coffee machine

Abstract

To provide a coffee machine which includes grinders for grinding coffee beans, and has characteristics in handling of any abnormality.SOLUTION: A coffee machine includes: a first grinder 5A having a grinding part 58a; a second grinder 5B which is arranged below the first grinder 5A and grinds beans more finely than the first grinder 5A; and a control device 11a. When a determination device determines that the grinding part 58a is in an abnormal condition and a reverse rotation switch is operated by a user, the control device 11a can make the grinding part 58a perform rotation operation reverse to a predetermined rotation operation. In the first grinder 5A, the grinding part 58a may become abnormal due to a hard material (stone, denatured coffee beans); the grinding part 58a performs a reverse rotation operation to cause the hard material to fall from the first grinder 5A into the second grinder 5B, and the hard material can be removed from the second grinder 5B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coffee machine equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans. [Background technology]

[0002] Coffee bean grinders for grinding coffee beans have been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). The coffee bean grinder proposed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a coffee bean grinding device (grinder) and a coffee beverage extraction device. Coffee bean grinders equipped with only a grinder are also known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-30433 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional coffee machines have room for improvement in how they respond when an abnormality occurs.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a coffee machine that has a distinctive response when an abnormality occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The coffee machine of the present invention, which achieves the above object, comprises: The first grinder grinds the coffee beans, The aforementioned The first grinder is disposed below the first grinder. A second grinder that grinds coffee finer than the first, A coffee machine comprising: The first grinder comprises: a motor, and A cutting part that can rotate in a predetermined direction and and By monitoring the current value flowing through the motor,a determination device that determines whether the grinding unit is in an abnormal state where it cannot perform normal rotation; a control device that controls the first grinder; a user-operable reverse rotation switch; Equipped with When the determination device determines that the sawing portion is in the abnormal state, and the user operates the reverse rotation switch, the control device performs a rotation operation in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotation operation. By the motor The grinding unit can perform the grinding operation. The second grinder , th The apparatus includes a first crushing unit and a second crushing unit provided below the first crushing unit and facing the first crushing unit, and a crushing force is applied between the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit. ground by the first grinder It grinds coffee beans, The first grinder may be in the abnormal state due to a hard object in the grinding portion. ,before The cutting part rotates in the opposite direction. Applicable hard object of Falling into the second grinder It is what makes The aforementioned The second grinder is configured to perform maintenance on the hard object that has reached the second grinder. Can be removed What is considered to be a The present invention is characterized in that:

[0007] In addition, in the above coffee machine, an alarm device that notifies a user that the grinding unit is in the abnormal state; a storage device capable of storing information indicating that the cutting portion is in an abnormal state when the determination device determines that the cutting portion is in the abnormal state; Equipped with It may be characterized in that: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coffee machine that has a distinctive response when an abnormality occurs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a beverage production device 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the beverage preparation device 1. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of the functions of the beverage production device 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a separation device 6. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drive unit 8 and an extraction container 9. [Figure 6] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the extraction container 9 in a closed state and an open state. [Figure 7] 10 is a front view showing the configuration of a portion of an upper unit 8A and a lower unit 8C. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a central unit 8B. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device 11. [Figure 11] (A) is a flowchart of the control process related to one coffee beverage preparation operation, and (B) is a flowchart of the extraction process in S3. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the crushing device 5. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the crushing device 5 shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a separation device 6. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a forming unit 6B. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of a forming unit 6B. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the forming unit 6B, illustrating a comparison of cross-sectional areas. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a coffee bean grinder. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device for a coffee bean grinder. [Figure 20] (a) is a diagram showing a coffee bean grinder GM in which a hopper unit 402 is installed instead of the canister storage unit 401 shown in Figure 18, and (b) is a diagram showing a coffee bean grinder GM in which a funnel unit 403 is installed. [Figure 21]10(a) is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a weighing unit 404 is attached to an option attachment section GM11, and FIG. 10(b) is a perspective view showing an electric screw conveyor ESC. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are views showing several aspects of a cover member 460 arranged at a downstream end opening 4042o of a conveying passage 4042. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing yet another embodiment of a covering member 460. [Figure 24] (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the lid unit GM21 that opens and closes the bean outlet GM20 provided in the center casing GM10 of the coffee bean grinder GM is closed, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the lid unit GM21 is open. [Figure 25] 1 is a diagram showing the main components of the grinding device 5 built into the coffee bean grinder GM with the guide path forming member GM22 facing forward. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first grinder 5A. [Figure 27] 20 is a flowchart showing the grinding process of the first grinder 5A, which is executed by the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 28] 1(a) is a diagram showing the separation device 6, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing the state in which the outer peripheral wall 61a of the upper portion 61 of the collection container 60B has been removed. [Figure 29] (a) is an oblique view of the separation device 6 with the outer case 60Bo removed, viewed from diagonally below, and (b) is a view showing the positional relationship between the outer case 60Bo and the inner case 60Bi by looking through the outer case 60Bo. [Figure 30] 29, (a) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of phenomena such as air flow within the separation device shown in FIG. 29, and (b) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of phenomena such as air flow within the separation device of a modified example. [Figure 31] 26 is a diagram in which the manual setting disk dial 695 shown in FIG. 25 has been removed, allowing the entire connecting duct 661 to be seen. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a second grinder 5B. [Figure 33]10 is a flowchart showing a calibration process executed in an initial operation. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a calibration process in stages. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second grinder 5B in a grinding process. [Figure 36] 6A is a diagram showing the manual setting disk dial 695 and the fine adjustment knob dial 696 together with the second motor 503a, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the connecting dial 697 and the rotation axis 6961 of the fine adjustment knob dial 696 with the manual setting disk dial 695 and the second motor 503a removed. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart showing a control process of a processing unit 11a in a grinding process. [Figure 38] 10 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by a processing unit 11a when grinding is performed in accordance with order information. [Figure 39] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the server 16. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for order information. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen in which order information has been input. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how order information is input. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state when order information is changed. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of control parameters of the second grinder 5B for an order. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display during execution of a grinding process. [Figure 46](a) is a diagram showing an example of a porta filter used when making an espresso drink, (b) is a diagram showing how the handle PFh is held and the basket PFb held in the holding part PFr is placed on the chute GM31 of the coffee bean grinder, and (c) is a diagram showing the state in which ground beans that have been ground in a manner that changes from fine to coarse grinds are packed into the basket PFb and then leveled and tamped. [Figure 47] 25A is a perspective view showing a rotary blade 58a constituting the first grinder 5A alone, and FIG. 25B is a view showing a modified example of the crushing device 5 shown in FIG. 25 and the like. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <1. Overview of beverage production equipment> FIG. 1 is an external view of a beverage production apparatus 1. The beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that automatically produces a coffee beverage from roasted coffee beans and liquid (water in this case), and is capable of producing one cup's worth of coffee beverage per production operation. The raw material, roasted coffee beans, can be stored in a canister 40. A cup placement section 110 is provided at the bottom of the beverage production apparatus 1, and the produced coffee beverage is poured into the cup from a pouring section 10c.

