JP2022144798A - Coffee grinder - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a coffee grinder capable of improving taste of coffee drink by performing grinding processing that considers extraction efficiency with respect to the coffee grinder grinding coffee beans.SOLUTION: A coffee grinder includes a grinder grinding coffee beans and a container PFb housing ground beans ground by the grinder. It can perform one set of grinding operation according to start operation by a user, one set of grinding operation being grinding operation that grinds coffee beans in different grain sizes so that grounded beans of first grain size (fine grain size) are housed in a first area (an area relatively close to a filter) of the container PFb and ground beans in second grain size (a rough grain size) are housed in a second area (an area relatively away from the filter) of the container PFb.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 46

Description

The present invention relates to a coffee bean grinder for grinding coffee beans.

A coffee bean grinder for grinding coffee beans has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). The coffee bean grinding machine proposed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a coffee bean grinding device (grinder) and a coffee beverage extraction device. Also known are coffee bean grinders that only include a grinder.

JP 2019-30433 A

Conventional coffee bean grinders do not perform a grinding process that takes extraction efficiency into consideration, and there is room for improvement in the taste of coffee beverages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a coffee bean grinder capable of improving the taste of a coffee beverage by performing a grinding process that takes extraction efficiency into consideration.

The coffee bean grinder of the present invention, which solves the above objects,
a grinder for grinding coffee beans,
a container for containing ground beans ground by the grinder;
A coffee bean grinder comprising
A set of grinding operations can be executed in response to a user's start operation,
Said one set of grinding operations comprises coffee grinding such that a first region of said container contains ground beans of a first particle size and a second region of said container contains ground beans of a second particle size. The action of grinding beans to different grain sizes.
It is characterized by

The amount of coffee beans ground in one set of grinding operations may be the amount required to extract one cup of coffee beverage, or the amount required to extract one cup of coffee. good. Also, the first particle size may be a particle size coarser than the second particle size.

In addition, in the coffee bean grinder,
The first particle size is a particle size finer than the second particle size,
It may be characterized by

In addition, in the coffee bean grinder,
The container has a filter,
The first region is a region closer to the filter than the second region in the container,
It may be characterized by

The first region may be a region below the second region of the container.

In addition, in the coffee bean grinder,
A storage device capable of storing the one set of grinding operations as a recipe,
It may be characterized by

In addition, in the coffee bean grinder,
The one set of grinding operations can be executed multiple times in response to a user's start operation.
It may be characterized by

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coffee bean grinder capable of improving the taste of a coffee beverage by performing a grinding process in consideration of extraction efficiency.

1 is an external view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus 1; FIG. 1 is a partial front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of functions of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the separation device 6. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the drive unit 8 and the extraction container 9. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a closed state and an open state of the extraction container 9; It is a front view which shows the structure of a part of upper unit 8A and lower unit 8C. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 7; It is a schematic diagram of the central unit 8B. 3 is a block diagram of a control device 11; FIG. (A) is a flow chart of control processing related to one coffee beverage manufacturing operation, and (B) is a flow chart of extraction processing in S3. 3 is a perspective view of the crushing device 5. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pulverizing device 5 shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the separation device 6. FIG. 6B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the forming unit 6B. FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of a forming unit 6B; FIG. 10 is a plan view of the forming unit 6B, and is an explanatory diagram for comparison of cross-sectional areas; 1 is an external perspective view of a coffee bean grinder; FIG. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the controller of the coffee bean grinder; (a) is a diagram showing a coffee bean grinder GM to which a hopper unit 402 is attached in place of the canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the machine GM. (a) is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the weighing unit 404 is attached to the option attachment portion GM11, and (b) is a perspective view showing the electric screw conveyor ESC. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing several aspects of the cover member 460 arranged at the downstream end opening 4042o of the transport passage 4042. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing still another aspect of the covering member 460; (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 (b) is a diagram showing the closed state of the lid unit GM21. It is a figure which shows. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the crushing device 5 incorporated in the coffee bean grinder GM in which the guide path forming member GM22 faces the front. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st grinder 5A. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing grinding processing of the first grinder 5A, which is executed by a processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19; FIG. (a) is a diagram showing the separation device 6, and (b) is a diagram showing a state where the outer peripheral wall 61a of the upper portion 61 of the collection container 60B is removed. (a) is a perspective view of the separating device 6 with the outer case 60Bo removed and viewed obliquely from below, and (b) shows the positional relationship between the outer case 60Bo and the inner case 60Bi by seeing through the outer case 60Bo. It 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 the modification FIG. 4 is a diagram showing; 26 is a view showing the entire connecting duct 661 by removing the manual setting disk dial 695 shown in FIG. 25. FIG. It is the figure which showed the structure of the 2nd grinder 5B typically. 4 is a flow chart showing steps of calibration performed in the initial operation. It is a figure which shows the state of calibration step by step. It is a figure which shows the 2nd grinder 5B in a grinding process. (a) is a diagram showing the manual setting disk dial 695 and the fine adjustment knob dial 696 together with the second motor 503a, (b) is a diagram showing the manual setting disk dial 695 and the second motor 503a removed, FIG. 10 is a view showing a connecting dial 697 and a rotating shaft 6961 of a fine adjustment knob dial 696; 4 is a flowchart showing control processing of the processing unit 11a in grind processing. 4 is a flowchart showing control processing executed by a processing unit 11a when performing grind processing according to order information; 4 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the server 16; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the input screen of order information. It is a figure which shows an example of the input screen in the state where order information was input. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how order information is input. It is a figure which shows the mode at the time of change of order information. It is a figure which shows an example of the control parameter of the 2nd grinder 5B with respect to an order. It is a figure which shows an example of a display during execution of a grinding process. (a) is a diagram showing an example of a porter filter used when producing an espresso beverage, and (b) is a basket held by a chute GM31 of a coffee bean grinder with a handle PFh and a holding part PFr. FIG. 12C is a diagram showing how PFb is applied, and FIG. 1C schematically shows a basket PFb filled with ground beans ground from a finely ground state to a coarsely ground state, and subjected to leveling and tamping. It is a schematic diagram. (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 and the like.

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

<1. Overview of Beverage Production Equipment>
FIG. 1 is an external view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. FIG. The beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus for automatically producing a coffee beverage from roasted coffee beans and liquid (here, water), and can produce a cup of coffee beverage per one production operation. . Roasted coffee beans as a raw material can be accommodated in the canister 40 . A cup placing portion 110 is provided in the lower portion of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and the manufactured coffee beverage is poured into the cup from the pouring portion 10c.

Beverage production apparatus 1 includes a housing 100 that forms its exterior and encloses internal mechanisms. The housing 100 is roughly divided into a main body portion 101 and a cover portion 102 that covers part of the front surface and part of the side surface of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 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 type display, and can receive input from the administrator of the device and the consumer of beverages in addition to displaying various kinds of information. The information display device 12 is attached to the cover portion 102 via a moving mechanism 12a, and is vertically movable within a certain range by the moving mechanism 12a.

The cover portion 102 is also provided with a bean input port 103 and an opening/closing door 103a for opening and closing the bean input port 103 . Roasted coffee beans different from the roasted coffee beans stored in the canister 40 can be thrown into the bean inlet 103 by opening the opening/closing door 103a. This makes it possible to provide a special cup to the beverage consumer.

The cover portion 102 shown in FIG. 1 is made of a translucent material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent cover whose entirety is a transmissive portion. Therefore, the inner mechanism covered with the cover portion 102 can be visually recognized from the outside. In the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, a portion of the manufacturing section that manufactures coffee beverages is visible through the cover section 102 . The main body portion 101 shown in FIG. 1 is entirely a non-transmissive portion, and it is difficult to visually recognize the inside of the main body portion 101 from the outside.

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

A housing 100 in the front portion of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 has a double structure including a main body portion 101 and a cover portion 102 on the outside (front side) thereof. A part of the mechanism of the manufacturing department is arranged between the main body part 101 and the cover part 102 in the front-rear direction, and can be visually recognized by the user through the cover part 102 .

Part of the mechanism of the manufacturing department that can be visually recognized by the user through the cover part 102 is the collective transport part 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 inward is formed in the front portion of the main body 101, and the extraction container 9 and the like are positioned in the recess 101a inward.

Since these mechanisms can be visually recognized from the outside through the cover portion 102, it may be easier for the administrator to inspect and confirm the operation. In addition, beverage consumers may be able to enjoy the coffee beverage manufacturing process.

The right end of the cover portion 102 is supported by the main body portion 101 via a hinge 102a so that it can be opened and closed horizontally. An engaging portion 102b is provided at the left end of the cover portion 102 to keep the body portion 101 and the cover portion 102 closed. The engaging portion 102b is, for example, a combination of magnet and iron. By opening the cover section 102, the manager can inspect a part of the above-described manufacturing section inside.

Note that the cover portion 102 shown in FIG. 1 is of a horizontal opening type, but may be of a vertical opening type (vertical opening type) or of a sliding type. Also, the cover portion 102 may be configured such that it cannot be opened and closed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the functions of the beverage production apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. The beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a bean processing apparatus 2 and an extraction apparatus 3 as a coffee beverage manufacturing unit.

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

<2. Fluid Supply Unit and Switching Unit>
The configurations of the fluid supply unit 7 and the switching unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the fluid supply unit 7 will be described. The fluid supply unit 7 supplies hot water to the extraction container 9, controls the pressure inside the extraction container 9, and the like. In this specification, when the atmospheric pressure is indicated by a number, it means an absolute pressure unless otherwise specified, and the gauge pressure is the atmospheric pressure when the atmospheric pressure is 0 atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure refers to the atmospheric pressure around the extraction container 9 or the atmospheric pressure of the beverage production apparatus 1. For example, when the beverage production apparatus 1 is installed at a point of 0 m above sea level, the International Civil Aviation Organization (= " It is the reference atmospheric pressure (1013.25 hPa) at sea level 0m of the International Standard Atmosphere (= "International Standard Atmosphere" [[abbreviation] ISA]) established in 1976 by the International Civil Aviation Organization ([[abbreviation] ICAO]).

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

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

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

The water tank 72 is also provided with a water level sensor 72c. A water level sensor 72 c detects the water level of hot water in the water tank 72 . Water is supplied to the water tank 72 when the water level sensor 72c detects that the water level has fallen below a predetermined level. 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. When the water level sensor 72c detects a drop in the water level, the solenoid valve 72d is opened to supply water. The valve 72d is closed to shut off the water supply. Thus, the hot water in the water tank 72 is maintained at a constant water level. The water tank 72 may be supplied with water each time the hot water used for making one coffee beverage is discharged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

<3-1. Storage device>
The storage device 4 includes a plurality of canisters 40 in which roasted coffee beans are stored. Three canisters 40 shown in FIG. 1 are provided. The canister 40 includes a cylindrical main body 40a for containing roasted coffee beans and a handle 40b provided on the main body 40a, and is detachably attached to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

Each canister 40 may contain different types of roasted coffee beans so that the type of roasted coffee beans used to produce the coffee beverage can be selected by operating the information display device 12 . Different kinds of roasted coffee beans are, for example, roasted coffee beans of different coffee bean varieties. The roasted coffee beans of different types are coffee beans of the same variety, but may be roasted coffee beans of different roasting degrees. Moreover, the roasted coffee beans of different types may be roasted coffee beans of different types and degrees of roasting. Also, at least one of the three canisters 40 may contain roasted coffee beans in which roasted coffee beans of a plurality of varieties are mixed. In this case, the roasted coffee beans of each variety may have the same degree of roasting.

Although a plurality of canisters 40 are provided in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the configuration may be such that only one canister 40 is provided. Also, when a plurality of canisters 40 are provided, the same kind of roasted coffee beans may be accommodated in all or a plurality of canisters 40 .

Each canister 40 is 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 delivers them downstream.

Each conveyor 41 discharges the roasted coffee beans to a collective conveying section 42 on the downstream side. The collective conveying part 42 is composed of a hollow member, and forms a conveying passage for the roasted coffee beans from each conveyor 41 to the crushing device 5 (especially the first grinder 5A). The roasted coffee beans discharged from each conveyor 41 are moved by their own weight inside the collective conveying unit 42 and flow down to the crushing device 5 .

A guide portion 42 a is formed at a position corresponding to the bean input port 103 in the aggregate transport portion 42 . The guide portion 42a forms a passage that guides the roasted coffee beans introduced from the bean inlet 103 to the grinding device 5 (especially the first grinder 5A). As a result, coffee beverages made from roasted coffee beans fed from the bean feeding port 103 can be produced in addition to the roasted coffee beans housed in the canister 40. - 特許庁

<3-2. Crushing device>
The crushing device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG. FIG. 4 is a partially broken perspective view of the separating device 6. FIG. The crushing device 5 includes a first grinder 5A, a second grinder 5B and a separating 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, then ground further by the second grinder 5B to be powdered, and are introduced into the extraction container 9 through the discharge pipe 5C.

The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B have different grain sizes for grinding beans. The first grinder 5A is a grinder for coarse grinding, and the second grinder 5B is a grinder for fine grinding. Each of the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B is an electric grinder, and includes a motor as a driving source and a rotary blade driven by the motor. The size (particle size) of the roasted coffee beans to be pulverized can be changed by changing the rotation speed of the rotary blade.

The separating device 6 is a mechanism for separating unnecessary substances from the ground beans. The separating device 6 includes a passage portion 63a arranged between the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B. The passage portion 63a is a hollow body forming a separation chamber through which ground beans freely falling from the first grinder 5A pass. The passage portion 63a is connected to a passage portion 63b extending in a direction (for example, the left-right direction) crossing the passage direction of the ground beans (for example, the vertical direction), and the suction unit 60 is connected to the passage portion 63b. It is connected. Light objects such as chaff and fine powder are sucked by the suction unit 60 sucking the air in the passage portion 63a. This allows the unwanted matter to be separated from the ground beans.

The suction unit 60 is a centrifugal mechanism. The suction unit 60 includes an air blowing unit 60A and a collection container 60B. The blower unit 60A shown in FIG. 4 is a fan motor, and exhausts the air in the collection container 60B upward.

Collection container 60B includes an upper portion 61 and a lower portion 62 that are separably engaged. The lower portion 62 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top, forming a space for accumulating unnecessary items. The upper portion 61 constitutes a lid portion that is attached to the opening of the lower portion 62 . The upper portion 61 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 61a and an exhaust pipe 61b formed coaxially therewith. The blower unit 60A is fixed to the upper portion 61 above the exhaust pipe 61b so as to suck the air in the exhaust pipe 61b. A passage portion 63 b is connected to the upper portion 61 . The passage portion 63b opens to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b.

By driving the blower unit 60A, air currents indicated by arrows d1 to d3 in FIG. 4 are generated. Due to this airflow, the air containing unnecessary matter is sucked into the collection container 60B from the passage portion 63a through the passage portion 63b. Since the passage portion 63b is open to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b, the air containing unnecessary substances swirls around the exhaust pipe 61b. The waste D in the air falls by its weight and is collected in a portion of the collection container 60B (deposited on the bottom surface of the lower portion 62). Air is exhausted upward through the inside of the exhaust pipe 61b.

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

A lower portion 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 portion. A lower portion 62 is a portion covered with a cover portion 102 (FIG. 2). A manager or a consumer of the beverage can see the unwanted matter D accumulated in the lower portion 62 through the cover portion 102 and the peripheral wall of the lower portion 62 . It may be easier for the administrator to confirm the cleaning timing of the lower portion 62, and for the consumer of the beverage, it is possible to visually confirm that the unnecessary matter D has been removed, which increases expectations for the quality of the coffee beverage being produced. Sometimes.

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 portion 63a, the separation device 6 separates unnecessary substances. be done. The coarsely ground beans from which unnecessary matter has been separated are finely ground by the second grinder 5B. The wastes separated by the separation device 6 are typically chaff and fine powder. These can reduce the taste of the coffee beverage, and removing chaff and the like from the ground beans can improve the quality of the coffee beverage.

Grinding of roasted coffee beans may be in one grinder (single stage grinding). However, the two-stage grinding by the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B makes it easier to uniformize the grain size of the ground beans and makes it possible to make the extraction degree of the coffee liquid constant. During grinding of beans, heat may be generated due to friction between the cutter and the beans. The two-stage pulverization can suppress heat generation due to friction during pulverization and prevent deterioration of the ground beans (for example, loss of flavor).

In addition, by going through the stages of coarse grinding → separation of unnecessary substances → fine grinding, when separating unnecessary substances such as chaff, it is possible to increase the mass difference between the unnecessary substances and the ground beans (required parts). This can improve the separation efficiency of unnecessary substances, and can prevent ground beans (required portions) from being separated as unnecessary substances. In addition, the heat generation of the ground beans can be suppressed by the air cooling by interposing the unnecessary matter separation processing using air suction between the coarse grinding and the fine grinding. This can also prevent deterioration of the ground beans (for example, loss of flavor).

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

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

The extraction container 9 is a chamber containing a container body 90 and a lid unit 91 . The extraction container 9 may be called a chamber. The central unit 8B includes an arm member 820 that detachably holds the container body 90. As shown in FIG. Arm member 820 includes a holding member 820a and a pair of shaft members 820b spaced apart from each other in the left and right direction. The holding member 820a is an elastic member such as resin formed in a C-shaped clip, and holds the container body 90 by its elastic force. The holding member 820a holds the left and right side portions of the container body 90, leaving the front side of the container body 90 exposed. This makes it easier to visually recognize the inside of the container body 90 when viewed from the front.

The container main body 90 is attached to and detached from the holding member 820a by manual operation, and the container main body 90 is attached to the holding member 820a by pressing the container main body 90 forward and backward against the holding member 820a. Further, the container main body 90 can be separated from the holding member 820a by pulling the container main body 90 forward from the holding member 820a.

