JPH0138495B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to a coffee brewer that can automatically extract delicious coffee liquid by dropping boiling water onto coffee grounds.

Conventional technology The conventional method for obtaining coffee liquid by dripping hot water onto coffee grounds involves introducing water from the bottom of a water container into a heating pipe, heating it, and generating steam through partial nucleate boiling of the water inside the heating pipe. There is a drip type method in which the water is raised and dripped onto the coffee grounds over a period of around 10 minutes, and there is also a drip method in which the coffee grounds are placed below a water container with a heating element and a bimetallic temperature sensing valve is installed to pour hot water into the coffee grounds. There was a type that dripped hot water.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention Due to the structure of the conventional type, the hot water supply temperature is initially low as it is discharged while containing cold water, and the temperature gradually rises to below 86 degrees Celsius even when the hot water supply is completed. The problem is that it is difficult to eliminate variations in temperature sensing accuracy and the water supply temperature is not constant. The conditions of "completion of extraction in a short period of time (approximately 3 to 4 minutes) so as to sufficiently swell the coffee powder and reduce extraction of defective components" could not be satisfied.

The present invention solves these problems,
The hot water supplied to the coffee grounds must be boiled once, so that the temperature at which it contacts the coffee grounds is higher than the initial temperature, and the time required to extract the coffee liquid can be completed in a short time (3 to 4 minutes), resulting in a rich and rich coffee. The purpose is to enable the extraction of coffee liquid with a rich aroma and to improve usability.

Means for Solving the Problem In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a filter case for storing coffee powder, a water container having a heating element, and a water container that generates steam by heating and boiling the water in the water container. a steam detection element for detecting steam; a hot water supply valve that opens for a certain period of time in conjunction with the movement of the steam detection element to supply water in the water container to the filter case; The heating element is equipped with a power supply switch that stops energizing the heating element.

Function: With this configuration, hot water can be automatically supplied into the filter case, and the valve is automatically closed to stop the hot water supply, so the usability is greatly improved.
In addition, the power supply to the heating element is automatically stopped, resulting in an efficient heating configuration and ensuring safety by preventing dry burning.Furthermore, the hot water poured over the coffee grounds must be boiled once, and The coffee powder is brought into contact with the coffee powder at a higher temperature than the initial stage, allowing extraction of the coffee liquid to be completed in a short time, producing a rich and aromatic coffee liquid.

Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a container body, which includes a base 2 having a flat, substantially cylindrical container shape, a container part 3 located above the base 2, this container part 3, and the base. Surrounded by this container body 1, a substantially oval-shaped storage portion 5 with its right side cut open is formed. Reference numeral 6 denotes a cylindrical stainless steel water container which is attached above the container part 3. A heating element 7 is provided on the stepped part of the bottom, a hot water supply valve 8 is provided at a position apart from the heating element 7, and a hot water supply valve 8 is provided on the upper part. A water inlet 9 is formed, and this water inlet 9
A lid 10 is attached to the top. 11 is a steam port provided on the side wall surface of the water container 6 above the specified water level.
The hot water supply valve 8 is attached so that a valve body 13 attached to a valve stem 12 that can be raised and lowered is always closed by a valve spring 14, and is opened when the valve stem 12 rises against the force of the valve spring 14. The water in the water container 6 is led through a hot water supply pipe 15 to a hot water supply port 16 opened above the storage section 5. 17 is hot water supply port gasket 1
A removable hot water diffuser is attached to the hot water supply port 16 together with 8, and the hot water introduced to the hot water supply port 16 when the valve is opened is dispersed and poured by the hot water diffuser 17. Reference numeral 19 denotes a filter case located below the hot water diffuser 17 and placed on the upper surface of the cup 20. The filter case 19 has an extraction port 21 formed in the lower bottom surface and a filter 22 for storing coffee powder inside. A case lid 24 with a spout 23 is placed on top. The cup 20 has a handle 25 and can be attached to a cup mounting section 26 formed on the storage section 5 side of the base 2. 27 and 28 are heat-retaining heaters and temperature control thermostats provided in the base 2 of the cup holder 26, and 29 is a magnetic plug 3.
This is a frame for 0. 31 is the steam port 1 of the water container 6
It is a substantially cylindrical steam detection tube that protrudes from the upper surface of the column 4 on the 1 side and is installed in parallel with the water container 6, and there is a steam port 1 on the upper side.
A plurality of opening holes 32 are provided opposite to the opening hole 1 . Inside this opening hole 32, the steam detection tube 3
1, a vapor detection element 33 is arranged. This vapor detection element 33 is pressurized and deformed into close contact by the spring force of a bias spring 34 disposed below at all times, and is subjected to memory treatment at a certain temperature below 100 degrees Celsius, and is treated with a large restoring force at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. Ti returns to its original stretched state, and conversely loses its restoring force when cooled below the temperature at which it was amnestically treated (for example, room temperature) and is pressurized by the bias 34 and comes into close contact with Ti.
-It is a shape memory alloy formed by processing into the shape of a coiled spring, such as Ni-based or Cu-Al-Zn-based. The extension operation of the vapor detection element 33 is controlled by a downwardly rotatable valve lever 36 by a downwardly movable sliding rod 35.
It is transmitted to one end. The upper end of the sliding rod 35 is integrally provided with a sensing portion 39 with markings, for example, that penetrates the steam detection element 33 and projects a guide hole 37 on the upper surface of the steam detection tube 31 in a watertight manner.
is located on a dome 40 made of glass or transparent resin material that is fitted onto the upper surface of the vapor detection tube 31. Reference numeral 41 denotes a waterproof gasket that fixes the peripheral edge and keeps the central portion of the sliding rod 35 airtight inside. The valve lever 36 has a power supply switch 42 at one end that rotates when the sliding rod 35 is lowered to supply power to the heating element 7.
The valve stem 1 has a protruding piece 43 that opens the valve stem 1, and the other end protrudes from the diaphragm 44 of the hot water supply valve 8 via the fulcrum.
It comes into contact with the lower end surface of 2. 45, the sliding rod 35 descends, the valve lever 36 rotates counterclockwise, the hot water supply valve 8 opens, and the protruding piece 43 closes the power supply switch 4.
This is a spring-loaded locking lever that locks the second movable piece and opens the power supply switch 42 when the second movable piece is pushed down and opened. Reference numerals 46 and 47 are a self-resetting power button and an off button that are provided on the upper part of the support column 4. When the power button 46 is pushed down, it is locked and stopped by a spring-loaded locking plate 48, and at the same time, the lower end protrusion 50 to close the power switch 49. The cut button 47 has a release piece 51 that, when pressed down, moves the locking plate 48 and the locking lever 45 to release the locked state of the power button 46 and the power supply switch 42.

