Matcha Mortar Machine Display Device

Abstract

To provide a display for powdered tea stone mill which makes clear visual observation possible for the state of suspended fine powders of powdered tea that is discharged from the slide surface of a stone mill.SOLUTION: A display 10 for powdered tea stone mill includes: a display case 11 which has a transparent glass window (glass door 111) in the front face; an electrically driven stone mill 12 which is arranged in a visibly recognizable position through the glass window from the outside of the display case 11 of the inside the display case 11; and a light source 13 which radiates light toward a space on the side of the slide surface 120 of the electrically driven stone mill 12 arranged in the display case 11. In addition, the display 10 for powdered tea stone mill may be provided with a magnifying lens 14 which, instead of the light source 13 or with the light source 13, is installed in the side position of the glass window, of the slide surface 120 of the electrically driven stone mill 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a matcha stone mill display device which is a device for demonstrating the process of producing matcha powder (matcha) by grinding sencha with an electric stone mill.

Background Art

[0002] Matcha powder is produced by removing stems, veins, etc. of tea leaves that have been steamed after being shaded for a predetermined period before harvesting and then dried without being kneaded, and refining the resulting sencha, and grinding it into powder with a stone mill. In recent years, for labor saving, an electric stone mill that rotates the upper millstone electrically using a motor has been used (for example, Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, the electric stone mill used when producing matcha powder is referred to as a "matcha stone mill".

[0003] Matcha powder has been used not only in traditional tea ceremonies but also among people who enjoy thin tea and the like in their daily lives. In recent years, its scope of use has expanded dramatically, such as being added to confectionery, beverages, foods, etc. Among these, Uji (Kyoto Prefecture) is famous as a main production area of high-quality matcha, and many matcha powder manufacturers and sellers are concentrated there. In addition, tourists visit stores operated by such matcha powder manufacturers and sellers, and the opportunities to purchase and eat / drink matcha powder, matcha (a beverage made by adding matcha powder to hot water and stirring), or Japanese and Western confectionery using matcha powder as a material are increasing. Among the customers who visit such stores, there are those who are interested in the production process of matcha powder. Therefore, a matcha stone mill is housed in a display case and installed in a store, and the process of grinding sencha into powder with the matcha stone mill is shown (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Non-Patent Literature

[0005]

Non-Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The ground tea leaves ground by a matcha stone mill become matcha powder and are discharged from the sliding surface of the stone mill to the surroundings. Most of them fall immediately, but some very fine powder scatters into the surrounding space and gradually falls while floating. Observing this state can attract the interest of customers. However, since the particles floating in the space (floating matcha powder) are fine, the device described in Non-Patent Literature 1 cannot clearly visually observe the state of the floating matcha powder floating.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a matcha stone mill display device capable of clearly visually observing the state of floating matcha powder scattered from the sliding surface of the stone mill.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The first aspect of the matcha stone mill display device according to the present invention made to solve the above problems is a) a display case having a transparent glass window on the front, b) an electric stone mill disposed at a position visible through the glass window from the outside of the display case inside the display case, c) a light source disposed in the display case for irradiating light toward the space on the side of the sliding surface of the electric stone mill and comprising.

[0009] When using the matcha stone mortar machine display device of the first aspect, an observer such as a customer who visits the store observes through a glass window the state in which matcha powder is produced by grinding the ground tea with an electric stone mortar machine (matcha stone mortar machine) housed in the display case. The produced matcha powder is discharged from the sliding surface of the electric stone mortar machine and immediately falls around, but some fine powder (floating matcha powder) gradually falls while floating in the surrounding space. Since the electric stone mortar machine is housed in the display case and there is no scattering of matcha powder or floating matcha powder inside or outside the store (outside the display case), the device can be placed at the storefront or inside the store. The glass window may be a fixed window, or an openable one provided on a sliding door or a double sliding door. When using an openable glass window, the window can be opened to supply ground tea to the electric stone mortar machine or clean the inside of the display case. When using a fixed glass window, a door (other than made of glass) for supplying ground tea, cleaning the inside of the display case, etc. may be provided separately. The points described in this paragraph are the same for the matcha stone mortar machine display device of the second aspect described later.

[0010] According to the matcha stone mortar machine display device of the first aspect, by irradiating light from a light source toward the space on the side of the sliding surface of the electric stone mortar machine, the light hits the particles of the floating matcha powder that is discharged and floats from the sliding surface and scatters (Tyndall phenomenon). As a result, the state in which the floating matcha powder discharged from the sliding surface floats can be clearly observed visually.

