Extraction device

Abstract

An extraction device that performs an extraction operation for extracting a beverage liquid from an extraction target, and provides an extraction device in which a connection failure between a container and a supply unit is less likely to occur. 【Solution means】 A container CB that houses an extraction target, a supply unit PB1 that is connected to the container CB and supplies liquid to the container CB, and a connection completion state (the state in FIG. 17) in which the connection between the container CB and the supply unit PB1 is completed are established. In the connection completion state, a control unit 11a that executes control to supply liquid for extracting a beverage liquid from the supply unit PB1 to the container CB, and the control unit 11a lubricates the connection part (inner peripheral surface 801i and side surface Ss) between the container CB and the supply unit PB1 before establishing the connection completion state. After executing control (steps Si3d to step Si3k) for supplying a lubricating liquid (tap water) for lubrication to the connection part by the supply unit PB1, the connection completion state is established (step Si3l).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an extraction device that performs an extraction operation of extracting a beverage liquid from an extraction target.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an extraction device that connects a supply unit to a container containing an extraction target, supplies a liquid into the container from the connected supply unit, and extracts a beverage liquid from the extraction target (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this extraction device, it has been found that connection failures between the container and the supply unit may occur when repeated use continues.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an extraction device in which connection failures between the container and the supply unit are less likely to occur.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The extraction device of the present invention for solving the above object is an extraction device that performs an extraction operation of extracting a beverage liquid from an extraction target, a container that houses the extraction target, a supply unit that is connected to the container and supplies a liquid to the container, and a control unit that establishes a connection completion state in which the connection between the container and the supply unit is completed, and in the connection completion state, executes control to supply a liquid for extracting the beverage liquid from the supply unit to the container. The control unit After executing control to supply a lubricating liquid for lubricating the connection part between the container and the supply unit to the connection part by the supply unit before establishing the connection completion state, the connection completion state is established. It is characterized by this.

[0007] According to the extraction device of the present invention, by executing control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit in advance, the subsequent connection between the container and the supply unit is lubricated, and it becomes difficult for connection failure to occur.

[0008] Note that before establishing the connection completion state, it may be a separated state in which the container and the supply unit are separated. Also, the lubricating liquid may be the same liquid as the liquid for extracting the beverage liquid, or may be a different liquid (for example, a dedicated liquid or a liquid with a different temperature). Furthermore, the control unit may execute control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit every time it is necessary to establish the connection completion state (execute every time), or may not execute it before a predetermined time (for example, the time when the lubricating liquid supplied to the connection part starts to dry) has elapsed since the previous supply, and execute it after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0009] Also, It has a rubber member at least at the connection part of the container, The control unit may be characterized in that it executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit and applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the rubber member that contacts the supply unit.

[0010] Also, The control unit may be characterized in that it executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit and applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the supply unit that contacts the rubber member.

[0011] Also, The control unit is capable of shifting the states of the container and the supply unit to any one of a connection-completed state, a connection-incomplete state in which the container and the supply unit are connected but the connection-completed state is not established, and a separated state in which the container and the supply unit are separated, executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit in the connection-incomplete state, applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the rubber member and the contact surface of the supply unit by shifting from the connection-incomplete state to the separated state, and then shifts to the connection-completed state, which may be a feature.

[0012] Note that "the container and the supply unit are connected but the connection-completed state is not established" may mean "being in the middle of the operation leading to connection completion" or "being in the middle of the state change until the connection-completed state". More specifically, in the case of a mode in which at least one of the container and the supply unit moves, it may mean "being in the middle of the movement to the position where connection is to be completed" or "being at a position before reaching the position where connection is to be completed" (the same applies hereinafter).

[0013] Also, the container has a valve that is opened and closed by the control unit, and a filling space is formed on the side connected to the supply unit when the valve is closed, a gap is formed between the container and the supply unit in the connection-incomplete state, The control unit Execute control to supply the lubricating liquid by the supply unit with the valve closed in the connection incomplete state, store the lubricating liquid in the filling space and also store the lubricating liquid in the gap, and then, while maintaining the connection incomplete state, open the valve to discharge the lubricating liquid from the filling space, while leaving the lubricating liquid stored in the gap, and then, by shifting from the connection incomplete state to the separated state, apply the lubricating liquid stored in the gap to the contact surface of the rubber member and the contact surface of the supply unit, and then shift from the separated state to the connection complete state. It may be characterized by this.

[0014] Also, Have a rubber member at least at the connection part of the supply unit, The control unit executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit, and applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the rubber member that contacts the container. It may be characterized by this.

[0015] Also, The control unit executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit, and applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the container that contacts the rubber member. It may be characterized by this.

[0016] Also, The control unit, The state of the container and the supply unit can be shifted to any one of the connection complete state, the connection incomplete state where the container and the supply unit are connected but the connection complete state is not established, and the separated state where the container and the supply unit are separated, Execute control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit in the connection incomplete state, apply the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the rubber member and the contact surface of the container by shifting from the connection incomplete state to the separated state, and then shift to the connection complete state. It may be characterized by this.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the extraction device of the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult to generate a connection failure between the container and the supply unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] <1. Overview of Beverage Manufacturing Apparatus> FIG. 1 is an external view of a beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 including an extraction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that automatically manufactures coffee beverages from roasted coffee beans and a liquid (here, water), and can manufacture one cup of coffee beverage per manufacturing operation. The roasted coffee beans as raw materials can be stored in a canister 40. A cup placement portion 110 is provided at the lower part of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and the manufactured coffee beverage is poured from a pouring portion 10c into a cup.

[0021] The beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a housing 100 that forms its exterior and encloses the internal mechanism. The housing 100 is roughly divided into a main body portion 101 and a cover portion 102 that covers a part of the front and a part of the side of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. An information display device 12 is provided on the cover portion 102. The information display device 12 shown in FIG. 1 is a touch panel type display, and in addition to displaying various kinds of information, it is capable of receiving inputs from the administrator of the apparatus and the consumers of the beverage. The information display device 12 is attached to the cover portion 102 via a moving mechanism 12a, and can be moved vertically within a certain range by the moving mechanism 12a.

[0022] The cover portion 102 is also provided with a bean inlet 103 and an opening / closing door 103a for opening and closing the bean inlet 103. By opening the opening / closing door 103a, it is possible to put roasted coffee beans different from the roasted coffee beans stored in the canister 40 into the bean inlet 103. This makes it possible to provide a special cup of beverage to the consumers of the beverage.

[0023] The cover portion 102 shown in FIG. 1 is formed of a light-transmissive material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent cover whose entire part is a transmissive portion. For this reason, the mechanism inside it covered by the cover portion 102 can be visually recognized from the outside. In the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, a part of the manufacturing portion for manufacturing coffee beverages can be visually recognized through the cover portion 102. The main body portion 101 shown in FIG. 1 is entirely a non-transmissive portion, and it is difficult to visually recognize its interior from the outside.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, and shows a part of the manufacturing portion that can be visually recognized by the user in the front view of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. The cover portion 102 and the information display device 12 are illustrated by imaginary lines.

[0025] The housing 100 in the front portion of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 has a double structure of the main body portion 101 and the cover portion 102 on its outer side (front side). A part of the mechanism of the manufacturing portion is arranged between the main body portion 101 and the cover portion 102 in the front-rear direction, and can be visually recognized by the user through the cover portion 102.

[0026] Some mechanisms of the manufacturing section that are visible to the user through the cover section 102 include the collective conveyance section 42, the first grinder 5A, the second grinder 5B, the separation device 6, the extraction container 9, and the like. On the front portion of the main body section 101, a rectangular recess 101a that is recessed toward the back side is formed, and the extraction container 9 and the like are located on the back side inside this recess 101a.

[0027] Since these mechanisms are visible from the outside through the cover section 102, it may be easier for the administrator to perform inspections and operation confirmations. Also, for consumers of beverages, they may be able to enjoy the manufacturing process of coffee beverages.

[0028] Note that the cover section 102 is supported on the main body section 101 via a hinge 102a at its right end so as to be openable and closable in a side-opening manner. At the left end of the cover section 102, an engaging section 102b for maintaining the main body section 101 and the cover section 102 in a closed state is provided. The engaging section 102b is, for example, a combination of a magnet and iron. The administrator can perform inspections and the like on a part of the above-described manufacturing section inside by opening the cover section 102.

[0029] Note that the cover section 102 shown in FIG. 1 is of a side-opening type, but it may be of an up-and-down opening type (vertical opening type) or a slide type. Also, the cover section 102 may have a configuration where it cannot be opened or closed.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the functions of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. The beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a bean processing apparatus 2 and an extraction apparatus 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention as a manufacturing section for coffee beverages.

[0031] The bean processing device 2 generates ground beans from roasted coffee beans. The extraction device 3 extracts coffee liquid from the ground beans supplied from the bean processing device 2. The extraction device 3 includes a fluid supply unit 7, a drive unit 8 (see FIG. 5) described later, an extraction container 9, and a switching unit 10. The ground beans supplied from the bean processing device 2 are put into the extraction container 9. The fluid supply unit 7 puts hot water into the extraction container 9. Coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans in the extraction container 9. The hot water containing the extracted coffee liquid is sent as a coffee beverage to the cup C via the switching unit 10.

[0032] <2. Fluid Supply Unit and Switching Unit> The configurations of the fluid supply unit 7 and the switching unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. First, the fluid supply unit 7 will be described. The fluid supply unit 7 supplies hot water to the extraction container 9 and controls the air pressure in the extraction container 9, etc. In this specification, when the air pressure is exemplified by a number, it means absolute pressure unless otherwise specified, and the gauge pressure is the air pressure with the atmospheric pressure set to 0 atm. The atmospheric pressure refers to the air pressure around the extraction container 9 or the air pressure of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. For example, when the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 is installed at a location 0 m above sea level, it is the reference atmospheric pressure (1013.25 hPa) at 0 m above sea level of the International Standard Atmosphere (= "International Standard Atmosphere" [abbreviation: ISA]) established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (= "International Civil Aviation Organization" [abbreviation: ICAO]) in 1976.

[0033] The fluid supply unit 7 includes pipes L1 to L3. Pipe L1 is a pipe through which air flows, pipe L2 is a pipe through which water flows, and pipe L3 is a pipe through which both air and water can flow.

[0034] The fluid supply unit 7 includes a compressor 70 as a pressure source. The compressor 70 compresses and delivers the atmosphere. The compressor 70 is driven by, for example, a motor (not shown) as a drive source. The compressed air delivered from the compressor 70 is supplied to a reserve tank (accumulator) 71 via a check valve 71a. The air pressure in the reserve tank 71 is monitored by a pressure sensor 71b, and the compressor 70 is driven so as to be maintained at a predetermined air pressure (for example, 7 atm (gauge pressure: 6 atm)). The reserve tank 71 is provided with a drain 71c for draining water, and the water generated by the compression of air can be drained.

[0035] Hot water (water) that constitutes the coffee beverage is stored in the water tank 72. The water tank 72 is provided with a heater 72a for heating the water in the water tank 72 and a temperature sensor 72b for measuring the temperature of the water. Based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 72b, the heater 72a maintains the temperature of the stored hot water at a predetermined temperature (for example, 120 degrees Celsius). The heater 72a is turned on, for example, when the temperature of the hot water is 118 degrees Celsius and turned off when it is 120 degrees Celsius.

[0036] The water tank 72 is also provided with a water level sensor 72c. The water level sensor 72c detects the water level of the hot water in the water tank 72. When it is detected by the water level sensor 72c that the water level has dropped below a predetermined water level, water is supplied to the water tank 72. Tap water is supplied to the water tank 72 shown in FIG. 3 via a water purifier (not shown). A solenoid valve 72d is provided in the middle of the pipe L2 from the water purifier. When the water level sensor 72c detects a drop in the water level, the solenoid valve 72d is opened to supply water, and when the predetermined water level is reached, the solenoid valve 72d is closed to cut off the water supply. In this way, the hot water in the water tank 72 is maintained at a constant water level. Note that the water supply to the water tank 72 may be performed each time the hot water used for manufacturing a single coffee beverage is supplied.

