coffee maker

Abstract

To prevent variations in the taste, temperature, and other finishing conditions of extracted coffee liquid from occurring by suppressing variations in the temperature of hot water generated by a heater in a coffee maker. [Solution] In the coffee maker (1), the control unit (14) acquires heater temperature information regarding the temperature gradient of the preheated heater (8) from the start of operation of the heater (8) until a predetermined time has elapsed in the preheating step (S1), compares the heater temperature information with a plurality of heater model information (32) stored in advance, and selects one of the plurality of heater model information (32) that is closest to the heater temperature information, and in the hot water supply step (S2), operates the heater (8) by adjusting the output power to correspond to a preset set output power value based on predicted output power value information (33) of the heater (8) associated with the selected heater model information (32).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coffee maker technology for extracting coffee liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a known coffee maker that extracts coffee liquid by soaking coffee powder in hot water and then filtering it through a filter includes a water tank that stores water that serves as the base for the hot water used to extract the coffee liquid, a pump that supplies water from the water tank downstream, a heater that heats the water supplied by the pump to produce hot water, and an extractor that extracts the coffee liquid using the coffee powder and hot water.

[0003] Patent Document 1 also describes a coffee maker that includes a water tank, a pump, a pipe through which water flows, a switching valve for controlling the water, a heating means such as a heater, a timing means for measuring time, a water tank temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the water tank, a first temperature gradient measuring means for measuring the temperature gradient of the water tank temperature at the beginning of heating, a pipe temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the pipe, a third temperature gradient measuring means for measuring the temperature gradient of the pipe temperature, a second water volume determining means for determining the water volume from the outputs of the first temperature gradient measuring means and the third temperature gradient measuring means, and a heating control means for controlling the heating means. With this configuration, the water volume is determined from the temperature gradient of the water tank temperature and the pipe temperature gradient without being affected by variations in the power supply voltage, heater, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3496275 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In coffee makers, the rated output power of the heater is, for example, 1000 W ±10%, which causes variations in the heater's output power. This variation in the heater's output power also causes variations in the temperature of the hot water produced by the heater from one product to another, which can affect the taste, temperature, and other aspects of the finished coffee.

[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 suppress variations in the temperature of hot water generated by a heater, thereby preventing differences in the finished state of the extracted coffee liquid, such as its taste and temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The coffee maker according to the present invention is a coffee maker that extracts coffee liquid by soaking coffee grounds in hot water and then filtering it with a filter, and includes a water tank that stores water that serves as the base for the hot water used to extract the coffee liquid, a pump that supplies the water in the water tank downstream, a heater that heats the water supplied by the pump to produce the hot water, a heater temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the heater, an extractor that extracts the coffee liquid using the coffee grounds and the hot water, and a control unit electrically connected to the pump, the heater, and the heater temperature detection unit, and the control unit performs the following operations in the operation of extracting the coffee liquid: a preheating step that operates the heater to preheat the heater before the water is supplied, and a step of operating the pump to extract the water in the water tank. and a hot water supply process in which hot water is supplied to the preheated heater to generate hot water using the heater, and the generated hot water is supplied to the extractor. In the preheating process, heater temperature information regarding the temperature gradient of the preheated heater from the start of operation of the heater until a predetermined time has elapsed is obtained, and the heater temperature information is compared with multiple heater model information regarding standards for the temperature gradient of the heater that are stored in advance, and one of the multiple heater model information that is closest to the heater temperature information is selected. In the hot water supply process, the heater is operated by adjusting the output power to correspond to a predetermined set output power value based on predicted output power value information regarding the predicted output power value of the heater associated with the selected heater model information.

[0008] According to the coffee maker of the present invention, it is possible to suppress variations in the temperature of the hot water generated by the heater, thereby preventing differences in the finished state of the extracted coffee liquid, such as its taste and temperature.

[0009] In the present invention, the preset set output power value is set to the lower limit of the rated output power value of the heater.

[0010] According to the coffee maker of the present invention, it is possible to suppress variations in the temperature of the hot water generated by the heater, thereby preventing differences in the finished state of the extracted coffee liquid, such as its taste and temperature.