[0011] Note that Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe introducing smoke, fog, etc. into the space inside the case for displaying gemstones and visualizing the passage path of the light rays reflected by the gemstones by the Tyndall phenomenon by irradiating the gemstones with light rays. In the devices described in these documents, the Tyndall phenomenon is used to make the light rays reflected by the gemstones visible (thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the gemstones), whereas in the matcha stone mortar machine display device according to the present invention, the Tyndall phenomenon is used to make the matcha powder that scatters and floats from the sliding surface of the electric stone mortar machine visible instead of light rays.

[0012] In the matcha mortar machine display device of the first aspect, it is preferable that the light source emits light with directivity (strong straight - advancing property) into the space. By using such a light source, it is possible to irradiate the space, that is, the space on the side of the sliding surface of the electric mortar machine, with stronger light than other spaces. Therefore, it is possible to make prominent the state in which the light hits the particles of floating matcha powder and scatters in the space on the side of the sliding surface. Also, when the matcha mortar machine display device is installed outdoors such as in a storefront, during the day, sunlight shines into the case, making it difficult to visually recognize the floating matcha powder. However, even in such a case, by irradiating light with directivity (strong straight - advancing property) from the light source, the floating matcha powder can be easily visually recognized.

[0013] In the matcha mortar machine display device of the first aspect, further, a switch for operating the lighting and extinguishing of the light source can be provided outside the display case. Thereby, since the light source can be lit only when observing the matcha powder, it is possible to save power and extend the life of the light source.

[0014] The matcha mortar machine display device according to the second aspect of the present invention a) a display case having a transparent glass window on the front; b) an electric mortar machine disposed at a position inside the display case where it can be visually recognized through the glass window from the outside of the display case; c) a magnifying lens provided at a position on the side of the sliding surface of the electric mortar machine of the glass window and includes.

[0015] According to the matcha mortar machine display device of the second aspect, it is possible to clearly visually observe through the magnifying lens the state in which the floating and scattered matcha powder released from the sliding surface of the electric mortar machine gradually falls while floating.

[0016] The matcha stone mill display device according to the first and second aspects may further include a mounting table having a planar shape that is the same as or smaller than the planar shape of the electric stone mill on the bottom surface of the display case, and the electric stone mill is mounted on the mounting table. In this way, since the height of the mounting table added to the height of the lower mill of the electric stone mill becomes the height of the sliding surface of the electric stone mill, after the matcha powder flows out from the sliding surface of the electric stone mill, it can be observed over a long distance how it descends along the side surface of the lower mill, and how the floating matcha powder gradually falls into the adjacent space.

[0017] The matcha stone mill display device according to the first and second aspects may further include a temperature adjustment mechanism for adjusting the temperature inside the display case. This can prevent the temperature inside the display case from rising or falling excessively when the matcha stone mill display device is placed outdoors (at the storefront). In particular, in winter, this temperature adjustment mechanism is effective for preventing condensation on the inner surface of the glass window.

[0018] The matcha stone mill display device according to the first and second aspects may further include a fan disposed on the ceiling inside the display case. This can stir the air inside the display case and make the temperature inside the display case closer to uniform.

[0019] When the fan is provided, the device may further be configured to include a common driving means for rotating the fan and the upper mill of the electric stone mill. This can reduce the device cost of the driving means (motor).

[0020] The matcha stone mill display device according to the first and second aspects may further include a rotating plate provided below the electric stone mill, having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the electric stone mill, and being rotatable coaxially with the upper mill of the electric stone mill, the rotating plate being circular, circular arc-shaped, partial circular-shaped, or partial circular arc-shaped, a linear spatula in sliding contact with the upper surface of the rotating plate and facing a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the rotating plate, and a collection container disposed below the outer edge of the rotating plate and below the spatula It is possible to adopt a configuration including a matcha powder recovery mechanism.

[0021] According to the configuration including the matcha powder recovery mechanism, at least a part of the matcha powder that has fallen from the side of the lower mortar accumulates on the rotating plate. When recovering matcha, by rotating the rotating plate little by little, the matcha powder on the rotating plate is pushed out to the outer edge of the rotating plate by a spatula and falls, and is recovered into the recovery container. Thereby, the matcha powder can be easily recovered.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the matcha stone mortar display device according to the present invention, it is possible to clearly visually observe the state in which the floating matcha powder released from the sliding surface of the stone mortar floats.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0024] An embodiment of a matcha mortar machine display device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

[0025] (1) Configuration of the matcha mortar machine display device of the present embodiment As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the matcha mortar machine display device 10 of the present embodiment includes a display case 11 and an electric mortar machine (matcha mortar machine) 12 housed in the display case 11.