[0012] The beverage production device 1 includes a housing 100 that forms the exterior of the device and encloses the internal mechanism. The housing 100 is broadly divided into a main body 101 and a cover 102 that covers part of the front and side of the beverage production device 1. The cover 102 is provided with an information display device 12. The information display device 12 shown in FIG. 1 is a touch panel display that is capable of displaying various types of information and also accepting input from the device manager and beverage consumers. The information display device 12 is attached to the cover 102 via a movement mechanism 12a, and can be moved up and down within a certain range by the movement mechanism 12a.

[0013] The cover portion 102 is also provided with a bean insertion port 103 and an opening / closing door 103a for opening and closing the bean insertion port 103. By opening the opening / closing door 103a, it is possible to insert roasted coffee beans other than the roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40 into the bean insertion port 103. This makes it possible to provide a special cup of coffee to the beverage consumer.

[0014] The cover 102 shown in Fig. 1 is made of a translucent material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent cover whose entirety is translucent. This allows the mechanism inside the cover 102 to be seen from the outside. In the beverage preparation device 1 shown in Fig. 1, a portion of the preparation unit that prepares a coffee beverage can be seen through the cover 102. The main body 101 shown in Fig. 1 is made entirely of a non-translucent material, making it difficult to see inside from the outside.

[0015] 2 is a partial front view of the beverage production machine 1, showing a part of the production unit that is visible to the user when viewed from the front of the beverage production machine 1. The cover unit 102 and the information display device 12 are shown in phantom lines.

[0016] The housing 100 at the front of the beverage production device 1 has a double structure consisting of a main body 101 and an outer (front) cover 102. Some of the mechanisms of the production unit are arranged between the main body 101 and the cover 102 in the front-to-rear direction, and can be seen by the user through the cover 102.

[0017] Some of the mechanisms of the manufacturing unit that can be seen by the user through the cover 102 include the collecting and conveying unit 42, the first grinder 5A, the second grinder 5B, the separating device 6, and the extraction container 9. A rectangular recess 101a recessed toward the back is formed in the front of the main body 101, and the extraction container 9 and the like are located at the back of this recess 101a.

[0018] By making these mechanisms visible from the outside through the cover portion 102, it may be easier for the manager to inspect and check the operation. Also, it may be possible for the beverage consumer to enjoy the process of making a coffee beverage.

[0019] The cover 102 is supported at its right end on the main body 101 via a hinge 102a so that it can be opened and closed sideways. The left end of the cover 102 is provided with an engagement part 102b that keeps the main body 101 and the cover 102 closed. The engagement part 102b is, for example, a combination of a magnet and iron. By opening the cover 102, an administrator can inspect part of the manufacturing section inside.

[0020] 1 is a horizontally opening type, it may be a vertically opening type (vertically opening type) or a sliding type. Also, the cover 102 may be configured not to be openable or closable.

[0021] 3 is a schematic diagram of the functions of the beverage preparation apparatus 1. The beverage preparation apparatus 1 includes a bean processing device 2 and an extraction device 3 as a coffee beverage preparation section.

[0022] The bean processing device 2 produces ground coffee 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 ), an extraction container 9, and a switching unit 10. The ground beans supplied from the bean processing device 2 are poured into the extraction container 9. The fluid supply unit 7 pours 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 delivered to a cup C as a coffee beverage via the switching unit 10.

[0023] <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 inside the extraction container 9. In this specification, when air pressure is exemplified numerically, it means absolute pressure unless otherwise specified, and gauge pressure is air pressure with atmospheric pressure defined as 0 atmospheres. Atmospheric pressure refers to the air pressure around the extraction container 9 or the air pressure inside the beverage production device 1. For example, if the beverage production device 1 is installed at a location 0 meters above sea level, the atmospheric pressure is the reference air pressure (1013.25 hPa) at 0 meters above sea level of the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1976.

[0024] The fluid supply unit 7 includes pipes L1 to L3. The pipe L1 is a pipe through which air flows, the pipe L2 is a pipe through which water flows, and the pipe L3 is a pipe through which both air and water can flow.

[0025] The fluid supply unit 7 includes a compressor 70 as a pressurized source. The compressor 70 compresses and sends out atmospheric air. The compressor 70 is driven, for example, by a motor (not shown) as a drive source. The compressed air sent out from the compressor 70 is supplied to a reserve tank (accumulator) 71 via a check valve 71a. The air pressure inside the reserve tank 71 is monitored by a pressure sensor 71b, and the compressor 70 is driven to maintain a predetermined air pressure (for example, 7 atmospheres (6 atmospheres gauge pressure)). The reserve tank 71 is provided with a drain 71c for draining water, which allows water produced by the compression of the air to be drained.

[0026] Hot water (water) for making a coffee beverage is stored in the water tank 72. The water tank 72 is provided with a heater 72a that heats the water in the water tank 72 and a temperature sensor 72b that measures the temperature of the water. The heater 72a maintains the temperature of the stored hot water at a predetermined temperature (for example, 120 degrees Celsius) based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 72b. For example, the heater 72a is turned ON when the temperature of the hot water is 118 degrees Celsius and turned OFF when it is 120 degrees Celsius.

