind recipe ID is assigned to the order information transmitted here and stored. When transmitting to the server 16, it may be possible to set restrictions on the recipe. For example, a screen for selecting various restrictions such as manufacturing (grinding) prohibition, display prohibition, download prohibition, duplication prohibition, and alteration prohibition may be displayed on the mobile terminal 17. Further, on the above screen, it may be possible to set a method for canceling these restrictions (billing, expiration of a period, usage more than a certain number of times due to billing, etc.). Further, the input creator's comments are also stored as part of the grind recipe, and the comments can also be displayed when the recipe is displayed.

Furthermore, chaff removal strength (chaff removal rate) (%) may be set as the order information and grind recipe.

When the order information is received, the content of the received order information is displayed on the information display device 12 (Yes in step S31 in FIG. 38, step S32). FIG. 43(A) shows an example in which the control device 11 receives the order information transmitted with the contents shown in FIG. 42, and the contents are displayed on the information display device 12. Specifically, the title input in the title input field 170 in FIG. 42 and the rows with grain sizes in which the ratio is 0 and the comment field is blank (rows with grain sizes of 400 μm and 1000 μm in FIG. 42) in the input table 172 are The content of the removed portion is displayed in the reception table 121. Further, the grinding instruction column 122 indicates that the selection of the fine→coarse grinding button 173a in FIG. 42 has instructed the grinding method from a fine grinding state to a coarse grinding state. Furthermore, the bean type column 1231 shows the type of beans received, and the bean amount column 123 shows the amount of beans received. Note that the amount of beans may be set separately by the store.

If you tap the grind start button 124 in this state, the coffee beans will be ground (details will be described later), but before you tap the grind start button 124, you can change the order information. (No in step S33 in FIG. 38, Yes in step S34, step S35). When order information is changed, coffee beans are ground according to this information. Depending on the temperature and humidity during grinding, the grain size of the ground coffee beans may become fine (or coarse), but this can be adjusted by changing the order information at the store.

For example, suppose that the order information shown in FIG. 43(A) is received, but the ground coffee beans have a fine grain size due to low humidity. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 43(B), in the reception table 121, "40" indicating the proportion of the particle size of 200 μm is changed to "45", and furthermore, "60" indicating the proportion of the particle size of 600 μm is changed to "55". By changing the grain size, the grain size of the ground coffee beans can be made coarser and adjusted to a desired grain size. Note that in the example of Figure 43(B), a description of "low humidity → percentage increase" has been added to the comment field, but with such a comment, it is not possible to convey information such as the reason for correction. There are cases where it is possible. As explained above, order information (here, the particle size of ground beans) can be adjusted depending on the installation environment of the coffee bean grinder GM.

A recipe registration button 125 is also provided on the display screen of the information display device 12, and order information can be registered in the server 16 as a grind recipe from the information display device 12 (coffee bean grinder GM). A grind recipe including parameters modified according to the installation environment of the coffee bean grinder GM can be saved in the server 16 with comments. Further, the grind recipe may also include environmental information (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, etc.) at the time of creating the order information (recipe). The GM coffee bean grinder is equipped with a temperature/humidity sensor and an atmospheric pressure sensor, and when the recipe registration button 125 is tapped, the environmental information acquired by these sensors is automatically added to the grind recipe. Good too. Furthermore, when transmitting from the coffee bean grinder GM to the server 16, a selection screen may be displayed on the display screen of the information display device 12, so that recipe restrictions can be set. Further, on the selection screen, a method for canceling these restrictions may also be set.

In addition, the order information may be encrypted and stored as a grind recipe in the storage unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder GM. Further, it may also be possible to encrypt and store the grind recipe in the storage unit 11b from the mobile terminal 17.

Moreover, the grind recipe registered in this way can also be used in a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus equipped with a coffee bean grinder GM and a coffee extraction device.

Next, the operation after tapping the grind start button 124 will be described using as an example the case where the grind start button 124 is tapped in the state shown in FIG. 43(B). When the grind start button 124 is tapped, coffee beans are ground according to the order information (Yes in step S33 of FIG. 38, step S36). Note that if coffee beans other than those stored in the storage device 4 are specified, the grinding process is started after the specified coffee beans are set in the storage device 4.

Further, the grinding process may be started after the calibration performed in the initial operation described using FIG. 33 is performed. Whether or not this calibration is to be executed is transmitted from the mobile terminal 17 together with the order information. That is, it is possible to specify on the mobile terminal 17 that calibration is to be performed before starting the grinding process based on the order information.

FIG. 44(A) shows the particle sizes and their ratios specified in FIG. 43(B). In this grinding process, the particle size distribution of the ground coffee beans to be manufactured is expanded to a certain range (in the present embodiment, within a range of ±100 to 150 μm) with respect to the particle size of the ground coffee beans specified in the order information. The processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 executes control to grind coffee beans while changing the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B (the interval between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b) at predetermined intervals (for example, in increments of 50 μm). Ru. For example, FIG. 44(B) shows an operation for operating the second grinder 5B while changing the blade spacing in the range of 50 to 350 μm for the grain size of 200 μm specified in FIG. 44(A). It shows that the time is set. In addition, FIG. 44(B) shows an operation for operating the second grinder 5B while changing the interval between the blades in the range of 450 to 700 μm with respect to the grain size of 600 μm specified in FIG. 44(A). It shows that the time is set. Further, FIG. 44(D) shows a graph of the length of operation time for each blade interval of the second grinder 5B shown in FIG. 44(B). Note that the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B and its operation time set here are calculated by the processing unit 11a based on the order information, and correspond to the particle size distribution of the ground coffee beans to be manufactured. For this reason, it can be said that the particle size distribution is set. Further, when the calibration is executed in the initial operation before the start of the grinding process, the processing unit 11a corrects the rotation amount of the motor 503a using the calibration value obtained in step S55 shown in FIG. Control is performed to change the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B.

In the above example, it is assumed that it takes a total of 30 seconds to produce 60 g of ground coffee beans specified in the order information. Of this operating time, 45% (13.5 seconds) is allocated to the operation for the particle size of 200 μm. In the above example, since the second grinder 5B is operated while changing the interval between the blades in the range of 50 to 350 μm for the specified particle size of 200 μm, it takes 13.5 seconds for the grinder to operate in this range. Assigned. Note that in FIG. 44(B), the total operating time of the grinder in the interval range of 50 to 350 μm is 13.5 seconds. Furthermore, 55% (16.5 seconds) of the total 30 seconds of operation time is allocated to the operation for the particle size of 600 μm. In the above example, the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B is changed in the range of 450 to 700 μm in response to the specified grain size of 600 μm, so it takes 16.5 seconds to operate the grinder in this range. Assigned. Note that in FIG. 44(B), the total operating time of the grinder in the interval range of 450 to 700 μm is 16.5 seconds. As explained above, the operating time shown in FIG. 44(B) is derived from the time required to manufacture ground coffee beans. In addition, in FIG. 44(B), an example was explained in which the ranges of the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B for two types of grain size specifications do not overlap, but if these ranges overlap, Operation time is added.

As explained in the example of FIG. 44(B), by manufacturing ground coffee beans while changing the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B, the particle size of the ground coffee beans can be dispersed. Coffee extracted from ground coffee beans with a dispersed particle size can contain a variety of flavors compared to coffee extracted from ground coffee beans without a dispersed particle size. Note that for those who do not like this taste, a case may be provided in which the operating time is set as shown in FIG. 44(C), for example. In this FIG. 44(C), the operation time of the second grinder 5B is set only for operation at the blade spacing of the same value as the grain size specified in the order information, and the grain size that suppresses grain size dispersion is set. It corresponds to the distribution. These configurations are just examples, and the range of particle size distribution may be specified when specifying particle size.

In the example shown in FIG. 44(B), the operation time is longest when the blade spacing has the same value as the grain size specified in the order information, and the difference between the specified grain size and the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B is large. For example, the operation time may be set to the same value for the operation at the blade interval of the second grinder 5B of ±50 μm with respect to the specified particle size. Alternatively, a plurality of particle size distribution patterns may be provided and selected from them.

Additionally, information on operating time as shown in Figure 44(B) can be input when creating order information, and if the order information includes information on operating time, grind processing can be executed according to this information. You can also do this.

Furthermore, the information on the operating time (change pattern of the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B) shown in FIGS. 44(B) and 44(c) is also stored in the server 16 and storage unit 11b as part of the grind recipe. Good too. That is, various information may be stored in the server 16 or the storage unit 11b in association with the particle size of the ground beans. In addition, these information and grind recipes stored in the storage unit 11b may be outputtable to an external terminal such as the server 16 or the mobile terminal 17 via the communication network 15.

Note that although two types of particle size values are set in FIG. 44(A), the number of particle size types for which values are specified may be one instead of a plurality. For example, if one type of granularity value is set, the operating time is set based on this value.

Furthermore, input of order information from an external terminal (mobile terminal 17) and calculation of control parameters for the second grinder 5B based on the order information, which were explained using FIGS. 40 to 45, are performed in the beverage manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is also applicable.

According to the above description,
``A grinder [for example, the second Grinder 5B] and
a reception unit [for example, I/F unit 11c shown in FIGS. 10 and 19] that receives user specifications [for example, order information from a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone];
a setting section that can set the conditions [for example, the processing section 11a shown in FIGS. 10 and 19];
A coffee bean grinder comprising:
The setting unit is capable of setting the conditions based on the specification received by the reception unit [for example, the processing unit 11a can set the conditions in FIG. 44(B) or FIG. calculate the control data shown and control the second grinder 5B based on the control data],
The reception unit is capable of inputting a signal including the designation from the outside [for example, FIGS. 10 and 19],
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18]. ”
explained.

According to this coffee bean grinder, the user can easily specify.

Note that the designation may be a designation of the particle size of ground beans, or a designation to perform calibration during the initial operation of the grinder. Further, the specification may be various specifications in the grind recipe (for example, specification of the type and amount of coffee beans to be used, specification of the grinding method).

Also,
“When the setting unit sets the conditions based on the specification received by the reception unit [for example, the specification to calibrate the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b in the initial operation of the second grinder 5B], The calibration value [for example, the calibration value calculated in step S55 shown in FIG. 33] can be obtained.
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``Equipped with a storage device [for example, the storage section 11b shown in FIGS. 10 and 19] that stores the specifications [for example, grind recipe or beverage manufacturing recipe] received by the reception section;
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The receiving unit receives at least the specification of the particle size of ground beans [for example, the specification of the particle size in the input table 172 shown in FIG. 41] as the specification,
The storage device is capable of storing various information [for example, control data shown in FIGS. 44(B) and 44(C)] in association with the particle size of the ground beans.
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Note that the particle size may be a particle size represented by a peak in the particle size distribution. Further, the various information may be conditions set for the grinder in order to grind the coffee beans to the particle size.

Also,
“It is possible to output the information stored in the storage device to the outside [for example, the server 16 or the mobile terminal 17],
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

moreover,
"Equipped with an external device (e.g., server 16, mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee bean grinder,
The external device is one on which a user performs a specified operation;
A coffee bean grinding system (for example, FIGS. 10 and 19) characterized by the following. ”
Also explained.

Also,
``A method of grinding coffee beans in a grinder that grinds coffee beans under set conditions,
a reception step for accepting user specifications [for example, order information from a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone] [for example, a process that is a prerequisite for step S31 shown in FIG. 38];
a condition setting step for setting the conditions based on the specification received by the receiving step [for example, the process performed between step S32 and step S33 shown in FIG. 38 or the process performed between step S34 and step S33] and,
A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising: ”
Also explained.

Also, according to the above description,
``A grinder [for example, the second Grinder 5B] and
a setting section that can set the conditions [for example, the processing section 11a shown in FIGS. 10 and 19];
An operation unit that can be operated by the user [for example, a disc dial 695 for manual setting, a knob dial 696 for fine adjustment],
A coffee bean grinder comprising:
The setting section is capable of setting the conditions based on input information [for example, the processing section 11a calculates the control data shown in FIGS. 44(B) and 44(C) based on order information. , controlling the second grinder 5B based on the control data],
The operation unit is capable of changing, among the conditions, conditions related to the particle size of ground beans [for example, the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b] according to the operation.
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18]. ”
explained.

According to this coffee bean grinder, the conditions are not only set based on the input information, but also the conditions regarding the particle size of the ground beans can be adjusted manually.

Note that the particle size may be a particle size represented by a peak in the particle size distribution. Further, the input information may be information on the particle size of ground beans, or information instructing execution of calibration in the initial operation of the grinder. Further, the input information may be various types of information in the grind recipe (for example, information on the type and amount of coffee beans to be used, information on the method of grinding).

Also,
“The setting unit is capable of acquiring a calibration value when setting the conditions [for example, the calibration value calculated in step S55 shown in FIG. 33].
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``Equipped with a storage device [for example, the storage unit 11b shown in FIGS. 10 and 19] that stores the input information [for example, a grind recipe or a beverage manufacturing recipe],
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``The setting unit sets the conditions regarding the particle size of ground beans [for example, as shown in FIG. 44(B) or (C) , the blade spacing and operating time can be set according to the grain size specified in the order information.
The storage device is capable of storing various information [for example, control data shown in FIGS. 44(B) and 44(C)] in association with the particle size of the ground beans.
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Note that the various information may refer to conditions set for the grinder in order to grind coffee beans to the particle size with the grinder.

Also,
“It is possible to output the information stored in the storage device to the outside [for example, the server 16 or the mobile terminal 17],
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

moreover,
"Equipped with an external device (e.g., server 16, mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee bean grinder,
The external device is operated by a user who specifies the conditions;
A coffee bean grinding system (for example, FIGS. 10 and 19) characterized by the following. ”
Also explained.

Also,
``A method of grinding coffee beans in a grinder that grinds coffee beans under set conditions,
an automatic setting step of automatically setting the conditions based on input information;
A manual changing step of changing the conditions related to the particle size of the ground beans among the conditions according to the operation;
A method of grinding coffee beans characterized by being able to carry out the following. ”
Also explained.

Note that either the automatic setting step or the manual change step may be executed first, or only one of them may be executed.

Furthermore, there are two types of grinding methods in the second grinder 5B in this embodiment: a grinding method from a fine grinding state to a coarse grinding state, and a grinding method from a coarse grinding state to a fine grinding state, which will be explained in FIG. 40. One of the grinding methods is specified using the fine→coarse grind button 173a and the coarse→fine grind button 173b. When the grinding method from fine grinding to coarse grinding is specified, the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B is increased from 50 μm to 1000 μm, and the second grinder is operated only for the operating time set for each interval. Operate 5B. On the other hand, when the grinding method from coarse to fine grinding is specified, the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B is narrowed from 1000 μm to 50 μm, and the grinding method is set for the operating time set for each interval. 2. Operate the grinder 5B. Depending on this grinding method, there may be slight differences in the particle size distribution of the ground coffee beans produced, which may cause a difference in taste, so this embodiment has a configuration that allows these grinding methods to be set. is adopted.

In FIG. 43(B), since the grinding method from a fine grinding state to a coarse grinding state is specified, the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B is increased from 50 μm to 1000 μm, and the operations set for each interval are performed. The second grinder 5B is operated for a certain amount of time. At this time, the graph shown in FIG. 44(D) is displayed on the information display device 12, and the color of the area within the graph changes in accordance with the progress of this operation. FIG. 45(A) shows the situation when 12.4 seconds have passed since the start of grinding. At this time, the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B is set to 250 μm, and in FIG. 45(A), the hatching indicates that the color of the left region changes after this 250 μm. There is. This hatching is an example of indicating that the grinding process for the corresponding area has been completed. Further, FIG. 45(B) shows the situation when the grinding process is completed 30 seconds after the start of the grinding. In FIG. 45(B), all areas are hatched, which is an example of indicating that all grind processing has been completed. As shown in the examples in Figures 45(A) and 45(B), by displaying the progress of the grinding process, it is possible to prevent customers from getting bored while waiting, and to improve efficiency by allowing store staff to perform other tasks. It may be possible to do some work.

FIG. 46(a) is a diagram showing an example of a Porter filter used when producing an espresso beverage. The Porter filter PF shown in FIG. 46(a) is a naked type, in which ground beans are filled in a metal basket PFb (see FIG. 46(c)) with a filter structure on the bottom, and the basket PFb is shaped into a cylindrical shape. It is held by the holding part PFr. The holding portion PFh is provided with a handle PFh.

FIG. 46(b) is a diagram showing a situation in which the basket PFb held by the holding part PFr is placed on the chute GM31 of the coffee bean grinder while holding the handle PFh. Ground beans are discharged from the chute GM31, and the ground beans are packed into the basket PFb. This operation is called dosing. Note that the basket PFb may be fixed to the outlet of the chute GM31 in order to save the operator the trouble of holding the handle PFh and aiming at it. Next, a leveling operation is performed so that the ground beans are evenly packed in the basket PFb. Finally, a process called tamping is performed to compact the evenly packed ground beans.

FIG. 46(c) is a diagram schematically showing a state in which ground beans that have been ground from a finely ground state to a coarsely ground state are packed into a basket PFb and subjected to leveling and tamping.

FIG. 46(c) shows the basket PFb held by the holding part PFr. The bottom surface PFf of this basket PFb has a filter structure, and although the filter mesh Fi is schematically shown in FIG. 46(c), it is actually a much finer mesh. This region on the bottom surface PFf side is filled with ultrafine ground beans Bvt having a particle size distribution with a peak particle size of 200 μm. In FIG. 46(c), fine cross-hatching shows how the ultra-fine ground beans Bvt are filled. Further, the area above that area is filled with medium-fine ground beans Bmt having a particle size distribution with a peak particle size of 600 μm. In FIG. 46(c), coarse cross hatching shows how the medium-fine ground beans Bmt are filled. That is, relatively finely ground beans are accommodated in an area close to the filter, and relatively coarsely ground beans are accommodated in an area far from the filter.

If the extraction operation is performed using the Porter filter PF prepared in this way, the hot water will drain well in the region where the particle size is large, and the extraction efficiency, which is an index of taste development, will decrease. On the other hand, in a region where the particle size is small, hot water does not drain easily and the extraction efficiency increases. Hot water poured from above (on the opposite side from the filter) first passes through the area with low extraction efficiency and finally through the particle size with high extraction efficiency. Now, if we consider the opposite, the poured hot water will become a strong coffee drink in the first region, the coffee components will be difficult to extract from the ground beans with large particle size in the last region, and It is expected that the ground beans that were available will be easily wasted. This prediction is based on the fact that while it is easy to extract coffee components from hot water, it tends to be difficult to extract coffee components from coffee beverages. The poured hot water first passes through the region where the extraction efficiency is low, so that the coffee beverage is sufficiently extracted from the ground beans in that region. However, it is a weak coffee drink. However, because it is a weak coffee beverage, there is a margin in the concentration of the coffee beverage, and even if the coffee beverage passes through a region with high extraction efficiency, the coffee beverage can be extracted firmly. In this way, in order to effectively utilize all the ground beans in the Porter filter PF, it is considered preferable that the ground beans be finer in the area closer to the filter. It is particularly effective when brewing strong coffee drinks such as espresso.

Further, the second grinder 5B in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 can similarly grind from a finely ground state to a coarsely ground state, or from a coarsely ground state to a finely ground state. In the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, ground beans are stored in an extraction container 9. This extraction container 9 is inverted, and when the ground beans are stored (before the extraction container 9 is inverted), relatively coarse ground beans are stored in the lower region, and relatively finely ground beans are stored in the upper region. When the beans are accommodated and the brewing vessel 9 is turned over, relatively finely ground beans are located in the lower region and relatively coarsely ground beans are located in the upper region. However, if we look at the filter provided in the lid unit 91 shown in FIG. This means that the coarsely ground beans are housed in the container.

Note that multiple sets of grinding processes may be performed so that beans for multiple extractions can be ground with one grinding start operation. By doing so, it is sufficient to prepare a plurality of baskets PFb and send a new basket PFb to the chute GM 31 for each set.

Furthermore, in the example of FIGS. 45(A) and 45(B), when a grinding method from a fine grinding state to a coarse grinding state is specified, a display example in which hatching spreads from the left side of the graph to the right side is explained. However, if the grinding method from coarse to fine grinding is specified, the hatching will expand from the right side of the graph to the left side, unlike the examples in Figures 45 (A) and (B). become.

Furthermore, in the above example, the configuration in which the progress of the grinding process is displayed on the information display device 12 has been described, but it may also be configured that the progress of the grinding process is displayed on the mobile terminal 17 that transmitted the order information.

According to the above description,
``A grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, second grinder 5B],
a container [e.g., basket PFb or extraction container 9] for storing ground beans ground by the grinder;
A coffee bean grinder comprising:
One set of grinding operations can be performed in response to a start operation by the user [for example, tapping the grind start button 124, pressing the start button GM15, or an instruction to manufacture a coffee beverage],
The set of grinding operations includes applying a first particle size [e.g., a relatively fine particle size or a coarse particle size] to a first region of the container [e.g., an area relatively close to or below the filter]. Ground beans are contained, and ground beans of a second particle size [e.g., relatively coarse or fine particle size] are contained in a second region of the container [e.g., a region relatively far from or above the filter]. It is the action of grinding coffee beans into different particle sizes so that they can be accommodated.
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 or the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1]. ”
explained.

The finer the grain size of the ground beans, the harder it is for hot water to escape, and the higher the extraction efficiency. According to this coffee machine, by utilizing this tendency, it is possible to provide regions in which ground beans of different particle sizes are accommodated, and to vary the extraction efficiency depending on the region, thereby improving the taste of the coffee beverage.

In addition, the amount of coffee beans ground in one set of grinding operations may be the amount necessary to extract one cup of coffee beverage, or the amount necessary for one extraction. good. Further, the first particle size may be coarser than the second particle size.

Also,
"The first particle size is a particle size finer than the second particle size,
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
"The container has a filter [for example, the filter eye Fi provided on the bottom surface PFf shown in FIG. 46(c), or the filter provided on the lid unit 91 shown in FIG. 6 etc.],
The first region is a region of the container closer to the filter than the second region,
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Note that the first region may be a region below the second region in the container.

Also,
"Equipped with a storage device [for example, the storage unit 11b shown in FIGS. 10 and 19] capable of storing the one set of grinding operations as a recipe,"
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``The one set of grinding operations can be performed multiple times in response to a start operation by the user [for example, it is possible to grind beans for multiple extractions].
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

moreover,
"A coffee bean grinder system (for example, FIGS. 10 and 19) characterized by comprising an external device (for example, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee bean grinder."
Also explained.

Also,
"The first particle size [e.g., relatively fine particle size or coarse particle size] is applied to the first region [e.g., the region relatively close to or below the filter] of the container [e.g., basket PFb or extraction container 9]. a first step of accommodating ground beans;
a second step of accommodating ground beans of a second particle size [e.g., relatively coarse or fine particle size] in a second region of the container [e.g., a region relatively far from or above the filter]; ,
A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising: ”
Also explained.

Next, a combination of the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B will be described.

As shown in FIG. 25 and the like, the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are provided in a series relationship upstream and downstream when viewed from the coffee bean transport direction. The first grinder 5A is capable of grinding coarser coffee beans with higher precision than the second grinder 5B, and the second grinder 5B can grind finer coffee beans with higher precision than the first grinder 5A. It is possible. More specifically, the first grinder 5A grinds roasted coffee beans into pieces of a certain size (for example, about 1/4) to make ground beans. The second grinder 5B grinds the ground beans crushed by the first grinder 5A to a desired particle size. For example, the second grinder 5B can perform coarse grinding, medium grinding, medium fine grinding, fine grinding, and very fine grinding, and the first grinder 5A cannot grind as finely as coarse grinding. However, in order to make it easier to separate unnecessary substances attached to the coffee beans, it is preferable to grind the coffee beans to a certain size using the first grinder 5A.

However, if the ease of separating unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder by the separation device 6 is ignored, it is also possible to grind coffee beans only by the second grinder 5B without driving the first grinder 5A. be.

FIG. 47(a) is a perspective view showing the rotary blade 58a that constitutes the first grinder 5A.

The rotating blade 58a is provided with a guide path 58ag extending diagonally downward from each of the four blades 58a1 to 58a4 around the rotating shaft 58as. As shown in FIG. 47(a), when the rotary blade 58a does not rotate, the roasted coffee beans B sent from the storage device 4 pass through this guide path 58ag and maintain their shape and size. It is sent directly to the second grinder 5B. Then, it is ground to a desired particle size by a second grinder 5B. In this case, instead of two-stage pulverization by the first grinder 5A and second grinder 5B, one-stage pulverization is performed only by the second grinder 5B.

Note that a grinder similar to the second grinder 5B may be provided in place of the first grinder 5A, so that the upstream grinder can perform coarse grinding, medium grinding, medium fine grinding, fine grinding, and extremely fine grinding. good. In this case, for example, the upstream grinder may perform coarse grinding, the separator 6 may separate unnecessary materials, and then the second grinder 5B may perform medium or finer grinding. Alternatively, after performing medium-fine grinding in the upstream grinder and separating unnecessary substances by the separator 6, the grinding process is not performed in the second grinder 5B, and the medium-fine grinding is carried out from the chute GM31. It may also be discharged.