Each of the pair of shaft members 820b is a rod extending in the front-rear direction, and is a member that supports the holding member 820a. Although the number of shaft members 820b is two, the number may be one or three or more. The holding member 820a is fixed to the front ends of the pair of shaft members 820b. A pair of shaft members 820b are advanced and retracted in the front-rear direction by a mechanism to be described later, whereby the holding member 820a is advanced and retracted in the front-rear direction, and the container body 90 can be moved in parallel in the front-rear direction. The central unit 8B is also capable of rotating the extraction container 9 upside down, as will be described later.

<4-2. Extraction container>
The extraction container 9 will be described with reference to FIG. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the closed state and the open state of the extraction container 9. FIG. As described above, the extraction vessel 9 is turned upside down by the central unit 8B. The extraction container 9 in FIG. 6 shows a basic posture in which the lid unit 91 is positioned on the upper side. In the following description, when the vertical positional relationship is described, it means the vertical positional relationship in the basic posture unless otherwise specified.

The container body 90 is a container with a bottom and has a bottle shape having a neck portion 90b, a shoulder portion 90d, a body portion 90e and a bottom portion 90f. 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 the internal space thereof gradually decreases from the body portion 90e side toward the neck portion 90b side. ing.

The lid unit 91 is a unit that opens and closes the opening 90a. The opening/closing operation (lifting operation) of the lid unit 91 is performed by the upper unit 8A.

Container body 90 includes a body member 900 and a bottom member 901 . The main body member 900 is a cylindrical member that is open at the top and bottom and forms a neck portion 90b, a shoulder portion 90d, and a body portion 90e. The bottom member 901 is a member that forms the bottom portion 90f, and is inserted and fixed to the lower portion of the main body member 900. As shown in FIG. A sealing member 902 is interposed between the body member 900 and the bottom member 901 to improve the airtightness inside the container body 90 .

A 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 entirety is a transmissive portion. A manager or a consumer of the beverage can see the extraction state of the coffee beverage in the container body 90 through the cover portion 102 and the body member 900 of the container body 90 . For the manager, it may be easy to check the extraction operation, and for the consumer of the beverage, it may be possible to enjoy the extraction situation.

A convex portion 901c is provided in the central portion of the bottom member 901, and the convex portion 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 the communication hole. 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. As shown in FIG.

The lid unit 91 includes a hat-shaped base member 911 . The base member 911 has a convex portion 911d and a flange portion 911c that overlaps the flange portion 90c when closed. The convex portion 911d has the same structure as the convex portion 901c of the container body 90, and is provided with a communication hole for communicating the inside of the container body 90 with the outside and a valve (valve 913 in FIG. 8) for opening and closing the communication hole. It is The communication hole of the projection 911d is mainly used for injecting hot water into the container body 90 and sending out the coffee beverage. A sealing member 918a is provided on the convex portion 911d. The sealing member 918a is a member for maintaining airtightness between the upper unit 8A or the lower unit 8C and the base member 911. As shown in FIG. The lid unit 91 is also provided with a sealing member 919 . The sealing 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 the lower unit 8C will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of part of the upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C, and FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG.

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

The support member 800 is fixed so as not to change its relative position to the frame F, and accommodates the holding member 801 . The support member 800 also includes a communicating portion 800a that allows the inside of the support member 800 to communicate with the pipe L3. Hot water, tap water, and air pressure supplied from pipe L3 are introduced into support member 800 via communicating portion 800a.

The holding member 801 is a member capable of detachably holding 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 has a mechanism for detachably holding them. 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 air pressure supplied from the pipe L3 can be supplied into the extraction vessel 9 via the communicating portion 800a and the communicating hole 801a of the holding member 801. FIG.

The holding member 801 is also a movable member that is vertically slidable within the support member 800 . The elevating shaft 802 is provided so that its axial direction is the vertical direction. The elevating shaft 802 penetrates the top portion of the support member 800 in an air-tight manner in the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 800 .

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

A screw 802a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lifting shaft 802 . A nut 804b is screwed onto the screw 802a. The upper unit 8A has a motor 804a, and the nut 804b is rotated on the spot (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 804a. The elevation shaft 802 is raised and lowered by the rotation of the nut 804b.

The elevating shaft 802 is a tubular shaft having a through hole in its central axis, and the probe 803 is inserted into the through hole so as to be vertically slidable. The probe 803 penetrates the top portion of the holding member 801 in an air-tight manner in the vertical direction, and is vertically movable with respect to the supporting member 800 and the holding member 801 .

The probe 803 is an operator for opening and closing the valves 913 and 903 provided inside the convex portions 911d and 901c. It can be changed from an open state to a closed state (by the action of a return spring, not shown).

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

The lower unit 8C includes an operation unit 81C. The operation unit 81C has a configuration in which the operation unit 81A is vertically inverted, and performs opening and closing operations of the valves 913 and 903 provided inside the convex portions 911d and 901c. The operation unit 81C is also configured to be capable of opening and closing the lid unit 91, but the operation unit 81C is not used for opening and closing the lid unit 91. FIG.

Although the description of the operation unit 81A is substantially the same as the description of the operation unit 81A, the operation unit 81C will be described below. The operation unit 81C includes a support member 810, a holding member 811, an elevation shaft 812 and a probe 813.

The supporting member 810 is fixed so as not to change its relative position to the frame F, and accommodates the holding member 811 . The support member 810 also includes a communicating portion 810a that allows communication between the switching valve 10a of the switching unit 10 and the 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 through the communicating portion 810a.

The holding member 811 has a cylindrical space into which the projection 911d of the lid unit 91 or the projection 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted, and has a mechanism for detachably holding them. 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 communicating portion 810a and the communicating hole 811a of the holding member 811. As shown in FIG.

The holding member 811 is also a movable member that is vertically slidable within the support member 810 . The elevating shaft 812 is provided so that its axial direction is the vertical direction. The elevating shaft 812 penetrates the bottom of the support member 800 in an air-tight manner in the vertical direction, and is provided to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 810 .

A bottom portion of a holding member 811 is fixed to the lower end portion of the lifting shaft 812 . The holding member 811 slides in the vertical direction by raising and lowering the elevating shaft 812, and the holding member 811 can be attached to and separated from the projections 901c and 911d.

A screw 812 a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lifting shaft 812 . A nut 814b is screwed onto the screw 812a. The lower unit 8C has a motor 814a, and the nut 814b is rotated on the spot (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 814a. The elevation shaft 812 is raised and lowered by the rotation of the nut 814b.

The elevating shaft 812 is a tubular shaft having a through hole in its center axis, and a probe 813 is inserted into the through hole so as to be vertically slidable. The probe 813 penetrates the bottom of the holding member 811 in an air-tight manner in the vertical direction, and is vertically movable with respect to the supporting member 810 and the holding member 811 .

The probe 813 is an operator for opening and closing the valves 913 and 903 provided inside the convex portions 911d and 901c. It can be changed from an open state to a closed state (by the action of a return spring, not shown).

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

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

The lock mechanism 821 is a mechanism that keeps the lid unit 91 closed with respect to the container body 90 . The locking mechanism 821 includes a pair of gripping members 821a that vertically sandwich the flange portion 911c of the lid unit 91 and the flange portion 90c of the container body 90. As shown in FIG. The pair of gripping members 821a has a C-shaped cross section that is fitted with the collar portion 911c and the flange portion 90c sandwiched therebetween, and is opened and closed in the left-right direction by the driving force of the motor 822 . When the pair of gripping members 821a is in the closed state, each gripping member 821a engages the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c so as to vertically sandwich the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c, as indicated by solid lines in the enclosing view of FIG. The unit 91 is hermetically locked to the container body 90 . In this locked state, even if the holding member 801 is lifted by the lifting shaft 802 to open the lid unit 91, the lid unit 91 does not move (lock is not released). That is, the locking force of the locking mechanism 821 is set stronger than the force of opening the lid unit 91 using the holding member 801 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the lid unit 91 from being opened with respect to the container main body 90 in the event of an abnormality.

When the pair of gripping members 821a are in the open state, the gripping members 821a are separated from the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c, as indicated by the broken lines in the encircled view of FIG. is unlocked with

When the holding member 801 is holding the lid unit 91 and when the holding member 801 is raised from the lowered position to the raised position, the lid unit 91 is lifted from the container body 90 when the pair of gripping members 821a is open. separated. Conversely, when the pair of gripping members 821a is closed, the holding member 801 is disengaged from the lid unit 91, and only the holding member 801 is raised.

The central unit 8B also includes a mechanism for horizontally moving the arm member 820 in the front-rear direction using the motor 823 as a drive source. As a result, the container body 90 supported by the arm member 820 can be moved between the rear extracting position (state ST1) and the front bean throwing position (state ST2). The bean-throwing-in position is a position at which ground beans are thrown into the container main body 90, and the ground beans ground by the second grinder 5B are put into the opening 90a of the container main body 90 from which the lid unit 91 is separated. Input from 5C. In other words, the position of the discharge pipe 5C is above the container body 90 positioned at the bean loading position.

The extraction position is a position where the container body 90 can be operated by the operation units 81A and 81C, is coaxial with the probes 803 and 813, and is a position where coffee liquid is extracted. The extraction position is a position on the back side of the bean-throwing-in position. 5, 7 and 8 all show the container body 90 in the extraction position. In this way, by changing the position of the container body 90 for the input of the ground beans, the extraction of the coffee liquid, and the supply of the water, the steam generated during the extraction of the coffee liquid is discharged from the discharge pipe, which is the supply portion of the ground beans. Adherence to 5C can be prevented.

The central unit 8B also includes a mechanism that rotates the support unit 81B around a longitudinal axis 825 using a motor 824 as a drive source. As a result, the posture of the container body 90 (extraction container 9) can be changed from the upright posture (state ST1) with the neck portion 90b on the upper side to the inverted posture (state ST3) with the neck portion 90b on the lower side. While the extraction container 9 is rotating, the locking mechanism 821 keeps the lid unit 91 locked to the container body 90 . The extraction container 9 is turned upside down between the upright posture and the inverted posture. In the inverted posture, the convex portion 911d is positioned at the position of the convex portion 901c in the upright posture. In addition, the convex portion 901c in the inverted posture is positioned at the position of the convex portion 911d in the erect posture. Therefore, in the inverted posture, the operation unit 81A can perform the opening/closing operation for the valve 903, and the operation unit 81C can perform the opening/closing operation for the valve 913. FIG.

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

The control device 11 controls the beverage manufacturing device 1 as a whole. The control device 11 includes a processing section 11a, a storage section 11b and an I/F (interface) section 11c. The processing unit 11a is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 11b is, for example, RAM or ROM. The I/F unit 11c includes an input/output interface for inputting/outputting signals between an external device and the processing unit 11a. The I/F unit 11c also includes a communication interface capable of data communication with the server 16 via the communication network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 can communicate with a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone via a communication network 15, and can receive, for example, information such as reservations for beverage production and impressions from the mobile terminal 17 of beverage consumers. .

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

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

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

In the standby state, when there is an instruction to produce a coffee beverage, the process of FIG. 11(A) is executed. Preheating is performed in S1. This process is a process of pouring hot water into the container body 90 to heat the container body 90 in advance. First, the 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 ms) and then closed. As a result, hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72 . Subsequently, the solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms) and then closed. As a result, the air in the extraction container 9 is pressurized, and the discharge of hot water to the waste tank T is facilitated. By the above process, the inside of the extraction container 9 and the pipe L2 are preheated, and it is possible to reduce the cooling of the hot water in the subsequent production of the coffee beverage.

In S2, grind processing is performed. Here, roasted coffee beans are ground and the ground beans are put into the container body 90 . First, the lock mechanism 821 is opened and the holding member 801 is raised to the raised position. The lid unit 91 is held by the holding member 801 and rises together with the holding member 801 . As a result, the lid unit 91 is separated from the container body 90 . The holding member 811 is lowered to the lowered position. The container main body 90 is moved to the bean-throwing-in position. Subsequently, the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5 are operated. As a result, a cup of roasted coffee beans is supplied from the storage device 4 to the first grinder 5A. Roasted coffee beans are ground in two stages by the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B, and unwanted substances are separated by the separation device 6.例文帳に追加Ground beans are put into the container main body 90 .

The container body 90 is returned to the extraction position. The holding member 801 is lowered to the lowered position to attach the lid unit 91 to the container body 90 . The lock mechanism 821 is closed, 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, the valve 903 is closed and the valve 913 is open.

Extraction processing is performed in S3. Here, coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans in the container body 90 . FIG. 11B is a flow chart of the extraction process of S3.

In S41, in order to steam the ground beans in the extraction container 9, hot water less than a cup of hot water is poured into the extraction container 9. - 特許庁Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms). As a result, hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72 . After that, it waits for a predetermined time (for example, 5000 milliseconds) and ends the processing 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 the extraction container 9 can accommodate a cup of hot water. Here, the electromagnetic valve 72i is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 7000 ms). As a result, hot water is injected into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72 .

By the processing of S42, the inside of the extraction vessel 9 can be brought to a state of a temperature exceeding 100 degrees Celsius (for example, about 110 degrees Celsius) at 1 atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized in S43. Here, the solenoid valve 73b is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 msec), and the inside of the extraction vessel 9 is pressurized to a pressure (for example, about 4 atmospheres (about 3 atmospheres in gauge pressure)) at which 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 ms) to perform immersion-type coffee liquid extraction (S44). As a result, coffee liquid is extracted by immersion method under high temperature and high pressure. The following effects can be expected from immersion extraction under high temperature and pressure. First, the high pressure makes it easier for the hot water to permeate the inside of the ground beans, thereby promoting the extraction of the coffee liquid. Second, the high temperature promotes the extraction of the coffee liquid. Third, the high temperature reduces the viscosity of the oil contained in the ground beans, promoting the extraction of the oil. This makes it possible to produce a coffee beverage with a high aroma.

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

In S45, the inside of the extraction container 9 is decompressed. Here, the pressure inside the extraction container 9 is switched to the pressure at which hot water boils. Specifically, the valve 913 is opened, and the electromagnetic valve 73c is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms). The inside of the extraction container 9 is released to the atmosphere. After that, the valve 913 is closed again.

The pressure inside the extraction container 9 is rapidly reduced to a pressure lower than the boiling point pressure, and the hot water in the extraction container 9 boils at once. The hot water and ground beans in the extraction container 9 are explosively scattered within the extraction container 9. - 特許庁This allows the water to boil evenly. In addition, destruction of the cell walls of the ground beans can be promoted, and subsequent extraction of the coffee liquid can be further promoted. In addition, the boiling can stir the ground beans and the hot water, thereby promoting the extraction of the coffee liquid. In this way, the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid can be improved.

In S46, the extraction container 9 is reversed from the upright posture to the inverted posture. Here, the holding member 801 is moved to the raised position, and the holding member 811 is moved to the lowered position. Then, the support unit 81B is rotated. After that, the holding member 801 is returned to the lowered position, and the holding member 811 is returned to the raised position. In the inverted extraction container 9, the neck portion 90b and the lid unit 91 are positioned on the lower side.

At S47, permeation type coffee liquid extraction is performed, and the coffee beverage is delivered to the cup C. Here, the switching valve 10a is switched to allow communication between the pouring portion 10c and the passage portion 810a of the operation unit 81C. Also, both the valves 903 and 913 are opened. Further, the solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 10000 msec) to set the inside pressure of the extraction container 9 to a predetermined pressure (for example, 1.7 atmospheres (0.7 atmospheres in gauge pressure)). In the extraction container 9, the coffee beverage in which the coffee liquid is dissolved in hot water passes through the filter provided in the lid unit 91 and is delivered to the cup C. The filter regulates the leakage of ground residue. The extraction process is completed as described above.

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

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

Returning to FIG. 11A, after the extraction process of S3, the discharge process of S4 is performed. Here, processing related to cleaning the inside of the extraction container 9 is performed. Cleaning of the extraction container 9 is performed by returning the extraction container 9 from the inverted position to the 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 in the extraction container 9 is discharged to the disposal tank T together with the residue of the ground beans.

Thus, one coffee beverage manufacturing process is completed. Thereafter, similar processing is repeated for each manufacturing instruction. The time required for making one coffee beverage is, for example, about 60 to 90 seconds.

<7. Summary of Device Configuration>
As described above, the beverage production apparatus 1 includes the bean processing device 2 and the extraction device 3 as production units. More specifically, the bean processing device 2 includes the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5, and the extraction device 3 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 a cup of roasted coffee beans from the storage device 4, and grinds the beans in two stages using the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B. At this time, unnecessary substances such as chaff are separated from the ground beans by the separation device 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 driving unit 8 reverses the orientation of the extraction container 9, and the switching unit 10 transfers the extraction container 9 to the cup C. Via liquid delivery or the like, a single serving of beverage is provided.

A part of the manufacturing section is covered with a cover section 102 configured as a transparent cover that is a transparent section as a whole, and a user (for example, an administrator of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, a consumer of the beverage, etc.) can use the beverage manufacturing apparatus. 1 Visible from the outside. The plurality of canisters 40, which are part of the storage device 4, are exposed and the other elements are substantially contained within the housing 100, but the entire manufacturing section is within the housing 100. may be housed in In other words, the cover section 102 may be provided so as to cover at least part of the manufacturing section.

At least a part of the manufacturing section is covered by the cover section 102 so as to be visible from the outside of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. For example, when the user is the administrator of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, the administrator can manufacture the beverage. In some cases, it may be possible to check the operation of the equipment along with the preparations. 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 raising expectations for the beverage. For example, the extraction container 9 of the extraction device 3 can be viewed from the outside of the beverage production device 1 through the cover part 102, and the extraction process, which is of relatively high interest to the user, can be observed among several processes for producing beverages. is. The drive unit 8 functions 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 likely to attract the user's interest, and by making it observable by the user, it may be possible to entertain the user.

Next, a modified example of the crushing device 5 will be described. In the following description, components having the same names as those of the components described so far are given the same reference numerals as those used so far. The pulverizing device 5 described here differs in appearance from the pulverizing device shown in FIG. 2, but is functionally the same.

