Beverage extractor

Abstract

To provide a beverage extraction machine capable of supplying beverage even to a container other than a dedicated server.SOLUTION: A coffee maker E comprises: a dripper 7 for extracting coffee from an extraction hole 713; a dripper valve 72 for closing the extraction hole 713 in normal time, and for opening the same by pressing from a downward direction; and a lever 82 for switching a first format in which a coffee supply object is a dedicated server 5, and a second format in which a coffee supply object is a general cup 9, where the coffee supply object can be switched by switching the first and second formats.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage extractor. [Background technology]

[0002] Various coffee makers have been proposed in the past. For example, the coffee maker of Patent Document 1 is attached to a dedicated server with an upwardly biased valve member provided at the top, and is configured to supply coffee to this dedicated server. This coffee maker also has a dripper valve below the dripper that constantly closes the extraction port so that coffee is not supplied unless the dedicated server is set in a specified location (below the dripper). When the dedicated server is placed in a specified location and pressed upward, this dripper valve opens and coffee is extracted from the extraction port into the dedicated server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-209459 A DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned coffee maker, when a container other than the dedicated server, such as a general coffee cup or bottle, is placed in a predetermined position, the dripper valve is not pressed upward and coffee is not dispensed. Therefore, there is room for improvement in that coffee cannot be directly extracted into a container other than the dedicated server, such as a coffee cup. Note that such an improvement is not limited to coffee makers, but is required for all beverage extraction machines that extract beverages by supplying hot water to extraction ingredients.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a beverage extractor that can dispense beverages into containers other than a dedicated server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first beverage extraction machine according to the present invention is a beverage extraction machine that extracts a beverage using supplied hot water, and comprises: a tank that stores water; heating means for heating the water to produce hot water; a dripper that stores an extraction ingredient for the beverage, to which the hot water is supplied and which extracts a beverage from an extraction port formed at a lower end thereof; a dripper valve that normally closes the extraction port of the dripper and opens it when pressed from below; and a switch mechanism that has an operator for switching a target for supplying the beverage from the dripper to either a first type in which a first container has a pressing member that can press the dripper valve from below, or a second type in which a second container does not have a pressing member that can press the dripper valve from below, and that holds the dripper valve in a state that can be opened and closed by the first container when the operator is switched to the first type, and holds the dripper valve in an open state when the operator is switched to the second type.

[0007] With this configuration, when the operator is switched to the first type, the dripper valve is held in an openable and closable state, and when the operator is switched to the second type, the dripper valve is held in an open state.

[0008] As a result, when the operator is switched to the first type, the pressing member of the first container set at a predetermined location (such as below the dripper) presses the dripper valve, opening the extraction port and allowing the beverage from the extraction port to be supplied to the first container (dedicated server) like a typical coffee maker.

[0009] On the other hand, even if a second container that does not have a pressing member, such as a general coffee cup, is set in a predetermined location, the dripper valve is not pressed, and therefore a beverage cannot be dispensed. However, by switching the operator to the second type, the dripper valve is held open, allowing a beverage to be dispensed into a second container, such as a general cup.

[0010] In the above-described beverage extractor, the dripper can include an overflow opening capable of dispensing the beverage accumulated in the dripper, and a guide path provided on an outer surface of the dripper capable of guiding the beverage overflowing from the overflow opening toward the dripper valve.

[0011] According to this configuration, for example, when the second container is used and the controller is switched to the first type, the beverage overflowing from the overflow opening of the dripper is actively guided to the outer surface of the dripper and guided to the dripper valve side through the guide path. This allows the beverage that has flowed to the dripper valve side to fall downward, so that the beverage can be received in the second container. In other words, the dripper can be prevented from overflowing with beverage, and even if the controller is switched incorrectly, the beverage can be received in the second container.

[0012] In the beverage extraction machine described above, the switching mechanism may be configured such that the operator is a lever capable of reciprocating between a first position specifying the first type and a second position specifying the second type, the dripper valve is configured to be reciprocating between an open position and a closed position, and is configured to be disposed at the closed position when the lever is in the first position and to be disposed at the open position when the lever is in the second position, and is configured to return the dripper valve to the closed position in the vicinity of an intermediate position between the first position and the second position as the lever moves from the first position to the second position until the intermediate position is passed, and to hold the dripper valve in the open position after the intermediate position is passed.

[0013] According to this configuration, in the process of the lever moving from the first position to the second position, the dripper valve returns to the closed position until the lever moves to the second position. Therefore, the dripper valve is held in the closed position until the lever passes the intermediate position, and it is possible to prevent the dripper valve from being slightly open near the intermediate position. On the other hand, once the lever passes the intermediate position, the dripper valve is held in the open position. Therefore, even if the lever has not moved completely to the second position, the lever has passed the intermediate position, so the user can set the second container as the supply target after checking the position of the lever.

[0014] In the above beverage extraction machine, the switching mechanism can be configured so that the operator is a lever that can reciprocate between a first position for the first container and a second position for the second container, and when the lever moves to the first position or the second position, the operator is caused to perform an operation to produce a clicking sensation.

[0015] This allows the user to feel a clicking sensation when moving the lever to the first position or the second position, and enables the user to recognize that the lever has reliably moved to the first position or the second position and the switching has been completed.

[0016] In the beverage extractor, a full level indicator may be formed on the inner or outer surface of the tank, approximately around the entire circumference of the tank, to indicate a full water level.

[0017] With this configuration, the full tank marking is formed around almost the entire circumference of the tank, so if the tank is tilted, the water level will not match the full tank marking, making it easy to see that the tank is not full. Also, while it is not easy to print a full tank marking all around the tank, it can be easily formed by molding.

[0018] In the beverage extractor, it is preferable that the pressing member of the first container is biased upwardly so as to be able to press the dripper valve, the pressing member be capable of being pressed from the initial position against a biasing force to a first pressed-in position lower than an initial state and to a second pressed-in position lower than the first pressed-in position, and the biasing force to the first pressed-in position is weaker than the biasing force to the second pressed-in position and the biasing force of the dripper valve, and the biasing force to the second pressed-in position is stronger than the biasing force of the dripper valve.

[0019] With this configuration, when the pressing member hits a member located above, such as a dripper, the pressing member retreats to the first pushed-in position, thereby saving space by the first pushed-in position of the pressing member. Of course, the biasing force to the second pushed-in position is stronger than the biasing force of the dripper valve, so once the first container is set in place, beverage can be dispensed as usual.