[0011] In the present invention, when predetermined conditions are met after the operation of extracting the coffee liquid is completed, the control unit preferably omits the preheating process and operates the heater in the hot water supply process in the same manner as when it was performed during the operation of extracting the coffee liquid that has been completed.

[0012] According to this configuration, even in a state where heater temperature information relating to the temperature gradient of the heater cannot be obtained, the operation of extracting coffee liquid can be performed continuously.

[0013] In the present invention, the system is provided with a hot water temperature detection unit that is arranged downstream of the heater and detects the temperature of the hot water generated by the heater and is electrically connected to the control unit, and the hot water supply process includes an initial water supply process from the start of operation of the pump until a predetermined time has elapsed, and a main water supply process that is carried out consecutively with the initial water supply process after the initial water supply process, and the control unit, in the initial water supply process, acquires hot water temperature information regarding the temperature gradient of the hot water from the start of operation of the pump until a predetermined time has elapsed, compares the hot water temperature information with multiple hot water model information regarding standards for hot water temperature gradients that are stored in advance, and selects one of the multiple hot water model information that is closest to the hot water temperature information, and in the main water supply process, adjusts the water supply amount to correspond to a predetermined set water supply capacity value based on predicted water supply capacity value information regarding the predicted pump water supply capacity value associated with the selected hot water model information, and operates the pump.

[0014] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress variations in the amount of water supplied to the heater, and to prevent variations in the finished state of the extracted coffee liquid, such as the taste and temperature.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable to provide a water / hot water detection unit that is arranged upstream of the heater, detects the temperature of the water before it is supplied to the heater, and is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit acquires water temperature information regarding the temperature of the water before it is supplied to the heater, and corrects the hot water temperature information acquired in the initial water supply process based on the water temperature information.

[0016] According to this configuration, it is possible to more reliably suppress variations in the amount of water supplied to the heater.

[0017] In the present invention, when predetermined conditions are met after the operation of extracting the coffee liquid is completed, the control unit preferably omits the initial water supply process and operates the pump in the main water supply process in the same manner as when it was performed during the operation of extracting the coffee liquid that has been completed.

[0018] According to this configuration, even in a state where heater temperature information relating to the temperature gradient of the heater cannot be obtained, the operation of extracting coffee liquid can be performed continuously. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a coffee maker according to an embodiment of 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] (A) A diagram showing the relationship between the heater temperature information and heater model information (predicted output power value information) of a coffee maker, and (B) a diagram showing the relationship between the hot water temperature information and hot water model information (predicted water supply capacity value information) of a coffee maker. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a series of operations for extracting coffee liquid in the coffee maker. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a series of operations in an initial water supply process and a main water supply process in the hot water supply process of the coffee maker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] [Overall configuration of coffee maker] Next, a coffee maker 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6 will be described. The coffee maker 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6 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 in Figures 1 to 2. However, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction shown in Figures 1 and 2 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.

[0021] Coffee maker 1 is an immersion coffee maker that extracts coffee by immersing coffee grounds in hot water and then filtering the resulting liquid. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, coffee maker 1 includes a coffee server 2, a mounting base 3, a support 4, a hot water supply unit 5, an extractor 6, a water tank 7, a heater 8, a pump 9, a circulation unit 10, a heater temperature detection unit 11, a hot water temperature detection unit 12, a water temperature detection unit 13, and a control unit 14. 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 based on a program stored in control unit 14, and the coffee is stored in coffee server 2.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Discharge unit 20 of hot water supply section 5 has inlet 21 and outlet 22, and discharges steam, hot water, etc. that flows in from inlet 21 from outlet 22. Inlet 21 is configured in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the front-to-back direction, and is provided on the side of discharge unit 20. Discharge section 22 is configured in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the up-down direction, and is provided on the bottom of discharge unit 20.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The heater 8 is an electric heater configured as a water heating means, and is configured as, for example, a sheath heater or a print heater. The heater 8 is disposed inside the mounting base 3. The heater 8 is located within the mounting base 3 below the upper surface of the mounting base 3 and is disposed so as to be close to the upper surface of the mounting base 3. When powered, the heater 8 heats the upper surface of the mounting base 3, thereby heating and keeping warm the coffee liquid in the coffee server 4 placed on the upper surface of the mounting base 3. The heater 8 also heats the portion of the circulation unit 10 that is located on the mounting base 3, thereby heating the water circulating within the circulation unit 10 to hot water. The rated output power value of the heater 8 is, for example, 1000 W ± 10%, and the preset set output power value of the heater 8 is set to 900 W (the lower limit of the rated output power value).

