Coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

Water from a water tank (12) is pumped to an upstream channel (16) by a pump (14), heated by a heater (18) to become hot water, and discharged through a main channel (22) to a dripper (26). Partway through an extracting step for extracting a coffee beverage by discharging the hot water into a coffee raw material set in the dripper (26), a target temperature of a temperature control unit (44) is lowered, thereby inducing a change in the temperature of the hot water flowing through the channel. A pump control unit (42) controls the pump (14) such that the flow strength is a target flow strength, on the basis of a change in the flow strength of the hot water due to a change in the channel resistance in the channel caused by the temperature change of hot water, the flow strength being detected by a flow rate sensor (38) provided in the upstream channel (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus, and more particularly to a drip-type coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a drip-type coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus is known. The drip type is a method of extracting a coffee beverage from coffee raw materials such as coffee powder by discharging hot water onto an extraction unit (dripper) in which a filter (paper filter or net filter) containing the coffee raw materials is set. According to such a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus, a user can extract a coffee beverage by simply putting water into the water tank of the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus, setting a filter containing coffee raw materials in the dripper, and pressing a start switch for starting the process.

[0003] In particular, conventionally, a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus equipped with a flow rate sensor for detecting the flow rate of hot water discharged to an extraction unit in order to discharge an appropriate amount of hot water corresponding to the amount (number of cups) of the coffee beverage to be extracted to the extraction unit is known.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus that extracts a coffee beverage by discharging hot water onto an extractor in which coffee powder is set, detects the amount of hot water discharged to the extractor by a flow rate detector, and discharges a predetermined amount of hot water to the extractor. Further, similarly, Patent Document 2 discloses a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus that extracts a coffee beverage by discharging hot water onto an extraction unit in which coffee powder is set, detects the amount of hot water discharged to the extraction unit by a flow rate sensor, and discharges a predetermined amount of hot water to the extraction unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the extraction of coffee beverages in a drip type (especially the so-called permeation type), there is an optimal hot water flow rate. Here, in this specification, the flow rate means the flow rate of hot water per unit time (especially per unit minute time (on the order of milliseconds to several seconds)). For example, if the flow rate of the hot water discharged to the extraction part where the coffee raw material is set is too strong, the extracted coffee beverage will be weak in taste, and if the flow rate of the hot water is too weak, the extracted coffee beverage will be strong in taste. That is, in order to extract a coffee beverage with an appropriate concentration that is neither too weak nor too strong, it is desirable to maintain the flow rate of the hot water discharged to the extraction part at a predetermined flow rate suitable for coffee beverage extraction.

[0007] On the other hand, in the drip type, generally, in the extraction initial stage immediately after starting the extraction of coffee beverages, more components containing sweetness and acidity are extracted, and as time passes from the start of extraction, more components containing astringency and bitterness are extracted compared to the extraction initial stage. In view of this, in a drip type coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus, it is conceivable to perform control to lower the temperature of the hot water during the extraction process in which the hot water is discharged to the extraction part and the coffee beverage is extracted.

[0008] In addition, in a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus, there may be a case where water is pumped into a flow path by a pump, the water is turned into hot water by a heating part provided in the middle of the flow path, and then the hot water is discharged from the outlet of the flow path to the extraction part.

[0009] As described above, in a drip-type coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus that employs a structure in which control is performed to change the temperature of hot water during the extraction process, and the water pumped by a pump is heated to hot water by a heating unit provided in the middle of the flow path, when control is performed to change the temperature of the hot water during the extraction process, if the temperature of the hot water flowing through the flow path changes, the flow path resistance in the flow path may change accordingly. For example, when the temperature of the hot water in the heating unit is increased to near 100°, water vapor may be generated, and this water vapor may travel in the direction of flowing back through the flow path, which increases the flow path resistance. Also, the water vapor may travel in the forward direction of the flow path, and in this case, the flow path resistance is decreased.

[0010] Thus, when the flow path resistance in the flow path changes due to a change in the temperature of the hot water flowing through the flow path, simply operating the pump to pump water or hot water with a constant pumping force (in this specification, the force that pumps water or hot water generated by the pump is referred to as the "pumping force") will not be able to keep the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the flow path, that is, the hot water discharged to the extraction unit, constant. As a result, there arises a problem that it becomes difficult to extract a coffee beverage with an appropriate concentration.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to suppress a change in the flow rate of the hot water discharged to the extraction unit, which is caused by a change in the flow path resistance in the flow path due to a change in the temperature of the hot water flowing through the flow path, in a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus that extracts a coffee beverage by discharging hot water to an extraction unit in which a coffee raw material is set.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0012] The present invention includes a pump that pumps water into a flow path, a heating unit provided in the middle of the flow path that heats the water pumped by the pump to make hot water, a temperature control unit that controls the heating unit so that the hot water reaches a target temperature, a discharge control unit that controls the pump to discharge hot water from the outlet of the flow path to an extraction unit where a coffee raw material is set, and a flow rate sensor provided in the middle of the flow path that detects the flow rate of the water or hot water flowing through the flow path. During the extraction process in which the hot water is discharged to the extraction unit to extract a coffee beverage, the target temperature is lowered, and the discharge control unit controls the pump based on the change in the flow rate in the flow path caused by the change in the flow path resistance in the flow path due to the temperature change of the hot water detected by the flow rate sensor, so that the flow rate becomes a target flow rate. This is a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by the above.

[0013] The discharge control unit controls the pump so that a discharge period in which the hot water is discharged to the extraction unit and a stop period in which the discharge of the hot water to the extraction unit is stopped are repeated in the extraction process, and in each of the plurality of discharge periods, the pump is controlled based on the change in the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor so that the flow rate becomes a target flow rate.

[0014] The discharge control unit may detect a failure of at least one of the pump or the flow rate sensor by obtaining the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor even during the stop period.

[0015] By controlling the pump based on the detection value of the flow rate sensor so that the flow rate becomes a target flow rate, the discharge control unit can absorb the variation in the flow rate caused by the individual difference in the pumping force of the pump with respect to the pump control signal value.

[0016] The flow path includes a first flow path extending to the extraction unit and a second flow path extending to a coffee storage unit that stores the coffee beverage. The coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus further includes a solenoid valve that selects a flow path through which the hot water flows among the first flow path and the second flow path. The discharge control unit can absorb the variation in the flow rate caused by the individual differences in the flow path diameters within the solenoid valve by controlling the pump so that the flow rate becomes the target flow rate based on the detection value of the flow rate sensor.