[0027] The water tank 72 is also provided with a water level sensor 72c. The water level sensor 72c detects the level of hot water in the water tank 72. When the water level sensor 72c detects that the water level has dropped below a predetermined level, water is supplied to the water tank 72. The water tank 72 shown in FIG. 3 is supplied with tap water via a water purifier (not shown). A solenoid valve 72d is provided in the pipe L2 from the water purifier. When the water level sensor 72c detects a drop in the water level, the solenoid valve 72d opens to supply water, and when the predetermined water level is reached, the solenoid valve 72d closes to cut off the supply of water. In this way, the hot water in the water tank 72 is maintained at a constant water level. Water may be supplied to the water tank 72 each time the hot water used to make one coffee beverage is discharged.

[0028] 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 air 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 being supplied to the water tank 72. When tap water is being supplied to the water tank 72, the solenoid valve 72h reduces the air pressure inside the water tank 72 to a pressure lower than the water pressure of the tap water (for example, less than 2.5 atmospheres) so that the water tank 72 is smoothly replenished by the water pressure of the tap water. The solenoid valve 72h switches whether or not to open the water tank 72 to the atmosphere, and opens the water tank 72 to the atmosphere when the pressure is reduced. In addition, the solenoid valve 72h opens the water tank 72 to the atmosphere when the air pressure inside the water tank 72 exceeds 3 atmospheres, except when tap water is being supplied to the water tank 72, and maintains the pressure inside the water tank 72 at 3 atmospheres.

[0029] 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. Hot water is supplied to the extraction container 9 by opening the solenoid valve 72i, and the supply of hot water is stopped by closing it. The amount of hot water supplied to the extraction container 9 can be managed by the opening time of the solenoid valve 72i. However, the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 72i may also be controlled by measuring the supply amount. A temperature sensor 73e that measures 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.

[0030] The air pressure in the reserve tank 71 is also supplied to the extraction container 9 via a pressure regulating valve 73a and a 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 (4 atmospheres gauge pressure). 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 inside the extraction container 9 is detected by a pressure sensor 73d. When the extraction container 9 is pressurized, the solenoid valve 73b opens based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 73d, and the extraction container 9 is pressurized to a predetermined air pressure (for example, a maximum of 5 atmospheres (4 atmospheres gauge pressure)). The air pressure inside the extraction container 9 can be reduced by a solenoid valve 73c. ​​The solenoid valve 73c switches whether or not to open the inside of the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere, and opens the inside of the extraction container 9 to the atmosphere when there is an abnormal pressure (for example, when the pressure inside the extraction container 9 exceeds 5 atmospheres).

[0031] After one coffee beverage has been prepared, the inside of the extraction container 9 is washed with tap water. The solenoid valve 73f is opened during the washing process, and tap water is supplied to the extraction container 9.

[0032] Next, the switching unit 10 will be described. The switching unit 10 is a unit that switches the destination of the liquid dispensed from the extraction container 9 between the pouring section 10c and the waste tank T. The switching unit 10 includes a switching valve 10a and a motor 10b that drives the switching valve 10a. The switching valve 10a switches the flow path to the pouring section 10c when dispensing the coffee beverage in the extraction container 9. The coffee beverage is poured from the pouring section 10c into a cup C. When discharging waste liquid (tap water) and residue (ground beans) during cleaning, the flow path is switched to the waste tank T. The switching valve 10a shown in Figure 3 is a three-port ball valve. Because residue passes through the switching valve 10a during cleaning, a ball valve is suitable for the switching valve 10a, and the motor 10b switches the flow path by rotating its rotary shaft.

[0033] <3. Bean processing equipment> The bean processing device 2 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The bean processing device 2 includes a storage device 4 and a crushing device 5.

[0034] <3-1. Storage device> The storage device 4 includes multiple canisters 40 that store roasted coffee beans. Three canisters 40 are provided as shown in Figure 1. Each canister 40 includes a cylindrical main body 40a that stores roasted coffee beans and a handle 40b provided on the main body 40a, and is configured to be detachable from the beverage production device 1.

[0035] Each canister 40 may contain different types of roasted coffee beans, and the type of roasted coffee beans used to produce a coffee beverage may be selected by operating the information display device 12. Different types of roasted coffee beans are, for example, roasted coffee beans of different varieties. Different types of roasted coffee beans may also be roasted coffee beans of the same variety but with different roast levels. Different types of roasted coffee beans may also be roasted coffee beans of different varieties and roast levels. At least one of the three canisters 40 may contain roasted coffee beans that are a mixture of roasted coffee beans of multiple varieties. In this case, the roasted coffee beans of each variety may have the same roast level.

[0036] 1 is provided with multiple canisters 40, the beverage production device 1 may be configured to have only one canister 40. Furthermore, when multiple canisters 40 are provided, the same type of roasted coffee beans may be stored in all or multiple canisters 40.

[0037] Each canister 40 is detachably attached to a conveyor 41, which is a weighing and conveying device. The conveyor 41 is, for example, an electric screw conveyor, and automatically weighs a predetermined amount of roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40 and sends it downstream.

[0038] Each conveyor 41 discharges roasted coffee beans downstream into a collecting and conveying section 42. The collecting and conveying section 42 is made up of a hollow member, and forms a transport path for the roasted coffee beans from each conveyor 41 to the grinding device 5 (particularly the first grinder 5A). The roasted coffee beans discharged from each conveyor 41 move inside the collecting and conveying section 42 by their own weight and flow down into the grinding device 5.

[0039] A guide portion 42a is formed in the collecting and conveying section 42 at a position corresponding to the bean inlet 103. The guide portion 42a forms a passage that guides the roasted coffee beans introduced through the bean inlet 103 to the grinding device 5 (particularly the first grinder 5A). This makes it possible to produce a coffee beverage using the roasted coffee beans introduced through the bean inlet 103 as an ingredient, in addition to the roasted coffee beans contained in the canister 40.

[0040] <3-2. Crushing equipment> The grinding device 5 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 4. Figure 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the separating device 6. The grinding device 5 includes a first grinder 5A, a second grinder 5B, and the separating 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 into powder by the second grinder 5B, and then charged into the extraction container 9 through the discharge pipe 5C.