[0020] A second beverage extraction machine according to the present invention is a beverage extraction machine that extracts a beverage using supplied hot water, and comprises: a dripper that contains an extraction ingredient for the beverage, to which the hot water is supplied and has an extraction port formed at a lower end thereof; the dripper comprises an overflow opening formed above the extraction port and capable of discharging the beverage that has accumulated in the dripper; and a guide path provided on the outer surface of the dripper and capable of guiding the beverage that overflows from the overflow opening toward the extraction port.

[0021] According to this configuration, an overflow opening is provided in the dripper, and the overflowing beverage is guided from the outer surface of the dripper through the guide path to the dripper valve side. This allows the beverage that has flowed to the dripper valve side to fall downward and be supplied to a container installed below the dripper. This makes it possible to prevent the dripper from overflowing with beverage.

[0022] A third beverage extraction machine according to the present invention is a beverage extraction machine that extracts a beverage using supplied hot water, and is equipped with a tank for containing water, a heating means for heating the water to produce hot water, and a dripper for containing an extraction ingredient for the beverage, to which the hot water is supplied and having an extraction port formed at its lower end, and a full level indicator is formed on the inner or outer surface of the tank, approximately around the entire circumference, to show the water level when the water is full.

[0023] With this configuration, if the full level indicator is formed around almost the entire circumference of the tank, if the tank is tilted, the water level will not match the full level indicator, making it easy to see that the tank is not full. Also, while it is not easy to apply the full level indicator to the entire circumference of the tank by printing, it can be easily applied by molding.

[0024] The beverage container according to the present invention is a beverage container for use in a beverage extractor that extracts beverages, the beverage container comprising: a dripper that contains an extracting material for a beverage, hot water is supplied to the extracting material, and an extraction port formed at a lower end thereof; and a dripper valve that normally closes the extraction port of the dripper and opens when pressed from below. The beverage container comprises a container portion capable of containing a beverage and having an opening at an upper portion; a lid member that closes the upper opening of the container portion and has a support hole that opens at the upper portion and extends in a vertical direction; and a container that is inserted into the support hole of the lid member and is urged upward, and a valve that opens upward from the support hole. and a protruding pressing member configured to press the dripper valve from below to open the extraction hole when the beverage container is set in the beverage extractor, the pressing member being capable of being pressed from the initial position against a biasing force to a first pressed-in position lower than an initial state and to a second pressed-in position lower than the first pressed-in position, the biasing force up to the first pressed-in position being weaker than the biasing force up to the second pressed-in position and the biasing force of the dripper valve, and the biasing force up to the second pressed-in position being stronger than the biasing force of the dripper valve. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the beverage extractor of the present invention, beverages can be dispensed into containers other than dedicated servers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a coffee maker and a dedicated server. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the coffee maker. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the coffee maker with the tank removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the accessory server attached to the coffee maker. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coffee maker with the dripper holder open. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the dripper holder with the operation member removed. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the dripper holder to which the operation member is attached. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dripper. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dripper as viewed from below. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dripper. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between an extension portion and a pressing portion of an operating member. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tank with the lid member removed. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an auxiliary server. [Figure 17] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the auxiliary server. FIG. [Figure 18] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the auxiliary server. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the attached server placed on the coffee maker. [Figure 20]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cup is placed on the coffee maker. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which coffee flows out from an overflow opening of the dripper. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between an extension portion and a pressing portion of an operating member. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the use of the tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The structure and operation of a coffee maker E, which is one embodiment of a beverage extractor according to the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the coffee maker E and a dedicated server 5 (hereinafter referred to as the "attached server"), Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the coffee maker E seen from the rear, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the coffee maker E seen from the rear with the tank removed, and Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the attached server 5 attached to the coffee maker E.

[0028] For ease of explanation, the following description will follow the directions indicated by the arrows in Figures 1 and 4. However, the present invention is not limited to these directions. Below, the coffee maker E and the attached server 5 will be described in order, and then the method of using them will be described.

[0029] <1. Structure of a coffee maker> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the coffee maker E comprises a plate-shaped mounting section 1, a housing 2 extending upward from the rear of the mounting section 1, an extraction section 3 provided in the front part of the housing 2 above the mounting section 1, and a tank 4 for storing water that is detachably attached to the rear upper end of the housing 2. An attached server (first container) 5 can also be placed on the mounting section 1. In addition to the attached server 5, this coffee maker E can also supply brewed coffee to a general cup 9 or the like, as described later (see Figure 20). Each component will be described in detail below.

[0030] <1-1. Placement section> 1, a recess 11 having a circular bottom surface in a plan view is formed on the top surface of the mounting section 1, and the attached server 5 is placed in this recess 11. The inner diameter of this recess 11 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bottom surface of the attached server 5, whereby the attached server 5 is positioned at a predetermined location on the mounting section 1.

[0031] <1-2. Cabinet> 1 and 4, the housing 2 includes a main body 20 extending upward from the rear of the placement portion 1, and an extension portion 24 extending forward from the upper end of the main body 20. As shown in Fig. 3, a rectangular parallelepiped mounting space 21 in which the tank 4 is mounted is formed behind the upper end of the main body 20. The mounting space 21 is surrounded by a rectangular front wall 211, a pair of rectangular side walls 212 extending rearward from both sides of the front wall 211, and a rectangular bottom wall 213. A rear wall portion 214 extending slightly upward is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 213.

[0032] A protrusion 22 extending upward from the bottom wall 213 is provided at the center of the front wall 211 of the mounting space 21, and this protrusion 22 fits into a mounting recess 415 of the tank 4, which will be described later. In addition, a water receiving section 23 is provided on the right side of the bottom wall 213, into which a drainage section 48 of the tank 4, which will be described later, fits liquid-tightly.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 2 is provided with a hot and cold water supply pipe 25, a heater (heating means) 26, and a nozzle 27. The hot and cold water supply pipe 25 and the heater 26 are built into the main body 20, i.e., below the bottom wall 213, and the nozzle 27 is built into the extension 24. One end of the hot and cold water supply pipe 25 is connected to the above-mentioned water receiving part 23, and the other end is connected to the rear end of the nozzle 27. More specifically, the hot and cold water supply pipe 25 extends downward from the water receiving part 23 inside the main body 20, bends in a U-shape at the bottom of the main body 20, and then extends upward. The hot and cold water supply pipe 25 passes through the inside of the above-mentioned protrusion 22, extends to near the top of the main body 20, and is connected to the rear end of the nozzle 27. The nozzle 27 extends forward from the other end of the hot and cold water supply pipe 25 inside the extension portion 24, and has a nozzle port 271 near the center of the extension portion 24 in the front-rear direction.