Figure 4 shows an electrical circuit diagram, 52 and 53 are
This is a power supply terminal connected to a 100V power supply, and corresponds to both contacts of the magnetic plug 30 in FIG. A power switch 49 is connected to the power terminal 52, and a series circuit of a heat insulating heater 27 and a thermostat 28 is connected between the power terminal 52 and the heating element 7 via the power supply switch 42, which is a normally closed contact, to prevent dry firing. A series circuit of a safety thermostat 54 and a temperature fuse 55 is connected via common contacts 56 and 57.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment having the above configuration will be explained. First, coffee powder is put into the filter 22, and a predetermined amount of water is poured into the water container 6. When the magnetic plug 30 with one end inserted into an outlet is connected to the plug frame 29 and the power button 46 is pushed, the power switch 49 is closed and the heating element 7 for boiling water and the heat retaining heater 27 are energized. In this state, the power button 46 is locked and held downward by the locking plate 48. The water in the water container 6 is heated by the heating element 7 and its temperature rises, and at around 100 degrees Celsius, only steam is generated from the water surface, but the heating progresses further and the temperature rises to 100 degrees Celsius.
When it reaches its boiling point in °C, it turns into steam, and that steam or gas is continuously generated. This steam is ejected from the steam port 11 of the water container 6, and the steam detection tube 31
It hits the vapor detection element 33 inwardly from the upper opening hole 32 with force. This phenomenon occurs only when the water in the water container 6 boils, and utilizes the rapid pressure change due to the temperature of the boiling vapor pressure. It undergoes a rapid temperature rise change from 100℃ to 100℃ (a→b in Figure 3). Then, the compressed shape memory alloy in the shape of a coiled spring resists the force of the bias spring 34 and expands greatly from A to B in FIG. That movement pushes down the slide rod 35 and rotates the valve lever 36 counterclockwise. Then, the other end of the valve lever 36 pushes up the valve stem 12 against the valve spring 14 to open the hot water valve 8, and the boiling hot water in the water container 6 flows through the hot water valve 8, the hot water pipe 15, and the hot water inlet 16. The hot water is dispersed through the hot water diffuser 17 and poured into the coffee grounds in the filter case 19. At the same time, the valve lever 36 is rotated counterclockwise so that the protruding piece 43 pushes open the normally closed movable piece of the power supply switch 42 . Then, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the locking lever 45 locks the movable piece of the power supply switch 42 at the open lower position, so the power supply switch 42 is opened and the heating element 7 is cut off, so that the water container is closed. The heating inside 6 stops. Further, the time required to supply hot water into the filter case 19, that is, the coffee extraction time, is set appropriately by setting the opening dimension of the hot water supply valve 8, the diameter of the hot water supply pipe 15, etc., so that the hot water is completely poured in 3 to 4 minutes. This setting (reducing the water rising time) is an extremely difficult task because the conventional drip type has problems such as increased power consumption, the occurrence of steam discharge phenomena, and a limit to the life of the heater due to a decrease in efficiency. It is relatively easy to do compared to the previous one. Therefore, the hot water that is poured into the coffee powder can be boiled at a high temperature from the beginning, and the coffee extraction time can be reduced to 3.
It is capable of brewing in a short time of up to 4 minutes, and can extract a rich, fragrant, and delicious coffee liquid that cannot be obtained with conventional methods. Then, the extracted coffee liquid is poured into cup 2 from the extraction port 21.
0, and is kept warm by the insulating heater 27 and thermostat 28 at a temperature suitable for drinking. on the other hand,
The expanded vapor detection element 33 connects to the power supply switch 42
Due to the power outage, the heating inside the water container 6 stops and the steam port 1
Since the steam ejection from No. 1 stops, the air is cooled by the atmosphere. Naturally, the hot water supply valve 8 remains open until the hot water in the water container 6 is completely poured into the filter case 19, and during this time, the restoring force of the steam detection element 33 that pushes down the valve lever 36 at or above the transformation point is maintained. It is set by the time of occurrence. In other words, the time from when it detects steam to when it expands to when it is air-cooled to below the transformation point by stopping the steam discharge (time from b to d in Figure 3), the steam detection element 33 extends and pushes down the valve lever 36. However, when the temperature drops below the transformation point, the generated force suddenly disappears, so the bias spring 3
4 and returns to the close contact state (point d in Figure 3). This valve opening time (time from b to c in Fig. 3) is determined by the shape (size, wall thickness, material) of the vapor detection tube 31 inside the vapor detection element 33 due to the shape of the opening hole 32 on the outside of the vapor detection element 33. The cooling rate curve of the steam detection element 33, the transformation point temperature setting at which the restoring force of the steam detection element 33 is lost, and the change in durable characteristics are rationally determined. time from b to c). Therefore, with this configuration, the user does not have to close the valve each time water is poured, and the valve opens automatically after hot water supply is completed, so there is no need for complicated operations.Also, unlike this configuration, the valve can be opened manually. If the valve is configured to lock or the valve lever is configured to open and lock, the valve must be closed, and if water is accidentally poured when the valve is opened, the hot water will drip and moisten the coffee grounds, causing coffee extraction to fail. Also, if the cup 20 is left behind, there will be a problem that the container 1 and the floor will get wet, but this configuration can also solve these problems. However, with only the above-mentioned configuration as a countermeasure against erroneous water injection, there is a risk of water leakage due to the time lag between the closing time of the steam detection element 33 and the completion time of hot water supply due to the operating environment conditions, which may result from water injection too soon after the completion of hot water supply. The configuration allows this movement to be determined by the dome 40. That is, the movement of the vapor detection element 33 is caused by the movement of the transparent dome 4.
This can be determined by the rising and falling movement of the sensing part 39 with markings in 0, and when it is descending, it is in the open state.
When it is rising, the valve is closed. Therefore, by checking this operation, you can determine whether the valve is open or closed.
This will solve the problem of incorrect water injection mentioned above. Also, dome 40
The installation has added value as a product, such as the fact that the lifting and lowering movement of the sensing part 39 during the coffee extraction process can be confirmed from the outside along with the above-mentioned steam jetting state, which further enhances the visual mood for the user. It is greatly enhanced. After use, when the cut-off button 47 is pushed down, the power button 46 and the power supply switch 42 are released from the locked state and return to their original state, so the power switch 49 is opened and the power is cut off, and the power supply switch 42 is closed.

