JPH1166421A - Beverage extracting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To extract a beverage high in quality by preventing filtering defect by detecting the beverage in a beverage supply pipe thereby controlling the filtering operation of a mixture. SOLUTION: A control part supplies pressurized air from the upside through an air pipe 52 and an introduction port 20f into an extracting chamber 20d by driving an air pump 5 while opening an upper air solenoid valve 50, closing a lower air solenoid valve 51 and opening a drink supply valve 53. The mixture in the extracting chamber 20d is sent downward while being pressed with this compressed air, and filtered by a paper filter 21. The filtered beverage is supplied through a beverage receiver 22 and a beverage supply pipe 22c into a cup. In this case, when the beverage is passed through the beverage supply pipe 22c, electric conduction is caused between two adjacent electrode parts 60, a resistance value between electrodes decreases and a voltage is generated. By detecting the change of this voltage, the presence/absence of drink in the beverage supply pipe 22c is detected. When filtering is completed and the beverage in the drink supply pipe 22c is eliminated, the resistance value increases, this voltage change is detected, and the control part closes the upper air solenoid valve 50.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a beverage extracting apparatus for powdered raw materials such as coffee beans, and more particularly to a beverage extracting apparatus for filtering a mixture of a powdered raw material and hot water by applying air pressure.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional beverage extracting device, there is one disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 61-118526, for example.
As shown in FIG. 24, the beverage extracting apparatus 100 is supported so as to be able to move up and down, and a cylinder 10 for discharging a mixture of powdered raw material such as coffee powder and hot water supplied from above and hot water downward.
1, and below the cylinder 101, the cylinder 10
A filter 102 for filtering the mixture discharged from 1;
A beverage container 104 having a rubber packing 103 for receiving the beverage extracted by the filtration of the filter 102, a beverage supply tube 105 connected to the beverage container 104 and supplying the beverage to the cup side, and a press for opening and closing the beverage supply tube 105. Cam mechanism 106 including plate 106a and cam 106b
And a control unit (not shown) for controlling each unit of the apparatus 100
Having.

[0003] A cylinder 101 is provided with a supply port 1 provided above.
Mixing room 1 for mixing powder raw material and hot water supplied from 01a
01b, and an extraction chamber 101d in which the mixture is discharged from a discharge port 101c provided below and a beverage extraction step is performed. The mixing chamber 101b communicates with the extraction chamber 101d and a communication port 101e.
Is in communication with The communication port 101e is opened and closed by a valve 107.
An air pipe 109 for introducing pressurized air from the air pump 108 is connected to 01d.

[0004] The beverage brewing apparatus 100 configured as described above.
, The control unit drives the extraction drive motor (not shown) based on the input of the sales signal, thereby lowering the cylinder 101 from the standby position P and lowering the lower end of the beverage receiver 1.
04 is closely attached to the rubber packing 103. Thereafter, the powder raw material and hot water are supplied from the supply port 101a. The control unit is
The air pump 108 is driven to supply pressurized air to the air pipe 10.
9 to the extraction chamber 101d. In this state, the valve 107 is slightly opened, and the pressurized air is supplied to the extraction chamber 101.
d to the mixing chamber 101b through the communication port 101e, and agitates the mixture of the powdery raw material and the hot water supplied into the mixing chamber 101b. When the mixture is sufficiently stirred, the driving of the air pump 108 is stopped, and the mixture flows into the extraction chamber 101d through the communication port 101e.

FIG. 25 shows an extraction process. The control unit drives the extraction drive motor to raise the valve 107 to close the communication port 101e. Then, the air pump 108 is driven to supply pressurized air to the extraction chamber 101 through the air pipe 109.
d. The mixture stored in the extraction chamber 101d is filtered by the filter 102 by pressurized air, and the cam 106b is rotated by a predetermined angle based on the driving of a supply motor (not shown), so that the beverage supply pipe 105 by the pressing plate 106a is rotated. Is released, and the beverage supply pipe 105 is opened.

When the beverage filtered by the filter 102 is supplied to the cup side via the beverage supply pipe 105, the control unit moves the cylinder 101 to the slag disposal position P 'and removes the filter 102 from the beverage receiver 104. At the same time, the residue remaining on the filter 102 is discarded. When the beverage brewing operation is completed in this way, the control unit drives the brewing drive motor to return the cylinder 101 to the standby position P.