[0034] Furthermore, a switch (not shown) is provided on the side of the housing 2, and when this switch is turned on, the heater 26 is put into a state in which it can be driven. When the heater 26 is driven, the water discharged from the tank 4 is heated by the heater 26 as it passes through the hot and cold water supply pipe 25. Then, the hot water generated by the heating is discharged from the nozzle opening 271 and supplied to the extraction unit 3. Note that the switch may be set to automatically turn off when all the water stored in the tank 4 has been discharged.

[0035] <1-3.Extraction part> Fig. 5 is a perspective view of coffee maker E with the dripper holder open, Fig. 6 is a front view of the dripper holder, and Fig. 7 is a plan view of the dripper holder with the operation member removed. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, extraction unit 3 includes dripper holder 6 attached to main body 20 of housing 2, dripper 7 detachably attached to dripper holder 6, and operation member 8 attached to dripper holder 6 for switching the object to which coffee is to be dispensed. Each member will be described in detail below.

[0036] <1-3-1. Dripper holder> As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, dripper holder 6 includes cover part 61 rotatably attached to the right end of the front surface of housing 2, and support body 62 that is provided on the inner surface of cover part 61 and supports dripper 7. As shown in Fig. 7, cover part 61 covers the upper part of the front surface of housing 2. Protrusions 611 that protrude upward and downward are provided on the upper and lower ends of the right end of cover part 61, respectively, and these protrusions 611 are detachably attached to the right side of the front surface of housing 2. As a result, dripper holder 6 is rotatable around an imaginary axis that passes through both protrusions 611, and when the front surface of housing 2 is open, it is in a state where a coffee filter and coffee powder can be placed, and when the front surface of housing 2 is closed, it is in a state where coffee can be extracted.

[0037] Support 62 has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 621 formed to support the outer peripheral surface of dripper 7, and a receiving portion 622 provided at the lower end of peripheral wall portion 621 and protruding downward from the lower end of cover portion 61. As shown in FIG. 6, receiving portion 622 is configured to support operating member 8 as described later, and has a cylindrical support portion 623. As shown in FIG. 7, a circular arc-shaped first receiving portion 631 protruding radially inward is connected to the rear of the lower opening of support portion 623. In addition, rectangular second receiving portions 632 are formed on both sides of first receiving portion 631 with a gap therebetween. These second receiving portions 632 also protrude radially inward from the lower opening of support portion 623, similar to first receiving portion 631. A main body portion 81 of operating member 8 is placed on these first receiving portion 631 and second receiving portion 632 as described later.

[0038] 6 and 7, a circular arc-shaped cutout portion 633 extending between a pair of second receiving portions 632 is formed in the front of the lower end portion of the support portion 623, and a lever 82 of the operating member 8 projects from this cutout portion 633, as described below. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, a server area 634 and a cup area 635 for indicating that the supply target is the attached server 5 or the cup 9 are provided above the cutout portion 633 on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion 623 at the position of the lever 82. Hereinafter, the boundary extending in the vertical direction between these areas will be referred to as an intermediate position 636.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7, an elastically deformable retaining portion 641 is provided above between the first receiving portion 631 and the pair of second receiving portions 632. Each retaining portion 641 is provided so as to cover the operating member 8 arranged on both receiving portions 631, 632 from above, and prevents the operating member 8 from falling out upward. In addition, an arc-shaped guide groove 642 is formed on the radially outer side of the upper end of the support portion 623 so as to follow the first receiving portion 631, and the guide portion 83 of the operating member 8 is slidably engaged with this guide groove 642. In addition, inside this guide groove 642, a convex portion 643 is provided with a gap from each of both ends. Each convex portion 643 is intended to give a clicking sensation to the operation of the lever 82, as described later.

[0040] <1-3-2. Operation parts> FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the operating member, and FIG. 9 is a plan view of the dripper holder to which the operating member is attached. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, operating member 8 includes a ring-shaped main body 81, a lever (operator) 82 extending radially outward from the outer periphery of main body 81, and a guide portion 83 extending radially outward from the upper surface of main body 81. Lever 82 and guide portion 83 are disposed at positions shifted by 180 degrees in main body 81. Main body 81 is disposed on first receiving portion 631 and second receiving portion 632 described above, and is rotatable around the axis of support portion 623 on these receiving portions 631 and 632. Lever 82 protrudes to the outside from notch portion 633 of support portion 623 described above. This allows a user to grip lever 82 and rotate main body 81. Guide portion 83 is provided with engaging portion 831 that protrudes downward, and engaging portion 831 engages with guide groove 642 of dripper holder 6 and is slidable along guide groove 642. In addition, engaging portion 831 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. This allows engaging portion 831 to overcome convex portion 643 while elastically deforming while sliding along guide groove 642 described above. When engaging portion 831 overcomes convex portion 643, a clicking sensation is generated.

[0041] A pair of pressing portions 84, which are arc-shaped in plan view and protrude upward, are provided on the inner peripheral surface of main body portion 81, and these pressing portions 84 press dripper valve 72, as described below. These pressing portions 84 are disposed at positions offset by 180 degrees on main body portion 81. More specifically, when lever 82 is disposed at the left end portion (first position) of server region 634, pressing portions 84 are disposed so as to be positioned on the left and right sides within dripper holder 6 (solid lines in FIG. 9). On the other hand, when lever 82 is disposed at the right end portion (second position) of cup region 635, pressing portions 84 are disposed so as to be positioned on the front and rear sides within dripper holder 6 (two-dot chain lines in FIG. 9).

[0042] 8, the upper edge of each pressing portion 84 is formed with a first portion 841 that slopes upward as it progresses in the circumferential direction from one end in the circumferential direction, and a second portion 842 that extends horizontally in the circumferential direction from an upper end of first portion 841. Extension portion 75 of dripper valve 72, which will be described later, rides up on first portion 841 and second portion 842, and is pressed.