[0037] The water tank 72 is also provided with a pressure sensor 72g. The pressure sensor 72g detects the air pressure inside the water tank 72. The air pressure inside the reserve tank 71 is supplied to the water tank 72 via a pressure regulating valve 72e and a solenoid valve 72f. The pressure regulating valve 72e reduces the air pressure supplied from the reserve tank 71 to a predetermined air pressure. For example, it reduces the pressure to 3 atmospheres (2 atmospheres in gauge pressure). The solenoid valve 72f switches between supplying and blocking the air pressure regulated by the pressure regulating valve 72e to the water tank 72. The solenoid valve 72f is controlled to open and close so that the air pressure inside the water tank 72 is maintained at 3 atmospheres except when tap water is supplied to the water tank 72. When tap water is supplied to the water tank 72, the air pressure inside the water tank 72 is reduced to a pressure lower than the water pressure of the tap water (for example, less than 2.5 atmospheres) by the solenoid valve 72h so that the tap water can be smoothly replenished into the water tank 72 by the water pressure of the tap water. The solenoid valve 72h switches whether to release the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere or not, and releases the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere during pressure reduction. Also, when the air pressure inside the water tank 72 exceeds 3 atmospheres other than when tap water is supplied to the water tank 72, the solenoid valve 72h releases the inside of the water tank 72 to the atmosphere and maintains the inside of the water tank 72 at 3 atmospheres.

[0038] The hot water in the water tank 72 is supplied to the extraction container 9 via a check valve 72j, a solenoid valve 72i, and a pipe L3. By opening the solenoid valve 72i, hot water is supplied to the extraction container 9, and by closing it, the supply of hot water is blocked. The supply amount of hot water to the extraction container 9 can be controlled by the opening time of the solenoid valve 72i. However, it is also possible to measure the supply amount and control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 72i. A temperature sensor 73e for measuring the temperature of the hot water is provided in the pipe L3, and the temperature of the hot water supplied to the extraction container 9 is monitored.

[0039] The air pressure in the reserve tank 71 is also supplied to the extraction container 9 via the pressure regulating valve 73a and the solenoid valve 73b. The pressure regulating valve 73a reduces the air pressure supplied from the reserve tank 71 to a predetermined air pressure. For example, it reduces the pressure to 5 atmospheres (gauge pressure of 4 atmospheres). The solenoid valve 73b switches between supplying and blocking the air pressure regulated by the pressure regulating valve 73a to the extraction container 9. The air pressure in the extraction container 9 is detected by the pressure sensor 73d. When pressurizing the inside of the extraction container 9, the solenoid valve 73b is opened based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 73d, and the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized to a predetermined air pressure (for example, up to 5 atmospheres (gauge pressure of 4 atmospheres)). The air pressure in the extraction container 9 can be reduced by the solenoid valve 73c. The solenoid valve 73c switches whether to release the inside of the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere, and when there is an abnormal pressure (for example, when the pressure inside the extraction container 9 exceeds 5 atmospheres), it releases the inside of the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere.

[0040] When the production of one cup of coffee beverage is completed, the inside of the extraction container 9 is washed with tap water. The solenoid valve 73f is opened during washing to supply tap water to the extraction container 9.

[0041] Next, the switching unit 10 will be described. The switching unit 10 is a unit that switches the delivery destination of the liquid sent out from the extraction container 9 to either the pouring part 10c or the waste tank T. The switching unit 10 includes a switching valve 10a and a motor 10b that drives the switching valve 10a. When delivering the coffee beverage inside the extraction container 9, the switching valve 10a switches the flow path to the pouring part 10c. The coffee beverage is poured from the pouring part 10c into the cup C. When discharging the waste liquid (tap water) and residue (ground beans) during washing, the flow path is switched to the waste tank T. The switching valve 10a shown in FIG. 3 is a 3-port ball valve. Since the residue passes through the switching valve 10a during washing, the ball valve is suitable for the switching valve 10a, and the motor 10b rotates its rotating shaft to switch the flow path.

[0042] <3. Bean processing device> With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the bean processing device 2 will be described. The bean processing device 2 includes a storage device 4 and a grinding device 5.

[0043] <3-1. Storage device> The storage device 4 includes a plurality of canisters 40 that contain roasted coffee beans. Three canisters 40 are provided as shown in FIG. 1. The canister 40 includes a cylindrical main body 40a that houses the roasted coffee beans and a handle 40b provided on the main body 40a, and is configured to be detachable from the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0044] Each canister 40 may contain different types of roasted coffee beans, and the type of roasted coffee beans used for manufacturing coffee beverages may be selectable by an operation input to the information display device 12. Different types of roasted coffee beans are, for example, roasted coffee beans with different varieties of coffee beans. Also, different types of roasted coffee beans may be roasted coffee beans of the same variety but with different roasting degrees. Further, different types of roasted coffee beans may be roasted coffee beans with different varieties and different roasting degrees. Also, at least one of the three canisters 40 may contain roasted coffee beans in which a plurality of types of varieties of roasted coffee beans are mixed. In this case, the roasted coffee beans of each variety may have a similar roasting degree.

[0045] Note that, although the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a plurality of canisters 40, a configuration in which only one canister 40 is provided may also be possible. Also, when a plurality of canisters 40 are provided, the same type of roasted coffee beans may be housed in all or a plurality of the canisters 40.

[0046] Each canister 40 is detachably attached to a conveyor 41 that is a metering and conveying device. The conveyor 41 is, for example, an electric screw conveyor, and automatically measures a predetermined amount of roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40 and sends them out to the downstream side.

[0047] Each conveyor 41 sends the roasted coffee beans to the downstream collective conveyor section 42. The collective conveyor section 42 is composed of a hollow member. The roasted coffee beans discharged from each conveyor 41 move inside the collective conveyor section 42 by their own weight. At the downstream end of the collective conveyor section 42, a first bean passage (not shown) leading to the grinding device 5 (particularly the first grinder 5A) and a second bean passage 43 for taking out the roasted coffee beans not sent to the grinding device 5 are connected. A switching member (not shown) is provided to switch whether the roasted coffee beans that have moved inside the collective conveyor section 42 go to the first bean passage or the second bean passage 43. This switching member performs a switching operation by driving a bean passage switching motor (also not shown). The roasted coffee beans passing through the first bean passage flow down to the grinding device 5.

[0048] In the collective conveyor section 42, a guide portion 42a is formed at a position corresponding to the bean inlet 103. The guide portion 42a forms a passage for guiding the roasted coffee beans input from the bean inlet 103 to the grinding device 5 (particularly the first grinder 5A). Thereby, in addition to the roasted coffee beans stored in the canister 40, coffee beverages made from the roasted coffee beans input from the bean inlet 103 can also be manufactured.

[0049] <3-2. Grinding Device> The grinding device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG. 4 is a partially broken perspective view of the separation device 6. The grinding device 5 includes a first grinder 5A, a second grinder 5B, and a separation device 6. The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are mechanisms for grinding the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4. The roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are ground by the first grinder 5A and then further ground by the second grinder 5B into a powder form and are put into the extraction container 9 from the delivery pipe 5C.

[0050] The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B have different grinding particle sizes for beans. The first grinder 5A is a grinder for coarse grinding, and the second grinder 5B is a grinder for fine grinding. The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are each an electric grinder and include a fixed blade, a motor as a drive source, a rotary blade driven by the motor, and the like. In the second grinder 5B, the size (particle size) of the roasted coffee beans to be ground can be changed by adjusting the distance between the fixed blade and the rotary blade with a particle size adjustment motor (not shown).

[0051] The separation device 6 is a mechanism for separating impurities from the ground beans. The separation device 6 includes a passage portion 630a disposed between the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B. The passage portion 630a is a hollow body that forms a separation chamber through which the ground beans falling freely from the first grinder 5A pass. A passage portion 630b extending in a direction (for example, the left - right direction) intersecting the passing direction of the ground beans (for example, the up - down direction) is connected to the passage portion 630a, and a suction unit 60 is connected to this passage portion 630b. By the suction unit 60 sucking the air in the passage portion 630a, lightweight objects such as chaff and fine powder are sucked. Thereby, impurities can be separated from the ground beans.

[0052] The suction unit 60 is a mechanism of a centrifugal separation method. The suction unit 60 includes a chaff fan unit 60A and a collection container 60B. The chaff fan unit 60A shown in FIG. 4 includes a chaff fan motor and a chaff fan rotationally driven by the chaff fan motor, and exhausts the air in the collection container 60B upward.

[0053] The recovery container 60B includes an upper part 61 and a lower part 62 that engage separably. The lower part 62 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top, forming a space for accumulating unwanted materials. The upper part 61 constitutes a lid part attached to the opening of the lower part 62. The upper part 61 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 61a and an exhaust cylinder 61b formed coaxially therewith. The chaff fan unit 60A is fixed to the upper part 61 above the exhaust cylinder 61b so as to suck the air inside the exhaust cylinder 61b. A passage part 630b is connected to the upper part 61. The passage part 630b opens to the side of the exhaust cylinder 61b.

[0054] By driving the chaff fan unit 60A, airflows indicated by arrows d1 to d3 in FIG. 4 are generated. Due to this airflow, the air containing unwanted materials is sucked from the passage part 630a into the recovery container 60B through the passage part 630b. Since the passage part 630b opens to the side of the exhaust cylinder 61b, the air containing unwanted materials swirls around the exhaust cylinder 61b. The unwanted materials D in the air fall due to their weight and are collected in a part of the recovery container 60B (deposited on the bottom surface of the lower part 62). The air is exhausted upward through the inside of the exhaust cylinder 61b.

[0055] A plurality of fins 61d are integrally formed on the peripheral surface of the exhaust cylinder 61b. The plurality of fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust cylinder 61b. Each fin 61d is inclined obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust cylinder 61b. By providing such fins 61d, the swirling of the air containing unwanted materials D around the exhaust cylinder 61b is promoted.

[0056] The lower part 62 shown in FIG. 4 is formed of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent container whose entire part is a transmitting part. Also, the lower part 62 is a part covered by the cover part 102 (FIG. 2). The manager and the consumers of beverages can visually recognize the unwanted materials D accumulated in the lower part 62 through the cover part 102 and the peripheral wall of the lower part 62. For the manager, it may be easy to confirm the cleaning timing of the lower part 62, and for the consumers of beverages, the fact that the unwanted materials D have been removed can be visually recognized, which may increase the expectation for the quality of the coffee beverage during production.

[0057] In this way, the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the first grinder 5A, and when the coarsely ground beans pass through the passage portion 630a, impurities are separated by the separating device 6. The coarsely ground beans from which impurities have been separated are finely ground by the second grinder 5B. The impurities separated by the separating device 6 are typically chaff and fine powder. These may reduce the taste of the coffee beverage, and by removing chaff and the like from the ground beans, the quality of the coffee beverage can be improved.

[0058] The grinding of the roasted coffee beans may be performed by a single grinder (one-stage grinding). However, by performing two-stage grinding using the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B, the particle size of the ground beans can be easily made uniform, and the extraction degree of the coffee liquid can be made constant. When grinding the beans, heat may be generated due to the friction between the cutter and the beans. By performing two-stage grinding, heat generation due to friction during grinding can be suppressed, and deterioration of the ground beans (for example, loss of flavor) can be prevented.

[0059] Also, by going through the steps of coarse grinding → separation of impurities → fine grinding, when separating impurities such as chaff, the mass difference between the impurities and the ground beans (necessary part) can be increased. This can improve the separation efficiency of the impurities and prevent the ground beans (necessary part) from being separated as impurities. In addition, by interposing a separation process of impurities using air suction between coarse grinding and fine grinding, heat generation of the ground beans can be suppressed by air cooling. Thereby, deterioration of the ground beans (for example, loss of flavor) can also be prevented.