[0041] The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B grind beans to different particle sizes. 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 electric grinders and include a motor as a drive source and a rotary blade driven by the motor. The size (particle size) of the ground roasted coffee beans can be changed by changing the rotation speed of the rotary blade.

[0042] The separator 6 is a mechanism for separating unwanted materials from the ground beans. The separator 6 includes a passage 63a disposed between the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B. The passage 63a is a hollow body that forms a separation chamber through which the ground beans passing as they freely fall from the first grinder 5A. A passage 63b extending in a direction (e.g., left-right) intersecting the direction (e.g., up-down direction) in which the ground beans pass is connected to the passage 63a, and a suction unit 60 is connected to the passage 63b. The suction unit 60 sucks in the air within the passage 63a, thereby sucking in lightweight objects such as chaff and fine powder. This allows the unwanted materials to be separated from the ground beans.

[0043] The suction unit 60 is a centrifugal separation mechanism. The suction unit 60 includes a blower unit 60A and a collection container 60B. The blower unit 60A shown in Fig. 4 is a fan motor, and exhausts the air in the collection container 60B upward.

[0044] The collection container 60B includes an upper portion 61 and a lower portion 62 that can be separably engaged with each other. The lower portion 62 is cylindrical with an open top and a closed bottom, forming a space for accumulating unwanted materials. The upper portion 61 constitutes a lid that is attached to the opening of the lower portion 62. The upper portion 61 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 61a and an exhaust tube 61b formed coaxially therewith. The blower unit 60A is fixed to the upper portion 61 above the exhaust tube 61b so as to suck in air from inside the exhaust tube 61b. A passage portion 63b is connected to the upper portion 61. The passage portion 63b opens to the side of the exhaust tube 61b.

[0045] Driving the blower unit 60A generates air currents indicated by arrows d1 to d3 in FIG. 4. This air current causes air containing unwanted matter to pass from the passage 63a through the passage 63b and into the collection container 60B. Because the passage 63b opens to the side of the exhaust tube 61b, the air containing unwanted matter swirls around the exhaust tube 61b. The unwanted matter D in the air falls due to its own weight and is collected in a part of the collection container 60B (accumulating on the bottom surface of the lower part 62). The air passes through the inside of the exhaust tube 61b and is exhausted upward.

[0046] A plurality of fins 61d are integrally formed on the circumferential surface of the exhaust tube 61b. The fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust tube 61b. Each fin 61d is inclined obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust tube 61b. The provision of such fins 61d promotes the swirling of air containing unwanted matter D around the exhaust tube 61b.

[0047] The lower portion 62 shown in Figure 4 is made of a translucent material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent container with the entire portion being a translucent portion. The lower portion 62 is also covered by a cover portion 102 (Figure 2). A manager or beverage consumer can see the waste material D accumulated inside the lower portion 62 through the cover portion 102 and the peripheral wall of the lower portion 62. For the manager, this may make it easier to determine when the lower portion 62 needs to be cleaned, and for beverage consumers, being able to see that the waste material D has been removed may increase their expectations for the quality of the coffee beverage being produced.

[0048] In this way, the roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the first grinder 5A, and as the coarsely ground beans pass through the passage 63a, the separator 6 separates the unwanted materials. The coarsely ground beans from which the unwanted materials have been separated are then finely ground by the second grinder 5B. The unwanted materials separated by the separator 6 are typically chaff and fine powder. These can degrade the taste of the coffee drink, so removing the chaff and other particles from the ground beans can improve the quality of the coffee drink.

[0049] The roasted coffee beans may be ground using a single grinder (single-stage grinding). However, two-stage grinding using the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B makes it easier to achieve a consistent grind size for the ground beans, allowing for a consistent level of coffee extraction. When grinding the beans, heat may be generated due to friction between the cutter and the beans. Two-stage grinding reduces heat generation due to friction during grinding and also prevents deterioration of the ground beans (e.g., loss of flavor).

[0050] Furthermore, by going through the stages of coarse grinding → separation of unwanted materials → fine grinding, the mass difference between the unwanted materials and the ground beans (the necessary part) can be increased when separating unwanted materials such as chaff. This not only increases the efficiency of separating the unwanted materials, but also prevents the ground beans (the necessary part) from being separated as unwanted. Furthermore, by using air suction to separate the unwanted materials between the coarse grinding and the fine grinding, heat generation from the ground beans can be suppressed by air cooling. This also prevents deterioration of the ground beans (for example, loss of flavor).

[0051] <4. Drive unit and extraction vessel> <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 enclosed in a main body 101.

[0052] The drive unit 8 is supported by a frame F. The frame F includes upper and lower beams F1 and F2 and a column F3 that supports the beams F1 and F2. The drive unit 8 is broadly 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 F1. The middle unit 8B is supported by the beam F1 and the column F3 between the beams F1 and F2. The lower unit 8C is supported by the beam F2.

[0053] The extraction container 9 is a chamber including a container body 90 and a lid unit 91. The extraction container 9 is sometimes referred to as a chamber. 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 on the left and right. The holding member 820a is an elastic member made of resin or the like formed into a C-shaped clip, and holds the container body 90 by its elastic force. The holding member 820a holds the left and right sides of the container body 90, leaving the front side of the container body 90 exposed. This makes it easier to see the inside of the container body 90 when viewed from the front.

[0054] The container body 90 can be attached to and detached from the holding member 820a by manual operation, and is attached to the holding member 820a by pressing the container body 90 backward in the front-to-rear direction against the holding member 820a. The container body 90 can also be separated from the holding member 820a by pulling the container body 90 forward in the front-to-rear direction from the holding member 820a.

[0055] Each of the pair of shaft members 820b is a rod extending in the front-rear direction and serves to support the holding member 820a. While the number of shaft members 820b is two, it may be one, or three or more. The holding member 820a is fixed to the front end of the pair of shaft members 820b. A mechanism described below moves the pair of shaft members 820b back and forth, thereby moving the holding member 820a back and forth and performing a movement operation that translates the container body 90 in the front-rear direction. The middle unit 8B can also perform a rotation operation that turns the extraction container 9 upside down, as described below.