[0043] <1-3-3. Drippers> Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the dripper, and Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the dripper viewed from below. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, dripper 7 includes dripper body 71 formed in a cone shape, and dripper valve 72 provided at the lower end of dripper body 71. Dripper body 71 includes bottom wall portion 711 formed in a rectangular shape having a pair of long sides 7111 and a pair of short sides 7112, and peripheral wall portion 712 extending upward from the periphery of bottom wall portion 711. Extraction port 713 is formed in the center of bottom wall portion 711, and shaft portion 722 of dripper valve 72 is inserted into extraction port 713 so as to be vertically movable.

[0044] The peripheral wall portion 712 has a pair of first surfaces 7121 corresponding to the long sides 7111 of the bottom wall portion 711, and a pair of second surfaces 7122 corresponding to the short sides 7112. Four rectangular overflow openings 73 are formed near the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 712. More specifically, one overflow opening 73 is formed at each end of each first surface 7121 of the peripheral wall portion 712. Guide paths 74 extending from each overflow opening 73 toward the bottom wall portion 711 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 712. Each guide path 74 is formed by a pair of ribs formed on the peripheral wall portion 712. That is, the region between the pair of ribs forms the guide path 74. The pair of guide paths 74 formed on each first surface 7121 join near the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 712 and extend to the long sides 7111 of the bottom wall portion 711.

[0045] Dripper valve 72 includes ring-shaped base 721, cylindrical shaft 722 extending upward and downward from the center of base 721, and a plurality of connecting parts 723 connecting the lower surface of base 721 and the lower end of shaft 722. The plurality of connecting parts 723 extend radially from the lower end of shaft 722 toward base 721. In addition, since base 721 is located above the lower end of shaft 722, each connecting part 723 is formed in an arc shape in side view. As a result, the lower part of dripper valve 72 is formed into a hemispherical shape as a whole by the plurality of connecting parts 723. As described above, shaft 722 is inserted into extraction port 713 of bottom wall 711, but the outer diameter of shaft 722 is smaller than the inner diameter of extraction port 713. In addition, an O-ring 724 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of shaft 722 protruding upward from extraction port 713. This O-ring 724 is larger than the inner diameter of the extraction port 713 , and thereby serves as a stopper to prevent the shaft portion 722 from slipping out downward from the extraction port 713 .

[0046] Coil spring 730 is wound around shaft portion 722 protruding downward from extraction port 713. Coil spring 730 is disposed between the periphery of extraction port 713 and connecting portion 723, thereby urging dripper valve 72 downward. Therefore, dripper valve 72 is normally urged downward, but is prevented from falling out downward by O-ring 724. This state will be referred to as the closed state below, and the position of dripper valve 72 at this time will be referred to as the closed position. In addition, O-ring 724 is brought into close contact with the upper surface of bottom wall portion 711 by dripper valve 72 being urged downward, thereby filling the gap between extraction port 713 and shaft portion 722. As a result, coffee extracted through extraction port 713 is prevented from leaking from inside dripper 7.

[0047] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the dripper. As shown in Fig. 12, when dripper valve 72 is pressed upward, O-ring 724 moves away from the upper surface of bottom wall portion 711, thereby forming a gap between shaft portion 722 and extraction port 713. As a result, coffee can be extracted downward from this gap. Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the open state, and the position of dripper valve 72 at this time will be referred to as the open position. Coffee discharged from extraction port 713 passes between connecting portions 723 of dripper valve 72 and is extracted downward.

[0048] A pair of extension parts 75 extending radially outward in opposite directions are formed on the outer peripheral surface of base 721. Each extension part 75 is formed in a plate shape extending horizontally and is provided at a position corresponding to long side 7111 of bottom wall part 711. Furthermore, when dripper 7 is attached to dripper holder 6, these extension parts 75 are arranged so as to be positioned in front and behind dripper holder 6. Therefore, when lever 82 is at the left end of server area 634, pressing part 84 of operation member 8 and extension part 75 do not come into contact. Therefore, dripper valve 72 is held in the closed position. On the other hand, when lever 82 is at cup area 635, pressing part 84 of operation member 8 enters below extension part 75 and pushes extension part 75 upward. As a result, dripper valve 72 is pressed, and extraction port 713 is opened.

[0049] Here, the relationship between the extension portion 75 and the pressing portion 84 of the operation member 8 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the extension portion and the pressing portion of the operation member. As shown in FIG. 13, when the lever 82 is moved from the left end of the server area 634 to the vicinity of the intermediate position 636 (when the state of FIG. 13(a) changes to the state of FIG. 13(b)), the first portion 841 of the pressing portion 84 enters under the extension portion 75, and the extension portion 75 is gradually pushed up by the inclination of the first portion 841. Then, when the lever 82 exceeds the intermediate position 636, the second portion 842 of the pressing portion 84 enters under the extension portion 75 as shown in FIG. 13(c). That is, the extension portion 75 runs from the first portion 841 to the second portion 842. Therefore, in the process of the lever 82 moving from the server area 634 to the cup area 635, the extension portion 75 is held in the closed position until the extension portion 75 runs over the first portion 841. Thereafter, when the extension portion 75 rides up on the first portion 841, the inclination of the first portion 841 gradually pushes the extension portion 75 upward as the lever 82 moves. Then, when the extension portion 75 rides up on the second portion 842, the extension portion 75 is pushed up to the open position, and the extraction port 713 opens completely.

[0050] <1-4.Tank> Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the tank with the lid member removed, and Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 14. The lid member 43 in Fig. 15 is omitted in Fig. 14. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the tank 4 is provided with a main body 41 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and having an opening at the top, a support part 42 connected to the bottom end of the main body 41, and a lid member 43 that detachably closes the top opening of the main body 41. The main body 41 and the support part 42 are integrally molded from a transparent resin material. The tank 4 can be formed by a molding method such as injection molding.

[0051] The main body 41 has a front wall 411, a pair of side walls 412 extending rearward from both ends of the front wall 411, a rear wall 413 connecting the front ends of the pair of side walls 412, and a bottom wall 414. A mounting recess 415 extending in the vertical direction is formed in the center of the front wall 411 of the main body 41, and a notch is also formed in the bottom wall 414 so as to correspond to the mounting recess 415. A protrusion 22 provided in the mounting space 21 of the housing 2 fits into the mounting recess 415. In addition, a control recess 416 extending in the vertical direction is formed in the center of the rear wall 413, and a notch is also formed in the bottom wall 414 so as to correspond to the control recess 416. A plate-shaped control wall 417 is provided near the upper end of the control recess 416, and the user can lift the tank 4 by gripping the control wall 417 with his fingers. The rear wall 413 also has a first portion 44 and a second portion 45 on the left and right sides of the operation recess 416 .