[0060] <4. Drive Unit and Extraction Container> <4-1. Overview> The drive unit 8 and the extraction container 9 of the extraction device 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the drive unit 8 and the extraction container 9. Most of the drive unit 8 is surrounded by the main body portion 101.

[0061] The drive unit 8 is supported by the frame F. The frame F includes upper and lower beam portions F1, F2 and column portions F3 that support the beam portions F1, F2. The drive unit 8 is roughly divided into three units: an upper unit 8A, a middle unit 8B, and a lower unit 8C. The upper unit 8A is supported by the beam portion F1. The middle unit 8B is supported by the beam portion F1 and the column portion F3 between the beam portion F1 and the beam portion F2. The lower unit 8C is supported by the beam portion F2.

[0062] The extraction container 9 is a chamber including a container body 90 and a lid unit 91. The extraction container 9 may be referred to as the chamber CB. The middle unit 8B includes an arm member 820 that detachably holds the container body 90. The arm member 820 includes a holding member 820a and a pair of shaft members 820b spaced apart left and right. The holding member 820a is an elastic member such as resin formed in a C-shaped clip shape, and holds the container body 90 by its elastic force. The holding member 820a holds the left and right side portions of the container body 90, and the front side of the container body 90 is exposed. This makes it easier to visually recognize the inside of the container body 90 when viewed from the front.

[0063] The attachment and detachment of the container body 90 to and from the holding member 820a is performed manually. By pressing the container body 90 backward in the front-rear direction against the holding member 820a, the container body 90 is attached to the holding member 820a. Also, by pulling the container body 90 forward in the front-rear direction from the holding member 820a, the container body 90 can be separated from the holding member 820a.

[0064] The pair of shaft members 820b are each rods extending in the front-rear direction and are members that support the holding member 820a. Although the number of the shaft members 820b is two, it may be one or three or more. The holding member 820a is fixed to the front end portions of the pair of shaft members 820b. By a mechanism described later, the pair of shaft members 820b are advanced and retracted in the front-rear direction, whereby the holding member 820a is advanced and retracted back and forth, and a moving operation of translating the container body 90 in the front-rear direction can be performed. The middle unit 8B can also perform a rotating operation of inverting the extraction container 9 up and down, as will be described later.

[0065] <4-2. Extraction container> With reference to FIG. 6, the extraction container 9 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the closed state and the open state of the extraction container 9. As described above, the extraction container 9 is inverted up and down by the middle unit 8B. The extraction container 9 in FIG. 6 shows the basic posture in which the lid unit 91 is located on the upper side. When the vertical positional relationship is described in the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, it means the vertical positional relationship in the basic posture.

[0066] The container body 90 is a bottomed container and has a bottle shape having a neck portion 90b, a shoulder portion 90d, a body portion 90e, and a bottom portion 90f. At the end of the neck portion 90b (the upper end portion of the container body 90), a flange portion 90c is formed that defines an opening 90a communicating with the internal space of the container body 90.

[0067] Both the neck portion 90b and the body portion 90e have a cylindrical shape. The shoulder portion 90d is a portion between the neck portion 90b and the body portion 90e and has a tapered shape such that the cross-sectional area of its internal space gradually decreases from the body portion 90e side toward the neck portion 90b side.

[0068] The lid unit 91 is a unit that opens and closes the opening 90a. The opening and closing operation (lifting and lowering operation) of the lid unit 91 is performed by the upper unit 8A.

[0069] The container body 90 includes a main body member 900 and a bottom member 901. The main body member 900 is a cylindrical member that is open at the top and bottom and forms the neck portion 90b, the shoulder portion 90d, and the body portion 90e. The bottom member 901 is a member that forms the bottom portion 90f and is inserted and fixed to the lower part of the main body member 900. A seal member 902 is interposed between the main body member 900 and the bottom member 901 to improve the airtightness inside the container body 90.

[0070] The main body member 900 shown in FIG. 6 is formed of a material having translucency such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent container in which the whole is a transmission part. The administrator and the beverage demanders can visually recognize the extraction status of the coffee beverage in the container main body 90 through the cover part 102 and the main body member 900 of the container main body 90. For the administrator, it may be easy to confirm the extraction operation, and for the beverage demanders, they may be able to enjoy the extraction status.

[0071] A convex part 901c is provided at the center of the bottom member 901, and a communication hole for communicating the inside of the container main body 90 to the outside and a valve (the second valve 903 in FIG. 8) for opening and closing this communication hole are provided in this convex part 901c. The communication hole is used for discharging waste liquid and residues when cleaning the inside of the container main body 90. A seal member 908 is provided on the convex part 901c, and the seal member 908 is a member for maintaining airtightness between the upper unit 8A or the lower unit 8C and the bottom member 901.

[0072] The lid unit 91 includes a hat-shaped base member 911. The base member 911 has a convex part 911d and a flange part 911c that overlaps with the flange part 90c when closed. The convex part 911d has the same structure as the convex part 901c in the container main body 90, and a communication hole for communicating the inside of the container main body 90 to the outside and a valve (the first valve 913 in FIG. 8) for opening and closing this communication hole are provided. The communication hole in the convex part 911d is mainly used for injecting hot water into the container main body 90 and delivering the coffee beverage. A seal member 918a is provided on the convex part 911d. The seal member 918a is a member for maintaining airtightness between the upper unit 8A or the lower unit 8C and the base member 911. This seal member 918a will be further described later. The lid unit 91 is also provided with a seal member 919. The seal member 919 improves the airtightness between the lid unit 91 and the container main body 90 when the lid unit 91 is closed. A filter for filtration is held in the lid unit 91.

[0073] <4-3. Upper Unit and Lower Unit> The upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a partial configuration of the upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C, and FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 7.

[0074] The upper unit 8A includes an operation unit 81A. The operation unit 81A performs the opening / closing operation (lifting) of the lid unit 91 with respect to the container main body 90 and the opening / closing operation of the valves of the convex portions 901c and 911d. The operation unit 81A includes a support member 800, a first probe PB1, a lifting shaft 802, and a first pin 803.

[0075] The support member 800 is fixedly provided so that its relative position with respect to the frame F shown in FIG. 5 does not change, and houses the first probe PB1. The support member 800 also includes a communication portion 800a that communicates the inside of the support member 800 with the pipe L3. Hot water, tap water, and air pressure supplied from the pipe L3 shown in FIG. 3 are introduced into the support member 800 through the communication portion 800a.

[0076] The first probe PB1 is a member that can detachably hold the lid unit 91. The first probe PB1 has a space into which the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted, and has a holding portion 801 that defines this space. The holding portion 801 extends downward from the main body portion Ph1 so as to surround this space, and the tip portion is open. The holding portion 801 is provided with a mechanism for detachably holding the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901. This mechanism is, for example, a snap ring mechanism, which engages with a certain pressing force and is disengaged with a certain separating force. Hot water, tap water, and air pressure supplied from the pipe L3 can be supplied into the extraction container 9 through the communication portion 800a and the communication hole 801a provided in the main body portion Ph1. That is, the first probe PB1 is connected to the extraction container 9 and supplies liquid to the extraction container 9.

[0077] The first probe PB1 is also a movable member slidably provided in the vertical direction within the support member 800. The lifting shaft 802 is provided such that its axial direction is the vertical direction. The lifting shaft 802 penetrates airtightly through the top of the support member 800 in the vertical direction and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 800.

[0078] The lower end of the lifting shaft 802 is fixed by being screwed to the main body portion Ph1 of the first probe PB1. By the lifting of the lifting shaft 802, the first probe PB1 slides in the vertical direction, and the mounting and separation of the holding portion 801 to and from the convex portion 911d and the convex portion 901c can be performed. Also, the lid unit 91 can be opened and closed with respect to the container main body 90.

[0079] A screw 802a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lifting shaft 802. A nut 804b is screwed onto this screw 802a. The upper unit 8A includes a motor 804a, and the nut 804b is rotated in place (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 804a. The lifting shaft 802 moves up and down by the rotation of the nut 804b.

[0080] The lifting shaft 802 is a tubular shaft having a through hole in its central axis, and a first pin 803 is inserted into this through hole so as to be slidable up and down. The first pin 803 penetrates airtightly through the main body portion Ph1 of the first probe PB1 in the vertical direction and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 800 and the first probe PB1.

[0081] The first pin 803 is an operator for opening and closing the first valve 913 provided inside the convex portion 911d. By the lowering of the first pin 803, the first valve 913 is changed from the closed state to the open state, and by the raising of the first pin 803, the valve can be changed from the open state to the closed state (by the action of a return spring not shown). When the extraction container 9 is inverted, the first pin 803 becomes an operator for opening and closing the second valve 903 provided inside the convex portion 901c. By the lowering of the first pin 803, the second valve 903 is changed from the closed state to the open state, and by the raising of the first pin 803, the valve can be changed from the open state to the closed state (by the action of a return spring not shown).

[0082] A screw 803a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first pin 803. A nut 805b is screwed onto this screw 803a. The upper unit 8A includes a motor 805a, and the nut 805b is provided so as to rotate on the spot (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 805a. The first pin 803 moves up and down due to the rotation of the nut 805b.

[0083] The lower unit 8C includes an operation unit 81C. The operation unit 81C has a configuration in which the operation unit 81A is inverted up and down, and performs an opening / closing operation of the second valve 903 provided inside the convex portion 901c, or an opening / closing operation of the first valve 913 provided inside the convex portion 911d when the extraction container 9 is inverted. The operation unit 81C is also configured to be able to open and close the lid unit 91, but the operation unit 81C is not used for opening and closing the lid unit 91.

[0084] Hereinafter, although it is substantially the same as the description of the operation unit 81A, the operation unit 81C will be described. The operation unit 81C includes a support member 810, a second probe PB2, a lifting shaft 812, and a second pin 813.

[0085] The support member 810 is fixedly provided so that its relative position with respect to the frame F shown in FIG. 5 does not change, and houses the second probe PB2. The support member 810 also includes a communication portion 810a that communicates the switching valve 10a of the switching unit 10 with the inside of the support member 810. The coffee beverage, tap water, and ground bean residue in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a through the communication portion 810a.

[0086] The second probe PB2 is a member that can detachably hold the lid unit 91. The second probe PB2 has a cylindrical space into which the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted, and has a holding portion 811 that defines this space. The holding portion 811 extends upward from the main body portion Ph2 so as to surround this space, and the tip portion is open. The holding portion 811 is provided with a mechanism for detachably holding the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901. This mechanism is, for example, a snap ring mechanism, which engages with a certain pressing force and the engagement is released by a certain separating force. The coffee beverage, tap water, and ground bean residue in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a through the communication portion 810a and the communication hole 811a provided in the main body portion Ph2.

[0087] The second probe PB2 is also a movable member slidably provided in the vertical direction within the support member 810. The lifting shaft 812 is provided such that its axial direction is the vertical direction. The lifting shaft 812 penetrates the bottom of the support member 800 in an airtight manner in the vertical direction and is provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member 810.

[0088] The lower end portion of the lifting shaft 812 is fixed by being screwed to the main body portion Ph2 of the second probe PB2. By the lifting of the lifting shaft 812, the second probe PB2 slides in the vertical direction, and the second probe PB2 can be attached to and detached from the convex portion 901c and the convex portion 911d.

[0089] A screw 812a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lifting shaft 812. A nut 814b is screwed onto this screw 812a. The lower unit 8C includes a motor 814a, and the nut 814b is rotated in place (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 814a. The lifting shaft 812 moves up and down by the rotation of the nut 814b.

[0090] The lifting shaft 812 is a tubular shaft having a through hole in the central axis, and a second pin 813 is inserted into this through hole so as to be slidable up and down. The second pin 813 airtightly penetrates the bottom of the second probe PB2 in the vertical direction and is provided so as to be movable up and down with respect to the support member 810 and the second probe PB2.