[0026] The display case 11 is composed of a housing in which the exterior of a steel inner frame is covered with a wooden exterior material, and has an electric mortar machine accommodation space 1110 in which the electric mortar machine 12 is accommodated, a machine room 1120 provided above the electric mortar machine accommodation space 1110, and a storage room 1140 provided below the electric mortar machine accommodation space 1110 (see FIG. 2). At the front of the electric mortar machine accommodation space 1110, a horizontal bar 117 extending horizontally is provided near the lower end thereof, and a vertical bar 118 is provided downward from near the center of the horizontal bar 117. A glass door 111 with double doors is attached to the opening 115 above the horizontal bar 117. The edge of the glass door 111 is made of wood. In addition, lids 113 each made of a rectangular wooden plate material and attached to the housing of the display case 11 so as to be openable and closable by hinges provided on the lower sides are provided in the openings 116 divided into two by the vertical bar 118 below the horizontal bar 117. A wooden sliding door 112 is provided at the front opening of the machine room 1120, and a wooden double door 114 is provided at the front opening of the storage room 1140. Since wooden members are used in each part of the display case 11 in this way, it presents an appearance similar to folk craft furniture.

[0027] The electric mortar machine 12 has a lower mortar 121 and an upper mortar 122. A partition wall 1112 (see Fig. 2) is provided in the center of the accommodation space 1110 for the electric mortar machine, and two electric mortar machines 12 are accommodated, one on each side of the partition wall 1112. Hereinafter, when distinguishing and explaining these two electric mortar machines 12, the one on the right side is called the "first electric mortar machine 12A", and the one on the left side is called the "second electric mortar machine 12B". When explaining the common features of both, it is simply called the "electric mortar machine 12". Note that the number of electric mortar machines accommodated in the display case is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

[0028] A support frame 151 extending horizontally is provided in the electric mortar machine accommodation space 1110. The support frame 151 is made of steel and, as shown in Fig. 3, has a rectangular outer frame member 1511, a single horizontal frame member 1512 provided at the center in the depth direction inside the outer frame member 1511 and extending horizontally, a single vertical central frame member 1513 provided at the center in the horizontal direction and extending in the depth direction, and vertical frame members 1514 provided one on each side of the vertical central frame member 1513. Mounting tables 15 are fixed on the horizontal frame member 1512 and the vertical frame members 1514 with the positions where the two vertical frame members 1514 intersect the horizontal frame member 1512 as the centers. The electric mortar machines 12 are placed on these two mounting tables 15 respectively. The mounting table 15 is a cylindrical table with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the lower mortar 121.

[0029] The support frame 151 is provided at a position facing the lower edge 1111 of the glass door 111 (a part of the opaque frame member supporting the glass) or the horizontal bar 117 (the former in the examples shown in Figs. 1 and 2). Therefore, the support frame 151 is not conspicuous because it is hidden by the edge 1111 or the horizontal bar 117 when viewed from the front. On the other hand, the electric mortar machine 12 is placed on the mounting table 15 fixed on the support frame 151 and is arranged to face the glass window of the glass door 111. Thereby, the electric mortar machine 12 and the space on the side of its sliding surface 120 can be observed from the outside through the glass window.

[0030] The side walls and the rear wall of the internal space of the electric mortar housing space 1110 (the wall surface on the back side of the electric mortar 12 when viewed from the front), and the surface of the mounting table 15 are painted black. As a result, the color contrast with the green matcha powder and floating matcha powder becomes clear, and the visibility of these matcha powders and floating matcha powder is improved.

[0031] An electric motor 124 is housed in the machine room 1120. The rotating shaft of the electric motor 124 projects into the electric mortar housing space 1110 through a hole provided in the bottom surface of the machine room 1120.

[0032] On the side surface of the upper mortar 122 of the electric mortar 12, two handles protruding from the side surface are provided at positions different by 180° in the circumferential direction. In the space on the side of the upper mortar 122, a pulling arm 123 extending substantially vertically from above is provided. One of the two handles 1231 of the upper mortar 122 (only this one handle 1231 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and the lower end of the pulling arm 123 are connected by a resin belt 1232. The upper end of the pulling arm 123 is bent at 90°, and the tip of the bent substantially horizontal portion is fixed to the rotating shaft of the electric motor 124. The rotating shaft of the electric motor 124 is fixed so as to be coaxial with the center of the lower mortar 121 and the rotating shaft of the upper mortar 122. The substantially horizontal portion of the pulling arm 123 is set so that a gap (about 6 mm) is formed between the lower end of the pulling arm 123 and the upper mortar 122 so that they do not contact each other. With such a configuration, the upper mortar 122 rotates via the pulling arm 123 and the belt 1232 due to the rotation of the electric motor 124. The electric motor 124 is housed in the sliding door 112 provided above the electric mortar housing space 1110 and is not visible from the outside.