[0052] A linear mark indicating the water level for extracting a desired amount of coffee is printed on the outer surface of each of the first region 44 and the second region 45. A mark indicating the water level for a coffee cup is printed on the first region 44, and five markings are printed so that a maximum of five cups of coffee can be extracted. A full water mark 49 with the word MAX is printed on the maximum water level (five cups) printed on the first region 44. On the other hand, a mark indicating the water level for a mug is printed on the second region 45, and three markings are printed so that a maximum of three cups of coffee can be extracted.

[0053] A first step (full level indicator) 46 is formed along the entire circumference of the inner wall surface of the main body 41 along the water level of the full water mark 49. The main body 41 is formed thicker below the first step 46 and thinner above the first step 46, and the first step 46 is formed due to this difference in thickness. In addition, a second step 47 is formed above the first step 46 on the inner wall surface of the main body 41 around the entire circumference. The main body 41 is formed thin above the second step 47, and the second step 47 is formed due to this difference in thickness. In the thin portion above the second step 47, a protrusion 432 of the cover member 43 fits, as described later.

[0054] The support portion 42 is a frame-shaped member extending downward from the bottom wall 414 of the main body portion 41 , and extends downward from slightly inside the front wall 411 , side wall 412 , and rear wall 413 of the main body portion 41 .

[0055] A cylindrical drainage section 48 is provided on the left side of the bottom wall 414 of the main body 41, and water accumulated in the tank 4 flows from this drainage section 48 into the water receiving section 23 of the housing 2. The drainage section 48 extends downward from the bottom wall 414, and is disposed in the space surrounded by the support section 42.

[0056] The cover member 43 is formed with a main body 431 formed in a rectangular shape so as to close the upper opening of the main body portion 41, and a frame-shaped protruding portion 432 extending downward from the periphery of the main body 431. As described above, the protruding portion 432 is formed so as to contact the inner surface of the thin-walled portion above the second step portion 47 of the main body portion 41.

[0057] <1-5. Attached Server> Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the attached server, and Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 are cross-sectional views explaining the operation of the attached server. As shown in Fig. 16, the attached server 5 comprises a server body 51 in which coffee is stored, and a lid member 52 that closes the upper opening of the server body 51.

[0058] <1-5-1. Server body> Server body 51 has a conical peripheral wall 511 whose diameter increases downward, and a bottom wall 512 that closes the lower end of the peripheral wall. A spout 513 that protrudes radially outward is formed on the outer periphery of the upper opening of server body 51. In addition, a handle 514 that extends downward is attached to the upper opening on the side opposite spout 513. Furthermore, a female thread is formed on the inner wall surface of the upper opening.

[0059] <1-5-2. Lid parts> The lid member 52 includes a cylindrical casing 521 and a circular upper wall portion 522 that closes an upper opening of the casing 521. A male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the casing 521, which screws into a female thread of the server body 51. A coffee inlet 525 is formed on the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the casing 521, and when the lid member 52 is completely screwed into the server body 51, the circumferential position of the inlet 525 coincides with the spout 513 of the server body 51.

[0060] The upper surface of the upper wall portion 522 is formed so as to be inclined downward toward the center, and a through hole 523 is formed in the center. A cylindrical first insertion portion 53 extending downward is integrally connected to this through hole 523. This first insertion portion 53 includes a first portion 531 having a large diameter extending from the through hole 523, a second portion 532 extending downward from the first portion 531 and having a smaller diameter than the first portion 531, and a third portion 533 extending downward from the second portion 532 and having a smaller diameter than the second portion 532. Steps are formed at the connecting portion between the first portion 531 and the second portion 532, and at the connecting portion between the second portion 532 and the third portion 533. Hereinafter, these steps will be referred to as a first step 534 and a second step 535, from the top.

[0061] A valve member 54 (pressing member) is inserted into the first insertion portion 53 and extends downward from the first insertion portion 53. The valve member 54 includes a shaft portion 541 inserted into the through hole 523 and a semispherical pressing portion 542 attached to the upper end of the shaft portion 541. The shaft portion 541 is formed by connecting three portions having different outer diameters, and a first portion 543, a second portion 544, and a third portion 545 arranged from top to bottom are connected integrally. The first portion 543, the second portion 544, and the third portion 545 have smaller outer diameters in this order, and a step is formed between the first portion 543 and the second portion 544, and between the second portion 544 and the third portion 545. Hereinafter, these steps will be referred to as a first step 546 and a second step 547, respectively, from the top to the bottom.

[0062] The valve member 54 is normally biased upward by a first coil spring 551. That is, the first coil spring 551 is disposed between the second step 535 of the first insertion portion 53 and the first step 546 of the valve member 54, and is configured to be able to be pushed downward against the first coil spring 551 in response to a pressure from above. When the valve member 54 is pushed downward, the first step 546 abuts against the first step 534 of the first insertion portion 53, and the valve member 54 is not pushed downward any further (see FIG. 18). In addition, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the valve member 54 and the inner peripheral surface of the first insertion portion 53, and coffee supplied from above to the upper wall portion 522 flows downward through this gap.

[0063] An inner cylinder 57 is provided inside the casing 521, and a closing member 56 that can move up and down is provided to close the inner cylinder 57 from below. A gap is formed between the inner cylinder 57 and the casing 521, and this gap leads to an inlet 525 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the casing 521. Therefore, as described below, coffee contained in the server body 51 is discharged from the inlet 525 through this gap.

[0064] The closing member 56 includes a disk portion 561 having a through hole 562 formed in the center, and a cylindrical second insertion portion 563 extending upward from the periphery of the through hole 562 of the disk portion 561, and these are integrally formed. A second coil spring 552 is disposed above the disk portion 561 of the closing member 56, and the closing member 56 is constantly biased upward by the second coil spring 552. However, since the outer diameter of the disk portion 561 is larger than the inner diameter of the inner tube 57, the outer peripheral edge of the disk portion 561 engages with the lower end of the inner tube 57, and the upward movement of the closing member 56 is restricted.