[0091] The second pin 813 is an operator for opening and closing the second valve 903 provided inside the convex portion 901c. When the second pin 813 rises, the second valve 903 is changed from the closed state to the open state, and when the second pin 813 descends, the valve can be changed from the open state to the closed state (by the action of a return spring not shown). When the extraction container 9 is inverted, the second pin 813 becomes an operator for opening and closing the first valve 913 provided inside the convex portion 911d. When the second pin 813 rises, the first valve 913 is changed from the closed state to the open state, and when the second pin 813 descends, the valve can be changed from the open state to the closed state (by the action of a return spring not shown).

[0092] A screw 813a constituting a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second pin 813. A nut 815b is screwed onto this screw 813a. The lower unit 8C includes a motor 815a, and the nut 815b is provided so as to rotate on the spot (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 815a. The second pin 813 moves up and down by the rotation of the nut 815b.

[0093] <4-4. Middle unit> The middle unit 8B will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the middle unit 8B. The middle unit 8B includes a support unit 81B that supports the extraction container 9. The support unit 81B includes, in addition to the arm member 820 described above, a unit body 81B' that supports the lock mechanism 821.

[0094] The locking mechanism 821 is a mechanism that maintains the lid unit 91 in a closed state with respect to the container body 90. The locking mechanism 821 includes a pair of gripping members 821a that sandwich the flange portion 911c of the lid unit 91 and the flange portion 90c of the container body 90 vertically. The pair of gripping members 821a has a C-shaped cross-section that sandwiches and fits the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c, and is opened and closed in the left-right direction by the driving force of the motor 822. When the pair of gripping members 821a is in the closed state, as shown by the solid line in the enclosed view of FIG. 9, each gripping member 821a fits into and sandwiches the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c vertically, and the lid unit 91 is hermetically locked to the container body 90. In this locked state, even if the first probe PB1 is raised by the lifting shaft 802 to open the lid unit 91, the lid unit 91 does not move (the lock is not released). That is, the locking force by the locking mechanism 821 is set stronger than the force to open the lid unit 91 using the first probe PB1. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the lid unit 91 from being opened with respect to the container body 90 in the event of an abnormality.

[0095] Further, when the pair of gripping members 821a is in the open state, as shown by the broken line in the enclosed view of FIG. 9, the gripping members 821a are separated from the flange portion 911c and the flange portion 90c, and the lock between the lid unit 91 and the container body 90 is released.

[0096] When the first probe PB1 holds the lid unit 91 and the first probe PB1 is raised from the lowered position to the raised position, when the pair of gripping members 821a is in the open state, the lid unit 91 is separated from the container body 90. Conversely, when the pair of gripping members 821a is in the closed state, the engagement of the first probe PB1 with respect to the lid unit 91 is released, and only the first probe PB1 rises.

[0097] The middle unit 8B also includes a mechanism that horizontally moves the arm member 820 in the front-rear direction using the motor 823 as a drive source. As a result, the container body 90 supported by the arm member 820 can be moved between the rear extraction position (state ST1) and the front bean input position (state ST2). The bean input position is the position where ground beans are input into the container body 90, and the ground beans ground by the second grinder 5B are input from the delivery pipe 5C shown in FIG. 2 into the opening 90a of the container body 90 from which the lid unit 91 has been separated. In other words, the position of the delivery pipe 5C is above the container body 90 located at the bean input position.

[0098] The extraction position is the position where the container body 90 can be operated by the operation unit 81A and the operation unit 81C, is a position coaxial with the first pin 803 and the second pin 813, and is the position where coffee liquid is extracted. The extraction position is deeper than the bean input position. FIGS. 5, 7, and 8 all show the case where the container body 90 is at the extraction position. In this way, by changing the position of the container body 90 depending on the input of ground beans, the extraction of coffee liquid, and the supply of water, it is possible to prevent the steam generated during the extraction of coffee liquid from adhering to the delivery pipe 5C, which is the supply part of the ground beans.

[0099] The middle unit 8B also includes a mechanism that rotates the support unit 81B around the axis 825 in the front-rear direction using the motor 824 as a drive source. As a result, the posture of the container body 90 (extraction container 9) can be changed from the upright posture (state ST1) with the neck part 90b on the upper side to the inverted posture (state ST3) with the neck part 90b on the lower side. During the rotation of the extraction container 9, the lid unit 91 is maintained in a locked state on the container body 90 by the lock mechanism 821. The extraction container 9 is inverted up and down between the upright posture and the inverted posture. At the position of the convex part 901c in the upright posture, the convex part 911d is located in the inverted posture. Also, at the position of the convex part 911d in the upright posture, the convex part 901c is located in the inverted posture. For this reason, in the inverted posture, the operation unit 81A can perform the opening and closing operation on the second valve 903, and the operation unit 81C can perform the opening and closing operation on the first valve 913.

[0100] <5. Control Device> Referring to FIG. 10, the control device 11 of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the control device 11.

[0101] The control device 11 controls the entire beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. The control device 11 includes a processing unit 11a, a storage unit 11b, and an I / F (interface) unit 11c. The processing unit 11a is a processor such as a CPU, for example. The storage unit 11b is a RAM or a ROM, for example. The I / F unit 11c includes an input / output interface that performs input / output of signals between an external device and the processing unit 11a. The I / F unit 11c also includes a communication interface capable of data communication with a server 16 via a communication network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 can communicate with a portable terminal 17 such as a smartphone via the communication network 15, and can receive, for example, a reservation for beverage manufacturing or information such as impressions from the portable terminal 17 of a beverage consumer.

[0102] The processing unit 11a executes a program stored in the storage unit 11b, and controls the actuator group 14 based on an instruction from the information display device 12, a detection result of the sensor group 13, or an instruction from the server 16. The sensor group 13 is various sensors provided in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (for example, a hot water temperature sensor, a mechanism operation position detection sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.). The actuator group 14 is various actuators provided in the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 (for example, a motor, a solenoid valve, a heater, etc.).

[0103] <6. Example of Operation Control> An example of the control process of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 executed by the processing unit 11a will be described with reference to FIGS. 11(A) and (B). FIG. 11(A) shows an example of control (coffee beverage manufacturing process) related to one coffee beverage manufacturing operation. The state of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 before the manufacturing instruction is called the standby state. The states of the respective mechanisms in the standby state are as follows.

[0104] The extraction device 3 is in the state shown in Fig. 5. The extraction container 9 is in an upright posture and is located at the extraction position. The lock mechanism 821 is in a closed state, and the lid unit 91 closes the opening 90a of the container body 90. The first probe PB1 is in the lowered position and is attached to the convex portion 911d. The second probe PB2 is in the raised position and is attached to the convex portion 901c. The second valve 903 and the first valve 913 are in the closed state. The switching valve 10a connects the communication portion 810a of the operation unit 81C to the waste tank T.

[0105] In the standby state, when an instruction to manufacture a coffee beverage is given, the process shown in Fig. 11(A) is executed. In S1, a preheating process is executed. This process is to pour hot water into the container body 90 and preheat the container body 90 in advance. First, the second valve 903 and the first valve 913 are opened. Thereby, the pipe L3, the extraction container 9, and the waste tank T are in a communicating state.

[0106] The solenoid valve 72i is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 1500 msec) and then closed. Thereby, hot water is poured from the water tank 72 into the extraction container 9. Subsequently, the solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 500 msec) and then closed. Thereby, the air in the extraction container 9 is pressurized, and the discharge of hot water to the waste tank T is promoted. By the above processes, the inside of the extraction container 9 and the pipe L2 are preheated, and in the subsequent manufacture of the coffee beverage, it is possible to reduce the cooling of the hot water.

[0107] In S2, grinding processing is performed. Here, the roasted coffee beans are ground, and the ground beans are put into the container main body 90. First, the lock mechanism 821 is set to the open state, and the first probe PB1 rises to the ascending position. The lid unit 91 is held by the first probe PB1 and rises together with the first probe PB1. As a result, the lid unit 91 separates from the container main body 90. The second probe PB2 descends to the descending position. The container main body 90 is moved to the bean input position. Subsequently, the storage device 4 and the grinding device 5 are operated. Thereby, one cup of roasted coffee beans is supplied from the storage device 4 to the first grinder 5A. The roasted coffee beans are ground in two stages by the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B, and impurities are separated by the separation device 6. The ground beans are put into the container main body 90.

[0108] The container main body 90 is returned to the extraction position. The first probe PB1 descends to the descending position to attach the lid unit 91 to the container main body 90. The lock mechanism 821 is set to the closed state, and the lid unit 91 is airtightly locked to the container main body 90. The second probe PB2 rises to the ascending position. The second valve 903 is set to the closed state, and the first valve 913 is set to the open state.

[0109] In S3, extraction processing is performed. Here, coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans in the container main body 90. FIG. 11(B) is a flowchart of the extraction processing in S3.

[0110] In S41, in order to steam the ground beans in the extraction container 9, an amount of hot water less than one cup is injected into the extraction container 9. Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened and then closed for a predetermined time (for example, 500 milliseconds). Thereby, hot water is injected from the water tank 72 into the extraction container 9. Then, it waits for a predetermined time (for example, 5000 milliseconds) and ends the process of S41. By steaming the ground beans, the carbon dioxide gas contained in the ground beans can be released, and the subsequent extraction effect can be enhanced.

[0111] In S42, the remaining amount of hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 so that one cup of hot water is contained in the extraction container 9. Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened and then closed for a predetermined time (for example, 7000 msec). Thereby, hot water is poured from the water tank 72 into the extraction container 9.

[0112] By the process of S42, the inside of the extraction container 9 can be brought to a state where the temperature exceeds 100 degrees Celsius at 1 atmosphere (for example, about 110 degrees Celsius). Subsequently, in S43, the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized. Here, the solenoid valve 73b is opened and then closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 msec), and the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized to a pressure at which the hot water does not boil (for example, about 4 atmospheres (about 3 atmospheres in gauge pressure)). Thereafter, the first valve 913 is set to the closed state.

[0113] Subsequently, this state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 7000 msec) to perform immersion-type coffee liquid extraction (S44). Thereby, immersion-type extraction of coffee liquid is performed under high temperature and high pressure. In the immersion-type extraction under high temperature and high pressure, the following effects can be expected. First, by increasing the pressure, it becomes easier for hot water to penetrate into the ground coffee beans, and the extraction of coffee liquid can be promoted. Second, by increasing the temperature, the extraction of coffee liquid is promoted. Third, by increasing the temperature, the viscosity of the oil contained in the ground coffee beans decreases, and the extraction of oil is promoted. Thereby, a highly fragrant coffee beverage can be produced.

[0114] The temperature of the hot water (high-temperature water) only needs to exceed 100 degrees Celsius, but a higher temperature is more advantageous in terms of coffee liquid extraction. On the other hand, generally, increasing the temperature of the hot water increases the cost. Therefore, the temperature of the hot water may be, for example, 105 degrees Celsius or higher, or 110 degrees Celsius or higher, or 115 degrees Celsius or higher, and also, for example, 130 degrees Celsius or lower, or 120 degrees Celsius or lower. The pressure only needs to be a pressure at which the hot water does not boil.

[0115] In S45, the inside of the extraction container 9 is depressurized. Here, the air pressure inside the extraction container 9 is switched to the air pressure at which hot water boils. Specifically, the first valve 913 is opened, and the solenoid valve 73c is opened and then closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 milliseconds). The inside of the extraction container 9 is released to the atmosphere. Then, the first valve 913 is closed again.

[0116] The inside of the extraction container 9 is rapidly depressurized to a pressure lower than the boiling point pressure, and the hot water inside the extraction container 9 boils all at once. The hot water and the ground beans inside the extraction container 9 scatter explosively. As a result, the hot water can be boiled uniformly. Also, the destruction of the cell walls of the ground beans can be promoted, and the subsequent extraction of coffee liquid can be further promoted. Also, since the ground beans and the hot water can be stirred by this boiling, the extraction of coffee liquid can be promoted. In this way, the extraction efficiency of coffee liquid can be improved.

[0117] In S46, the extraction container 9 is inverted from the upright position to the inverted position. Here, the first probe PB1 is moved to the raised position and the second probe PB2 is moved to the lowered position. Then, the support unit 81B is rotated. After that, the first probe PB1 is returned to the lowered position and the second probe PB2 is returned to the raised position. In the extraction container 9 in the inverted position, the neck portion 90b and the lid unit 91 will be located on the lower side.