[0027] The pump 9 is a DC pump configured as a means for circulating water and hot water through the circulation section 10, and is disposed midway through the circulation 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 8 are circulated through the circulation section 10. The preset set water supply capacity value of the pump 9 is set, for example, to the median value of the rated water supply capacity values.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Circulation section 10 is configured to extend downward from water tank 7, extend forward from the lower end of the portion disposed within support section 4, enter mounting base 3, and then extend rearward and return to the support section 4 side. The portion of circulation section 10 disposed within mounting base 3 is located below heater 8 and disposed in close proximity to heater 8. Water circulating through circulation section 10 within mounting base 3 is heated by 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 within support section 4. Circulation section 10 is then configured to extend forward from the upper end of the portion extending upward within support section 4, and is connected to inlet 21 of discharge unit 20 of hot water supply section 5.

[0030] The hot water circulating within the circulation section 10 flows into the discharge unit 20 of the hot water supply section 5 through the inlet 21 of the discharge unit 20 and is discharged from the outlet 22. The hot water discharged from the outlet 22 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 filtered through a filter, thereby extracting coffee liquid.

[0031] The heater temperature detection unit 11 is composed of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 8. The heater temperature detection unit 11 is provided in the heater 8. Information regarding the temperature of the heater 8 detected by the heater temperature detection unit 11 is transmitted to the control unit 14.

[0032] The hot water temperature detection unit 12 is composed of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the hot water generated by the heater 8. The hot water temperature detection unit 12 is arranged inside the circulation unit 10 downstream of the heater 8. Note that the location of the hot water temperature detection unit 12 is not limited to this configuration as long as it is configured to detect the temperature of the hot water generated by the heater 8, and it may be arranged, for example, outside the circulation unit 10 or inside the hot water intake unit 5. Information regarding the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature detection unit 12 is sent to the control unit 14.

[0033] Water temperature detection unit 13 is composed of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of water flowing through circulation unit 10 before being supplied to heater 8. Water temperature detection unit 13 is arranged inside circulation unit 10 upstream of heater 8. Note that the location of water temperature detection unit 13 is not limited to this configuration as long as it is configured to detect the temperature of water before being supplied to heater 8, and it may be arranged, for example, outside circulation unit 10 or inside water tank 7. Information regarding the water temperature detected by water temperature detection unit 13 is sent to control unit 14.

[0034] Control unit 14 controls various operations of coffee maker 1 (heater 8, pump 9, heater temperature detection unit 11, hot water temperature detection unit 12, water temperature detection unit 13, etc.) and has a storage device that stores various information. Control unit 14 is electrically connected to heater 8, pump 9, heater temperature detection unit 11, hot water temperature detection unit 12, water temperature detection unit 13, etc. Based on information about the hot water or water temperature from heater temperature detection unit 11 or hot water temperature detection unit 12, control unit 14 performs cycle control in which one cycle is divided into multiple phases, thereby turning heater 8 on and off.

[0035] The control unit 14 pre-stores information 31 related to a preset set output power value of the heater 8, and multiple pieces of heater model information 32 related to a reference temperature gradient for the heater 8. The information 31 related to the set output power value of the heater 8 is, for example, information indicating that the set output power value is set to 900 W, which is the lower limit of the rated output power value of the heater 8. Each of the multiple pieces of heater model information 32 is associated with predicted output power value information 33. The predicted output power value information 33 consists of, for example, three pieces of predicted output power value information 33, each of which is 900 W, 1000 W, and 1100 W, in increments of 100 W within the range of the rated output power value of the heater 8. The heater model information 32 associated with the predicted output power value information 33 for 900 W has a gentle temperature gradient, the heater model information 32 associated with the predicted output power value information 33 for 1000 W has a medium temperature gradient, and the heater model information 32 associated with the predicted output power value information 33 for 1100 W has a steep temperature gradient. The information 31 regarding the preset set output power value of the heater 8, the number of pieces of heater model information 32, and the predicted output power value information 33 are not limited to the above configuration and can be set appropriately according to the specifications.