[0065] The above-mentioned first insertion part 53 is inserted into the second insertion part 563, and a protruding part 564 is formed inside the second insertion part 563 below the inserted first insertion part 53. The protruding part 564 protrudes from the inner wall surface of the second insertion part 563 and can abut against the second step 547 of the valve member 54. As a result, when the valve member 54 is pushed downward, the second step 547 of the valve member 54 abuts against the protruding part 564, and moves the closing member 56 downward against the second coil spring 552 (see FIG. 18). At this time, a gap is formed between the disk part 561 of the closing member 56 and the inner cylinder 57, so that coffee flows into this gap. Also, the coffee flowing through the first insertion part 53 flows into the second insertion part 563 and heads downward.

[0066] The lower end of the shaft portion 541 of the valve member 54 protrudes downward from the through hole 562 of the disk portion 561, and a disk-shaped seal member 548 is attached to the protruding portion. The outer diameter of the seal member 548 is larger than the through hole 562 of the disk portion 561. Therefore, when the valve member 54 is pushed up by the first coil spring 551, the seal member 548 acts as a retainer to prevent the valve member 54 from slipping out upward. At this time, the through hole 562 of the disk portion 561 is blocked by the seal member 548, so that coffee flowing from the upper wall portion 522 through the first insertion portion 53 and the second insertion portion 563 does not flow into the server body 51. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, when the valve member 54 is pressed from above, the seal member 548 moves downward from the through hole 562 of the disk portion 561, so that the through hole 562 is opened. As a result, the coffee flowing through the first insertion portion 53 and the second insertion portion 563 is discharged from the through-hole 562 and accumulates in the server body 51.

[0067] A pushable lever 58 extends outward from the outer circumferential surface of the casing 521 on the side opposite to the inlet 525. The lever 58 is constantly urged upward by a spring 581, and when the lever 58 is pushed against the spring 581, it rotates a rotating member 59 provided inside the casing 521. More specifically, the rotating member 59 has a first protrusion 591 that engages with the tip of the lever 58 arranged inside the casing 521, and a second protrusion (not shown) that engages with the shaft portion 541 of the valve member 54. When the lever 58 is pushed in, the first protrusion 591 is pushed upward, which rotates the rotating member 59 and moves the second protrusion downward. As a result, the valve member 54 is pushed down. As a result, the valve member 54 pushes down the closing member 56, and as a result, a gap is formed between the disk portion 561 of the closing member 56 and the inner cylinder 57, as shown in FIG. 18.

[0068] With the above configuration, the position of valve member 54 is controlled by first coil spring 551 until valve member 54 is pushed in from the initial state and second step 547 abuts against protruding portion 564 of second insertion portion 563. Hereinafter, the position of valve member 54 when second step 547 abuts against protruding portion 564 will be referred to as a first pushed-in position. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, when valve member 54 is pushed into the first pushed-in position, seal member 548 moves away from through-hole 562 of disc portion 561, so that coffee flows from upper wall portion 522 into server body 51. Also, when valve member 54 is in the first pushed-in position, dripper valve 72 is pushed upward and moved to the open position. Therefore, the biasing forces of first coil spring 551 and coil spring 730 of dripper 7 are adjusted to achieve such a positional relationship.

[0069] 18, when the valve member 54 is further pushed in from the first pushed-in position, the second step 547 pushes the protruding portion 564, so that the closing member 56 is pushed downward. Here, the valve member 54 can be pushed in until the first step 546 of the valve member 54 abuts against the first step 534 of the first insertion portion 53, and the position of the valve member 54 is controlled by the second coil spring 552. Hereinafter, the position of the valve member 54 when the first step 546 abuts against the first step 534 of the first insertion portion 53 will be referred to as the second pushed-in position.

[0070] When the attached server 5 is removed from the coffee maker E, as shown in Fig. 16, the valve member 54 returns to its initial position, and the through hole 562 of the disk portion 561 is blocked by the sealing member 548. Therefore, the coffee does not flow back toward the upper wall portion 522. When the lever 58 is pressed down at this time, the closing member 56 moves downward as shown in Fig. 18, and a gap is formed between the disk portion 561 of the closing member 56 and the inner cylinder 57. When the attached server 5 is tilted in this state, the coffee stored in the server body 51 flows into the inlet 525 through the gap, and the coffee discharged from the inlet 525 is discharged from the spout 513 into a container such as a cup.

[0071] Valve member 54 is biased upward so as to be able to press dripper valve 72, and can be pressed from the initial position against a biasing force to a first pushed-in position that is lower than the initial state and to a second pushed-in position that is lower than the first pushed-in position, and the biasing force by first coil spring 551 to the first pushed-in position is set to be weaker than the biasing force to the second pushed-in position and the biasing force of dripper valve 72, and the biasing force by second coil spring 552 to the second pushed-in position is set to be stronger than the biasing force of dripper valve 72. Moreover, when valve member 54 (pressing member) collides with a member located above, such as a dripper, valve member 54 retreats to the first pushed-in position, so that only the first pushed-in position of valve member 54 can be made space-saving. Furthermore, since the biasing force to the first pushed-in position is weak, valve member 54 can be easily retreated. Of course, since the biasing force to the second pushed-in position is stronger than the biasing force of dripper valve 72, once attached server (first container) 5 is set in a predetermined position, beverage can be dispensed as usual.

[0072] <2. How to use the coffee maker> Next, a method of using the coffee maker E configured as described above will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. First, a case of supplying coffee to the attached server 5 will be described. First, the tank 4 is removed, and then the lid member 43 is removed. A desired amount of water is poured using the full water mark 49, the first step 46, etc. as references. Thereafter, the lid member 43 is attached, and the tank 4 is attached to the housing 2.

[0073] Next, dripper holder 6 is opened, a paper filter is attached inside dripper 7, and a predetermined amount of coffee powder is then poured into the paper filter. Next, dripper holder 6 is closed, and lever 82 is moved to the left end of server area 634. As a result, as described above, pressing portion 84 of operating member 8 does not contact extension portion 75 of dripper valve 72, so that dripper valve 72 is held in a state in which it can move up and down (can be opened and closed). This state corresponds to the first form of the present invention. Following this, attached server 5 is placed on mounting portion 1 as shown in FIG. 19. At this time, attached server 5 is set on mounting portion 1 while valve member 54 of attached server 5 pushes up dripper valve 72. Valve member 54 pushes up dripper valve 72, but at the same time, it is pushed down to the second pushed-in position by the resistance from dripper valve 72. Furthermore, the lower end of dripper valve 72 is formed in a hemispherical shape overall, and pressing portion 542 at the upper end of valve member 54 is also formed in a hemispherical shape, so that valve member 54 can be smoothly inserted below dripper valve 72. By pushing up dripper valve 72 in this manner, extraction port 713 is opened (see FIG. 12). Similarly, valve member 54 is pushed in in attached server 5, so that coffee can flow into server body 51. Note that, when attached server 5 is removed from coffee maker E, valve member 54 can be pushed in, so that valve member 54 does not get caught on dripper valve 72, and attached server 5 can be smoothly removed.