[0118] In S47, a permeation type coffee liquid extraction is performed and a coffee beverage is delivered to the cup C. Here, the switching valve 10a is switched to connect the pouring portion 10c and the passage portion 810a of the operation unit 81C. Also, both the second valve 903 and the first valve 913 are opened. Further, the solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 10000 milliseconds) to set the inside of the extraction container 9 to a predetermined air pressure (for example, 1.7 atmospheres (0.7 atmospheres in gauge pressure)). Inside the extraction container 9, the coffee beverage in which the coffee liquid has dissolved in the hot water passes through the filter provided in the lid unit 91 and is delivered to the cup C. The filter regulates the leakage of the residue of the ground beans. Thus, the extraction process is completed.

[0119] By using both the immersion extraction in S44 and the permeation extraction in S47, the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid can be improved. When the extraction container 9 is in the upright position, the ground coffee accumulates from the body part 90e to the bottom part 90f. On the other hand, when the extraction container 9 is in the inverted position, the ground coffee accumulates from the shoulder part 90d to the neck part 90b. The cross-sectional area of the body part 90e is larger than that of the neck part 90b, and the deposition thickness of the ground coffee in the inverted position is thicker than that in the upright position. That is, the ground coffee accumulates relatively thinly and widely when the extraction container 9 is in the upright position, and relatively thickly and narrowly when the extraction container 9 is in the inverted position.

[0120] Since the immersion extraction in S44 is performed with the extraction container 9 in the upright position, hot water and the ground coffee can be brought into contact over a wide range, improving the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid. However, in this case, hot water and the ground coffee tend to come into partial contact. On the other hand, since the permeation extraction in S47 is performed with the extraction container 9 in the inverted position, the hot water will pass through the accumulated ground coffee while coming into contact with more ground coffee. The hot water will come into contact with the ground coffee more evenly, further improving the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid.

[0121] Returning to Fig. 11(A), after the extraction process in S3, the discharge process in S4 is performed. Here, the process related to cleaning the extraction container 9 is carried out. The cleaning of the extraction container 9 is performed by returning the extraction container 9 from the inverted position to the upright position and supplying tap water (purified water) to the extraction container 9. Then, the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized, and the water inside the extraction container 9 is discharged to the waste tank T together with the residue of the ground coffee.

[0122] Thus, one cycle of the coffee beverage manufacturing process is completed. Thereafter, the same process is repeated for each manufacturing instruction. The time required for manufacturing one coffee beverage is, for example, about 60 to 90 seconds.

[0123] <7. Minor Parentheses Regarding the Device Configuration> As described above, the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 includes the bean processing apparatus 2 and the extraction apparatus 3 as the manufacturing unit. More specifically, the bean processing apparatus 2 includes the storage apparatus 4 and the grinding apparatus 5, and the extraction apparatus 3 includes the fluid supply unit 7, the drive unit 8, the extraction container 9, and the switching unit 10 (see FIGS. 2, 3, etc.). The grinding apparatus 5 receives one serving of roasted coffee beans from the storage apparatus 4 and performs two-stage bean grinding by the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B. At this time, impurities such as chaff are separated from the ground beans by the separating apparatus 6. After the ground beans are put into the extraction container 9, through pouring hot water into the extraction container 9 by the fluid supply unit 7, inverting the posture of the extraction container 9 by the drive unit 8, sending out the liquid from the extraction container 9 to the cup C by the switching unit 10, etc., one serving of beverage is provided.

[0124] A part of the above manufacturing unit is covered by a cover unit 102 configured as a transparent cover that is entirely a transmissive part, and is visible to the user (for example, the administrator of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, the consumer of the beverage, etc.) from the outside of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. Among the above manufacturing unit, a plurality of canisters 40 that are part of the storage apparatus 4 are exposed, and other elements are substantially housed in the housing 100, but all of the manufacturing unit may be housed in the housing 100. In other words, the cover unit 102 may be provided so as to cover at least a part of the manufacturing unit.

[0125] At least a part of the manufacturing unit is covered by the cover unit 102 so as to be visible from the outside of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1. For example, when the user is the administrator of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1, the administrator may be able to perform an operation check of the apparatus together with the preparation for manufacturing the beverage. When the user is the purchaser of the beverage, the purchaser may be able to wait for the completion of the manufacturing of the beverage while enhancing the anticipation for the beverage. For example, the extraction container 9 of the extraction apparatus 3 is visible from the outside of the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 through the cover unit 102, and the extraction process, which is of relatively high interest to the user among several processes for manufacturing the beverage, is observable. The drive unit 8 acts as a posture changing unit that changes the posture of the extraction container 9. As described above, the extraction container 9 is a movable part that can be turned upside down in the manufacturing unit. Therefore, the inversion operation of the extraction container 9 is relatively likely to attract the interest of the user, and by making this observable by the user, it may be possible to entertain the user.

[0126] Subsequently, the initial operation of the chamber CB including the container body 90 and the lid unit 91 when the power is turned on will be described.

[0127] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the initial operation process.

[0128] This initial operation process is executed by the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 10. When the power is turned on, steps Si1 to Si10 of the initial operation process shown in FIG. 12 are executed in sequence. Note that this initial operation process can be executed manually at any timing.

[0129] In step Si1, the chamber CB initial position return process is executed. The initial position state of the chamber CB is a state in which the communication portion 810a of the operation unit 81C shown in FIG. 8 is in communication with the waste tank T, and the chamber CB is in the extraction position among the extraction position and the bean input position. Also, in the initial position state of the chamber CB, both the first valve 913 and the second valve 903 are in the closed state, and the pair of gripping members 821a shown in FIG. 9 is in the closed state.

[0130] In step Si1, when each member is not in the above state, the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 10 drives various motors so that each member is in the above state, and uses various sensors to confirm that the above state has been restored. On the other hand, when the above state cannot be restored, an alarm is notified.

[0131] To outline the subsequent step Si2, if the second probe PB2 (see FIG. 8) that is connected to the inverted posture chamber CB and into which the coffee beverage from the chamber CB flows is not in a separated state from the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901 in the chamber CB in the upright posture here, it is once made into a separated state, and then the second probe PB2 is made into a connection completed state in which the connection with the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901 is completed. If it is in a separated state from the beginning, the second probe PB2 is made into a connection completed state using that separated state.

[0132] To further outline step Si3, if the first probe PB1 (see FIG. 8) that is connected to the chamber CB and supplies liquid to the chamber CB is not in a separated state from the convex portion 911d of the base member 911 of the lid unit, it is once made into a separated state, and then the first probe PB1 is made into a connection completed state in which the connection with the convex portion 911d of the lid unit is completed. If it is in a separated state from the beginning, the first probe PB1 is made into a connection completed state using that separated state.

[0133] Since step Si2 and step Si3 are similar processes with different target probes, the first probe connection completion process of step Si3 will be described in detail here.

[0134] FIG. 13(A) is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first probe in a separated state and the lid unit of the chamber at the center. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first probe connection completion process of step Si3 shown in FIG. 12.

[0135] In step Si3a shown in FIG. 14, if the first probe PB1 is not in the separated state, first, the first probe PB1 is set to the separated state. If the first probe PB1 is in the separated state, that separated state is utilized.

[0136] FIG. 13(A) shows a metal first probe PB1 having a cylindrical space 801s and a support member 800 that houses the first probe PB1. The support member 800 is provided with a communication portion 800a shown in FIG. 7, but it is not shown in this longitudinal sectional view. As shown in FIG. 13(A), a communication hole 801a connected from the communication portion 800a is provided at the main body end portion Ph1 of the first probe PB1. Further, in FIG. 13(A), the tip portion of a first pin 803 that is slidable up and down through the center of the main body portion Ph1 of the first probe PB1 is also shown. The first probe PB1 has a holding portion 801 that defines a space 801s into which the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 is inserted. The holding portion 801 extends downward from the main body portion Ph1 so as to surround this space 801s, and the tip side is open.

[0137] Also, FIG. 13(A) shows a chamber CB including a container main body 90 and a lid unit 91 in an upright posture. The lid unit 91 includes a hat-shaped base member 911. This base member 911 has a convex portion 911d and a flange portion 911c. FIG. 13(A) also shows a seal member 918a fitted into a support groove Sg provided on the side surface of the convex portion 911d. The side surface of the convex portion 911d is made of metal. The seal member 918a shown in FIG. 13(A) is an O-ring, but it is not limited to an O-ring. A detailed description of the seal member will be given later. Further, in FIG. 13(A), a supply path Sr formed inside the convex portion 911d is also shown. When the first probe PB1 is connected to the convex portion 911d, this supply path Sr is connected to the communication hole 801a of the first probe PB1.

[0138] Also, Fig. 13(A) shows the first valve 913. The first valve 913 opens and closes a communication port Cp (see Fig. 15(B)) that connects the supply path Sr and the inside of the container body 90. The first valve 913 is opened when pushed by the descending first pin 803, and returns to the closed state by the action of the return spring 913s when the first pin 803 ascends. The first valve 913 shown in Fig. 13(A) is in the closed state, and the supply path Sr and the inside of the container body 90 are blocked.

[0139] In Fig. 13(A), a part of the flange portion 90c, the neck portion 90b, and the shoulder portion 90d of the container body 90 are shown.

[0140] Furthermore, Fig. 13(A) also shows a pair of gripping members 821a that sandwich the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 911c of the lid unit 91 and the flange portion 90c of the container body 90 vertically.

[0141] Note that from Fig. 15 to Fig. 17, each component is illustrated in the same way as in Fig. 13(A).

[0142] In step Si3a shown in Fig. 14, the first probe PB1 in the separated state shown in Fig. 13(A) is set to the unconnected state.

[0143] As described above, due to the elevation of the elevating shaft 802 that elevates as the motor 804a shown in Fig. 7 rotates, the first probe PB1 can slide in the vertical direction. The processing unit 11a rotates the motor 804a forward to lower the first probe PB1 in the separated state and cover the convex portion 911d on the base member 911 of the lid unit 91 halfway. The unconnected state here means that although the first probe PB1 covers the convex portion 911d, the degree of covering is less than the connection in the connected state.

[0144] Fig. 13(B) is a longitudinal sectional view centered on the first probe in the unconnected state and the lid unit portion of the chamber after the execution of step Si3a.

[0145] As shown in Fig. 13(B), in the incomplete connection state, the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 of the first probe PB1 is in contact with the seal member 918a, but the tip surface 801t is separated from the flange portion 911c. Note that the tip 803t of the first pin 803 shown in Fig. 13(B) and the upper end 913t of the first valve 913 are separated, and the first valve 913 remains in the closed state.

[0146] In step Si3b shown in Fig. 14, the chamber internal pressure is checked. First, the processing unit 11a shown in Fig. 10 lowers the first pin 803 shown in Fig. 13(B), brings its tip 803t into contact with the upper end 913t of the first valve 913, and further lowers the first pin 803, so that the first valve 913 is opened. On the other hand, the second valve 903 shown in Fig. 8 is in the closed state shown in the figure. The control unit 11a opens the solenoid valve 73b (see Fig. 3), which is a chamber pressurizing valve, and pressurizes the inside of the container body 90 from the communication port Cp (see Fig. 15(B)) via the communication portion 800a → communication hole 801a → supply path Sr. The air pressure in the container body 90 is detected by the pressure sensor 73d shown in Fig. 3. When the processing unit 11a confirms that the value of the pressure sensor 73d has reached a predetermined pressure, the control unit 11a closes the solenoid valve 73b, which is a chamber pressurizing valve, and now opens the solenoid valve 73c (see Fig. 3), which is a chamber pressure release valve, to release the inside of the container body 90 to the atmosphere. When the value of the pressure sensor 73d does not reach the predetermined pressure, the processing unit 11a issues an alarm because an abnormality is suspected in the connection between the first probe PB1 and the lid unit 91. The chamber internal pressure check in this step Si3b is a preliminary check to prevent the tap water to be supplied in step Si3d described later from splashing.