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 separating device 6, like the crushing device shown in FIG. The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are mechanisms for grinding the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 shown in FIG. The first grinder 5A is a grinder for crushing the coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1/4) in order to facilitate separation of unnecessary substances adhering to the coffee beans. The second grinder 5B is a grinder for grinding coffee beans that have been ground by the first grinder 5A into ground coffee beans of a desired grain size. Therefore, the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B have different grain sizes for grinding beans, and the grain size of the second grinder 5B is finer than that of the first grinder 5A. Although the grain size of ground beans in the second grinder 5B may have an error (about ±5 μm), it can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b.

The first grinder 5A includes a motor 52a (see FIG. 12) and a body portion 53a. A motor 52a is a drive source for the first grinder 5A. The body portion 53a is a unit that accommodates a cutter, and as shown in FIG. 13, a rotating shaft 54a is built therein. 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. A fixed blade 57a, which is a cutter, is provided around the rotary blade 58a. The inside of the body portion 53a communicates with the inlet 50a (see FIG. 12) and the outlet 51a (see FIG. 13). Roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 shown in FIG. 2 enter the body portion 53a from an inlet 50a formed in the upper portion of the body portion 53a, and enter the main body portion 53a between the rotary blade 58a and the fixed blade 57a shown in FIG. It is pulverized so as to be sandwiched between them. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a restraining plate 56a is provided above the rotating blade 58a of the rotating shaft 54a, and the restraining plate 56a restrains the roasted coffee beans from escaping upward. The first grinder 5A grinds the roasted coffee beans to, for example, about 1/4. The crushed ground beans are discharged to the separation device 6 from the discharge port 51a.

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

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

The separation device 6 shown in FIG. 12 has the same configuration as the separation device 6 described with reference to FIG. It is a mechanism that separates by air suction force. The roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the first grinder 5A, and the coarsely ground beans are separated by the separation device 6 to separate unnecessary substances. The coarsely ground beans from which unnecessary matter has been separated are finely ground by the second grinder 5B.

The second grinder 5B includes a motor 52b (see FIG. 12) and a body portion 53b. A motor 52b is a drive source for the second grinder 5B. The main body portion 53b is a unit that accommodates a cutter, and as shown in FIG. 13, a rotary shaft 54b is built therein. A pulley 55b is provided on the rotating shaft 54b, and the driving force of the motor 52b is transmitted to the rotating shaft 54b via the belt 59b and the pulley 55b.

As shown in FIG. 13, the rotary shaft 54b is also provided with a rotary blade 58b, and a fixed blade 57b is provided above the rotary blade 58b. The inside of the body portion 53b communicates with the inlet 50b shown in FIG. 12 and the outlet 51b shown in FIG. The ground beans falling from the separation device 6 enter the main body 53b from the inlet 50b and are further ground while being sandwiched between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b. Ground beans pulverized into powder are discharged from the discharge port 51b. The grain size of ground beans in the 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 described again, although there are parts that overlap with the description so far. 14 is a partially broken perspective view of the separation device 6. FIG. The separating device 6 includes a suction unit 6A and a forming unit 6B. The forming unit 6B is a hollow body forming a separation chamber SC (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 (horizontal direction in this example) that intersects the passing direction of the ground beans (vertical direction in this example) and sucks air in the separation chamber SC. By sucking the air in the separation chamber SC, light objects such as chaff and fine powder are sucked. This allows the unwanted matter to be separated from the ground beans.

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

Collection container 60B includes an upper portion 61 and a lower portion 62 that are separably engaged. The lower portion 62 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top, forming a space for accumulating unnecessary items. The upper portion 61 constitutes a lid portion that is attached to the opening of the lower portion 62 . As shown in FIG. 14, the upper portion 61 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 61a and an exhaust pipe 61b formed coaxially therewith. The blower unit 60A is fixed to the upper portion 61 above the exhaust pipe 61b so as to suck the air in the exhaust pipe 61b. The upper portion 61 also includes a radially extending cylindrical connecting portion 61c. The connecting portion 61c is connected to the forming unit 6B to allow communication between the separation chamber SC and the collection container 60B. The connecting portion 61c opens to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b.

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

A plurality of fins 61d are integrally formed on the peripheral surface of the exhaust pipe 61b. A plurality of fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. Each fin 61d is obliquely inclined with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. By providing such fins 61, the swirl of the air containing the unwanted matter D around the exhaust pipe 61b is promoted. In addition, the fins 61 promote the separation of the unnecessary matter D. FIG. As a result, the length of the suction unit 6A in the vertical direction can be suppressed, which contributes to downsizing of the apparatus.

In addition, a formation unit 6B is arranged in the dropping path of 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 dropping path. Although the centrifugal separation type mechanism tends to be elongated in the vertical direction, by displacing the suction unit 6A from the drop path and arranging it to the side, the suction unit 6A can be arranged laterally with respect to the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B. Can be installed side by side. This contributes to reducing the vertical length of the device. In particular, when two-stage grinding is performed by the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B, the length of the device in the vertical direction tends to be long, so this arrangement of the suction unit 6A is effective for downsizing the device. is.

The forming unit 6B will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17. FIG. 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 an explanatory diagram for comparison of cross-sectional areas.

A forming unit 6B shown in FIG. 15 is formed by connecting two vertically divided halves. The forming unit 6B includes a tube portion 63 and a separation chamber forming portion 64, and has a spoon shape in plan view. The tube portion 63 is a tubular body that forms a communication passage 63a with the suction unit 6A, and extends in a lateral direction (a direction that intersects a center line CL described later). The separation chamber forming portion 64 is a ring-shaped hollow body that is connected to the pipe portion 63 and forms the separation chamber SC, the center of which is vertically open.

The separation device 6 shown in FIG. 14 employs a method of applying lateral wind pressure to the ground beans falling from the first grinder 5A to suck the unwanted matter when separating the unwanted matter from the ground beans. . This has the advantage that the vertical length can be shorter than the centrifugal method.

The separation chamber forming portion 64 shown in FIG. 15 includes a vertically extending cylindrical portion 65 . The tubular portion 65 protrudes into the separation chamber SC from its vertical center portion to its lower portion. The tubular portion 65 has an opening 65a at one end on the upper side, and the opening 65a forms an inlet for ground beans communicating with the separation chamber SC. The opening 65a is located outside the separation chamber SC and is connected to the discharge port 51a (see FIG. 13) of the first grinder 5A. As a result, the ground beans falling from the discharge port 51a are introduced into the separation chamber forming portion 64 without leakage. The tubular portion 65 has an opening 65b at the other lower end. The opening 65b is positioned within the separation chamber SC. Since the opening 65b faces the separation chamber SC, ground beans falling from the discharge port 51a are introduced into the separation chamber SC without leakage.

The cylindrical portion 65 has a cylindrical shape, and the openings 65a and 65b have concentric circular shapes positioned on the center line CL. This makes it easier for ground beans falling from the discharge port 51 a to pass through the tubular portion 65 . The tubular portion 65 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area of the internal space gradually decreases from the opening portion 65a side toward the opening portion 65b side. Since the inner wall of the tubular portion 65 has a mortar shape, falling ground beans are likely to collide with the inner wall. The ground beans falling from the first grinder 5A may adhere to each other and fall as clumps. If the ground beans are in the form of clumps, the separation efficiency of unnecessary substances may be lowered. In the tubular portion 65 shown in FIG. 15 , the lumps of the ground beans collide with the inner wall of the tubular portion 65 to break the lumps and make it easier to separate unnecessary substances.

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

The separation chamber forming part 64 has a discharge port 66 communicating with the separation chamber SC, through which the ground beans after the separation of unnecessary substances are discharged. The discharge port 66 shown in FIG. 15 is located below the opening 65b, and the ground beans passing through the tubular portion 65 pass through the separation chamber SC and freely fall from the discharge port 66. As shown in FIG. The discharge port 66 is a circular opening located on the center line CL and concentric with the openings 65a and 65b. Therefore, the ground beans can easily pass through the separation chamber forming portion 64 by free fall, and the ground beans can be prevented from accumulating in the separation chamber forming portion 64 .

As shown in FIG. 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 65 b is projected vertically onto the discharge port 66 , the opening 65 b fits inside the discharge port 66 . In other words, the opening 65b is accommodated within a region extending the discharge port 66 in the vertical direction. A configuration in which the opening 65b and the discharge port 66 are not on the same center line but overlap, or a configuration in which at least one of them is not circular but overlaps can be adopted.

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

Air sucked by the suction unit 6A is mainly sucked from the discharge port 66 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, a gap is provided between the discharge port 66 and the inlet 50b of the second grinder 5B to promote the suction of air. An arrow d4 shown in FIG. 15 schematically indicates the direction of the air flow sucked by the suction unit 6A. By sucking the air from the discharge port 66, it becomes difficult for unnecessary substances to be discharged from the discharge port 66, and the separation performance between the ground beans and the unnecessary substances can be improved. The air sucked by the suction unit 6A is also sucked from the opening 65a.

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

The ground beans introduced into the inlet 65a are agitated under the influence of turbulence when passing through the region R2. In 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, ground beans always pass through the region R2. Turbulence facilitates the separation of waste materials such as chaff and fines from the ground beans. Therefore, even if the separation chamber SC is a small space, it is possible to improve the separation efficiency of unnecessary substances, and in particular, it contributes to reducing the length of the separation chamber SC in the vertical direction. This is advantageous for miniaturization of the device when performing two-stage grinding with two grinders 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 protruding downward in the vertical direction. The projection direction of the turbulence promoting element 67a may be any direction, but a direction within a range from downward to radially inward is preferable in terms of making it easier to generate turbulence in the separation chamber SC. be. If the protruding direction is downward, the ground beans that have fallen will not be caught, which is more preferable.

The cross-sectional shape of the turbulence-promoting element 67a is such that a trapezoidal quadrangular prism is arranged such that the upper base of the cross-section faces the direction of the center line CL, and as shown in FIG. It has a shape that is The shape of the turbulence promoting element 67a is not limited to this shape, but a shape that makes the shape of the discharge port 66 three-dimensionally complicated is preferable.

As shown in FIG. 16, the turbulence promoting elements 67a are repeatedly formed in the circumferential direction d5 of the outlet 66. As shown in FIG. As a result, air is blown into the region R2 from multiple directions, promoting the generation of turbulence. Adjacent turbulence promoting elements 67a have the same pitch, but may have different pitches. 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 in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, but the grinding device 5 alone can also be used as a coffee bean grinder. In this case, a storage device that stores roasted coffee beans and supplies the coffee beans to the inlet 50a, a control device that controls the crushing 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 the control device of the coffee bean grinder. The basic configuration of the coffee bean grinder shown in FIG. 18 is substantially the same as the basic configuration of the grinding device 5 described with reference to FIGS. 12-17. Hereinafter, constituent elements having the same names as the constituent elements described so far are given the same reference numerals as those used so far, and differences from the crushing device 5 explained using FIGS. 12 to 17 are shown. Mainly explained.

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 for controlling them. 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 type display for inputting various control instructions and setting values for the coffee bean grinder GM. It 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, RAM or ROM. Recipes are stored in the storage unit 11b. The recipe includes information on various conditions for grinding coffee beans, bean information, recipe creator information, recipe creator's comments, and the like. The I/F unit 11c includes an input/output interface for inputting/outputting signals between an external device and the processing unit 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 portable terminal 17 via the communication network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 can communicate with a mobile terminal 17 such as a smart phone via a communication network 15, and can receive, for example, information such as reservations for ground coffee production and impressions from the mobile terminal 17 of the consumer. be. A coffee bean grinder 1, a server 16, and a portable terminal 17 are included to constitute a coffee bean grinding system GS for grinding coffee beans.

The processing unit 11a executes programs stored in the storage unit 11b, and controls the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5 according to recipes. In more detail, the processing unit 11a controls the actuator group 14 according to a recipe, and 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 is various sensors provided in the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5 (for example, an operating position detection sensor of a mechanism, etc.). The actuator group 14 is various actuators (such as motors) provided in the storage device 4 and the crushing device 5 .

The storage device 4 shown in FIG. 18 has a cylindrical canister storage unit 401 and a detachable cap 401c that screws onto the upper end of the canister storage unit 401 and covers the upper surface of the canister storage unit 401. As shown in FIG. 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. A plurality of stored canisters can be selectively used in the storage device 4 . Therefore, roasted coffee beans of different varieties or roasted coffee beans with different roasting degrees can be selected and ground, or multiple types of roasted coffee beans with different varieties and roasting degrees can be mixed and ground. processing can also be performed.

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

FIG. 20(a) is a diagram showing a coffee bean grinder GM to which a hopper unit 402 is attached in place of the canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18, and FIG. 1 shows a coffee bean grinder GM with a

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the coffee bean grinder GM seen diagonally from the front left, while FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the coffee bean grinder GM seen diagonally from the front 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 the 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 system in which locking claws provided on the option mounting portion GM11 are locked to each unit may be used.

The hopper unit 402 shown in FIG. 20(a) is a transparent container containing roasted coffee beans and 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) has a funnel shape with the inner side tapered toward the option mounting portion GM11 side, and the upper end is open. This funnel unit 403 also accommodates roasted coffee beans. The funnel unit 403 smoothly supplies the roasted coffee beans to the downstream side as compared with the canister and the hopper unit 402 . 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.

A weighing unit can also be attached to the option attachment portion GM11.

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

In the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 21(a), a weighing unit 404 attached to the option attachment portion GM11 is further attached with a canister storage unit 401 illustrated in FIG. Storage units (401 to 403) capable of storing roasted coffee beans can be detachably attached to the weighing unit 404. FIG. The method of attaching the storage unit to the weighing unit 404 may be a screwing method similar to the method of attaching each unit to the option attachment portion GM11. A locking system may be used, or a system in which locking claws provided on the weighing unit 404 are locked to the storage unit may be used. In the example shown in FIG. 21(a), the locking claw 404k provided on the weighing unit 404 is locked to the protrusion GM11t of the option mounting portion GM11. A locking claw 401k provided on the canister housing unit 401 is locked to a protrusion 404t provided on the upper portion of the inner peripheral wall of the weighing unit 404. As shown in FIG.

The weighing unit 404 has a receiving port 4040 , a guiding passageway 4041 , a conveying passageway 4042 and a delivery port 4043 . When the storage unit (401-403) is attached to the weighing unit 404, the supply port USP of the storage unit is connected to the receiving port 4040 of the weighing unit 404, and the roasted coffee beans stored in the storing unit are supplied to the receiving port 4040. supplied to The receiving port 4040 and the upstream side of the transport path 4042 are connected by a guide path 4041 . In the transport passage 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 arranged in the conveying passage 4042 , and the roasted coffee beans are conveyed in the conveying passage 4042 and sent out from the outlet 4043 toward the crushing device 5 . That is, the roasted coffee beans supplied to the receiving port 4040 are guided to the conveying passage 4042 through the guiding passage 4041 and conveyed from the right side to the left side of the conveying passage 4042 shown in FIG. 21(a). The conveying path 4042 shown in FIG. 21(a) is provided horizontally, but the downstream end opening 4042o of the conveying path 4042 is formed to open obliquely upward. Note that the transport 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 right rear side is the upstream side, and the left front side is the downstream side. The electric screw conveyor ESC has a screw shaft ESC1 and screw blades ESC2 spirally provided on the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft ESC1. A motor ESC3 for rotationally driving the screw shaft ESC1 is built in the upstream end of the electric screw conveyor ESC. The roasted coffee beans guided to the conveying passage 4042 are conveyed through the conveying 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 weighed according to 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 (401-403) and conveys them downstream.

As shown in FIG. 21(a), a cover member 460 is provided at the downstream end opening 4042o of the transport passage 4042. As shown in FIG. As described above, the downstream end opening 4042o is formed facing obliquely upward, and the covering member 460 is also obliquely arranged. The covering member 460 has a covering plate 461 and a belt-like member 451 .

22A and 22B are diagrams showing several aspects of the cover member 460 arranged at the downstream end opening 4042o of the transport passage 4042. FIG.

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

An exit portion 45 is provided at the downstream end of the conveying passage 4042 . The exit portion 45 is formed by arranging flexible belt-like members 451 in the horizontal direction at intervals W1. The belt-shaped member 451 is more flexible than the cover plate 461 . The interval W1 between the belt-shaped members 451 is narrower than the size of general roasted coffee beans B. Also, the upper end of the belt-shaped member 451 is fixed to the lower edge of the cover plate 461, but the lower end of the belt-shaped member 451 is a free end. In addition, the lower end of the belt-shaped 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. The belt-shaped member 451 narrows the area of the downstream end opening 4042o, but allows passage of the roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2 by its flexibility. That is, the area of the downstream end opening 4042o is originally narrowed to about half by the cover plate 461, and the roasted coffee beans B are less likely to drop from the downstream end opening 4042o from the time the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. Moreover, the belt-shaped member 451 further narrows the area of the downstream end opening 4042o, making it more difficult for the roasted coffee beans B to drop from the downstream end opening 4042o. Therefore, the roasted coffee beans B are prevented from inadvertently entering the downstream side. On the other hand, since the belt-shaped member 451 is flexible and has a free end at the lower end, it is turned outward by the pushing force (equivalent to the conveying force) of the roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2. . As a result, the space W1 of the belt-shaped member 451 and the gap between the lower end of the belt-shaped member 451 and the edge 4042e defining the downstream end opening 4042o widen, and the roasted coffee beans B are sent out through the widened distance and gap.

In addition, in the cover member 460 arranged to face obliquely upward, the belt-shaped member 451 is also inclined, and the outlet portion 45 also faces obliquely upward. The exit portion 45 shown in FIGS. 22(a) to 22(f) faces obliquely upward. Roasted coffee beans B are less likely to drop from the outlet portion 45 because the outlet portion 45 faces obliquely upward in this way. However, the exit portion 45 shown in FIGS. 22(a) to 22(f) may be directed horizontally.

