Coffee maker

Abstract

To provide a coffee maker capable of preventing hot water inside an internal space from being leaked due to the internal space being filled with the hot water in an abnormal state.SOLUTION: A coffee maker 1 includes a hot water supply part 5 that discharges hot water and supplies the hot water to an extractor 6. The hot water supply part 5 includes a discharge unit 20 including an internal space 21, an inflow port 22, and a first discharge part 23. Hot water flows in the internal space 21 via the inflow port 22 and is discharged from the first discharge part 23. The discharge unit 20 further includes a second discharge part 24 that discharges hot water inside the internal space 21 to prevent the internal space 21 from being filled with the hot water when the hot water is not sufficiently discharged from the first discharge part 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coffee maker technology in which coffee powder is immersed in hot water in an extractor, and then filtered through a filter to extract coffee liquid, which is then stored in a coffee server. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a known coffee maker is equipped with an extractor and a coffee server, in which coffee powder is immersed in hot water in the extractor and then filtered through a filter to extract coffee liquid, which is then stored in the coffee server.

[0003] Patent document 1 also describes a coffee maker that heats water from a water tank and supplies hot water to a coffee basket, and has a hot water outlet case located above the coffee basket and a hot water outlet at the bottom of the hot water case, from which hot water is poured into the coffee basket. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-204528 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in such coffee boilers, there is a risk that the hot water flow path at the outlet may be narrowed by foreign matter such as minerals or debris contained in the hot water, resulting in insufficient hot water being discharged, or that the outlet may be clogged by foreign matter, resulting in no hot water being discharged.In such an abnormal situation, the internal space of the hot water outlet case may become filled with hot water, and the hot water within the internal space of the hot water outlet case may leak out from unintended parts of the hot water outlet case (for example, parts other than the hot water outlet).

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a coffee maker that can prevent the internal space from filling with hot water and leaking out in the event of an abnormality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The coffee maker of the present invention comprises an extractor and a coffee server, in which coffee powder is soaked in hot water in the extractor and then filtered through a filter to extract coffee liquid, and the coffee liquid is stored in the coffee server.The coffee maker also comprises a hot water supply unit that discharges the hot water and supplies it to the extractor, the hot water supply unit having an internal space, an inlet, and a first discharge unit, and a discharge unit through which the hot water flows into the internal space through the inlet and is discharged from the first discharge unit, and the discharge unit further comprises a second discharge unit that discharges the hot water from the internal space so that the internal space does not become filled with hot water when the hot water is not sufficiently discharged from the first discharge unit.

[0008] The coffee maker according to the present invention can prevent the internal space from filling with hot water and leaking out in the event of an abnormality.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the first discharge portion has a first inlet through which the hot water in the internal space flows into the first discharge portion, and the second discharge portion has a second inlet through which the hot water in the internal space flows into the second discharge portion, and that the second inlet of the second discharge portion is positioned higher than the first inlet of the first discharge portion.

[0010] According to this configuration, in the event of an abnormality, the internal space is filled with hot water, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the hot water from leaking from the internal space from portions other than the first discharge portion 23.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the width of the hot water flow path of the second discharge portion is larger than the width of the hot water flow path of the first discharge portion.

[0012] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the hot water from not being sufficiently discharged from the second discharge section due to foreign matter narrowing the hot water flow path of the second discharge section compared to the first discharge section, or it is possible to prevent the hot water from not being discharged due to foreign matter clogging the second discharge section compared to the first discharge section.

[0013] In the present invention, the second discharge section has a second discharge port through which the hot water in the internal space is discharged, and it is preferable that the second discharge port of the second discharge section is positioned directly above the opening at the top of the extractor.

[0014] According to this configuration, even if hot water is not sufficiently discharged from the first discharge portion or if hot water is not discharged from the first discharge portion, hot water can be poured into the extractor from the second discharge outlet of the second discharge portion.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the second discharge port of the second discharge portion discharges the hot water in the internal space and also releases steam in the internal space to the outside.