[0033] The matcha mortar machine display device 10 further includes a temperature adjustment mechanism 161. The temperature adjustment mechanism 161 has a Peltier element provided in the machine room 1120 and a temperature sensor provided on the inner wall surface of the electric mortar machine accommodation space 1110, and warms / cools the inside of the electric mortar machine accommodation space 1110. The temperature adjustment mechanism 161 further has a temperature setting controller (not shown) in the storage room 1140. The temperature setting controller controls the warming / cooling by the Peltier element so that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor becomes the set temperature. The temperature adjustment mechanism 161 is also provided with fins for discharging downward the air whose temperature is adjusted by the Peltier element, and a drip tray is provided below the fins (both not shown). The drip tray is provided to prevent the condensed water generated when the fins are cooled from falling. A fan 162 is provided below the drip tray. The fan 162 is fixed to the rotating shaft of the electric motor 124 (therefore, it is connected to the upper mortar 122 via the rotating shaft of the electric motor 124, the extension arm 123, and the belt 1232), and rotates synchronously with the upper mortar 122 by the operation of the electric motor 124. The air that has passed through the fins travels toward the fan 162 through the side of the drip tray and is sent downward by the fan 162.

[0034] A funnel 125 is provided above the upper mortar 122. The funnel 125 supplies the electric mortar machine 12 with ground matcha by having ground matcha input from its upper part.

[0035] Among the ceiling of the electric mortar machine accommodation space 1110, above the first electric mortar machine 12A and at a position shifted to the left from the rotation axis of the upper mortar 122 toward the front of the matcha mortar machine display device 10, a light source 13 is provided. In the present embodiment, as the light source 13, "ZEUS" (trade name) manufactured by NCC Co., Ltd., which is a light source that emits light with directivity, is used. Here, "light with directivity" refers to light that travels in a specific direction. The light source 13 is provided such that the optical axis is inclined from the upper left to the lower right, whereby light is irradiated toward the space on the side (including the front) of the sliding surface 120 of the first electric mortar machine 12A. By using the light source 13 that emits light with such directivity (strong straightness), strong light can be irradiated toward the space on the side of the sliding surface 120 of the first electric mortar machine 12A. Therefore, as will be described later, the attention of customers can be focused on the floating matcha powder floating in this space, and even when sunlight shines into the display case 11 when the matcha mortar machine display device 10 is installed outdoors, the floating matcha powder can be easily visually recognized. Note that the inclination angle of the light source 13 can be changed slightly, and thereby the position where the sliding surface 120 is irradiated with light can be adjusted.

[0036] At a position below the first electric mortar machine 12A in the horizontal crossbar 117, a light source switch 18 for performing an operation of turning on / off the light source 13 is provided. The light source 13 lights up only while a customer visiting the store presses the light source switch 18. Since the light source 13 has high power consumption and a short lifespan (for example, compared with the lighting light sources described below), by providing such a light source switch 18, the power consumption of the light source 13 can be suppressed and the lifespan of the light source 13 can be extended. Instead of the light source switch 18, a human sensor may be installed so that the light source 13 is automatically turned on when the human sensor senses that a person has approached the front of the matcha mortar machine display device 10, and the light source 13 is automatically turned off when the human sensor senses that a person has left the front of the matcha mortar machine display device 10.

[0037] Separately from the light source 13, above the first electric mortar 12A and the second electric mortar 12B in the ceiling part, lighting sources using LEDs are provided respectively (not shown). This lighting source has no directivity, has a lower light intensity and lower power consumption than the aforementioned light source 13. This lighting source illuminates so that a customer can visually recognize the devices in the electric mortar accommodation space 1110 (darker than the space on the side of the sliding surface 120). This lighting source is not provided considering making the floating matcha powder visible to the customer. In addition to this lighting source, a light sensor may be provided on the outer surface of the display case 11 to turn on or off the lighting source according to the external brightness.

[0038] An enlarged lens 14 is disposed at a position facing the space including the sliding surface 120 of the first electric mortar 12A and the side (including the front) thereof in the glass door 111. Two enlarged lenses 14 are arranged vertically side by side. Among them, the upper enlarged lens 141 faces the space on the side of the sliding surface 120 of the first electric mortar 12A. The lower enlarged lens 142 faces the space on the side (including the front) of the mounting table 15. The magnification of the enlarged lens 14 is 4 times in this embodiment.

[0039] As described above, the drawer 1130 (see FIG. 4) is housed in the electric mortar housing space 1110 through the opening 116 provided below the horizontal crossbar 117. The drawer 1130 has the same shape as a normal drawer provided in a desk, a cabinet, etc., but its material is a stainless steel plate (without a wooden exterior material). When the electric mortar 12 operates and matcha powder and floating matcha powder are discharged in the state where the drawer 1130 is housed in the electric mortar housing space 1110, those powders fall through the electric mortar housing space 1110 and accumulate in the drawer 1130. The drawer 1130 can be pulled out from the opening 116 to collect the matcha powder deposited on the bottom. Stainless steel is suitable as the material for the drawer 1130 in terms of being safe for food hygiene. Also, since stainless steel can ensure strength even if the plate thickness is slightly reduced, it can be made lighter than a wooden drawer, is easy to clean, and reduces the workload of the administrator. On the other hand, stainless steel is inferior to wood in terms of aesthetics, but during the operation of the electric mortar 12, the drawer 1130 is not visible to customers because of the wooden lid 113 attached. Note that the lid 113 also has the purpose of preventing dust from entering the electric mortar housing space 1110 during the operation of the electric mortar 12.