[0017] Before or after the extraction process that is executed when the solenoid valve selects the first flow path, by selecting the second flow path with the solenoid valve, a hot water addition process is executed in which the hot water is discharged into the coffee storage unit. The discharge control unit may also control the pump so that the flow rate becomes the target flow rate based on the change in the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor even in the hot water addition process.

[0018] Prior to the extraction process, a steaming process is executed to steam the coffee raw material set in the extraction unit. The discharge control unit may also control the pump so that the flow rate becomes the target flow rate based on the change in the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor even in the steaming process.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, in a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus that extracts a coffee beverage by discharging hot water to an extraction unit in which a coffee raw material is set, it is possible to suppress a change in the flow rate of the hot water discharged to the extraction unit caused by a change in the flow path resistance in the flow path due to a change in the temperature of the hot water flowing through the flow path.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] <Configuration of Coffee Beverage Manufacturing Apparatus> FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 is an apparatus for extracting coffee beverages in a drip type (particularly permeation type). In the apparatus of this embodiment, the user can operate the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 by performing only minimal operations such as specifying the operation mode and the amount (e.g., number of cups) of the coffee beverage to be extracted. The actual extraction operation is automatically performed according to a coffee beverage manufacturing program stored in the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10. Also, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 may be a relatively small one installed at home or in the workplace, or a relatively large one installed in a coffee shop or the like.

[0022] The water tank 12 is a tank for storing water formed of, for example, resin. The water tank 12 can also be detachable from the apparatus main body. The water supplied by the user is stored in the water tank 12.

[0023] The pump 14 is an electric pump such as a rotary pump that pumps water by the rotation of a motor, or a vibration pump driven by electromagnetic force. In the present embodiment, a rotary pump is used as the pump 14. The pump 14 is controlled by a pump control unit 42 described later, and pumps the water stored in the water tank 12 into the flow path. In the present embodiment, the pump 14 pumps water from the water tank 12 into the upstream flow path 16.

[0024] The upstream flow path 16 constitutes a part of the flow path through which water or hot water flows. The upstream flow path 16 extends from the water tank 12 to a solenoid valve 20 described later via the pump 14.

[0025] The heater 18 as a heating unit is provided in the middle of the upstream flow path 16 on the downstream side of the pump 14, and heats the water pumped by the pump 14 to make hot water or steam. In this specification, regardless of the temperature, the water before being heated by the heater 18 is described as water, and the water heated by the heater 18 is described as hot water. The heater 18 operates under the control of a temperature control unit 44 described later.

[0026] The solenoid valve 20 includes a solenoid valve internal flow path, a solenoid unit having a coil, and a valve unit provided in the middle of the solenoid valve internal flow path. The solenoid valve internal flow path is a T-shaped or three-way junction that communicates with the upstream flow path 16, a main flow path 22 described later, and a bypass flow path 24 described later. When a current flows through the coil and the valve unit is driven, the flow path after the solenoid valve 20 of the hot water flowing through the upstream flow path 16 is switched. The solenoid valve 20 operates under the control of a solenoid valve control unit 46 described later.

[0027] In this embodiment, the solenoid valve 20 can be in either a main flow path selection state that allows hot water to flow from the upstream flow path 16 into the main flow path 22 and prohibits the inflow of hot water from the upstream flow path 16 into the bypass flow path 24, or a bypass flow path selection state that prohibits the inflow of hot water from the upstream flow path 16 into the main flow path 22 and allows the inflow of hot water from the upstream flow path 16 into the bypass flow path 24. Needless to say, when the solenoid valve 20 is in the main flow path selection state, the hot water from the upstream flow path 16 flows into the main flow path 22 and does not flow into the bypass flow path 24. When the solenoid valve 20 is in the bypass flow path selection state, the hot water from the upstream flow path 16 does not flow into the main flow path 22 but flows into the bypass flow path 24.

[0028] In addition to the above states, the solenoid valve 20 may be able to take a both flow paths selection state that allows the inflow of hot water from the upstream flow path 16 into both the main flow path 22 and the bypass flow path 24. In such a both flow paths selection state, it is desirable to be able to adjust the amount of hot water flowing through the main flow path 22 and the amount of hot water flowing through the bypass flow path 24. Further, the solenoid valve 20 may be able to take a flow path non-selection state that prohibits the inflow of hot water from the upstream flow path 16 into both the main flow path 22 and the bypass flow path 24.

[0029] The main flow path 22, which is a first flow path constituting a part of the flow path, is a flow path through which hot water flows and extends from the solenoid valve 20 to the dripper 26 as an extraction part. The opening, which is the outlet on the dripper 26 side of the main flow path 22, is located above the dripper 26. Thereby, the hot water that has flowed through the upstream flow path 16 and the main flow path 22 is discharged from the opening to the dripper 26.

[0030] The bypass flow path 24, which constitutes part of the flow path, is a flow path through which hot water flows, extending from the solenoid valve 20 to the server 28 as a coffee storage unit. As will be described later, the opening at the server 28 side of the bypass flow path 24 is located above the server 28 placed on the server stand 30. Thereby, the hot water that has flowed through the upstream flow path 16 and the bypass flow path 24 is discharged from the opening to the server 28. That is, the hot water from the bypass flow path 24 is discharged to the server 28 without passing through the dripper 26.

[0031] The dripper 26 has a funnel-like shape with a large opening at the top and a small opening at the bottom. In particular, in the present embodiment, the dripper 26 has a conical shape also called the "Hario type". The conical dripper is contrasted with the trapezoidal dripper also called the "Melitta type" or the "Kalita type". The trapezoidal dripper has the characteristic that it is easy to keep the extraction speed of the coffee beverage constant, and it is possible to stably extract a coffee beverage with a certain taste without strictly controlling the flow of the hot water discharged to the dripper. On the other hand, the conical dripper is easily affected by the flow of the hot water discharged to the dripper in terms of the extraction speed of the coffee beverage, but if the flow of the hot water can be appropriately maintained, it has the characteristic that it can extract a coffee beverage with a better flavor than the trapezoidal dripper. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, in view of being able to suppress the fluctuation of the flow of the hot water discharged to the dripper 26, the conical dripper 26 is adopted from the viewpoint of extracting a coffee beverage with a better flavor. Conversely, in the present embodiment, since the fluctuation of the flow of the hot water discharged to the dripper 26 can be suppressed, the use of the conical dripper 26 is possible.

[0032] A filter such as a paper filter or a net filter is set by the user in the dripper 26. The upper part of the filter is open in accordance with the shape of the dripper 26. Further, coffee raw materials such as coffee powder are set by the user from the upper opening of the filter. When hot water is discharged from the main flow path 22 with the filter and the coffee raw materials set in the dripper 26, the hot water is poured into the coffee raw materials and a coffee beverage is extracted. The extracted coffee beverage drips from a lower opening of the dripper 26 (not shown).