FIG. 47(b) is a diagram showing a modification of the crushing device 5 shown in FIG. 25 etc.

The crushing device 5 shown in FIG. 25 etc. had two grinders arranged in series, but in this modified example crushing device 5', of the three grinders, the two downstream grinders are arranged in parallel. It is located. A first grinder 5A is arranged downstream of the storage device 4 shown in FIG. 47(b). In the crushing device 5 shown in FIG. 25 etc., a forming unit 6B is provided downstream of the first grinder 5A, but in this modification, the forming unit 6B is omitted and a cylindrical guide passage 6C is provided. ing. Two second grinders 5B each connected to a connecting duct 661 are arranged on the downstream side of the guide passage 6C. The guide path 6C is a path for distributing the ground beans that have been ground by the first grinder 5A to either one of the two second grinders 5B. Note that the number of second grinders 5B is not limited to two, but may be three or more. The processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 executes passage switching of the guide passage 6C. Moreover, the passage switching of the guide passage 6C may be performed manually. Alternatively, the path switching may be performed according to an instruction from an external terminal such as the mobile terminal 17. In this modification, in a coffee bean grinder GM equipped with a total of three grinders, one first grinder 5A and two second grinders 5B, a grinder for grinding coffee beans is selected from among the three grinders. A selection step of making a selection, a supply step of supplying coffee beans to the selected grinder, and a grinding step of grinding the coffee beans supplied in the supply step with a grinder are executed. In the supply step, when one of the two second grinders 5B is selected, coffee beans are supplied to the selected second grinder 5B through the guide passage 6C. In addition, in the selection step, the selection of one first grinder 5A is arbitrary, but in the selection of two second grinders 5B, one of the second grinders 5B may be selected without fail. Alternatively, if the two second grinders 5B are not selected, the coffee beans may be directly discharged from the guide path 6C.

According to this modification, since a plurality of second grinders 5B are installed, the grinding process by the second grinders 5B can be performed in parallel. For example, in controlling the amount of ground beans input into the second grinder 5B as explained using FIG. 37, if it becomes necessary to reduce the amount input into the first second grinder 5B, the guide path 6C If the passage is switched and charging to the second second grinder 5B is started, there is no need to reduce the amount of charging, and a decrease in the efficiency of the grinding process can be avoided.

Although the forming unit 6B is omitted in the modification shown in FIG. 47(b), the forming unit 6B is provided at the upstream end of the guide passage 6C, and the separation of unnecessary materials is performed after the passage switching is completed. You may also do so. Further, even if a fixed passage is provided instead of the switchable guide passage 6C, and a plurality of prepared second grinders 5B are moved to the downstream end of the fixed passage, the grinders are switched. good. Furthermore, instead of providing a plurality of grinders with the same function in parallel, a plurality of grinders with different functions may be provided in parallel. For example, a grinder for coarse grinding, a grinder for medium grinding, a grinder for medium-fine grinding, a grinder for fine grinding, and a grinder for ultra-fine grinding are installed in parallel and can be selected. You can also do this. Moreover, the first grinder 5A on the upstream side may be omitted. Alternatively, a further grinder may be provided downstream of the second grinder 5B. The number of grinders provided downstream of the second grinder 5B may be one or more. When there are multiple units, they may be arranged in series or in parallel.

The aspect of the crushing device 5 described above using FIG. 47 is also applicable as the crushing device of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1.

According to the above description,
``A coffee bean grinding machine equipped with a plurality of grinders [for example, a first grinder 5A and a second grinder 5B in a series relationship, or a plurality of second grinders 5B in a parallel relationship],
The grinder for grinding coffee beans can be selected from the plurality of grinders [for example, selecting both the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B in series, selecting only the second grinder 5B, or selecting the plurality of grinders in parallel. 2 Select one grinder 5B],
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 or the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1]. ”
explained.

According to this coffee bean grinder, the grinder for grinding coffee beans can be selected from a plurality of grinders, so it is easier to meet the demands of more grinding processes than the conventional coffee bean grinder.

Note that one or more grinders may be selected.

Also,
“The plurality of grinders include a first grinder [e.g., first grinder 5A] and a second grinder [e.g., second grinder 5B],
It is possible to select whether to grind coffee beans by one of the first grinder and the second grinder [for example, only the second grinder 5B] or both [for example, the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B]. be,
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The first grinder is capable of grinding coffee beans more precisely and coarsely [for example, grinding roasted coffee beans into pieces of a certain size (for example, about 1/4)]” than the second grinder. can be,
The second grinder is capable of grinding coffee beans more precisely and finely than the first grinder [for example, it is capable of coarsely grinding, medium-grinding, medium-finely grinding, finely grinding, and extremely finely grinding]. be,
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“When coffee beans are ground by both the first grinder [for example, the first grinder 5A] and the second grinder [for example, the second grinder 5B], the first grinder [for example, the upstream grinder] A coffee bean grinding machine characterized in that the coffee beans ground by the first grinder 5A are further finely ground by the second grinder [for example, the downstream second grinder 5B]. ”
Also explained.

Also,
“One of the first grinder [for example, the second grinder 5B on the left side shown in FIG. 47(b)] and the second grinder [for example, the second grinder 5B on the right side shown in FIG. 47(b)] When grinding coffee beans, the coffee beans are guided to the one grinder [for example, guided by the guide passage 6C],
A coffee bean grinder featuring: ”
Also explained.

That is, in an embodiment, either one of the first grinder and the second grinder is provided with a guide passage [for example, the guide passage 6C shown in FIG. 47(b)] for guiding coffee beans. It's okay. The coffee beans may be guided to the one grinder by moving the guide path relative to the one grinder, or by moving the one grinder relative to the guide path, The coffee beans may be guided to the one grinder, or the coffee beans may be guided to the one grinder by moving the guide path and moving the one grinder. There may be.

moreover,
"A coffee bean grinder system (for example, FIGS. 10 and 19) characterized by comprising an external device (for example, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) that can communicate with the coffee bean grinder."
Also explained.

Also,
"a selection step of selecting a grinder for grinding coffee beans from the plurality of grinders in a coffee bean grinder equipped with a plurality of grinders;
a feeding step of feeding coffee beans to the selected grinder;
a grinding step of grinding the coffee beans supplied in the supplying step with the grinder;
A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising: ”
Also explained.

Note that one or more grinders may be selected.

Next, a modification of the hammer member GM32 shown in FIG. 18 will be described. In the following description, components having the same names as those described above will be described with the same reference numerals used up until now.

FIG. 48 is a diagram schematically showing a modified hammer mechanism together with a chute. This FIG. 48 is a front view, with the front side on the page being the front side, and the right side being the left side of the coffee bean grinder.

The hammer mechanism H1 is arranged on the left side of the coffee bean grinder, that is, on the operator's right hand side with respect to the chute GM31. Therefore, it is arranged on the opposite side to the hammer member GM32 shown in FIG. The hammer mechanism H1 shown in FIG. 48 includes a hammer H10, a shaft H20, and a torsion coil spring H30. The shaft H20 is fixed to a front cover (not shown). The hammer H10 is manually rotated from an initial position, and the shaft H20 passes through the center of rotation of the hammer H10. A torsion coil spring H30 is fitted into this shaft H20, and the hammer H10, which has been manually rotated from the initial position, returns to the initial position by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30. The rotating operation of the hammer H10 will be described in detail later. Hammer H10 is obtained by integrally molding nylon resin containing glass fiber. This hammer H10 includes a shaft penetrating portion H11, a holding arm H12 extending downward from the shaft penetrating portion H11, a striking arm H13 extending from the shaft penetrating portion H11 to the chute GM31 side, and a shaft penetrating portion H11 to the chute GM31 side. has an operating arm H14 extending to the opposite side.

FIG. 48 shows the fixed holding member GM33, and further below the fixed holding member GM33, a cup CP that accommodates the ground beans discharged from the chute GM31 is also shown. This cup CP is not an element constituting the coffee bean grinder, but is held in the operator's hand.

Although only one fixed holding member GM33 is shown in FIG. 48, two fixed holding members GM33 are provided side by side in the depth direction of the coffee bean grinder, and in FIG. Another fixed holding member is arranged on the back side of GM33. The fixed holding member GM33 is located between the holding arm H12 of the hammer H10 and the chute GM31. The fixed holding member GM33 has a shaft GM331 fixed to a front cover (not shown) and a rubber cap GM332 attached to the lower end of the shaft GM331.

A holding portion H121 that protrudes toward the fixed holding member GM33 is provided at the tip of the holding arm H12 of the hammer H10, and the holding portion H121 shown in FIG. 48 comes into contact with the rubber cap GM332 of the fixed holding member GM33. There is. Further, a striking portion H131 is provided at the tip of the striking arm H13 of the hammer H10 shown in FIG. 48, and the striking portion H131 shown in FIG. 48 is in contact with the left side wall portion of the chute GM31. Furthermore, the operating arm H14 of the hammer H10 shown in FIG. 48 extends to the operator's right hand side. The hammer H10 shown in FIG. 48 is in an initial state. That is, the hammer H10 is biased clockwise in the arrow direction by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30, and the striking part H131 abuts the chute GM31 and the holding part H121 abuts the fixed holding member GM33, so that the hammer H10 moves in the direction of the arrow. rotation is stopped.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing the striking operation of the hammer H10 step by step. In this FIG. 49, the cup CP shown in FIG. 48 is not shown. Further, the torsion coil spring H30 is not shown.

FIG. 49(A) is a diagram showing the hammer H10 in an initial state like the hammer H10 shown in FIG. 48. That is, the striking portion H131 is in contact with the left side wall portion of the chute GM31, and the holding portion H121 is in contact with the rubber cap GM332 of the fixed holding member GM33. The operating arm H14 of the hammer H10 in this initial state extends to the operator's right hand side, and the operator places his finger on the back side of the finger rest H141 at the tip of the operating arm H14 and lifts the finger rest H141. The hammer H10 rotates counterclockwise in the arrow direction against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring H30 shown in FIG. 48, and the hammer H10 becomes ready to strike.

FIG. 49(B) is a diagram showing the hammer H10 in a ready state for striking. The hammer H10 in the striking preparation state is in a state where the striking part H131 is sufficiently separated from the chute GM31. In addition, in FIG. 49(B), the striking arm H13 comes into contact with the rubber cap GM332 of the fixed holding member GM33, and further counterclockwise rotation of the hammer H10 is prevented. However, the striking arm H13 may be allowed to pass between two fixed holding members GM33 lined up in the depth direction, and the hammer H10 may further be allowed to rotate counterclockwise. In FIG. 49(B), the finger rest H141 is still being lifted by the operator.

FIG. 49(C) shows the state after the operator releases his or her finger from the finger rest H141. The hammer H10 rotates vigorously in the clockwise direction of the arrow due to the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30 shown in FIG. 48, and the striking portion H131 strikes the left side wall portion of the chute GM31, giving an impact to the chute GM31. This impact causes the ground beans Bdp attached to the inner circumferential wall of the chute GM31 to peel off and be discharged from the discharge port GM311 of the chute GM31. The hammer H10 that hit the left side wall portion of the chute GM31 returns to the initial state shown in FIG. 49(A).

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing step-by-step the holding operation of holding the cup CP by the holding part H121 of the hammer H10 and the fixed holding member GM33. Also in FIG. 50, the torsion coil spring H30 is omitted from illustration.

FIG. 50(A) is a diagram showing the hammer H10 in an initial state like the hammer H10 shown in FIG. 48. Therefore, the holding portion H121 is in contact with the rubber cap GM332 of the fixed holding member GM33. The finger rest H141 of the hammer H10 in this initial state is lifted in the same manner as during the striking operation. However, here, it is not necessary to lift it up as high as in the striking operation, and it is sufficient to create a gap between the holding part H121 and the rubber cap GM332 that allows the peripheral wall CP1 of the cup CP to fit therein. In this FIG. 50(A), a cup CP is prepared below the hammer H10.

As shown in FIG. 50(B), if such a gap is created between the holding part H121 and the rubber cap GM332, lift the cup CP and insert the peripheral wall CP1 of the cup CP between the holding part H121 and the rubber cap GM332. . When the insertion is completed, remove your finger from the finger rest H141 while holding the cup CP.

FIG. 50(C) shows the state after the operator releases his or her finger from the finger rest H141. The hammer H10 returns clockwise due to the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30 shown in FIG. 48, and the holding portion H121 approaches the rubber cap GM332, and as shown in FIG. 50(C), the rubber cap GM332 and the holding portion The peripheral wall CP1 of the cup CP is sandwiched between H121. That is, although only one is shown here, two fixing holding members GM33 provided side by side in the depth direction of the coffee bean grinder contact the circumferential wall CP1 of the cup CP at two points from inside the circumferential wall CP1, The holding portion H121 of the hammer H10 contacts the peripheral wall CP1 at one location from the outside of the peripheral wall CP1. The state of the hammer H10 shown in FIG. 50(C) is referred to as a holding state. In the hammer H10 in this held state, even if the hand is removed from the cup CP, the cup CP is held by the elastic force of the coil spring H30. Furthermore, the rubber cap GM332 provided on the fixed holding member GM33 functions as a non-slippery for the cup CP, and the cup CP is held more stably. Note that the holding part H121 is made of nylon resin containing glass fiber, and no anti-slip material is added, but like the rubber cap GM332 of the fixed holding member GM33, the holding part H121 is also made of anti-slip material. Additional materials may be added.

As explained above, the transition from the initial state to the holding state was performed by operating the finger resting part H141, but without operating the finger resting part H141, the cup CP was inserted between the holding part H121 and the rubber cap GM332. It is also possible to insert the peripheral wall CP1 with the force that lifts it. In particular, if the cup CP is made of metal and is less likely to break, as will be described later, it is not necessary to make the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30 stronger than necessary, so that only the force required to lift the cup CP is used. can easily transition from the initial state to the holding state.

The mouth CP2 of the cup CP shown in FIG. 50(C) is located above the discharge port GM311 of the chute GM31, and the ground beans discharged from the discharge port GM311 are reliably accommodated in the cup CP.

FIG. 50(D) is a diagram showing how the cup CP is removed from between the holding portion H121 of the hammer H10 in the holding state and the rubber cap GM332.

When the discharge of ground beans from the chute GM31 is completed, the cup CP is removed. First, hold the cup CP with your left hand, and use the fingers of your right hand to slightly lift the finger hook H141 of the hammer H10 in the held state, as in the case of FIG. Then, a gap is created between the holding portion H121 and the rubber cap GM332, and by pulling the cup CP downward, the cup CP can be removed. Thereafter, the hammer H10 performs the striking operation described using FIG. 49 to knock off the ground beans adhering to the inner circumferential wall of the chute GM31.

With conventional coffee bean grinders, the cup CP must be held at all times during the grinding process, making it difficult to perform other tasks. However, in this modification, the cup CP is held by the coffee bean grinder, making it easier to perform other tasks during the grinding process. Moreover, since the hammer H10 is used for two purposes: holding the cup CP and striking the chute GM31, the installation space for the components is more compact and costs are lower than if separate components were provided for these two purposes. Become. In addition, by manually hitting the chute GM31, the installation space is more compact and the cost is lower than when hitting the chute GM31 electrically. Furthermore, by using the torsion coil spring H30 when hitting the chute GM31 manually, it is possible to hold the cup CP by utilizing the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30. In this way, when using the common torsion coil spring H30 for striking the chute GM31 and holding the cup CP, since the striking and holding are performed in different situations, it is a good idea to perform the striking and holding at a common part of the hammer G10. It will be done. For example, it is conceivable to sandwich the cup CP between the chute GM31 and the striking part H131. In this case, it is necessary to provide an anti-slip member such as a rubber cap GM332 on at least one of the chute GM31 and the striking portion H131. However, a non-slip member such as the rubber cap GM332 generally has a function of weakening the impact, and when the chute GM31 hits, it weakens the impact caused by the hit. For this reason, it becomes necessary to increase the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30, which may make it difficult to operate the operating arm H14. On the other hand, in the above-mentioned modification, by making the striking part H131 and the holding part H121 different parts, it becomes unnecessary to make the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30 stronger than necessary, and the operating arm The operation of H14 becomes easier.

Next, a coffee bean grinder according to a second embodiment will be described in which the coffee bean grinder shown in FIG. 18 is used as the coffee bean grinder according to the first embodiment. Also in the following description, components having the same names as those described above will be described using the same reference numerals as used up until now. Further, differences from the coffee bean grinder shown in FIG. 18 will be explained, and duplicate explanations may be omitted. Note that the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment includes a grinding device 5 having the same structure as the grinding device 5 provided in the coffee bean grinder GM of the first embodiment, but the description of this second embodiment Hereinafter, the first grinder 5A will be referred to as a top mill 5AM, and the second grinder 5B will be referred to as a main mill 5BM. Further, the motor that rotates the top mill 5AM is referred to as a top mill motor (corresponding to the first motor), and the motor that rotates the main mill 5BM is referred to as the main mill motor (corresponding to the second motor 52b shown in FIG. 32).

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a coffee bean grinder according to the second embodiment. FIG. 51(A) is a perspective view of the coffee bean grinder GM holding the cup CP when viewed diagonally from the front left of the machine, that is, from the diagonally front right from the operator's perspective, and FIG. 51(B) is a perspective view of the coffee bean grinder GM with the cup CP removed, as seen from the diagonally front right side of the machine, that is, from the diagonally front left side from the operator's perspective.

The coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 51 has a mechanism similar to the hammer mechanism H1 described using FIGS. 48 to 50, and FIG. It is shown. Further, FIG. 51(A) shows two fixed holding members GM33 each having a rubber cap GM332 attached to its lower end. Further, FIG. 51(B) shows a holding portion H121 of the hammer H10. The hammer H10 shown in FIG. 51(A) is in a holding state, and the hammer H10 shown in FIG. 51(B) is in an initial state.

In the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18, a hammer member GM32 is provided on the right side of the machine, and the operator had to operate the hammer member GM32 with his left hand, but in the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. In this case, the operating arm H14 extends to the left side of the machine, and the operator can operate the operating arm H14 with his right hand. Further, most of the left half of the chute GM31 is covered by the front cover GM40, and the striking portion H131 of the hammer H10 is also hidden from view by the front cover GM40. Note that the discharge port GM311 is not covered by the front cover GM40.

Next, the hammer mechanism H1 of the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 51 will be described in detail. Note that the explanation will focus on the differences from the hammer mechanism H1 explained using FIGS. 48 to 50, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

FIG. 52(A) is an enlarged view showing a state in which the front cover GM40 is removed from the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 51, and FIG. 52(B) is an exploded perspective view of the hammer mechanism H1.

As shown in FIG. 52(B), the hammer mechanism H1 includes a hammer H10 and a shaft H20. The shaft H20 is fixed to the removed front cover GM40. Further, FIG. 52 also shows the shaft GM331 of the fixed holding member GM33. The upper end portion of this shaft GM331 is also fixed to the removed front cover GM40.

The hammer H10 is obtained by integrally molding a nylon resin containing glass fiber, and has a shaft penetrating portion H11, a holding arm H12, a striking arm H13, and an operating arm H14. The hammer mechanism H1 also includes a torsion coil spring H. The torsion coil spring H has a coil portion wound into a coil shape and arm portions extending in two directions from the coil portion. This torsion coil spring H is fitted into the shaft penetrating portion H11, and the shaft H20 passes through the coil portion. In FIG. 52, one arm H31 extending in two directions from the coil portion is visible. Further, FIG. 52(B) also shows a retaining member H21 attached to the tip of the shaft H20.

A holding portion H121 that protrudes toward the fixed holding member GM33 is provided at the tip of the holding arm H12, and in FIG. 52(A), the holding portion H121 is in contact with the rubber cap GM332 of the fixed holding member GM33. There is.

FIG. 52(A) shows the hammer H10 in its initial state. In the hammer mechanism H1 installed in the coffee bean grinder GM of this second embodiment, the urging direction by the elastic force of the coil spring H30 is opposite to that of the hammer mechanism H1 shown in FIG. 48. That is, the hammer H10 shown in FIG. 52(A) is biased in the counterclockwise direction, and the striking part H131 contacts the chute GM31, and the holding part H121 contacts the rubber cap GM332 of the fixed holding member GM33. This prevents rotation in the counterclockwise direction. In FIG. 52(A), the portion of the chute GM31 that the striking portion H131 contacts is not visible, but in FIG. 52(B), the portion is visible. An L-shaped receiving portion GM312 is provided at a location of the chute GM31 that the striking portion H131 comes into contact with. Like the hammer H10, the chute GM31 is also obtained by integrally molding a nylon resin containing glass fiber by injection molding. This receiving portion GM312 is also integrally molded together with the cylindrical portion GM313 and the like. The receiving portion GM312 is thick to increase strength. This receiving portion GM312 is provided with a slit, but the slit is a cutout to prevent shrinkage during manufacturing.

Here, the structure of the chute GM31 will be further explained using FIG. 52(B). This FIG. 52(B) shows a frame member 694 that is the same member as the frame member 694 shown in FIG. 36. The chute GM31 can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction around a rotation axis GM314 extending in the vertical direction. When the chute GM31 is opened laterally, the outlet for the ground beans that have been ground by the main mill 5BM can be accessed, making it easier to perform maintenance such as cleaning around the outlet. The chute GM31 shown in FIG. 52(B) is magnetically joined to the frame member 694 at the upper joint portion GM315, thereby preventing the chute GM31 from opening inadvertently. In the cylindrical portion GM313 of the chute GM31, the entrance 3130 is located just beside the upper joint portion GM315 (see FIG. 53(B)). A discharge port for the ground beans processed by the mill 5BM is provided in the frame member 694, an inlet 3130 is connected to this discharge port, and the ground beans fly out from the discharge port with force. The ground beans collide with the inner circumferential wall of the cylindrical portion 313 at a height between the inlet 3130 and the receiving portion GM312, and if left alone, the ground beans will accumulate at the collided position and will not be discharged from the chute GM31. may cause problems. Therefore, a striking action is performed with the hammer H10.

In the striking action of the hammer H10 shown in FIG. 52, place your finger on the finger hook H141, which is the tip of the operating arm H14 of the hammer H10 in the initial state, and push it downward (see the arrow shown in FIG. 52(A)). . The hammer H10 rotates so that the striking portion H131 is raised, and becomes ready to strike. When the finger is removed from the finger rest H141 in this state, the hammer H10 is vigorously rotated counterclockwise by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30. That is, the striking part H131 rotates vigorously from the 10 o'clock position toward the receiving part GM312 provided at the 9 o'clock position, and the striking part H131 hits the receiving part GM312, thereby applying an impact to the chute GM31. give. This impact causes the ground beans adhering to the inner circumferential wall of the cylindrical portion GM313 to peel off and be discharged from the discharge port GM311 of the chute GM31. The receiving part GM312 has an inclined surface 3121 that is inclined to protrude toward the hammer H10 side as it goes downward, and a protruding surface 3122 that projects from the lower end of the inclined surface 3121 toward the hammer H10 side.

FIG. 53(A) is a side view of the hammer H10, and FIG. 53(B) is a perspective view showing the hammer H10 and the chute GM31 from below. In this FIG. 53(B), the discharge port GM311 of the chute GM31 opens toward the front side of the page. In addition, in FIG. 53(B), the lower side of the figure is the main mill 5BM side, and the inlet 3130 of the chute GM31 connected to the discharge port of the main mill 5BM is also shown.

FIG. 53(A) shows the first striking surface 1311 of the striking portion H131 that comes into contact with the inclined surface 3121 of the receiving portion GM312. This first striking surface 1311 is in contact with the entire inclined surface 3121 when the hammer H10 is in the initial state. Further, FIG. 53(A) also shows the second striking surface 1312 of the striking portion H131 that comes into contact with the protruding surface 3122 of the receiving portion GM312. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 53(B), the second striking surface 1312 is also in contact with the entire protruding surface 3122 when the hammer H10 is in the initial state. Further, in FIG. 53(B), the width of each part is the length in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow Wt. The width of the second striking surface 1312 is wider than the width of the protruding surface 3122 shown in FIG. 53(B), and the width of the first striking surface 1311 is wider than the width of the inclined surface 3121. That is, the width of the striking portion H131 is wider than the width of the receiving portion GM312, and the structure is such that the striking portion H131 reliably abuts on the receiving portion GM312.

The rotating striking portion H131 continues to rotate while the first striking surface 1311 first collides with the inclined surface 3121, and finally stops when the second striking surface 1312 collides with the protruding surface 3122. As a result, the shot GM31 appears to have been hit diagonally. That is, a downward impact and a lateral impact are applied to the chute GM31, causing vibrations in multiple directions, and the ground beans that have adhered to the inner circumferential wall are more likely to peel off. In addition, even in the hammer mechanism H1 shown in FIG. 52, since the elastic force of the coil spring H30 is not stronger than necessary, the striking operation can be performed by flipping the finger hook H141 of the hammer H10 in the initial state downward a little forcefully. can be done easily. If this flicking operation is repeated and repeated, the impact on the chute GM 31 will function more effectively.

Next, the holding operation of the cup CP will be explained using FIG. 51 and the like.