[0036] The control unit 14 also stores in advance information 41 related to the preset water supply capacity value of the pump 9, and multiple pieces of hot water model information 42 related to the standard temperature gradient of the hot water generated by the heater 8. The information 41 related to the preset water supply capacity value of the pump 9 is, for example, information indicating that the set water supply capacity value is set to the median value of the rated water supply capacity value of the pump 9. Each of the multiple pieces of hot water model information 42 is associated with predicted water supply capacity value information 43. The predicted water supply capacity value information 43 consists of, for example, three pieces of predicted water supply capacity value information 43 at predetermined water supply rate intervals within the range of the rated water supply capacity value of the pump 9. The hot water model information 42 associated with the predicted water supply capacity value information 43 with the highest water supply rate has a gentle temperature gradient, the hot water model information 42 associated with the predicted water supply capacity value information 43 with an intermediate water supply rate has a medium temperature gradient, and the hot water model information 42 associated with the predicted water supply capacity value information 43 with the lowest water supply rate has a steep temperature gradient. The information 41 regarding the set water supply capacity value of the pump 9, the number of hot water model information 42, and the predicted water supply capacity value information 43 are not limited to this configuration, and can be set appropriately according to the specifications.

[0037] [Coffee extraction process] Next, a series of operations for extracting coffee liquid in the coffee maker 1 will be described with reference to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the operation for extracting coffee liquid in the coffee maker 1 includes a preheating step S1, a hot water supply step S2, and a coffee liquid extraction step S3. The coffee maker 1 is configured so that the operation of extracting coffee liquid is automatically performed by controlling the operation of the heater 8 and the pump 9 by the control unit 14 to execute the preheating step S1, the hot water supply step S2, and the coffee liquid extraction step S3.

[0038] When the user operates the operation switch, the coffee maker 1 starts the operation of extracting coffee liquid.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the operation of extracting coffee liquid begins with a preheating step (step S1). In the preheating step S1, the control unit 14 operates the heater 8 to preheat it before the water in the water tank 7 is supplied to the heater 8 via the circulating unit 10. In the preheating step S1, the control unit 14 operates the heater 8 at maximum output for, for example, 10 to 30 seconds, thereby raising the temperature of the heater 8 to a predetermined temperature. In the preheating step S1, the control unit 14 acquires heater temperature information relating to the temperature gradient of the heater 8 as it is preheated from the start of operation of the heater 8 until a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 30 seconds) has elapsed, based on information about the temperature of the heater 8 transmitted from the heater temperature detection unit 11. The control unit 14 then compares the acquired heater temperature information with multiple pieces of heater model information 32 and selects one of the multiple pieces of heater model information 32 that most closely matches the heater temperature information. For example, if the acquired heater temperature information is similar to the heater model information 32 associated with the predicted output power value information 33 of 1000 W, the control unit 14 selects the heater model information 32 associated with the predicted output power value information 33 of 1000 W (see FIG. 4(A)). After the temperature of the heater 8 reaches a predetermined temperature in the preheating step S1, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0040] Next, the hot water supply process is performed (step S2). In the hot water supply process S2, the control unit 14 operates the pump 9 to supply water from the water tank 7 to the preheated heater 8 via the circulating unit 10, causing the heater 8 to generate hot water, and then supplies the generated hot water to the extractor 6 via the circulating unit 10. In the hot water supply process S2, the control unit 14 adjusts the output power to correspond to a preset set output power value based on the predicted output power value information 33 associated with the heater model information 32 selected in the preheating process S1, and operates the heater 8. For example, if the control unit 14 selects the heater model information 32 associated with the predicted output power value information 33 of 1000 W in the preheating process S1, the control unit 14 predicts that the output power value of the heater 8 will be 1000 W and operates the heater 8 at the set output power value (900 W) (see FIG. 4(A)). After operating the pump 9 for a predetermined time, the control unit 14 stops the operation of the pump 9. After a certain time has elapsed since operating the pump 9 in the hot water supply process S2, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0041] Next, the coffee liquid extraction process is performed (step S3). In the coffee liquid extraction process S3, the control unit 14 supplies hot water generated by the heater 8 to the hot water supply unit 5 via the circulation unit 10, and pours the hot water from the hot water supply unit 5 into the extractor 6. The coffee powder in the extractor 6 is then immersed in the hot water poured into the extractor 6, and the hot water is then filtered through a filter, thereby extracting the coffee liquid. In this manner, a series of operations for extracting coffee liquid is carried out in the coffee maker 1.