[0033] The server 28 stores the coffee beverage extracted by the dripper 26. The server 28 is detachably placed on the server stand 30. The server stand 30 is located below the dripper 26. Therefore, by placing the server 28 on the server stand 30, the coffee beverage extracted by the dripper 26 and dripping from the dripper 26 is stored inside the server 28 through an inlet provided above the server 28. Further, the server stand 30 is also located below the opening on the server 28 side of the bypass flow path 24. That is, by placing the server 28 on the server stand 30, the hot water discharged from the opening on the server 28 side of the bypass flow path 24 is also stored inside the server 28.

[0034] The storage unit 32 is configured to include, for example, a ROM and a RAM. A coffee beverage manufacturing program for operating a controller 40 described later is stored in the storage unit 32. Note that the coffee beverage manufacturing program may be updatable via a communication medium or a storage medium.

[0035] The input unit 34 is configured to include, for example, buttons and a touch panel. The input unit 34 is used to input a user's instruction to the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10. The input unit 34 may be provided operably on the surface of the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10, or may be by remote operation using a remote control or the like. In particular, the user uses the input unit 34 to instruct the operation mode of the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10, the extraction amount of the coffee beverage (for example, the number of cups), and the start of the coffee beverage manufacturing process.

[0036] The temperature sensor 36 is configured to include, for example, a thermistor. The temperature sensor 36 is provided to directly or indirectly detect the temperature of the hot water flowing through the flow path. In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 36 detects the temperature of the hot water flowing through the upstream flow path 16. Specifically, the temperature sensor 36 detects the temperature of the hot water immediately after being heated by the heater 18.

[0037] The flow rate sensor 38 is a sensor provided in the middle of the flow path to detect the flow trend of water or hot water flowing through the flow path. In the present embodiment, as described above, since the electromagnetic valve 20 takes either the main flow path selection state or the bypass flow path selection state, the water or hot water flows in one direction along the flow path from the water tank 12 through the upstream flow path 16 to the outlet of the main flow path 22, or along the flow path from the water tank 12 through the upstream flow path 16 to the outlet of the bypass flow path 24. Therefore, the flow trend of the water or hot water flowing through the flow path is equivalent to the flow trend of the hot water discharged from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26, or the flow trend of the hot water discharged from the bypass flow path 24 to the server 28. That is to say, it can be said that the flow rate sensor 38 detects the flow trend of the hot water discharged from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26, or the flow trend of the hot water discharged from the bypass flow path 24 to the server 28. The flow rate sensor 38 may be provided anywhere in the flow path. In order to be able to detect the flow trend of the hot water discharged from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26 and the flow trend of the hot water discharged from the bypass flow path 24 to the server 28 with one flow rate sensor 38, the flow rate sensor 38 is preferably provided on the upstream side of the electromagnetic valve 20, that is, in the upstream flow path 16. In the present embodiment, the flow rate sensor 38 is provided between the upstream flow path 16, particularly between the water tank 12 and the pump 14.

[0038] As the flow sensor 38, any type of sensor may be used as long as it can detect the flow condition of the flow path. For example, a flow sensor 38 of a type that outputs a pulse each time a predetermined amount of water (e.g., 1 to several milliliters) passes through the flow sensor 38 can be used. A signal indicating the flow condition detected by the flow sensor 38 is sent to a controller 40 (particularly a pump control unit 42) described later. For example, the pump control unit 42 can detect the flow condition of the flow path by counting the number of pulses per unit time output from the flow sensor 38 or by counting the elapsed time between pulses.

[0039] The controller 40 is configured to include, for example, a microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 40 functions as a pump control unit 42, a temperature control unit 44, a solenoid valve control unit 46, and an operation mode selection unit 48 according to a coffee beverage manufacturing program stored in the storage unit 32.

[0040] The pump control unit 42 as a discharge control unit controls the pumping force of the pump 14 to control the pumping of water or hot water in the flow path. Specifically, the pump control unit 42 controls the flow condition of water or hot water in the flow path by controlling the pump 14. In the present embodiment, the pump control unit 42 controls the pumping force of the pump 14 by controlling the rotation speed of the motor of the pump 14. Incidentally, the greater the rotation speed of the motor, the greater the pumping force of the pump 14. As described above, since the flow condition of the water or hot water flowing through the flow path is equivalent to the flow condition of the hot water discharged from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26 or the flow condition of the hot water discharged from the bypass flow path 24 to the server 28, it can be said that the pump control unit 42 controls the flow condition of the hot water discharged from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26 or the flow condition of the hot water discharged from the bypass flow path 24 to the server 28 by controlling the pump 14.

[0041] Specifically, the pump control unit 42 controls the pump 14 based on the flow rate of water or hot water flowing through the flow path detected by the flow rate sensor 38, such that the flow rate in the flow path (i.e., the flow rate of the hot water discharged from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26, or the flow rate of the hot water discharged from the bypass flow path 24 to the server 28) becomes a predetermined target flow rate defined in the coffee beverage manufacturing program in advance. The control of the flow rate by the pump control unit 42 based on the detected value of the flow rate sensor 38 will be described later.

[0042] The temperature control unit 44 controls the heater 18 to control the temperature of the hot water. Specifically, the temperature control unit 44 controls the heater 18 based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 36 such that the temperature of the hot water becomes the target temperature set by the coffee beverage manufacturing program. In this embodiment, the operation of the temperature control unit 44 will be described assuming that the heater 18 can only take either the ON (heating water) or OFF (not heating water) state. The temperature control unit 44 controls the temperature of the hot water to reach the target temperature by adjusting the time the heater 18 is ON or OFF. Of course, the method of controlling the heater 18 by the temperature control unit 44 in this embodiment is an example, and various temperature control methods can be adopted depending on the type of the heater 18 as long as the temperature of the hot water is controlled to reach the target temperature. In this embodiment, the temperature of the hot water flowing through the upstream flow path 16 is detected. Strictly speaking, this detected temperature does not match the temperature of the hot water discharged from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26 or the temperature of the hot water discharged from the bypass flow path 24 to the server 28. Therefore, the target temperature may be set considering a predetermined external environment (temperature, atmospheric pressure, etc.) such that the temperature of the hot water discharged from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26 or the temperature of the hot water discharged from the bypass flow path 24 to the server 28 becomes the target temperature.