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

The cover member 460 shown in FIGS. 22B and 22C is the same as the cover member 460 shown in FIG. The belt-shaped 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 belt-shaped member 451 is located outside the edge 4042e. there is The strip-shaped 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-shaped member 451 overlaps the edge 4042e. 22(b) and 22(c), compared to the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(a), the area of the downstream end opening 4042o can be made narrower. Passage of roasted coffee beans B becomes less permissive. However, both the belt-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(b) and the belt-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(c) have flexibility and the lower end is a free end. The roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the ESC 2 are turned over by the pushing force. As a result, the roasted coffee beans B are sent out by the pushing force from the exit portion 45 shown in FIG. 22(b) and from the exit portion 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 that the size of the cover plate 461 is different. In the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22(d), a cover plate 461 covers an upper portion corresponding to ⅓ 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 upper portion to the middle corresponding to 2/3 the size of the downstream end opening 4042o. Therefore, in the covering member 460 shown in FIG. 22(d), the area of the downstream end opening 4042o is not narrowed compared to the covering member 460 shown in FIG. becomes higher. However, the area of the downstream side opening 41h is narrowed by more than half when the belt-shaped member 451 is also included, and the roasted coffee beans B are less likely to fall from the outlet portion 45 from the time when the rotation of the screw blade ESC2 stops. In addition, in the covering member 460 shown in FIG. 22(e), the area of the downstream end opening 4042o is narrower than the covering member 460 shown in FIG. is quite low. For this reason, it is preferable to use a belt-like member that is more flexible than the belt-like member 451 shown in FIG. 22(a).

A cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22( f ) does not have a cover plate 461 and is composed only of an outlet portion 45 made up of a belt-like member 451 . The strip-shaped member 451 is fixed at both ends to an edge 4042e defining a downstream end opening 4042o. In the covering member 460 shown in FIG. 22(f), the belt-like member 451 narrows the area of the downstream end opening 4042o. In addition, since the belt-like member 451 is fixed at both ends, one end is not turned outward. However, the space W2 between the belt-like members 451 is widened by the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2. A belt-like member 451 shown in FIG. 22(f) is thinner than the belt-like member 451 shown in FIG. 22(a). 22(f) is narrower than the size of general roasted coffee beans B, but wider than the interval W1 of the strip members 451 shown in FIG. 22(a). For this reason, in the belt-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(f), the interval W2 is more likely to widen due to the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B that are conveyed compared to the belt-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(a). The gap after expansion is also large. Therefore, the roasted coffee beans B are sent out by the pushing force also from the exit part 45 shown in FIG. 22(f).

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing still another aspect of the covering member 460. As shown in FIG.

The cover member 460 shown in FIG. 23( a ) is the same as the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 22( a ) except for the configuration of the outlet portion 45 . That is, the upper half of the downstream end opening 4042o is covered with the cover plate 461, and the outlet portion 45 is provided in the lower half. The exit portion 45 shown in FIG. 23(a) is composed of a horizontally extending rotating shaft 452 and a lid member 453 rotating vertically about the rotating shaft 452. As shown in FIG. 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) is in a state of covering the entire lower half of the downstream end opening 4042o, and the roasted coffee beans B are less likely to fall from the outlet portion 45 from the time when the rotation of the screw blade ESC2 stops. It's becoming Moreover, each outlet portion 45 shown in FIG. 23 is also directed obliquely upward. For this reason, the lid member 453 is also directed 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 is rotated upward as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and the exit portion 45 shown in FIG. Roasted coffee beans B are also delivered from the

The covering member 460 shown in FIG. 23(b) is the same as the covering member 460 shown in FIG. 23(a) except that the size and shape of the lid member 453 are different. A 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 formed between the edge 4042e that defines the downstream end opening 4042o and the lid member 453, but the gap W3 is narrower than the general size of the roasted coffee beans B. Even with the cover member 460 shown in FIG. 23(b), it is difficult for the roasted coffee beans B to fall from the time when the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. On the other hand, the lid member 453 is rotated upward as indicated by the arrow in the figure by the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B that are conveyed, and the roasted coffee beans are also ejected from the exit part 45 shown in FIG. 23(b). Bean B is delivered. In particular, the exit portion 45 shown in FIG. 23(b) has a gap W3, so that the roasted coffee beans B have a higher passability than the exit portion 45 shown in FIG. 23(a).

A cover member 460 shown in FIG. 23(c) does not have a cover plate 461 and is composed only of two rotary shafts 452L and 452R and an outlet portion 45 having a pair of left and right cover members 453L and 453R. The two rotating shafts 452L and 452R are tilted from the vertical direction because 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 in the exit portion 45 shown in FIG. 23(c), it is difficult for the roasted coffee beans B to drop 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 that are conveyed, the left lid member 453L rotates leftward, and the right lid member 453R rotates rightward, as indicated by the arrows in the figure. Roasted coffee beans B are also sent out from the exit portion 45 shown in 23(c).

In addition, although each outlet part 45 shown in FIG. 23 also faces diagonally upward, it may face right sideways.

In the above description,
"A coffee machine that performs preparation using coffee beans,
A conveying mechanism [e.g., electric screw conveyor ESC] that conveys coffee beans toward the opening [e.g., downstream end opening 4042o];
an exit portion [e.g., exit portion 45] that allows passage of the coffee beans conveyed by the conveying mechanism while narrowing the area of the opening;
A coffee machine [e.g. beverage production device 1, coffee grinder GM], characterized in that it comprises: 』
explained.

The conveying mechanism may be arranged in a cylinder, and the cylinder may have an upstream side on which the coffee beans are stored and a downstream side of the cylinder having the opening.

Here, a storing part storing coffee beans, a conveying mechanism for conveying the coffee beans from the storing part toward an opening, and the coffee beans conveyed by the conveying mechanism while narrowing the area of the opening. a coffee machine, comprising: an outlet for allowing passage; may be

again,
"The exit part is a flexible strip-shaped member [eg, strip-shaped member 451] arranged in one direction [eg, lateral direction] with an interval [eg, spacing W1, W2].
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

The one direction may be a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, or an oblique direction.

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

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

again,
"One end of the belt-shaped member is a fixed end and the other end is a free end [for example, the belt-shaped member 451 shown in FIGS. 22(a) to 22(e)],
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

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

It should be noted that said other end is a first length inwardly from an edge [e.g., edge 4042e] defining said opening, said first length being a length less than the size of a coffee bean. may be

again,
"A part of the other end side [eg, free end side] of the belt-shaped member overlaps the edge [eg, edge 4042e] that defines the opening [eg, FIG. 22(b) and strip-shaped member 451 shown in FIG.
A beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by: 』
also explained.

That is, the other end may be positioned outside the edge [for example, the tip of the belt-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. (c) of the strip-shaped member 451].

again,
"The spacing [e.g., spacing W1, W2] is narrower than the size of the coffee beans,
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``A coffee machine characterized by comprising a cover part [for example, a cover plate 461] covering a part of the opening separately from the outlet part. 』
also explained.

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

again,
"The outlet part 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.

again,
"The outlet part faces obliquely upward [see, for example, the downstream end opening 4042o shown in FIG. 21(a)],
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

Next, the bean outlet will be described.

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. is open.

As described above, the upper portion of the center casing GM10 of the coffee bean grinder GM is provided with the option mounting portion GM11. In addition, a start button GM15 is provided in the middle portion of the center casing GM10 in the height direction. Furthermore, the lower portion 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 mounting portion GM11 and upstream of the first grinder 5A. That is, when the weighing unit 404 is attached to the option attachment portion GM11, the position of the bean outlet GM20 is downstream of the delivery port 4043 (see FIG. 21(a)) of the weighing unit 404. , when the storage units (401 to 403) are attached to the option attachment portion GM11, the position is downstream of the supply port USP (see FIG. 21(a)) of the storage unit. The roasted coffee beans stored in the storage units (401-403) are discharged from the bean outlet GM20. Moreover, when the weighing unit 404 is attached to the option attachment part GM11, excess beans may be discharged from the bean outlet GM20 as a result of the weighing. 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 do not scatter. As shown in FIG. 24(b), the roasted coffee beans B discharged from the bean outlet GM20 are guided by the guide path forming member GM22 and slide obliquely downward. If a collection container is placed near the tip of the guide path forming member GM22, the discharged roasted coffee beans can be easily collected in the collection container.

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

For example, the lid unit GM21 is automatically changed from the closed state to the open state by the control of the control device 11 after the weighing by the weighing unit 404 is completed and the weighed roasted coffee beans are sent to the first grinder 5A. When the lid unit GM21 is opened, the screw blade ESC2 resumes rotation, and the surplus roasted coffee beans are conveyed and discharged from the bean outlet GM20 before reaching the first grinder 5A. If the roasted coffee beans remain in the electric screw conveyor ESC, the different types of roasted coffee beans will be mixed when the different types of roasted coffee beans are next ground. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the remaining roasted coffee beans from the electric screw conveyor ESC to the outside. Also, even if the weighing unit 404 is not attached and the same kind of roasted coffee beans are ground, the bean outlet GM20 functions effectively. Normally, the roasted coffee beans are not supplied to the first grinder 5A until the rotation speed of the first motor of the first grinder 5A reaches a constant speed, but the remaining beans before the first grinder 5A are fed to the first grinder 5A. It is ground by the grinder 5A and has no choice but to throw it away. However, if there is the bean outlet GM20, the remaining beans in front of the first grinder 5A can be collected from the bean outlet GM20, and the beans are not wasted. When the driving of the first grinder 5A is stopped, the lid unit GM21 automatically changes from the closed state to the open state under the control of the control device 11. FIG. In addition, when the opening state is automatically set, the fact that the opening state is set is notified in advance. Moreover, not only the remaining roasted coffee beans, but also when the grinding process is stopped halfway, the lid unit GM21 is opened, and the roasted coffee beans can be taken out from the inside of the coffee bean grinder GM. Furthermore, the lid unit GM21 may be manually opened. For example, when the first grinder 5A is in operation, the lid unit GM21 is automatically locked and cannot be opened. It may be possible. Alternatively, the lid unit GM21 may be opened by an instruction from an external terminal such as the mobile terminal 17 or the like.

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 option attachment portion GM11 provided upstream of the first grinder 5A (attachment step). . Next, the coffee beans stored in the storage unit attached to the option attachment portion GM11 are supplied to the first grinder 5A (supply step). Then, the supplied coffee beans are ground by the first grinder 5A (grinding step). Finally, the coffee beans remaining between the storage unit (401-403) and the first grinder 5A are taken out from the bean take-out port GM20 (take-out 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 production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The bean outlet GM20 may be provided at a position below the bean inlet 103 upstream of the crusher 5 by changing the mounting position of the information display device 12 .

According to the above description,
"A coffee bean grinder comprising a grinder [e.g., a grinding device 5] for grinding coffee beans,
An option mounting part [for example, an option mounting part GM11] is provided upstream of the grinder,
A storage unit capable of storing coffee beans [e.g., canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18, hopper unit 402 shown in FIG.
A coffee bean grinder [for example, a coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18] characterized by: 』
explained.

According to this coffee bean grinder, various option units can be attached to the option attachment portion, which is excellent in expandability. An example of the optional unit is a storage unit capable of storing roasted coffee beans to be supplied to the grinder.

again,
"A funnel unit for introducing coffee beans [for example, a funnel unit 403 shown in FIG. 20(b)] can be attached to the option attachment part.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``A weighing unit [for example, the weighing unit 404 shown in FIG.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"Upstream of the grinder and downstream of the option mounting portion, an outlet for taking out coffee beans [e.g., bean outlet GM20] is provided.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``A lid [for example, an outer lid 212] for opening and closing the outlet is provided,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

moreover,
"A coffee bean grinding system characterized by comprising an external device (eg, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinding machine (eg, Figs. 10 and 19)."
also explained.

again,
"A method of grinding coffee beans in a grinder for grinding coffee beans, comprising:
A storage unit [for example, a canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18, a hopper unit 402 shown in FIG. , funnel unit 403 shown in FIG. 20(b)];
a grinding step of using the grinder to grind the coffee beans stored in the storage unit attached to the option attachment;
A coffee bean grinding method comprising: ”
also explained.

According to the above description,
"A coffee bean grinder comprising a grinder [e.g., a grinding device 5] for grinding coffee beans,
Equipped with an outlet [e.g., bean outlet GM20] from which coffee beans can be removed to the outside, upstream of the grinder,
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18] characterized by: 』
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 take-out port. As a result, coffee beans that do not need to be ground can be collected.

again,
"Equipped with a lid [for example, an outer lid 212] that opens and closes the outlet,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``Upstream of the grinder, a storage unit [for example, a storage device 4] that can store coffee beans is provided,
The coffee beans stored in the storage unit can be taken out from the outlet,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"A cover body [for example, a center casing GM10] that covers at least a part of the grinder,
When the lid is open, a part of the cover body is also opened, and the coffee beans can be taken out.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"A cover body [for example, a center casing GM10] that covers at least a part of the storage part,
When the lid is open, a part of the cover body is also opened, and the coffee beans can be taken out.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
`` A guide path [for example, a guide path formed by a guide path forming member GM22] for guiding coffee beans taken out from the outlet is provided,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

moreover,
"A coffee bean grinding system characterized by comprising an external device (eg, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinding machine (eg, Figs. 10 and 19)."
also explained.

again,
"A method of grinding coffee beans in a grinder for grinding coffee beans, comprising:
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 taking-out step of taking out the coffee beans from a take-out port provided upstream of the grinder;
A coffee bean grinding method comprising: ”
also explained.

Next, the grinding device 5 of the coffee bean grinder GM will be described. The basic configuration of this crushing device 5 is the same as the basic configuration of the crushing device 5 described with reference to FIGS. In the following, differences from the pulverizer 5 described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17 will be mainly described, and redundant description may be omitted.

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

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 storage units such as the canister storage unit 401, the hopper unit 402, or the funnel unit 403. Also, 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 the 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 with reference to FIG. A discharge port 51a (see FIG. 13 or 26) of the first grinder 5A is connected to an opening 65a (see FIG. 13) at the upper end of the tubular portion 65. As shown in FIG.

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

FIG. 25 also 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.

The fixed blade 57b can be moved up and down with respect to the rotary blade 58b, and the particle size of 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 meshing with the worm wheel 691 as part of the lifting mechanism for the fixed blade 57b. The details of the lift mechanism for the fixed blade 57b will also be described 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 crushing the coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1/4) in order to facilitate separation of unnecessary substances adhering to the coffee beans. In FIG. 26, a rotating shaft (not shown) extends from above, and a rotating blade 58a as a cutter is provided on the rotating shaft. A fixed blade 57a, which is a cutter, is provided around the rotary blade 58a. A fixed blade 57a shown in FIG. 26 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 53a. The rotary shaft is rotated by a first motor (not shown) (see motor 52a shown in FIG. 12) to rotate rotary blade 58a.

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

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

The grinding process of the first grinder 5A shown in FIG. 27 is started when the start button GM15 shown in FIG. 24 is pressed. Moreover, when the weighing unit 404 shown in FIG. 21 is attached to the option attachment portion GM11, it may be started in response to the start of rotation of the screw blade ESC2. On the other hand, when a predetermined time elapses after the electric screw conveyor ESC finishes conveying the set amount of roasted coffee beans, the termination condition is satisfied and the grinding process of the first grinder 5A is terminated. A sensor for detecting roasted coffee beans passing through the inlet of the first grinder 5A is provided, and the grinding process of the first grinder 5A is started or ended according to the detection result of this sensor. good too.

First, the processing unit 11a starts forward rotation of the first motor (step S11), and the rotary blade 58a starts forward rotation. Next, it is determined whether or not the forward rotation of the first motor is to be continued depending on whether or not the termination condition is satisfied (step S12). The forward rotation of motor 1 is stopped (step S17), and the grinding process of the first grinder 5A ends. On the other hand, if the end condition is not satisfied, the determination result is Yes, the process proceeds to step S13, and 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 forward 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 are directed toward the fixed blade 57a by centrifugal force, or are not guided by the upper surface 58a1 of the rotary blade 58a. , and crushed by being sandwiched 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 formation unit 6B.

Although rare, the roasted coffee beans B that reach the first grinder 5A may sometimes contain foreign substances harder than the roasted coffee beans B, such as stones and nails. Such foreign matter cannot be ground between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a, and remains sandwiched between them, preventing the rotary blade 58a from rotating normally.

In FIG. 26(a), the stone St is sandwiched between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a, preventing the rotary blade 58a from rotating normally. That is, the rotation is stopped or the rotation speed is significantly slowed down. 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). At step S13 shown in FIG. 27, the processing unit 11a determines whether or not the current value is an abnormal value, and returns to step S12 if the current value is a normal value. On the other hand, when 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 to rotate in reverse.

In FIG. 26(b), the first motor starts to rotate in the reverse direction, and the stone St sandwiched between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a is falling. In addition to the current value, the processing unit 11a may monitor the rotational torque and determine whether or not the rotational torque value is an abnormal value. Alternatively, the processing unit 11a may monitor the number of revolutions and the rotational speed of the rotary blade 58a instead of monitoring the first motor, and 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 that an abnormal value has been detected. The notification here is an error display displayed on the display screen of the information display device 12 (for example, a character display saying "A bean jam error has occurred in the first grinder 5A"). An error annunciation sound may be output from the speaker provided. The processing unit 11a also records a log indicating that an abnormal value has been detected in the storage unit 11b (step S16). Note that either the abnormality notification or the abnormality log recording may be executed first, or may be executed simultaneously. Alternatively, only one of them may be executed, or neither of them may be executed.

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

FIG. 26(c) shows a state in which the rotation of the first motor has returned to normal rotation and the roasted coffee beans B have been normally ground. The reverse rotation of the first motor shown in FIG. 26(b) is instantaneous, and the return to forward rotation is performed immediately. The reverse rotation of the first motor may be continued for a certain amount of time. For example, the reverse rotation of the first motor may be continued while the abnormality notification is being performed, and when the forward rotation is resumed, the error resolution notification "The bean jam error has been resolved" may be output.