[0007] In the beverage extraction apparatus for extracting the mixture of the powdered raw material and the hot water by pressurizing the air with air, the filtration time varies depending on the resistance when the hot water passes through the raw material and the filter, the type of the raw material, the particle size and the amount used. .

FIG. 26 shows the pressure change in the cylinder during filtration of the beverage extraction device. FIG. 26 (a) shows the pressure change when a predetermined amount of powdered raw material is used. When started, the pressure in the cylinder increases. At a time B when the liquid component in the cylinder is almost filtered, the pressure decreases, and after performing air blowing for a predetermined time so that the coffee extracted in the beverage supply pipe does not remain, the pressure in the cylinder is increased at a time C. finish. FIG. 26 (b)
It shows the pressure change when the amount of the raw material is increased, and the time B at which the liquid is almost filtered is longer than the time B shown in FIG. 26 (a). As the thickness increases, the pressure value increases.

In the case of a vending machine, as a mode for extracting a coffee beverage, besides extracting each time a cup of coffee is extracted according to a sales request, several cups of coffee are extracted and stored in a storage unit. There is batch extraction to put. This batch extraction has the advantage that high-quality coffee with less astringency and unpleasant taste can be extracted by setting the filtration pressure low and gently contacting the powdered raw material with hot water, and the coffee stored in the storage unit is sold. Sold one by one upon request.

FIG. 26 (c) shows the pressure change in the cylinder at the time of batch extraction. The mixture of the powdered raw material and the hot water is filtered by applying low-pressure air to the mixture over time, and the liquid content is reduced. The time B when the filtration is almost completed is longer than the time B shown in FIG.

As described above, since the filtration time varies depending on the extraction method, for example, in a configuration in which the filtration is terminated by a timer, the actual filtration is completed when the set filtration termination time comes. It is necessary to set a sufficient filtration end time. However, in this case, a difference may occur between the actual end of the filtration and the filtration end time of the timer due to the powder raw material used, the amount of hot water, the pressure loss of the piping, and the variation of the air pump. If the filtration time is short, the filtration will be insufficient, and if the filtration time is long, the slag of the powdered raw material from which the liquid has been filtered will continue to be pressurized with air, and unnecessary components such as astringency and bitterness will be squeezed out. .

As a device for preventing such poor filtration, there is, for example, a device disclosed in JP-A-63-12088. This beverage extraction device terminates filtration by detecting a change in pressure in the hot water supply cylinder based on termination of filtration by a pressure sensor. Another configuration for detecting a change in pressure in a hot water supply cylinder with a pressure sensor is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-4789.
9 and JP-A-4-188396.

[0013]

However, according to the conventional beverage extraction apparatus, since the pressure in the cylinder changes depending on the extraction method, for example, the mixture is pressurized with low-pressure air and filtered as in the case of batch extraction. In such a case, a clear pressure difference may not be generated at the end of the filtration from that during the filtration. In such a case, the end of the filtration cannot be accurately detected. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a beverage extraction device capable of preventing poor filtration and extracting a high-quality beverage.

[0014]

According to the present invention, a beverage obtained by filtering a mixture of powdered raw materials such as coffee beans and hot water by a predetermined filtration operation is sold through a beverage supply pipe. In the beverage extraction device that supplies to the side, a beverage detection device that detects the beverage in the beverage supply pipe, and a beverage extraction device that includes a filtration control unit that controls a filtration operation of the mixture based on a detection signal of the beverage. provide.

In the beverage brewing apparatus according to the present invention, the beverage detecting means is a pair of electrodes that conduct through the beverage, and a beverage presence / absence detection sensor that detects the presence of the beverage in the beverage supply pipe by conducting the pair of electrodes. The electrode disposed downstream of the pair of electrodes may be disposed at the highest position on the path of the beverage supply pipe, or disposed at the sales side from the highest position, and may be connected to the upstream electrode to form a beverage. May be a flow detection sensor that detects that the flow is flowing to the sales side. Further, the beverage detecting means may be configured to include a beverage presence / absence detection sensor and a flow detection sensor. At least one of the pair of electrodes may be shared by the beverage presence / absence detection sensor and the flow detection sensor.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a beverage extraction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The beverage extraction device 1 includes an extraction unit 2 that extracts a beverage from a mixture of hot water and powdered materials such as coffee beans, black tea, and green tea that have been crushed to a predetermined particle size, and a disposal unit 4 that discards slag and the like. And an air pump 5 for sending pressurized air to each part of the present apparatus 1.