[0043] The solenoid valve control unit 46 selects either the main flow path 22 or the bypass flow path 24 as the flow path through which the hot water from the upstream side flow path 16 flows, by switching the state of the solenoid valve 20 between the main flow path selection state and the bypass flow path selection state. In addition to the above two selection states, when the solenoid valve 20 can take the both-flow-paths selection state, the solenoid valve control unit 46 can select both the main flow path 22 and the bypass flow path 24 as the flow path through which the hot water flows. In this case, it is desirable that the solenoid valve control unit 46 can adjust the amount of hot water flowing through the main flow path 22 and the amount of hot water flowing through the bypass flow path 24. Further, the solenoid valve control unit 46 can also select the both-flow-paths non-selection state in which neither the main flow path 22 nor the bypass flow path 24 is selected as the flow path through which the hot water flows.

[0044] The operation mode selection unit 48 selects the operation mode of the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 from among a plurality of operation modes predetermined by the coffee beverage manufacturing program. The type of coffee beverage to be extracted is changed according to the operation mode. In the present embodiment, three modes are prepared in advance: the normal mode for extracting a coffee beverage of normal concentration, the American mode for extracting a coffee beverage thinner than the normal mode, and the iced coffee mode for extracting a coffee beverage for iced coffee. The operation mode selection unit 48 selects the operation mode from among these according to an instruction from the user prior to the coffee beverage manufacturing process. Of course, the operation mode is not limited to this, and other operation modes may be prepared.

[0045] The configuration outline of the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 is as described above. Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, the details of the processing of each part of the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described together with the flow of the coffee beverage manufacturing process in the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0046] <Flow of coffee beverage manufacturing process> FIG. 2 is a graph showing the target temperature, the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 36 (i.e., the hot water temperature), the heater control signal transmitted from the temperature control unit 44 to the heater 18, the pump control signal value transmitted from the pump control unit 42 to the pump 14, and the time change of the selected flow path selected by the electromagnetic valve control unit 46, taking the case of double-cup extraction in the normal mode as an example, in each step included in the coffee beverage production process. The horizontal axis of each graph included in FIG. 2 represents time, and the vertical axis represents each value. Note that the control timing and control amount of each control unit are stored in the storage unit 32 in advance as parameters so as to achieve optimal control according to the operation mode and the number of extraction cups, and are appropriately set according to the operation mode and the number of cups by the coffee beverage production program.

[0047] The target temperature and the selected flow path at each timing of each step shown in FIG. 2 are preset in the coffee beverage production process program. The heater control signal output by the temperature control unit 44 is determined based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 36 (i.e., the hot water temperature) and the target temperature. Therefore, even if the target temperature is the same, the graph of the heater control signal can change according to the hot water temperature that can vary due to the outside air temperature or the like. Also, the pump control signal value in each step is determined according to the detected value of the flow rate sensor 38 as will be described later.

[0048] Here, the pump control signal value is a control signal transmitted from the pump control unit 42 to the pump 14, and indicates the value of the pumping force of the pump 14 (in this embodiment, the rotation speed of the motor of the pump 14).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the coffee beverage manufacturing process includes a heater preheating step, a main flow path preheating step, a steaming step, an extraction step, a bypass flow path preheating step, and a hot water adding step. In the present embodiment, each step is sequentially executed in the above order in accordance with the operation of the coffee beverage manufacturing process program. When executing, the user puts water into the water tank 12, sets a filter and coffee raw materials in the dripper 26, places the server 28 on the server stand 30, inputs extraction conditions such as the operation mode from the input unit 34, and then instructs the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 to start the process. This start instruction for the process, in other words, can be said to be an instruction to discharge hot water to the dripper 26 (an instruction to extract coffee beverage) and an instruction to discharge hot water to the server 28 (an instruction for the hot water adding process described later). In response to the input of the start instruction from the user, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 automatically (that is, without requiring the user's operation in the middle) sequentially and continuously executes a series of steps from the heater preheating step to the hot water adding step.

[0050] The heater preheating step is a step of preheating the heater 18. In the heater preheating step, the temperature control unit 44 controls the heater 18 to maintain the "ON" state for a predetermined time. Thereby, the heater 18 is preheated. In the heater preheating step, since it is not necessary to pump water, the pump control unit 42 controls the pumping force (rotation speed) of the pump 14 to "0". When the heater 18 is preheated, it is conceivable that the water remaining in the upstream side flow path 16 becomes hot water and moves downstream. In order to prevent the hot water from being discharged from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26 and unnecessary hot water from being poured on the coffee raw materials set in the dripper 26, the electromagnetic valve control unit 46 controls the electromagnetic valve 20 to prohibit the inflow of hot water into the main flow path 22. In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve control unit 46 controls the electromagnetic valve 20 to be in the bypass flow path selection state. Thereby, the water (hot water) remaining in the upstream side flow path 16 is discharged to the server 28. Note that if it is not desired to discharge the water (hot water) remaining in the upstream side flow path 16 to the server 28 either, the electromagnetic valve control unit 46 may control the electromagnetic valve 20 to be in the non - flow path selection state.

[0051] The main flow path preheating process is a process of preheating the main flow path 22 prior to the subsequent steaming process or extraction process. In the present embodiment, in the main flow path preheating process, a very small amount of water pumped by the pump 14 is turned into steam by the heater 18, and the steam is circulated through the main flow path 22 to preheat the main flow path 22. Although it is also possible to preheat the main flow path 22 by flowing hot water into the main flow path 22, if this is done, in the main flow path preheating process, the hot water may be discharged to the dripper 26 and unnecessary hot water may be discharged to the dripper 26. In the present embodiment, by preheating the main flow path 22 with steam, the discharge of unnecessary hot water to the dripper 26 is suppressed.

[0052] In the main flow path preheating process, the temperature control unit 44 controls the heater 18 so that the water pumped by the pump 14 becomes steam. As shown in the graph showing the hot water temperature in FIG. 2, in the main flow path preheating process, the hot water temperature exceeds "100 °C", that is, it has become steam. In the present embodiment, due to the preheating by the heater preheating process, the heater 18 can add enough heat to turn water into steam, so the control of the heater 18 is once "OFF" in the main flow path preheating process. If, after the heater preheating process, the heating amount of the heater 18 for turning water into steam is insufficient, the temperature control unit 44 maintains the "ON" state of the heater 18 even in the main flow path preheating process.