Note that the falling stone St reaches the second grinder 5B in FIG. 26(b). 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 the possibility of entering this gap is low, and the powder remains on the fixed blade 57b. Based on the error notification in step S15 and the storage of the abnormality log in step S16, maintenance of the crushing device 5 is performed thereafter, and the stone St is removed at that time.

As described above, the reverse rotation of the first motor is performed during the grinding process of the first grinder 5A executed by the processing unit 11a. An instruction to start reverse rotation may be output. Alternatively, an instruction to stop rotation of the first motor may be output from an external terminal. Furthermore, an instruction to stop the operation of the entire coffee bean grinder GM may be output from the external terminal. The processing unit 11a controls the actuator group 14 according to such instructions from the external terminal.

Also, in the explanation using FIG. 26, it was an example in which a stone was caught between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a. 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. Also, the first motor, the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a are not damaged.

A reverse rotation switch for rotating the first motor in the reverse direction is provided, and when an abnormal value is detected, the reverse rotation control in step S14 is not performed, and an abnormality notification instruction is given in step S15. Rotation may be performed by the user of the coffee bean grinder GM operating a reverse rotation switch.

Using the weighing unit 404 shown in FIG. 21 enables more accurate weighing of the roasted coffee beans. Assuming that the roasted coffee beans continue to be supplied, they can be weighed by the first grinder 5A. That is, the amount of beans ground by the first grinder 5A can be calculated by measuring the time from when the current value of the first motor of the first grinder 5A starts to grind beans and becomes high.

The grinding process of the first grinder 5A described above with reference to 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 with reference to 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 [e.g., first grinder 5A] for grinding coffee beans,
The grinder includes a grinding part [for example, a rotary blade 58a] capable of a predetermined rotary motion,
A determination device for determining whether the grinding unit is in a normal state in which normal rotation can be performed [for example, a processing unit 11a that performs step S13 shown in FIG. 27].
A coffee machine [for example, the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18] characterized by: 』
explained.

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

again,
"Equipped with a control device [for example, a processing unit 11a shown in FIGS. 10 and 19] for controlling the grinder,
When the determination device determines that the grinding unit is not in the normal state, the control device can cause the grinding unit to rotate in a direction opposite to a predetermined rotation. For example, step S14 shown in FIG. 27],
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"A drive unit [for example, a motor 52a or a first motor shown in FIG. 12] that drives the grinding unit is provided,
The judging device judges whether the grinding unit is in the normal state according to whether the current flowing through the driving unit exceeds a predetermined value [for example, step S13 shown in FIG. 27],
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``When the determination device determines that the grinding unit is not in the normal state, a notification device [for example, the information display device 12] that notifies that it is in an abnormal state [for example, displays an error or outputs an error notification sound]. with
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``When the determination device determines that the grinding unit is not in the normal state, a storage device [eg, the storage unit 11b shown in FIG. ],
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

moreover,
"A coffee machine system (for example, FIG. 10 or 19) characterized by comprising an external device (for example, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee machine."
also explained.

again,
“A start step [for example, step S11 shown in FIG.
A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising a determination step [for example, step S13 shown in FIG. ”
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. FIG. 28(a) shows a suction unit 6A and a forming unit 6B that constitute the separation device 6. FIG.

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

The suction unit 6A shown in FIG. 28(a) separates the separation chamber SC (see also FIGS. 13 and 15) in a direction (horizontal direction in this example) that intersects the passage direction BP (vertical direction in this example) of ground beans. It is a unit that communicates and sucks the air in the separation chamber SC. By sucking the air in the separation chamber SC, light objects such as chaff and fine powder are sucked. This allows the unwanted matter to be separated from the ground beans.

The suction unit 6A is a centrifugal mechanism. The suction unit 6A has an air blowing unit 60A and a collection container 60B. The blowing unit 60A is a fan motor, and when the fan motor is driven, the air in the separation chamber SC is sucked, and light objects such as chaff and fine powder are collected in the collection container 60B. The blower unit 60A is covered with a casing 60C shown in FIG. 18, and the blower 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 by the blower unit 60A is exhausted out of the coffee bean grinder GM through the exhaust slit. An air volume dial 60D (see FIG. 18) is provided above the blower unit 60A. By operating the air volume dial 60D, the air intake volume of the fan motor of the blower unit 60A can be changed.

The collection container 60B shown in FIG. 28(a) is composed of an upper portion 61 and a lower portion 62, like the collection container 60B described with reference to FIGS.

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

FIG. 28(b) shows the blower unit 60A attached to the removed outer peripheral wall 61a. Also shown is the stack 61b of the upper portion 61. FIG. Like 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 the peripheral surface. A plurality of fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. Each fin 61d is obliquely inclined with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust pipe 61b. By providing such fins 61d, it is possible to promote the swirl of the air containing unnecessary matter around the exhaust pipe 61b.

Also, in FIG. 28(b), the internal structure of the lower portion 62 of the collection container 60B can be seen. Unlike the lower portion 62 shown in FIG. 14, the lower portion 62 shown in FIG. 28(b) has a double structure of an outer case 60Bo and an inner case 60Bi. In FIG. 28(b), a part of the inner case 60Bi arranged inside the outer case 60Bo is visible. The inner case 60Bi has an upper end opening 6uo that opens upward, and the exhaust pipe 61b is positioned inside and above the upper end opening 6uo.

FIG. 29(a) is a perspective view of the separation device 6 from which the outer case 60Bo is removed, as viewed obliquely from below.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 29(b), the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi is positioned near the middle position in the height direction of the outer case 60Bo. A certain amount of gap is provided between the inner peripheral surface 6ois of the outer case 60Bo and the outer peripheral surface 6ios of the inner case 60Bi.

FIG. 30(a) is a diagram schematically showing phenomena such as air flow in the separation apparatus shown in FIG. In FIG. 30(a) and FIG. 30(b), which will be described later, the flow of air containing unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder is indicated by solid or dotted arrows, and the movement of the unnecessary substances is indicated by dashed-dotted arrows. The two-dot chain arrows indicate the flow of air in which the objects have been separated.

By driving the blower unit 60A, air containing unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder is blown from the separation chamber SC in the forming unit 6B shown in FIG. to reach The connecting portion 61c is open to the side of the exhaust pipe 61b, and the air containing unnecessary substances swirls around the exhaust pipe 61b as indicated 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 substances such as chaff and fine powder fall due to their weight (see the dashed-dotted line arrows), and are discharged from the outer case 60Bo through a plurality of openings 6io provided near the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi. It further falls inside (see the dashed-dotted arrow) and deposits on the bottom surface 6obs of the outer case 60Bo. The air from which the unnecessary matter has fallen in the inner case 60Bi and has been separated becomes an ascending current from the inner case 60Bi as indicated by the two-dot chain line arrow, and rises along the central axis of the exhaust pipe 61b. The air is exhausted to the outside of the coffee bean grinder GM through an exhaust slit (not shown) provided on the back side of the casing 60C shown in FIG. As a result, the case (outer case 60Bo) in which unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder are accumulated is different from the case (inner case 60Bi) in which an upward air current is generated. Backflow is reduced.

Both the outer case 60Bo and the inner case 60Bi are entirely transparent, so that the state inside can be confirmed from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to check the accumulated state of unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder and the flow of the air current from the outside. It should be noted that it may not be wholly transparent, but may be partially transparent, and may be translucent instead of transparent.

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

In this modified example, the upper end of the inner case 60Bi is not open and is covered with a doughnut-shaped top plate 6ub. The air containing unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder swirling around the exhaust pipe 61b continues to swirl along the outer peripheral surface 6ios of the inner case 60Bi and heads toward the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi (solid line and dotted line arrow). Eventually, it enters the inner case 60Bi through a plurality of openings 6io provided in the vicinity of the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi. At this time, unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder fall due to their weight (see the dashed-dotted line arrow) and accumulate on the bottom surface 6obs of the outer case 60Bo. As indicated by the two-dot chain line arrow, the air from which the unnecessary matter has fallen and has been separated becomes an upward current in the inner case 60, rises along the central axis of the inner case 60, and reaches the exhaust pipe 61b. , and is exhausted out of the coffee bean grinder GM through an exhaust slit (not shown) provided on the back side of the casing 60C shown in FIG. Even in this modification, the case where unnecessary substances such as chaff and fine powder are accumulated (outer case 60Bo) is different from the case where an upward air current is generated (inner case 60Bi). Backflow of objects is reduced.

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

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

The opening may allow the unnecessary matter to pass therethrough, or may allow the airflow to pass therethrough.

again,
"A suction unit [for example, a blower unit 60A] is provided above the storage unit,
In the inner case body, the airflow containing the unnecessary matter enters inside the peripheral wall, and the unnecessary matter falls on the inside by its own weight [for example, the dashed-dotted line shown in FIG. 30(a)]. An air current 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 stores the unnecessary matter [for example, the one-dot chain 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 air current containing the unnecessary matter circulates along the peripheral wall, and the unnecessary matter falls by its own weight near the opening [for example, the one-dot chain line shown in FIG. arrow] On the other hand, an upward air current [for example, the arrow of the two-dot chain line shown in FIG. The unnecessary matter [for example, the one-dot chain line arrow shown in FIG. 30(b)] may be stored.

again,
"The outer case body is provided with a transparent part [for example, the whole is transparent],
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"The inner case body is provided with a transparent part [for example, the whole is transparent],
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

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

again,
"The grinder has a first grinder [e.g., first grinder 5A] and a second grinder [e.g., second grinder 5B],
The separation unit 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, FIG. 10 or 19) characterized by comprising an external device (for example, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee machine."
also explained.

again,
"A method for recovering unwanted matter generated from coffee beans when the coffee beans are ground, comprising:
a separation step of separating unwanted matter from the coffee beans;
a first step of directing the airflow containing the unnecessary matter to the inside of the peripheral wall of the inner case body, the peripheral wall of which is arranged inside the outer case body and provided with an opening leading to the inside of the outer case body;
a second step of generating an upward air current inside the peripheral wall by sucking the inside from above;
A method for collecting unnecessary items, comprising: ”
also explained.

According to this waste collection method, in the second step, the waste falls under its own weight to the bottom wall of the inner case body, and further falls 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 view 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 that constitutes the second grinder 5B, a fixed blade 57b that can be raised and lowered with respect to the rotary blade 58b, and a worm wheel 691 and a worm wheel as part of the lifting mechanism for the fixed blade 57b. A worm gear 692 is shown meshing with 691 . The worm wheel 691 has a gear portion 691g, a connection portion 691c, and a connection port 691j (see FIG. 32). 31 also shows a holder portion 693 provided between the fixed blade 57b and the worm wheel 691. As shown in FIG. The fixed blade 57b is screwed to the connecting portion 691c of the worm wheel 691 via the holder portion 693. As shown in FIG. Therefore, when the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 rotates, the holder portion 693 and the fixed blade 57b also rotate. A screw groove 693 s is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the holder portion 693 .

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

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

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

The second motor 52b is a drive source for the second grinder 5B and is supported above the motor base 502. As shown in FIG. 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 the 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' through the gear 502a rotates the rotating shaft 54b. A rotary blade 58b is provided at the end of the rotary shaft 54b, and a fixed blade 57b is provided above the rotary blade 58b. That is, the fixed blade 57b is arranged to face the rotary blade 58b.

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

Also shown in FIG. 32 is a frame member 694 . The frame member 694 is fixed to a casing (not shown), and has a thread groove on its inner peripheral surface. A thread groove 693 s provided on the outer peripheral surface of the holder portion 693 meshes with the thread groove of the frame member 694 . As described above, the fixed blade 57b is screwed to the connecting portion of the worm wheel 691 via the holder portion 693. As shown in FIG. Therefore, when the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 rotates, the fixed blade 57b moves up and down in its axial direction. The connection port 691j of the worm wheel 691 is connected so as 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 when the worm wheel 691 descends. The fixed blade 57b shown in FIG. 32 is located at the initial position and is in the state of being the farthest from the rotary blade 58b.

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

The fixed blade 57b that moves up and down has a detection position at a predetermined distance (for example, 0.7 mm) from the rotary blade 58b. The detection position is 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 for detecting 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. Calibration is performed in the initial operation in the second grinder 5B.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the steps of calibration performed in the initial operation. Also, FIG. 34 is a diagram showing how the calibration is performed step by step.

In the second grinder 5B, when the roasted coffee beans have been ground, the fixed blade 57b returns to its initial position.

When the initial operation is started, the fixed blade 57b is positioned 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 unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 drives the motor 503a shown in FIG. The drive of the motor 503a rotates the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691, and the fixed blade 57b in the initial position descends until it contacts the rotary blade 58b. FIG. 34(a) is a diagram showing how the first contacting step is performed. In FIG. 34(a), the fixed blade 57b positioned at the initial position is indicated by a chain double-dashed line. In the assembly of the second grinder 5B, even if the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b are intended to be mounted as designed, a slight mounting error may occur, resulting in a deviation in the mounting attitude of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b. . Further, the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b may become out of alignment due to long-term use or the like. Furthermore, the frame member 694 and the rotating shaft 54b may be obliquely attached. FIG. 34 exaggerates that the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b are out of alignment. 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. It is in a downward tilted position. When the contacting step is performed, the fixed blade 57b descends as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and as shown by the solid line in FIG. The portion contacts the uppermost portion of the rotary blade 58b due to the inclination. If any part of the fixed blade 57b contacts 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 rotational torque or an increase in current value, it stops the motor 503a and the contact process ends.

Subsequently, a movement step (step S52) is performed. In the moving process, the processing unit 11a rotates the motor 503a in a direction opposite to that in the contacting process to raise the fixed blade 57b to the detection position. FIG. 34(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the first moving process is being performed. When the movement step is executed, the fixed blade 57b rises as indicated by the arrow in the drawing, and the fixed blade 57 continues to rise until the sensor 57c shown in FIG. 32 detects the fixed blade 57b. When the processing unit 11a acquires the detection signal from the sensor 57c, it stops the rotation of the motor 503a. The motor 503a is a stepping motor, and the processing section 11a counts the number of steps from the start of rotation of the motor 503a until it stops in the movement process, and stores the number in the storage section 11b shown in FIG. It was 20150 steps in the movement process of FIG.34(b).

Then, a rotation process (step S53) is performed. In the rotating 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 an angle other than 360 degrees, and although it is set to 90 degrees here for clarity, it is actually a predetermined angle of, for example, around 35 degrees. As a result, the state of the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(c) is changed to a posture inclined upward toward the depth side of the paper surface. It should be noted that the second motor 52b may be rotated for a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 second).

Next, step S54 is executed to determine whether or not the rotary blade 58b has made one rotation after starting the calibration. In this example, since the predetermined rotation angle in the rotation process of step S53 is less than 360 degrees, it is determined whether the rotary blade 58b has made one rotation in step S54. This is the step for determining whether or not it has been acquired. Further, in order to improve accuracy, step S54 may be a step for determining whether or not the count value of the number of steps has been acquired a predetermined number of times. As the number of predetermined times increases, the precision of calibration improves, but it takes longer 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 the three steps of contact step (step S51), movement step (step S52), and rotation step (step S53) is executed again. In FIG. 34(d), the second contacting step is performed, and the stationary blade 57b descends as indicated by the arrow in the figure. By performing the rotation process, the circumferential position of the uppermost portion of the rotary blade 58b is different from that in the first contact process. Therefore, in the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(d), portions different from those in the first contact step are in contact with each other. In FIG. 34(e), the second movement process is executed. This second move step was 20170 steps. In FIG. 34(f), the second rotation process is performed and the rotary blade 58b is rotated by 90 degrees. As a result, the state of the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(f) is changed to an attitude inclined toward the upper left.

When the rotation step in FIG. 34(f) is completed, the rotary blade 58b has rotated 180 degrees from the start of calibration, and the third data acquisition process is executed. In FIG. 34(g), the third contact step is performed, and the stationary blade 57b descends as indicated by the arrow in the figure. By executing the second rotation process, different portions of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. In FIG. 34(h), the third movement process is executed. This third movement step was 20160 steps. In FIG. 34(i), the third rotation process is performed and the rotary blade 58b is rotated by 90 degrees. As a result, the state of the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(i) is changed to a posture inclined upward toward the front side of the paper surface.

When the rotation step in FIG. 34(i) is completed, the rotary blade 58b has rotated 270 degrees from the start of calibration, and the fourth data acquisition process is executed. Although the state of the fourth data acquisition process is omitted in FIG. 34, the state is similar to that of FIGS. 34(d) to 34(f). It was 20168 steps in the fourth moving process. Further, when the fourth rotation process is executed, the rotary blade 58b rotates 360 degrees from the start of calibration, and the determination in step S54 shown in FIG. 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 the count value 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 (half of the sum of the minimum and maximum values). 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 values are updated each time the coffee grinder GM is turned on and initialized. When 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 of an ideal state in which both the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b are always kept horizontal as designed.

The drawing shown on the left side of FIG. 35(a) is a drawing showing a state in which the fixed blade 57b is positioned 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 various manufacturing conditions (recipes) for grinding roasted coffee beans stored in the storage unit 11b, as shown in FIG. The particle size adjustment mechanism 503 shown is used for adjustment. The recipe defines manufacturing conditions in an ideal state, and in adjusting the grain size of ground beans in the second grinder 5B, the motor 503a is rotated by 20160 steps to lower the fixed blade 57b from the initial position. The diagram shown on the right side of FIG. 35(a) is a diagram schematically showing how the roasted coffee beans B are being pulverized. The fixed blade 57b in this right-hand drawing is at the position defined by the recipe, which is lowered by rotating the motor 503a by 20160 steps from the initial position.

FIG. 35(b) is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b are mounted out of alignment as shown in FIG.