[0016] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent steam from accumulating in the internal space without providing a separate structure for releasing steam from the internal space.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferable that the main discharge unit has a steam hole for releasing steam from the internal space to the outside, and the second inlet of the second discharge portion is disposed below the steam hole.

[0018] According to this configuration, in the event of an abnormality, the internal space is filled with hot water, and the hot water in the internal space can be more reliably prevented from leaking out through the steam hole.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable to provide a control unit that executes an operation to make the amount of hot water flowing into the internal space from the inlet greater than the amount of hot water discharged from the first discharge portion of the discharge unit.

[0020] According to this configuration, such an operation can be performed when there is no abnormality, causing hot water to be discharged from the second discharge portion, thereby cleaning the inside of the second discharge portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a coffee maker according to the present invention; [Figure 2] Schematic diagram showing a coffee maker. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a coffee maker. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the hot water supply unit of the coffee maker. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the hot water supply unit of the coffee maker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] [Overall configuration of the coffee maker] Next, a coffee maker 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described. The coffee maker 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is one embodiment of a coffee maker according to the present invention. For ease of explanation, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are defined for the coffee maker 1 as indicated by the arrows shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. However, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 do not limit the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the coffee maker according to the present invention. Furthermore, in the following description, the terms front, rear, left, right, top, bottom, etc. refer to the orientations of the components of the coffee maker 1 when they are assembled in their predetermined positions when the coffee maker 1 is in use.

[0023] Coffee maker 1 is operated by a user to automatically extract coffee liquid using coffee grounds and hot water. Coffee maker 1 is an immersion coffee maker that extracts coffee liquid by immersing coffee grounds in hot water and then filtering the resulting liquid through a filter. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , coffee maker 1 includes a coffee server 2, a base 3, a support 4, a hot water supply 5, an extractor 6, a water tank 7, a heater 8, a pump 9, a circulation unit 10, a valve operation unit 11, and a control unit 12.

[0024] The base 3 forms the lower part of the coffee maker 1, and the coffee server 2 is placed on it. The support column 4 extends upward from the rear end of the base 3. The hot water supply unit 5 forms the upper part of the coffee maker 1, and is located above the base 3. The hot water supply unit 5 extends forward from the upper end of the support column 4. The hot water supply unit 5 has a discharge unit 20 inside. The base 3, support column 4, and hot water supply unit 5 form the coffee maker 1 in a roughly U-shape when viewed from the side.

[0025] Discharge unit 20 of hot water supply section 5 includes internal space 21, inlet 22, first discharge section 23, and second discharge 24. Discharge unit 20 of hot water supply section 5 is configured to have a hollow interior. The hollow space inside discharge unit 20 is configured as internal space 21. Inlet 22 is provided at the rear end of discharge unit 20.

[0026] The first discharge part 23 of the discharge unit 20 is configured in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending vertically, is provided at the bottom of the discharge unit 20, and discharges hot water from the internal space 21. The upper end of the first discharge part 23 is configured as a first inlet 23a through which the hot water from the internal space 21 flows into the first discharge part 23. The lower end of the first discharge part 23 is configured as a first discharge outlet 23b through which the hot water from the internal space 21 is discharged.

[0027] The second discharge section 24 of the discharge unit 20 is configured in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending vertically, is provided at the bottom of the discharge unit 20, and discharges hot water or steam from the internal space 21. The upper end of the second discharge section 24 is configured as a second inlet 24a through which the hot water or steam from the internal space 21 flows into the second discharge section 24. The lower end of the second discharge section 24 is configured as a second discharge outlet 24b through which the hot water or steam from the internal space 21 is discharged.