[0053] In the main flow path preheating process, in order to allow steam to flow into the main flow path 22, the solenoid valve control unit 46 selects the main flow path 22. In the present embodiment, the solenoid valve control unit 46 controls the solenoid valve 20 to be in the main flow path selection state. As a result, the steam from the upstream flow path 16 flows into the main flow path 22 and does not flow into the bypass flow path 24. As another embodiment, the solenoid valve control unit 46 may control to select both the main flow path 22 and the bypass flow path 24 at this time. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, in the main flow path preheating process, in order to allow steam to flow into the main flow path 22, the pump 14 is controlled to have a lower pumping force than in other subsequent processes, and water for obtaining an amount of steam sufficient to preheat the main flow path 22 is pumped into the upstream flow path 16.

[0054] The steaming process is a process of pouring a predetermined amount of hot water into the coffee raw material set in the dripper 26 and taking a certain waiting time before moving on to the extraction process.

[0055] In the steaming process, the temperature control unit 44 controls the heater 18 so that the temperature of the hot water becomes a temperature suitable for steaming. In the present embodiment, the target temperature of the temperature control unit 44 in the steaming process is slightly lower than the target temperature (target temperature TTa in FIG. 2) in the front stage period of the subsequent extraction process, which is the extraction pre-stage. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the target temperature in the steaming process is set to a temperature in the first half of 90°C.

[0056] In the steaming process, after the solenoid valve control unit 46 selects the main flow path 22, the pump control unit 42 controls the pumping force of the pump 14 so that a predetermined amount of hot water required for steaming is discharged from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26 within a predetermined time. Then, the pump control unit 42 sets the pumping force of the pump 14 to "0" to stop the discharge of hot water from the pump 14. In this state, it waits for several tens of seconds (for example, 20 to 60 seconds) to perform the steaming of the coffee raw material. During that time, the temperature of the hot water in the upstream flow path 16 is maintained by the residual heat.

[0057] Next, the extraction process will be described. The extraction process in the present embodiment is a process of extracting a coffee beverage by discharging hot water over a predetermined time to the coffee raw material set in the dripper 26.

[0058] In the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10, the extraction process is divided into a plurality of periods. In the present embodiment, the extraction process is divided into three periods: the extraction pre-stage, the extraction middle stage, and the extraction post-stage. Note that the extraction process may be composed of two periods or may be composed of four or more periods.

[0059] In this embodiment, during the extraction process, the target temperature of the temperature control unit 44 is lowered. Specifically, in the extraction process, the target temperature of the temperature control unit 44 becomes lower as time passes since the start of extraction. That is, the temperature control unit 44 controls the heater 18 so that the temperature of the hot water becomes lower as time passes since the start of extraction. Therefore, even during the process of temperature decrease, the ON / OFF control of the heater 18 is performed. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the target temperature TTb in the middle stage of extraction is lower than the target temperature TTa in the early stage of extraction. Further, the target temperature TTc in the late stage of extraction is lower than the target temperature TTb in the middle stage of extraction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the target temperature TTa in the early stage of extraction is about 95° C., the target temperature TTb in the middle stage of extraction is about 90° C., and the target temperature TTc in the late stage of extraction is about 80° C.

[0060] Note that where the target temperature can vary within each period of the extraction process, the fact that the target temperature in the middle stage of extraction is lower than the target temperature in the early stage of extraction does not necessarily mean that the target temperature at all times in the middle stage of extraction is lower than the target temperature in the early stage of extraction. That is, the target temperature may be set so that the temperature of the hot water in the middle stage of extraction is substantially lower than the temperature of the hot water in the early stage of extraction. For example, when the target temperature in the early stage of extraction is TTa, even if the target temperature exceeds TTa for a short period within the middle stage of extraction, as long as the target temperature is lower than TTa at other times within the middle stage of extraction and, substantially, the temperature of the hot water in the middle stage of extraction is lower than the temperature of the hot water in the early stage of extraction, it can be said that the target temperature TTb in the middle stage of extraction is lower than the target temperature TTa in the early stage of extraction. This is the same for the relationship between other periods (or the reheating process described later).

[0061] Alternatively, the target temperature for each period (or heating process) may be defined as the target temperature within the period or heating process, or the time-averaged value of the hot water temperature reflecting this. In that case, for example, the target temperature or the time-averaged value of the hot water temperature within the middle extraction period is compared with that within the early extraction period. As another definition, it can be viewed from the perspective of the extraction amount in the early extraction period and the extraction amount in the middle extraction period. The time-averaged value of the individual target temperature or hot water temperature in the extraction amount of the early extraction period is compared with the time-averaged value of the individual target temperature or hot water temperature in the extraction amount of the middle extraction period.

[0062] Returning to FIG. 2, in the extraction process, after the solenoid valve control unit 46 selects the main flow path 22, the pump control unit 42 drives the pump 14, so that hot water is discharged to the dripper 26. In the present embodiment, in order to finely control the temperature and the amount of hot water, in the extraction process, the pump control unit 42 intermittently drives the pump 14 (that is, repeatedly drives and stops the pump 14), and hot water is intermittently discharged to the dripper 26. In other words, in the extraction process, the pump control unit 42 controls the pump 14 so that the discharge period in which hot water from the main flow path 22 is discharged to the dripper 26 and the stop period in which the discharge of hot water to the dripper 26 is stopped are repeated. Note that the lengths of the discharge period and the stop period are preset in the coffee beverage production processing program. The pump control signal value within each discharge period is determined according to the detection value of the flow rate sensor 38 as described later.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 2, the solenoid valve control unit 46 selects the main flow path 22 during the discharge period (while the pump 14 is being driven) and selects the bypass flow path 24 during the stop period (while the pump 14 is stopped) in the extraction process. However, it is also possible to adopt a simple control method in which the solenoid valve control unit 46 is controlled to always select the main flow path 22 during the extraction process.

[0064] Note that since the basic operation in extraction is the same as that in FIG. 2, detailed description is omitted. However, so as to achieve optimal control according to the operation mode and the number of cups, the control timing and control amount of each control unit are stored in the storage unit 32 in advance, and are appropriately set according to the operation mode and the number of cups by the coffee beverage manufacturing program. As a result, for example, when hot water is intermittently discharged into the dripper 26 in multiple times, control is possible to make the discharge amount of hot water different for each time between the normal mode and the American mode.

[0065] As described above, immediately after starting the extraction of the coffee beverage, more components including sweetness and sourness are extracted, and as time passes from the start of extraction, more components including astringency and bitterness are extracted. Also, the higher the temperature of the hot water, the higher the concentration of the extracted coffee beverage (that is, more components are extracted from the coffee raw material), and the lower the temperature of the hot water, the lower the concentration of the extracted coffee beverage (that is, fewer components are extracted from the coffee raw material).