The extraction unit 2 is vertically movably supported by a guide rail (not shown), and is disposed below the cylinder 20 and a cylinder 20 for supplying a mixture of powdered raw material and hot water supplied from above to below. It has a paper filter 21 for filtering the mixture supplied from the cylinder 20 and a beverage receiver 22 for receiving a beverage extracted by the filtration of the paper filter 21.

The cylinder 20 is provided with a supply port 20 provided above.
a mixing chamber 20b for mixing the powder raw material supplied from a with hot water
And a discharge port 20 provided with a mixture of powdered raw material and hot water below.
extraction chamber 20d in which the beverage extraction process is performed by discharging the beverage from c.
Are communicated with each other through a communication port 20e. Communication port 2
0e is opened and closed by a valve 23. The extraction chamber 20d has an inlet 20f for introducing pressurized air from the air pump 5.

The paper filter 21 includes a rotatable shaft 2.
1A is set in a roll shape, and is configured to be pulled out to the left in FIG. 1 by driving of a disposal motor 40 of a disposal unit 4 described later. In addition, the paper filter 21 has a filter detection lever 21B whose base end is rotatably supported and whose middle portion or tip end is always in contact with the roll-shaped paper filter 21;
Filterless sensor such as a microswitch that outputs a detection signal indicating that there is no paper filter to a control unit 6 to be described later and provides an alarm output, etc. 21C
And

The beverage receiver 22 has an upper opening 22a with which the cylinder 20 abuts, and a rubber packing 22A around the opening 22a to prevent the mixture from leaking. In addition, a roller 22B for changing the running direction of the paper filter 21 is provided at the end, a beverage supply pipe 22C for supplying the beverage to the cup side, and a waste pipe 22D for disposing the beverage are provided at a lower part. In the beverage supply pipe 22C, an electrode unit 60 for detecting the beverage extracted in the extraction step, and the beverage supply pipe 22
A beverage supply valve 53 for controlling the opening and closing of C is interposed.

The extraction unit 2 has an extraction motor 24 and output shafts 25a and 25b projecting from both sides, respectively, and a reduction gear 25 for reducing the rotation speed of the extraction motor 24 to a predetermined rotation speed.
A support plate 26 supporting one end of one output shaft 25a by a bearing 26a, a cylinder cam 27A and a valve cam 27B fixed to the one output shaft 25a,
A cylinder driving plate 28A for driving the cylinder 20, a valve driving plate 28B for driving the valve 23, and a cylinder cam follower 29A attached to the cylinder driving plate 28A
The two ends are respectively locked by a valve cam follower 29B attached to the valve driving plate 28B, a locking member 28a attached to the cylinder driving plate 28A, and a locking member 28b attached to the valve driving plate 28B. The driving plate 28A and the valve driving plate 28B are pulled toward each other to move the cylinder cam follower 29A and the valve cam follower 29B to the cylinder cam 27A and the valve cam 27.
B, a plurality of connecting members 31A, 31B and 31C connecting the cylinder 20 and the cylinder driving plate 28A, and a lever connecting the valve 23 rotatably by a pin 32a on the distal end side. 3
2 and attached to the valve driving plate 28B,
Connecting member 33 rotatably connecting lever 32
And a tension coil spring 34 having both ends locked to the rear end side of the lever 32 and a locking member 28c attached to the valve drive plate 28B. This extraction unit 2
Each of the output shafts 25a and 25b and the output shaft 41a is 1
By rotating, a series of steps of a stirring step, an extraction step, and a slag disposal step are completed.

The speed reducer 25 has a process detecting mechanism for detecting details of each process on the other output shaft 25b side. That is, the other output shaft 25b of the speed reducer 25 is
And third process detection plates 35A, 35B, and 35C
And the first, second and third process detection plates 35
Around the A, 35B, and 35C, there are first and second photosensors and the like for detecting the rotational positions of the first, second, and third process detection plates 35A, 35B, and 35C (for example, turning off by light shielding). And third process detection sensor 36
A, 36B, and 36C are arranged.