Place the finger of your right hand on the finger rest H141 of the hammer H10 in the initial state shown in FIG. make. Holding the cup CP with your left hand, insert the peripheral wall CP1 of the cup CP between the holding part H121 and the rubber cap GM332. When the insertion is completed, remove your finger from the finger rest H141 while holding the cup CP. The hammer H10 returns counterclockwise due to the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30, and the state shown in FIG. 51(A) (holding state) is where the peripheral wall CP1 of the cup CP is sandwiched between the rubber cap GM332 and the holding portion H121. become. That is, two fixed holding members GM33 provided side by side touch the circumferential wall CP1 of the cup CP from the outside to the circumferential wall CP1 at two places, and the holding part H121 of the hammer H10 contacts the circumferential wall CP1 from the inside of the circumferential wall CP1. It touches in one place. Even if the user releases the cup CP in this state, the cup CP is held by the elastic force of the coil spring H30. Moreover, the rubber cap GM332 functions as a non-slippery for the cup CP, and the cup CP is held more stably.

A grinding process is executed in the coffee bean grinder GM, the ground beans are discharged from the chute GM31, and the ground beans are stored in the cup CP held by the coffee bean grinder GM. When the discharge of the ground beans from the chute GM31 is completed, the cup CP is held in the left hand, and the fingers of the right hand are placed on the finger hook H141 of the hammer H10 in the holding state and pressed lightly. Then, a gap is created between the holding portion H121 and the rubber cap GM332, and by pulling the cup CP downward, the cup CP can be removed. Thereafter, the hammer H10 is used in a striking action to knock off the ground beans that have adhered to the inner circumferential wall of the chute GM31.

Note that also in the hammer mechanism H1 in the second embodiment, it is not necessary to make the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30 stronger than necessary, so that it is not necessary to make the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30 stronger than necessary, so it is not necessary to make the elastic force of the torsion coil spring H30 stronger than necessary. The transition can be made by only the force of operating the cup CP without operating the finger rest H141.

According to the above description,
“A grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, a grinding device 5],
a chute [for example, chute GM31] for discharging the ground beans ground by the grinder;
A coffee machine comprising:
a rotatable hammer [e.g. hammer H10],
A first holding member [for example, fixed holding member GM33],
Equipped with
The hammer is a striking member [for example, a second holding member [e.g., a second holding member [e.g. , holding part H121], and by rotating from the initial state, the striking member becomes a striking ready state [for example, FIG. 49(B)] in which it is temporarily separated from the chute,
In the initial state, the second holding member is arranged at a position where the distance from the first holding member is smaller than the thickness of the peripheral wall of the cup [for example, peripheral wall CP1],
The striking member applies an impact to the chute when the hammer returns from the striking preparation state to the initial state by the elastic force [for example, FIG. 49(C)];
A coffee machine [for example, beverage manufacturing device 1, coffee bean grinder GM] characterized by the following. ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine, since the mechanism uses elastic force to apply an impact to the chute, a mechanism for suppressing the accumulation of ground beans on the inner circumferential wall of the chute can be installed compactly and at low cost. Moreover, since the hammer also functions as a member for holding the cup, not only is the operability improved, but the hammer is also more compact and costs can be reduced compared to providing a striking member and a holding member separately.

Note that the coffee machine can be widely applied as long as it is a device that performs adjustment using coffee beans, and may be a coffee beverage manufacturing device or a coffee bean grinder.

Moreover, an embodiment may include an elastic force imparting member (for example, a spring member) that imparts the elastic force.

The hammer may be in a holding state when the cup is placed between the first holding member and the second holding member. The holding state may be a state in which a gap is formed between the striking member and the chute.

The second holding member may be placed in contact with the first holding member in the initial state.

The hammer has the striking member and the second holding member at different locations. For example, the striking member and the second holding member may be provided at branched locations. That is, the hammer has a first arm part [for example, striking arm H13] and a second arm part [for example, holding arm H12] different from the first arm part, and the first arm The part may be provided with the striking member [for example, the striking part H131], and the second arm part may be provided with the second holding member [for example, the holding part H121]. good. More specifically, the hammer has a first arm that abuts the chute in the initial state, and a second arm that abuts the peripheral wall of the cup in the held state, The first arm portion is provided with the striking member at a portion that contacts the chute in the initial state, and the second arm portion is provided at a portion that contacts the peripheral wall of the cup in the holding state. The second holding member may be provided.

Also,
“At least one of the first holding member and the second holding member has an anti-slip portion [for example, a rubber cap GM332],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By providing the anti-slip portion, the cup can be held more stably. Further, since the hitting member is a separate member from the second holding member, even if the anti-slip portion is provided, the hitting of the chute by the hitting member is not affected.

Note that both may have anti-slip portions.

Also,
“One of the first holding members and the second holding member [e.g., the holding portion H121 shown in FIG. It is something that comes into contact with
Of the first holding member and the second holding member, the other holding member [for example, the fixed holding member GM33 shown in FIG. It touches the surrounding wall at two places,
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By holding the peripheral wall at three locations, the cup is held more stably.

moreover,
"The first holding member is fixedly arranged and corresponds to the other holding member [for example, the fixed holding member GM33 shown in FIG. 51],
The second holding member corresponds to the one holding member [for example, the holding part H121 shown in FIG. 51],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

According to this aspect, since the second holding member of the rotatable hammer contacts the peripheral wall at one point, the weight of the hammer can be reduced, and the hammer can be easily operated. There are some advantages.

Also,
"The hammer has an operation part [e.g., finger rest part H141] that is operated when transitioning from the initial state to the striking preparation state,
The operation unit is located on the right hand side of the operator.
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

The operating section is easy for a right-handed operator to operate.

The operating section is operated both when changing from the initial state to the holding state and when returning from the holding state to the initial state.

Next, the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b included in the main mill 5BM mounted on the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment will be described in detail. The fixed blade 57b does not rotate, but moves up and down relative to the rotating blade 58b. The rotary blade 58b rotates, but its position in the vertical direction is fixed.

FIG. 54(A) is a perspective view showing the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b located at the initial position and farthest from the rotary blade 58b, and FIG. 54(B) is a perspective view of the rotary blade 58b. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing only the rotary blade 58b with the fixed blade 57b removed from the state shown in FIG.

A through hole 571 is provided in the center of the fixed blade 57b shown in FIG. 54(A). Further, mounting holes 579 are also provided at intervals of 120 degrees in the circumferential direction.

The opposing surfaces of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b (hereinafter referred to as blade surfaces) have the same configuration, so the rotary blade 58b will be described below as an example.

On the outermost edge of the blade surface, a grinding part 582 for grinding coffee beans to a set particle size is provided continuously around the blade, and the depth of this grinding part 582 changes between the outside and inside. It's not a thing. On the other hand, the inner side of the grinding portion 582 on the blade surface is a dish-shaped inclined surface 583 that becomes deeper toward the center.

FIG. 55(A) is a diagram showing a plan view of the rotary blade 58b.

The rotating direction of the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 55(A) is the counterclockwise direction shown by the arrow in the figure. A through hole 581 is also provided in the center of the rotary blade 58b, and the rotary blade 58b has a donut shape in plan view. Also, mounting holes 589 are provided at intervals of 120 degrees in the circumferential direction. Using these attachment holes 589, the rotary blade 58b is fixed non-rotatably to the rotary base.

FIG. 54(C) is a diagram showing the rotating base 59.

The rotating base 59 shown in FIG. 54(C) is provided with bolt receiving holes 591 at intervals of 120 degrees in the circumferential direction, and bolts (not shown) inserted into the mounting holes 589 of the rotating blade 58b are inserted into these bolts. It is screwed into the receiving hole 591. Furthermore, a fitting hole 592 into which the rotating shaft 54b shown in FIG. 32 fits is also provided in the center of the rotating base 59. When the rotating shaft 54b rotates, the rotating base 59 rotates in the direction of the arrow, and the rotating blade 58b attached to the rotating base 59 rotates. Further, six blades 593 are erected on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating base 59 at intervals in the circumferential direction. These six blades 593 are located in the discharge space between the rotary blade 54b and the inner circumferential wall of the frame member 694 shown in FIG. Move to. The ground beans ground between the blade surface of the rotary blade 54b and the blade surface of the fixed blade 57b are discharged into the discharge space and moved in the circumferential direction by these six blades 593. When the ground beans moved by the blade 593 reach the outlet provided in the frame member 694, the ground beans fly out from the outlet into the chute GM.

In FIG. 54(C), the shape of the two blades 593 shown in the foreground is particularly easy to understand, and the first surface 5931 that pushes the ground beans on the downstream side of the rotation direction is an arcuate curved surface (the downstream side is a concave curved surface). It is formed. On the other hand, the second surface 5932 connected to the upstream side in the rotational direction from the first surface 5931 has a wavy shape (the downstream side faces outward) so that the ground beans that have climbed over the first surface 5931 can easily move upstream. The upstream side is convex and the upstream side is concave toward the inside.

In FIG. 55(A), an imaginary circle is shown inside the through hole 581 by a chain line. The center of this virtual circle and the center of the rotary blade 58b (the center of the through hole 581) coincide. A large number of blades 580 are provided on the entire blade surface. These blades 580 extend in the tangential direction shown by the dotted line of the virtual circle, and, strictly speaking, are slightly curved so as to be inclined toward the upstream side in the direction of rotation shown by the arrow. Furthermore, each blade 580 extends to the outermost grinding portion 582 except for the portion where the attachment hole 589 is provided.

The inclined surface 583 has a plurality of smooth portions 584 to 587 on which the blades 580 are not provided. These plurality of smooth parts 584 to 587 are provided so as to be inclined toward the outer circumferential side (the grinding part 582 side) from the through hole 581 toward the upstream side in the rotational direction shown by the arrow, and are tapered toward the outer circumference. It has become. Hereinafter, the smooth part with the largest area will be referred to as the first smooth part 584, the smooth part with the second largest area will be referred to as the second flat part 585, and the smooth part with the third largest area will be referred to as the third flat part 586. , the smooth portion with the narrowest area is referred to as a fourth smooth portion 587. The inclined surface 583 has two sets of first to fourth smooth parts 584 to 587. That is, the smooth portions 584 to 587 are provided at intervals of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction, and there are eight smooth portions in total. Note that each of the smooth portions 584 to 587 may be referred to as an inner cutter, and a portion outside each of the smooth portions 584 to 587 may be referred to as an outer cutter.

The first smooth portion 584 to the third smooth portion 586 are provided continuously in the circumferential direction, and only the fourth smooth portion 587 is provided with an interval in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, as the area of the smooth portion increases, the angle of inclination toward the upstream side in the rotational direction indicated by the arrow decreases. Therefore, the first smooth portion 584 has the smallest inclination angle and lies flat. On the other hand, the fourth smooth portion 587 has the largest inclination angle and stands upright. Note that the outer edge of each smooth portion (inner cutter) 584 to 587, that is, the inner edge of the outer cutter, has a zigzag shape when viewed for each blade 580.

Furthermore, the smooth portion extends toward the outer circumference as the area increases. Therefore, the first smooth portion 584 extends to the outermost circumferential side, and the tip of the first smooth portion 584 shown in FIG. 55(A) reaches the grinding portion 582. Note that even the first smooth portion 584 may not reach the grinding portion 582.

Further, FIG. 55(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the first smooth portion 584 to the third flat portion 586, and FIG. 55(C) is a cross-sectional view showing the third smooth portion 586 and the fourth flat portion 587. This is a cross-sectional view showing the .

The smooth portions of the first smooth portion 584 to the fourth smooth portion 587 become deeper toward the upstream side in the rotational direction indicated by the arrow, and as shown in the plan view of FIG. 55(A), each smooth portion The upstream end in the rotational direction is formed into grooves 5841 to 5861 that extend linearly toward the outer periphery. These grooves 5841 to 5861 are sometimes referred to as crushing blades.

Moreover, at the innermost position of the blade surface (the position of the edge of the through hole 581), the first smooth part 584 is depressed to the deepest position. The order is the third smooth portion 586 and the fourth smooth portion 587. Of the edge of the through hole 581, the area where the smooth parts 584 to 587 are not provided is narrower than the area where the smooth parts 584 to 587 are provided. The regions that are not provided include a first region α between the first smooth portion 584 and the fourth smooth portion 587 that are adjacent to each other when viewed in the rotational direction among the edges of the through hole 581; This becomes a second region β between the smooth portion 587 and the third smooth portion 586. In the first region α and the second region β, the blade 580 exists from the edge of the through hole 581.

Similarly, the fixed blade 57b is provided with a first smooth portion 574, a second smooth portion 575, a third smooth portion 576, and a fourth smooth portion 577. FIG. 54(A) shows a part of the fixed blade 57b, and the edges of each of the first smooth part 574, the second smooth part 575, and the third smooth part 576 are visible. The rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 54(A) is slightly offset from the fixed blade 57b in the circumferential direction.

In the main mill 5BM, ground beans are supplied from the top mill 5AM to the center side of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b. The supplied ground beans are ground between the blade surface of the fixed blade 57b and the blade surface of the rotary blade 58b. The movement of beans between the blade surface of the fixed blade 57b and the blade surface of the rotary blade 58b is complex and difficult to explain in general terms, but below, as an example, the movement of beans on the blade surface of the rotary blade 58b will be explained. Explain. Among the beans supplied between the blade surface of the fixed blade 57b and the blade surface of the rotary blade 58b, beans that have entered any of the smooth parts 584 to 587 are moved downstream in the rotational direction of the smooth parts 584 to 587 due to centrifugal force. towards the sides and outwards. In the smooth portions 584 to 587, the areas of the smooth portions 584 to 587 gradually become narrower toward the downstream side in the rotational direction. Therefore, the beans that have entered the smooth portions 584 to 587 tend to move from the smooth portions 584 to 587 to the outer blade 580 (outer blade) as they move toward the downstream side in the rotational direction. The beans that have moved to the outer blade 580 (outer blade) are ground by the outer blade, and finally the grain size is adjusted by the grain size adjustment mechanism 503 shown in FIG. 32 or by the manual setting disc dial 695 shown in FIG. The particles are finished by the grinding section 582 to a particle size set using the adjustment knob dial 696 (hereinafter, these particle sizes are collectively referred to as desired particle size), and are discharged from the chute GM31 described above. On the other hand, some beans that fall into the grooves (crushing blades) 5851, 5861 in the adjacent smooth part on the downstream side of the rotation direction are guided by these grooves (crushing blades) 5851, 5861 and head toward the outer periphery, while others are guided by the grooves (crushing blades) 5851, 5861, while others are caused by centrifugal force. Some beans escape from these grooves (shredding blades) 5851, 5861 and head downstream and outward in the direction of rotation, repeating the same movement as described above. In addition, the beans that are guided by the grooves (crushing blades) 5851 and 5861 and reach the outer blade between the grinding part 582 are ground by the outer blade, and are finally crushed by the grinding part 582 to a desired particle size. It is finished and discharged from chute GM31. Furthermore, the beans that have moved to the downstream side in the rotational direction from the third smooth part 586 are ground by the blade 580 in the second area β, and then are ground by the groove (crushing blade) in the adjacent fourth smooth part 587 on the downstream side in the rotational direction. It may fall to 5871. In this case as well, the beans that are guided by the groove (crushing blade) 5871 and reach the outer blade between it and the grinding section 582 are ground by the outer blade, and are finally crushed by the grinding section 582 into the desired shape. It is finished to a fine grain size and discharged from chute GM31. The beans that have moved downstream from the fourth smooth part 587 in the rotational direction are ground by the blades 580 in the first area α, and then reach the grinding part 582, where they are finished to a desired particle size, It is discharged from chute GM31. Alternatively, it may fall into the groove (crushing blade) 5841 in the adjacent first smooth portion 584 on the downstream side in the rotational direction. The beans that have fallen into this groove (crushing blade) 5841 are guided as they are to the grinding section 582, where they are finished to a desired particle size and discharged from the chute GM31.

Next, manual adjustment of the distance between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b in the present mill 5BM will be described in detail. In the following description, the interval between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b will be referred to as the main mill interval. The coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment also includes the same connection duct (not shown) as the connection duct 661 of the coffee bean grinder GM of the first embodiment. Moreover, the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment is provided with a mechanical switch unit 600, which was not provided in the coffee bean grinder GM of the first embodiment.

56(A) is a perspective view showing the mechanical switch unit 600 with the manual setting disk dial 695 shown in FIG. 51 and the unillustrated connection duct removed, and FIG. It is a top view of the part shown in A).

In the coffee bean grinder GM of the first embodiment, by rotating the second motor 503a shown in FIG. 36, finer adjustment than manual adjustment using the manual setting disc dial 695 was possible. A knob dial 696 for fine adjustment was also provided, allowing fine adjustment to be made manually. On the other hand, in the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment, the second motor 503a and the fine adjustment knob dial 696 are not provided, and the main mill interval can only be adjusted manually using the manual setting disc dial 695. I can't. That is, it is not possible to perform adjustment by motor drive or fine adjustment finer than by manual setting disc dial 695. This is to reduce the cost of the device, and if performance is more important than cost, the second motor 503a and fine adjustment knob dial 696 may be used as in the coffee bean grinder GM of the first embodiment. It may be provided.

In addition to the chute GM 31, FIG. 56 also shows a worm wheel 691 and a connection dial 697 that connects the worm wheel 691 to a manual setting disk dial 695 (not shown). A connecting gear 697g is also provided on the upper surface of the connecting dial 697 shown in FIG. 56, and when the manual setting disk dial 695 is placed on the connecting dial 697, the connecting gear 697g and the manual setting disk dial 695 are The gears mesh.

A gear portion 691g provided on the outer periphery of the worm wheel 691 is also shown. The mechanical switch unit 600 detects the movement of teeth forming the gear portion 691g. Therefore, the mechanical switch unit 600 is fixedly arranged so as to face the gear portion 691g. The mechanical switch unit 600 shown in FIG. 56(B) is fixedly arranged in the 2 o'clock direction, and is surrounded by a dashed-dotted frame.

FIG. 57(A) is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dashed line in FIG. 56(B), and FIG. 57(B) shows the internal structure of the mechanical switch unit 600 shown in FIG. 56(A). FIG.

As shown in FIG. 57(B), the mechanical switch unit 600 includes a first mechanical switch 610 and a second mechanical switch 620. The first mechanical switch 610 includes a detection ball 611 made of iron, a magnet member 612 that attracts the detection ball 611, and a detection piece 613 having spring properties. The second mechanical switch 620 has the same configuration, and includes a detection ball 621 made of iron, a magnet member 622 that attracts the detection ball 621, and a detection piece 623 having spring properties. The detection balls 611, 621 in the initial position are pushed by the teeth of the gear portion 691g as they pass, and the magnet members 612, 622 advance outward, pushing down the detection pieces 613, 623. When the detection pieces 613, 623 are pushed down, they become energized and output a detection signal. On the other hand, when the teeth finish passing, the energized state is terminated due to the spring properties of the detection pieces 613, 623, the magnet members 612, 622 retreat, and the detection balls 611, 621 return to their initial positions. That is, the combination of the detection balls 611, 621 and the magnet members 612, 622 corresponds to a moving body that moves forward and backward following the irregularities of the tooth tips and tooth bottoms of the gear portion 691g. Note that the detection balls 611, 621 are made of a magnetic material to prevent them from coming off the positions of the magnet members 612, 622, and are not limited to iron.

The gear portion 691g has 60 teeth. That is, every time the worm wheel 691 rotates by 6 degrees, the first mechanical switch 610 outputs a detection signal, and the second mechanical switch 620 also outputs a detection signal. Both the detection ball 611 of the first mechanical switch 610 and the detection ball 621 of the second mechanical switch 620 are arranged on straight lines extending radially from the central axis of the worm wheel 691 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 57(A)). has been done. That is, the detection ball 611 and the entire magnet member 612 are arranged so as to face the center of the worm wheel 691, and the detection ball 621 and the entire magnet member 622 are also arranged so as to face the center of the worm wheel 691. In order to detect the forward rotation and reverse rotation of the worm wheel 691, the mechanical switch unit 600 arranges the two detection balls 611 and 621 out of phase so that the reaction timings do not match. Here, the detection ball 611 of the first mechanical switch 610 and the detection ball 621 of the second mechanical switch 620 are arranged at an interval of 6°×2+1.5°=13.5°, shifted by 1.5°. .

FIG. 58(A) is a diagram showing the lock lever 640 and the gear lock portion 641.

The lock lever 640 shown in FIG. 58(A) is in the lock position, and the gear lock portion 641 is meshed with some teeth of the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691. When the lock lever 640 is in the lock position, the worm wheel 691 cannot rotate. The lock lever 640 is rotatable around a rotation shaft (not shown).

In the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment, as in the coffee bean grinder GM of the first embodiment, when the manual setting disc dial 695 (see FIG. 51) is rotated, the worm wheel is 691 directly rotates, and the fixed blade 57b shown in FIG. 54(a) can be raised and lowered. To rotate the manual setting disc dial 695, the lock lever 640 is rotated so as to be lifted as indicated by the arrow in the figure. Then, the gear lock part 641 is disengaged from the gear part 691g, the worm wheel 691 becomes rotatable, and the manual setting disc dial 695 can be rotated forward or backward.

Moreover, the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment also includes the control device 11 shown in FIG. 19 . The control device 11 in the second embodiment also controls the entire coffee bean grinder GM. As shown in FIG. 19, this control device 11 includes a processing section 11a, a storage section 11b, and an I/F section 11c. The processing unit 11a is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 11b is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. Note that the coffee bean grinder GM does not include the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 19, and as described later, the machine's status and history can be grasped using a terminal. In the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment, the cost of the machine is reduced by omitting the information display device 12.

The control device 11 is provided with a particle size adjustment counter, and the processing section 11a increases or decreases the count value of the particle size adjustment counter according to the detection signal output from the mechanical switch unit 600.

FIG. 58(B) is a diagram showing an example of the detection signal output from the mechanical switch unit 600 and the count value of the particle size adjustment counter.

The first mechanical switch 610 and the second mechanical switch 620 each detect the teeth of the gear portion 691g, and the control device 11 calculates and stores the direction and distance in which the manual setting disc dial 695 is manually rotated. There are four types of detection signal patterns output from the first mechanical switch 610, and there are also four types of detection signal patterns output from the second mechanical switch 620. That is, there are four types of patterns: "1" → "1", "1" → "0", "0" → "1", and "0" → "0".

For example, if the value represented by the detection signal from the first mechanical switch 610 is "1" → "1", and the value represented by the detection signal from the second mechanical switch 620 is "1" → "0", the manual As the setting disk dial 695 is rotated clockwise, the count value of the particle size adjustment counter is counted up. If the value represented by the detection signal from the first mechanical switch 610 is "1" → "0" and the value represented by the detection signal from the second mechanical switch 620 is "1" → "1", the manual setting As the disc dial 695 is rotated to the left, the count value of the particle size adjustment counter is counted down.

In the example shown in FIG. 58(B), the first mechanical switch 610 detects "tooth 1" from t1 to t3, and a detection signal (on-level signal) is output from the first mechanical switch 610. . Further, when the manual setting disc dial 695 continues to rotate in one direction (for example, clockwise rotation), the first mechanical switch 610 detects "Tooth 2" after "Tooth 1". The first mechanical switch 610 detects this "teeth 2" from t5 to t8, and a detection signal (on-level signal) is output from the first mechanical switch 610. On the other hand, the second mechanical switch 620 detects "tooth A" from t1 to t2, and a detection signal (on-level signal) is output from the second mechanical switch 620. Further, when the manual setting disc dial 695 continues to rotate in the one direction (for example, clockwise rotation), the second mechanical switch 620 detects the "tooth B" after the "tooth A". The second mechanical switch 620 detects this "tooth B" from t4 to t6, and a detection signal (on-level signal) is output from the second mechanical switch 620. The second mechanical switch starts detecting "tooth B" even after t7, and a detection signal (on-level signal) is output from the second mechanical switch 620.

In the control device 11, the count value of the particle size adjustment counter is counted up one by one until t7, but is counted down after t7. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 58(B), the rotation direction of the manual setting disk dial 695 is reversed after the timing t7.

In addition, in the initialization operation when the power is turned on, with the power turned off, rotate the manual setting disk dial 695 until you hear the sound of the fixed blade 57b hitting the rotary blade 58b, and when you hear the sound, stop the rotation operation. Lift the manual setting disc dial 695, align the 0 scale with the reference line GM10k (see FIG. 51) marked on the center casing GM10, and then lower the manual setting disc dial 695 directly below. Next, by turning on the power switch GM51 while pressing the reverse rotation button GM52 shown in FIG. 51, the count value of the particle size adjustment counter can be reset to 0.

When the manual setting disk dial 695 is rotated once, the main mill interval changes by 1000 μm. As described above, the gear portion 691g is composed of 60 teeth, and when the manual setting disc dial 695 is rotated by one tooth from 1000 μm/60 teeth, the main mill interval will change by 16.6 μm. The manual setting disc dial 695 has a scale marked only between 0 μm and 830 μm, and does not have a scale marked between 830 μm and 1000 μm. That is, 11 scales are marked as major scales between 0 μm and 830 μm, and when the manual setting disk dial 695 is rotated by one major scale, the main mill interval changes by 83 μm. Furthermore, four small scales are written to divide one large scale into five parts, corresponding to 16.6 μm for one tooth. Calculation is such that when the manual setting disc dial 695 is rotated by one small division, the main mill interval changes by one tooth (16.6 μm).

