JPS6345815B2 - - 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 dripping boiling water onto coffee grounds.

Conventional structure and its problems Conventionally, the method of obtaining coffee liquid by dripping hot water onto coffee grounds was to introduce water from the bottom of a water tank into a heating pipe and heat it, using steam generated by nucleate boiling. There are so-called drip type methods in which the water is raised and hot water is dripped onto the coffee grounds for about 10 minutes.
Along with placing coffee powder below the water tank,
There was a type of dripping hot water supply system that had a heating device installed in the water tank and a bimetallic temperature release valve to drip hot water onto the coffee grounds.

However, these devices have the disadvantage that it is difficult to eliminate variations in temperature sensing accuracy, and the hot water supply temperature is not constant and becomes low. Drop into the coffee powder and let the powder swell sufficiently.
The condition of "the extraction is completed in 3 to 4 minutes" could not be satisfied. For this reason, delicious coffee liquid could not be obtained.

Purpose of the Invention The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems.The hot water supplied to the coffee grounds must be boiled, the temperature at which it contacts the coffee grounds is higher than the initial temperature, and the extraction time is also reduced. To provide a coffee boiler that can be completed in 3 to 4 minutes, can produce delicious coffee liquid, and is easy to operate.

Structure of the Invention In order to achieve the above object, the coffee boiler of the present invention includes a filter case for storing coffee powder, a water tank having a heating element, a switch element for supplying power to the heating element, and the water tank. a steam detection member made of a shape memory alloy that operates by detecting steam generated when water is heated and boiled; and a hot water supply valve that supplies water from the water tank to the filter case in conjunction with the operation of the steam detection member. According to this configuration, the steam detection member made of a shape memory alloy detects a rapid temperature rise of steam generated by heating and boiling water in the water tank, and operates the hot water supply valve. Therefore, there is no variation in sensing, there is no need for complicated electrical wiring, the hot water valve can be opened reliably with a simple configuration, and delicious coffee with rich aroma can be extracted. .

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In Figures 1 and 2,
Reference numeral 1 denotes a machine body, and this machine body 1 includes a base 2 in the shape of a flat cylindrical container, a container part 3 located above the base 2, and a side surface of the container part 3 and the base 2. A substantially U-shaped storage section 5 is formed below, surrounded by the body 1 and having an open left side surface.

The container section 3 has a cylindrical stainless steel water tank 7 at the top with a heating element 6 attached to the bottom, and a filter case 8 is detachably attached to the bottom from the storage section 5 side below. Recessed mounting surface 9
A container frame 11 is provided in which a water heater 10 for guiding water from a water tank 7 to above a filter case 8 and electrical components and the like are arranged. The filter case 8 has an upper protruding mounting surface 12, an extraction port 13 at the bottom of the lower surface, and a handle 14 at the upper side wall in order to be mounted on the recessed mounting surface 9 using a bayonet connection or a sliding rail. ,
And paper filter 15 to put coffee powder inside
is stored. Reference numeral 16 denotes a glass cup located below the filter case 8, and whose lower surface is freely placed on the cup mounting portion 17 on the upper surface of the base 2, and this cup 16 covers the upper opening surface.
A cup lid 19 has a socket 18 facing the filter case extraction port 13, and a mounting piece 2 is attached to the annular concave surface 20 of the cup 16 using elasticity of resin or the like.
1 and a handle 22 to which the handle 1 is fitted and attached.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a heat-retaining heater for keeping the cups warm, which is provided in the base 2 of the cup mounting section 17, 24 a thermostat for controlling the temperature thereof, and 25 a column 4 of the base 2.
This is a piece of material for the magnetic switch 26 provided below.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a lid that is removably attached to the upper inlet 28 of the water tank 7 by engaging the concave and convex portions.
7 is constructed by integrating a resin knob 29 at the upper part and a lid cover 30 made from stainless steel at the lower part.

Here, the hot water supply device 10 includes a hot water supply port 31 provided at the bottom of a water tank 7, and a valve case 33 that is attached to the hot water supply port 31 through a waterproof gasket 32 so that a portion thereof protrudes into the water tank 7. It has a hot water supply pipe 34 that guides the hot water in the valve case 33 above the filter case 8, and a removable stainless steel diffuser 35 that evenly disperses the hot water into the coffee grounds.