The air pump 5 is connected to an inlet 20f of the extraction chamber 20d and an air pipe 52 communicating with the beverage receiver 22. The air pipe 52 is connected to the inlet 20f of the extraction chamber 20d.
, An upper air solenoid valve 50 is provided before the beverage receiver 22, and a lower air solenoid valve 51 is provided before the beverage receiver 22.

FIG. 2 shows the electrode section 60, which has a configuration in which an electrode 60b is screw-engaged with a T-shaped holder 60a via an O-ring 60c. The electrode 60b is connected to the control unit 6 described later.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. 1. The cylinder cam 27A and the valve cam 27B are fixed to one output shaft 25a by a key 25c. The cam surfaces of the cylinder cam 27A and the valve cam 27B are It is formed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the process detecting mechanism. The first process detection plate 35A has two projections 35 of about 90 degrees at two places.
a, and the second process detection plate 35B has about 7
The projection 35a of 0 degree is formed, and the third process detection plate 35C is formed.
Has a projection 35a of about 180 degrees in one place.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main part of the disposal unit 4. The disposal unit 4 includes a disposal motor 40 and a reduction gear 4 that reduces the rotation speed of the disposal motor 40 to a predetermined rotation speed.
1, a waste pipe open detection plate 42A and a waste pipe close detection plate 42B attached to the output shaft 41a of the speed reducer 41, and light blocking (for example, O) by the protrusion 42a of the waste pipe open detection plate 42A.
FF) to output an OFF signal indicating the open state (standby state) of the waste pipe 22D, and a waste pipe open detection sensor 43A such as a photo sensor, and a waste pipe closed by the light blocking (for example, OFF) by the protrusion 42a of the waste pipe close detection plate 42B. A waste pipe closing detection sensor 43B such as a photosensor that outputs an OFF signal indicating the closed state of 22D, and a cutout 44a on the circumference, which is attached to the output shaft 41a, and feeds the paper filter 21 by a fixed length. A pair of filter feed rollers 44, 44
And a pair of guide rollers 45, 45 for pressing the paper filter 21 against the pair of filter feed rollers 44, 44 by a spring (not shown), and a rotatable support by a support shaft 46a. 1) 47
A pressing plate 46 made of a leaf spring or the like that presses and closes between the
A pressing cam 48 attached to the output shaft 41a and having a protrusion 48a on the circumference for rotating the pressing plate 46 is provided.

FIG. 6 shows a control block diagram of the beverage brewing apparatus 1 of the present invention. The control section 6 for controlling each part of the beverage brewing apparatus 1 includes a waste pipe open detection sensor 43A, a waste pipe close detection sensor 43B, First, second and third process detection sensors 36
A, 36B, 36C, filterless sensor 21C, air pump 5, upper air solenoid valve 50, lower air solenoid valve 51,
The beverage supply valve 53, the brewing motor 24, and the disposal motor 40 are connected to each other, and further, the main control unit 7 that controls the sales of the brewed beverage is connected.

When the sales signal of the extracted beverage is inputted from the main control unit 7, the control unit 6 controls the extraction motor 24, the disposal motor 40 and the air pump 5 to control the beverage extraction, that is, the stirring step and the extraction step. , A series of slag disposal processes is performed.

Next, the operation of the beverage brewing apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 shows first, second, and third process detection sensors 36A, 36B, 36C.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing output signals of the first embodiment. 8 to 14 show the operation of the present apparatus 1. FIG. 8 (a) shows the position of the main part (cylinder 20, valve 13, etc.), and FIG. 8 (b) shows the waste pipe open detection plate 42A and FIG. 4C is a diagram showing the positions of the waste pipe closing detection plate 42B and the filter feed roller 44, and FIG. 4C is a diagram showing the positions of the cylinder cam 27A and the valve cam 27B.
(d) shows first, second and third process detection plates 35A, 35A.
It is a figure which shows the position of B, 35C.

[0031] In (1) a standby state (see FIG. 8) the standby state, the main part of the apparatus 1 is in the standby position P ₁ shown in FIG. 7, in the state shown in FIG. That is, the first, second and third process detection sensors 36A, 36A
6B and 36C are turned ON, and the waste pipe open detection sensor 43A
Is OFF, and the waste pipe closing detection sensor 43B is ON. The pressing plate 46 is in contact with the pressing cam 48 by the elastic force of the waste pipe 22D.