FIG. 59 is a table showing part of the relationship between the count value of the particle size adjustment counter and the main mill interval.

The particle size adjustment counter has a resolution of 240 counts per revolution of the manual setting disc dial 695. As mentioned above, when the manual setting disk dial 695 is rotated once, the main mill interval changes by 1000 μm, so the main mill interval becomes 4.166 μm for one count. In the table shown in FIG. 59, 4.166 . . . expressed in μm/count is the “calculated main mill interval (μm)”. On the other hand, since the calculated value is too small for handling machines, the mill interval is treated as 4 μm for one count. In this case, the count is 4 μm×240, and when the manual setting disk dial 695 is rotated once, the main mill interval will change by 960 μm. In the table shown in FIG. 59, the value expressed in 4 μm/count is the “main mill interval (μm) for machine handling”.

Here, even if the mill spacing is strictly controlled, the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b will eventually wear out, so misalignment will actually occur easily. Also, it is easier to handle data with sharp values. For these reasons, when this mill interval is stored as data as a log, it is preferable to treat it in units of 10 μm. In the table shown in FIG. 59, the actual mill spacing in units of 10 μm is the “real mill spacing (μm) for data handling.”

In the above description,
“The first blade [for example, the rotary blade 58b],
a second blade [e.g., fixed blade 57b] that crushes coffee beans between the first blade and whose distance from the first blade can be changed;
an operating section [for example, a worm wheel 691] that operates according to the length of the interval;
a detection unit [for example, mechanical switch unit 600] that detects the operation of the operation unit;
A coffee machine characterized by being equipped with. ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine, the interval can be easily determined using the detection result of the detection unit. Moreover, it is suitable for converting changes in the interval into data.

Note that the coffee machine may be any device that performs preparation using coffee beans, and may be a coffee bean grinder, or a beverage manufacturing device that is equipped with the coffee bean grinder and produces a coffee beverage. (The same applies below).

Also,
“The operating unit is composed of a gear and rotates according to the length of the interval,
The detection section detects the movement of the teeth of the gear (for example, the teeth forming the gear section 691g).
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
"The detection unit detects the movement of the teeth of the gear by coming into contact with them,"
A coffee machine characterized by
Also explained.

Also,
“The detection unit is configured to detect a moving body that advances and retreats following the irregularities of the tooth tips and tooth bottoms of the gear [for example, a combination of detection balls 611 and 621 and magnet members 612 and 622], and the movement of the moving body. It has a detection piece [for example, detection pieces 613, 623] that detects
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

In addition, when the said detection piece detects the advance of the said moving object, it may be in a energized state and a detection signal may be output.

Also,
“The detection unit detects the movement of two teeth of the gear by coming into contact with them [for example, the first mechanical switch 610 and the second mechanical switch 620],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

According to this aspect, it becomes possible to distinguish between forward rotation and reverse rotation of the gear.

Also,
``Equipped with a counter [for example, a particle size adjustment counter] whose count value increases or decreases according to the detection result of the detection section,
The counter increases the count value when the gear rotates in a predetermined direction, and decreases when the gear rotates in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

According to this coffee machine, the length of the interval can be recorded by the count value of the counter, and data management of the length of the interval can be easily performed.

Subsequently, the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment also includes a chaff fan 60A1 and a chaff fan motor 60A2 shown in FIG. As described using FIG. 30, the air from which unnecessary substances have been separated passes through the chaff fan 60A1 and is exhausted as shown by the two-dot chain arrow. Normally, unnecessary materials fall under their own weight and do not pass through the chaff fan 60A1, but if the unnecessary materials are very light (such as bean flour) or the suction force of the chaff fan 60A1 is strong, they will rise. Unwanted matter may remain in the air, and the remaining undesired matter may adhere to the chaff fan 60A1. Further, unnecessary substances adhering to the chaff fan 60A1 may be peeled off. In these cases, the rotational speed of the chaff fan 60A1 increases or decreases. Alternatively, the rotational speed of the chaff fan 60A1 may decrease due to deterioration of the chaff fan motor 60A2. Therefore, in order to bring the rotational speed of the chaff fan 60A1 as close as possible to the set speed and maintain the air volume at the target air volume, the processing unit 11a (see FIG. 19) in the control device 11 performs air volume monitoring control of the chaff fan 60A1. The chaff fan motor 60A2 is a pulse motor, and the processing section 11a performs PWM control.

FIG. 60 is a table showing the 0th to 105th pulses of the reference table in PWM control of the chaff fan motor 60A2 performed by the processing unit 11a, and FIG. 61 is a table showing the 106th to 255th pulses of the reference table. .

The "number of pulses" in this reference table is the number of rotation pulses per unit time (500 ms) of the chaff fan motor 60A2, and the "PWM value" is the value (%) of the duty ratio corresponding to the number of rotation pulses. The reference tables shown in FIGS. 60 and 61 are stored in the storage unit 11b (see FIG. 19) in the control device 11.

FIG. 62 is a table showing the relationship between the set value of the chaff fan 60A1 and the duty ratio in PWM control.

There are five setting values for the chaff fan 60A1: settings 1 to 5. These settings can be selected by operating the air volume dial 60D shown in FIG. 51. In setting 1, the chaff fan motor 60A2 is not rotated. On the other hand, in setting 5, in which the chaff fan 60A1 is rotated most powerfully, the PWM value (duty ratio) is 60%. Chaff can be a bitter or off-flavor component in coffee beverages, and by removing chaff, it can be expected that the taste of coffee beverages will become cleaner. However, some people find the bitterness and unpleasant taste delicious. Therefore, it is not preferable to uniformly remove all chaff. In the explanation so far, chaff has been expressed as an unnecessary substance, but how much chaff to remove is a matter of preference, and strictly speaking, chaff is not just an unnecessary substance. Therefore, five levels are provided as setting values for the chaff fan 60A1.

The processing unit 11a obtains the actual number of rotation pulses per unit time (500 ms) of the chaff fan motor 60A2, and corrects the PWM value if the necessary correction conditions set for each of settings 2 to 5 are satisfied. . The number of rotation pulses is acquired every 6 seconds after the chaff fan motor 60A2 starts rotating. The processing unit 11a determines whether correction is necessary each time the number of rotation pulses is acquired. The necessary correction condition is a condition that is satisfied if the obtained number of rotation pulses (obtained value) is outside the allowable range. A permissible range is provided for each set value.

For example, if setting 2 is selected, the "current PWM value" is 5 (%). Furthermore, the "PWM value corresponding to the set value" is also 5 (%). Here, when the acquired number of rotation pulses (acquired value 1) is 79, it is below the allowable range and satisfies the necessary correction conditions. According to the reference table of FIG. 60, the PWM value corresponding to the acquired value 1 is 3 (%). The processing unit 11a obtains a "corrected PWM value" from the correction formula. In this case, the "corrected PWM value" is 5+(5-3)=7(%). On the other hand, when the acquired number of rotational pulses (acquired value 2) is 98, it exceeds the allowable range, and the necessary correction conditions are satisfied in this case as well. According to the reference table of FIG. 60, the PWM value corresponding to acquired value 2 is 8 (%). The processing unit 11a obtains a "corrected PWM value" from the correction formula. In this case, the "corrected PWM value" is 5+(5-8)=2(%).

The processing unit 11a controls the chaff fan motor 60A2 using the corrected PWM value calculated from the correction formula. The corrected PWM value is stored in the storage unit 11b, and is updated each time the necessary correction conditions are satisfied. After the setting value has been changed, if the setting value is returned again, the corrected PWM value immediately before the setting value change is taken over. Further, the corrected PWM value is saved even when the power to the machine is cut off, and the next time the power is turned on, the corrected PWM value at the time of power cut is taken over.

In the above description,
“The first grinder for grinding coffee beans [e.g. Top Mill 5AM],
a fan [e.g., chaff fan 60A1] that rotates to generate wind pressure to separate unnecessary materials from the ground beans ground by the first grinder;
a fan motor [for example, chaff fan motor 60A2] that rotates the fan;
a control unit [for example, the processing unit 11a] that controls the rotation of the fan motor according to a set value [for example, a PWM value];
Equipped with
The control unit acquires information regarding the rotation speed of the fan motor that is actually rotating (for example, the number of rotation pulses), corrects the set value based on the acquired information, and adjusts the fan motor according to the corrected set value. It controls the rotation of the motor.
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine, the air volume of the fan can be brought as close as possible to the target air volume.

Note that when the fan motor is a pulse motor and the control unit performs PWM control, the setting value is a value representing the duty ratio, and the information is the number of rotation pulses per unit time (pulse speed). It may be. The permissible range of the number of rotation pulses with respect to the duty ratio is stored in advance as data, and the control section monitors the number of rotation pulses per unit time, and if the number of rotation pulses deviates from the permissible range, the control section A Duty ratio corresponding to the number of rotation pulses is obtained from the data, and the set Duty ratio is corrected using the difference between the set Duty ratio and the Duty ratio obtained from the data.

Also,
“The control unit is capable of acquiring the information at a predetermined period (for example, every 6 seconds) and correcting the setting value each time the information is acquired.
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By doing this, the air volume of the fan can be brought as close as possible to the target air volume while the fan is rotating.

Also,
“The control unit includes a setting unit [for example, an air volume dial 60D] that sets the set value,
The setting unit sets one setting value selected from a plurality of setting values [for example, "Setting 1" to "Setting 5"] as the setting value,
The control unit adjusts the settings according to the correction requirements of one set value selected by the setting unit among the correction requirements prepared for each of the plurality of setting values [for example, the correction requirements shown in FIG. 62]. This is to determine whether or not correction of the value is necessary.
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

According to this coffee machine, setting values can be easily set, and whether or not correction is necessary can be determined for each of a plurality of settings, allowing fine control.

Note that the present invention may include a storage section that stores correction necessary conditions for each of the plurality of set values.

Also,
“Even if the control unit determines whether or not the set value needs to be corrected according to different correction requirements, the set value is corrected using the same method [for example, using a common correction formula] [correction using]
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

This reduces the capacity of the control program and reduces the processing load.

Also,
“The control unit determines whether or not further correction of the set value is necessary during rotation of the fan motor, according to necessary conditions for correction of the corrected set value.
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By doing this, it is possible to continuously bring the air volume of the fan as close as possible to the target air volume.

Next, a plurality of operating states of the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment will be explained, and control processing in each operating state will be explained in detail.

FIG. 63 is a transition diagram of operating states in the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment.

The coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment has an initializing state, a normal standby state, a grinding state, a standby state (the top mill is stopped), a standby state (cleaning), an insufficient condition state, a bean clogging state, and There are multiple operating states, such as abnormal states. Note that the normal standby state is an operable state and corresponds to the basic state of the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment. In the coffee bean grinder GM, each operating state is notified by changing the color of the button LED 151 built in the grind button 150 shown in FIG. 51 (corresponding to the start button GM15 shown in FIG. 24). Lights up yellow when the initialization process is in progress, lights up white when in normal standby state, standby state (top mill 5AM stopped) and standby state (cleaning), lights up in blue when grinding, lights up in orange when conditions are insufficient, and beans are clogged. It lights up in purple, and lights up in red when there is an abnormality. Note that white lighting is limited to the normal mode described below.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing the flow of startup processing in the processing unit 11a when the power is turned on and the coffee bean grinder GM is started.

When the power switch GM51 shown in FIG. 51 is turned on to turn on the power, the processing unit 11a lights up the button LED 151 in yellow (step Sg100) and executes initialization processing (step Sg101). In the initialization process, a stack initial value is set (temporary setting) to the stack pointer of the CPU which is the processing unit 11a, an interrupt mask is set, an initial setting of the I/F unit 11c, and a RAM which is one of the storage units 11b is set. Initialize various variables to be stored in the .

When the initialization process is completed, the processing unit 11a reads the state at the time of the previous power outage from the RAM (step Sg102), and first determines whether or not the RAM is in a state where no abnormality has occurred (step Sg103). If the state at the time of the previous power cut was a state in which a RAM abnormality had occurred, the button LED 151 is lit in red, the operating state of the machine is set to the abnormal state (step Sg105), and the startup process shown in FIG. 64 is completed. become. If no RAM abnormality has occurred, it is determined whether the reverse rotation button GM52 shown in FIG. 51 has been operated, and if it has not been operated, the process advances to step Sg107. On the other hand, if the reverse rotation button GM52 is operated, the count value of the above-mentioned particle size adjustment counter is reset to "0" (step Sg106), and the process proceeds to step Sg107.

In step Sg107, the state is set to the state at the previous power outage. If the state at the time of the previous power cut is an abnormal state other than a RAM abnormality, the button LED 151 is turned on in red to set the operating state of the machine to the abnormal state. In addition, if the count value of the G counter described later is larger than "0", an air cooling fan (not shown) for cooling the mill motor is activated, the button LED 151 is lit in orange, and the operating state of the machine is changed to an insufficient condition. Set to . If the state at the time of the last power outage was the bean-clogged state, the button LED 151 is lit in purple to set the operating state of the machine to the bean-clogged state. Further, if the state at the time of the previous power cut was the normal standby state in the normal mode, the button LED 151 is turned on in white to set the operating state of the machine to the normal standby state.

When the execution of step Sg107 is completed, the startup process shown in FIG. 64 ends.

FIG. 65(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of normal standby state processing executed by the processing unit 11a in the normal standby state.

First, it is determined whether the grind button 150 shown in FIG. 51 has been operated (step Sg200), and if not, it is determined whether the reverse rotation button GM52 shown in FIG. 51 has been operated (step Sg201). , if the reverse rotation button GM52 is also not operated, the process returns to step Sg200.

On the other hand, when the grind button 150 is operated, the main mill start timer is started (step Sg202). The mill start timer counts (for example, counts 30 ms) until the start timing of the mill motor. Next, an air cooling fan (not shown) for cooling the mill motor is started (step Sg203), and finally, the button LED 151 is turned on in blue (step Sg204), and the normal standby state processing ends. When the grind button 150 is operated, the operating state of the machine shifts to the grind state, and the processing unit 11a executes the grind interrupt processing 1 next time.

When the reverse rotation button GM52 is operated, it is determined whether the cupping mode flag is set to on (step Sg205). The coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment has a normal mode and a cupping mode as operating modes. The cupping mode is a mode in which chaff separation is not performed without rotating the chaff fan 60A1 shown in FIG. 30, and the normal mode is a mode in which chaff separation can be performed by rotating the chaff fan 60A1. In cupping, the chaff cannot be removed because the coffee beans themselves are evaluated, so a cupping mode is provided. The reverse rotation button GM52 here functions as a toggle switch for switching between the normal mode and the cupping mode, and if the cupping mode flag is on, it sets the cupping mode flag to off (step Sg206) and shifts to the normal mode. , the button LED 151 is turned on in white (step Sg207), and the normal standby state processing ends. If the cupping mode flag is off, the cupping mode flag is set on (step Sg208), the mode is shifted to cupping mode, the button LED 151 is turned on in green (step Sg209), and the normal standby state processing ends. If the grind button 150 is not operated, the normal standby state continues, and in the normal standby state in the cupping mode, the button LED 151 lights up in green.

FIG. 65(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of normal standby state interrupt processing executed by the processing unit 11a in the normal standby state.

The processing unit 11a performs various interrupt processing (standby state interrupt processing, grind interrupt processing, insufficient condition state interrupt processing) triggered by a timer interrupt signal that occurs at a predetermined period (for example, once every 1 ms). , Bean jam state interrupt processing) is started.

In step Sg10, G counter subtraction processing is executed. The G counter subtraction process will be described in detail later. Next, various abnormality detection processes (step Sg211) are executed. For example, if a RAM abnormality, an abnormality in the top mill motor current value when not driven, or an abnormality in the main mill motor current value when not driven is detected, the button LED 151 will be lit in red and the operating state of the machine will change to the abnormal state. do. In addition, there were cases where the hopper unit 402 was not detected as shown in FIG. 51 due to it not being attached, and there were cases where the chute GM31 was not detected due to the chute GM31 being open as explained using FIG. 52(B). In this case, the button LED 151 is turned on in orange, and the operating state of the machine shifts to the condition insufficient state.

In the following step Sg212, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan that cools the mill motor, and if no abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan, the normal standby state interrupt processing ends. On the other hand, if an abnormality has occurred in the air-cooling fan, the power supply to the drive motor of the air-cooling fan is terminated and the air-cooling fan is stopped (step Sg213), and the normal standby state interrupt process is ended.

When the mill 5BM performs the grinding process for a certain period of time, the temperature of the mill motor increases, causing the mill motor itself to malfunction or parts around the mill motor to malfunction. The coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment is provided with a G counter that monitors the grindable time in the main mill 5BM. This G counter counts up at every predetermined time period (1 ms in this example) while the mill motor is rotating. In this example, the countdown is performed every 1 ms). When the G counter reaches the upper threshold, the mill motor is stopped and the condition is insufficient. After transitioning to the condition insufficient state, the condition insufficient state continues until the count value of the G counter reaches the lower limit threshold (“0” in this example), and the condition does not return to the normal standby state. In other words, this mill motor cannot rotate and cannot perform grinding processing. The air cooling fan that cools the mill motor is stopped when the count value of the G counter is below the lower limit threshold, and is activated when the count value exceeds the lower limit threshold. Further, when an abnormality occurs in the air cooling fan, a fan lock signal is output from a sensor that monitors the driving of the air cooling fan. In step Sg213 described above, the processing unit 11a determines that an abnormality has occurred if the fan lock signal is output based on whether the fan lock signal is output.

FIG. 66 is a time chart showing an example of variation in the count value of the G counter. In this time chart, time passes from the left side to the right side of the diagram. Further, below the graph showing the increase/decrease in the count value of the G counter, a drive signal for an air cooling fan that cools the mill motor and an output example of a fan lock signal indicating a failure of the air cooling fan are shown.

In the normal standby state at the far left, the count value of the G counter is the lower limit threshold (hereinafter referred to as a specific numerical value of "0"). The air cooling fan is stopped, and no fan lock signal is output from the sensor that monitors the operation of the air cooling fan.

The grind button 150 shown in FIG. 51 is operated, and the mill motor starts rotating (step Sg316, which will be described later). When this mill motor starts rotating, addition processing of the count value of the G counter (step Sg310, step Sg330, step Sg350, which will be described later) is performed in an interrupt processing that starts every 1 ms (see FIG. 68(B)). Since the fan lock signal is not output, a predetermined normal value (m (m is a natural number, for example, "10")) is repeatedly added to the count value. In this time chart, the output timing of the drive-on signal for the air cooling fan is shown to coincide with the timing at which the count value of the G counter starts increasing, but strictly speaking, it is shown to coincide with the timing at which the count value of the G counter starts increasing. This is the execution timing of step Sg203 shown in FIG. 65(A).

When this mill motor stops rotating, the count value of the G counter is subtracted in the interrupt processing that starts every 1 ms (step Sg210 described earlier, step Sg230 described later, step Sg260, step Sg400, step Sg510, step Sg520, Step Sg540) is performed (see FIG. 67). In this timing chart, the G counter returns to the normal standby state before the count value reaches the upper threshold, and the fan lock signal is not output. For example, "10")) is subtracted.

The count value of the G counter reaches "0" during the normal standby state by repeating the subtraction process. When the count value of the G counter reaches "0", it is assumed that the mill motor has been sufficiently cooled, and the air cooling fan stops (step Sg210g, which will be described later).

The grind button 150 is operated again, the mill motor starts rotating, and the count value of the G counter, which has returned to "0", is added up. Since the fan lock signal is not output here either, a predetermined normal value is repeatedly added to the count value. The air cooling fan also starts operating. After a short normal standby state, it shifts to the third grind state. In this short normal standby state, the count value of the G counter does not return to the value "0", and addition by the third grind state is started. Even in the third grinding state, since the fan lock signal is not output, a predetermined normal value continues to be repeatedly added to the count value, and eventually the count value reaches the upper limit threshold. When the count value reaches the upper threshold, the mill motor is stopped and the condition is shifted to an insufficient state in order to avoid the risk of failure of the mill motor and peripheral parts. Even if the mill motor stops, the air cooling fan continues to drive, and since the fan lock signal is not output, a predetermined normal value is repeatedly subtracted from the count value. As a result, the count value reaches "0" and returns to the normal standby state. Also, the air cooling fan will stop.

When the grind state is entered for the fourth time, the air cooling fan fails and a fan lock signal is output from the sensor that monitors the driving of the air cooling fan. In the air-cooling fan monitoring process (see FIG. 69(B)), which will be described later, it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the air-cooling fan depending on whether a fan lock signal is output (step Sg338a, which will be described later). When the fan lock signal is output, a predetermined abnormal value (5m (for example, "50")) is repeatedly added to the count value of the G counter. The predetermined abnormal value to be added is five times the predetermined normal value to be added, and the count value reaches the upper threshold five times faster than when the normal values are added. To cool the mill motor, which generates heat through rotation, if forced air cooling of the mill motor cannot be performed using an air cooling fan, it must rely on natural air cooling, and since natural air cooling has a lower cooling capacity than forced air cooling, the G counter count The rate of increase in the value is set higher when an abnormality occurs in the air cooling fan than when it is normal, so that the count value reaches the upper threshold within a short time.

When the count value reaches the upper threshold, the mill motor is stopped and the condition is insufficient. The fan lock signal continues to be output, and a predetermined abnormal value (n (for example, "5")) is repeatedly subtracted from the count value. The predetermined abnormal value to be subtracted is a value that is 1/2 times the predetermined normal value to be subtracted, and the counted value becomes “0” 1/2 times faster than when the normal value is subtracted. reach. As mentioned above, when the air cooling fan cannot perform forced air cooling of this mill motor, it must rely on natural air cooling, which has low cooling capacity. If so, the value is made smaller than in the normal case so that it takes time to reach "0". When the count value reaches "0", the normal standby state is returned.

The processing unit 11a can calculate the time required until the count value becomes "0". In the grind button 150 shown in FIG. 51, the circular button LED 151 is divided into four parts in the circumferential direction, and the orange lighting area is replaced with a white lighting area according to the remaining time until the count value reaches "0". The time information required for the count value to reach "0" is displayed as the time progresses. For example, if it takes 60 seconds for the count value to reach "0", all four divisions will be lit orange at the start of subtraction, and each division will be replaced with white light in a clockwise direction every 15 seconds. When 60 seconds have elapsed from the start of subtraction, all four divisions light up in white. Note that a 7-segment LED may be provided to display the remaining time numerically.

In the example shown in FIG. 66 described above, even if the count value reaches the upper limit threshold and subtraction of the count value is started (after the third grind is completed), the count value reaches the upper limit threshold. Even if the subtraction of the count value is started before reaching , (after the second grind is completed), the subtracted value remains the same. That is, the subtraction value is 2n (“10”) when no abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan, and is n (“5”) when an abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan. On the other hand, the subtraction value when the count value reaches the upper limit threshold and subtraction of the count value is started (hereinafter referred to as the "first subtraction value") is smaller than the count value when the count value reaches the upper limit threshold. The subtraction value may be smaller than the subtraction value (hereinafter referred to as "second subtraction value") when the subtraction of the count value is started before reaching the count value. For example, if there is no abnormality in the cooling fan, the first subtraction value is "8" and the second subtraction value is "10", and if there is an abnormality in the cooling fan, the first subtraction value is "8" and the second subtraction value is "10". The subtraction value may be "3" and the second subtraction value may be "5".

Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 66, when no abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan, the addition value (m=10) and the subtraction value (2n=10) are the same, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan. In this case, the added value (5 m = 50) was larger than the subtracted value (n = 5), but even if there is no abnormality in the cooling fan, the added value should be larger than the subtracted value. Good too. That is, the absolute value of the amount of one update of the count value while the mill motor is rotating may be larger than the absolute value of the amount of one update of the count value while the mill motor is stopped.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing the flow of G counter subtraction processing.

In the G counter subtraction process, first, it is determined whether the count value of the G counter has not reached the lower limit threshold, that is, whether it is greater than "0" (step Sg210a), and if it has reached the lower limit threshold, (If it is "0" or less), this G counter subtraction process ends. If the lower limit threshold has not been reached (if it is greater than "0"), it is determined whether the air cooling fan abnormality flag is set to on (step Sg210b). The air cooling fan abnormality flag is a flag that is set to ON if an abnormality occurs in the air cooling fan that cools the mill motor, and is set to OFF if it is normal, by the air cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B). be. If this air cooling fan abnormality flag is set to on, a predetermined abnormal value (for example, n (n is a natural number)) is subtracted from the count value of the G counter (step Sg210c), the process proceeds to step Sg210e, and the fan is turned off. If set, a predetermined normal value (for example, 2n) is subtracted from the count value of the G counter (step Sg210d), and the process proceeds to step Sg210e. The absolute value of the abnormal value is smaller than the absolute value of the normal value.

In step Sg210e, it is determined whether the count value of the G counter has reached the lower limit threshold (is it less than "0"), and if it has not reached the lower limit threshold, the G counter subtraction process ends. . On the other hand, if the count value of the G counter has reached the lower limit threshold, the count value of the G counter may be lower than the lower limit threshold, so the count value is reset to "0" (step Sg210f). ), since the count value has reached the lower limit threshold, the mill motor is deemed to have been sufficiently cooled and the air cooling fan is stopped (step Sg210g), and the G counter subtraction process is completed.