[0042] As described above, in the operation of extracting coffee liquid, in the preheating step S1, the control unit 14 compares the heater temperature information regarding the temperature gradient of the heater 8 with the plurality of heater model information 32, selects one of the plurality of heater model information 32 that most closely matches the heater temperature information, and in the hot water supply step S2, operates the heater 8 by adjusting the output power to correspond to a preset set output power value based on the predicted output power value information 33 of the heater 8 associated with the selected heater model information 32. Therefore, even if there is variation in the output power value of the heater 8, it is possible to suppress variation in the temperature of the hot water generated by the heater 8. This makes it possible to prevent differences in the finished state of the extracted coffee liquid, such as its taste and temperature.

[0043] As described above, the preset set output power value of heater 8 is set to the lower limit of the rated output power value of heater 8, and control unit 14 operates heater 8 in the hot water supply step S2 by adjusting the output power so that it corresponds to the lower limit of the rated output power value of heater 8 (set output power value). Therefore, even if there is variation in the output power value of heater 8, it is possible to more reliably suppress variation in the temperature of the hot water produced by heater 8. This makes it possible to prevent differences in the finished state of the extracted coffee liquid, such as the taste and temperature.

[0044] 6, the hot water supply process S2 includes an initial water supply process 21 that lasts until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of operation of the pump 9, and a main water supply process 22 that is performed after the initial water supply process 21 and immediately after the initial water supply process 21. Next, a series of operations in the initial water supply process 21 and the main water supply process 22 will be described.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, in the initial water supply step S21, the control unit 14 operates the pump 9 at maximum output for, for example, 10 to 30 seconds to supply hot water generated by the heater 8 to the extractor 6 via the circulating unit 10. In the initial water supply step S21, the control unit 14 acquires hot water temperature information relating to the hot water temperature gradient from the start of operation of the pump 9 until a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 10 to 30 seconds). The control unit 14 then compares the acquired hot water temperature information with multiple hot water model information 42 and selects one of the multiple hot water model information 42 that most closely resembles the hot water temperature information. For example, if the acquired hot water temperature information is similar to the hot water model information 42 associated with the predicted water supply capacity value information 43 with the lowest water supply rate, the control unit 14 selects the predicted water supply capacity value information 43 with the lowest water supply rate (see FIG. 4(B)). After a predetermined time has elapsed since the pump 9 was operated in the initial water supply step S21, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0046] Next, the main water supply step S22 is performed (step S22). In the main water supply step S22, the pump 9 is operated by adjusting the water supply rate to correspond to a preset set water supply rate based on the predicted water supply capacity value information 43 associated with the hot water model information 42 selected in the initial water supply step S21. For example, when the predicted water supply capacity value information 43 with the lowest water supply rate is selected in the initial water supply step S21, the pump 9 is operated at the set water supply rate (the median of the rated water supply capacity values ​​of the pump 9) by predicting that the water supply rate of the pump 9 will be the lowest (see FIG. 4(B)). After operating the pump 9 for a predetermined time, the control unit 14 stops the operation of the pump 9. After a certain time has elapsed since the pump 9 was operated in the hot water supply step S2, the process proceeds to step S3. In this manner, a series of operations including the initial water supply step 21 and the main water supply step 22 are performed.