(2) Stirring Step (See FIGS. 9 and 10) When the sales signal is input from the main control unit 7, the control unit 6
When the second process detection sensor 36B is ON, the first and third
Step detection sensor 36A, based on the ON of 36C, performs a transition operation from the standby position P ₁ to the stirring position P _2. That is, the control unit 6 drives the disposal motor 40 to rotate in the normal direction (drive in which the output shaft 41a rotates leftward in FIG.
The drive torque of the disposal motor 40 is transmitted to the output shaft 41a via the speed reducer 41, and the output shaft 41a rotates forward by about 60 degrees (left rotation in FIG. 9 (a)), and as shown in FIG. 9 (a). As described above, the projection 48 a of the pressing cam 48 presses the pressing plate 46, so that the waste pipe 22 </ b> D is closed between the pressing plate 46 and the fixed plate 47. The waste pipe closed detection sensor 43B is shielded from light by the projection 42a of the waste pipe closed detection plate 42B, and
An F signal is output to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 stops driving the disposal motor 40 based on the OFF signal from the disposal pipe closed detection sensor 43B.

Subsequently, the control section 6 drives the extraction motor 24 to rotate in the normal direction (drive in which the output shaft 25b rotates leftward in FIG. 10D). The driving torque of the extraction motor 24 is transmitted to the output shafts 25a and 25b via the speed reducer 25,
a and 25b rotate forward (left rotation in FIG. 10D),
As shown in FIG. 10C, when the cylinder cam 27A and the valve cam 27B rotate forward, the cylinder driving plate 28A and the valve driving plate 28B are lowered. When the cylinder driving plate 28A descends, the plurality of connecting members 31A, 3
1B and 31C, the cylinder 20 descends, and the extraction chamber 2
The lower end of Od presses the paper filter 21 against the beverage receiver 22. On the other hand, when the valve driving plate 28B is lowered, the valve 23 is also lowered via the connecting member 33 and the lever 32.
The first process detection sensor 36A includes a first process detection plate 35
The light is shielded by A, and an OFF signal is output to the control unit 6. Subsequently, the second process detection sensor 36B outputs an ON signal to the control unit 6. When the second process detection sensor 36B is ON, the control unit 6 controls the first process detection sensor 36A.
, The drive of the extraction motor 24 is stopped.
The main part of the device 1 reaches the stirring position P ₂ shown in FIG. 7, a state shown in FIG. 10. In the state shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4D, the second and third process detection sensors 3
6B and 36C are the second and third process detection plates 35B and 35C.
Since the light is not shielded by the projection 35a of C, an ON signal is output to the control unit 6, respectively.

The control unit 6 includes a second process detection sensor 36B
Is ON, the first process detection sensor 36A is OFF,
The stirring process is performed based on the ON of the third process detection sensor 36C. That is, the control unit 6 outputs a supply request signal of the powder raw material and the hot water to the main control unit 7. Under the control of the main controller 7, the powder raw material and the hot water are supplied to the supply port 20a of the mixing chamber 20b. The control unit 6 closes the beverage supply valve 53 and opens the lower air solenoid valve 51 in accordance with the supply of the powder raw material and the hot water, and drives the air pump 5. Air pump 5
Sends the pressurized air to the beverage receiver 22 via the air pipe 52. The pressurized air passes through the paper filter 21 and flows into the extraction chamber 20d. This pressurized air is supplied to extraction chamber 2
When passing through the mixture within 0d, the flow of the bubbles acts to stir the mixture. By supplying pressurized air from below the paper filter 21, elution of the components contained in the powder raw material into the hot water is promoted, and the beverage can be extracted in a short time.

(3) Extraction Step (See FIG. 11) After the stirring time set by the timer has elapsed, the control section 6 drives the extraction motor 24 to rotate forward. The driving torque of the extraction motor 24 is output via the reduction gear 25 to the output shafts 25a, 25b.
And the cylinder cam 27A and the valve cam 27B rotate forward. As shown in FIG. 11 (c), the cylinder cam 27
Since the cam radius of A does not change, the cylinder 20 does not move up and down, but since the cam radius of the valve cam 27B increases, the valve 23 rises and closes the communication port 20e as shown in FIG. The third process detection sensor 36C includes:
The light is shielded by the third process detection plate 35 </ b> C and outputs an OFF signal to the control unit 6. Subsequently, the second process detection sensor 3
6B outputs an ON signal to the control unit 6. The control unit 6
When the second process detection sensor 36B is ON, the driving of the extraction motor 24 is stopped based on the OFF of the third process detection sensor 36C. The main part of the device 1 reaches the extraction position P ₃ shown in FIG. 7, a state shown in FIG. 11. In the state shown in FIG. 11, the first and second process detection sensors 36A and 36B are turned on, as shown in FIG.