36 is a valve 38 attached to a vertically movable valve stem 37
39 is a diaphragm which holds the lower part of the valve stem 37 in the center and whose outer periphery is fixed to the valve case cover 40. The diaphragm 39 is made of silicone rubber and is movable up and down, and its mounting portion is kept watertight.

Reference numeral 41 denotes a valve lever that is attached to a pair of support pieces 42 that protrude from the valve case 33 and rotates about the attachment portion 43 as a fulcrum. A protruding piece 45 that switches a normally closed contact 44 which is a switch element that supplies power to the heating element 6 and a locking lever 47 that is biased by a spring 46 are in contact with each other and on the other end on the right side.
It has a locking part 48 that comes into contact with the.

Reference numeral 49 denotes a stainless steel steam detection tube that is arranged in parallel with the water tank 7 and protrudes above the support column 4, and has a cylindrical shape. located in the upper interior between the upper surface of the steam detection tube 49 and the flange portion 51 of the sliding rod 50;
Vapor detection made of a coiled spring-like shape memory alloy made of a Ti-Ni alloy or an alloy such as Cu-Zn that has been treated to elongate to its original state memorized at a constant temperature below 100℃. A member 52 is provided inside. The steam detection tube 49 located outside the steam detection member 52 is provided with a steam hole 53 that communicates between the inside and outside, and one of the steam holes 53 has one end above the specified water level of the water tank 5. A steam pipe 54 that is caulked and has its middle raised above the top surface of the water tank 5
The other end openings 55 are located opposite to each other. Further, the peripheral edge of the steam detection tube 49 is fixed to its lower end,
The sliding rod 50 is supported on the inside and is arranged to be watertightly isolated from the inside of the support column 4 by a vertically movable watertight gasket 56. Operating piece 57 at the lower end of 50
Only the locking portion 48 of the valve lever 41 inside the strut 4
It is facing the top surface of.

58 and 59 are a power button protruding from the top surface of the pillar 4 and a cut button for canceling the stoppage of the operation progress;
At the lower end of the power button 58, there is an engaging piece 6 that engages a switch lever 61 that is biased by a spring 60.
2, it forms a protrusion 64 that closes the lower power switch 63 when locked, and this power button 5
8 is provided so that when the hand is released, the spring force causes it to return upward.

The switch button 59 is also an automatic return type operating button that is always urged upward by a spring (not shown), and its lower end is close to the switch lever 61 and the locking lever 47 for operating the valve. , and release pieces 65 and 66 that function to release the locked state are provided.

Figure 3 shows the electric circuit, 71, 72
is a power supply terminal connected to a 100V power supply, for example.
This corresponds to the magnetic switch 26 in FIG. Reference numeral 63 denotes a power switch, and this power switch 63 is connected to a power terminal 72 through a series circuit of a heat retaining heater 23 and a thermostat 24 for temperature control, and a heating element 6 for boiling water via a normally closed contact 44. , a series circuit with a safety thermostat (67 in FIG. 1) for preventing dry firing is connected via common connection points 74 and 75.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be explained. First, the filter case 8 containing coffee powder and the paper filter 15 is attached to the recess mounting surface 9, and the water tank 7
A predetermined amount of water (usually enough water for four people) is supplied and the lid 27 is attached. When the cup 16 is placed on the cup placement section 17 in the storage section 5, the socket 18 of the cup lid 19 faces the extraction port 13 of the filter case 8. and magnetic plug 2
6 is connected to the frame 25 of the base 2, and when the power button 58 is pressed in, the power switch 63 is closed and the heat retaining heater 23 and the heating element 6 for boiling water are energized.

Then, the water in the water tank 7 is heated by the heating element 6 and its temperature rises, and at around 100°C, steam is just generated from the water surface, but as the heating progresses further and reaches the boiling point of 100°C, the temperature rises. becomes steam,
And it occurs continuously. Also, the momentum is
The steam is so strong that even a small gap in the water tank 7 can burst out. Naturally, this steam
It passes through a steam pipe 54 installed at the top of the water tank 7 and is ejected with force from an opening 55.
This ejected steam is instantaneously ejected from a steam hole 53 provided in the steam detection tube 49 to a coiled spring-shaped vapor detection member 52 formed of a shape memory alloy.