[0028] The extractor 6 is configured in the shape of a funnel, and a filter and coffee powder are placed inside it. The extractor 6 is placed above the coffee server 2 and below the hot water supply unit 5. The extractor 6 is supported by the support unit 4 in front of the vertical midpoint of the support unit 4. An opening is formed in the upper part of the extractor 6, and serves as an inlet for hot water. An opening is formed in the lower part of the extractor 6 for supplying the extracted coffee liquid to the server. A valve is provided in the lower part of the extractor 6 to open and close the lower opening.

[0029] The water tank 7 stores water for extracting coffee liquid. The water tank 7 is provided at the upper rear part of the support part 4.

[0030] Heater 8 is an electric heater configured as a water heating means, and is disposed inside table 3. Heater 8 is located within table 3 below the upper surface of table 3 and is disposed close to the upper surface of table 3. When powered on, heater 8 heats the upper surface of table 3, thereby heating and keeping warm the coffee liquid in coffee server 4 placed on the upper surface of table 3. Heater 8 also heats the portion of flow section 10 that is disposed on table 3, thereby heating the water flowing through flow section 10 to hot water.

[0031] The pump 9 is a DC pump configured as a means for circulating water and hot water through the circulating section 10, and is disposed midway through the circulating section 10. The pump 9 is disposed inside the support section 4, between the water tank 7 and the heater 8. When the pump 9 is operated, the water stored in the water tank 7 and the hot water heated by the heater, etc. are circulated through the circulating section 10.

[0032] The circulation section 10 is made up of a plurality of tubular members through which the water stored in the water tank 7 and the hot water produced when the water is heated by the heater 8 flow. The circulation section 10 is arranged within the mounting base 3 and the support section 4, and is connected to the water tank 7 and the hot water supply section 5. When the user operates the operation panel or the like, the pump 9 is activated, causing water to flow out of the water tank 7 and flow through the circulation section 10, and the water flowing through the circulation section 10 is heated by the heater 8 to become hot water, and the hot water flows from the circulation section 10 into the hot water supply section 5. The circulating section 10 is configured to extend downward from the water tank 7, extend forward from the lower end of the portion disposed within the support section 4, enter the mounting base 3, and then extend rearward to return to the support section 4 side. The portion of the circulating section 10 disposed within the mounting base 3 is located below the heater 8 and is disposed in close proximity to the heater 8. The water circulating within the circulating section 10 within the mounting base 3 is heated by the heater 8 to become hot water. Circulation section 10 is configured to extend upward from the rear end of the portion disposed within mounting base 3, and further within support section 4. Circulation section 10 is configured to extend forward from the upper end of the portion extending upward within support section 4, and is connected to inlet 22 of discharge unit 20 of hot water supply section 5.

[0033] The hot water circulating within the circulating section 10 flows into the internal space 21 through the inlet 22 of the discharge unit 20 of the hot water supply section 5, and is discharged from the first discharge section 23. The hot water discharged from the first discharge section 23 of the discharge unit 20 is poured into the extractor 6 through an opening at the top of the extractor 6. The coffee grounds in the extractor 6 are then immersed in the hot water poured into the extractor 6, and the water is then filtered through a filter, thereby extracting the coffee liquid.

[0034] The valve operating unit 11 is configured as a means for opening and closing a valve that opens and closes the opening at the bottom of the extractor 6. The valve operating unit 11 is provided in front of the support column 4, near the coffee server 2. When the valve operating unit 11 operates the valve to close the opening at the bottom of the extractor 6, the coffee liquid extracted in the extractor 6 remains stored in the extractor 6. When the valve operating unit 11 operates the valve to open the opening at the bottom of the extractor 6, the coffee liquid extracted in the extractor 6 is discharged from the opening at the bottom of the extractor 6, flows into the opening at the top of the coffee server 2, and is stored in the coffee server 2.

[0035] When a user operates an operation switch located on the top surface of hot water supply unit 5, coffee maker 1 automatically starts extracting coffee liquid based on a program stored in control unit 12, and stores the coffee liquid in coffee server 2. Control unit 12 controls various operations of coffee maker 1 (heater 8, pump 9, valve operation unit 11, etc.). Control unit 12 is electrically connected to heater 8, pump 9, valve operation unit 11, etc.