The control unit 6 includes a second process detection sensor 36B
Is ON, the extraction process is performed based on ON of the first process detection sensor 36A and OFF of the third process detection sensor 36C. That is, the control unit 6 opens the upper air solenoid valve 50, closes the lower air solenoid valve 51,
Is opened, and the air pump 5 is driven to supply pressurized air from the air pump 5 through the air pipe 52 from the inlet 20f above the extraction chamber 20d. The mixture in the extraction chamber 20 d is pumped downward by pressurized air from the air pump 5 and filtered by the paper filter 21. The beverage filtered by the paper filter 21 is supplied to the cup via the beverage receiver 22 and the beverage supply pipe 22C. Extraction room 20d
, The pressure in the extraction chamber 20d is increased and the mixture is pushed down to the paper filter 21 side, so that the mixture is separated into beverages and scum in a short time, and the filtration can be performed efficiently. it can.

FIG. 12 shows the beverage supply pipe 22C at the start of extraction.
When the beverage is inserted through the beverage supply pipe 22C, conduction occurs between the adjacent electrode portions 60, and a voltage is generated by reducing the resistance value between the electrodes. The presence or absence of the beverage in the beverage supply pipe 22C is detected by detecting the change in the voltage. Immediately before the filtration of the mixture is completed, a foamy beverage is generated in the beverage supply pipe 22C, and when the filtration is completely completed, the beverage supply pipe 22C becomes empty, and the resistance value between the electrodes increases. When this voltage change is detected, the upper air solenoid valve 5
0 is closed.

(4) Slag disposal process (see FIGS. 13 and 14) When the extraction time set by the timer elapses, the control unit 6
Drives the extraction motor 24 to rotate forward. The driving torque of the extraction motor 24 is output via the reduction gear 25 to the output shafts 25a, 25b.
And the cylinder cam 27A and the valve cam 27B rotate forward, and the cylinder driving plate 28A and the valve driving plate 28
B rises, and the cylinder 20 and the valve 23 rise to the top. First and third process detection sensors 36A, 36
C is shielded by the first and third process detection plates 35A and 35C, and outputs an OFF signal to the control unit 6. Subsequently, the second process detection sensor 36B outputs an ON signal to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 determines that the second process detection sensor 36B is
When N, the first and third process detection sensors 36A, 36C
, The drive of the extraction motor 24 is stopped.
The main part of the device 1 reaches the dregs discarding position P ₄ shown in FIG. 7, a state shown in FIG. 13. In the state of FIG.
As shown in (d), the second process detection sensor 36B is ON.
Thus, the slag 7 of the powder raw material remains on the paper filter 21.

The controller 6 includes a second process detection sensor 36B
Are ON, the first and third process detection sensors 36A, 36A
Based on the OFF state of 6C, the beverage held in the beverage supply pipe 22C and the slag disposal process are performed. That is, the control unit 6 drives the disposal motor 40 to rotate forward. The drive torque of the disposal motor 40 is transmitted to the output shaft 41a via the speed reducer 41, the output shaft 41a rotates forward, and the filter feed roller 44 rotates to draw out the paper filter 21. When the slag 7 on the paper filter 21 passes through the roller 22B, the slag 7 is broken and separated from the paper filter 21 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. The waste pipe open detection sensor 43A is shielded from light by the waste pipe open detection plate 42A and outputs an OFF signal to the control unit 6.

The control section 6 stops driving the disposal motor 40 based on the OFF signal from the disposal pipe opening detection sensor 43A, opens the beverage supply valve 53, and is held by the beverage supply pipe 22C on the supply side. The beverage containing astringency or savory taste is discarded through the waste pipe 22D. The main part of the device 1 is in the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 shows a change in voltage between two electrode portions 60 provided on the beverage supply pipe 22C.
When the beverage filtered at time A passes through the beverage supply pipe 22C, the resistance value between the electrodes decreases, and as a result, the voltage value increases. At time B, the resistance value between the electrodes is increasing in a state where the liquid component is almost filtered and bubbles of the beverage are generated, and a slight increase in the resistance value due to the decrease in bubbles is observed.