FIG. 68(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of grind interrupt processing 1 executed by the processing unit 11a in the grind state.

The processing unit 11a starts this grind interrupt processing 1 in response to the timer interrupt signal. First, various abnormality detection processes (step Sg311) are executed. The various abnormality detection processes (step Sg311) here are the same as the abnormality detection processes (step Sg211) described above. Subsequently, it is determined whether the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to on. The upper limit threshold reaching flag is a flag that is set to ON when the count value of the G counter reaches the upper limit threshold in the G counter addition process described later. If this upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to on, the main mill start timer started in step Sg202 is stopped (step Sg313), the button LED 151 is turned on in orange (step Sg314), and the grind interrupt processing is performed. 1 is the end. Since the upper threshold reaching flag was set to on, the operating state of the machine shifts to the condition insufficient state.

On the other hand, if the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to OFF, it is determined whether the main mill start timer has expired (has counted up or not) (step Sg315). If the main mill start timer has expired, G counter addition processing (step Sg310) is executed. The G counter addition process will be described in detail later. Next, the mill motor is started (step Sg316), and it is determined whether the cupping mode flag is set to OFF (step Sg317a). If the cupping mode flag is off, that is, in the normal mode, the chaff fan motor 60A2 is rotated to start the chaff fan 60A1 (step Sg317b), and the process proceeds to step Sg318. The processing unit 11a constantly monitors the setting values (setting 1 to setting 5) of the chaff fan 60A1 selected by the air volume dial 60D in the 1 ms interrupt sensor task. If there is no change in the set value while the sensor task is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 500 times) or during a predetermined period of time (500 ms), the set value is determined as the final value. In step Sg317b, the chaff fan motor 60A2 is rotated using this determined value to start the chaff fan 60A1. Note that the start timing of the present mill motor and the start timing of the chaff fan 60A1 may be either first or may be simultaneous. On the other hand, if the cupping mode flag is on, that is, in the cupping mode, the process proceeds to step Sg318 without starting the chaff fan motor 60A2.

In step Sg318, a top mill start timer is started. The top mill start timer counts up to the start timing of the top mill motor (for example, counts 150 ms). In the grinding state, the main mill 5BM is started first, and then the top mill 5AM is started. Next, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan that cools the mill motor based on the presence or absence of the above-mentioned fan lock signal (step Sg319), and if no abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan, Grind interrupt processing 1 ends. On the other hand, if an abnormality has occurred in the air-cooling fan, the power supply to the drive motor of the air-cooling fan is terminated and the air-cooling fan is stopped (step Sg320), and the grind interrupt processing 1 is ended. When the drive of the main mill 5BM is started in this manner, the processing section 11a executes the grind interrupt processing 2 next time.

If this mill start timer has not expired, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan (step Sg321), as in step Sg319, and if no abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan, a grind interrupt is executed. Process 1 ends, and if an abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan, the air cooling fan is stopped here as well (step Sg322), and grind interrupt processing 1 ends. If the mill start timer has not expired, the processing unit 11a executes the grind interrupt processing 1 next time as well.

FIG. 68(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of G counter addition processing.

In the G counter addition process, first, it is determined whether or not the air cooling fan abnormality flag is set to OFF (step Sg310a), and if it is set to ON, a predetermined abnormal value (for example, , 5m (m is a natural number)) (step Sg310b), and proceeds to step Sg310d. If the G counter is set to off, a predetermined normal value (for example, m) is added to the count value of the G counter (step Sg310c). ), the process proceeds to step Sg310d. The absolute value of the abnormal value is larger than the absolute value of the normal value.

In step Sg310d, it is determined whether the count value of the G counter has reached the upper limit threshold, and if it has not reached the upper threshold, the G counter addition process ends. On the other hand, if the count value of the G counter has reached the upper limit threshold, the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to ON (step Sg310e), and the G counter addition process ends.

FIG. 69(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of grind interrupt processing 2 executed by the processing unit 11a in the grind state.

The processing unit 11a starts this grind interrupt processing 2 in response to the timer interrupt signal. First, in step Sg330, the same G counter addition process as the G counter addition process shown in FIG. 68(B) is executed. Next, various abnormality detection processes (step Sg331) are executed. The various abnormality detection processes here (step Sg331) are also the same as the above-mentioned abnormality detection process (step Sg211). Subsequently, a chaff fan setting value confirmation process (step Sg317c) is executed. In this chaff fan setting value confirmation process, if there is a change in the final setting value of the chaff fan 60A1, the chaff fan motor 60A2 is set to rotate using the changed final value. Next, it is determined whether the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to on (step Sg332). If the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to ON, the main mill motor started in step Sg316 is stopped (step Sg333), the top mill start timer started in step Sg318 is stopped (step Sg334), and the button LED 151 is stopped. is lit in orange (step Sg335), and the grind interrupt processing 2 is completed. Since the upper threshold reaching flag was set to on, the operating state of the machine shifts to the condition insufficient state.

On the other hand, if the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to OFF, it is determined whether the top mill start timer has expired (has counted up or not) (step Sg336). If the top mill start timer has expired, the top mill motor is started (step Sg337), and air cooling fan monitoring processing (step Sg338) is executed. This cooling fan monitoring process (step Sg338) will be described in detail later. When the processing unit 11a executes the cooling fan monitoring process, the button LED 151 lights up in blue (step Sg339), and the grind interrupt process 2 ends. When the driving of the top mill 5AM is started in this manner, the processing section 11a executes the grind interrupt processing 3 next time.

If the top mill start timer has not expired, the air cooling fan monitoring process (step Sg340) is executed as in step Sg338, and the grind interrupt process 2 ends. If the top mill start timer has not expired, the processing unit 11a executes the grind interrupt process 2 next time as well.

FIG. 69(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of air cooling fan monitoring processing.

In the air cooling fan monitoring process, first, it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the air cooling fan that cools the main mill motor (step Sg338a). Specifically, as described in the explanation using FIG. 66, the processing unit 11a determines that an abnormality has occurred if a fan lock signal is output from the sensor that monitors the drive of the air cooling fan. If an abnormality has occurred, the air cooling fan abnormality flag is set to on (step Sg338b), and the air cooling fan monitoring process ends. On the other hand, if it is normal, the air cooling fan abnormality flag is set to OFF (step Sg338c), and the air cooling fan monitoring process ends.

FIG. 70(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of grind processing 3 executed by the processing unit 11a in the grind state.

This grind process 3 is not an interrupt process, and the processing unit 11a repeatedly determines whether or not the grind button 150 is operated until the grind button 150 shown in FIG. 51 is operated (step Sg340). The operation of the grind button 150 here is an operation of requesting to stop grinding, and when the grind button 150 is operated, the top mill motor is stopped (step Sg341). Next, the main mill stop timer is started (step Sg342), this grinding process 3 is completed, and the operating state of the machine shifts to a standby state (the top mill is stopped). The mill stop timer counts (for example, counts 500 ms) until the mill motor stops. In the grinding state, the top mill 5AM is stopped first, and then the main mill 5BM is stopped.

FIG. 70(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of grind interrupt processing 3 executed by the processing unit 11a in the grind state.

The processing unit 11a starts this grind interrupt processing 3 in response to the timer interrupt signal. First, in step Sg350, the same G counter addition process as the G counter addition process shown in FIG. 68(B) is executed. Next, various abnormality detection processes (step Sg351) are executed. The various abnormality detection processes here (step Sg351) are also the same as the above-mentioned abnormality detection process (step Sg211). Furthermore, the same chaff fan setting value confirmation process (step Sg317d) as step Sg317c in FIG. 69(A) is executed.

Subsequently, it is determined whether the current value of the top mill motor is an abnormal value (step Sg352). As described using FIGS. 26 and 27, in the top mill 5AM, foreign objects such as stones or extremely hard roasted coffee beans may get caught between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a. In this case, the current value of the top mill motor that rotates the rotary blade 58a becomes an abnormal value.

FIG. 71(A) is a diagram showing an example in which the bean clogging state is resolved.

When the reverse rotation button GM52 shown in FIG. 51 is operated in a bean-clogged state, a drive signal that starts the top mill motor in the opposite direction to that when the top mill motor is started in step Sg337 shown in FIG. 69(A) is output. be done. The reverse rotation button GM52 functions as a reset button for the particle size adjustment counter in step Sg106 immediately after the initialization process at power-on shown in FIG. 64, and as a reset button for the particle size adjustment counter in the normal standby state process shown in FIG. In step Sg208, the button functions as a switch button between the normal mode and the cupping mode, but only when the beans are clogged, it functions as the original button to reversely rotate the top mill motor. By doing so, even if the reverse rotation button GM52 is erroneously operated in a situation other than a jammed state, the top mill motor will not rotate in the reverse direction, making it safe.

Note that the top mill motor is also a pulse motor, and PWM control is performed.

In the lower part of FIG. 71(A), there is shown a graph representing the signal strength of a current monitoring input signal that monitors the current value flowing through the top mill motor and outputs a signal with a strength corresponding to the current value. The current value of the top mill motor during standby (stopping) is 0 A, and the signal strength of the current monitoring input signal is also 0. In addition, in the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment, the current value of the top mill motor during idle running when roasted coffee beans are not being ground is around 0.1A, and when the roasted coffee beans are being ground normally. The current value of the top mill motor is around 0.6A.

In step Sg352, 3A or more is treated as an abnormal value of the current value of the top mill motor.

In the current monitoring input signal shown in the lower part of FIG. Signal strength will be lower. This decrease in signal strength is the result of the reverse rotation, which clears the bean jam and creates an idle state. In the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment, the current value at which it is assumed that the bean clogging has been cleared (hereinafter referred to as "clog clearing current value") is the current value of the top mill motor when normally grinding roasted coffee beans. The current value is set to 0.6A. In the current monitoring input signal shown in the lower part of FIG. 71(A), the signal strength suddenly decreases, and a signal strength waveform corresponding to a current value that has decreased to 0.6 A or less is output. Then, the drive signal for causing the top mill motor to rotate in reverse is turned off and the top mill motor enters a normal standby state.

FIG. 71(B) shows an example where the current value of the top mill motor does not decrease to the clog clearing current value even if the drive signal to reversely rotate the top mill motor is output three times at intervals. FIG.

When the reverse rotation button GM52 is operated in a clogged state, a drive signal for rotating the top mill motor in the reverse direction is continuously output for one second unless the current value of the top mill motor decreases to the clog clearing current value. Ru. Therefore, the top mill motor continues to rotate in reverse for one second. This one second period is managed by a reverse rotation timer, which will be described later. Then, after a one-second pause, a drive signal for rotating the top mill motor in reverse is output again. Here again, if the current value of the top mill motor does not decrease to the clog clearing current value, the reverse rotation drive signal is continuously output for one second. Furthermore, if the current value of the top mill motor does not decrease to the clog clearing current value, the third drive signal that rotates the top mill motor in reverse after a 1 second pause is output continuously for 1 second. Ru. The one-second pause is managed by a pause timer, which will be described later. Further, the output of the reverse rotation drive signal three times is managed by a reverse rotation retry counter, which will be described later. If the current value of the top mill motor does not decrease to the clog clearing current value even if the third drive signal that rotates the top mill motor in reverse is output continuously for one second, it will transition to an abnormal state and the fourth drive signal will rotate the top mill motor in the reverse direction. Subsequent drive signals for reverse rotation are not output.

Hereinafter, the explanation will return to the grind interrupt processing 3 using FIG. 70(B). In this grind interrupt processing 3, if the current value of the top mill motor is an abnormal value, the chaff fan motor is stopped (step Sg353), the main mill motor is stopped (step Sg354), and the top mill motor is stopped (step Sg356). ) Do each. Note that the order in which these motors are stopped is not limited to this order, and the top mill motor may be stopped first or may be stopped at the same time. After stopping each motor, the button LED 151 is turned on in purple (step Sg356), and the grind interrupt processing 3 is completed. When the current value of the top mill motor becomes an abnormal value, the operating state of the machine shifts to a bean-clogging state, whether in the normal mode or the cupping mode. In other words, the machine enters a jammed state regardless of the operating mode of the machine.

On the other hand, if the current value of the top mill motor is not an abnormal value, it is determined whether the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to on (step Sg357). If the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to ON, the chaff fan motor is stopped (step Sg358), the main mill motor is stopped (step Sg359), and the top mill motor is stopped (step Sg360). Note that here as well, the order in which these motors are stopped is not limited to this order. After each motor is stopped, the button LED 151 is turned on in orange (step Sg361), and the grind interrupt processing 3 ends. Since the upper threshold reaching flag was set to on, the operating state of the machine shifts to the condition insufficient state. On the other hand, if the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to OFF, the same process (step Sg362) as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 11a executes grind interrupt processing 3 next time as well.

FIG. 72(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the standby state (while the top mill is stopped) process executed by the processing unit 11a in the standby state (while the top mill is stopped).

This standby state (while the top mill is stopped) process is not an interrupt process, and like the grind process 3 explained using FIG. 70(A), the processing unit 11a is , it is repeatedly determined whether the grind button 150 has been operated (step Sg220). The operation of the grind button 150 here is an operation of requesting restart of grinding, and when the grind button 150 is operated, the top mill start timer is restarted (step Sg221). Next, the main mill stop timer started in step Sg342 is stopped (step Sg222), the same process as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) is executed (step Sg223), and the button LED 151 is turned on in blue ( Step Sg224), the standby state (while the top mill is stopped) ends. If there is a request to restart the grind, the processing unit 11a executes the grind interrupt process 2 next time.

FIG. 72(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of the standby state (while the top mill is stopped) interrupt processing executed by the processing unit 11a in the standby state (while the top mill is stopped).

The processing unit 11a starts this standby state (while the top mill is stopped) interrupt processing in response to the timer interrupt signal. First, in step Sg230, the same G counter addition process as the G counter addition process shown in FIG. 68(B) is executed. Next, various abnormality detection processes (step Sg231) are executed. The various abnormality detection processes here (step Sg231) are also the same as the above-mentioned abnormality detection process (step Sg211). Subsequently, it is determined whether the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to on (step Sg232). If the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to on, the chaff fan motor is stopped (step Sg233) and the main mill motor is stopped (step Sg234), the button LED 151 is turned on in orange (step Sg235), and the standby state ( (while the top mill is stopped) interrupt processing ends. Since the upper threshold reaching flag was set to on, the operating state of the machine shifts to the condition insufficient state. Note that the order of stopping the chaff fan motor (step Sg233) and stopping the main mill motor (step Sg234) may be reversed or may be performed simultaneously.

On the other hand, if the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to OFF, it is determined whether the main mill stop timer has expired (has counted up or not) (step Sg236). If this mill stop timer has not expired, the same process (step Sg237) as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) is executed, and the standby state (top mill stopped) interrupt process is ended. The processing unit 11a executes the standby state (while the top mill is stopped) interrupt processing next time as well. If the main mill stop timer has expired, the main mill motor is stopped (step Sg238), and the same process as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) is executed here (step Sg239). Next, it is determined whether the cupping mode flag is set to off. That is, it is determined whether the normal mode is set in which chaff separation is performed by rotating the chaff fan 60A1. When the cupping mode flag is set to on, that is, when the cupping mode does not perform chaff separation, the standby state (while the top mill is stopped) interrupt processing ends, and the machine operating state is normal standby state. to move to.

When the cupping mode flag is set to off, that is, when the mode is normal, after-cleaning is performed. In the normal mode, the chaff fan 60A1 is rotated while the top mill 5AM is rotating to suck out unnecessary materials such as chaff. As mentioned above, there are five setting values for the chaff fan 60A1, which can be selected by operating the air volume dial 60D, from setting 1 to setting 5, with setting 5 causing the chaff fan 60A1 to rotate most powerfully. Also, the PWM value (Duty ratio) is 60%.

On the other hand, in the after-cleaning, the PWM value (Duty ratio) is set to 100% to clean the inner peripheral wall of the pipe portion 63 and the separation chamber forming portion 64. In step Sg241, the PWM value (duty ratio) of the chaff fan motor 60A2 is set to 100%. The chaff fan 60A1 continues to rotate at the setting value selected by the air volume dial 60D until step Sg241 is executed, and when step Sg241 is executed, the chaff fan 60A1 increases the suction force and continues rotating without stopping. I will do it.

FIG. 73 is a diagram showing the route of coffee beans, the route of unnecessary substances such as chaff, and the route of after-cleaning.

FIG. 73 shows a top mill 5AM, a top mill upper case 501 that covers the top mill 5AM from above, a separation chamber forming part 64, a connecting duct 661, a connecting dial 697, a worm wheel 691, and a frame member 694 that covers the main mill 5BM. , the chute GM31, the pipe portion 63, the upper part 61 of the collection container 60B, the inner case 60Bi disposed at the lower part 62 thereof, and the fan unit 60A are shown. Note that the outer case 60Bo disposed at the lower part 62 of the collection container 60B is not shown.

Moreover, in FIG. 73, the route of coffee beans is shown by a chain line. That is, the roasted coffee beans are turned into ground beans by the top mill 5AM, the ground beans pass through the separation chamber forming part 64 and the connecting duct 661, and are turned into ground beans by the main mill 5BM, and the ground beans are discharged from the chute GM31. be done.

Further, in FIG. 73, the route of unnecessary substances such as chaff is shown by a two-dot chain line. That is, unnecessary materials such as chaff that have entered the separation chamber forming section 64 together with the ground beans are sucked by the rotation of the chaff fan in the fan unit 60A, and are passed from the separation chamber forming section 64 through the pipe section 63 to the collection container. Reach 60B. In the collection container 60B, as explained using FIG. 30, unnecessary materials such as chaff are deposited on the bottom of the lower part 62 of the collection container 60B (the bottom surface of the outer case 60Bo, not shown) due to its own weight. Note that the air from which unnecessary substances have been separated becomes an upward airflow from inside the inner case 60Bi, passes through the fan unit 60A, and is exhausted to the outside of the coffee bean grinder GM. In this way, even if the fan unit 60A suctions unnecessary materials such as chaff while the top mill 5AM is rotating, if the set value is low (the suction force is weak), the tube part 63 and the separation chamber are formed. Unwanted materials such as chaff may remain in the internal region of the portion 64. Further, even when the set value is high, unnecessary substances such as chaff may adhere to the inner circumferential walls of the tube portion 63 and the separation chamber forming portion 64 and may not be completely removed. Therefore, after the grinding process is completed, the inner region of the pipe section 63 and the separation chamber forming section 64 (the inner region surrounded by the thick solid line in FIG. 73) is suctioned with a stronger suction force, and the chaff etc. remaining in the inner region are suctioned. Collect unnecessary materials such as chaff or peel off unnecessary materials such as chaff attached to the inner peripheral wall. Unwanted materials such as chaff remaining in the internal area or attached to the inner circumferential wall reach the collection container 60B and fall under their own weight, as shown by the thick solid line arrow. Further, by performing after-cleaning every time the grinding process is completed, it is possible to prevent unnecessary substances such as chaff from accumulating on the inner peripheral wall.

FIG. 74 is a diagram showing an example in which unnecessary materials such as chaff are suctioned while the top mill 5AM is rotating, and after-cleaning is performed by stronger suction without ending the suction even when the top mill 5AM stops.

At the top of FIG. 74, the operating state of the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment is shown, and then a timing chart showing the on/off state of the grind button 150 shown in FIG. 51 is shown. Also, below that, there is a timing chart showing the on/off of the drive signal of the top mill motor, a timing chart showing the on/off of the drive signal of the main mill motor, and a timing chart showing the on/off of the drive signal of the chaff fan motor. It is shown. Further, at the bottom, the PWM value that controls the rotation of the chaff fan motor is shown.

When the grind button 150 is operated in the normal standby state, the state shifts to the grind state. At step Sg316 shown in FIG. 68(A), a drive-on signal is output to the mill motor, and the mill motor starts forward rotation. Further, in the following step Sg317, a drive-on signal is output to the chaff fan motor, and the chaff fan motor also starts rotating forward. At this time, the rotation of the chaff fan motor is controlled by the PWM value according to the setting value (dial setting value) selected by the air volume dial 60D shown in FIG. Eventually, the top mill start timer expires, a drive-on signal is output to the top mill motor in step Sg337 shown in FIG. 69(A), and the top mill motor starts normal rotation.

When the grind button 150 is operated in the grind state, the output of the drive-on signal to the main mill motor is ended in step Sg341 shown in FIG. Eventually, the main mill stop timer expires in the standby state (while the top mill is stopped), and the output of the drive-on signal to the main mill motor ends in step Sg238 shown in FIG. 72(B). As described above, in the normal mode, in step Sg241, the PWM value (duty ratio) of the chaff fan motor 60A2 is set to 100%, and the chaff fan continues to rotate without stopping, increasing the suction force. do.

As shown in FIG. 72(B), when the process of step Sg241 is completed, the processing unit 11a starts a cleaning timer (step Sg242), and the standby state (while the top mill is stopped) interrupt process ends. When after-cleaning is started in this manner, the operating state of the machine shifts to a standby state (during cleaning). The cleaning timer counts (for example, counts 5000 ms) until the end timing of after-cleaning (stop timing of the chaff fan motor 60A2).

FIG. 75(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the standby state (during cleaning) process executed by the processing unit 11a in the standby state (during cleaning).

This standby state (cleaning) process is not an interrupt process, and like the previous standby state (top mill stopped) process, the processing unit 11a presses the grind button 150 until the grind button 150 shown in FIG. 51 is operated. It is repeatedly determined whether or not has been operated (step Sg250). When the grind button 150 is operated, the main mill start timer is restarted (step Sg251). Next, the same process (step Sg252) as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) is executed, the button LED 151 is turned on in blue (step Sg253), and the standby state (during cleaning) is ended. The processing unit 11a executes grind interrupt processing 1 next time.

FIG. 75(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of standby state (during cleaning) interrupt processing executed by the processing unit 11a in the standby state (during cleaning).

The processing unit 11a starts this standby state (during cleaning) interrupt processing in response to the timer interrupt signal. First, in step Sg260, the same G counter addition process as the G counter addition process shown in FIG. 68(B) is executed. Next, various abnormality detection processes (step Sg261) are executed. The various abnormality detection processes here (step Sg261) are also the same as the above-mentioned abnormality detection process (step Sg211). Subsequently, it is determined whether the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to on (step Sg262). If the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to on, the chaff fan is stopped (step Sg263), the same process as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) (step Sg264) is executed, and the button LED 151 is set to orange It lights up in color (step Sg265), and the standby state (cleaning in progress) interrupt processing ends. Since the upper threshold reaching flag was set to on, the operating state of the machine shifts to the condition insufficient state.

On the other hand, if the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to OFF, it is determined whether the cleaning timer started in step Sg242 has expired (has counted up or not) (step Sg266). If the cleaning timer has not expired, the same process (step Sg267) as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) is executed, and the standby state (cleaning) interrupt process is ended. The processing unit 11a executes the standby state (during cleaning) interrupt process next time as well. If the cleaning timer has expired, the chaff fan is stopped (step Sg268) and the after-cleaning ends. Next, the same process (step Sg269) as the air cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) is executed, and the standby state (cleaning) interrupt process ends. When the after-cleaning is thus completed, the operating state of the machine shifts to a normal standby state.

FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing the flow of the condition insufficient state interrupt processing executed by the processing unit 11a in the condition insufficient state.

The processing unit 11a starts this condition-insufficient state interrupt processing in response to the timer interrupt signal. First, in step Sg400, the same G counter addition process as the G counter addition process shown in FIG. 68(B) is executed. Next, the same process (step Sg401) as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) is executed, and various abnormality detection processes (step Sg402) are also executed. The various abnormality detection processes here (step Sg402) are also the same as the above-mentioned abnormality detection process (step Sg211). Subsequently, it is determined whether the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to on (step Sg403). In addition to the case where the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to on, the insufficient condition state also occurs when the hopper unit 402 is not detected or the chute GM 31 is not detected in various abnormality detection processes, so step Sg403 A determination is made. If the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to OFF, the insufficient condition interrupt processing ends, and the operating state of the machine shifts to the normal standby state. If the upper threshold reaching flag is set on, it is then determined whether the count value of the G counter has not reached the lower threshold, that is, whether it is greater than "0" (step Sg404). If the lower limit threshold has not been reached (if it is greater than "0"), the button LED 151 is lit in orange (step Sg265), and the condition insufficient state interrupt processing is ended. The processing unit 11a executes the insufficient condition interrupt processing next time as well. On the other hand, if the count value of the G counter has reached the lower limit threshold (if it is less than "0"), the upper threshold reaching flag is set to OFF (step Sg406), and the condition insufficient state interrupt processing is terminated. Become. If the count value of the G counter has reached the lower limit threshold, the operating state of the machine shifts to the normal standby state.

FIG. 77(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the bean-clogged state process executed by the processing unit 11a in the bean-clogged state.