[0036] [Details of the discharge unit] As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface of the internal space 21 of the discharge unit 20 is formed by an inclined surface 25. The inclined surface 25 is formed by a surface that is inclined so that the upstream side in the direction of hot water flow in the internal space 21 is upward and the downstream side is downward. The internal space 21 is formed in a roughly bowl shape that narrows in diameter toward the downstream side. The first discharge portion 23 is provided at the lower end of the inclined surface 25. The first discharge portion 23 is positioned downstream of the inlet 22 in the direction of hot water flow, and is located below the inlet 22. Because of this configuration, the hot water that flows into the internal space 21 is guided to flow to the first inlet 23a of the first discharge portion 23.

[0037] The first discharge portion 23 of the discharge unit 20 is provided at the front of the bottom of the discharge unit 20. The first inlet 23a of the first discharge portion 23 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom of the discharge unit 20 and is disposed within the internal space 21. The first discharge outlet 23b of the first discharge portion 23 is formed on the lower surface of the bottom of the discharge unit 20 and is disposed outside the internal space 21. The first discharge outlet 23b of the first discharge portion 23 is disposed directly above the opening at the top of the extractor 6 and is configured to overlap with the opening at the top of the extractor 6 in a plan view. With this configuration, hot water discharged from the first discharge outlet 23b of the first discharge portion 23 is poured into the extractor 6.

[0038] The second discharge portion 24 of the discharge unit 20 is provided rearward of the first discharge portion 23 at the bottom of the discharge unit 20. The second inlet 24a of the second discharge portion 24 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom of the discharge unit 20 and is disposed within the internal space 21. The second discharge outlet 24b of the second discharge portion 24 is formed on the lower surface of the bottom of the discharge unit 20 and is disposed outside the internal space 21.

[0039] In the event of an abnormality, the second discharge part 24 of the discharge unit 20 discharges hot water from the internal space 21 so as not to fill the internal space 21 with hot water. An abnormality may occur when the hot water flow path of the first discharge part 23 is narrowed by foreign matter such as minerals or debris contained in the hot water, preventing the first discharge part 23 from discharging hot water sufficiently, or when the first discharge part 23 is clogged by foreign matter, preventing the hot water from being discharged. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the internal space 21 from filling with hot water and the hot water from leaking from unintended parts of the discharge unit 20 (for example, parts other than the first discharge part 23 or the second discharge part 24) in the event of an abnormality.

[0040] The second inlet 24a of the second discharge part 24 of the discharge unit 20 is disposed above the first inlet 23a of the first discharge part 23. With this configuration, in the event of an abnormality, the internal space 21 is filled with hot water, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the hot water from leaking from parts other than the first discharge part 23.

[0041] The second discharge section 24 of the discharge unit 20 is disposed between the inlet 22 and the first discharge section 23 of the discharge unit 20 in the front-rear direction. The second inlet 24a of the second discharge section 24 is open upward and forward and is configured to be generally L-shaped in a side view. The second inlet 24a of the second discharge section 24 is configured to open at least toward the first discharge section 23 and not toward the inlet 22. This configuration prevents hot water or steam that flows into the internal space 21 from the inlet 22 from forcefully reaching the second inlet 24a of the second discharge section 24. This prevents hot water or steam that flows into the internal space 21 from the inlet 22 from forcefully flowing into the second discharge section 24 from the second inlet 24a of the second discharge section 24 and being discharged from the second discharge port 24b.

[0042] The width of the hot water flow path of the second discharge part 24 of the discharge unit 20 (the inner diameter of the second discharge part 24) is configured to be larger than the width of the hot water flow path of the first discharge part 23 (the inner diameter of the first discharge part 23). Because of this configuration, compared to the first discharge part 23, it is possible to prevent the hot water from being insufficiently discharged from the second discharge part 24 due to the hot water flow path of the second discharge part 24 becoming narrower due to foreign matter, and it is also possible to prevent the hot water from being insufficiently discharged due to the second discharge part 24 being clogged by foreign matter, compared to the first discharge part 23.