According to the beverage brewing apparatus of the above-described embodiment, the electrode portion 60 is provided on the beverage supply pipe 22C for supplying the beverage, and the presence or absence of the beverage in the beverage supply pipe 22C is detected. The supply of pressurized air is stopped based on the above, so that there is no useless filtration time, and it is possible to remove the astringency and unpleasantness squeezed from the slag of the powder raw material.

FIG. 16 shows a configuration of a beverage extracting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which an electrode section 60 provided in a beverage supply pipe 22C and a downstream side of the electrode section 60 are provided. It has an electrode portion 61 arranged at the highest position in the tube 22C. In FIG. 2, the extraction unit 2, the disposal unit 4, and the air pump 5 shown in the first embodiment are schematically illustrated. Other parts having the same configuration as the first embodiment will not be described repeatedly.

FIG. 17 shows an electrode portion 61, which has a structure in which an electrode 61b is screw-engaged with an L-shaped holder 61a via an O-ring 61c. The beverage supply pipe 22C is arranged such that the holder 61a arranges the inflow side (arrow A) in the horizontal direction, and arranges the discharge side (arrow B) in the vertical direction (fall direction).
The electrode 61b is provided so as to be located on an extension of the discharge side and protrude from the inner wall surface of the holder 61a.

According to the above-described configuration, the beverage is inserted through the beverage supply pipe 22C, thereby conducting between the electrode portions 60 and 61. At this time, since the beverage that has flowed in from the horizontal direction contacts the electrode 61b at a position immediately before falling to the discharge side, the beverage flows in the holder 61a. Thus, the flow of the beverage in the beverage supply pipe 22C can be detected.

FIG. 18 shows the configuration of a beverage brewing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of electrode portions 60A, 60B, 60C, and 61 are provided in a beverage supply pipe 22C. Other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, and therefore, duplicate description will be omitted.

In this beverage extraction device, the electrode units 60A, 6A
0B constitutes a first detection section, and the electrode sections 60C and 61 constitute a second detection section. The first detection section detects the presence or absence of a beverage, and the flow of the beverage in the second detection section. Has been detected.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a state of conduction between electrodes and a state of filtration in the third embodiment. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the filtered beverage stays in the beverage supply pipe 22C, where there is conduction in the first detection section and no conduction in the second detection section. When filtering a mixture of powdered raw material and hot water at low pressure as in batch extraction, the amount of powdered raw material,
If there is a pressure loss in the piping or an airtight leak in the cylinder, the pumping force may be reduced. Therefore, when conduction is present in the first and second detection sections after the start of filtration and thereafter conduction is lost only in the second detection section, the electrode section 61
It is determined that the beverage does not flow downstream from and the filtration pressure is insufficient.

FIG. 20 shows that the filtered beverage is supplied to the beverage supply pipe 2.
2C is flowing normally in the first and second channels.
Is conducted in the detection section of.

FIG. 21 shows a state immediately after the end of the filtration, where there is almost no conduction in the first detection section and there is conduction in the second detection section. In this case, the first detection section ends the filtration. There is a slight conduction when the foamed beverage generated at the time is inserted, but the conduction is lost when the foamed beverage is pumped downstream.

FIG. 22 shows that the filtration is completed and the beverage supply pipe 22
In the state where the beverage in C is pressure-fed downstream from the electrode unit 61 and there is no conduction in the first and second detection sections, it is determined that the pressure-feeding of the beverage has been successfully performed.

FIG. 23 shows a configuration of a beverage brewing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which an electrode section 60B provided on a beverage supply pipe 22C is used as a common electrode for the first and second detection sections. . With such a configuration, the number of electrodes used can be reduced, and cost can be reduced.

According to the above-described beverage extraction device, the beverage inserted through the beverage supply pipe is detected based on the change in the resistance value between the pair of electrodes. Can be detected.
Further, since the flow of the beverage can be detected in addition to the presence or absence of the beverage according to the position of the electrode provided in the beverage supply pipe, it is also possible to detect an abnormality in the filtration pressure.