This bean jam state process is not an interrupt process, and the processing unit 11a repeatedly determines whether the reverse rotation button GM52 is operated until the reverse rotation button GM52 shown in FIG. 51 is operated (step Sg500). The operation of the reverse rotation button GM52 in the bean jam state is an operation of requesting reverse rotation of the top mill 5AM, and when the reverse rotation button GM52 is operated, the top mill motor is started in reverse rotation (step Sg501). That is, whether in the normal mode or the cupping mode, the top mill motor is started in the opposite direction to the case where the top mill motor is started in step Sg337 shown in FIG. 69(A). In other words, reverse rotation of the top mill motor occurs regardless of the operating mode of the machine. Next, a reverse rotation timer is started (step Sg502). The reverse rotation timer counts until the end of reverse rotation of the top mill motor. That is, it is a timer that measures the time of one second as explained using FIG. 71(B). When the top mill motor starts to rotate in reverse, the button LED 151 flashes in purple (step Sg503), and the bean clogging state processing ends. The processing unit 11a executes the bean jam state interrupt process 2 next time.

FIG. 77(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of bean jamming state interrupt processing 1 executed by the processing unit 11a in the bean jamming state.

The processing unit 11a starts this bean jam state interrupt processing 1 in response to the timer interrupt signal. First, in step Sg510, the same G counter addition process as the G counter addition process shown in FIG. 68(B) is executed. Next, the same process as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) (step Sg511) is executed, and various abnormality detection processes (step Sg512) are also executed. The various abnormality detection processes here (step Sg512) are also the same as the above-mentioned abnormality detection process (step Sg211). Next, it is determined whether the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to ON (step Sg513), and if the upper limit threshold reaching flag is set to OFF, the bean jam state interrupt process 1 ends. If the upper threshold reaching flag is set on, it is then determined whether the count value of the G counter has not reached the lower threshold, that is, whether it is greater than "0" (step Sg514). If the lower limit threshold has not been reached (if it is greater than "0"), the bean jam state interrupt process 1 ends. On the other hand, if the count value of the G counter has reached the lower threshold (if it is "0" or less), the upper threshold reaching flag is set to OFF (step Sg515), and the bean jam state interrupt processing 1 ends. become. When the bean-clogged state interrupt process 1 is completed, in any case, the processing unit 11a executes the bean-clogged state interrupt process 1 next time as well.

FIG. 78 is a flowchart showing the flow of the bean-clogged state interrupt process 2 executed by the processing unit 11a in the bean-clogged state.

The processing unit 11a starts this bean jam state interrupt processing 2 in response to the timer interrupt signal. First, in step Sg520, the same G counter addition process as the G counter addition process shown in FIG. 68(B) is executed. Next, the same process as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) (step Sg521) is executed, and various abnormality detection processes (step Sg522) are also executed. The various abnormality detection processes here (step Sg522) are also the same as the above-mentioned abnormality detection process (step Sg211). Subsequently, in the same way as the determination process in step Sg352 shown in FIG. 70(B), it is determined whether the current value of the top mill motor has decreased to the clog clearing current value (0.6 A) (step Sg523). If the current value of the top mill motor has decreased to the clog clearing current value (0.6A), it is assumed that the bean jam has been resolved, and the button LED 151 is turned on in white (step Sg524), and the bean jam state interrupt processing 2 is executed. It will end. If it is determined that the bean jam has been resolved, the operating state of the machine shifts to the normal standby state. Note that there is no change in the operating mode of the machine, and the operating mode (normal mode or cupping mode) before the bean clogging occurs is maintained. Once the normal standby state is entered, the operation mode can be changed in steps Sg205 to Sg209 shown in FIG. 65(A).

On the other hand, if the current value of the top mill motor has not decreased to the clog clearing current value, it is determined whether the reverse rotation timer started in step Sg502 has expired (has counted up or not) (step Sg525). If the reverse rotation timer has not expired, the bean jam state interrupt process 2 ends. The processing unit 11a executes the bean jam state interrupt process 2 next time as well. If the reverse rotation timer has expired, the reverse rotation timer is reset (step Sg526), and the reverse rotation of the top mill motor is stopped (step Sg527). Next, after adding 1 to the reverse rotation retry counter (step Sg528), it is determined whether the value of the reverse rotation retry counter is a predetermined value (step Sg529). The predetermined value is "3" as explained using FIG. 71(B), but may be a natural number of 2 or more other than "3". If it is the predetermined value, the button LED 151 is turned on in red (step Sg530), and the bean jam state interrupt process 2 ends. If the value of the reverse rotation retry counter is a predetermined value, the operating state of the machine shifts to an abnormal state. On the other hand, if the value of the reverse rotation retry counter is not the predetermined value, a pause timer is started (step Sg531). The pause timer counts until the next start of reverse rotation of the top mill motor. That is, it is a timer that measures the time of one second as explained using FIG. 71(B). Subsequently, the button LED 151 is turned on in purple (step Sg532), and the bean jam state interrupt process 2 is completed. When the pause timer is started, the processing unit 11a executes the bean jam state interrupt process 3 next time.

FIG. 79 is a flowchart showing the flow of the bean-clogged state interrupt process 3 executed by the processing unit 11a in the bean-clogged state.

The processing unit 11a starts this bean jam state interrupt processing 3 in response to the timer interrupt signal. First, in step Sg540, the same G counter addition process as the G counter addition process shown in FIG. 68(B) is executed. Next, the same process as the cooling fan monitoring process shown in FIG. 69(B) (step Sg541) is executed, and various abnormality detection processes (step Sg542) are also executed. The various abnormality detection processes here (step Sg542) are also the same as the above-mentioned abnormality detection process (step Sg211). Subsequently, it is determined whether the pause timer started in the previous step Sg531 has expired (has counted up or not) (step Sg543). If the pause timer has not expired, the bean jam state interrupt processing 3 ends. The processing unit 11a executes the bean jam state interrupt process 3 next time as well. If the pause timer has expired, the top mill motor is started in reverse rotation (step Sg544), the reverse rotation timer is started (step Sg545), the button LED 151 is blinked in purple (step Sg546), and the bean clogging state is determined. Input process 3 ends. When the top mill motor is started in reverse rotation, the processing section 11a executes bean jam state interrupt processing 2 next time.

In the above description,
"A grinder that has a motor [for example, the main mill motor] and grinds coffee beans as the motor rotates [for example, the main mill 5BM],
A counter that repeatedly updates the count value [for example, a G counter],
Equipped with
The counter updates the count value by adding the count value while the motor is rotating [for example, the G counter addition process shown in FIG. 68(B)], and subtracts the count value while the motor is stopped. The count value is updated by doing so [for example, the G counter subtraction process shown in FIG. 67], and a first threshold value [for example, the upper limit threshold value] is reached by adding the count value; A second threshold value [for example, a lower limit threshold value (“0”)] that is reached by subtracting the count value is provided,
The motor is rotatable until the count value reaches the first threshold value, and stops rotating when the count value reaches the first threshold value [for example, the steps shown in FIG. Sg333], after the count value reaches the first threshold, the rotation remains stopped until the count value reaches the second threshold [for example, step Sg406 shown in FIG. then returns to normal standby state],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine, the rotation time and stop time of the motor can be managed based on the count value of the counter, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the motor and preventing failure of the motor itself or parts around the motor. It is possible to reduce the occurrence of

Note that the amount of one update of the count value may be a positive number or a negative number. When the amount of one update of the count value is a positive number, the first threshold becomes the upper limit threshold, and the second threshold becomes the lower limit threshold. On the other hand, when the amount of one update of the count value is a negative number, the first threshold becomes the lower limit threshold, and the second threshold becomes the upper limit threshold.

Also,
“Equipped with a cooling fan [e.g., air cooling fan] that cools the motor [e.g., the present mill motor],
The absolute value of the amount of one update of the count value while the motor is rotating (e.g., the added value) is such that the cooling fan is smaller than when the cooling fan is normally operating [e.g. During failure [for example, 5m (“50”)] is larger,
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

The rotation time of the motor can be managed in consideration of the cooling by the cooling fan, and the temperature rise of the motor can be suppressed more accurately.

Note that the amount of one update of the count value during rotation of the motor may be a positive number or a negative number.

Further, the absolute value of the amount of one update of the count value while the motor is stopped may be smaller when the cooling fan is out of order than when the cooling fan is operating normally.

Also,
“Equipped with a cooling fan [e.g., air cooling fan] that cools the motor [e.g., the present mill motor],
The absolute value of the one-time update amount of the count value while the motor is stopped (e.g., subtraction value) is smaller than that when the cooling fan is normally operating [e.g., 2n (“10”)]. During failure [for example, n (“5”)] is smaller,
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

The stop time of the motor can be managed in consideration of the cooling by the cooling fan, and the temperature drop of the motor can be managed more accurately.

Note that the amount of one update of the count value while the motor is stopped may be a positive number or a negative number. However, if the amount of one update of the count value while the motor is stopped is a positive number, the amount of one update of the count value while the motor is rotating is also a positive number, If the amount of one update of the count value while the motor is stopped is a negative number, the amount of one update of the count value while the motor is rotating is also a negative number.

Further, a cooling fan [e.g., an air cooling fan] is provided to cool the motor [e.g., the present mill motor], and the absolute value [e.g., an added value] of the amount of one update of the count value while the motor is rotating is The count value is larger when the cooling fan is malfunctioning [for example, 5m ("50")] than when the cooling fan is normally operating [for example, m ("10")], and the count value when the motor is stopped is greater. The absolute value of the one-time update amount [for example, the subtracted value] is larger when the cooling fan is in failure [for example, n ("5")] than when the cooling fan is operating normally [for example, 2n ("10")]. ”)] may be smaller.

Also,
``When the count value is updated by being subtracted, the absolute value of the update amount of the count value at one time is such that the subtraction of the count value starts when the count value reaches the first threshold value. is smaller than when the subtraction of the count value is started before the count value reaches the first threshold;
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

That is, when the amount of one update of the count value is a positive number, the rate of decrease of the count value is such that the count value starts decreasing when the count value reaches the first threshold value. is smaller than if the count value started decreasing before reaching the first threshold.

By scrubbing, the motor can be cooled down over time after reaching the first threshold value.

Also,
"The absolute value of the one-time update amount of the count value is larger when the motor is rotating [e.g., addition value] than when the motor is stopped [e.g., subtraction value],"
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By rubbing, even if the motor generates a large amount of heat due to rotation, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the motor and reduce the possibility of failure of the motor itself or parts around the motor.

Also,
``A display device that displays information on the time required from when the count value reaches the first threshold value until the count value reaches the second threshold value [e.g., split lighting using a circular button LED 151] ] A coffee machine characterized by being equipped with. ”
Also explained.

According to this aspect, it becomes possible to grasp the remaining time until the motor can resume rotation.

In the above description,
``A grinder [e.g. Top Mill 5AM] that grinds coffee beans through a predetermined rotational operation under normal conditions;
An operation unit [for example, reverse rotation button GM52 shown in FIG. 51],
Equipped with
When the grinder is in an abnormal state (for example, a bean jam state) in which the predetermined rotational operation cannot be performed, the grinder performs a reverse rotational operation in the opposite direction to the predetermined rotational operation when the operation section is operated. [For example, step Sg501 shown in FIG. 77] is executed [for example, step Sg501 shown in FIG. 77], but in the normal state, the reverse rotation operation is not performed even if the operating section is operated [for example, step Sg106 shown in FIG. 64, step Sg206 shown in FIG. 65] and step Sg208],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine, even if the operation section is operated by mistake in the normal state, the reverse rotation operation is not performed and the grinding process by the grinder is not adversely affected. On the other hand, in the abnormal state, the reverse rotation operation may be performed in response to the operation of the operating section, and the abnormal state may be resolved.

Note that, when the grinder is in an abnormal state in which it cannot perform the predetermined rotation operation, the operation unit causes the grinder to perform a reverse rotation operation in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotation operation. It is something.

The operating section includes a detection section that detects that the grinder is in the abnormal state, and the operating section is operated to cause the grinder to perform the reverse rotation operation only when the detection section detects the abnormal state. It may also be something that may be performed.

The detection unit may detect the abnormal state based on a current value flowing through the drive unit that causes the predetermined rotational operation, and more specifically, the current value may be a predetermined value [for example, 3A]. The abnormal state may be detected in the above cases.

When the grinder returns to the normal state, the grinder does not perform the reverse rotation operation even if the operating section is operated [for example, step Sg106 shown in FIG. 64, step Sg206 and step Sg208 shown in FIG. 65], and Good too. That is, the operating section may be such that, when the grinder returns to the normal state, the operating section does not cause the grinder to perform the reverse rotation operation even if it is operated.

Also,
``Equipped with a mode transition control unit that controls mode transition of the machine [for example, a processing unit 11a that executes steps Sg205 to Sg209 shown in FIG. 65(A)],
The mode transition control unit causes transition to one mode from among multiple types of modes [for example, normal mode and cupping mode],
In any one of the plurality of modes, the grinder executes the reverse rotation operation when the operating section is operated when the abnormal state occurs [e.g. , step Sg501 shown in FIG. 77],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

It is not that the abnormal state occurs or does not occur due to the plurality of types of modes, but the occurrence of the abnormal state is unrelated to the plurality of types of modes. In any of the modes, if the abnormal state occurs, the reverse rotation operation is performed when the operating section is operated.

The plurality of modes may be operating modes of the machine, and the plurality of modes include, for example, a first mode (normal mode) in which unnecessary substances are separated from ground beans; There is a second mode (cupping mode) in which unnecessary substances are not separated from the cupping mode.

Also,
``The plurality of modes include a normal mode in which unnecessary substances [e.g., chaff, etc.] can be separated from the ground beans ground by the grinder, and a cupping mode in which unnecessary substances are not separated from the ground beans ground by the grinder. contains,
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“When the grinder returns from the abnormal state [e.g., bean jamming state] to the normal state [e.g., normal standby state], the mode transition control unit maintains the mode in which the grinder was in the state before entering the abnormal state. is something,
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Similarly, the abnormal state does not occur or do not occur due to the plurality of types of modes, but the plurality of types of modes and the occurrence of the abnormal state are unrelated, so that the mode transition control unit When the grinder returns to the normal state from the abnormal state, the grinder maintains the mode in which it was in the abnormal state.

The mode transition control unit may be configured to enable mode transition [for example, steps Sg205 to Sg209 shown in FIG. 65(A)] when the grinder returns to the normal state from the abnormal state.

Also,
“The grinder stops the rotation operation if the normal state is not restored even after repeating the reverse rotation operation a predetermined number of times [for example, three times] in the abnormal state [for example, the steps shown in FIG. Reverse rotation is stopped at Sg527 and transition to abnormal state via step Sg530],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

If the abnormal condition is not resolved even after performing the reverse rotation operation the predetermined number of times, it is possible to give up on eliminating the abnormal condition by performing the reverse rotation operation, and to prevent any further load from being applied to the grinder.

In addition, in the abnormal state, the grinder may perform the reverse rotation operation when the operation section is operated, or may not perform the reverse rotation operation even when the operation section is operated. be.

In the above description,
“A first grinder that grinds coffee beans by driving [e.g. Top Mill 5AM],
a separation area [for example, an internal area of the separation chamber forming part 64] for separating unnecessary substances from the ground beans ground by the first grinder;
Equipped with
The separation area is an area that is cleaned by wind pressure while the first grinder is stopped;
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine, it is possible to collect unnecessary substances such as chaff remaining in the separation area, and to peel off unnecessary substances such as chaff that have adhered to the inner peripheral wall of the separation area. Unwanted items can be removed.

The separation area may be a portion that is cleaned by wind pressure caused by intake air, or may be an area that is cleaned by wind pressure caused by blowing air.

This coffee machine may include only the first grinder as a grinder, or may include another grinder in addition to the first grinder.

A passage area (for example, an internal area of the pipe portion 63) connected to the separation area and through which the unnecessary material passes, and the passage area is connected to the separation area when the first grinder is stopped. It may also be an area that is cleaned by wind pressure.

Also,
“A second grinder [e.g., main mill 5BM] disposed downstream of the first grinder,
an intake part [for example, a fan unit 60A having a chaff fan 60A1] that intakes air from the separation area;
Equipped with
The separation area is located between the first grinder and the second grinder, and is an area where unnecessary substances are separated from the ground beans by air intake by the air intake part,
The intake section cleans the separation area by sucking air into the separation area while the first grinder is stopped.
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The intake section cleans the separation area with intake air that is stronger than intake air that separates unnecessary substances from ground beans [for example, intake air with settings 1 to 5] [for example, intake air with a duty ratio of 100%] ,
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By doing this, it is possible to remove unnecessary substances that remain during separation or that cannot be removed during separation.

Also,
``The suction unit does not end the suction even when the first grinder stops, and performs suction to clean the separation area [For example, the chaff fan 60A1 continues to rotate by increasing the suction force without stopping. to do]
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

According to this coffee machine, the time from the stop of the first grinder to the completion of cleaning can be shortened, and since the intake air is not temporarily stopped, energy-saving driving is possible.

Also,
“The second grinder stops after the first grinder stops,
The suction unit performs suction to separate unnecessary materials from ground beans until the second grinder stops, and performs suction to clean the separation area after the second grinder stops. [For example, FIG. 74],
A coffee machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

According to this coffee machine, the time from the end of the grinding process to the completion of cleaning can be shortened.

The configuration of the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment described above can be applied to the coffee bean grinder GM of the first embodiment, and can also be applied to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 etc. can.

Next, a coffee machine system including a coffee machine GM of a second embodiment, a terminal having a display screen such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, and a cloud server will be described. In this coffee machine system, the coffee machine GM and the terminal can communicate via short-range wireless communication for digital devices (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)), and the terminal and the cloud server can communicate via a communication network such as the Internet. communication is possible. Note that, in order to reduce costs, the coffee machine GM of the second embodiment is designed such that it cannot be directly connected to a cloud server via a communication network.

FIG. 80 is a diagram showing the display screen of the terminal.

This FIG. 80(C) shows the coffee machine system GMS. That is, the upper right of FIG. 80(C) shows a coffee machine GM of the same machine type (hereinafter referred to as "A type") as the coffee machine GM of the second embodiment shown in FIG. A coffee machine GM of the same machine type (hereinafter referred to as "B type") as the coffee machine GM of the first embodiment shown in 18 is shown. Further, on the left side, a display screen 181 of the terminal 18 is shown in a large size. The display screen 181 of the terminal 18 is a touch panel. Furthermore, a cloud server 19 connected to the terminal 18 via a communication network 15 such as the Internet is also shown. The connection between the terminal 18 and the coffee machine GM by short-range wireless communication is represented by an open lightning bolt shape (a shape with a circled number 1 and a circled number 3). ing. This short-range wireless communication allows for interconnection with paired coffee machines.

An application program dedicated to the coffee machine system GMS (hereinafter simply referred to as "dedicated application") is installed on the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 80, and a screen of the dedicated application is displayed on the display screen 181. . Note that the dedicated application will be described later using FIG. 86(B).

A display screen 181 of the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 80(A) displays a page when the dedicated application is started for the first time. This page is an online mode page using short-range wireless communication. On the dedicated application screen, icons related to communication status for each communication method are displayed on the upper bar 180a. The leftmost radio wave-shaped icon 1801 is an icon representing the access status to the Internet via Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that it is possible to connect to the Internet via a carrier's network other than via Wi-Fi, and in this case, other icons are displayed. The radio wave type icon 1801 shown in FIG. 80(A) does not have diagonal lines, indicating that it is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. The second lightning-shaped icon 1802 from the left is an icon representing the communication status of short-range wireless communication, and the lightning-shaped icon 1802 shown in FIG. 80(A) also does not have diagonal lines, indicating that short-range wireless communication This indicates that it is in progress. The third icon from the left is a mode icon 1803, which displays "online mode" when short-range wireless communication is being performed, and "offline mode" when short-range wireless communication is not performed. will be displayed. Furthermore, a notification icon 1804 resembling a bell is displayed at the right end of the upper bar 180a. The notification icon 1804 shown in FIG. 80(A) does not display a mark 1804a (see FIG. 85(B)) indicating that a notification has been received.

A registered machine list 1811 and a communicable machine list 1812 are displayed below the upper bar 180a. The registered machine list 1811 displays information on coffee machines GM that have already been registered on the dedicated application. That is, information on the paired coffee machine GM stored in the storage unit (ROM etc.) of the terminal 18 is displayed. Specifically, the machine type (for example, A type) and MAC (Media Access
Control address (for example, 11.22.33.44.55) and the machine serial number (for example, M0001) are displayed. The communicable machine list 1812 displays information on coffee machines GM (machine type and MAC address of the coffee machine GM) that are located within a range where short-range wireless communication is possible but have not been paired yet. .

Tapping the lightning bolt-shaped icon 1802 without diagonal lines switches to offline mode.

FIG. 80(B) is a diagram showing the display screen 181 switched to offline mode. The mode icon 1803 displays "offline mode", and the lightning bolt-shaped icon 1802 has diagonal lines. On the other hand, the radio wave type icon 1801 does not have diagonal lines. In online mode, short-range wireless communication is not performed, but the device is connected to the Internet. On the offline mode display screen 181, a registered machine list 1811 is displayed, but a communicable machine list 1812 is not displayed.

If you tap the lightning bolt-shaped icon 1802 with a diagonal line, it will switch to online mode.

Furthermore, on the dedicated application screen, four icons are displayed on the lower bar 180b. The leftmost connection icon 1806 is used to establish a pairing in short-range wireless communication with a coffee machine GM displayed in the communicable machine list 1812 or to pair with a coffee machine GM displayed in the registered machine list 1811. This icon is operated when canceling the . The target coffee machine is selected by tapping the display of the coffee machine GM in the registered machine list 1811 or the communicable machine list 1812, and the connection icon 1806 is tapped. The display screen 181 switches to a connection page (not shown), and when a coffee machine GM displayed in the registered machine list 1811 is selected, information on the coffee machine GM is displayed on the connection page, and a disconnection icon is displayed. is displayed. When this disconnection icon is tapped, the pairing with this terminal 18 is canceled and the screen returns to the initial startup page shown in FIG. 80(A). The coffee machine whose pairing has been canceled in this way is subsequently deleted from the registered machine list 1811. On the other hand, when a coffee machine GM displayed in the communicable machine list 1812 is selected, pairing with this terminal 18 is established, and information on the coffee machine GM to be paired is displayed on the connection page. . The coffee machine with which the pairing has been established in this way is subsequently added to the registered machine list 1811.

The second current status icon 1807 from the left is an icon for executing acquisition of status information. A desired coffee machine GM is selected from among the coffee machines GM displayed in the registered machine list 1811, and the display of the coffee machine GM (hereinafter referred to as "first selected machine") is tapped. Next, when the current status icon 1807 is tapped in the online mode, the status page of the first selected machine is displayed on the display screen 181.

A status page is displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 80(C). Moreover, as mentioned above, FIG. 80(C) shows the A type coffee machine GM, the B type coffee machine GM, and the cloud server 19, which are included in the coffee machine system GMS.

FIG. 81 is a diagram showing the exchange of various information in the coffee machine system GMS that is executed when the current status icon 1807 displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18 is tapped in the online mode.

This FIG. 81 also shows the coffee machine GM, the terminal 18, and the cloud server 19 included in the coffee machine system GMS.

The information handled by the coffee machine system GMS includes "status information", "cumulative operation value", "operation history", and "abnormality history" of the coffee machine GM.

The "state information" of the coffee machine GM includes the operating states of the coffee machine GM shown in FIG. 63 (initializing state, normal standby state, grinding state, standby state (top mill stopped), standby state (cleaning), Insufficient conditions, bean clogging, and abnormal conditions), coffee machine GM setting value information (for example, chaff fan 60A1 setting value, main mill interval (bean particle size setting value), etc. information), operation mode information ( normal mode, cupping mode), sensor information (e.g., current value of the top mill motor, number of rotation pulses per unit time of the chaff fan motor 60A2, etc.), state information of the operating section (state information of the grind button 150, reverse rotation button GM52 status information), count value information of various counters (for example, information such as count value of G counter), status information of various flags (for example, status information of upper limit threshold reached flag, status information of air cooling fan abnormality flag, etc.) , machine installation environment information (for example, ambient temperature, ambient humidity, etc.), alarm information, etc. The coffee machine GM can output these "status information" to the terminal 18 in response to a request from the terminal 18.

Furthermore, the coffee machine GM manages various cumulative operating values. The "cumulative operating value" of the coffee machine GM includes cumulative energization time, top mill motor drive time, main mill motor drive time, top mill motor bean grinding time, main mill motor bean grinding time, top mill motor bean grinding amount, main mill motor bean Examples include grinding amount, number of grinder operations, chaff fan separation driving time, air cooling fan driving time, number of times the power is turned on, and degree of wear of the main mill blade. The "cumulative operating value" is stored in the storage unit 11b of the coffee machine GM, and like the "status information", the coffee machine GM sends the "cumulative operating value" to the terminal 18 in response to a request from the terminal 18. It is possible to output.