[0147] Next, in step Si3c, the processing unit 11a raises the first pin 803, separates its tip 803t from the upper end 913t of the first valve 913, and further raises the first pin 803, so that the first valve 913 returns to the closed state by the action of the return spring 913s. On the other hand, the processing unit 11a also raises the second pin 813 shown in Fig. 8 and pushes up the second valve 903 with the second pin 813, so that the second valve 903 is opened.

[0148] When the processing of step Si3c is completed, the processing unit 11a opens the solenoid valve 73f (see FIG. 3), which is a chamber water supply valve (step Si3d), and closes the solenoid valve 73f after a predetermined time has elapsed (step Si3e).

[0149] FIG. 15(A) is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first probe and the lid unit portion of the chamber centered after the execution of step Si3e shown in FIG. 14.

[0150] The first probe PB1 shown in this FIG. 15(A) is in an unconnected state. Also, the first valve 913 is in a closed state.

[0151] When the solenoid valve 73f, which is a chamber water supply valve, is opened, tap water is supplied through the pipe L3 shown in FIG. 3, and the tap water flows into the first probe PB1 and the lid unit 91 from the communication portion 800a. In FIGS. 15 and 16, the tap water is represented in gray, and in FIG. 15(A), it is shown that the communication hole 801a and the supply path Sr are filled with tap water. Also, the tap water flows into the gap between the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 and the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 in the first probe PB1. The tap water that has flowed into this gap has flowed down to the seal member 918a. The inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 is in contact with the seal member 918a, and since watertightness is maintained between the two, the tap water does not flow any further and fills the space above the seal member 918a in the support groove Sg. Note that the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 may be a metal surface or a rubber surface.

[0152] In step Si3f following step Si3e shown in FIG. 14, the processing unit 11a opens the solenoid valve 73c (see FIG. 3), which is a chamber pressure release valve, and releases the inside of the pipes L3 and L1 shown in FIG. 3 to the atmosphere.

[0153] Subsequently, in step Si3g, the processing unit 11a lowers the first pin 803, brings the first pin 803 into contact with the first valve 913, and further lowers the first pin 803, thereby opening the first valve 913.

[0154] FIG. 15(B) is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first probe and the lid unit portion of the chamber centered after the step Si3g shown in FIG. 14 is executed.

[0155] The first pin 803 shown in FIG. 15(B) is lowered, and the first valve 913 is pushed by the first pin 803 and is in an open state. When the first valve 913 is opened, the communication port Cp connecting the supply path Sr and the inside of the container body 90 is opened, and the tap water stored in the communication hole 801a and the supply path Sr flows into the container body 90. In step Si3c, since the second valve 903 shown in FIG. 8 is opened, the tap water flowing into the container body 90 also flows out from the inside of the container body 90 and reaches the switching valve 10a shown in FIG. 3 through the communication hole 810a shown in FIG. 8. The switching valve 10a is in a state of switching the flow path to the waste tank T, and the tap water is discharged to the waste tank T. There is no tap water remaining in the communication hole 801a and the supply path Sr shown in FIG. 15(B), and there is no tap water remaining in the container body 90 either. However, tap water remains in the space above the seal member 918a in the support groove Sg from the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 to the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 in the first probe PB1.

[0156] In step Si3h following step Si3g shown in FIG. 14, the processing unit 11a raises the first pin 803, separates the first pin 803 from the first valve 913, and further raises the first pin 803, thereby causing the first valve 913 to return to the closed state by the action of the return spring 913s. In step Si3i, the solenoid valve 73c (see FIG. 3), which is a chamber pressure release valve, is closed. Next, in step Si3j, the second pin 813 is lowered, the second pin 813 is separated from the second valve 903, and further the second pin 813 is lowered, thereby causing the second valve 903 to return to the closed state by the action of a return spring (not shown).

[0157] Subsequently, the processing unit 11a temporarily separates the first probe PB1 that has been in an unconnected state until now (step Si3k). The processing unit 11a raises the first probe PB1 in an unconnected state by rotating the motor 804a shown in FIG. 7 in the reverse direction.

[0158] FIG. 16(A) is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first probe and the lid unit portion of the chamber at an intermediate stage of shifting the first probe in an unconnected state to a separated state.

[0159] The first pin 803 shown in FIG. 16(A) has risen, and the first valve 913 is in a closed state. The first probe PB1 has risen, and although the holding portion 801 covers the convex portion 911d, the tip surface 801t of the first probe PB1 is located above the seal member 918a. Tap water remaining in the space above the seal member 918a in the support groove Sg from the gap between the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d and the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 has started to flow down beyond the seal member 918a, and the seal member 918a has started to get wet.

[0160] FIG. 16(B) is a view showing the first probe that has been temporarily separated by the execution of step Si3k.

[0161] The first probe PB1 shown in FIG. 16(B) is located above the top surface 911t of the convex portion 911d and is in a separated state away from the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91. In the state shown in FIG. 16(B), all the remaining tap water has flowed down beyond the seal member 918a. As a result, the contact surface of the seal member 918a that comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface 801i in the subsequent connected state is wetted. Also, the portion of the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d below the support groove Sg is wetted by the flowing-down tap water.

[0162] Thus, when the contact surface of the seal member 918a or the like is wetted by the remaining tap water, the processing unit 11a changes the first probe PB1 in the separated state to the connection completed state (step Si3l). The processing unit 11a rotates the motor 804a shown in FIG. 7 in the forward direction to lower the first probe PB1 in the separated state until its tip surface 801t contacts the flange portion 911c.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 16(B), the first probe PB1 is once shifted to a separated state where it is positioned above the top surface 911t of the convex portion 911d. However, if the first probe PB1 is raised to a height where the tip surface 801t of the first probe PB1 shown in FIG. 16(A) is positioned above the seal member 918a, it is possible to wet the contact surface of the seal member 918a and the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d without raising it to the separated state.

[0164] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the first probe in the connection completed state after the execution of step Si3l.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 17, in the first probe PB1 in the connection completed state, its tip surface 801t is in contact with the flange portion 911c. Also, although the first valve 913 is in the closed state, it is in contact with the first pin 803. When shifting to the connection completed state, the processing unit 11a raises the first pin 803 and releases the first pin 803 upward so that the first pin 803 does not push the first valve 913.

[0166] In Fig. 17, the region surrounded by the two-dot chain line including the seal member 918a is schematically shown enlarged to the right. There should be no gap between the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 in the first probe PB1 and the contact surface Cs of the seal member 918a that contacts the inner peripheral surface 801i, but in the enlarged schematic view shown on the right, a gap is deliberately shown. Also, in the enlarged schematic view, the distance between the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 and the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d is exaggerated, and actually this distance is very small. In the enlarged schematic view, the wetted portion with tap water is shown in gray. It is shown that tap water is applied to the portions where tap water has flowed on the contact surface Cs of the seal member 918a and the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801. Also, since tap water also flows on the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d, it is shown that tap water is also applied to the side surface Ss. When the first probe PB1 is in a state of being completely connected to the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91, the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 and the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d become the connection site between the first probe PB1 and the chamber CB. The inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 and the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d are wetted by tap water and have good lubricity. In particular, a seal member 918a is provided on the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d, and the good lubricity of the portion of the contact surface Cs of the seal member 918a and the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 that contacts the contact surface Cs can reduce the possibility that the seal member 918a is rubbed and damaged during connection. As a result, the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 smoothly exceeds the seal member 918a, and the first probe PB1 is in a state of complete connection. Therefore, it is less likely that a connection failure occurs between the first probe PB1 and the lid unit 91.

[0167] As described above, in the present embodiment, tap water functions as a lubricating liquid. As the lubricating liquid supplied before the connection site between the first probe PB1 and the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 is in a state of complete connection, in addition to tap water, hot water or edible oil etc. may also be used.

[0168] When the execution of step Si3l is completed, the first probe connection completion process (step Si3) ends.

[0169] Subsequently, the particle size adjustment motor initialization process (step Si4) shown in FIG. 12 is executed. In this step Si4, an initialization process of a particle size adjustment motor (not shown) provided in the second granule inlet 5B is performed. Next, in step Si5, a process of checking the operation of the above-described bean passage switching motor (not shown) (bean passage switching motor check process) is performed. In the subsequent step Si6, a process of pressurizing or depressurizing the inside of the chamber CB (chamber pressure increase / decrease check process) is performed, and in step Si7, a process of discharging the remaining liquid in the chamber CB and the water tank 72 shown in FIG. 3 is performed. Next, in step Si8, a process of checking the rotation operation of inverting the top and bottom of the chamber CB (chamber operation check process) is performed. Thereafter, in step Si9, a pressure check process of checking the air pressure supplied from the reserve tank 71 shown in FIG. 3 is executed. Finally, in step Si10, a hot water passage check process of checking the water volume of the water tank 72, the operation confirmation of the heater 72a, and the water supply operation from the water tank is executed, and the initial operation process is completed.

[0170] Subsequently, a modification example of the connection completion process of the first probe PB1 described so far will be described.

[0171] FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing a modification example of the connection completion process of the first probe PB1. In this timing chart, the separated / connected state of the first probe PB1, the open / closed state of the electromagnetic valve 73f (see FIG. 3) which is a chamber water supply valve, the open / closed state of the first valve 913, the open / closed state of the second valve 903, and the open / closed state of the electromagnetic valve 73c (see FIG. 3) which is a chamber pressure release valve are shown. The connected state of the first probe PB1 means a state including both the uncompleted connection state and the completed connection state. Note that in the timing chart of the first probe PB1, parentheses are added so as to be able to distinguish whether it is in the uncompleted connection state or the completed connection state when it is in the connected state.

[0172] First, referring to FIG. 18(A), after changing the first probe PB1 from the separated state to the uncompleted connection state (step Si3a), the second pin 813 is raised, and the second valve 903 is pushed up by the second pin 813 to open the second valve 903 (step Si3c). Next, the electromagnetic valve 73f, which is the chamber water supply valve, is opened (step Si3d).

[0173] In the flowchart showing the flow of the connection completion process shown in FIG. 14, after that, the electromagnetic valve 73c, which is the chamber pressure release valve, is also opened (step Si3f). In the subsequent step Si3g, the first pin 803 is lowered to open the first valve 913. Opening the electromagnetic valve 73c first makes it easier to open the first valve 913.

[0174] In the modified example shown in FIG. 18(A), the opening timing of the electromagnetic valve 73c, which is the chamber pressure release valve, is the same as the timing of lowering the first pin 803 to open the first valve 913.

[0175] In the flowchart showing the flow of the connection completion process shown in FIG. 14, after that, the first pin 803 is raised to return the first valve 913 to the closed state (step Si3h). Then, the electromagnetic valve 73c (see FIG. 3), which is the chamber pressure release valve, is closed (step Si3i).

[0176] In the modified example shown in FIG. 18(A), the closing timing of the electromagnetic valve 73c, which is the chamber pressure release valve, is the same as the timing of raising the first pin 803 to close the first valve 913.

[0177] Next, the second pin 813 is lowered to also close the second valve 903 (step Si3j).

[0178] Then, the first probe PB1 is once separated from the unconnected state (step Si3k), and then connected after a predetermined time (e.g., 0.2 seconds) has elapsed (step Si3l). By separating it for even a short time, as shown in FIG. 16(B), tap water can flow down, and the contact surface of the seal member 918a with the inner peripheral surface 801i can be wetted. After wetting in this way, if it is left in the separated state for a long time, the wetted part will dry out. Therefore, the first probe PB1 is immediately brought into the connected state. As shown in FIG. 17, tap water is applied to the contact surface Cs of the seal member 918a and the part of the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 in the first probe PB1 that contacts the contact surface Cs, and the lubricity is improved. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 smoothly exceeds the seal member 918a, and the first probe PB1 is in the connected state. As a result, the connection failure between the first probe PB1 and the lid unit 91 is less likely to occur. When the first probe PB1 is in the connected state, the connected state is maintained.