[0054]

As described above, according to the beverage brewing apparatus of the present invention, the filtration is controlled based on the presence or absence of the beverage passing through the beverage supply pipe or the detection signal output according to the flow. Good quality beverages can be extracted by preventing poor filtration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a beverage extraction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrode unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a process detection mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a disposal section according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a control block diagram according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart based on output signals of first, second, and third process detection sensors according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a standby state of the beverage extraction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a closed state of a waste pipe of the beverage extraction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a stirring step of the beverage extraction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an extraction step of the beverage extraction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a beverage supply pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a start state of a slag disposal process of the beverage extraction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an end state of the slag disposal process of the beverage extraction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a change in voltage between electrodes according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a beverage extraction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing an electrode unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing a beverage extraction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a beverage extraction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a beverage extraction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing a beverage extraction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing a beverage extraction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing a beverage extraction device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing a conventional beverage extraction device.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing a conventional beverage extraction device.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a filtration pressure and a filtration time in the beverage extraction device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, beverage extraction device 2, extraction unit 4, disposal unit 5, air pump 6, control unit 20, cylinder 20a, supply port 20b, mixing chamber 20c, discharge port 20d, extraction chamber 20e, communication port 20f, introduction port 21, Paper filter 21A, shaft 21B, filter detection lever 21C, filterless sensor 22, beverage receiver 22A, rubber packing 22B, roller 22C, beverage supply pipe 22D, waste pipe 22a, opening 23, valve 24, extraction motor 25, reduction gear 25a , Output shaft 25b, output shaft 25c, key 26, support plate 26a, bearing 27A, cylinder cam 27B, valve cam 28A, cylinder driving plate 28B, valve driving plate 28a, locking member 28b, locking member 29A, cylinder cam follower 29B, Valve cam follower 30, tension coil spring 31A Connecting member 31B, connecting member 31C, connecting member 32a, pin 32, lever 32b, pin 33, connecting member 34, extension coil spring 35A, first process detection plate 35B, second process detection plate 35C, third process detection Plate 35a, protrusion 36A, first process detection sensor 36B, second process detection sensor 36C, third process detection sensor 40, waste processing motor 41, reduction gear 41a, output shaft 42A, waste pipe open detection plate 42B , Waste pipe close detection plate 42a, protrusion 43A, waste pipe open detection sensor 43B, waste pipe close detection sensor 44, filter feed roller 44a, notch 45, guide roller 46a, support shaft 47, fixing plate 46, pressing plate 48, pressing cam 48a, projection 50, upper air solenoid valve 51, lower air solenoid valve 52, air pipe 53, beverage supply valve 60, electrode section 0a, holder 60b, electrode 60c, O-ring 61, electrode part 61a, holder 61b, electrode 61c, O-ring 100, beverage brewing device 101a, supply port 101b, mixing chamber 101c, discharge port 101d, extraction chamber 101e, communication port 102 , Filter 103, rubber packing 104, beverage receiver 105, beverage supply pipe 106, cam mechanism 106a, pressing plate 106b, cam 107, valve 108, air pump 109, air pipe

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A beverage extraction apparatus for supplying a beverage obtained by filtering a mixture of powdered raw materials such as coffee beans and hot water by a predetermined filtration operation to a selling side via a beverage supply pipe, A beverage extraction device, comprising: beverage detection means for detecting the beverage; and filtration control means for controlling a filtering operation of the mixture based on the beverage detection signal. 2. The beverage detection means is a pair of electrodes that conduct through the beverage, and is a beverage presence / absence detection sensor that detects the presence of a beverage in the beverage supply pipe by conduction of the pair of electrodes. The beverage brewing device according to claim 1. 3. The beverage detection means, wherein an electrode disposed downstream of the pair of electrodes is disposed at a highest position on a path of the beverage supply pipe or at a position closer to the sales side than the highest position, The beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the beverage brewing apparatus is configured to be a flow detection sensor that detects that the beverage is flowing to the selling side by conducting with a side electrode. 4. The beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said beverage detection means includes said beverage presence / absence detection sensor and said flow detection sensor. 5. The beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said beverage detection means shares at least one of said pair of electrodes with said beverage presence / absence detection sensor and said flow detection sensor.