[0043] The second discharge port 24b of the second discharge part 24 of the discharge unit 20 is disposed directly above the opening at the top of the extractor 6, and is configured to overlap with the opening at the top of the extractor 6 in a plan view. Because of this configuration, even when hot water is not sufficiently discharged from the first discharge part 23 or when hot water is not discharged from the first discharge part 23 at all, hot water can be poured into the extractor 6 from the second discharge port 24b of the second discharge part 24.

[0044] The second discharge port 24b of the second discharge part 24 of the discharge unit 20 not only discharges hot water from the internal space 21 but also releases steam from the internal space 21 to the outside. In this way, the second discharge port 24b of the second discharge part 24 releases steam from the internal space 21, so that steam can be prevented from accumulating in the internal space 21 without the need to provide a separate structure for releasing steam from the internal space 21.

[0045] When the user operates the operation switch, the control unit 12 can cause the heater 8 and the pump 9 to perform an operation for a certain period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) to make the amount of hot water flowing into the internal space 21 from the inlet 22 greater than the amount of hot water discharged from the first discharge portion 23 of the discharge unit 20. Because of this configuration, this operation can be performed except when an abnormality occurs, causing hot water to be discharged from the second discharge portion 24 of the discharge unit 20, and the inside of the second discharge portion 24 can be cleaned.

[0046] The upper surface of the internal space 21 of the discharge unit 20 has a stepped portion between the inlet 22 and the first discharge portion 23. The stepped portion of the internal space 21 extends downward midway between the inlet 22 and the first discharge portion 23 on the upper surface of the internal space 21, and further extends forward near the bottom surface of the internal space 21. The rear surface of the downwardly extending portion on the upper surface of the internal space 21 forms a wall portion 26. The wall portion 26 is disposed so as to span both side surfaces of the discharge unit 20 within the internal space 21. A predetermined gap is formed between the lower end of the wall portion 26 and the bottom surface of the internal space 21. The first discharge portion 23 is disposed on the opposite side of the wall portion 26 from the inlet 22. A predetermined gap is provided between the lower end of the wall portion 26 and the bottom surface of the internal space 21, and a space on the first discharge portion 23 side of the wall portion 26 is continuous with each other. The wall portion 26 is configured so that hot water (hot water containing a relatively large amount of steam) that flows into the internal space 21 from the inlet 22 collides with the wall portion 26. The wall portion 26 is disposed opposite the inlet 22 and overlaps with the inlet 22 in a front view.

[0047] In this way, the wall portion 26 of the discharge unit 20 is configured so that the hot water flowing in from the inlet 22 collides with it in the internal space 21, and therefore steam can be separated from the hot water that collides with the wall portion 26 in the internal space 21. This makes it possible to prevent hot water from being forcefully discharged from the first discharge port 23b of the first discharge portion 23 due to steam pressure. This also makes it possible to prevent steam from being forcefully discharged from the second discharge port 24b of the second discharge portion 24.

[0048] Second discharge portion 24 is disposed closer to inlet 22 than wall portion 26. Therefore, steam is prevented from being forcefully discharged from second discharge port 24b of second discharge portion 24, and the amount of hot water that can be stored in internal space 21 can be increased compared to when second discharge portion 24 is disposed closer to first discharge portion 23 than wall portion 26.