[0074] Next, when the switch on the side of the housing 2 is turned on, the heater 26 is driven and dripping is started. That is, the water flowing from the tank 4 to the hot and cold water supply pipe 25 is heated by the heater 26, becomes hot water, and is supplied little by little into the paper filter of the dripper 7. As a result, the extracted coffee falls downward from the extraction port 713 and is poured onto the cover member 52 of the attached server 5. The coffee flows into the inside of the attached server 5 from the through hole 523 of the cover member 52 and accumulates in the server body 51. When all the water in the tank 4 is thus supplied, the heater 26 is automatically turned off. After that, the user holds the handle 514 of the attached server 5 and removes it from the coffee maker E. As a result, the pressure on the dripper valve 72 by the valve member 54 is released, so that the dripper valve 72 is urged downward and closed. Therefore, even if coffee remains in the dripper 7, the coffee is prevented from leaking.

[0075] Next, a case where a cup (second container) 9 is used will be described. The supply of water to tank 4, the attachment of a paper filter, and the introduction of coffee powder are the same as in the case where attached server 5 is used. Next, with attached server 5 removed from coffee maker E, cup 9 is set on placement unit 1 as shown in FIG. 20. Next, lever 82 is moved to the right end of cup area 635. This rotates main body 81 of operating member 8, and pressing portion 84 enters under extension portion 75 of dripper valve 72, pushing extension portion 75 upward (see FIG. 13). Thus, dripper valve 72 is opened, and extraction port 713 is opened. This state corresponds to the second form of the present invention. Following this, when the switch is turned on, dripping is started. Since dripper valve 72 is in the open state, the extracted coffee is supplied from extraction port 713 to cup 9. When all the water in tank 4 is supplied in this way, heater 26 is automatically turned off. The user then removes the cup 9 from the coffee maker E.

[0076] Incidentally, when using cup 9, if lever 82 is mistakenly moved to server area 634, dripper valve 72 is not pressed, and therefore dripper valve 72 remains closed. As a result, coffee cannot be discharged from extraction port 713. In this case, coffee accumulates in dripper 7, but as shown in FIG. 21 , the accumulated coffee is discharged to the outside from overflow opening 73 at the top of dripper 7, passes through guide path 74, flows to the vicinity of dripper valve 72, and falls downward. Therefore, even in such a case, it is possible to prevent coffee from overflowing from dripper 7, and to supply coffee to cup 9.

[0077] As described above, in the process of lever 82 moving from server area 634 to cup area 635, extension portion 75 is in inclined first portion 841 of pressing portion 84 of operating member 8 from near intermediate position 636 until it passes intermediate position 636. Therefore, when the user releases lever 82 in this state, as shown in FIG. 22, extension portion 75 descends the inclination of first portion 841 due to the bias of the spring of dripper valve 72 and returns to the closed position. This makes it possible to prevent dripper valve 72 from being between the closed position and the open position and extraction port 713 from opening slightly. This makes it possible to prevent coffee from leaking from extraction port 713 that is slightly open.

[0078] On the other hand, when lever 82 passes intermediate position 636, dripper valve 72 is held in the open position. Therefore, even if lever 82 has not moved completely to the right end of cup region 635, lever 82 has passed intermediate position 636, so the user can check the position of lever 82 and then set cup 9 as the supply target.

[0079] <3. Features> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Since attached server 5 is provided with valve member 54, when attached server 5 is set below dripper 7, dripper valve 72 can be pressed by valve member 54 to open extraction port 713. Therefore, attached server 5 can receive coffee discharged from extraction port 713. That is, in this embodiment, when lever 82 is in server area 634, dripper valve 72 is held in a state in which it can be displaced between a closed state and an open state. However, when a container not provided with valve member 54, such as a general cup 9, is set below dripper 7, dripper valve 72 cannot be pressed, and coffee is not discharged. Therefore, when lever 82 is in cup area 635, dripper valve 72 is held in an open state to open extraction port 713. Therefore, even when cup 9 is used, coffee can be received.

[0080] (2) The full water mark 49 is printed only on the rear wall 413 of the tank 4, so that the full water state can only be confirmed at the portion where the full water mark 49 is printed. For example, as shown in FIG. 23(a), when the tank 4 is tilted and the water level is checked from the full water mark 49 side, the water level may match the full water mark 49. However, as shown in FIG. 23(b), when the tank 4 is placed on a horizontal surface, that is, when the tank 4 is installed in the housing 2, the water level may exceed the full water level. In contrast, if the first step 46 is formed around the entire circumference of the tank 4, the water level will not match the first step 46 when the tank 4 is tilted, as shown in FIG. 23(a), so that it is easy to visually confirm that the tank is not full. In addition, it is not easy to print a full water mark all around the tank 4 from the viewpoint of manufacturing the tank 4, but since the first step 46 is provided by molding, the first step 46 can be easily provided around almost the entire circumference of the tank 4.

[0081] <4. Modifications> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The following modified examples can be combined as appropriate.

[0082] (1) In the above embodiment, the operator of the present invention is constituted by lever 82 that pivots in the left-right direction, and dripper valve 72 is configured to be opened / closed or held in an open state by operating this operator. However, as long as dripper valve 72 can be operated in this manner, the configuration of operation member 8 is not particularly limited. For example, the operator may be other than a lever, and various modes such as a button type or a dial type are possible. In addition, as a switching mechanism for holding dripper valve 72 in an open / closeable state or in an open state, the configuration of operation member 8 including dripper holder 6, dripper valve 72, and lever (operator) 82 shown in the above embodiment is one example, and other mechanisms can be used. That is, it is sufficient that the switching mechanism is configured so as not to interfere with the opening and closing operation of dripper valve 72 when the operator is switched to the first type for the attached server (first container), and so as to press dripper valve 72 upward to open the extraction port when the operator is switched to the second type for the cup (second container). Therefore, other than the mechanical type as described above, an electric type in which dripper valve 72 can be operated by switching an operator may be used.