[0056] <4-2.Extraction container> The extraction container 9 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the extraction container 9 in a closed state and an open state. As described above, the extraction container 9 is turned upside down by the middle unit 8B. The extraction container 9 in Figure 6 shows a basic position in which the lid unit 91 is positioned on top. In the following description, when a vertical positional relationship is mentioned, it means the vertical positional relationship in the basic position unless otherwise specified.

[0057] The container body 90 is a bottomed container, and has a bottle shape with a neck portion 90b, a shoulder portion 90d, a body portion 90e, and a bottom portion 90f. A flange portion 90c that defines an opening 90a that communicates with the internal space of the container body 90 is formed at the end of the neck portion 90b (the upper end portion of the container body 90).

[0058] Both the neck portion 90b and the body portion 90e have a cylindrical shape. The shoulder portion 90d is the portion between the neck portion 90b and the body portion 90e, and has a tapered shape such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space therein gradually decreases from the body portion 90e side toward the neck portion 90b side.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The container body 90 includes a body member 900 and a bottom member 901. The body member 900 is a cylindrical member that is open at the top and bottom and forms a neck portion 90b, a shoulder portion 90d, and a body portion 90e. The bottom member 901 is a member that forms the bottom portion 90f, and is inserted into and fixed to the lower portion of the body member 900. A seal member 902 is interposed between the body member 900 and the bottom member 901 to improve airtightness within the container body 90.

[0061] The main body member 900 shown in Fig. 6 is made of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic or glass, and constitutes a transparent container with the entire body being a translucent portion. A manager or beverage consumer can see the brewing status of the coffee beverage in the container main body 90 through the cover portion 102 and the main body member 900 of the container main body 90. The manager may find it easy to check the brewing operation, and the beverage consumer may enjoy the brewing status.

[0062] A protrusion 901c is provided in the center of the bottom member 901, and this protrusion 901c is provided with a communication hole that connects the inside of the container body 90 with the outside, and a valve (valve 903 in FIG. 8) that opens and closes this communication hole. The communication hole is used to discharge waste liquid and residue when cleaning the inside of the container body 90. A seal member 908 is provided on the protrusion 901c, and the seal member 908 is a member that maintains airtightness between the upper unit 8A or lower unit 8C and the bottom member 901.

[0063] The lid unit 91 includes a hat-shaped base member 911. The base member 911 has a protrusion 911d and a flange 911c that overlaps with the flange 90c when closed. The protrusion 911d has the same structure as the protrusion 901c of the container body 90, and is provided with a communication hole that connects the inside of the container body 90 to the outside, and a valve (valve 913 in FIG. 8) that opens and closes this communication hole. The communication hole of the protrusion 911d is primarily used for pouring hot water into the container body 90 and dispensing the coffee beverage. The protrusion 911d is provided with a seal member 918a. The seal member 918a is a member that maintains an airtight seal between the upper unit 8A or lower unit 8C and the base member 911. 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 body 90 when the lid unit 91 is closed. The lid unit 91 holds a filter for filtration.

[0064] <4-3. Upper unit and lower unit> The upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a front view showing the configuration of part of the upper unit 8A and the lower unit 8C, and Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of Figure 7.

[0065] The upper unit 8A includes an operation unit 81A. The operation unit 81A performs opening and closing (raising and lowering) of the lid unit 91 relative to the container body 90 and opening and closing of the valves of the convex portions 901c and 911d. The operation unit 81A includes a support member 800, a holding member 801, a lifting shaft 802, and a probe 803.

[0066] The support member 800 is fixed so that its relative position with respect to the frame F does not change, and houses the holding member 801. The support member 800 also has a communication part 800a that communicates the piping L3 with the inside of the support member 800. Hot water, tap water, and air pressure supplied from the piping L3 are introduced into the support member 800 via the communication part 800a.

[0067] The holding member 801 is a member that can detachably hold the lid unit 91. The holding member 801 has a cylindrical space into which the protrusion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the protrusion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted, and is equipped with a mechanism that detachably holds them. This mechanism is, for example, a snap ring mechanism that engages with a certain pressing force and disengages 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 part 800a and the communication hole 801a of the holding member 801.

[0068] The holding member 801 is also a movable member that is provided so as to be able to slide up and down within the support member 800. The lifting shaft 802 is provided so that its axial direction is the up and down direction. The lifting shaft 802 airtightly penetrates the top part of the support member 800 in the up and down direction, and is provided so as to be able to move up and down relative to the support member 800.

[0069] The top of the holding member 801 is fixed to the lower end of the lifting shaft 802. The lifting shaft 802 moves up and down to slide the holding member 801 up and down, allowing the holding member 801 to be attached to and detached from the protrusions 911d and 901c. In addition, the lid unit 91 can be opened and closed relative to the container body 90.

[0070] A screw 802a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lifting shaft 802. A nut 804b is threadedly attached to this screw 802a. The upper unit 8A is equipped with 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 rotation of the nut 804b causes the lifting shaft 802 to rise and fall.

[0071] The lifting shaft 802 is a tubular shaft with a through hole in its center, and a probe 803 is inserted into this through hole so as to be able to slide up and down. The probe 803 airtightly penetrates the top part of the holding member 801 in the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be able to move up and down freely relative to the support member 800 and the holding member 801.

[0072] The probe 803 is an operator that opens and closes the valves 913, 903 provided inside the convex portions 911d, 901c. When the probe 803 descends, the valves 913, 903 are changed from a closed state to an open state, and when the probe 803 ascends, the valves are changed from an open state to a closed state (due to the action of a return spring not shown).

[0073] A screw 803a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the probe 803. A nut 805b is threadedly attached to this screw 803a. The upper unit 8A is equipped with a motor 805a, and the nut 805b is provided so as to rotate in place (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 805a. The rotation of the nut 805b causes the probe 803 to rise and fall.

[0074] The lower unit 8C includes an operation unit 81C. The operation unit 81C has a configuration in which the operation unit 81A is turned upside down, and performs opening and closing operations on the valves 913, 903 provided inside the protrusions 911d, 901c. The operation unit 81C is also configured to be able to open and close the lid unit 91, but is not used to open and close the lid unit 91.