The drawing shown on the left side of FIG. 35(b) is also a drawing showing a state in which the fixed blade 57b is positioned at the initial position. The fixed blade 57b shown in FIG. 35(b) is inclined downward to the right. On the other hand, the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 35(b) is inclined upward and to the right. Again, the same recipe as the example shown in FIG. 35(a) is used. 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 in which 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 as a reference value in the unit 11b. In correcting the amount of rotation of the motor 503a, the corrected amount of rotation is calculated from the ratio between the calibrated value obtained in step S55 shown in FIG. 33 and the reference value stored in advance in the storage unit 11b. In this example, the amount of rotation after correction was 20140 steps. The diagram shown on the right side of FIG. 35(b) is also a diagram schematically showing how the roasted coffee beans B are being pulverized. The fixed blade 57b in the right-hand drawing is in the position after correction, which is 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 substantially the same as the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 35(a). Therefore, even if the roasted coffee beans B are crushed in the state shown on the right side of FIG. Granular ground beans can be obtained.

In the above description, the calibration value is obtained using the number of steps of the motor 503a when the fixed blade 57b is raised to the detection position. The number of steps to be taken can also be used to determine the calibration value.

Further, only the fixed blade 57b of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b is raised and lowered, but the rotary blade 58b may also be raised and lowered. In this case, the number of steps of both blades is used. to obtain the calibration value. Furthermore, the movement of the blade is not limited to vertical movement, and may be horizontal movement, for example. Further, the positions of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b may be reversed, and the fixed blade 57b may be arranged below and the rotary blade 58b may be arranged above.

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

In addition, the calibration value calculation step of step S55 shown in FIG. 33 is not executed at the stage of calibration, 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 where 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. The calculation of the calibration value and the correction of the amount of rotation may be performed by the control section of the information display device 12 instead of the processing section 11a shown in FIG.

In the above description,
"A first crushing unit [e.g., rotary blade 58b],
a second crushing unit [e.g., fixed blade 57b];
A rotation mechanism [e.g., second motor 52b, pinion gear 52b', gear 502a, gear 55b′, rotating shaft 54b],
At least the second pulverizing section of the first pulverizing section and the second pulverizing section is moved (e.g., raised and lowered) to adjust the distance between the first pulverizing section and the second pulverizing section. a mechanism [e.g., granularity adjustment mechanism 503];
A sensor [e.g., sensor 57c] that detects the second pulverizing part at a position [e.g., detection position] a predetermined length [e.g., 0.7 mm] away from the first pulverizing part;
a control unit [for example, a processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19] that controls the movement mechanism;
with
Extraction targets [for example, roasted coffee beans stored in the storage device 4, or roasted coffee beans B (ground beans) ground by the first grinder 5A] are separated from the first grinding unit and the second grinding unit. pulverize between the pulverizing units,
From the state where the second pulverizing unit is in contact with the first pulverizing unit [for example, the state shown in FIGS. The operation of moving the second crushing unit until the part is detected [for example, the action indicated by the arrows in FIGS. The state of the part [for example, the direction of the rotary blade 58b] is changed and performed multiple times,
The control unit controls the moving mechanism [e.g., a calibration value and rotate the motor 503a by the amount of rotation corrected using the calibrated value].
An extraction target crushing device [for example, a second grinder 5B] characterized by: 』
explained.

The rotating mechanism may rotate the first pulverizing section, may rotate the second pulverizing section, or may rotate the first pulverizing section and the second pulverizing section. Both blades of the two crushing units may be rotated.

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

Further, the operation may be an operation of moving only the second pulverizing unit out of the first pulverizing unit and the second pulverizing unit. It may be an operation of moving both blades of the pulverizing unit.

Further, the state change of the pulverizing section in the operation may be a state change of the first pulverizing section, a state change of the second pulverizing section, or a state change of the first pulverizing section. and the second crushing unit. Further, the state change referred to here may be a direction change or a posture change.

again,
"A first crushing section [e.g., rotary blade 58b] and a second crushing section [e.g., fixed blade 57b],
A rotation mechanism [e.g., second motor 52b, pinion gear 52b', gear 502a, gear 55b′, rotating shaft 54b],
At least the second pulverizing section of the first pulverizing section and the second pulverizing section is moved (e.g., raised and lowered) to adjust the distance between the first pulverizing section and the second pulverizing section. a mechanism [e.g., granularity adjustment mechanism 503];
A sensor [e.g., sensor 57c] that detects the second pulverizing part at a position [e.g., detection position] a predetermined length [e.g., 0.7 mm] away from the first pulverizing part;
a control unit [for example, a processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19] that controls the movement mechanism;
with
pulverizing the object to be extracted between the first pulverizing section and the second pulverizing section;
From the state where the second pulverizing unit is separated from the first pulverizing unit by a predetermined length [for example, the state shown in FIGS. 34 (a), (d), and (g) of FIG. 34] are rotated by the rotating mechanism [e.g., 34(c), 34(f), and 34(i), the state of the pulverizing unit [for example, the orientation of the rotary blade 58b] is changed by the rotation indicated by the arrows in FIG.
The control unit controls the moving mechanism [e.g., a calibration value and rotate the motor 503a by the amount of rotation corrected using the calibrated value].
An extraction target crushing device [for example, a second grinder 5B] characterized by: ”
also explained.

Further, a first crushing unit, a second crushing unit attached to face the first crushing unit, a rotation mechanism for rotating the first crushing unit, and the second crushing unit A movement mechanism for moving one blade in a direction to contact and separate from it, a sensor for detecting the second crushing unit positioned at a predetermined distance from the first crushing unit, and a control for controlling the movement mechanism and a part to crush the object to be extracted between the first crushing part and the second crushing part, and the sensor moves from a state in which the second crushing part is in contact with the first crushing part The operation of moving the second pulverizing unit until the second pulverizing unit is detected is performed a plurality of times by changing the orientation of the first pulverizing unit by rotating the rotating mechanism, and the control unit performs the operation a plurality of times. and controlling the moving mechanism based on a value related to the amount of movement of the second crushing unit in the operation of .

again,
"The control unit is based on the average value or the median value [for example, the value obtained by adding the minimum value and the maximum value] to the moving amount of the second crushing unit in a plurality of times of the operation. to control the movement mechanism,
An extraction target crushing device characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"The operation is performed in the initial operation when the power is turned on,
An extraction target crushing device characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``The control unit controls the moving mechanism according to the desired particle size after pulverization 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.

again,
"The moving mechanism uses a motor [for example, the second motor 52b] as a drive source,
The value related to the amount of movement of the second pulverizing unit is a value related to the amount of rotation of the motor [for example, a count value of the number of steps of the motor 503a].
An extraction target crushing device characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"The first pulverizing unit is a first blade [e.g., rotary blade 58b],
The second pulverizing unit is a second blade [e.g., fixed blade 57b],
The second crushing unit is attached opposite to the first crushing unit,
An extraction target crushing device characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"The operation of moving the second pulverizing unit from the state in which the second pulverizing unit is in contact with the first pulverizing unit until the sensor detects the second pulverizing unit is performed by rotating the rotating mechanism. changing the direction of the pulverizing part and performing it multiple times [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 crushing device [for example, the second grinder 5B],
From the state in which the first pulverizing part [e.g., rotary blade 58b] and the second pulverizing part [e.g., fixed blade 57b] are in contact, the second pulverizing part extends from the first pulverizing part for a predetermined length [e.g., 0.7 mm] to move the second pulverizing unit [for example, the moving step of step S52, FIGS. 34(b), 34(e) and 34(h)]. ,
After performing the moving step, a state changing step of changing the state of at least one of the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit [for example, the rotary blade 58b] [for example, the Rotation process, FIGS. 34(c), (f), and (i)];
A contact step [e.g., step S51, Fig. 34(a), Fig. 34(d), and Fig. 34(g)];
By repeatedly executing the moving step, the state changing step, and the contacting step [for example, the data acquisition process shown in FIG. Obtaining a value related to the amount of movement of the second crushing unit [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] characterized by comprising: 』
also explained.

The state changing step is a rotating step of rotating at least one of the first pulverizing unit and the second pulverizing unit to change the orientation of the pulverizing unit after the moving step is performed. wherein, by repeatedly executing the moving step, the rotating step, and the contacting step, the direction of the pulverizing unit is changed and a value related to the amount of movement of the second pulverizing unit is obtained a plurality of times. good too.

Further, the value related to the amount of movement of the second pulverizing unit may be a value related to the amount of movement of the second pulverizing unit [e.g. may be a value related to the amount of movement [for example, the amount of descent] of the pulverizing unit. Alternatively, both may be used together.

Further, it may have a calibration value calculation process [for example, a calibration value calculation step of step S55] for calculating a calibration value based on the movement amount of the second pulverizing unit acquired a plurality of times. The calibrated value may be an average value or a median value of the movement amount of the second pulverizing section obtained multiple times.

In the above description, the fixed blade 57b is moved up and down by driving the second motor 52b, but the fixed blade 57b can also be moved up and down manually to set the grain size of ground beans. This manual setting of the grain size of ground beans can be performed using a manual setting disk dial and a fine adjustment knob dial.

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

Also shown in FIG. 36 is a lever member 698 . As shown in FIG. 36( a ), the rotating shaft 6921 of the worm gear 692 meshing with the gear portion 691 g of the worm wheel 691 is supported by the lever member 698 . Further, the lever member 698 is pivotally supported on the rotating shaft 6961 of the 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 in mesh with the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691. 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. The lever member 698 is lifted by rotating in the direction of the arrow, changes to the released posture, and can maintain the released posture. When the lever member 698 is lifted and changed to the release posture, the worm gear 692 pivotally supported by the lever member 698 moves away from the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 and is disengaged from the gear portion 691g. Although the lever member 698 can change its posture between the initial posture and the release posture, a spring member 6981 provided on the rotary shaft 6961 exerts an urging force in the direction of returning to the initial posture. When the lever member 698 is in the released posture, the worm wheel 691 is in a rotatable state, and the fixed blade 57b is also in a rotatable state. If the grinding process is performed in this state, the fixed blade 57b will also rotate with the rotation of the rotary blade 58b, and the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b will widen. Therefore, it is necessary to return the lever member 698 to its initial position during the grinding process.

FIG. 36(a) shows the pinion gear 503b attached to the rotating shaft of the second motor 503a, and FIG. 36(b) with the second motor 503a removed also shows the pinion gear 503b. ing. The rotational driving force of the second motor 503a is transmitted from the pinion gear 503b to the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 from the worm gear 692 via a two-stage gear and a transmission gear 6962, which will be described later.

A connection dial 697 shown in FIG. 36B connects the manual setting disc dial 695 and the worm gear 692 . FIG. 36(b) shows a connecting dial 697 connected to a worm wheel 691, both of which rotate together. A connection gear 697g is provided on the upper surface of the connection dial 697 . The manual setting disk dial 695 shown in FIG. 36(a) is provided with a gear (not shown) that meshes with the connection gear 697g. The illustrated gear and the connection gear 697g mesh.

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

The minimum unit that can be adjusted by rotating the manual setting disk dial 695 is one tooth of the gear portion 691 g 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 posture to the initial posture. Therefore, adjustment by less than one tooth is not possible with the manual setting disc dial 695 .

On the other hand, when the second motor 503a rotates and the worm gear 692 rotates, due to the reduction ratio of the worm gear 692, it takes time to perform a large adjustment (adjustment of one tooth or more). Therefore, in order to make large adjustments, quick adjustments can be made by operating a manual setting disk dial 695 that can directly rotate the worm wheel 691 . In the adjustment using the manual setting disk 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). The moment it hits is known by the sound of the blade striking. Although not shown, the manual setting disk dial 695 has a scale including 0 in the circumferential direction. Further, the manual setting disk dial 695 rotates below the center casing GM10 shown in FIG. The manual setting disk dial 695 is rotated to lower the fixed blade 57b, and when the fixed blade 57b hits the rotary blade 58b, the rotary operation is stopped. After lifting the manual setting disk dial 695 and aligning the 0 scale with the reference line GM10k marked on the center casing GM10, the lifted manual setting disk dial 695 is lowered. By doing so, a reference point (zero point) can be recorded. In setting the grain size of ground beans, the fixed blade 57b is moved up and down based on the reference point (zero point) thus recorded, and the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b is adjusted.

A transmission gear 6962 is provided at the terminal end of the rotation shaft 6961 of the fine adjustment knob dial 696 . This transmission gear 6962 meshes with the second gear 503 c 2 (see FIG. 36( b )) of the 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 rotates, 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 rotates by one tooth. Therefore, when the fine adjustment knob dial 696 is rotated, the worm gear 692 can be adjusted by less than one tooth, as in the case where the second motor 503a rotates and the worm wheel 691 rotates. In manually setting the grain size of the ground beans, the manual setting disk dial 695 is used to roughly set the grain size, and the fine adjustment knob dial 696 is used to finely adjust the set grain size. By rubbing, you can quickly and finely set the granularity.

The manual setting by 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 device for controlling the amount of ground beans fed into the second grinder 5B will be described.

As described above, the first grinder 5A grinds the roasted coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1/4). Hereinafter, beans that have been ground to a certain size by the first grinder 5A are referred to as ground beans in order to distinguish them from ground beans (especially coarsely ground beans). The second grinder 5B grinds the ground beans crushed by the first grinder 5A into ground beans of a desired grain size. Here, when a large amount of ground beans is sent from the first grinder 5A exceeding the appropriate allowable amount of grinding processing by the second grinder 5B, the ground beans are fed between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b. enters excessively, and the ground beans stay between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b. The staying ground beans receive frictional heat from the rotating rotary blade 58b and become hot. In particular, finely ground beans are susceptible to heat, and the surface of the ground beans tends to produce more oil than necessary. Coffee beverages extracted from ground beans ground in this manner tend to have a dark taste.

If the number of revolutions of the first motor for the first grinder 5A is reduced when the first grinder 5A is driven at the upper limit of the processing capacity, quantity decreases.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing control processing of the processing section 11a in the grind processing.

The control process shown in FIG. 37 is started when the start button GM15 shown in FIG. 24 is pressed. Moreover, when the weighing unit 404 shown in FIG. 21 is attached to the option attachment portion GM11, the rotation 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 rotating 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 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. 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, if the grinding process is started in the first grinder 5A, the rotational torque and current value of the first motor increase. The processing unit 11a may start the rotation of the second motor 503a when detecting an increase in the rotational torque of the first motor or an increase in the current value. When the first motor for the first grinder 5A starts rotating, the ground beans are sent to the second grinder 5B.

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

A sensor for detecting the passage of the ground beans is provided near the inlet of the second grinder 5B, and the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. Monitor. In step S23, it is determined whether or not the input amount per unit time exceeds a reference value. The reference value is a variable that varies depending on the type of coffee beans, the grain size of ground beans, the rotation speed set in the second motor 503a, etc., and a plurality of types of reference values are stored in the storage unit 11b shown in FIG. there is For example, the harder the coffee beans, the smaller the reference value. The recipe specifies the type of coffee beans, the grain size of the ground beans, and the like. A reference value is selected according to , and the determination process of step S23 is executed. When the input amount per unit time exceeds the reference value, the rotation speed of the first motor is reduced (step S24), and the process returns to step S22. The rate of decelerating the rotation speed of the first motor may be a predetermined rate, or may be a rate according to the extent to which the input amount exceeds the reference value. When the rotational speed of the first motor slows down, the amount of ground beans delivered per unit time from the first grinder 5A decreases. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of the ground beans to be thrown, suppressing the retention of the ground beans between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b, and making the ground beans less susceptible to heat. Coffee beverages extracted from ground beans ground in this way tend to have a bright taste without being adversely affected by oil content.

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

In step S28 following step S27 of stopping the rotation of the first motor, it is determined whether or not to stop the rotation of the second motor 503a. For example, when a predetermined period of time elapses after the rotational torque of the second motor 503a decreases, or when a predetermined period of time elapses after the current value of the second motor 503a decreases, the determination result is Yes. Rotation is stopped (step S29), and this control process ends.

In the control process described above, the rotation speed of the first motor for the first grinder 5A is controlled to control the amount of ground beans fed to the second grinder 5B. By controlling the rotation speed of the motor ESC3 that rotates the blade ESC2, it is also possible to control the amount of ground beans to be fed into the second grinder 5B. Also, 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 to be fed into the second grinder 5B.

The control processing shown in FIG. 37 can also be executed by the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 10, and controls the rotation speed of the motor 52a for the first grinder 5A shown in FIG. 12, or controls the conveyor shown in FIG. By controlling the conveying speed of 41, it is possible to control the amount of ground beans to be put into the second grinder 5B shown in FIG.

Further, 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 rotational speed of the first motor of the first grinder 5A is set so as not to exceed the allowable amount of grinding processing by the second grinder 5B. 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 rotation speed of the first motor may be reduced.

The control process in the grind process described above with reference to FIG. 37 can also be applied as the control process in the grind process of the crushing device of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Also, an external terminal such as the portable terminal 17 shown in FIG. 19 may be capable of outputting an instruction to reduce or restore the rotational speed of the first motor.

According to the above description,
"A coffee machine comprising a second grinder [e.g., second grinder 5B] for grinding coffee beans,
controlling the amount of coffee beans put 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 and the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1] characterized by: 』
explained.

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

The coffee beans referred to here may be broken beans, ground beans, or beans that have not been broken or ground.

The reason why the input amount is controlled is to prevent the ground beans from remaining in the second grinder for an unnecessarily long time. In the second grinder, when the amount of coffee beans fed is larger than the amount of ground beans sent out, the ground beans stay in the second grinder for a longer time, and the ground beans are adversely affected by heat. easier to receive. Therefore, in the above coffee machine, the input amount is controlled to prevent this from happening. Therefore, the machine is controlled in consideration of the state of grinding the coffee beans in the grinder.

again,
"Controlling the input amount according to the type of coffee beans,
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

The type of coffee beans may be the type of coffee beans, the degree of roasting of the coffee beans, or a combination of the type and the degree of roasting.

again,
"Equipped with a first grinder [for example, a first grinder 5A] for grinding coffee beans upstream of the second grinder,
Controlling the amount of coffee beans put into the second grinder by controlling the speed at which the first grinder grinds the coffee beans [e.g., the rotation speed of the first motor];
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``Upstream of the second grinder, a feeding device [for example, the weighing unit 404 shown in FIG. 21 and the conveyor 41 shown in FIG.
Controlling the amount of coffee beans to be fed into the second grinder by controlling the feeding speed of the coffee beans by the feeding device;
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"A first grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, a first grinder 5A] arranged upstream of the second grinder;
a feeding device (e.g., weighing unit 404 shown in FIG. 21, conveyor 41 shown in FIG. 2) that is arranged upstream of the first grinder and that supplies coffee beans downstream;
with
By controlling at least one of the first grinder and the feeding device, the amount of coffee beans to be put into the second grinder is reduced.
A coffee machine characterized by: 』
also explained.