[0047] As described above, in the initial water supply step 21, the control unit 14 compares the hot water temperature information related to the hot water temperature gradient with the plurality of hot water model information 42, selects one of the plurality of hot water model information 42 that most closely matches the hot water temperature information, and in the main water supply step 22, adjusts the water supply rate to correspond to a preset water supply capacity value based on the predicted water supply capacity value information 43 of the pump 9 associated with the selected hot water model information 42, and operates the pump 9. Therefore, even if the water supply capacity value of the pump 9 varies, the variation in the amount of water supplied to the heater 8 can be suppressed. This prevents variations in the taste, temperature, and other aspects of the finished state of the brewed coffee. Furthermore, by adjusting the output power of the heater 8 to correspond to a preset output power value and operating the pump 9 to adjust the water supply rate to correspond to a preset water supply capacity value, it is possible to more reliably prevent variations in the taste, temperature, and other aspects of the finished state of the brewed coffee.

[0048] The control unit 14 can also be configured to correct the hot water temperature information relating to the hot water temperature gradient acquired in the initial water supply step S21. In this case, the control unit 14 acquires water temperature information relating to the temperature of the water before it is supplied to the heater 8 based on information about the water temperature transmitted from the water temperature detection unit 13. The control unit 14 then corrects the hot water temperature information relating to the hot water temperature gradient acquired in the initial water supply step S21 based on the acquired water temperature information. If the acquired water temperature information is relatively low, the control unit 14 corrects the hot water temperature information so that the hot water temperature gradient becomes gentler, and if the acquired water temperature information is relatively high, the control unit 14 corrects the hot water temperature information so that the hot water temperature gradient becomes steeper.

[0049] As described above, the control unit 14 corrects the hot water temperature information related to the hot water temperature gradient acquired in the initial water supply step S21 based on the acquired water temperature information. Even if there is variation in the water supply capacity value of the pump 9, it is possible to more reliably suppress variation in the amount of water supplied to the heater 8.

[0050] If predetermined conditions are met after the operation of extracting coffee liquid is completed, the control unit 14 can omit the preheating step S1 and operate the heater 8 in the hot water supply step S2 in the same manner as when the operation of extracting coffee liquid that has just been completed is completed. The predetermined conditions after the operation of extracting coffee liquid is completed include, for example, a state before a predetermined time has elapsed (e.g., before 60 seconds have elapsed) after the operation of extracting coffee liquid is completed, or a state after the operation of extracting coffee liquid where the heater 8 has reached a temperature at which the preheating step S1 is not necessary (e.g., a state where the temperature of the heater 8 is 95°C or higher). Operating the heater 8 in the same manner as when the operation of extracting coffee liquid that has just been completed refers to an operating mode of the heater 8 in which the output power has been adjusted in the hot water supply step S2 of the operation of extracting coffee liquid that was performed immediately before.

[0051] As described above, when predetermined conditions are met after the operation of extracting coffee liquid is completed, the control unit 14 omits the preheating step S1 and operates the heater 8 in the hot water supply step S2 in the same manner as when the operation of extracting the completed coffee liquid was performed. Therefore, even when the temperature of the heater 8 is too high and heater temperature information related to the temperature gradient of the heater 8 cannot be obtained, the operation of extracting coffee liquid can be performed continuously.

[0052] If predetermined conditions are met after the operation of extracting coffee liquid is completed, the control unit 14 can omit the initial water supply step S21 and operate the pump 9 in the main water supply step 22 in the same manner as when it was performed in the operation of extracting the coffee liquid that has just been completed. The predetermined condition after the operation of extracting coffee liquid is, for example, the state before a predetermined time has elapsed (e.g., before 60 seconds have elapsed) after the operation of extracting coffee liquid is completed. Operating the pump 9 in the same manner as when it was performed in the operation of extracting the coffee liquid that has just been completed indicates the operating mode of the pump 9 in which the amount of water supplied has been adjusted in the initial water supply step 21 of the operation of extracting coffee liquid that was performed immediately before.