[0066] Therefore, in the present embodiment, by increasing the target temperature in the early stage of the extraction process and increasing the temperature of the hot water discharged into the dripper 26, more components including sweetness and sourness are extracted, and by lowering the target temperature in the middle and late stages of extraction following the early stage and lowering the temperature of the hot water discharged into the dripper 26, compared with the control with a constant temperature, extraction of a clearer coffee beverage with less astringency and bitterness is performed.

[0067] The bypass passage preheating process is a process of preheating the bypass passage 24 prior to the subsequent hot water addition process. In the present embodiment, similar to the main passage preheating process, in the bypass passage preheating process, the target temperature lowered for extraction is raised to a temperature suitable for preheating, and control to switch the passage from the main passage 22 to the bypass passage 24 is performed by the solenoid valve control unit 46.

[0068] In the bypass flow path preheating process, the temperature control unit 44 controls the heater 18 so that the water pumped by the pump 14 in the extraction process and remaining in the upstream flow path 16 becomes water vapor. The temperature control unit 44 turns on the heater 18 and heats it until the water remaining in the upstream flow path 16 becomes water vapor.

[0069] In the bypass flow path preheating process, in order to allow water vapor to flow into the bypass flow path 24, the solenoid valve control unit 46 selects the bypass flow path 24. In the present embodiment, the solenoid valve control unit 46 controls the solenoid valve 20 to be in the bypass flow path selection state. As a result, the water vapor from the upstream flow path 16 flows into the bypass flow path 24 and does not flow into the main flow path 22. By circulating the water vapor through the bypass flow path 24, the bypass flow path 24 is preheated. As another embodiment, the solenoid valve control unit 46 may select both the main flow path 22 and the bypass flow path 24 at this time. Also, in the present embodiment, in the bypass flow path preheating process, since the water remaining in the upstream flow path 16 by the extraction process is turned into water vapor and made to flow into the bypass flow path 24, the pump control unit 42 does not drive the pump 14 in the bypass flow path preheating process. However, similar to the main flow path preheating process, in the bypass flow path preheating process, the pump 14 may be controlled to rotate slightly, and water sufficient to obtain enough water vapor for preheating the bypass flow path 24 may be pumped into the upstream flow path 16.

[0070] The hot water supply process is a process of discharging hot water from the bypass flow path 24 to the server 28.

[0071] In this embodiment, the target temperature TTd of the temperature control unit 44 in the hot water supply step is higher than the target temperature in the extraction step. Specifically, the target temperature TTd in the hot water supply step is at least higher than the target temperature TTc in the late extraction period, which is the last period of the extraction step. Preferably, the target temperature TTd in the hot water supply step is higher than the target temperature TTb in the middle extraction period of the extraction step. More preferably, the target temperature TTd in the hot water supply step is preferably higher than the target temperature TTa in the early extraction period, which is the starting period of the extraction step, and this is the case in this embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the target temperature TTd in the hot water supply step is 100°C.

[0072] In the hot water supply step, after the solenoid valve control unit 46 selects the bypass flow path 24, the pump control unit 42 controls the pump 14 so that hot water is discharged from the bypass flow path 24 to the server 28. If the temperature of the hot water discharged to the server 28 decreases when a large amount of hot water is discharged at once in the hot water supply step, it is desirable for the pump control unit 42 to pump water to the pump 14 while taking a short break.

[0073] As described above, in the extraction step, in order to extract a clearer coffee beverage with less astringency and bitterness, the temperature control unit 44 lowers the temperature of the hot water discharged to the dripper 26 in the middle and late extraction periods. On the other hand, by taking such control, the temperature of the coffee beverage stored in the server 28 may become lower than the appropriate temperature. In this embodiment, instead of providing a heating means on the server base 30 to maintain the temperature at the appropriate temperature, the target temperature in the hot water supply step is made higher than at least in the late extraction period, that is, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water supply step is made higher than at least in the late extraction period, thereby raising the temperature of the coffee beverage stored in the server 28 closer to the appropriate temperature. As a result, the user can obtain the effect of tasting a coffee beverage at the appropriate temperature.

[0074] Also, since only hot water is added, the clear taste of the coffee beverage extracted in the extraction step can be maintained.

[0075] The coffee beverage manufacturing process in the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 is completed by a series of processes from the heater preheating process to the hot water supply process described above.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the hot water supply process is executed after the extraction process. However, the hot water supply process may be executed before the extraction process. Needless to say, in that case as well, since the bypass passage preheating process is executed before the hot water supply process, the bypass passage preheating process will be executed before the extraction process. Also, the hot water supply process may be executed before and after the extraction process.

[0077] Also, the hot water supply process may be omitted. In the present embodiment, as described above, the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10 has operation modes of a normal mode, an American mode, and an iced coffee mode, and the execution or non-execution of the hot water supply process is determined according to the operation mode. Specifically, when the operation mode selection unit 48 selects the normal mode or the American mode which is the first operation mode, the hot water supply process is executed, and when the operation mode selection unit 48 selects the iced coffee mode which is the second operation mode, the hot water supply process is not executed. When the hot water supply process is not executed, at least the control for switching the flow path from the main flow path 22 to the bypass flow path 24 does not need to be performed by the solenoid valve control unit 46. Also, compared with the normal mode, the amount of hot water discharged by the hot water supply process may be increased in the American mode to adjust the concentration.

[0078] Furthermore, in addition to the hot water supply process and the bypass passage preheating process, the main flow path preheating process and the steaming process may also be omitted, and it is also possible to further provide an operation mode in which the required time for the coffee beverage manufacturing process is shortened. The execution or non-execution of the main flow path preheating process and the steaming process may also be determined according to the operation mode of the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0079] <Flow rate control based on the detection value of the flow rate sensor> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the control of the flow of water or hot water in the flow path by the pump control unit 42 based on the detected value of the flow rate sensor 38 will be described. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the hot water temperature which is the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 36, the flow path resistance of the flow path, the pump control signal value, and the flow rate sensor value (the detected value of the flow rate sensor 38) when the flow control according to the present embodiment is not performed. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the hot water temperature, the flow path resistance, the pump control signal value, and the flow rate sensor value when the flow control according to the present embodiment is performed. In particular, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the flow path resistance, the pump control signal value, and the flow rate sensor value in a plurality of discharge periods during the extraction process are enlarged and shown. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first discharge period of the extraction period is called the discharge period Pf, and the last discharge period of the extraction period is called the discharge period Pl. The horizontal axis of each graph included in FIGS. 3 and 4 represents time, and the vertical axis represents each value.