[0083] (2) The position, number, and shape of overflow opening 73 are not particularly limited, as long as they are formed near the upper end of dripper 7. In addition, the form of guide path 74 is not particularly limited, as long as it is formed so that coffee flows along the outer surface of dripper 7. For example, in addition to using the region sandwiched by ribs as guide path 74 as described above, a groove can be formed and used as the guide path. However, overflow opening 73 and guide path 74 are not essential and may be provided as necessary.

[0084] (3) Overflow opening 73 and guide path 74 of dripper 7 described above can be used in various beverage extractors having dripper 7, regardless of whether or not operation member 8 and dripper valve 72 described above are provided.

[0085] (4) In the above embodiment, the tank 4 is provided with the first step 46, which is the full amount indicator of the present invention, around the entire circumference of the tank 4, but it does not have to be provided completely around the entire circumference, and there may be some parts where it is not provided. Also, the step may be provided on the outer surface of the tank 4 rather than on the inner surface. Furthermore, the full amount indicator of the present invention is not limited to a step, and may be formed by molding. For example, it may be formed by a protrusion such as a rib or a recess such as a groove formed on the inner or outer surface of the tank 4. Also, the printed full amount indicator 49 can be displayed in various ways as long as it can clearly indicate the amount of coffee to be extracted, and the full amount indicator 49 shown in the drawings of the above embodiment is one example.

[0086] (5) In the above embodiment, the beverage extractor according to the present invention is applied to the coffee maker E, but it may be applied to devices other than the coffee maker E. In other words, it may be applied to any device that supplies hot water to an ingredient to extract a beverage.

[0087] (6) Attached server 5 shown in the above embodiment can be used in machines other than the beverage extractor of the present invention. That is, it can be applied to various beverage extractors that can dispense an extracted beverage by pressing a dripper valve in a closed state. In particular, in attached server 5, valve member 54 can be pressed in two stages, so it can be applied to various coffee makers E that have different positions of the dripper valve and different travel distances for opening and closing the dripper valve. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 26 Heater (heating means) 4. Tank 5. Attached Server (First Container) 631 First receiving part (switching mechanism) 632 Second receiving part (switching mechanism) 642 Guide groove (switching mechanism) 7 Drip 713 Extraction port 72 Dripper valve 75 Extension part (switching mechanism) 8 Operation member (switching mechanism) 84 Pressing section (switching mechanism) 82 Lever (operator) 9 cups (second container)

Claims

1. A beverage extractor that extracts a beverage using supplied hot water, A tank for storing water; A heating means for heating the water to produce hot water; a dripper that contains an extraction material for the beverage, supplies the hot water to the extraction material, and extracts the beverage from an extraction port formed at a lower end of the dripper; a dripper valve that is normally closed at an extraction port of the dripper and opens when pressed from below; a switching mechanism having an operator for switching a target for supplying a beverage from the dripper to either a first type in which a first container has a pressing member capable of pressing the dripper valve from below, or a second type in which a second container does not have a pressing member capable of pressing the dripper valve from below, the switching mechanism holding the dripper valve in a state in which it can be opened and closed by the first container when the operator is switched to the first type, and holding the dripper valve in an open state when the operator is switched to the second type; Equipped with The dripper includes: an overflow opening capable of dispensing the beverage accumulated in the dripper; a guide path provided on an outer surface of the dripper, capable of guiding the beverage overflowing from the overflow opening toward the dripper valve; The beverage extractor is provided with:

2. A beverage extractor that extracts a beverage using supplied hot water, A tank for storing water; A heating means for heating the water to produce hot water; a dripper that contains an extraction material for the beverage, supplies the hot water to the extraction material, and extracts the beverage from an extraction port formed at a lower end of the dripper; a dripper valve that is normally closed at an extraction port of the dripper and opens when pressed from below; a switching mechanism having an operator for switching a target for supplying a beverage from the dripper to either a first type in which a first container has a pressing member capable of pressing the dripper valve from below, or a second type in which a second container does not have a pressing member capable of pressing the dripper valve from below, the switching mechanism holding the dripper valve in a state in which it can be opened and closed by the first container when the operator is switched to the first type, and holding the dripper valve in an open state when the operator is switched to the second type; Equipped with the switching mechanism includes an operator that is configured by a lever that can be reciprocated between a first position that specifies the first type and a second position that specifies the second type by a user's operation, the dripper valve is configured to be reciprocable between an open position and a closed position, and is configured to be disposed at the closed position when the lever is in the first position, and to be disposed at the open position when the lever is in the second position, the dripper valve is configured to return to the closed position in the vicinity of an intermediate position between the first position and the second position during a process in which the lever moves from the first position to the second position, until the lever passes the intermediate position, and to hold the dripper valve in the open position after the lever passes the intermediate position.

3. A beverage extractor that extracts a beverage using supplied hot water, A tank for storing water; A heating means for heating the water to produce hot water; a dripper that contains an extraction material for the beverage, supplies the hot water to the extraction material, and extracts the beverage from an extraction port formed at a lower end of the dripper; a dripper valve that is normally closed at an extraction port of the dripper and opens when pressed from below; a switching mechanism having an operator for switching a target for supplying a beverage from the dripper to either a first type in which a first container has a pressing member capable of pressing the dripper valve from below, or a second type in which a second container does not have a pressing member capable of pressing the dripper valve from below, the switching mechanism holding the dripper valve in a state in which it can be opened and closed by the first container when the operator is switched to the first type, and holding the dripper valve in an open state when the operator is switched to the second type; Equipped with the pressing member of the first container is biased upwardly so as to be able to press the dripper valve, the pressing member is capable of being pressed from the initial state position against a biasing force to a first pressing position lower than an initial state and to a second pressing position lower than the first pressing position, the biasing force to the first pushed-in position is weaker than the biasing force to the second pushed-in position and the biasing force of the dripper valve, The biasing force to the second pushed-in position is stronger than the biasing force of the dripper valve.

4. The switching mechanism includes an operating element configured as a lever that is reciprocable between a first position for the first container and a second position for the second container, 4. The beverage extraction machine according to claim 1, wherein the operating member is configured to perform an operation to generate a clicking sensation when the lever is moved to the first position or the second position.

5. The inner and outer surfaces of the tank are 5. The beverage extractor according to claim 1, further comprising a full water level indicator formed around substantially the entire circumference of the beverage extractor, the full water level indicator indicating a full water level.

Images