The "operation history" of the coffee machine GM is log information that is recorded in the storage unit 11b of the coffee machine GM every time the grinding process is completed in the coffee machine GM. That is, the operation history is recorded based on the operation of the grind button 150 determined in the determination process in step Sg340 shown in FIG. 70. When recording the operation history, it is recorded for each index with a management number called an index (0 to a predetermined number) associated with the year, month, day, and time. The year, month, day, and time may be the start timing of the grinding process or may be the end timing. The larger the index number, the newer the operation history. When a predetermined number is recorded, it returns to 0 and is overwritten. Specific examples of "operation history" include top mill motor drive time, main mill motor drive time, chaff fan drive time, air cooling fan drive time, top mill motor bean grinding time, main mill motor bean grinding time, top mill motor bean Grinding amount, main mill motor grinding amount, main mill interval (ground bean particle size), chaff fan setting value, chaff fan strength (PWM value), ambient temperature, ambient humidity, presence or absence of origin adjustment of main mill blades, main mill Examples include the degree of blade wear.

The "abnormality history" of the coffee machine GM is a log that is recorded in the storage section 11b of the coffee machine GM in association with the date and time of detection every time the processing section 11a of the coffee machine GM detects an abnormal state. It is information. The "abnormality history" is also recorded with a different index from the "operation history". Examples of abnormal states include abnormal states detected in various abnormality detection processes such as step Sg211 (for example, RAM abnormality, motor current value abnormality when not driven, etc.), and top mill motor current during driving determined in step Sg352. Examples include a state in which the value is abnormal (an abnormal state in which beans are clogged) and a state in which the air cooling fan determined in step Sg338a is abnormal.

Note that the status information regarding the state and situation of the coffee machine GM includes "status information" and "cumulative operation value", and the history information includes "operation history" and "abnormality history". Moreover, the individual device information for each coffee machine GM includes status information and history information.

When the first selected machine is specified and the current status icon 1807 is tapped on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18, the terminal 18 displays the first selected machine (here shown in the upper right corner of FIG. 80(C)), as shown in FIG. A type A coffee machine (GM) is connected by short-range wireless communication, and "status information", "cumulative operation value", "operation history", and "abnormality history" are acquired from the first selected machine. First, the terminal 18 transmits a status update request command to the first selected machine, and upon receiving this command, the first selected machine transmits the current "status information" to the terminal 18. The terminal updates the display content of the status page on the display screen 181 based on the "status information" transmitted from the first selected machine. Next, the terminal 18 transmits a cumulative operating value request command to the first selected machine, and in response to this command, the first selected machine transmits the "accumulated operating value" up to the present to the terminal 18. The terminal 18 stores the "operation cumulative value" transmitted from the first selected machine in the storage unit 186 (see FIG. 86(A)).

On the display screen 181 of the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 80(C), the lightning bolt-shaped icon 1802 does not have a diagonal line, and the mode icon 1803 indicates "online mode". This display screen 181 displays an operating state display 1821 indicating the current operating state of the first selected machine. This operating state display 1821 is displayed based on the operating state information included in the "status information". Below the operation status display 1821, a grind count display 1822 is displayed. This grind count display 1822 is displayed based on the information on the number of grinder operations included in the "operation cumulative value". Below the grind count display 1822, various parameter displays 1823 are displayed. Temperature and humidity are displayed based on the machine installation environment information included in the "status information", and particle size is displayed based on the mill interval of the set value information included in the "status information". , the chaff fan setting value is similarly displayed based on the setting value of the chaff fan 60A1 of the setting value information. The various parameter display 1823 can be scrolled up and down, and by scrolling, other parameters are displayed.

FIG. 82(A) is a diagram showing the display screen 181 on which the abnormal state details page is displayed by tapping the detailed display of the operating state display 1821 shown in FIG. 80(C).

From this abnormal state details page, you can check the cause of the abnormal state. In this example, it can be seen that the causes are an abnormality in the RAM and an abnormality in the current value of the top mill motor during driving.

FIG. 82(B) is a diagram showing the display screen 181 on which the operation information details page is displayed by tapping the next page display icon 1822a of the grind count display 1822 shown in FIG. 80(C).

From this operation information details page, you can check the number of grinds up to the current time of the day, the top mill motor drive time, the main mill motor drive time, and the chaff fan motor drive time. These pieces of information are also displayed based on the information included in the "operating cumulative value", and all of them are cumulative values for that day.

Returning to FIG. 81, the explanation will be continued. The terminal 18 that received the "operation history" then sends an operation history request command to the first selected machine, and upon receiving this command, the first selected machine sends the "operation history" along with the index for the operation history. Send to terminal 18. The terminal 18 stores the transmitted "operation history" in the storage unit 186 for each machine. At this time, the same index for the operation history as the first selected machine is attached and saved for each index. The operation history request command is a command that requests the "operation history" of an index newer than the latest index currently stored for the operation history, and on the first selected machine, the "operation history" of the corresponding index is requested. only is transmitted to the terminal 18. For example, if the operation history request command is a command that requests the "operation history" of an index newer than the index 123, and only up to the "operation history" of the index 123 is stored in the storage unit 11b of the first selected machine, A message is sent to the terminal 18 that there is no "operation history" for the corresponding index. On the other hand, if the "operation history" up to index 130 is stored in the storage unit 11b of the first selected machine, the "operation history" of indexes 124 to 130 is transmitted to the terminal 18. As a result, the terminal 18 stores only the difference between the latest "operation history" stored in the first selected machine and the "operation history" and "operation history" previously stored in the storage section 186. It will be saved in.

The terminal 18 that received the "operation history" then sends an abnormality history request command to the first selected machine, and upon receiving this command, the first selected machine sends the "abnormality history" to the terminal along with the index for the abnormality history. Send to 18. The terminal 18 stores the transmitted "abnormality history" in the storage unit 186 for each machine. At this time, the same abnormality history index as the first selected machine is attached and saved for each index. The abnormality history request command is a command that requests the "abnormality history" of a newer index than the latest currently stored index for abnormality history, and in the first selection machine, the "abnormality history" of the corresponding index is requested. only the information is sent to the terminal 18. As a result, the terminal 18 stores only the difference between the latest "abnormal history" stored in the first selected machine and the "abnormal history" stored in the storage unit 186. It will be saved in section 186.

When the acquisition of the abnormality history is completed, the terminal 18 disconnects short-range wireless communication with the first selected machine.

Although the terminal 18 acquires the information from the first selected machine in the order of "status information", "accumulated operation value", "operation history", and "abnormality history", the information is not limited to this order.

Next, the terminal 18 connects to the cloud server 19 via the Internet, and uploads to the cloud server 19 the information acquired through short-range wireless communication with the first selected machine and stored in the storage unit 186. That is, the terminal 18 uploads the "cumulative operation value" to the cloud server 19 while not communicating with the coffee machine GM, then uploads only the difference in the "operation history", and finally uploads the "abnormality history". Upload only the differences. The uploaded "accumulated operation value", the "operation history" difference, and the "abnormality history" difference are distinguished for each coffee machine GM and stored in the storage unit of the cloud server 19.

The coffee machine system GMS of this embodiment may include a plurality of terminals, and each of the plurality of terminals can individually perform short-range wireless communication with the coffee machine GM. That is, each of the plurality of terminals can perform short-range wireless communication with the coffee machine GM at mutually different timings. As a result, a situation may arise in which the "operation history" and "abnormality history" have already been uploaded to the cloud server 19 from other terminals 18. Since both the terminal 18 and the cloud server 19 are managed using a common index, it is possible to grasp such a situation, and in this case, the "operation history" and " The "abnormal history" is not uploaded, but only the so-called difference information that has not been uploaded yet is uploaded. For example, the own terminal 18 receives both the second information, which is the most recent "operation history" information, and the first information, which is the previous "operation history" information, from the first selection machine. If the first information has already been uploaded to the cloud server 19 from another terminal 18 , the own terminal 18 uploads only the second information to the cloud server 19 .

It is also possible to download "operation history" etc. uploaded from one's own terminal to the cloud server 19 on another person's terminal 18, and the downloaded "operation history" etc. are displayed on the display screen 181 of the other person's terminal 18. It is possible to refer to.

When the storage in the storage unit is completed, the crown server 19 disconnects the Internet connection from the terminal 18.

Although the terminal 18 uploaded to the cloud server 19 in the order of "accumulated operation value", "operation history" difference, and "abnormality history" difference, the order is not limited to this order.

In FIG. 80(C), the connection between the terminal 18 and the type A coffee machine GM shown in the upper right, which is the first selected machine, using short-range wireless communication is represented by the number 1 in a circle, and the connection between the terminal 18 and the Internet The connection to the cloud server 19 via is represented by the number 2 in a circle.

The terminal 18 performs pairing in short-range wireless communication by assembling a series of information transfers such as acquiring various information from the coffee machine GM shown in FIG. 81 and uploading a part of the acquired information to the cloud server 19. If there are a plurality of coffee machines GM that have been established, this set is repeated for each of those coffee machines GM. This set of repetitions continues while the status page is displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18. That is, the above set is repeated unless the page is moved to another page. Even if the "status information" and "cumulative operation value" of the coffee machines GM other than the first selected machine are acquired, the status page of the first selected machine remains displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18. When the terminal 18 acquires information from all coffee machines GM with which pairing has been established, it acquires information from the first selected machine again, and the display screen 181 of the terminal 18 displays the newly acquired "status information". It is updated according to the "operating cumulative value".

Next to the first selection machine, the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 80(C) starts acquiring various information from the type B coffee machine GM shown at the lower right, which is different from the first selection machine. In FIG. 80(C), the connection between the terminal 18 and type B coffee machine GM using short-range wireless communication is represented by the number 3 in a circle, and the coffee machine system GM shown in FIG. 80(C) Now, connect them in the order of the circled numbers.

The coffee machine GM can only communicate one-to-one with the terminal 18. Therefore, while the dedicated application is running, the terminal 18 repeatedly requests connection to the coffee machine GM, and when it connects and acquires necessary information, it immediately disconnects from the coffee machine GM. By immediately disconnecting, the coffee machine GM can respond to a connection request from another terminal. Note that, once a connection is made to a certain terminal 18 and then disconnected, reconnection to that certain terminal 18 may not be possible for a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds).

Furthermore, if a command is not transmitted from the terminal 18 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 minutes), the coffee machine GM forcibly disconnects short-range wireless communication with the terminal 18. If a problem occurs in a certain terminal 18, commands may no longer be transmitted from that certain terminal 18. Further, the certain terminal 18 does not disconnect from the coffee machine GM. In this case, the other terminals have no choice but to wait for the connection between the certain terminal 18 and the coffee machine GM to end. If the coffee machine GM side can forcibly disconnect short-range wireless communication with a certain terminal 18, it is possible to prevent a situation in which communication with other terminals becomes impossible forever.

In the coffee machine system GM of this embodiment, multiple people (for example, staff members in the same store) connect to one coffee machine GM, and update the recorded information in the dedicated application on each terminal to the latest information. . This allows multiple people to share the current status and history information of one coffee machine GM.

Returning to the page shown in FIG. 80(A), select a coffee machine GM other than the first selected machine from among the coffee machine GMs displayed in the registered machine list 1811, and select the coffee machine GM (hereinafter referred to as "first selected machine"). 2 selected machine) and then taps the current status icon 1807 again, the status page of the second selected machine is displayed on the display screen 181.

Note that the display screen 181 may be configured to display the display contents of the status page of the first selected machine and the display contents of the status page of the second selected machine at the same time. By doing this, the current status of the two coffee machines GM can be compared. In addition, in the registered machine list 1811, not only two but three or more coffee machines GM can be selected, and the current status of three or more coffee machines GM can be displayed simultaneously on the display screen 181. Good too.

Furthermore, even in the offline mode, when the current status icon 1807 is tapped, the status page of the first selected machine is displayed on the display screen 181.

FIG. 83 is a diagram showing the display screen 181 on which the status page of the first selected machine in offline mode is displayed.

On the display screen 181 of the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 83, a lightning bolt-shaped icon 1802 has a diagonal line, and a mode icon 1803 indicates "offline mode". In the offline mode, since short-range wireless communication cannot be performed with the coffee machine GM, the terminal 18 cannot acquire either the "status information" or the "cumulative operation value" of the first selected machine. Therefore, in the operating state display 1821, a circular frame display 1821a is displayed with double lines, and nothing is displayed inside. Furthermore, the grind count display 1822 displays bar symbols instead of the number of times, and the various parameter display 1823 also displays bar symbols instead of numerical values.

In addition, in FIG. 83, an open lightning bolt-shaped figure representing a connection by short-range wireless communication is marked with a cross, indicating a non-connection state. On the other hand, the terminal 18 can be connected to the cloud server 19 via the communication network 15 such as the Internet.

The rightmost history icon 1809 in the lower bar 180b displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18 is displayed on the display screen 181 with the "operation" icon stored in the storage unit 186 of the terminal 18 (see FIG. 86(A)). This icon displays history information based on "history" and "abnormal history." When this history icon 1809 is tapped, the log page of the coffee machine GM already registered on the dedicated application is displayed on the display screen 181.

A log page is displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 82(C). Moreover, FIG. 82(C) shows an A-type coffee machine GM and a cloud server 19 included in the coffee machine system GMS. The cloud server 19 is connected to the terminal 18 via a communication network 15 such as the Internet. While the log page is displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18, the short-range wireless communication with the coffee machine GM is turned off (no connection). In FIG. 82C, a white lightning bolt-shaped figure representing a connection by short-range wireless communication is marked with a cross, indicating a non-connection state. On the other hand, the terminal 18 can be connected to the cloud server 19 via the communication network 15 such as the Internet.

On the log page, a registered machine selection field 1831 is displayed at the top, a log type selection field 1832 is displayed below that, and a search period input field 1833 is displayed further below. The storage unit 186 of the terminal 18 stores information about coffee machines GM for which pairing has been established. The registered machine selection field 1831 is a pull-down menu, and a list of serial numbers of coffee machines GM stored in the storage unit 186 of the terminal 18 is displayed in the pull-down menu. The log type selection field 1832 is also a pull-down menu, and either "abnormal history" or "grind history" can be selected. The "abnormal history" that can be selected in the log type selection field 1832 is the above-mentioned "abnormal history" recorded in the storage unit 11b of the coffee machine GM, and as explained using FIG. It is also recorded in the storage unit 186 of No. 18. "Grind history" that can be selected in the log type selection field 1832 is the product number of the main mill blades (fixed blade 57b and rotary blade 58b) in the above-mentioned "operation history" recorded in the storage unit 11b of the coffee machine GM. (a number indicating the type and shape of the blade), along with evaluations and comments described later, and are recorded in the storage unit 186 of the terminal 18 and the storage unit of the cloud server 19. The search period input field 1833 is a field for inputting the period of history to be displayed in the history list display section 1835 provided at the bottom of the log page.

An update icon 1836 is displayed between the search period input field 1833 and the history list display section 1835. When the selection in the registered machine selection field 1831 and the log type selection field 1832 is completed, and the input in the search period input field 1833 is completed, tap the update icon 1836 to display the history that satisfies the conditions specified in these three fields. If the information is already stored in the storage unit 186 of the terminal 18, the history information is read from the storage unit 186 of the terminal 18 and displayed on the history list display unit 1835, one line per item. On the other hand, if the history information that satisfies the conditions specified in these three fields is not stored in the storage unit 186 of the terminal 18, the terminal 18 connects to the cloud server 19 via the Internet and the storage unit of the cloud server 19 From there, history information that satisfies the conditions specified in these three fields is acquired, and the acquired history information is stored in the storage unit 186 of the terminal 18 and displayed on the history list display unit 1835, one line per item.

Although the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 82(C) is in online mode, the log page is displayed even in offline mode, and when you tap the update icon 1836, the log page is saved from the storage unit 186 of the terminal 18 as in the online mode. Either read the history information and display it on the history list display section 1835, or if it is not stored in the storage section 186 of the terminal 18, connect to the cloud server 19 via the Internet and read the history information from the storage section of the cloud server 19. The information is acquired, and the acquired history information is stored in the storage unit 186 of the terminal 18 and displayed on the history list display unit 1835.

Below the history list display section 1835, a forward icon 1836a and a backward icon 1836b are displayed. In the history list display section 1835, older history information is displayed higher. When you tap the forward icon 1836a once, the history information on the top line disappears, and new history information is newly displayed on the bottom line next to the history information that was previously displayed on the bottom line. be done. Also, if you tap the back icon 1836b once, the history information on the bottom line disappears, and the history information that is one year older than the history information displayed on the top line until then is displayed on the top line. A new one will be displayed.

In the log page in FIG. 82(C), "Abnormal History" is selected, and the history list display section 1835 displays the date and time of the occurrence of the abnormality and the abnormal The type is displayed. By tapping the next page display icon 1835a displayed at the right end of each line, an unillustrated abnormality history detail page is displayed, allowing more detailed information to be obtained.

FIG. 84(A) is a diagram showing a display screen 181 on which a log page with "grind history" selected is displayed.

In the history list display section 1835 of the log page in FIG. 84(A), the history information of "grind history" is displayed line by line, including the date and time when grinding was performed, chaff fan setting value, and main mill interval. (Particle size of ground beans) and the product numbers of the fixed blade and rotary blade of this mill are displayed. Further, an evaluation column 1835b is provided on the right side thereof. In the grind history on the bottom line of the history list display section 1835 of the log page in FIG. 84(A), the product numbers of the fixed blade and rotary blade of this mill are displayed as bar symbols instead of numbers, and are not entered. be. Furthermore, the evaluation column 1835b is blank, and no evaluation has been performed yet.

By tapping the next page display icon 1835a displayed at the right end of each row, the grind history details page is displayed.

FIG. 84(B) is a diagram showing the display screen 181 on which the grind history details page is displayed.

The grind history details page shown in FIG. 84(B) is a page displayed by tapping the next page display icon 1835a in the bottom line of the history list display section 1835 of the log page shown in FIG. 84(A). be.

The grind history details page shows the date and time of the grind, chaff fan settings, main mill interval, and part numbers of the fixed blade and rotary blade of this mill (main mill blade), as well as the ambient temperature, Ambient humidity and mill motor drive time are also displayed. In addition to the ratings, comments are also displayed.

On this grind history details page, you can enter the product number, evaluation, and comments of this mill blade. The input field 1837 for the product number of the mill blade is a pull-down menu. Multiple types of mill blade part numbers are registered in advance on the dedicated application.

The evaluation input field 1838 is also a pull-down menu.

Authorization is required to enter the product number, ratings, and comments for this mill blade. Authority should be given to the person who performed the grind included in the "operation history" when the "operation history" is recorded in the storage unit 11b of the coffee machine GM. For example, a password may be given as the authority. The password may be an index number. The operator of the terminal 18 can know the password when the terminal 18 acquires the "operation history" as described using FIG. 81. A password is required from anyone making input on this grind history details page. The person making the input answers the password that they learned when acquiring the operation history, and then enters the information. Only when the passwords match will the pull-down options in the pull-down menu be enabled. The part number of the main mill blade is entered by selecting the part number of the main mill blade from the pull-down menu. The evaluation is entered by selecting either a circle or a cross from the pull-down menu. The evaluation here is an evaluation regarding grinding (for example, an evaluation regarding ground beans or an evaluation regarding the coffee machine GM (grinding device 5)). The circle mark is selected on the grind history details page shown in FIG. 84(B). A comment is entered by entering a comment regarding the grind in a comment entry field 1839. Only when the passwords match, input to the comment input field 1839 is allowed. In this example, comments regarding the taste of the coffee beverage extracted from ground beans are input, but comments regarding the operability of the grinding device 5 of the coffee machine GM may also be input.

In the coffee machine system GMS, which only includes the A type coffee machine GM, the A type coffee machine GM does not have an input means to reduce costs, and the items entered on the grind history details page are , can only be entered on the grind history details page. The information entered on the grind history details page is uploaded to the cloud server 19 via the Internet by tapping the upload icon 1830 provided at the bottom right of the page. The cloud server 19 adds the uploaded information to the storage area of the corresponding "operation history" index and stores it. As a result, it is also possible to download information such as the product number, evaluation, and comments of this mill blade that you uploaded from your own terminal to the cloud server 19 on another person's terminal 18, and this downloaded information can be used by another person. It can be referenced on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18.

Note that the input field using a pull-down menu may be an input field using direct input, and conversely, the input field using direct input may be an input field using a pull-down menu.

In the coffee machine system GMS of this embodiment, for example, even if the owner of the terminal 18 is in a location far from the store where the coffee machine GM is installed, the owner of the terminal 18 can connect to the cloud server 19 via the Internet, The grind history stored in the cloud server 19 can be referred to.

Next, the second setting icon 1808 from the right in the lower bar 180b displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18 will be explained.

The dedicated application has a notification function. The settings icon 1808 is an icon used when making settings for this notification function. When the settings icon 1808 is tapped, a notification settings page (not shown) is displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18. On the notification settings page, you can select whether to allow each notification.

FIG. 85(A) is a table summarizing notification timing and notification content for each notification.

Each notification is a notification of the result of a judgment process based on "status information", "cumulative operation value", "operation history", and "abnormality history" obtained from the coffee machine GM, or a notification based on the result of the judgment process. It may be a warning or a warning.

The "body cleaning" notification is the result of the processing unit 185 (see FIG. 86(A)) of the terminal 18 determining the number of grinder operations included in the acquired "operation cumulative value". Every time the grinder operates a predetermined number of times (for example, every 10 times), a notification such as "Please clean the main body" is made on the dedicated application. Note that the predetermined number of times may be set on a notification setting page (not shown).

The "Login" notification will be sent when there is a connection from the terminal 18 to the coffee machine GM via short-range wireless communication, as explained using Figure 81, "Mr. A has connected to ○○○○○". Such notifications are made on a dedicated application. ○○○○○ is a serial number attached to each coffee machine GM.

The notification of "abnormality" is a notification based on the abnormal state of the coffee machine GM included in the acquired "abnormality history". This "abnormality" notification is made on the dedicated application as a notification such as "XX abnormality has occurred."

The notification of "clogged beans" is based on the current value of the top mill motor, which is one of the sensor information included in the acquired "abnormality history", and the processing unit 185 of the terminal 18 determines that the value is abnormal. You will be notified in case. In this case, a notification such as "Bean clogging has occurred" is issued on the dedicated application.

The notification of "this mill interval" is based on the value of this mill interval included in the most recent "operation history" that has been obtained, and the value of this mill interval included in the "operation history" immediately before that. This is a notification when the processing unit 185 of the terminal 18 determines that the regular mill interval has been changed. For example, a notification such as "The mill interval setting has been changed from 2-2 to 3-4" is made on the dedicated application. "2-2" is the notation of the scale of the manual setting disc dial 695 before the change, and "3-4" is the notation of the scale of the manual setting disc dial 695 after the change. For example, the display of "3-4" means that the manual setting disk dial 695 has been set to the fourth minor scale between the third major scale and the fourth major scale.

The "chuff fan setting value" notification is based on the chaff fan setting value included in the most recent acquired "operation history" and the chaff fan setting value included in the previous "operation history". Based on this, the processing unit 185 of the terminal 18 determines that the setting value of the chaff fan has been changed. For example, a notification such as "Chuff fan setting value has been changed from 1 to 3" is made on the dedicated application. The display of "1→3" means that the setting value has been changed from 1 to 3.

Note that notifications such as "Regular Mill Interval" and "Chuff Fan Setting Value" do not combine the current information included in "Status Information" and the past information included in "Operation History". There may be cases where a comparison is made to make a determination.

"Blade replacement" notification is based on the product number of the main mill blade included in the acquired "operation history" when the product number of the main mill blade is entered on the grind history details page shown in Figure 84 (B). This is a notification when the processing unit 185 of the terminal 18 determines that the main mill blades (fixed blade 57b and rotary blade 58b) have been changed. In this case, a notification such as ``The blade has been replaced. Please perform origin adjustment'' is issued on the dedicated application.

The "origin adjustment" notification is issued when the processing unit 185 of the terminal 18 determines that the origin adjustment has been performed based on the history of whether or not the origin adjustment of the mill blade has been performed, which is included in the acquired "operation history". It becomes a notification. In this case, a notification such as "origin adjustment has been performed" is issued on the dedicated application.

The "blade update" notification is sent by the processing unit 185 of the terminal 18 to replace the main mill blades (fixed blade 57b and rotary blade 58b) based on the main mill motor bean grinding time included in the acquired "operation cumulative value". This will be a notification when it is determined that it is necessary. For example, if the grinding time of this mill motor exceeds 1000 hours, it is determined that the blade needs to be replaced. In this case, a notification will be sent on the dedicated application saying, ``It's time to replace the blade. Please contact maintenance support.'' The mill motor bean grinding time is calculated by calculating the current value of the mill motor during idling and the current value of the mill motor during bean grinding from the drive time of the mill motor, which includes the time during idling and the time during bean grinding. This is a value calculated by the processing unit 11a of the coffee machine GM based on the difference.

The "overhaul" notification is a notification when the processing unit 185 of the terminal 18 determines that maintenance of the entire machine is necessary based on the cumulative energization time included in the acquired "cumulative operation value." In this case, a notification will be sent on the dedicated application stating, ``Maintenance is required. Please contact maintenance support.'' For example, if the cumulative energization time exceeds 36,000 hours, it is determined that the entire machine requires maintenance.