[0080] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the time variation of the flow path resistance in each discharge period. Note that the flow path resistance shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is only shown for reference and is not directly measured by the coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus 10. The flow path resistance is an index representing the difficulty of fluid (that is, water or hot water) flowing in the flow path. Generally, the flow path resistance is proportional to the flow path length and inversely proportional to the flow path diameter. As shown in FIG. 3, when the pumping force of the pump 14 (= pump control signal value) is constant, the greater the flow path resistance, the smaller the flow of water or hot water in the flow path, and the smaller the flow path resistance, the greater the flow of water or hot water in the flow path.

[0081] As described above, in the present embodiment, in the extraction process, the target temperature of the temperature control unit 44 is lowered as time elapses, and the temperature of the hot water decreases as time elapses. Due to this change in the temperature of the hot water, the flow path resistance in the flow path changes. Specifically, in the first discharge period Pf during the extraction period, the temperature of the hot water is the highest during the extraction period, and the flow path resistance is the largest due to the influence of water vapor generated in the flow path. As the temperature of the hot water decreases during the extraction period, the flow path resistance decreases. In the last discharge period Pl during the extraction period, the temperature of the hot water is the lowest during the extraction period, and the flow path resistance is the smallest. In this description, for ease of understanding, it is described as if water vapor flows backward through the flow path (increasing the flow path resistance).

[0082] Therefore, if the pump 14 is controlled so as to generate a constant pumping force (the pump control signal value is made constant) in each discharge period during the extraction period, the flow of the hot water in the flow path will vary with the variation of the flow path resistance. Specifically, in the discharge period Pf, since the flow path resistance is the largest during the extraction period, the flow indicated by the flow rate sensor value is the smallest. As the flow path resistance decreases during the extraction period, the flow increases. In the discharge period Pl, since the flow path resistance is the smallest during the extraction period, the flow rate is the largest. That is, within the extraction period, the flow of the hot water output from the main flow path 22 to the dripper 26 varies. That is, there is a portion where the flow is not constant and deviates from the target flow, which is an appropriate flow. This causes a problem that it becomes difficult to extract a coffee beverage with an appropriate concentration.

[0083] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pump control unit 42 controls the pump 14 so that the flow becomes the target flow based on the change in the flow of the hot water in the flow path detected by the flow rate sensor 38. As described above, the change in the flow of the hot water here is caused by the change in the flow path resistance in the flow path due to the change in the temperature of the hot water.

[0084] FIG. 5 is an enlarged graph showing the time changes of the pump control signal value and the flow rate sensor value during the ejection period Pf. In the present embodiment, first, one ejection period is conceptually divided into N minute periods. The length of one minute period is about several hundred milliseconds (for example, 300 milliseconds). In the example of FIG. 5, one ejection period Pf is divided into 10 minute periods indicated by (1) to (10). Of course, the number of minute periods included in one ejection period is not limited to this.

[0085] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the pump control unit 42 determines the pump control signal value in the (n + 1)-th minute period based on the detected value of the flow rate sensor 38 in the n-th (1 ≦ n ≦ (N - 1)) minute period in one ejection period. In particular, the pump control unit 42 determines the pump control signal value in the (n + 1)-th minute period based on the difference between the detected value of the flow rate sensor 38 in the n-th minute period and the target flow rate. For the first minute period (n = 1) in one ejection period, the pump control unit 42 controls the pump 14 with a predetermined pump control signal value so as to rotate the pump 14 at a predetermined rotational speed according to the target flow rate. The difference between the detected value of the flow rate sensor 38 in the n-th minute period and the target flow rate may be the difference between the detected value of the flow rate sensor 38 and the target flow rate at the transition timing from the n-th minute period to the (n + 1)-th minute period, or may be the integrated value of the difference between the detected value of the flow rate sensor 38 in the n-th minute period and the target flow rate.

[0086] For example, in the example of FIG. 5, in the minute period (1), the flow rate sensor value detects a flow rate lower than the target flow rate. Therefore, the pump control unit 42 increases the pump control signal value in the minute period (2) compared to the minute period (1), and controls to increase the rotational speed of the pump 14 compared to the minute period (1).

[0087] Next, even during the micro period (2), the flow rate sensor value detects a flow rate lower than the target flow rate. In particular, during the micro period (2), the difference between the actual flow rate and the target flow rate is larger than that during the micro period (1). Therefore, the pump control unit 42 makes the pump control signal value in the micro period (3) larger than that in the micro period (2), and in particular, makes the difference between the pump control signal values in the micro periods (3) and (2) larger than the difference between the pump control signal values in the micro periods (2) and (1). In this way, the pump control unit 42 may determine the pump control signal value in the (n + 1)-th micro period according to the magnitude of the difference between the flow rate in the n-th micro period and the target flow rate. For example, the smaller the flow rate in the n-th micro period is with respect to the target flow rate, the larger the pump control signal value in the (n + 1)-th micro period should be, and the larger the flow rate in the n-th micro period is with respect to the target flow rate, the smaller the pump control signal value in the (n + 1)-th micro period should be.

[0088] Note that in this embodiment, the pump control signal value in the next micro period is determined based on the detected value of the flow rate sensor 38 in one micro period. However, the pump control signal value in the micro period following the plurality of micro periods may be determined based on the detected values of the flow rate sensor 38 in the plurality of micro periods. For example, the pump control signal value in the micro period following the plurality of micro periods may be determined based on the integral value of the difference between the detected values of the flow rate sensor 38 in the plurality of micro periods and the target flow rate.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, during the extraction period, the discharge period and the stop period are alternately repeated. In each of the plurality of discharge periods, as described above, the pump control unit 42 controls the pump 14 so that the flow rate becomes the target flow rate based on the change in the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 38. Thereby, the fluctuation of the flow rate of the hot water in each discharge period is suppressed, and the fluctuation of the flow rate of the hot water discharged to the dripper 26 during the entire extraction period is suppressed.

[0090] By the pump control unit 42 performing the control as described above, even if the flow path resistance of the flow path changes due to a change in the temperature of the hot water flowing through the flow path, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the flow of the hot water flowing through the flow path, that is, the flow of the hot water discharged to the dripper 26. As a result, it becomes possible to extract a coffee beverage with an appropriate concentration. Further, in the coffee beverage production program, when the length of each discharge period during the extraction period is determined, the flow of the hot water discharged to the dripper 26 can be brought closer to the target flow by the above-described control by the pump control unit 42. Therefore, there is also an effect that the amount of hot water discharged to the dripper 26 (flow × time) can be brought closer to the target amount (fluctuations in the amount of hot water discharged to the dripper 26 can be suppressed).