[0179] In the modified example shown in FIG. 18(B), without storing tap water in the communication hole 801a and the supply path Sr (see FIG. 15(A)), the first valve 913 is opened and the water is allowed to flow through. That is, before opening the electromagnetic valve 73f, which is the chamber water supply valve, the first pin 803 is lowered and the first valve 913 is opened. Therefore, even when the electromagnetic valve 73f is opened and tap water is supplied, the tap water flows out from the communication port Cp shown in FIG. 15(B) through the communication hole 801a and the supply path Sr and into the container body 90. Even if the tap water thus flows out from the communication port Cp into the container body 90, as shown in FIG. 15(B), tap water remains in the space above the seal member 918a in the support groove Sg from the gap between the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 and the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801. Therefore, after that, by once separating the first probe PB1, the remaining tap water flows down, and the contact surface Cs of the seal member 918a with the inner peripheral surface 801i is wetted.

[0180] However, if the first valve 913 is initially kept open, due to differences in the momentum of the tap water flowing out from the communication port Cp or the like, the amount of tap water remaining in the space above the seal member 918a in the support groove Sg through the gap between the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 and the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 is likely to vary. As a result, when the first probe PB1 is once separated and wetted, variations are likely to occur in the range and degree of wetting. Therefore, it is preferable to initially close the first valve 913 and store tap water in the communication hole 801a and the supply path Sr as shown in FIG. 15(A).

[0181] Also, even if the first valve 913 is kept closed until the end without being opened and the first probe PB1 is once separated, the contact surface Cs of the seal member 918a with the inner peripheral surface 801i can be wetted. Moreover, in this case, the amount of tap water supplied to the contact surface Cs of the seal member 918a tends to be somewhat larger.

[0182] In addition, in the modified example shown in FIG. 18(B), similar to the modified example shown in FIG. 18(A), the closing timing of the solenoid valve 73c, which is the chamber pressure release valve, is the same as the timing for raising the first pin 803 and closing the first valve 913.

[0183] In the modified example shown in FIG. 18(C), similar to the modified example shown in FIG. 18(B), the first valve 913 is opened and water is allowed to flow without storing tap water in the communication hole 801a and the supply path Sr. And in the modified example shown in FIG. 18(C), before opening the solenoid valve 73c, which is the chamber pressure release valve, the first pin 803 is raised and the first valve 913 is closed. Therefore, the pressure inside the container body 90 does not escape, and only the pipes L3 and L1 shown in FIG. 3 are released to the atmosphere.

[0184] In any of the modified examples, when the first valve 913 is open, the second valve 903 is also open. When tap water is supplied, if the second valve 903 is closed, the pressure will not be released and the supplied tap water may spurt out. Therefore, it is preferable to keep the second valve 903 open while tap water is being supplied.

[0185] Next, another embodiment of the first probe PB1 and the chamber CB will be described. In the following description, the focus will be on the differences from the first probe PB1 and the chamber CB shown in FIG. 8, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted. Also, components with the same name as the components described so far will be described with the same reference numerals as those used so far.

[0186] FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another embodiment of the first probe and the chamber.

[0187] FIG. 19(A) shows the lid unit 91 of the chamber CB and a part of the container body 90.

[0188] The lid unit 91 includes a hat-shaped base member 911. In FIG. 19, the convex portion 911d and the flange portion 911c constituting the base member 911 are shown. A first valve 913 is provided at the central portion of the convex portion 911d shown in FIG. 19. Also, the support groove Sg shown in FIG. 8 is not provided on the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d shown in FIG. 19. Note that the side surface Ss may be a metal surface or a rubber surface.

[0189] Also, FIG. 19 shows the first probe PB1 in a separated state, the support member 800 that houses the first probe PB1, and the tip portion of the first pin 803 that is slidable up and down through the central portion of the main body portion Ph1 of the first probe PB1.

[0190] The inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 of the first probe PB1 shown in FIG. 19 is a metal surface, and a support groove 801g is provided on the inner peripheral surface 801i. A seal member 918a is fitted into the support groove 801g.

[0191] Even in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the same connection completion process as the one described with reference to FIG. 14 is performed. That is, the first valve 913 is initially closed, and as shown in FIG. 15(A), the first probe PB1 is in an unconnected state, and tap water is stored in the communication hole 801a and the supply path Sr. Then, the first valve 913 is opened to allow tap water to flow. Even after the tap water has finished flowing, tap water remains in the space above the seal member 918a in the support groove 801g from the gap between the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 and the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 in the first probe PB1.

[0192] FIG. 19(B) is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first probe and the lid unit portion of the chamber at an intermediate stage of shifting the first probe, which was in an unconnected state, to a separated state.

[0193] The first pin 803 shown in FIG. 19(B) has risen, and the first valve 913 is in a closed state. The first probe PB1 has risen, and although the holding portion 801 covers the convex portion 911d, the seal member 918a is located above the top surface 911t of the convex portion 911d. All of the tap water remaining in the space above the seal member 918a in the support groove 801g from the gap between the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d and the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 flows down beyond the seal member 918a. FIG. 19(B) shows the state of this tap water flowing down. As a result, the contact surface of the seal member 918a that contacts the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d in the subsequent connection completed state is wetted. Also, the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d is wetted by the tap water flowing down. The wetted parts have improved lubricity, and it is possible to reduce the seal member 918a from being rubbed and damaged during connection. As a result, even in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 19, it is less likely that a connection failure occurs between the first probe PB1 and the lid unit 91.

[0194] When the first probe PB1 reaches the connection completed state, it is possible to shift to the extraction operation of the coffee beverage. In the extraction operation, the processing unit 11a executes control to supply hot water for extracting the coffee beverage from the first probe PB1 to the chamber CB (extraction process shown in FIG. 11(B)).

[0195] Also in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the first probe PB1 is once shifted to a separated state located above the convex portion 911d. However, if the first probe PB1 is raised to a height at which the sealing member 918a is positioned above the top surface 911t of the convex portion 911d, as shown in FIG. 19(B), it is possible to wet the contact surface of the sealing member 918a and the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d without raising it to the separated state.

[0196] The above description was an example of the automatic mode in which, during the initial operation of the chamber CB when power is turned on, the processing unit 11a automatically wets the contact surface of the seal member 918a and the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91. However, it may also be wetted in the manual mode. For example, when performing maintenance on the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 or when performing cleaning, etc., the first probe PB1 is in a separated state. In these cases, on the information display device 12, a guidance display along the same connection completion process as the connection completion process described with reference to FIG. 14 is displayed. For example, on the touch panel type display screen of the information display device 12, along with the display of the OK button, it is guided to display the execution of the state transition process to the uncompleted connection state of step Si3a. When the OK button display is tapped, the processing unit 11a executes step Si3a. Next, it is guided to display the execution of the chamber internal pressure check process of step Si3b. When the OK button display is tapped, the processing unit 11a executes step Si3b. Further, it is guided to display the execution of the tap water storage process from step Si3c to step Si3e. When the OK button display is tapped, the processing unit 11a executes steps Si3c to Si3e. Subsequently, it is guided to display the execution of the tap water discharge process from step Si3f to step Si3a0. When the OK button display is tapped, the processing unit 11a executes steps Si3f to Si3j. Next, it is guided to display the execution of the wetting process of step Si3k. When the OK button display is tapped, the processing unit 11a executes step Si3k. Finally, it is guided to display the execution of the state transition process to the connection completed state of step S12. When the OK button display is tapped, the processing unit 11a executes step Si3l, sets the first probe PB1 to the connection completed state, and the manual mode ends. Note that the way of separating the processes in the manual mode is not limited to the description here. For example, it may be guided to display each step, and when the OK button display is tapped, the processing unit 11a may execute each step one by one.

[0197] Also, when attempting to perform the extraction operation without performing the above manual mode, since the first probe PB1 is in a separated state, before starting the extraction operation, the same connection completion process as the connection completion process described with reference to FIG. 14 is automatically executed by the processing unit 11a.

[0198] Furthermore, after the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 is powered on or after the previous extraction operation is completed, if the extraction operation is not performed for a predetermined time, the operation of preheating the chamber CB is performed. That is, when starting the preheating operation in the standby state, if the first probe PB1 is in the separated state, even before starting the preheating operation, the same connection completion process as the connection completion process described with reference to FIG. 14 is automatically executed by the processing unit 11a.

[0199] Note that the processing unit 11a can determine whether the first probe PB1 is in the separated state or the connection completion state based on the detection result of the sensor that detects the position of the first probe PB1. Alternatively, the electromagnetic valve 73b (see FIG. 3), which is a chamber pressure valve, can be opened to pressurize the inside of the container body 90, and the determination can be made according to the value of the pressure sensor 73d (also see FIG. 3).

[0200] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to the beverage manufacturing apparatus 1 equipped with both the bean processing apparatus 2 and the extraction apparatus 3, but also to an extraction apparatus not equipped with the bean processing apparatus 2. For example, in an extraction apparatus provided with an openable and closable cover member that covers the chamber CB, when a predetermined operation (for example, closing operation of the cover member) is performed, the same process as the connection completion process described with reference to FIG. 14 may be automatically executed by the processing unit 11a. Alternatively, before starting the extraction operation, the same process as the connection completion process described with reference to FIG. 14 may be automatically executed by the processing unit 11a without fail.

[0201] Subsequently, the seal member 918a will be described in detail.

[0202] The seal member 918a is an elastic member that closes the gap with an object (here, the first probe PB1) that performs a reciprocating motion, and seals the gap with the object by its elasticity.

[0203] As the material of the seal member 918a, a rubber material can be mentioned. However, considering its use in an extraction device for extracting beverage liquid, it is selected from the viewpoints of chemical resistance, compliance with the Food Sanitation Law, easy availability, heat-resistant temperature, taste impact, durability, moldability, etc. Further, more desirable performance includes slidability, which is contrary to the characteristics of the rubber material. It is preferable to ensure sealing performance and slidability at high temperatures, and further abrasion resistance. As an example, chloroprene rubber, butadiene rubber, urethane rubber, etc. can be mentioned, but preferably, high-performance fluororubber, fluororubber (FKM), silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), etc. can be mentioned.

[0204] Structurally, the seal member 918a is a ring-shaped member and may be a squeeze packing such as an X-ring, or a lip packing such as a U-packing or V-packing.

[0205] In the embodiments and modifications described so far, the seal member 918a was fitted into the support grooves Sg, 801g. That is, the seal member 918a was separate from the member (lid unit 91 or first probe PB1) provided with the support grooves Sg, 801g. However, it may be integral with the above member. For example, by molding the above member with a rubber material, integral molding becomes possible.

[0206] Also, in the embodiments and modifications described so far, the first probe PB1 moved with respect to the lid unit 91 while the chamber CB (lid unit 91) did not change its position. Conversely, the chamber CB (lid unit 91) may move with respect to the first probe PB1 while the first probe PB1 does not change its position. Alternatively, the first probe PB1 may approach and separate from the chamber CB (lid unit 91), and the chamber CB (lid unit 91) may also approach and separate from the first probe PB1.

[0207] Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described so far, the first probe PB1 (female) covered the lid unit 91 (male). Conversely, the lid unit 91 (female) may cover the first probe PB1 (male).

[0208] Also, in the embodiments and modifications described so far, the holding portion 801 of the first probe PB1 holds the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 by a snap-ring mechanism. However, the holding portion 801 or the convex portion 911d may rotate and hold when the holding portion 801 covers up to a predetermined position of the convex portion 911d. In this case, the connection is completed by rotation, and the state before rotation (the state of covering up to the predetermined position or the state of covering only up to before the predetermined position) becomes the state where the connection is not completed.

[0209] Also, in the embodiments and modifications described so far, the connection is between the first probe PB1 and the lid unit 91. However, since the chamber CB can be inverted to an upside-down posture, the present invention can also be applied to the connection between the second probe PB2 and the lid unit 91. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, since the sealing member 908 is also provided on the convex portion 901c of the bottom member 901, the present invention can also be applied to the connection between the second probe PB2 and the bottom member 901.