The notification of "chuff fan motor replacement" is issued when the processing unit 185 of the terminal 18 determines that the chaff fan motor needs to be replaced based on the chaff fan separation drive time included in the acquired "operation cumulative value". will be notified. In this case, a notification such as ``It's time to replace the chaff fan motor. Please contact maintenance support'' will be sent on the dedicated application. Note that the correction value of the PWM value of the chaff fan motor explained using FIG. 62 is saved as an "operation history", and from this correction value, the processing unit 185 of the terminal 18 can confirm that the correction has been made to the limit. You may be notified when a determination is made.

When the various notifications described above are made, a mark indicating that a notification has arrived is displayed on the notification icon 1804 resembling a bell displayed at the right end of the upper bar 180a displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18. 1804a is displayed. When the notification icon 1804 on which this mark 1804a is displayed is tapped, a notification page is displayed on the display screen 181 of the terminal 18.

FIG. 85(B) is a diagram showing the display screen 181 on which the notification page is displayed.

A notification list display section 1841 is displayed on the notification page shown in FIG. 85(B). A type icon is displayed at the left end of the notification list display section 1841. On the top line, a warning icon 1841a is displayed, and a notification saying "Bean clogging abnormality has occurred" is displayed as an "abnormal" notification along with the date and time when the abnormality was detected. . Note that the abnormal bean jam state is an abnormal state that transitions to when it is detected in step Sg529 shown in FIG. 78 that the reverse rotation retry counter has reached a predetermined value.

A caution icon 1841b is displayed in the second row from the top of the notification list display section 1841, and a notification of "clogged beans" is displayed together with the date and time when the clogged beans were detected. Note that the bean jam may be resolved by reverse rotation of the top mill motor as described above, and if it is not resolved, the bean jam abnormality described above will occur.

A caution icon 1841b is also displayed in the third row from the top of the notification list display section 1841, and a notification of "chuff fan setting value" is displayed.

Guide icons 1841c are displayed in the bottom two rows of the notification list display section 1841, and both of them display a "login" notification.

Further, at the upper right of the notification list display section 1841, a batch deletion icon 1842 is displayed that allows notifications displayed in the notification list display section 1841 to be deleted all at once. Note that it is also possible to individually delete notifications displayed in the notification list display section 1841.

In the above description,
"A coffee machine [for example, coffee machine GM] equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, the grinding device 5],
a terminal [for example, terminal 18] that has a display section [for example, display screen 181] and can communicate with the coffee machine;
A coffee machine system comprising:
The coffee machine stores status information representing the state of the grinder [for example, information including "state information" and "cumulative operation value"],
The terminal acquires first status information representing the state of the coffee machine at a first timing from the coffee machine, and displays a first display based on the first status information on the display unit [for example, FIG. 80(C)] is displayed.
The terminal is capable of acquiring second status information representing the state of the coffee machine at a second timing subsequent to the first timing from the coffee machine, and when acquiring the second status information, , updating the display on the display unit from the first display to a second display based on the second status information;
A coffee machine system [for example, a coffee machine system GMS] characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine system, the state of the coffee machine at different timings such as the first timing and the second timing can be grasped on the display section of the terminal.

FIG. 86(A) is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal 18.

The processing unit 185 shown in FIG. 86(A) includes, for example, a CPU, and controls the terminal 18 in an integrated manner. The operation of the terminal 18 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the processing unit 185 loading a program stored in the storage unit 186 into the memory 187 and executing it. The memory 187 is also used as a working memory of the CPU of the processing unit 185. The storage unit 186 stores an operating system (OS) 186a that is a basic control program for operating the terminal 18, various application programs 186b including dedicated applications, data, parameters, and the like. Furthermore, various databases 186c are constructed in the storage unit 186. Examples include a database of "operation history" recorded with an index, and a database of "abnormality history" recorded with an index different from the index of operation history.

The communication interface (I/F) 188 is configured according to a communication network medium such as short-range wireless communication or the Internet. The display section 181a and the operation section 181b constitute a touch panel display screen 181.

The units 185 to 188 shown in FIG. 86(A) are connected to each other via a bus 189.

FIG. 86(B) is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an application program (dedicated application) dedicated to the coffee machine system GMS installed in the storage unit 186 shown in FIG. 86(A).

This dedicated application 1861 includes an acquisition section 1861a, a determination section 1861b, a display control section 1861c, an upload section 1861d, and a download section 1861e.

The terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A) is capable of communicating with the coffee machine GM shown in FIG. A coffee machine system program (dedicated application shown in FIG. 86(B)) installed on the terminal 18,
On the terminal,
an acquisition unit 1861a that acquires first status information representing the state of the coffee machine at a first timing from the coffee machine;
a display control unit 1861c that causes the display unit to display a first display based on the first status information;
Build and
The acquisition unit 1861a can acquire, from the coffee machine, second status information representing the state of the coffee machine at a second timing subsequent to the first timing,
When the acquisition unit acquires the second status information, the display control unit 1861c updates the display on the display unit from the first display to a second display based on the second status information.
A program for a coffee machine system characterized by: ”
is installed.

FIG. 86(C) is a flowchart showing the flow of the status information display method executed by the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A).

The terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A) displays the status information based on the status information representing the status of the grinder in the coffee machine GM equipped with the grinder (grinding device 5) that grinds coffee beans, as shown in FIG. 86(C). A status information display method for displaying on a display section, the method comprising:
a first acquisition step St10 of acquiring first status information representing the state of the coffee machine at a first timing from the coffee machine;
a display step St11 that causes the display unit to display a first display based on the first status information acquired in the first acquisition step;
a second acquisition step St12 of acquiring, from the coffee machine, second status information representing the state of the coffee machine at a second timing subsequent to the first timing;
an updating step St13 of updating the first display displayed on the display unit to a second display based on the second status information acquired in the second acquisition step;
A status information display method comprising: ”
is being executed.

Also,
``Includes a plurality of said coffee machines,
The terminal is capable of displaying, on the display unit, a display based on the status information for each of the plurality of coffee machines [for example, the first selected machine and the second selected machine],
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The terminal displays, on the display unit, a display based on the status information of one of the plurality of coffee machines [for example, type A coffee machine GM shown in the upper right corner of FIG. 80(C)]. status information of the other coffee machine can be obtained from the other coffee machine among the plurality of coffee machines [for example, type B coffee machine GM shown in the lower right of FIG. 80(C)]. is something,
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The terminal is capable of displaying, on the display unit, a display based on status information of one or more coffee machines selected from among the plurality of coffee machines [e.g., a first selection machine and a second selection machine]. is,
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Further, the display control unit 1861c shown in FIG. 86(B) may be capable of causing the display unit to display a display based on the status information for each of the plurality of coffee machines.

Further, the acquisition unit 1861a shown in FIG. 86(B) is configured to display a plurality of coffee machines in a state where the display unit is displaying a display based on the status information of one of the coffee machines. It may also be possible to obtain status information from another coffee machine among the machines.

Further, the display control unit 1861c shown in FIG. 86(B) can cause the display unit to display a display based on status information of one or more coffee machines selected from among the plurality of coffee machines. It may be something.

Further, the display step St11 shown in FIG. 86(C) may be a step that allows the display unit to display a display based on the status information for each of the plurality of coffee machines.

Further, the display step St11 shown in FIG. 86(C) is a step in which the display unit can display a display based on status information of one or more coffee machines selected from among the plurality of coffee machines. It may be.

In the above description,
"A coffee machine [for example, coffee machine GM] equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, the grinding device 5],
a terminal [for example, terminal 18] that has a display section [for example, display screen 181] and can communicate with the coffee machine;
A coffee machine system comprising:
The coffee machine stores individual device information regarding the coffee machine,
The individual device information includes status information representing the state of the grinder [for example, information including "status information" and "cumulative operation value"] and history information of the grinder [for example, information including "operation history" and "abnormality history"]. information containing]
The terminal acquires the individual device information from the coffee machine, and executes a determination process based on the acquired individual device information [e.g., a process to determine the number of times the machine has been clapped for notification of "main body cleaning", notification of "abnormality" Therefore, processing for determining whether the operating state of the coffee machine GM in the "status information" includes an abnormal state, and determining whether the current value of the top mill motor is an abnormal value for notification of "bean clogging" processing, processing for determining whether the regular mill interval has been changed for notification of "regular mill interval"; processing for determining whether the chaff fan setting value has been changed for notification of "chuff fan setting value"; Processing to determine whether the main mill blade has been changed for notification of "blade replacement"; processing to determine whether cumulative energization time exceeds a predetermined time for notification of "overhaul"; Processing to determine whether the chaff fan separation drive time for notification exceeds a predetermined time, etc.]
The terminal displays the result of the determination process [for example, the notification list display section 1841 on the notification page shown in FIG. 85(B)] on the display unit.
A coffee machine system [for example, a coffee machine system GMS] characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine system, the terminal performs the determination process and displays the result of the determination process on the display section, so that the individual device information regarding the coffee machine is effectively utilized.

The determination process may be, for example, a process of determining whether or not maintenance of the coffee machine is required, or whether the coffee machine is in an abnormal state (a state in which a breakdown or an error has occurred). It may be a process for determining whether or not the coffee machine has been changed, or it may be a process for determining whether or not the settings of the coffee machine have been changed.

In addition, the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A) is capable of communicating with the coffee machine GM shown in FIG. A coffee machine system program (dedicated application shown in FIG. 86(B)) installed in the terminal 18 having the
On the terminal,
an acquisition unit 1861a that acquires individual device information including status information representing the state of the grinder and history information of the grinder from the coffee machine;
a determination unit 1861b that performs determination processing based on the individual device information acquired by the acquisition unit;
a display control unit 1861c that causes the display unit to display the result of the determination process;
A program for a coffee machine system, which is characterized in that it builds. ”
is installed.

FIG. 87(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the information processing method executed by the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A).

In the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A), an information processing method based on individual equipment information regarding a coffee machine GM equipped with a grinder (grinding device 5) for grinding coffee beans, as shown in FIG.
The individual device information is information including status information representing the state of the grinder and history information of the grinder,
an acquisition step St20 of acquiring the individual device information from the coffee machine;
a determination step St21 in which a determination process is performed based on the individual device information acquired in the acquisition step;
An information processing method comprising: a display step St22 of displaying the result of the determination process on the display unit. ”
is being executed.

Also,
“The terminal may perform multiple types of determination processing based on the acquired individual device information, and display the results of the multiple types of determination processing [for example, the notification page shown in FIG. 85(B)] on the display unit. Notice list display section 1841] can be displayed.
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``The terminal displays first history information [for example, the timing of the previous "operation history"] of the grinder at a first timing [for example, the timing of the "operation history" immediately before the most recent "operation history"]. ”], and obtain second history information of the grinder [for example, the most recent “operation history”] at a second timing after the first timing [for example, the timing of the most recent “operation history”] can be acquired, and a determination process is performed based on the first history information and the second history information [for example, determination process for notification of "main mill interval", notification of "chuff fan setting value"] [judgment processing for]
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``Includes a cloud server [e.g., cloud server 19] that is accessible from the terminal,
The terminal stores information including at least the history information among the individual device information acquired from the coffee machine in the cloud server [for example, "cumulative operation value", difference in "operation history", difference in "abnormality history"] ] that can be uploaded,
The cloud server stores information uploaded from the terminal,
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``Includes a cloud server [e.g., cloud server 19] that is accessible from the terminal,
The terminal stores information including at least the history information among the individual device information acquired from the coffee machine in the cloud server [for example, "cumulative operation value", difference in "operation history", difference in "abnormality history"] ] that can be uploaded,
The cloud server stores information uploaded from the terminal,
The terminal receives both the first history information [e.g., "operation history" immediately before the most recent "operation history"] and the second history information [e.g., the most recent "operation history"]. Even if the cloud server has already stored the first history information [for example, when it has been uploaded by another terminal], the first history information will be stored in the cloud server. The second history information [for example, so-called difference information] is uploaded without uploading the information.
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“The terminal uploads information including at least the history information, out of the individual device information acquired from the coffee machine, to the cloud server when it is not communicating with the coffee machine [for example, as shown in FIG. 81],
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Further, the determination unit 1861b shown in FIG. 86(B) may perform multiple types of determination processing based on the acquired individual device information,
The display control unit 1861c shown in FIG. 86(B) may be capable of displaying the results of the plurality of types of determination processing on the display unit.

Further, the acquisition unit 1861a shown in FIG. 86(B) acquires first history information of the grinder at a first timing, and acquires first history information of the grinder at a second timing after the first timing. It is possible to obtain the second history information,
The determination unit 1861b shown in FIG. 86(B) may perform determination processing based on the first history information and the second history information.

Further, the program for a coffee machine system is characterized in that an upload unit is constructed in the terminal to be capable of uploading information including at least the history information among the individual device information acquired by the acquisition unit to a cloud server. It may be.

Further, the uploading unit may be arranged such that even if the acquiring unit has acquired both the first historical information and the second historical information, the cloud server has already stored the first historical information. In such a case, the second history information may be uploaded to the cloud server without uploading the first history information.

The upload unit may upload information including at least the history information, of the individual device information acquired by the acquisition unit, to the cloud server when not communicating with the coffee machine. good.

The information processing method further comprises an uploading step of uploading information including at least the history information among the individual device information acquired in the acquisition step St20 shown in FIG. 87(A) to a cloud server. It's okay.

Further, the upload step may be a step executed before the judgment step St21, a step executed after the judgment step St21, or a step executed after the display step St22. may be a step executed before the display step St22, or may be a step executed after the display step St22.

Furthermore, even if both the first history information and the second history information are acquired, the uploading step may be performed if the cloud server has already stored the first history information. , the second history information may be uploaded to the cloud server without uploading the first history information.

The uploading step is a step of uploading information including at least the history information among the individual device information acquired in the acquisition step St20 to the cloud server when the coffee machine is not communicating with the coffee machine. Good too.

In the above description,
"A coffee machine [for example, coffee machine GM] equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, the grinding device 5],
a plurality of terminals [for example, terminal 18] each having a display section [for example, display screen 181] and capable of communicating with the coffee machine;
a cloud server [for example, cloud server 19] that can be accessed from the plurality of terminals;
A coffee machine system comprising:
One of the plurality of terminals acquires individual device information regarding the coffee machine from the coffee machine and displays the acquired individual device information on the display section,
The individual device information includes status information representing the state of the grinder [for example, information including "status information" and "cumulative operation value"] and history information of the grinder [for example, information including "operation history" and "abnormality history"]. information containing]
The one terminal is capable of uploading information including at least the history information among the individual device information acquired from the coffee machine to the cloud server,
The cloud server stores information uploaded from the one terminal [for example, "cumulative operation value", difference in "operation history", difference in "abnormality history"],
Among the plurality of terminals, a terminal other than the one terminal [for example, one's own terminal] [for example, another person's terminal] is stored in the cloud server and uploaded from the one terminal. The information can be downloaded, and the information downloaded from the cloud server is displayed on the display section of the other terminal [for example, the grind history details page shown in FIG. 84(B)];
A coffee machine system [for example, a coffee machine system GMS] characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this coffee machine system, since the one terminal and the other terminal can share the same information via the cloud server, it is possible to effectively utilize information regarding the coffee machine in each of the plurality of terminals. can.

In addition, the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A) is capable of communicating with the coffee machine GM shown in FIG. A coffee machine system program (dedicated application shown in FIG. 86(B)) installed in the terminal 18 having the
On the terminal,
an acquisition unit 1861a that acquires individual device information including status information representing the state of the grinder and history information of the grinder from the coffee machine;
an upload unit 1861d that uploads information including at least the history information among the individual device information acquired by the acquisition unit to a cloud server;
a download unit 1861e that downloads information related to the coffee machine that is stored in the cloud server and uploaded from another terminal;
a display control unit 1861c that causes the display unit to display information regarding the coffee machine downloaded by the download unit and uploaded from the another terminal;
A program for a coffee machine system, which is characterized in that it builds. ”
is installed.

Note that the information regarding the coffee machine that was uploaded from the other terminal is information that was first uploaded by this terminal to the cloud server, then downloaded by the other terminal, and then re-uploaded to the cloud server. Good too.

Further, constructing an input unit for inputting additional information to the download information regarding the coffee machine downloaded by the download unit and uploaded from the another terminal,
The upload unit may upload information obtained by adding the additional information to the download information to the cloud server.

FIG. 87(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of the information display method executed by the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A).

In the terminal 18 shown in FIG. 86(A), the information display method shown in FIG. 87(B) is used to display on the display unit individual device information regarding the coffee machine GM equipped with a grinder (grinding device 5) for grinding coffee beans. There it is,
The individual device information is information including status information representing the state of the grinder and history information of the grinder,
an acquisition step St30 of acquiring the individual device information from the coffee machine;
an upload step St31 of uploading information including at least the history information among the individual device information acquired in the acquisition step to a cloud server;
a download step St32 of downloading information about the coffee machine stored in the cloud server and uploaded from another terminal;
An information display method comprising a display step St33 of displaying information regarding the coffee machine downloaded by the download unit and uploaded from the another terminal on the display unit. ”
is being executed.

Note that the information regarding the coffee machine that was uploaded from the other terminal is information that was first uploaded by this terminal to the cloud server, then downloaded by the other terminal, and then re-uploaded to the cloud server. Good too.

an input step St34 of inputting additional information to the download information regarding the coffee machine downloaded in the download step and uploaded from the another terminal;
The method may further include a second upload step St35 of uploading information obtained by adding the additional information to the download information to the cloud server.

Also,
“Each of the plurality of terminals can communicate individually with the coffee machine, and the coffee machine receives a first timing [for example, the timing of the “operation history” immediately before the most recent “operation history”]. ], the first history information [for example, the previous "operation history"] of the grinder is acquired, and the second timing after the first timing [for example, the timing of the most recent "operation history"] is obtained. ] is capable of acquiring second history information [e.g., the most recent "operation history"] of the grinder;
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“Each of the plurality of terminals communicates with the coffee machine at different timings,
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
“Each of the plurality of terminals has the first history information [e.g., the “operation history” immediately before the most recent “operation history”] and the second history information [e.g., the most recent “operation history”] ] Even if the cloud server has already stored the first history information [for example, when it was uploaded by another terminal], the cloud server will have the first history information stored. The first history information is not uploaded, but the second history information [for example, so-called difference information] is uploaded,
The cloud server stores the uploaded second history information,
Among the plurality of terminals, a terminal different from the terminal that uploaded the second history information to the cloud server is capable of downloading the second history information stored in the cloud server.
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``If there is no communication from the one terminal for a predetermined period of time [for example, 3 minutes] while the coffee machine is connected to the one terminal [for example, while connected by near-field wireless communication], the coffee machine connects with the one terminal. which disconnects the
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which communication with the other terminals becomes impossible due to a malfunction of the one terminal.

Also,
“The one terminal is capable of uploading grind-related information including at least the history information among the individual device information acquired from the coffee machine to the cloud server,
The grind-related information includes information [e.g., the product number, evaluation, and comment of the mill blade entered on the grind history details page shown in FIG. 84(B)] that is input from the one terminal. , information including "operation history", "abnormality history", and input information on the grind history detail page],
The cloud server stores the grind-related information uploaded from the one terminal,
Among the plurality of terminals, a terminal other than the one terminal is capable of downloading the grind-related information uploaded from the one terminal and stored in the cloud server, and is capable of downloading the grind-related information uploaded from the one terminal. Displaying the grind-related information downloaded from the cloud server on the display section of the another terminal;
A coffee machine system characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Further, the acquisition unit shown in FIG. 86(B) acquires first history information of the grinder at a first timing from the coffee machine 1861a, and acquires first history information of the grinder at a first timing from the coffee machine, and acquires first history information of the grinder at a second timing after the first timing. The second history information of the grinder may be acquired.

Further, the upload unit 1861d shown in FIG. 86(B) allows the cloud server to access the If the first history information is already stored, the second history information may be uploaded to the cloud server without uploading the first history information.

Further, the acquisition step St30 shown in FIG. 87(B) acquires first history information of the grinder at a first timing from the coffee machine, and acquires first history information of the grinder at a first timing from the coffee machine, and at a second timing after the first timing. The step may be a step of acquiring second history information of the grinder.

Further, in the upload step St31 shown in FIG. 87(B), even if both the first history information and the second history information are acquired in the acquisition step St30, the cloud server If the first history information is already stored, the step may be to upload the second history information to the cloud server without uploading the first history information.

The coffee machine system GMS described above can include the coffee bean grinder GM of the first embodiment in addition to the coffee bean grinder GM of the second embodiment, and can also include the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 etc. can be included.

The present invention is not limited to the several embodiments and examples shown above, and these contents can be combined with each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and parts may be modified depending on the purpose etc. may be changed accordingly. Furthermore, the individual terms described in this specification are merely used for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the strict meanings of the terms. It may also include equivalents thereof. For example, expressions such as "device" and "section" may be translated into "unit" and "module".

1 Beverage manufacturing device 2 Bean processing device 3 Extraction device 4 Storage device 401 Canister storage unit 402 Hopper unit 403 Funnel unit 404 Measuring unit 5 Grinding device 5A First grinder 5AM Top mill 57a Fixed blade 58a Rotary blade 5B Second grinder 5BM Main mill 57b Fixed blade 58b Rotary blade 6 Separation device 6A Suction unit 6B Forming unit 6C Guide passage 60 Suction unit 60A Chuff fan unit 60A1 Chaff fan 60A2 Chuff fan motor 60B Collection container 60Bo Outer case 60Bi Inner case 6io Opening 691 Worm wheel 640 Lock lever 641 Gear lock section 691g Gear section 695 Disc dial for manual setting 696 Knob dial for fine adjustment 698 Lever member 7 Fluid supply unit 9 Extraction container 11 Control device 11a Processing section 12 Information display device 17 Mobile terminal GM Coffee bean grinder GM10 Center casing GM11 Option mounting part GM20 Bean outlet GM21 Lid unit GM22 Guide path forming member GM51 Power switch GM52 Reverse rotation button PF Porter filter PFb Basket H1 Hammer mechanism H10 Hammer H12 Holding arm H121 Holding part H13 Hitting arm H131 Hitting part H14 Operating arm H141 Finger rest Part GM31 Chute GM33 Fixed holding member GM332 Rubber cap 150 Grind button 151 Button LED 151
60D Air volume dial 600 Mechanical switch unit 610 First mechanical switch 620 Second mechanical switch 611, 621 Detection ball 612, 622 Magnet member 613, 623 Detection piece GMS Coffee machine system 18 Terminal 181 Display screen 185 Processing section 186 Storage section 1861 Coffee machine System-specific application program 19 Cloud server

Claims (5)

multiple coffee machines each equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans;
a plurality of mobile terminals each having a display unit and capable of communicating with the coffee machine;
A coffee machine system comprising:
The coffee machine stores individual device information regarding the coffee machine,
The mobile terminal is capable of performing short-range wireless communication with a coffee machine with which pairing has been established among the plurality of coffee machines,
The mobile terminal is capable of displaying, on the display unit, a communicable machine list indicating coffee machines that are located within a range where the short-range wireless communication is possible but pairing has not yet been established;
The mobile terminal is capable of establishing pairing with a coffee machine included in the communicable machine list,
The mobile terminal is capable of displaying a registered machine list representing coffee machines with which pairing has been established on the display unit,
The mobile terminal acquires first individual device information representing individual device information regarding the coffee machine at a first timing by connecting to a coffee machine included in the registered machine list through the near field communication. and displaying a first individual device display based on the first individual device information on the display section,
The mobile terminal connects to a coffee machine included in the registered machine list through the near field communication, thereby acquiring individual device information regarding the coffee machine at a second timing subsequent to the first timing. When the second individual device information is acquired, the display on the display unit is changed from the first individual device display to a second individual device information based on the second individual device information. This will update the individual device display of
Each of the plurality of coffee machines cannot connect to a plurality of mobile terminals at the same time in the short-range wireless communication, and can only connect to one mobile terminal,
The one mobile terminal disconnects from one of the plurality of coffee machines upon completion of acquiring the individual device information from one of the coffee machines,
Among the plurality of mobile terminals, a mobile terminal other than the one mobile terminal connects to the one coffee machine when the connection between the one coffee machine and the one mobile terminal is disconnected. It is possible to obtain individual device information,
A coffee machine system characterized by: The coffee machine system according to claim 1, comprising:
The another mobile terminal is capable of repeatedly requesting connection to the one coffee machine while the one coffee machine and the one mobile terminal are connected.
A coffee machine system characterized by: The coffee machine system according to claim 1 or 2,
The mobile terminal is capable of displaying, on the display unit, an individual device display based on the individual device information for each of the plurality of coffee machines included in the registered machine list, While the individual device information of one of the coffee machines is displayed on the display section, by connecting to another coffee machine among the plurality of coffee machines by the short-range wireless communication, the other coffee machine can be connected to the other coffee machine. It is capable of newly acquiring individual device information of the coffee machine and switching from the individual device display of the one coffee machine to the individual device display of the other coffee machine in accordance with a switching operation,
The individual device display of the other switched coffee machine is updated to the individual device display based on the newly acquired individual device information.
A coffee machine system characterized by: The coffee machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The individual device information is information including status information representing the state and situation of the coffee machine.
A coffee machine system characterized by: The coffee machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The individual device information is information including history information representing the history of the coffee machine.
A coffee machine system characterized by:

Images