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

moreover,
"A coffee machine system (eg, FIG. 10 or 19) including an external device (eg, server 16, mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee machine."
also explained.

again,
"A step of starting to put coffee beans into the second grinder (step S21 shown in FIG. 37);
a step of controlling the amount of coffee beans to be put into the second grinder (step S24 shown in FIG. 37);
A coffee bean grinding method comprising: ”
also explained.

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

The chute GM31 shown in FIG. 18 guides downward the ground beans sent out substantially horizontally. A coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 is provided with a hammer member GM32 for striking a chute GM31. The hammer member GM32 rotates around a vertically extending rotation shaft GM321. The ground beans sent out in a substantially horizontal direction may collide with the inner wall of the chute GM31 and adhere to the inner wall. The user rotates the hammer member GM32 to hit the chute GM31, giving impact to the adhering ground beans to drop them.

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

FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing the control process executed by the processing section 11a when the grind process is executed according to the order information.

In step S31, it is determined whether or not order information has been received. If no order information has been received, step S31 is repeatedly executed. Then, when the order information is received, the process proceeds 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 later in detail. If the grind start operation has not been received, the process proceeds to step S34, and if the grind start operation has been received, the process proceeds to step S36.

In step S34, it is determined whether or not an operation to change order information has been received. The operation of changing the order information here is also an operation of the information display device 12, although details will be described later. If the order information change operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S35, and if the order information change operation has not been accepted, the process returns to step S33.

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

During the period from the reception of the order information to the reception of 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, and the operation may be received from the mobile terminal 17, and the information of this operation is transmitted to the coffee bean grinder GM. The transmission route may be any route as long as it is

In step S36, the coffee beans are ground. 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 supplied to the second grinder 5B after the separation device 6 separates unnecessary substances. In this second grinder 5B, the coffee beans are ground while changing the interval between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b by a predetermined interval (for example, in increments of 50 μm) in accordance with the order information, and the ground coffee beans are produced by the chute GM31 shown in FIG. discharged from When this grinding process ends, the process of manufacturing ground coffee beans ends.

In the above example, the case where the grind processing is executed according to the order information from the outside of the coffee grinder GM has been described, but it is also possible to input the order information directly to the coffee grinder GM using the information display device 12. good. In this configuration, steps S32, S34 and S35 shown in FIG. 38 may be eliminated.

Also, in the above example, the order information can be changed between the reception of the order information and the reception of the grind start operation. may be started.

The recipe is detailed here. The recipe includes a grind recipe that contains only the grind information for grinding coffee beans, and a beverage manufacturing method that contains information on various manufacturing conditions for manufacturing coffee beverages, such as extraction conditions for coffee beverages in addition to the grind information. There is a recipe. With the coffee bean grinder GM, if there is a grind recipe, the grinding process can be executed. Considering the conditions, it may be possible to modify the grind conditions, and a better quality coffee beverage may be obtained.

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

Also, the recipes are managed as a database in the server 16 .

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

FIG. 39B is exemplary data 1520 of the user information database. A user may be a store, or a store clerk or a customer of the store. The data 1520 includes ID information 1521 indicating the 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 sex. 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. Data 1530 includes user information 1531 related to the user who instructed grinding, date/time information 1532 related to the date and time of grinding, recipe ID 1533 used in the grinding process, machine ID 1534 corresponding to the coffee bean grinder GM that performed the grinding process, and the coffee bean grinder. Store ID 1535 corresponding to the store where the machine GM is installed is included. In one example, the data 1530 may further include price information, such as corresponding to the price of ground coffee grounds. A coffee beverage production history database may also be stored, similar to the grind history database.

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

Next, while referring to the flow of control processing described using FIG. 38, an example of operations for order information will be described using FIGS. 40 to 45. FIG. 40 to 42 are diagrams showing how order information is input. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing how 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 showing an example of display during execution of the grind process.

In this example, it is assumed that an application for transmitting order information about ground coffee beans is installed in the mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone. FIG. 40 shows an example of an order information input screen using this application. This input screen includes an order title input field 170, a desired coffee bean type 1711, a coffee bean amount 1712, an input table 172 for specifying the ratio of the coffee beans to the grain size when grinding, and changing from finely ground to coarsely ground conditions. A fine→coarse grind button 173a for instructing a different grind state, a coarse→fine grind button 173b for instructing a grind state from a coarse grind state to a fine grind state, and a graph for displaying the contents input to the input table 172 graphically. An area 174, a send button 175 for sending order information, and a recipe registration button 176 for registering the order information as a grind recipe are displayed. As for the desired coffee bean type, selectable types of coffee beans are transmitted from the coffee bean grinder GM with which the portable terminal 17 communicates, and by tapping the pull-down button on the right end, the transmitted selectable types are displayed. All types of coffee beans are displayed. For example, all types of beans stored in 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 by the name of the farm where they are grown as well as the variety of coffee beans. They are also distinguished by the degree of roasting (extremely light roasting, light roasting, medium light roasting, medium roasting, medium deep roasting, deep roasting, extremely dark roasting, and extremely deep roasting). The amount of coffee beans 1712 can also be specified in 5g increments using a pull-down menu. In addition, you may enable it to input directly. 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, characters such as “Geisha for French Press” are input in the title input field 170 . In addition, in the coffee bean type 1711, the variety name is Geisha coffee beans cultivated at the Copey plantation, and roasted to an extremely dark roast is selected, and the amount of coffee beans is selected to be 60 g. . In the input table 172, "40" indicating the proportion of grain size 200 μm and "60" indicating the proportion of grain size 800 μm are input, indicating that the total proportion is "100"%. In addition, it is shown that comments corresponding to the particle size of 200 μm, the particle size of 800 μm, and the total have been input. In addition, the fine-to-coarse grind button 173a is selected. In the graph area 174, the contents input to the input table 172 are displayed as a graph. This graph shows two peaks, of which the peak on the left indicates that the particle size of 200 μm accounts for 40%, and the peak on the right indicates that the particle size of 800 μm accounts for 60%. ing.

By dragging part of the graph in the graph area 174, the content input to the input table 172 can be indirectly changed. 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. By this operation, "60" indicating the ratio of the particle size of 800 μm input to the input table 172 becomes "0", and "0" indicating the ratio of the particle size of 600 μm is changed to "60". It is The input method by dragging such a graph is not limited to changing the granularity, but may also change the ratio. For example, by dragging a portion of the graph up and down, the proportion of the corresponding granularity may be increased or decreased.

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

The input method using the graph as described above allows the user to more intuitively set the granularity ratio.

In addition, increasing or decreasing the magnitude of one peak will relatively decrease the magnitude of other peaks. You may make it increase/decrease relatively. When the size of the graph area 174 is limited, the graph area 174 can be used more effectively.

After setting the title, the type and amount of coffee beans, the grain size ratio, and the grinding method (fine→coarse, coarse→fine), tap the send button 175 to send the coffee beans via the communication network 15 shown in FIG. The order information is sent to the controller 11 of the grinder GM. Note that the data may be transmitted to the coffee bean grinder GM via the server 16 and the communication network 15 after being transmitted to the server 16 once.

Also, here, order information such as the title, type and amount of coffee beans, grain size ratio, and grinding method (fine → coarse, coarse → fine) was set, but these order information can be saved and used as a grind recipe. It is also possible to In that case, the order information is transmitted to the server 16 via the communication network 15 by tapping the recipe registration button 176 . The server 16 also manages grind recipes in a database, and stores the transmitted order information with a grind recipe ID. When transmitting to the server 16, it may be possible to set restrictions on recipes. For example, the portable terminal 17 may display a screen for selecting various restrictions such as production (grind) prohibition, display prohibition, download prohibition, duplication prohibition, and alteration prohibition. Also, on the above screen, a method for canceling these restrictions (charging, expiration of a period of time, usage exceeding a certain number of times due to charging, etc.) may be set. In addition, the input comment of the creator is also stored as part of the grind recipe, and the comment can be displayed when the recipe is displayed.

Further, the chaff removal strength (chaff removal rate) (%) may be set as the order information and the 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 of FIG. 38, step S32). FIG. 43(A) shows an example in which the control device 11 receives the order information transmitted with the content shown in FIG. 42 and the content is displayed on the information display device 12 . Specifically, the title input in the title input field 170 in FIG. 42 and the row with the grain size in the input table 172 where the ratio is 0 and the comment field is blank (rows with grain sizes of 400 μm and 1000 μm in FIG. 42) The content of the removed portion is displayed in the reception table 121. FIG. Further, in the grinding method instruction field 122, it is indicated that the fine to coarse grinding state is instructed by selecting the fine→coarse grinding button 173a in FIG. Bean type column 1231 indicates the type of beans received, and bean amount column 123 indicates the amount of beans received. Note that the amount of beans may be separately set by the store.

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

For example, it is assumed that although the order information of FIG. 43A is received, the grain size of ground coffee beans becomes finer due to low humidity. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 43B, in the reception table 121, "40" indicating the ratio of the particle size of 200 μm is changed to "45", and "60" indicating the ratio of the particle size of 600 μm is changed to "55". By changing, the grain size of ground coffee beans can be made coarser to adjust to the desired grain size. In addition, in the example of FIG. 43(B), the description of "low humidity→proportion increase" is added to the comment column, but with such a comment, it is possible to convey information such as the reason for correction, for example. Sometimes we can. As described above, it is possible to adjust the order information (here, the grain size of ground beans) according to 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 stored in the server 16 with comments. The grind recipe may also include environmental information (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, etc.) at the time of creating the order information (recipe). The coffee bean grinder GM is provided with a temperature/humidity sensor and an air pressure sensor, and when the recipe registration button 125 is tapped, 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. In addition, the above selection screen may also allow the user to set the release method of these restrictions.

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, the mobile terminal 17 may be configured to encrypt and store the grind recipe in the storage unit 11b.

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 extractor.

Next, the operation after tapping the grind start button 124 will be described by taking 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, the coffee beans are ground according to the order information (Yes in step S33 of FIG. 38, step S36). 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 performing the calibration executed in the initial operation described using FIG. 33 . 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 that the mobile terminal 17 performs calibration before starting the grind processing based on the order information.

FIG. 44(A) shows the grain sizes and their ratios specified in FIG. 43(B). In this grinding process, the particle size distribution of the ground coffee beans to be produced is expanded to a certain range (in this embodiment, the range of ±100 to 150 μm) with respect to the particle size of the ground coffee beans specified in the order information. 19 is executed by the processor 11a shown in FIG. 19 to grind the 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 a predetermined interval (for example, in increments of 50 μm). be. For example, FIG. 44(B) shows an operation for changing the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B in the range of 50 to 350 μm with respect to the designation of the grain size of 200 μm designated in FIG. 44(A). It shows that the time has been set. Further, FIG. 44(B) shows an operation for changing the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B in the range of 450 to 700 μm with respect to the designation of the grain size of 600 μm designated in FIG. 44(A). It shows that the time has been set. Further, FIG. 44(D) is a graph showing the length of operation time for each blade interval of the second grinder 5B shown in FIG. 44(B). The interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B and the 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 produced. Therefore, it can be said that the particle size distribution is set. Further, when calibration is performed in the initial operation before the start of the grind processing, the processing unit 11a corrects the rotation amount of the motor 503a using the calibration value obtained in step S55 shown in FIG. 2 Control is performed to change the interval between the blades of the 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. Then, 45% (13.5 seconds) of this operation time is allocated to the operation for the particle size of 200 μm. In the above example, since the blade interval of the second grinder 5B is changed in the range of 50 to 350 μm for the designation of the grain size of 200 μm, the operation time is 13.5 seconds for the grinder operation in this range. assigning. Note that in FIG. 44B, the total operating time of the grinder in the interval range of 50 to 350 μm is 13.5 seconds. Also, 55% (16.5 seconds) of the total 30 seconds of operation time is allocated to the operation for the grain size of 600 μm. In the above example, since the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B is changed in the range of 450 to 700 μm for the designation of the grain size of 600 μm, the operation time is 16.5 seconds for the grinder operation in this range. assigning. Note that in FIG. 44B, the total operating time of the grinder in the interval range of 450 to 700 μm is 16.5 seconds. As described above, the operation time shown in FIG. 44(B) is derived from the time required to produce ground coffee beans. In FIG. 44(B), an example in which the ranges of the intervals of the blades of the second grinder 5B with respect to designation of two types of grain size do not overlap has been described. Operating time is added.

As described in the example of FIG. 44(B), the particle size of the ground coffee beans can be dispersed by producing the ground coffee beans while changing the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B. Coffee brewed from coffee grounds with dispersed particle sizes can contain a variety of flavors compared to coffee brewed from coffee grounds that are not dispersed in particle size. For those who do not like such taste, for example, a case where the operation time is set as shown in FIG. 44(C) may be provided. In FIG. 44(C), the operation time of the second grinder 5B is set only for the operation with the blade interval of the same value as the grain size specified in the order information, and the grain size dispersion is suppressed. It corresponds to the distribution. These configurations are examples, and the range of particle size distribution may be specified when specifying the particle size.

In the example of FIG. 44(B), the operation time is the longest when the blade spacing is the same 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 operations at intervals of the blades of the second grinder 5B of ±50 μm with respect to the designated granularity. Alternatively, a plurality of particle size distribution patterns may be provided for selection.

In addition, it is made possible to input operation time information as shown in FIG. 44(B) when creating order information, and if the order information includes operation time information, grind processing can be executed according to this information. can be

Furthermore, the information on the operation time (pattern of change in the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B) shown in FIGS. 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 ground beans. In addition, the information and grind recipe stored in the storage unit 11b may be output to an external terminal such as the server 16 or the mobile terminal 17 via the communication network 15. FIG.

Although two types of granularity values are set in FIG. 44A, the number of types of granularity for which values are specified may be one instead of plural. For example, if one type of granularity value is set, the operating time is set based on this value.

40 to 45, the input of order information from the external terminal (portable terminal 17) and the calculation of the control parameters of the second grinder 5B based on the order information are performed by the beverage manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is also applicable.

According to the above description,
"A grinder that grinds coffee beans under set conditions [for example, the blade interval and operating time according to the particle size specified in the order information shown in FIGS. 44(B) and 44(C)] [for example, the second grinder 5B] and
a reception unit [for example, the I/F unit 11c shown in FIG. 10 or FIG.
a setting unit [for example, a processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19] capable of setting the conditions;
A coffee bean grinder comprising
The setting unit can set the conditions according to the designation received by the receiving unit [for example, the processing unit 11a can set the conditions shown in FIG. 44(B) and FIG. Calculate the control data shown, and control the second grinder 5B based on the control data],
The reception unit can input a signal containing the designation from the outside [eg, FIG. 10 and FIG. 19],
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18] characterized by: 』
explained.

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

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

again,
"When the setting unit sets the conditions according to the designation received by the reception unit [for example, the designation to calibrate the interval between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b in the initial operation of the second grinder 5B], The calibration value of [for example, the calibration value calculated in step S55 shown in FIG. 33] can be obtained,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``A storage device [for example, the storage unit 11b shown in FIG.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``The receiving unit receives at least the specification of the grain size of the ground beans [for example, the specification of the grain size in the input table 172 shown in FIG. 41] as the designation,
The storage device can store various information [for example, control data shown in FIG. 44 (B) and (C)] in association with the grain size of the ground beans.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

In addition, the particle size may be a particle size represented by a peak in the particle size distribution. Further, the various information may refer to conditions set in the grinder so as to grind the coffee beans to the particle size with the grinder.

again,
"The information stored in the storage device can be output to the outside [for example, the server 16 or the mobile terminal 17].
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

moreover,
"An external device (e.g., server 16, mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinder is provided,
The external device is specified by a user,
A coffee bean grinding system (for example, FIGS. 10 and 19) characterized by: ”
also explained.

again,
"A method of grinding coffee beans in a grinder for grinding coffee beans under set conditions, comprising:
A reception step [for example, a process that is a premise of step S31 shown in FIG. 38] for accepting a specification by a user [for example, order information from a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone];
A condition setting step for setting the condition according to the designation received by the receiving step [for example, processing performed between steps S32 and S33 or processing performed between steps S34 and S33 shown in FIG. 38] When,
A coffee bean grinding method comprising: ”
also explained.

Also, according to the above description,
"A grinder that grinds coffee beans under set conditions [for example, the blade interval and operating time according to the particle size specified in the order information shown in FIGS. 44(B) and 44(C)] [for example, the second grinder 5B] and
a setting unit [for example, a processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19] capable of setting the conditions;
A user-operable operation unit [for example, a manual setting disk dial 695 and a fine adjustment knob dial 696];
A coffee bean grinder comprising
The setting unit can set the conditions based on the input information [for example, the processing unit 11a calculates the control data shown in FIG. 44B and FIG. 44C based on the order information]. , controlling the second grinder 5B based on the control data],
The operation unit can change, among the conditions, a condition related to the particle size of the ground beans [e.g., the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b] according to the operation.
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18] characterized by: 』
explained.

According to this coffee bean grinder, the conditions are set based on the input information, and the conditions related to the grain size of ground beans can be manually adjusted.