As a result, the temperature of the vapor detection member 52 undergoes a sudden temperature rise from the ambient temperature of around 30°C to 100°C. 52 has a large restoring force and expands quickly.

This movement of the vapor detection member 52 pushes the sliding rod 50 downward, and the operating piece 57 at the lower end pushes the upper surface of the locking part 48 of the valve lever 41, and this force is applied to the biasing force of the valve spring 36 and the spring 46. With the force that resists
The locking portion 48 is rotated and locked by the hook of the locking lever 47. Also, at this time, the valve lever 41
The protruding piece 45 pushes down the movable piece of the normally closed contact 44, which is the power supply switch to the heating element 6, to open it, cutting off the electricity to the heating element 6, and stopping further heating of the water. At the same time, this movement causes the left end of the valve lever 41 to push up the valve stem 37 via the vertically movable diaphragm 39, thereby opening the valve 38.

When this valve 38 is opened, the water tank 7
The hot water inside passes through the valve case 33 and the hot water pipe 34 through the opening hole 68 provided in the valve case 33, and passes through the diffuser 3 located above the filter case 8.
The hot water is dispersed through the small holes 5 and poured evenly over the coffee grounds. This hot water efficiently extracts the components of the coffee powder and is filtered by the paper filter 15 to become a coffee liquid, which is then placed in the extraction port 13 on the lower bottom of the filter case 8 and the cup lid 19 facing downward. It is received within the cup 16 through the opening 18. On the other hand, Cup 16
The coffee liquid inside is kept at an appropriate temperature by controlling the heat-retaining heater 23 by the thermostat 24.

After use, when the switch button 59 is operated and pushed down, the release pieces 65 and 66 are operated against the springs 60 and 46 of the switch lever 61 and the locking lever 47 to release the locked state. , power button 5
8 and the cut button 59 are automatically returned upward by the spring force, and the normally closed contact 44 closes the circuit from the open state. At the same time, the power switch 63 is turned off, so that the power to the heating element 6 and the heat-retaining heater 23 is cut off.

In addition, in response to the return of the switch button 59, the force of the valve spring 38 is applied to the steam detection member 52 via the valve stem 37, valve lever 41, and sliding rod 50, but the steam injection has already stopped and the shape memory effect It has disappeared. Therefore, the vapor detection member 52 is easily returned from the expanded coil spring shape to the original compressed shape to open the valve 38.
Since the tank is closed, water will not drip even if water is poured again. Furthermore, if you wish to interrupt the operation at any time during heating or hot water supply, you can operate the switch button 59 to open the power switch 63 and turn off the valve 3.
It has a release function that can release the lock that keeps the lock 8 in the open state, that is, it can stop or release the operation.

In order to ensure this release function, in one embodiment of the present invention, the memory temperature and steam detection tube 49 are adjusted so that the shape memory effect of the steam detection member 52 is quickly eliminated, especially when hot water is supplied immediately after steam detection. The shape and the number of holes of the steam holes 53 on the outside of the provided steam detection member 52 are effectively set.

Further, the time required for pouring the hot water from the water tank 7 into the coffee powder and extracting the coffee liquid is approximately 3 to 30 minutes depending on the diameter of the hot water pipe 34 and the displacement dimension of the valve 38.
It is set to around 4 minutes. Therefore, the temperature of the hot water poured into the coffee grounds is once boiled and then the heating is stopped before hot water is supplied, so even if there is heat loss in the hot water supply route etc. during the process, the water is initially poured at 96℃.
Although the temperature gradually decreases, it is possible to maintain the ideal extraction temperature of 90°C or higher even when the extraction is complete.

As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the aircraft 1
, a filter case 8 , a water tank 7 located above the filter case 7 and having a heating element 6 , and a water heater 10 that supplies water from the water tank 7 to the filter case 8 .
The water heater 10 is equipped with a shape memory alloy, which is a steam detection member 52, which operates by detecting the steam generated when the water in the water tank 7 is heated and boiled. Because it is configured to extract liquid, the secret to extracting delicious coffee liquid is to drop boiling, high-temperature water onto the coffee grounds, allowing the grounds to swell sufficiently and completing the extraction in 3 to 4 minutes. '' conditions can be almost satisfied, coffee components can be efficiently extracted under ideal extraction conditions, and a truly aromatic and delicious coffee liquid can be extracted.