[0040] As described above, the storage room 1140 houses the temperature setting controller, and can also be used for storing the tencha before grinding it with the electric mortar 12.

[0041] The matcha mortar display device 10 of the present embodiment further includes a recovery mechanism 17, one for each electric mortar 12, in order to easily and quickly recover a part of the fallen matcha powder. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the recovery mechanism 17 includes a rotating plate 171, a base 172, a rotating shaft 173, a handle 174, and a spatula 175.

[0042] The rotating plate 171 is formed by cutting out a part of a substantially semicircular stainless steel plate, and has extending portions 1711 extending in three directions of 0°, 90°, and 180° from the center of the substantially semicircle, and a matcha powder receiving portion 1710 connecting the tips of the respective extending portions in a semicircular arc shape (FIG. 6).

[0043] The base 172 is a member provided on the lower side of the support frame 151 (Fig. 7), and has a substantially octagonal central portion 1721, strip-shaped portions 1722 respectively extending from the central portion 1721 in four directions, and standing portions 1723 erected from both sides of each strip-shaped portion 1722. Each strip-shaped portion 1722 is in contact with the lower surface of the horizontal frame member 1512 or the vertical frame member 1514 of the support frame 151, and the standing portions 1723 erected from both sides of each strip-shaped portion 1722 sandwich the horizontal frame member 1512 or the vertical frame member 1514 with which the strip-shaped portion 1722 is in contact from the side. Each strip-shaped portion 1722 is provided with bolt insertion holes 1724 having female threads cut on the inner surface, and ring-shaped neodymium magnets are fixed to each bolt insertion hole 1724 by bolts (the neodymium magnets and bolts are not shown). By adsorbing this neodymium magnet to the steel support frame 151, the base 172 is supported by the support frame 151. Further, the standing portion 1723 is also provided with bolt insertion holes having female threads cut on the inner surface, and the base 172 is also held by pressing the tip of the bolt inserted through the bolt insertion hole against the side surface of the horizontal frame member 1512 or the vertical frame member 1514.

[0044] The rotating shaft 173 is located below the base 172 and is provided directly below the position where the horizontal frame member 1512 and the vertical frame member 1514 of the support frame 151 intersect. The rotating plate 171 is disposed below the base 172 and rotates coaxially (but independently of the upper mortar 122) with the upper mortar 122 of the electric mortar 12 about the rotating shaft 173.

[0045] The handle 174 is a semi-circular arc-shaped bar and is provided so as to form a complete circle together with the semi-circle of the rotating plate 171. When the handle 174 is on the front side and the rotating plate 171 is on the back side (the back side of the electric mortar 12 and the mounting table 15), a store clerk or the like grips the handle 174 and rotates it in the circumferential direction, whereby the rotating plate 171 rotates, and thereby the rotating plate 171 moves to the front side (the same applies when moving the rotating plate 171 from the front side to the back side).

[0046] On the upper surface of the rotating plate 171, there is provided a positioning pin 176 composed of a screw having a spring-loaded steel ball at its head, and in the base portion 172, there is provided a fitting hole 177 into which the positioning pin 176 fits when the rotating plate 171 is at the back side. By these positioning pin 176 and fitting hole 177, the position of the rotating plate 171 during the operation of the electric mortar 12 (during the production of matcha powder) is fixed.

[0047] The spatula 175 is closer to the front than the rotating shaft 173, and is provided such that when the rotating plate 171 is rotated from the back side toward the front side, the matcha powder receiving portion 1710 of the rotating plate 171 contacts (slidingly contacts) the spatula 175 while sliding thereon. The spatula 175 faces in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the rotating plate 171. The inclination of the spatula 175 is set at an angle such that when the rotating plate 171 is rotated clockwise, the matcha powder on the matcha powder receiving portion 1710 is pushed out to the outer peripheral side of the rotating plate 171.