[0075] The following description is substantially the same as that of the operation unit 81A, but will focus on the operation unit 81C. The operation unit 81C includes a support member 810, a holding member 811, an elevation shaft 812, and a probe 813.

[0076] The support member 810 is fixed so that its relative position with respect to the frame F does not change, and houses the holding member 811. The support member 810 also has a communication part 810a that communicates between the switching valve 10a of the switching unit 10 and the inside of the support member 810. The coffee beverage, tap water, and ground coffee residue inside the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a via the communication part 810a.

[0077] The holding member 811 has a cylindrical space into which the protrusion 911d of the lid unit 91 or the protrusion 901c of the bottom member 901 is inserted, and is equipped with a mechanism for detachably holding them. This mechanism is, for example, a snap ring mechanism that engages with a certain pressing force and disengages with a certain separating force. The coffee beverage, tap water, and ground coffee residue in the container body 90 are introduced into the switching valve 10a via the communicating portion 810a and the communicating hole 811a of the holding member 811.

[0078] The holding member 811 is also a movable member that is provided so as to be able to slide up and down within the support member 810. The lifting shaft 812 is provided so that its axial direction is the up and down direction. The lifting shaft 812 airtightly penetrates the bottom of the support member 810 in the up and down direction, and is provided so as to be able to move up and down relative to the support member 810.

[0079] The bottom of holding member 811 is fixed to the lower end of lifting shaft 812. Holding member 811 slides up and down as lifting shaft 812 moves up and down, allowing holding member 811 to be attached to and detached from convex portion 901c and convex portion 911d.

[0080] A screw 812a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lift shaft 812. A nut 814b is threadedly attached to this screw 812a. The lower unit 8C is equipped with 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 rotation of the nut 814b causes the lift shaft 812 to move up and down.

[0081] The lifting shaft 812 is a tubular shaft with a through hole in its center, and a probe 813 is inserted into this through hole so as to be able to slide up and down. The probe 813 airtightly penetrates the bottom of the holding member 811 in the vertical direction, and is provided so as to be able to move up and down relative to the support member 810 and the holding member 811.

[0082] Probe 813 is an operator that opens and closes valves 913, 903 provided inside convex portions 911d, 901c, and by raising probe 813, valves 913, 903 can be changed from a closed state to an open state, and by lowering probe 813, the valves can be changed from an open state to a closed state (due to the action of a return spring not shown).

[0083] A screw 813a that constitutes a lead screw mechanism is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the probe 813. A nut 815b is threadedly attached to this screw 813a. The lower unit 8C is equipped with a motor 815a, and the nut 815b is provided so as to rotate in place (without moving up and down) by the driving force of the motor 815a. The rotation of the nut 815b causes the probe 813 to rise and fall.

[0084] <4-4. Central Unit> The middle unit 8B will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 9. Figure 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 the arm member 820 described above as well as a unit main body 81B' that supports a locking mechanism 821.

[0085] The locking mechanism 821 is a mechanism that maintains the lid unit 91 in a closed state relative to the container body 90. The locking mechanism 821 includes a pair of gripping members 821a that vertically sandwich the collar portion 911c of the lid unit 91 and the flange portion 90c of the container body 90. The pair of gripping members 821a have a C-shaped cross section that fits between the collar portion 911c and the flange portion 90c, and are opened and closed in the left-right direction by the driving force of a motor 822. When the pair of gripping members 821a is in a closed state, as shown by solid lines in the enclosed diagram in FIG. 9, each gripping member 821a fits between the collar portion 911c and the flange portion 90c so as to sandwich them from above and below, and the lid unit 91 is airtightly locked to the container body 90. In this locked state, even if an attempt is made to lift the holding member 801 by the lifting shaft 802 to open the lid unit 91, the lid unit 91 will not move (the lock will not be released). In other words, the locking force of the locking mechanism 821 is set stronger than the force required to open the lid unit 91 using the holding member 801. This makes it possible to prevent the lid unit 91 from being opened relative to the container body 90 in the event of an abnormality.

[0086] Furthermore, when the pair of gripping members 821a are in an open state, as shown by the dashed lines in the enclosed diagram of Figure 9, each gripping member 821a is 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.

[0087] When the holding member 801 is holding the lid unit 91 and the holding member 801 is raised from the lowered position to the raised position, if the pair of gripping members 821a are in the open state, the lid unit 91 is separated from the container body 90. Conversely, if the pair of gripping members 821a are in the closed state, the engagement of the holding member 801 with the lid unit 91 is released, and only the holding member 801 is raised.

[0088] The middle unit 8B also includes a mechanism for horizontally moving the arm member 820 in the front-to-rear direction using a motor 823 as a drive source. This allows the container body 90 supported by the arm member 820 to move between a rear extraction position (state ST1) and a front bean loading position (state ST2). The bean loading position is a position where ground beans are loaded into the container body 90, and ground beans ground by the second grinder 5B are loaded through the discharge 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 discharge pipe 5C is located above the container body 90 which is positioned at the bean loading position.

[0089] The extraction position is a position where container body 90 can be operated by operation unit 81A and operation unit 81C, is coaxial with probes 803 and 813, and is the position where coffee liquid is extracted. The extraction position is a position further back than the bean loading position. Figures 5, 7, and 8 all show the container body 90 in the extraction position. In this way, by differentiating the positions of container body 90 for loading ground beans and for extracting coffee liquid and supplying water, steam generated during coffee liquid extraction can be prevented from adhering to discharge pipe 5C, which is the supply section for ground beans.

[0090] The middle unit 8B also includes a mechanism for rotating the support unit 81B around a front-rear axis 825 using a motor 824 as a drive source. This allows the position of the container body 90 (extraction container 9) to be changed from an upright position (state ST1) in which the neck portion 90b is on the upper side to an inverted position (state ST3) in which the neck portion 90b is on the lower side. While the extraction container 9 is rotating, the locking mechanism 821 maintains the state in which the lid unit 91 is locked to the container body 90. The extraction container 9 is upside down between the upright position and the inverted position. In the inverted position, the convex portion 911d is located in the same position as the convex portion 901c in the upright position. Furthermore, in the inverted position, the convex portion 901c is located in the same position as the convex portion 911d in the upright position. Therefore, in the inverted position, the operation unit 81A can perform the opening and closing operation of the valve 903, and the operation unit 81C can perform the opening and closing operation of the valve 913.