[0091] Further, the pump control unit 42 may also acquire the detection value of the flow rate sensor 38 even during the stop period. During the stop period, the pump control unit 42 controls the pump 14 so that the pumping force (rotation amount of the motor) of the pump 14 becomes "0". Therefore, the detection value of the flow rate sensor 38 during the stop period should also be almost "0". Therefore, if the detection value of the flow rate sensor 38 during the stop period is not almost "0" (specifically, the flow is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value near 0), a failure of the pump 14 or the flow rate sensor 38 is suspected. Therefore, by the pump control unit 42 acquiring the detection value of the flow rate sensor 38 during the stop period, it is possible to detect a failure of at least one of the pump 14 and the flow rate sensor 38.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the pump control unit 42 controls the pump 14 so that the flow of the hot water in the flow path becomes the target flow during the extraction period. However, the pump control unit 42 may also control the pump 14 so that the flow becomes the target flow based on the change in the flow of the hot water detected by the flow rate sensor 38 even during the hot water addition process.

[0093] In the coffee beverage manufacturing program, when the discharge time of hot water to the server 28 in the hot water adding process is determined, even in the hot water adding process, the pump control unit 42 performs the above-described flow rate control, so that the amount of hot water discharged to the server 28 can be brought close to the target amount (the variation in the amount of hot water discharged to the server 28 can be suppressed). Further, the outlet of the bypass flow path 24 and the upper part of the server 28 may be in a position visible to the user. In that case, even in the hot water adding process, the pump control unit 42 performs the above-described flow rate control, so that the variation in the flow rate of the hot water discharged to the server 28 is suppressed, and the hot water can be discharged to the server 28 so as to look beautiful.

[0094] Furthermore, the pump control unit 42 may control the pump 14 so that the flow rate becomes the target flow rate based on the change in the flow rate of the hot water detected by the flow rate sensor 38 even in the steaming process.

[0095] In the coffee beverage manufacturing program, when the discharge time of hot water to the server 28 in the steaming process is determined, even in the steaming process, the pump control unit 42 performs the above-described flow rate control, so that the amount of hot water discharged to the dripper 26 for steaming can be brought close to the target amount (the variation in the amount of hot water discharged to the dripper 26 for steaming can be suppressed).

[0096] There may be an individual difference in the pumping force with respect to the pump control signal value in the pump 14. And due to the individual difference, even when a certain pump control signal value is input from the pump control unit 42, since the pumping force is different depending on the pump 14, there may be a variation in the flow rate of the hot water due to the pump 14. However, in the present embodiment, since the pump control unit 42 controls the pump 14 so that the flow rate of the hot water becomes the target flow rate based on the detection value of the flow rate sensor 38, the variation in the flow rate of the hot water due to the individual difference of the pump 14 can be absorbed.

[0097] In addition, there may be individual differences in the flow path of the flow path (the flow path inside the solenoid valve) inside the solenoid valve 20. And due to such individual differences, even if the pump 14 pumps hot water with a constant pumping force, the flow path of the flow path inside the solenoid valve 20 is different depending on the solenoid valve 20, and the flow path resistance of the flow path is different. Therefore, the flow of the hot water may vary depending on the solenoid valve 20. However, in the present embodiment, since the pump control unit 42 controls the pump 14 based on the detection value of the flow rate sensor 38 so that the flow of the hot water becomes the target flow, it is possible to absorb the variation in the flow of the hot water due to the individual differences in the flow path of the flow path inside the solenoid valve.

[0098] As described above, the embodiments according to the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0099] 10 Coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus, 12 Water tank, 14 Pump, 16 Upstream side flow path, 18 Heater, 20 Solenoid valve, 22 Main flow path, 24 Bypass flow path, 26 Dripper, 28 Server, 30 Server stand, 32 Storage unit, 34 Input unit, 36 Temperature sensor, 38 Flow rate sensor, 40 Controller, 42 Pump control unit, 44 Temperature control unit, 46 Solenoid valve control unit, 48 Operation mode selection unit.

Claims

1. A pump for pumping water into a flow path, a heating unit provided in the middle of the flow path for heating the water pumped by the pump into hot water, a temperature control unit for controlling the heating unit so that the hot water reaches a target temperature, a discharge control unit for controlling the pump by sending a pump control signal value for instructing the pumping force of the pump to the pump, and discharging hot water from the outlet of the flow path to an extraction unit where coffee raw materials are set, wherein in the extraction process where the hot water is discharged to the extraction unit and coffee beverage is extracted, the discharge control unit controls the pump so that the discharge period during which the hot water is discharged to the extraction unit and the stop period for stopping the discharge of the hot water to the extraction unit are repeated, a flow rate sensor provided in the middle of the flow path for detecting the flow rate of water or hot water flowing through the flow path, comprising, during the extraction process, the target temperature is lowered, one of the discharge periods is conceptually divided into a plurality of minute periods, the discharge control unit determines the pump control signal value for each of the minute periods of each discharge period so that the flow rate becomes a target flow rate based on the change in the flow rate in the flow path caused by the change in the flow path resistance in the flow path due to the temperature change of the hot water detected by the flow rate sensor, a coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. (Deleted)

3. The discharge control unit detects at least one of a failure of the pump or the flow rate sensor by obtaining the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor even during the stop period, The coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The discharge control unit absorbs the variation in the flow rate caused by the individual difference in the pumping force of the pump with respect to the pump control signal value by controlling the pump so that the flow rate becomes a target flow rate based on the detection value of the flow rate sensor, The coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The flow path includes a first flow path extending to the extraction unit and a second flow path extending to a coffee storage unit for storing the coffee beverage, The coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus, a solenoid valve for selecting the flow path through which the hot water flows among the first flow path and the second flow path, further comprising, the discharge control unit absorbs the variation in the flow rate caused by the individual difference in the flow path diameter in the solenoid valve by controlling the pump so that the flow rate becomes a target flow rate based on the detection value of the flow rate sensor, The coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that...

6. Before or after the extraction step executed when the electromagnetic valve selects the first flow path, by the electromagnetic valve selecting the second flow path, a hot water supply step is executed in which the hot water is discharged into the coffee storage unit. The discharge control unit controls the pump so that the flow rate becomes the target flow rate based on the change in the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor also in the hot water supply step. The coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that...

7. Prior to the extraction step, a steaming step of steaming the coffee raw material set in the extraction unit is executed. The discharge control unit controls the pump so that the flow rate becomes the target flow rate based on the change in the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor also in the steaming step. The coffee beverage manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that...

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