[0048] Inside the drawer 1130, a collection container 170 for collecting matcha powder is arranged at a position below the outer edge of the rotating plate 171 and below the spatula 175 when it is accommodated in the electric mortar housing space 1110 from the opening 116. As shown in FIG. 8, the collection container 170 includes a storage portion 1701 where matcha powder is stored and the upper part of which is an opening, an extension portion 1702 extending laterally from the storage portion 1701, an engagement portion 1703 provided at an end of the extension portion 1702 opposite to the storage portion 1701, and a lid portion 1704 provided at the opening of the storage portion 1701 so as to be openable and closable. The engagement portion 1703 is a hook that engages with the upper end of the plate at the front end of the drawer 1130. The length of the extension portion 1702 is set such that with the engagement portion 1703 engaged with the plate at the front end of the drawer 1130, the opening of the storage portion 1701 is disposed at a position below the outer edge of the rotating plate 171 and below the spatula 175. The lid portion 1704 opens and closes the opening of the storage portion 1701 by rotating about a hinge 1705 provided on the extension portion 1702. The hinge 1705 is configured such that the lid portion 1704 can be inserted into and removed from the storage portion 1701. Therefore, when cleaning the collection container 170, the lid portion 1704 can be removed, the matcha powder remaining in the gap of the hinge 1705 can be removed, and it is possible to visually confirm whether the matcha powder has been removed, which is hygienic.

[0049] (2) Operation of the matcha mortar display device of the present embodiment Hereinafter, the operation of the matcha mortar display device 10 of the present embodiment will be described. First, the administrator opens the glass door 111 and supplies tencha from the funnel 125. At the same time, the drawer 1130 is accommodated in the opening 116, and in the recovery mechanism 17, the rotating plate 171 is rotated so as to be disposed on the back side of the mounting table 15.

[0050] Subsequently, when the administrator performs a predetermined operation (for example, operates a switch provided at a position out of reach of the customer, such as inside the electric mortar housing space 1110), the electric motor 124 is activated, and the upper mortar 122 and the fan 162 rotate. At the same time, the temperature adjustment mechanism 161 is activated, and air is heated or cooled according to the temperature of the electric mortar housing space 1110 at that time and supplied into the electric mortar housing space 1110. The air spreads downward due to the rotation of the fan 162. By the operations of these temperature adjustment mechanism 161 and fan 162, the temperature of the space inside the display case 11 is controlled.

[0051] As the upper mortar 122 rotates as described above, the ground tea is ground on the sliding surface 120 between the upper mortar 122 and the lower mortar 121, and matcha powder is discharged from the sliding surface 120 to the side space. Among the discharged matcha powder, those with relatively large particle sizes fall inside the electric mortar housing space 1110 and reach the bottom surface of the drawer 1130 in a relatively short time. On the other hand, the floating matcha powder 21 with small particle sizes is discharged into the space on the side of the sliding surface 120 (see Fig. 9), and gradually falls while floating in the space. Therefore, it stays in the space for a relatively long time and finally reaches the bottom surface of the drawer 1130.

[0052] When a customer who visits the store where the matcha mortar display device 10 is installed operates the light source switch 18, the light source 13 lights up. Then, as shown in Fig. 9, light 131 is irradiated from the light source 13 into the space on the side of the sliding surface 120 of the first electric mortar 12A. Since this light 131 has directivity, it illuminates only within a certain range in the horizontal direction from the end of the sliding surface 120 and does not illuminate the outside of that range. Due to the scattering of this light 131 by the particles of the floating matcha powder 21 (Tyndall phenomenon), the particles appear to glow, so that the customer can visually recognize the floating matcha powder 21. Also, the light 131 reaches below the height of the sliding surface 120, and the customer can also visually recognize the state of the floating matcha powder 21 gradually falling.

[0053] Here, since the side walls, rear wall of the internal space of the electric mortar housing space 1110, and the surface of the mounting table 15 are colored black, the contrast between the green particles of the floating matcha powder 21 and the black background becomes vivid, and the visibility of the floating matcha powder 21 is further improved. Also, since the electric mortar 12 is placed on the mounting table 15, the state in which the floating matcha powder 21 gradually falls can be observed over a long distance.

[0054] Further, in the matcha mortar display device 10 of the present embodiment, through the magnifying lens 14 provided on the glass door 111, the state in which the floating matcha powder discharged from the sliding surface 120 floats can be observed in an enlarged manner. Particularly in the present embodiment, since two magnifying lenses, namely, the upper magnifying lens 141 facing the space on the side of the sliding surface 120 and the lower magnifying lens 142 facing the space on the side of the mounting table 15, are provided side by side vertically, the state in which the floating matcha powder gradually falls can be observed over a long distance.