In addition, the extraction temperature is determined by detecting the boiling point before starting the hot water supply, so that you can enjoy a stable and delicious coffee taste at any time without any variation depending on the number of cups used. This completely eliminates variations in the additional voltage, as well as the misalignment in sensing between the sensing part and the switch in conventional systems that use a thermostat as the water temperature sensing member, as well as variations in sensing due to installation position, making it possible to always supply hot water after boiling. It has a high level of quality and reliability, which dramatically increases the product value. In addition, since a shape memory alloy is used as the vapor detection member 52, it can serve the dual functions of vapor detection and operation at the same time.As a result, not only can the configuration be simplified, but there is no deviation in operation. Small, lightweight and inexpensive. In addition, vapor detection uses the ability to sense a sudden temperature difference between room temperature and boiling point, which allows for a wide range of shape memory temperature settings and eliminates sensing errors caused by variations, further reducing reliability and manufacturing costs. It is said that

Furthermore, if the steam detection is performed outside the water tank 7 as in one embodiment of the present invention, the stainless steel water tank 7 can be used, and even if the structure does not allow sufficient confirmation of the extraction process, one process of coffee extraction can be performed using steam. This can enhance the sense of value of the product as it can be visually confirmed and enjoyed as it is erupting. As a result, the stainless steel water tank 7 has been adopted because it can be used with high-temperature water (approximately 100℃), whereas conventional resin tanks can only be used with water. The bad influence of the odor on coffee extraction is also eliminated.

In addition, in conjunction with the movement of the steam detection member, the switch element 44 that closes the circuit of the heating element 6 is opened to cut off the power, so that the water tank 7 is dry-heated when hot water supply is completed. Prevention is possible, and the operation can be performed automatically, resulting in excellent safety and operability.

In the above embodiment, the vapor detection member 52 made of a shape memory alloy is formed into a coil shape, and the vapor detection member 52 is erected outside the water tank 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It goes without saying that the shape and mounting position can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention, such as making it straight and placing it inside a water tank.

Further, in the above embodiment, the valve lever 41
is locked to the locking lever 47 so that locking can be performed continuously, but this locked state continues to be locked for a predetermined period of time (for example, about 3 to 4 minutes until hot water supply is completed), and then It may also be provided with a timed element for opening and returning.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the release of the operation is performed using the switch button 59, but instead of this, the release is linked to the mounting operation of the lid 27 or the filter case 8, and the valve is closed. It may be configured to obtain.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a filter case for storing coffee powder, a water tank having a heating element, and a shape memory that operates by detecting the steam generated when the water in the water tank is heated and boiled. The structure includes a steam detection member made of an alloy and a hot water supply valve that feeds water from the water tank into the filter case in conjunction with the operation of the steam detection member, so that high-temperature boiling water is Drop into coffee powder,
The coffee powder can be sufficiently swollen and extracted in 3 to 4 minutes to extract a delicious, fragrant coffee liquid, and the steam can be visually confirmed, allowing you to enjoy coffee extraction. It is possible to provide a convenient coffee boiler with improved usability.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 3 show a coffee boiler according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view thereof, FIG. 2 is a partial front view including a switch part and a steam detection tube,
FIG. 3 is an electrical circuit diagram. 6... Heating element, 7... Water tank, 8... Filter case, 33... Valve case, 34... Hot water pipe, 38... Valve, 39... Diaphragm, 41
... Valve lever, 44 ... Normally closed contact (switch element), 47 ... Locking lever, 49 ... Steam detection tube,
50...Sliding rod, 52...Steam detection member, 54...
...steam pipe.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A filter case containing coffee powder, a water tank having a heating element, a switch element for supplying power to the heating element, and detecting steam generated when water in the water tank is heated and boiled. A coffee boiler comprising: a steam detecting member made of a shape memory alloy that operates in accordance with the operation of the vapor detecting member; and a hot water supply valve that supplies water from a water tank into the filter case in conjunction with the operation of the vapor detecting member. 2. The switch element for supplying power to the heating element is configured to open the circuit of the switch element in conjunction with the vapor detection member.
Coffee brewer as described in section.