[0049] Next, the coffee maker 1 shown in Figures 5 to 6 will be described. Note that in the description of the coffee maker 1 shown in Figures 5 to 6, descriptions of the same parts as those in the coffee maker 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on the parts that differ from the coffee maker 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4. This is one embodiment of the coffee maker according to the present invention.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the discharge unit 20 has a steam vent 27. The steam vent 27 allows steam within the internal space 21 to escape to the outside of the discharge unit 20. The steam vent 27 is configured to cut out the top surface of the discharge unit 20, and the steam vent 27 communicates with the internal space 21. The steam vent 27 is configured with its longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction, with both ends reaching the vicinity of both side surfaces of the discharge unit 20. The steam vent 27 is positioned closer to the circulation port 22 than the wall portion 26. In this way, the steam vent 27 of the discharge unit 20 allows steam to escape from the internal space 21, thereby preventing steam from accumulating in the internal space 21.

[0051] The steam hole 27 of the discharge unit 20 is configured to take in outside air into the internal space 21 when hot water is discharged from the first discharge portion 23 and the second discharge portion 24. This allows the operation of discharging hot water from the first discharge portion 23 and the second discharge portion 24 to be performed stably.

[0052] The second inlet 24a of the second discharge portion 24 of the discharge unit 20 opens upward. The second discharge portion 24 is disposed closer to the first discharge portion 23 than the wall portion 26. The second discharge portion 24 is disposed in the vicinity of the first discharge portion 23. Since the second discharge portion 24 is disposed in the vicinity of the first discharge portion 23 in this manner, it is possible to prevent steam from being forcefully discharged from the second discharge port 24b of the second discharge portion 24.

[0053] The second inlet 24a of the second discharge part 24 is disposed below the steam hole 27. Therefore, in the event of an abnormality, the internal space 21 is filled with hot water, and the hot water in the internal space 21 is more reliably prevented from leaking out through the steam hole 27. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 coffee maker 2 coffee servers 3. Mounting table 4 Support section 5 Hot water supply section 6 Extractor 7. Water Tank 8. Heater 9. Pump 10 Distribution Department 11 Valve operating section 12 Control Unit 20 Discharge unit 21 Interior Space 22 Inlet 23 First discharge part 23a First inlet 23b First outlet 24 Second discharge part 24a Second inlet 24b Second discharge port 25 Slope 26 Wall 27 Steam vent

Claims

1. A coffee maker comprising an extractor and a coffee server, wherein coffee powder is immersed in hot water in the extractor and then filtered through a filter to extract coffee liquid, and the coffee liquid is stored in the coffee server, A hot water supply unit that discharges the hot water and supplies it to the extractor, The hot water supply unit includes an internal space, an inlet, and a first discharge portion, and includes a discharge unit through which the hot water flows into the internal space through the inlet and is discharged from the first discharge portion. The coffee maker is characterized in that the discharge unit further includes a second discharge portion that discharges the hot water from the internal space so that the internal space does not become filled with hot water when the hot water is not sufficiently discharged from the first discharge portion.

2. the first discharge portion includes a first inlet through which the hot water in the internal space flows into the first discharge portion, the second discharge portion includes a second inlet through which the hot water in the internal space flows into the second discharge portion, The coffee maker according to claim 1 , wherein the second inlet of the second discharge portion is disposed above the first inlet of the first discharge portion.

3. 3. The coffee maker according to claim 2, wherein a width of the hot water flow path of the second discharge portion is configured to be larger than a width of the hot water flow path of the first discharge portion.

4. the second discharge portion includes a second discharge port through which the hot water in the internal space is discharged, 4. The coffee maker according to claim 3, wherein the second outlet of the second outlet portion is disposed directly above an opening in the upper portion of the extractor.

5. 5. The coffee maker according to claim 4, wherein the second outlet of the second outlet portion not only discharges the hot water from the internal space but also releases steam from the internal space to the outside.

6. The main discharge unit has a steam vent that releases steam from the internal space to the outside, The coffee maker according to claim 4, wherein the second inlet of the second discharge portion is disposed below the steam vent.

7. 7. The coffee maker according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that executes an operation to make the amount of hot water flowing into the internal space from the inlet greater than the amount of hot water discharged from the first discharge portion of the discharge unit.

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