[0091] <5. Control Device> The control device 11 of the beverage preparation machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a block diagram of the control device 11.

[0092] The control device 11 controls the entire beverage production device 1. The control device 11 includes a processing unit 11a, a memory unit 11b, and an I / F (interface) unit 11c. The processing unit 11a is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The memory unit 11b is, for example, a RAM or ROM. The I / F unit 11c includes an input / output interface that inputs and outputs signals between an external device and the processing unit 11a. The I / F unit 11c also includes a communication interface that is capable of data communication with a server 16 via a communication network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 is capable of communicating with a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone via the communication network 15, and is capable of receiving information such as reservations for beverage production and customer feedback from the mobile terminal 17 of a beverage consumer, for example.

[0093] Processing unit 11a executes a program stored in memory unit 11b and controls actuator group 14 based on instructions from information display device 12, detection results from sensor group 13, or instructions from server 16. Sensor group 13 is a variety of sensors (e.g., hot water temperature sensors, mechanism operating position detection sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) provided in beverage production device 1. Actuator group 14 is a variety of actuators (e.g., motors, solenoid valves, heaters, etc.) provided in beverage production device 1.

[0094] <6. Operation control example> An example of the control process of the beverage production apparatus 1 executed by the processing unit 11a will be described with reference to Figures 11A(A) and (B). Figure 11(A) shows an example of control related to one coffee beverage production operation. The state of the beverage production apparatus 1 before a production instruction is issued is called the standby state. The state of each mechanism in the standby state is as follows:

[0095] The extraction device 3 is in the state shown in Figure 5. The extraction container 9 is in an upright position and is located in the extraction position. The locking mechanism 821 is in a closed state, and the lid unit 91 closes the opening 90a of the container body 90. The holding member 801 is in a lowered position and is attached to the protrusion 911d. The holding member 811 is in a raised position and is attached to the protrusion 901c. The valves 903 and 913 are in a closed state. The switching valve 10a connects the communication part 810a of the operation unit 81C with the waste tank T.

[0096] In the standby state, when an instruction to produce a coffee beverage is received, the process of Figure 11(A) is executed. In S1, a preheating process is executed. In this process, hot water is poured into the container body 90 to preheat the container body 90. First, valves 903 and 913 are opened. This places the pipe L3, extraction container 9, and waste tank T in a communication state.

[0097] The solenoid valve 72i is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 1500 ms) and then closed. This allows hot water to be poured into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72. Next, the solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 500 ms) and then closed. This pressurizes the air inside the extraction container 9, accelerating the discharge of the hot water into the waste tank T. Through the above process, the inside of the extraction container 9 and the pipe L2 are preheated, which reduces the cooling of the hot water during the subsequent production of a coffee beverage.

[0098] In S2, the grinding process is performed. Here, the roasted coffee beans are ground, and the ground beans are placed into the container body 90. First, the locking mechanism 821 is opened, and the holding member 801 is raised to the raised position. The lid unit 91 is held by the holding member 801 and rises together with the holding member 801. As a result, the lid unit 91 is separated from the container body 90. The holding member 811 is lowered to the lowered position. The container body 90 is moved to the bean loading position. Next, the storage device 4 and the grinding device 5 are operated. As a result, a cup's worth 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 unwanted matter is separated by the separator 6. The ground beans are placed into the container body 90.

[0099] The container body 90 is returned to the extraction position. The holding member 801 is lowered to the lowered position, and the lid unit 91 is attached to the container body 90. The locking mechanism 821 is closed, and the lid unit 91 is airtightly locked to the container body 90. The holding member 811 is raised to the raised position. Of the valves 903 and 913, the valve 903 is closed, and the valve 913 is open.

[0100] In S3, an extraction process is performed, in which coffee liquid is extracted from the ground beans in the container body 90. Figure 11(B) is a flowchart of the extraction process in S3.

[0101] In S41, in order to steam the ground beans in the extraction container 9, hot water less than one cup's worth is poured into the extraction container 9. Here, the solenoid valve 72i is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 500 ms) and then closed. This allows hot water to be poured from the water tank 72 into the extraction container 9. After that, the process waits for a predetermined time (e.g., 5000 ms) and then ends the process of S41. This process allows the ground beans to steam. Steaming the ground beans releases carbon dioxide gas contained in the ground beans, improving the subsequent extraction effect.

[0102] 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 for a predetermined time (for example, 7000 ms) and then closed. This causes hot water to be poured into the extraction container 9 from the water tank 72.

[0103] The process of S42 allows the inside of the extraction container 9 to be brought to a temperature exceeding 100°C (for example, about 110°C) at 1 atmosphere. Next, in S43, the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized. Here, the solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms) and then closed, and the inside of the extraction container 9 is pressurized to an air pressure (for example, about 4 atmospheres (about 3 atmospheres gauge pressure)) at which hot water will not boil. Thereafter, the valve 913 is closed.

[0104] Next, this state is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 7000 ms) to perform immersion coffee extraction (S44). This results in immersion coffee extraction under high temperature and pressure. The following effects can be expected from immersion extraction under high temperature and pressure. First, high pressure makes it easier for hot water to penetrate the inside of the ground beans, thereby accelerating the extraction of the coffee liquid. Second, high temperature accelerates the extraction of the coffee liquid. Third, high temperature reduces the viscosity of the oil contained in the ground beans, accelerating the extraction of the oil. This allows for the production of a fragrant coffee beverage.

[0105] The temperature of the hot water (hot water) needs to be above 100 degrees Celsius, but a higher temperature is advantageous in terms of extracting coffee liquid. On the other hand, increasing the temperature of the hot water generally increases costs. 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, or may be, for example, 130 degrees Celsius or lower, or 120 degrees Celsius or lower. The pressure may be such that the water does not boil.