In addition, 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 grain size of ground beans, or information instructing execution of calibration in the initial operation of the grinder. Further, the input information may be various information in the grind recipe (for example, information on the type and amount of coffee beans to be used, information on how to grind).

again,
``The setting unit can acquire a calibration value [for example, the calibration value calculated in step S55 shown in FIG. 33] when setting the condition.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
`` A storage device [for example, a storage unit 11b shown in FIG. 10 or 19] for storing the input information [for example, a grind recipe or a beverage production recipe]
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``The setting unit sets the conditions regarding the grain size of ground beans [for example, as shown in FIG. 44(B) and FIG. , blade interval and operation time according to the granularity specified in the order information] can be set,
The storage device can store various information [for example, control data shown in FIG. 44 (B) and (C)] in association with the grain size of the ground beans.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

The various information may be conditions set in the grinder in order to grind the coffee beans to the particle size with the grinder.

again,
"The information stored in the storage device can be output to the outside [for example, the server 16 or the mobile terminal 17].
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

moreover,
"An external device (e.g., server 16, mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinder is provided,
The external device is operated by a user who specifies the condition,
A coffee bean grinding system (for example, FIGS. 10 and 19) characterized by: ”
also explained.

again,
"A method of grinding coffee beans in a grinder for grinding coffee beans under set conditions, comprising:
an automatic setting step of automatically setting the conditions based on input information;
A manual change step of changing, among the conditions, a condition related to the particle size of the ground beans according to the operation;
A coffee bean grinding method characterized in that it is capable of performing ”
also explained.

Either the automatic setting step or the manual changing step may be executed first, or only one of them may be executed.

In addition, the second grinder 5B in the present embodiment has two types of grinding methods: a fine grinding state to a coarse grinding state, and a coarse grinding state to a fine grinding state, which will be described in FIG. One of the grinding methods is designated by using the fine to coarse grinding button 173a and the coarse to fine grinding button 173b. When the grinding method from the fine grinding state to the coarse grinding state is specified, the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B is widened from 50 μm to 1000 μm, and the second grinder is operated for the operation time set for each interval. 5B is activated. On the other hand, when the grinding method from the rough grinding state to the fine grinding state is specified, the interval between the blades of the second grinder 5B is narrowed from 1000 μm to 50 μm, and the second grinding is performed for the operation time set for each interval. 2 Operate the grinder 5B. Depending on this grinding method, there may be a slight difference in the particle size distribution of the ground coffee beans produced, and there is a possibility that a difference in taste may occur. is employed.

In FIG. 43(B), since the way of grinding from the fine grinding state to the coarse grinding state is specified, the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B is expanded from 50 μm to 1000 μm, and the operation set for each spacing Operate the second grinder 5B only for the 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 in the graph changes according to the progress of this operation. FIG. 45(A) shows the state 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), hatching indicates that the color of the area on the left side of this 250 μm boundary has changed. there is This hatching is an example indicating that the grinding process for the corresponding area has been completed. Further, FIG. 45B shows the state when 30 seconds have passed since the start of grinding and the grinding process is finished. In FIG. 45(B), hatching of all areas is an example indicating that all grinding processes have been completed. As shown in the examples of FIGS. 45(A) and 45(B), by displaying the progress of the grinding process, the customer does not get bored while waiting, and the store clerk can do other work during that time. work may be possible.

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 of the naked type, and ground beans are filled in a metallic basket PFb (see FIG. 46(c)) having a filter structure on the bottom. is held by the holding portion PFr. A handle PFh is provided on the holding portion PFh.

FIG. 46(b) is a diagram showing how the handle PFh is held and the basket PFb held by the holding portion PFr is attached to the chute GM31 of the coffee bean grinder. The ground beans are discharged from the chute GM31, and the basket PFb is packed with the ground beans. This operation is called dosing. Note that the basket PFb may be fixed to the discharge port of the chute GM31 in order to save the operator from having to hold the handle PFh to place the basket PFb. Next, leveling is performed so that the ground beans are evenly packed in the basket PFb. Finally, a work called tamping is performed to press and harden the evenly packed ground beans.

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

FIG. 46(c) shows the basket PFb held by the holding portion PFr. The bottom surface PFf of the basket PFb has a filter structure, and FIG. 46(c) schematically shows filter meshes Fi, which are actually finer meshes. The region on the side of the bottom surface PFf is filled with extra-fine ground beans Bvt having a particle size distribution peaking at 200 μm. In FIG. 46(c), a state in which the extra-fine ground beans Bvt are filled is indicated by fine cross hatching. In addition, the area above that area is filled with medium-fine ground beans Bmt having a particle size distribution peaking at 600 μm. In FIG. 46(c), coarse cross-hatching indicates that medium-fine ground beans Bmt are filled. That is, the area closer to the filter contains relatively finely ground beans, and the area farther from the filter contains relatively coarser ground beans.

When the porter filter PF prepared in this way is used for extraction, the hot water is well removed in areas with large particle sizes, and the extraction efficiency, which is an index of how the taste comes out, is lowered. On the other hand, in areas where the particle size is small, the hot water is not easily removed, and the extraction efficiency is increased. Hot water poured from above (opposite the filter) first passes through areas of low extraction efficiency and finally through grain sizes of high extraction efficiency. Here, if we consider the opposite of this, the hot water that is poured becomes a strong coffee drink in the first region, and in the last region, it becomes difficult to extract the coffee ingredients from ground beans with a large particle size, and the last region It is expected that the ground beans that were in it will be easy to waste. This prediction is based on the fact that coffee components tend to be easily extracted from hot water, but coffee components tend to be difficult to extract from coffee beverages. The poured hot water first passes through an area with low extraction efficiency, so that the coffee beverage is sufficiently extracted from the ground beans in that area. However, it is a weak coffee drink. However, since the coffee beverage is diluted, the coffee beverage has a margin in its concentration, and the coffee beverage is extracted firmly even if it passes through a region where the extraction efficiency is high. In this way, in order to effectively utilize all the ground beans in the porter filter PF, it is considered preferable that the closer the area to the filter, the finer the ground beans. It is particularly effective when brewing strong coffee beverages such as espresso.

Similarly, the second grinder 5B in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 can also perform 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. In the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 , the ground beans are stored in the extraction container 9 . This extraction container 9 is inverted, and when the ground beans are accommodated (before the extraction container 9 is inverted), relatively coarsely ground beans are accommodated in the lower area, and relatively finely ground beans are accommodated in the upper area. Beans are accommodated and the extraction container 9 is inverted so that the lower area has the relatively fine ground beans and the upper area has the relatively coarse ground beans. However, if the filter provided in the lid unit 91 shown in FIG. Coarsely ground beans are stored in .

Note that a plurality of sets of grind processing may be performed so that a single grind start operation can grind ground beans for extraction for a plurality of times. By doing so, a plurality of baskets PFb may be prepared, and a new basket PFb may be assigned to the chute GM31 for each set.

In addition, in the example of FIGS. 45A and 45B, when the grinding state from the fine grinding state to the coarse grinding state is specified, the display example in which the hatching spreads from the left side to the right side of the graph has been described. However, when the coarse grinding state is changed to the fine grinding state, unlike the examples in FIGS. become.

Furthermore, in the above example, the progress of the grind process is displayed on the information display device 12, but the progress of the grind process may be displayed on the portable terminal 17 that has transmitted the order information.

According to the above description,
"A grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, a second grinder 5B],
a container for containing ground beans ground by the grinder [for example, basket PFb or extraction container 9];
A coffee bean grinder comprising
One set of grinding operations can be executed in response to a user's start operation [for example, tapping the grind start button 124, pressing the start button GM15, or instructing to produce a coffee beverage],
The set of grinding motions includes a first region of the container [e.g., a region relatively close to or below the filter] of a first grain size [e.g., relatively fine grain size or coarse grain size]. Ground beans are contained, and a second region of the container [e.g., a region relatively far from or above the filter] contains ground beans of a second grain size [e.g., relatively coarse grain size or fine grain size]. The act of grinding coffee beans into different grain sizes to accommodate
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 and the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1] characterized by: 』
explained.

The finer the grain size of the ground beans, the more difficult it is for hot water to pass through, which tends to increase the extraction efficiency. According to this coffee machine, by utilizing this tendency, it is possible to provide regions containing ground beans of different particle sizes, and to improve the taste of the coffee beverage by varying the extraction efficiency depending on the region.

The amount of coffee beans ground in one set of grinding operations may be the amount required to extract one cup of coffee beverage, or the amount required to extract one cup of coffee. good. Also, the first particle size may be a particle size coarser than the second particle size.

again,
"The first granularity is a granularity finer than the second granularity,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``The container has a filter [for example, a filter mesh Fi provided on the bottom surface PFf shown in FIG. 46(c), or a filter provided on the lid unit 91 shown in FIG.
The first region is a region closer to the filter than the second region in the container,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

The first region may be a region below the second region of the container.

again,
``Equipped with a storage device [for example, a storage unit 11b shown in FIG. 10 or 19] that can store the one set of grinding operations as a recipe,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
``In response to the user's start operation, the one set of grinding operations can be performed multiple times [for example, it is possible to grind ground beans for extraction multiple times].
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

moreover,
"A coffee bean grinder system characterized by comprising an external device (eg, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinder (eg, Figs. 10 and 19)."
also explained.

again,
"A first region [e.g. a region relatively close to or below the filter] of the vessel [e.g. basket PFb or extraction vessel 9] has a first particle size [e.g. a first step of containing the ground beans of
a second step of containing ground beans of a second grain size [e.g., relatively coarse grain size or fine grain size] in a second region [e.g., a region relatively far from or above the filter] of the container; ,
A coffee bean grinding method comprising: ”
also explained.

Next, the combination of the 1st grinder 5A and the 2nd grinder 5B is demonstrated.

As shown in FIG. 25 and the like, the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are arranged in series in the upstream and downstream directions when viewed from the coffee bean conveying direction. The first grinder 5A is capable of grinding coffee beans with a coarse grain size with higher accuracy than the second grinder 5B, and the second grinder 5B grinds coffee beans with a fine grain size with better accuracy than the first grinder 5A. is possible. More specifically, the first grinder 5A grinds the roasted coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1/4) to obtain ground beans. The second grinder 5B grinds the ground beans crushed by the first grinder 5A into ground beans of a desired grain size. For example, the second grinder 5B can grind coarsely, mediumly, mediumly finely, finely and extra finely, while the first grinder 5A cannot grind as finely as coarsely. However, in order to make it easier to separate the unnecessary substances adhering to the coffee beans, it is preferable to grind the coffee beans to a certain size with the first grinder 5A.

However, ignoring the ease with which unwanted substances such as chaff and fine powder can be separated by the separation device 6, 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 a single rotary blade 58a constituting the first grinder 5A.

The rotary blade 58a is provided with a guide path 58ag extending obliquely downward around the rotary shaft 58as from each of the four blades 58a1 to 58a4. 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 the guide path 58ag and maintain their shape and size. It is sent to the second grinder 5B as it is. Then, it is ground to a desired particle size by the second grinder 5B. In this case, instead of two-stage grinding by the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B, one-stage grinding by the second grinder 5B only.

In place of the first grinder 5A, the same grinder as the second grinder 5B may be provided so that the grinder on the upstream side can perform coarse grinding, medium grinding, medium fine grinding, fine grinding, and extra fine grinding. good. In this case, for example, the grinder on the upstream side may perform coarse grinding, the separation device 6 may perform separation of unnecessary matter, and then the second grinder 5B may perform medium grinding or finer grinding. Alternatively, after the grinder on the upstream side performs medium-fine grinding, the separation device 6 separates unnecessary substances, the second grinder 5B does not perform the grinding process, and the ground beans that are medium-fine are ground from the chute GM 31. You may make it discharge.

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

The grinding device 5 shown in FIG. 25 and the like has two grinders arranged in series. are placed. A first grinder 5A is arranged on the downstream side of the storage device 4 shown in FIG. 47(b). In the crushing device 5 shown in FIG. 25 and the like, the 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 to which connection ducts 661 are respectively connected are arranged on the downstream side of the guide passage 6C. The guide passage 6C is a passage for distributing the ground beans ground by the first grinder 5A to either one of the two second grinders 5B. In addition, the number of the second grinders 5B is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The passage switching of the guidance passage 6C is executed by the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. Also, the passage switching of the guide passage 6C may be performed manually. Alternatively, passage switching may be performed according to an instruction from an external terminal such as the mobile terminal 17 . In this modification, a grinder for grinding coffee beans in a coffee bean grinder GM having a total of three grinders, one first grinder 5A and two second grinders 5B, is selected from among the three grinders. A selecting step of selecting, a supplying step of supplying coffee beans to the selected grinder, and a grinding step of grinding the coffee beans supplied in the supplying step with the 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 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 always be selected. Alternatively, if the two second grinders 5B are not selected, the coffee beans may be discharged directly from the guide passage 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 the control of the input amount of ground beans to the second grinder 5B described using FIG. If the passage is switched and the second grinder 5B is started to be charged, there is no need to reduce the amount of charge, and a reduction in the efficiency of the grinding process can be avoided.

Although the forming unit 6B is omitted in the modified example shown in FIG. 47(b), the forming unit 6B is provided at the upstream end of the guide passage 6C so that the separation of unnecessary objects is performed after the passage switching is completed. You can do it. Further, even in a mode in which a fixed passage is provided instead of the switchable guide passage 6C, and the plurality of prepared second grinders 5B are moved to the downstream end of the fixed passage to switch the grinders. 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 dedicated to coarse grinding, a grinder dedicated to medium grinding, a grinder dedicated to medium and fine grinding, a grinder dedicated to fine grinding, and a grinder dedicated to ultra-fine grinding are provided in parallel so that selection can be made. can be Also, the first grinder 5A on the upstream side may be omitted. Alternatively, another grinder may be provided downstream of the second grinder 5B. One grinder or a plurality of grinders may be provided downstream of the second grinder 5B. When there are multiple units, they may be arranged in series or in parallel.

The aspect of the crushing device 5 described above with reference to FIG. 47 can also be applied as the crushing device of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

According to the above description,
``A coffee grinder comprising a plurality of grinders [e.g., a first grinder 5A and a second grinder 5B in series or a plurality of second grinders 5B in parallel],
The grinder for grinding the coffee beans can be selected from the plurality of grinders [e.g., select both the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B in series, select only the second grinder 5B, or select multiple grinders in parallel. Select 2 grinders 5B one by one],
A coffee bean grinder [for example, the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 and the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1] characterized by: 』
explained.

According to this coffee bean grinder, it is possible to select a grinder for grinding coffee beans from among a plurality of grinders, so it is easier to meet requests for more grinding processes than the conventional coffee bean grinder.

One or more grinders may be selected.

again,
"The plurality of grinders includes a first grinder [e.g., first grinder 5A] and a second grinder [e.g., second grinder 5B],
It is possible to choose whether to grind the coffee beans by one of the first grinder and the second grinder [e.g., second grinder 5B only] or both [e.g., first grinder 5A and second grinder 5B]. be,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
“The first grinder can grind coffee beans more accurately and coarsely than the second grinder [for example, grind roasted coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1/4)]. can be,
The second grinder can grind coffee beans more accurately and finely than the first grinder [for example, coarse, medium, medium-fine, fine, and extra-fine grinds can be performed]. be,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"When coffee beans are ground by both the first grinder [e.g., the first grinder 5A] and the second grinder [e.g., the second grinder 5B], the first grinder [e.g., the upstream The coffee beans ground by the first grinder 5A] are further finely ground by the second grinder [e.g., the downstream second grinder 5B];
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

again,
"One grinder 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 the coffee beans are ground by
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: 』
also explained.

That is, it is a mode in which 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. may By moving the guide passage with respect to the one grinder, the coffee beans may be guided to the one grinder, or by moving the one grinder with respect to the guide passage, The coffee beans may be guided to the one grinder, or the coffee beans may be guided to the one grinder by moving the one grinder as the guide passage moves. There may be.

moreover,
"A coffee bean grinder system characterized by comprising an external device (eg, a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinder (eg, Figs. 10 and 19)."
also explained.

again,
"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 coffee bean grinding method comprising: ”
also explained.

One or more grinders may be selected.

The present invention is not limited to the several aspects and examples shown above, and the contents thereof can be combined with each other without departing from the scope of the present invention. may be changed intentionally. In addition, it goes without saying that the individual terms described in this specification are only used for the purpose of describing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the strict meanings of the terms. It can also include equivalents thereof. For example, expressions such as “apparatus” and “department” may be rephrased as “unit” and “module”.

1 Beverage production device 2 Bean processing device 3 Extraction device 4 Storage device 401 Canister storage unit 402 Hopper unit 403 Funnel unit 404 Weighing unit 5 Crushing device 5A First grinder 57a Fixed blade 58a Rotary blade 5B Second grinder 57b Fixed blade 58b Rotary blade 6 Separating device 6A Suction unit 6B Forming unit 6C Guide passage 60 Suction unit 60B Collection container 60Bo Outer case 60Bi Inner case 6io Opening 695 Manual setting disk dial 696 Fine adjustment knob dial 698 Lever member 7 Fluid supply unit 9 Extraction container 11 Control Device 11a Processing unit 12 Information display device 17 Mobile terminal GM Coffee bean grinder GM10 Center casing GM11 Option mounting unit GM20 Bean outlet GM21 Lid unit GM22 Guide path forming member PF Porter filter PFb Basket

Claims (5)

a grinder for grinding coffee beans,
a container for containing ground beans ground by the grinder;
A coffee bean grinder comprising
A set of grinding operations can be executed in response to a user's start operation,
Said one set of grinding operations comprises coffee grinding such that a first region of said container contains ground beans of a first particle size and a second region of said container contains ground beans of a second particle size. The action of grinding beans to different grain sizes.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: A coffee bean grinder according to claim 1,
The first particle size is a particle size finer than the second particle size,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: A coffee bean grinder according to claim 1 or 2,
The container has a filter,
The first region is a region closer to the filter than the second region in the container,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: A coffee bean grinder according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A storage device capable of storing the one set of grinding operations as a recipe,
A coffee bean grinder characterized by: A coffee bean grinder according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The one set of grinding operations can be executed multiple times in response to a user's start operation.
A coffee bean grinder characterized by:

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