[0210] According to the above description, An extraction device [for example, the beverage manufacturing device 1 or the extraction device] that executes an extraction operation for extracting a beverage liquid [for example, coffee beverage] from an extraction target [for example, ground beans obtained by grinding roasted coffee beans], A container [for example, the chamber CB] that houses the extraction target, A supply unit [for example, the first probe PB1] that is connected to the container and supplies liquid to the container, A control unit [for example, the processing unit 11a that executes the extraction process shown in FIG. 11(B)] that establishes a connection completed state [for example, the state of the first probe PB1 and the chamber CB shown in FIG. 17] in which the connection between the container and the supply unit is completed, and in the connection completed state, executes control to supply liquid for extracting the beverage liquid from the supply unit to the container, and includes. Before establishing the connection completion state, the control unit executes control to supply a lubricating liquid [e.g., tap water] for lubricating the connection part between the container and the supply unit [e.g., the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding part 801, the side surface Ss of the convex part 911d] to the connection part by the supply unit [e.g., the control of steps Si3d to Si3k in the connection completion process shown in FIG. 14 automatically executed by the processing unit 11a or the control of steps Si3d to Si3k according to the manual mode during maintenance, etc.], and then establishes the connection completion state [e.g., executes step Si3l]. The extraction device is characterized by this. has been described.

[0211] Also, The rubber member [e.g., the seal member 918a shown in FIG. 13] is provided at least at the connection part of the container [e.g., the side surface Ss of the convex part 911d in the lid unit 91], The control unit executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit, and applies [e.g., allows to flow down and wet] the lubricating liquid to the contact surface [e.g., the contact surface Cs shown in FIG. 17] of the rubber member that comes into contact with the supply unit. The extraction device is characterized by this. has also been described.

[0212] Also, The control unit executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit, and applies [e.g., allows to flow down and wet] the lubricating liquid to the contact surface [e.g., the part of the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding part 801 that contacts the contact surface Cs] of the supply unit that comes into contact with the rubber member. The extraction device is characterized by this. has also been described.

[0213] Also, The control unit The states of the container and the supply unit can be shifted to any one of the following states: a connected state, a non-connected state where the container and the supply unit are connected but the connected state is not established [for example, the state of the first probe PB1 and the chamber CB shown in FIG. 13(B)], and a separated state where the container and the supply unit are separated [for example, the state of the first probe PB1 and the chamber CB shown in FIG. 13(A)]. Control is executed to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit in the non-connected state [for example, the control in step Si3d] [for example, FIG. 15(A)]. By shifting from the non-connected state to the separated state [for example, step Si3k], the lubricating liquid is applied to the contact surface of the rubber member and the contact surface of the supply unit [for example, FIG. 16(B)]. Then, it is shifted to the connected state [for example, step Si3l] [for example, FIG. 17]. The extraction device is characterized by this. has also been described.

[0214] Also, The container has a valve [for example, the first valve 913] that is opened and closed by the control unit. In a state where the valve is closed, a filling space [for example, the supply path Sr] is formed on the side connected to the supply unit. In the non-connected state, a gap [for example, the gap between the side surface Ss of the convex portion 911d of the lid unit 91 and the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding portion 801 in the first probe PB1] is formed between the container and the supply unit. The control unit Execute control to supply the lubricating liquid by the supply unit with the valve closed in the connection incomplete state [for example, the control of step Si3d], store the lubricating liquid in the filling space and also store the lubricating liquid in the gap [for example, Fig. 15(A)], and then [for example, Fig. 15(B)] while maintaining the connection incomplete state, open the valve to discharge the lubricating liquid from the filling space [for example, step Si3g], while leaving the lubricating liquid stored in the gap, and then shift from the connection incomplete state to the separated state [for example, step Si3k], thereby applying the lubricating liquid stored in the gap to the contact surface of the rubber member and the contact surface of the supply unit [for example, Figs. 16(A) and 16(B)], and then shift from the separated state to the connection complete state [for example, step Si3l] [for example, Fig. 17]. An extraction device characterized by this. has also been described.

[0215] Also, 'Having a rubber member [for example, the seal member 918a shown in Fig. 19] at least at the connection part of the supply unit [for example, the inner peripheral surface 801i of the holding part 801 in the first probe PB1], The control unit executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit, and applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the rubber member in contact with the container [for example, flowing down and wetting]. An extraction device characterized by this. has also been described.

[0216] Also, 'The control unit executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit, and applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the container in contact with the rubber member [for example, the part of the side surface Ss of the convex part 911d in the lid unit 91 that contacts the contact surface of the seal member 918a] [for example, flowing down and wetting]. An extraction device characterized by this. has also been described.

[0217] Also, "The control unit is capable of shifting the states of the container and the supply unit to any one of a connection-completed state, a connection-incomplete state in which the container and the supply unit are connected but the connection-completed state is not established, and a separated state in which the container and the supply unit are separated [e.g., the state of the first probe PB1 and the chamber CB shown in FIG. 19(A)], executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit in the connection-incomplete state [e.g., the control in step Si3d], and shifts from the connection-incomplete state to the separated state [e.g., step Si3k] to apply the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the rubber member and the contact surface of the container [e.g., FIG. 19(B)], and then shifts to the connection-completed state [e.g., step Si3l]. An extraction device characterized by this." has also been described.

[0218] Also, "The container is one in which the inside is pressurized through the connected supply unit [e.g., opening the solenoid valve 73b shown in FIG. 3], the control unit acquires the internal pressure value [e.g., the value of the pressure sensor 73d shown in FIG. 3], and makes it at least one condition that the acquired pressure value is less than a predetermined threshold value [e.g., the detection result of the sensor for detecting the position of the first probe PB1 may also be used], and determines that the container and the supply unit are in a state of not being connected [e.g., step Si3b]. An extraction device characterized by this." has also been described.

[0219] In addition, the control unit may notify an abnormality when it determines that the container and the supply unit are in a state of not being connected.

[0220] Further, the control unit may determine that the container and the supply unit are in a connected state on the condition that at least one of the acquired pressure values is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value [for example, the value of the pressure sensor 73d shown in FIG. 3 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value and the detection result of the sensor for detecting the position of the first probe PB1 is the result at the connection position].

[0221] Also, "The control unit executes a series of operations, The series of operations is to supply the lubricating liquid by the supply unit with the valve closed in the unconnected state, store the lubricating liquid in the filling space and also store the lubricating liquid in the gap, and then open the valve while maintaining the unconnected state to discharge the lubricating liquid from the filling space, while keeping the lubricating liquid stored in the gap, and then, by shifting from the unconnected state to the separated state, apply the lubricating liquid stored in the gap to the contact surface of the rubber member and the contact surface of the supply unit, and then the operation of shifting from the separated state to the connected state [for example, the operation performed according to the connection completion process shown in FIG. 14], When the control unit executes the first control for automatically and continuously performing the series of operations [for example, automatic mode], and when the series of operations is divided into a plurality of steps and the second control for performing one step at a time each time a manual start instruction is input [for example, when the OK button display is tapped] [for example, manual mode], the extraction device is characterized by this." has also been described.

[0222] Also, "Equipped with a power switch, The control unit causes a predetermined initial operation to be performed when the power switch is turned on, Among the initial operations, the series of operations is included [for example, the connection completion process shown in FIG. 14 in the initial operation], the extraction device is characterized by this." has also been described.

[0223] Also, "The control unit starts the extraction operation if it is in the connected state, and starts the extraction operation after performing the series of operations if it is in the separated state. An extraction device characterized by this." was also described.

[0224] Also, "The control unit starts a preheating operation to supply hot water from the supply unit to the container when a predetermined condition [for example, after power-on or after the previous extraction operation, a condition where the extraction operation has not been performed for a predetermined time] is satisfied in a state where the extraction operation is not being performed, and starts the preheating operation if it is in the connected state when starting the preheating operation, and starts the preheating operation after performing the series of operations if it is in the separated state. An extraction device characterized by this." was also described.

[0225] The present invention is not limited to the several aspects and examples shown above, and these contents can be combined with each other without departing from the gist of the present invention, and may be partially modified according to the purpose and the like. Also, each individual term described in this specification is only used for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the strict meaning of the term, and may include its equivalents. For example, expressions such as "device" and "part" may be interchangeable with "unit", "module", etc.

Explanation of Signs

[0226] 1 Beverage manufacturing device 2 Bean processing device 3 Extraction device 4 Storage device 5 Grinding device 6 Separation device 73b Solenoid valve (chamber pressure valve) 73d Pressure sensor 73f electromagnetic valve (chamber water supply valve) CB chamber 90 container body 91 lid unit 911 base member 911d convex part 911c flange part Sr supply path Ss side surface Sg support groove 913 first valve Cp communication port 918a sealing member Cs contact surface 800 support member PB1 first probe Ph1 main body part 801a communication hole 801 holding part 801i inner peripheral surface 801t tip surface 11 control device 11a processing part 12 information display device

Claims

1. An extraction device that performs an extraction operation to extract a beverage liquid from an extraction target, comprising: a container for accommodating the extraction target; a supply unit connected to the container for supplying liquid to the container; a control unit that establishes a connection completion state in which the connection between the container and the supply unit is completed, and in the connection completion state, executes control to supply a liquid for extracting the beverage liquid from the supply unit to the container; wherein the control unit executes control to supply a lubricating liquid for lubricating the connection portion between the container and the supply unit by the supply unit to the connection portion before establishing the connection completion state, and then establishes the connection completion state. The extraction device is characterized by this.

2. The extraction device according to Claim 1, having a rubber member at least at the connection portion of the container, wherein the control unit executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection portion by the supply unit, and applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the rubber member that contacts the supply unit. The extraction device is characterized by this.

3. The extraction device according to Claim 2, wherein the control unit executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection portion by the supply unit, and applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the supply unit that contacts the rubber member. The extraction device is characterized by this.

4. The extraction device according to Claim 3, wherein the control unit can shift the states of the container and the supply unit to any one of a connection completion state, a connection incomplete state in which the container and the supply unit are connected but the connection completion state is not established, and a separation state in which the container and the supply unit are separated, executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection portion by the supply unit in the connection incomplete state, applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the rubber member and the contact surface of the supply unit by shifting from the connection incomplete state to the separation state, and then shifts to the connection completion state. The extraction device is characterized by this.

5. The extraction device according to Claim 4, wherein the container has a valve that is controlled to open and close by the control unit, and a filling space is formed on the side connected to the supply unit when the valve is closed, a gap is formed between the container and the supply unit in the connection incomplete state, wherein the control unit Execute control to supply the lubricating liquid by the supply unit with the valve closed in the connection-incomplete state, store the lubricating liquid in the filling space and also store the lubricating liquid in the gap, and then open the valve while maintaining the connection-incomplete state to discharge the lubricating liquid from the filling space. Keep the lubricating liquid stored in the gap, and then shift from the connection-incomplete state to the separated state, so as to apply the lubricating liquid stored in the gap to the contact surface of the rubber member and the contact surface of the supply unit. After that, shift from the separated state to the connection-complete state. An extraction device characterized by this.

6. The extraction device according to claim 1, having a rubber member at least at the connection part of the supply unit, The control unit executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit, and applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the rubber member that contacts the container. An extraction device characterized by this.

7. The extraction device according to claim 6, The control unit executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit, and applies the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the container that contacts the rubber member. An extraction device characterized by this.

8. The extraction device according to claim 7, The control unit is capable of shifting the state of the container and the supply unit to any one of the connection-complete state, the connection-incomplete state where the container and the supply unit are connected but the connection-complete state is not established, and the separated state where the container and the supply unit are separated, executes control to supply the lubricating liquid to the connection part by the supply unit in the connection-incomplete state, shifts from the connection-incomplete state to the separated state to apply the lubricating liquid to the contact surface of the rubber member and the contact surface of the container, and then shifts to the connection-complete state. An extraction device characterized by this.

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