[0053] As described above, when predetermined conditions are met after the operation of extracting coffee liquid is completed, the control unit 14 omits the initial water supply step S21 and operates the pump 9 in the main water supply step S22 in the same manner as when the operation of extracting coffee liquid that has just been completed is completed. Therefore, even in a state in which the temperature of the heater 8 is too high to obtain hot water temperature information regarding the hot water temperature gradient from the start of operation of the pump 9 in the initial water supply step S21 until the elapse of a predetermined time, the operation of extracting coffee liquid can be performed continuously. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 coffee maker 2. Coffee server 3. Mounting table 4 Support section 5 Hot water supply section 6 Extractor 7. Water Tank 8. Heater 9. Pump 10 Distribution Department 11 Heater temperature detector 12 Water temperature detector 13 Water temperature detector 14 Control Unit 20 Discharge unit 31 Set output power value 32 Heater Model Information 33 Estimated output power value information 41 Set water supply capacity value 42 Yu model information 43 Predicted water supply capacity information

Claims

1. A coffee maker that extracts coffee liquid by filtering coffee grounds after they have been soaked in hot water, a water tank for storing water that serves as a base for hot water for extracting the coffee liquid; a pump that supplies the water in the water tank downstream; a heater for heating the water supplied by the pump to generate the hot water; a heater temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the heater; an extractor that extracts the coffee liquid using the coffee powder and the hot water; a control unit electrically connected to the pump, the heater, and the heater temperature detection unit, The control unit In the operation of extracting the coffee liquid, a preheating step of operating the heater to preheat the heater before the water is supplied; a hot water supply process of operating the pump to supply the water in the water tank to the preheated heater, generating hot water using the heater, and supplying the generated hot water to the extractor; and In the preheating step, heater temperature information is acquired regarding a temperature gradient of the heater being preheated from the start of operation of the heater until a predetermined time has elapsed; comparing the heater temperature information with a plurality of heater model information items related to a reference of the temperature gradient of the heater stored in advance, and selecting one of the plurality of heater model information items that is most similar to the heater temperature information; In the hot water supply process, the heater is operated by adjusting the output power so as to correspond to a preset set output power value based on predicted output power value information regarding a predicted output power value of the heater associated with the selected heater model information. Coffee maker.

2. the preset output power value is set to a lower limit value of the rated output power value of the heater; 10. The coffee maker of claim 1.

3. The control unit When a predetermined condition is satisfied after the operation of extracting the coffee liquid is completed, The preheating step is omitted, In the hot water supply step, the heater is operated in the same manner as in the operation of extracting the completed coffee liquid.

3. The coffee maker of claim 2.

4. A hot water temperature detection unit is disposed downstream of the heater, detects the temperature of the hot water generated by the heater, and is electrically connected to the control unit. The hot water supply process includes: an initial water supply process from the start of operation of the pump until a predetermined time has elapsed; a main water supplying step that is carried out continuously after the initial water supplying step, The control unit In the initial water supply step, Acquire hot water temperature information relating to the hot water temperature gradient from the start of operation of the pump until a predetermined time has elapsed; The hot water temperature information is compared with a plurality of hot water model information related to a standard of the hot water temperature gradient stored in advance, and one of the plurality of hot water model information that is most similar to the hot water temperature information is selected from the plurality of hot water model information; In the water supply process, the pump is operated by adjusting the water supply amount so as to correspond to a preset water supply capacity value based on predicted water supply capacity value information relating to a predicted water supply capacity value of the pump associated with the selected hot water model information. Coffee maker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A hot / cold water detection unit is disposed upstream of the heater, detects the temperature of the water before being supplied to the heater, and is electrically connected to the control unit; The control unit obtaining water temperature information relating to the temperature of the water before it is supplied to the heater; The hot water temperature information acquired in the initial water supply process is corrected based on the water temperature information.

5. The coffee maker of claim 4.

6. The control unit When a predetermined condition is satisfied after the operation of extracting the coffee liquid is completed, The initial water supply step is omitted, In the main water supply step, the pump is operated in the same manner as in the operation of extracting the coffee liquid that has just been completed.

6. The coffee maker of claim 5.

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