As described above, the coffee boiler of this embodiment includes the filter case 19 for storing coffee grounds and the heating element 7.
A water container 6 having a water container 6 , a steam detection element 33 that detects steam generated when the water in the water container 6 is heated and boiled, and a valve that opens for a certain period of time in conjunction with the movement of the steam detection element 33 to detect steam inside the water container 6 . A hot water supply valve 8 that supplies water to the filter case 19 and a power supply switch 42 that stops power supply to the heating element 7 in conjunction with the operation of the hot water supply valve 8 to start supplying hot water are provided. The boiling water must be boiled, the temperature at which it contacts the coffee grounds is higher than the initial temperature, and the time required to extract the coffee liquid can be completed in a short time, so a rich and aromatic coffee liquid can be extracted. can. In addition, the hot water supply valve 8 automatically opens in conjunction with steam detection to start hot water supply, and closes automatically after hot water supply is completed, so the user does not need to close the valve, simplifying operability. There is. Furthermore, this automatic valve closing solves problems such as water dripping even if the product is accidentally injected, and greatly improves usability. Furthermore, the power supply switch 42 to the heating element 7 is cut off in conjunction with the valve opening operation, and further heating in the water container 6 is stopped, so unnecessary heating in the water container 6 is stopped, resulting in efficient heating. This is aimed at ensuring efficiency and ensuring safety by preventing dry firing inside the water container 6. In addition, the configuration of the dome 40 including the sensing section 39 makes it possible to confirm the opening/closing operation of the hot water supply valve 8 and to enjoy the coffee liquid extraction process visually. Furthermore, if the vapor detection element 33 is made of a shape memory alloy as in this embodiment, it can serve as both a vapor sensor and a driving force at the same time, so there is no sensing deviation, quality can be improved, and the component parts are simplified. The size and weight of the device body 1 including the detection section can be reduced significantly.

In this embodiment, the vapor detection element 33 is made of a shape memory alloy, but a liquid expansion thermometer that utilizes the expansion action of a liquid may be used, for example. Regarding the opening time of the hot water supply valve 8, for example, an electromagnetic magnet incorporating a time-limiting element is arranged, and when the sliding rod 35 moves downward due to steam detection, an electric current is applied to the electromagnetic magnet disposed below, and the lower end of the sliding rod 35 is set. It may be configured such that the valve opening time is secured for a predetermined time by sucking a metal piece incorporated in the valve for a predetermined period of time, and other changes may be made as appropriate without departing from the gist of this embodiment. It is.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, the conditions for delicious coffee liquid extraction are: ``Once boiled, high-temperature water is supplied from the beginning to sufficiently swell the coffee liquid;
It is possible to extract a rich, fragrant, and delicious coffee liquid while satisfying the requirements of ``complete extraction in a short period of time to reduce the amount of defective components.'' In addition, since the opening and closing operations of the hot water supply valve can be performed automatically in conjunction with steam detection, there is no need to operate the valve from the outside each time.
Furthermore, the problem of water dripping when water is injected incorrectly without closing the valve has been solved, and the ease of use can be greatly improved.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view, Fig. 2 A and B are explanatory views of the main parts, and Fig. 3
The figure is a graph showing the temperature curve of the steam detection element and the states of the hot water supply valve and power supply switch, and FIG. 4 is an electric circuit diagram. 6... Water container, 7... Heating element, 8... Hot water supply valve,
19... Filter case, 33... Steam detection element, 42... Power supply switch.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A filter case containing coffee powder, a water container having a heating element, a steam detection element that detects steam generated by heating and boiling water in the water container, and movement of this steam detection element. a hot water supply valve that opens for a certain period of time in conjunction with the hot water supply valve to supply water in the water container to the filter case; and a power supply switch that stops energizing the heating element in conjunction with the start of hot water supply from the hot water supply valve. coffee boiler. 2. The coffee boiler according to claim 1, wherein the hot water supply valve is combined with a discriminating means that allows the hot water supply operation of the filter case to be confirmed from the outside.