[0055] When the electric mortar 12 is operated for a certain period of time, matcha powder and floating matcha powder (collectively referred to as "matcha powder" in this paragraph and the next paragraph) accumulate on the bottom surface of the drawer 1130 and the upper surface of the matcha powder receiving portion 1710 of the rotating plate 171. Here, the matcha powder does not fall onto the circular portion located below the mounting table 15 and falls around that portion. On the bottom surface of the drawer 1130, it accumulates in a semi-circular arc shape, which is the front half of the arc (since the rotating plate 171 exists above the drawer 1130 in the back half, it does not accumulate much). A customer can observe from the outside of the glass door 111, through the portion of the support frame 151 without a crossbar, the state in which the matcha powder accumulates in a semi-circular arc shape on the bottom surface of the drawer 1130 below the mounting table 15. In order not to obstruct this observation, in the present embodiment, the rotating plate 171 is made semi-circular arc-shaped (not a full circular arc shape). Also, the drawer 1130 can be pulled out from the electric mortar housing space 1110 to collect the matcha powder deposited on the bottom surface.

[0056] Before pulling out the drawer 1130, the administrator opens the glass door 111, attaches the collection container 170 to a predetermined position in the drawer 1130, and then gradually rotates the rotary plate 171 while gripping the handle 174. As a result, the matcha powder 22 deposited on the matcha powder receiving part 1710 of the rotary plate 171 is scraped out to the outer peripheral side of the rotary plate 171 by the spatula 175 and falls into the collection container 170 (FIG. 10). Thereby, a part of the matcha powder ground by the electric mortar 12 can be easily and quickly collected.

[0057] As described above, the configuration and operation of the matcha mortar display device 10 according to the present embodiment have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0058] For example, among the components of the matcha mortar display device 10 according to the present embodiment, components other than the display case 11, the electric mortar 12, the light source 13, and the magnifying lens 14 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the light source 13 and the magnifying lens 14 are provided on the side of the first electric mortar 12A, and neither of them is provided on the side of the second electric mortar 12B. However, the light source 13 and the magnifying lens 14 may also be provided on the side of the second electric mortar 12B. Further, the light source 13 may be provided on either the side of the first electric mortar 12A or the side of the second electric mortar 12B, and the magnifying lens 14 may be provided on the other side. Alternatively, either the light source 13 or the magnifying lens 14 may be omitted.

[0060] In the present embodiment, a light source that emits light with directivity is used for the light source 13. Instead, a light source that emits light without directivity may be used. In that case, it is preferable to illuminate the space closer to the side of the sliding surface 120 of the electric mortar 12 with the light source so that the space is brighter than other spaces.

[0061] In this embodiment, considering aesthetic properties, the appearance is unified in the style of folk craft furniture by using wood for each part of the display case 11 (excluding the glass window of the glass door 111) and the exterior materials of these parts. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A member made of a metal material may be used without covering it with a wooden exterior material, or a member made of other materials may be used. In those cases, a pattern such as wood grain may or may not be applied to the surface of each member considering aesthetic properties.

[0062] In this embodiment, a double - leaf type glass door is used for the glass door 111. Instead, a sliding - type glass door or a flush - mounted glass window may be used. When using a flush - mounted glass window, a door may be provided separately on the side surface, back surface, etc. of the display case 11.

[0063] In this embodiment, a recovery mechanism 17 is provided below the electric mortar 12, but the recovery mechanism 17 may be omitted. In that case, matcha powder accumulates in a donut shape on the bottom surface of the drawer 1130 in a state where the difference between the back side and the front side is small and is nearly uniform.

[0064] [Aspect] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the above - described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0065] (Item 1) A matcha mortar display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a) a display case having a transparent glass window on the front; b) an electric mortar disposed at a position visible through the glass window from the outside of the display case inside the display case; c) a light source disposed in the display case and irradiating light toward the space on the side of the sliding surface of the electric mortar. and is provided with.

[0066] (Item 2) The matcha mortar display device according to Item 2 is the matcha mortar display device according to Item 1, wherein the light source is a light source that emits light having directivity to the space.

[0067] (Item 3) The matcha stone mill display device according to Item 3 further includes a switch for operating the lighting and extinguishing of the light source outside the display case in the matcha stone mill display device according to Item 1 or Item 2.

[0068] (Item 4) The matcha stone mill display device according to another aspect of the present invention a) A display case having a transparent glass window on the front, b) An electric stone mill disposed at a position within the display case that is visible through the glass window from the outside of the display case, c) A magnifying lens provided at a position on the side of the sliding surface of the electric stone mill of the glass window and includes.

[0069] Note that the matcha stone mill display device according to the present invention may include both "a light source that irradiates light toward a space on the side of the sliding surface of the electric stone mill disposed in the display case" and "a magnifying lens provided at a position on the side of the sliding surface of the electric stone mill of the glass window". The same applies to the above Item 2 and Item 3, and the following Items 5 to 10.

[0070] (Item 5) The matcha stone mill display device according to Item 5 further includes, in the matcha stone mill display device according to any one of Items 1 to 4, a mounting table having a planar shape that is the same as or smaller than that of the electric stone mill on the bottom surface of the display case, and the electric stone mill is mounted on the mounting table.

[0072] (Item 6 ) Item 6 The matcha stone mill display device according to the item further includes, in the matcha stone mill display device according to any one of Items 1 to 5 an item, a temperature adjustment mechanism for adjusting the temperature inside the display case.

[0073] (Item 7 ) Item 7 The matcha stone mill display device according to the item further includes, in the matcha stone mill display device according to any one of Items 1 to 6In the matcha stone mortar display device according to any one of the items, further provided with a fan disposed on the ceiling inside the display case.

[0074] (Item 8 ) The matcha stone mortar display device according to Item 8 is the matcha stone mortar display device according to Item 7 and further includes common driving means for rotating the upper mortar of the fan and the electric stone mortar.

[0075] (Item 9 ) The matcha stone mortar display device according to Item 9 is the matcha stone mortar display device according to any one of Items 1 to 8 and further includes a rotating plate, which is provided below the electric stone mortar, has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the electric stone mortar, and is rotatable coaxially with the upper mortar of the electric stone mortar, and is circular, arc-shaped, partially circular, or partially arc-shaped; a linear spatula that is in sliding contact with the upper surface of the rotating plate and faces a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the rotating plate; and a collection container disposed below the outer edge of the rotating plate and below the spatula. The matcha powder collection mechanism is provided.

Explanation of Signs

[0076] 10…Matcha stone mortar display device 11…Display case 111…Glass door 1110…Electric stone mortar accommodation space 1111…Edge of the glass door 1112…Partition wall 112…Sliding door 1120…Machine room 113…Lid 1130…Drawer 114…Shelving 1140…Storage room 115, 116…Opening 117…Horizontal bar 118…Vertical bar 12…Electric stone mortar 12A…First electric stone mortar 12B…Second Electric Mortar 120…Sliding Surface 121…Lower Mortar 122…Upper Mortar 123…Pulling Arm 1231…Handle 1232…Belt 124…Electric Motor 125…Hopper 13…Light Source 131…Light Emitted by Light Source 13 14…Magnifying Lens 141…Upper Magnifying Lens 142…Lower Magnifying Lens 15…Mounting Table 151…Support Frame 1511…Outer Frame Material 1512…Horizontal Frame Material 1513…Vertical Central Frame Material 1514…Vertical Frame Material 161…Temperature Adjustment Mechanism 162…Fan 17…Recovery Mechanism 170…Recovery Container 1701…Accommodation Part 1702…Extension Part 1703…Engagement Part 1704…Cover Part 1705…Hinge 171…Rotating Plate 1710…Matcha Powder Receiver 1711…Extension 172…Base 1721…Central Part of Base 1722…Band Part 1723…Erect Part 1724…Bolt Insertion Hole 173…Rotating Shaft 174…Handle 175…Spatula 176…Positioning Pin 177…Insertion Hole 18…Light Source Switch 21…Floating Matcha Powder 22…Matcha Powder Deposited on Rotating Plate

Claims

1. a) A display case having a transparent glass window on the front; b) An electric mortar disposed at a position inside the display case that is visible through the glass window from the outside of the display case; c) A light source disposed inside the display case and irradiating light having directivity toward a space on the side of the sliding surface of the electric mortar A matcha mortar display device comprising the above.

2. Furthermore, outside the display case, a switch that turns on the light source only while a person is operating the switch, or a switch comprising a human sensor that turns on the light source only while sensing a person approaching the matcha mortar display device. The matcha mortar display device according to claim 1.

3. a) A display case having a transparent glass window on the front; b) An electric mortar disposed at a position inside the display case that is visible through the glass window from the outside of the display case; c) A magnifying lens provided at a position on the side of the sliding surface of the electric mortar on the glass window A matcha mortar display device comprising the above.

4. Furthermore, a mounting table having a planar shape that is the same as or smaller than that of the electric mortar is provided on the bottom surface of the display case, and the electric mortar is mounted on the mounting table. The matcha mortar display device according to claim 1 or 3.

5. Furthermore, a temperature adjustment mechanism for adjusting the temperature inside the display case is provided. The matcha mortar display device according to claim 1 or 3.

6. Furthermore, a fan disposed on the ceiling inside the display case is provided. The matcha mortar display device according to claim 1 or 3.

7. Furthermore, a common driving means for rotating the upper mortar of the fan and the electric mortar is provided. The matcha mortar display device according to claim 6.

8. Furthermore, a circular, circular arc-shaped, partial circular-shaped, or partial circular arc-shaped rotating plate provided below the electric mortar, having an outer diameter larger than that of the electric mortar, and rotatable coaxially with the upper mortar of the electric mortar; a linear spatula in sliding contact with the upper surface of the rotating plate and facing in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the rotating plate; a collection container disposed below the outer edge of the rotating plate and below the spatula A matcha powder collection mechanism having the above is provided. The matcha mortar display device according to claim 1 or 3.

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