[0106] In S45, the pressure inside the extraction container 9 is reduced. Here, the pressure inside the extraction container 9 is changed to an air pressure at which hot water boils. Specifically, the valve 913 is opened, and the solenoid valve 73c is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 1000 ms) and then closed. The inside of the extraction container 9 is opened to the atmosphere. Thereafter, the valve 913 is closed again.

[0107] The pressure inside the extraction container 9 is suddenly reduced to a pressure lower than the boiling point pressure, causing the hot water inside the extraction container 9 to boil instantly. The hot water and ground beans inside the extraction container 9 are explosively scattered inside the extraction container 9. This allows the hot water to boil evenly. It also promotes the destruction of the cell walls of the ground beans, further accelerating the subsequent extraction of the coffee liquid. This boiling also stirs the ground beans and hot water, accelerating the extraction of the coffee liquid. This improves the efficiency of coffee extraction.

[0108] In S46, the extraction container 9 is inverted from the upright position to the inverted position. Here, the holding member 801 is moved to the raised position, and the holding member 811 is moved to the lowered position. Then, the support unit 81B is rotated. After that, the holding member 801 is returned to the lowered position, and the holding member 811 is returned to the raised position. In the inverted extraction container 9, the neck portion 90b and the lid unit 91 are positioned on the lower side.

[0109] In S47, permeation-type coffee liquid extraction is performed, and the coffee beverage is delivered to cup C. Here, switching valve 10a is switched to connect pouring section 10c to passage section 810a of operation unit 81C. Also, both valves 903 and 913 are set to an open state. Furthermore, solenoid valve 73b is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 10,000 ms) to set the interior of extraction container 9 to a predetermined pressure (e.g., 1.7 atmospheres (0.7 atmospheres gauge pressure)). Within extraction container 9, the coffee beverage, in which the coffee liquid has been dissolved in the hot water, passes through a filter provided in lid unit 91 and is delivered to cup C. The filter prevents any ground coffee residue from leaking out. This completes the extraction process.

[0110] The extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid can be improved by combining the immersion extraction in S44 and the permeation extraction in S47. When the extraction container 9 is in the upright position, the ground beans are deposited from the body 90e to the bottom 90f. On the other hand, when the extraction container 9 is in the inverted position, the ground beans are deposited from the shoulder 90d to the neck 90b. The cross-sectional area of ​​the body 90e is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the neck 90b, so the ground beans are deposited thicker in the inverted position than in the upright position. In other words, when the extraction container 9 is in the upright position, the ground beans are deposited in a relatively thin and wide area, and when the extraction container 9 is in the inverted position, the ground beans are deposited in a relatively thick and narrow area.

[0111] In the immersion extraction of S44, the extraction container 9 is in an upright position, allowing the hot water and the ground beans to come into contact over a wide area, improving the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid. However, in this case, the hot water and the ground beans tend to come into partial contact. On the other hand, in the permeation extraction of S47, the extraction container 9 is in an inverted position, allowing the hot water to pass through the accumulated ground beans while coming into contact with a larger amount of ground beans. This allows the hot water to come into more even contact with the ground beans, further improving the extraction efficiency of the coffee liquid.

[0112] Returning to FIG. 11(A), after the extraction process of S3, the discharge process of S4 is carried out. Here, a process for cleaning the inside of the extraction container 9 is carried out. The extraction container 9 is cleaned by returning the extraction container 9 from an inverted position to an 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 into the waste tank T together with the ground coffee residue.

[0113] This completes one coffee beverage production process. Thereafter, the same process is repeated for each production instruction. The time required to produce one coffee beverage is, for example, approximately 60 to 90 seconds.

[0114] <7. Summary of device configuration> As described above, the beverage production apparatus 1 includes a bean processing device 2 and an extraction device 3 as production sections. More specifically, the bean processing device 2 includes a storage device 4 and a grinding device 5, and the extraction device 3 includes a fluid supply unit 7, a drive unit 8, an extraction container 9, and a switching unit 10 (see Figures 2 and 3, etc.). The grinding device 5 receives a cup of roasted coffee beans from the storage device 4 and grinds the beans in two stages using a first grinder 5A and a second grinder 5B. During this process, unwanted materials such as chaff are separated from the ground beans by a separator 6. After the ground beans are placed in the extraction container 9, hot water is poured into the extraction container 9 by the fluid supply unit 7, the drive unit 8 reverses the orientation of the extraction container 9, and the switching unit 10 delivers liquid from the extraction container 9 to a cup C, thereby providing a cup of beverage.

[0115] A portion of the production unit is covered by a cover unit 102 configured as a transparent cover that is entirely transparent, and is visible to a user (e.g., an administrator of the beverage production device 1, a beverage consumer, etc.) from outside the beverage production device 1. Of the production unit, a plurality of canisters 40 that are part of the storage device 4 are exposed, and the other elements are substantially housed within the housing 100, but the entire production unit may also be housed within the housing 100. In other words, the cover unit 102 only needs to be provided so as to cover at least a portion of the production unit.

[0116] By covering at least a portion of the production unit with the cover unit 102 so that it is visible from outside the beverage production device 1, for example, if the user is the manager of the beverage production device 1, the manager may be able to inspect the operation of the device while preparing to produce the beverage. If the user is a beverage purchaser, the purchaser may be able to wait for the beverage to be produced while building up anticipation for the beverage. For example, the brewing container 9 of the brewing device 3 is visible from outside the beverage production device 1 through the cover unit 102, allowing the user to observe the brewing process, which is of relatively high interest to the user, among several processes for producing a beverage. The drive unit 8 acts as a position change unit that changes the position of the brewing container 9, and as described above, the brewing container 9 is a movable part in the production unit that can be turned upside down. Therefore, the turning over operation of the brewing container 9 is likely to attract the user's interest, and allowing the user to observe this may entertain the user.

[0117] Next, a modified example of the crushing device 5 will be described. In the following description, components having the same names as those described so far will be assigned the same reference numerals as those used so far. The crushing device 5 described here differs in appearance from the crushing device shown in FIG. 2 but is functionally the same.

[0118] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the crushing device 5, and FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the crushing device 5 shown in FIG.

[0119] Like the grinding device shown in FIG. 2, the grinding device 5 shown in FIG. 12 also 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 shown in FIG. 2. The first grinder 5A is a grinder for crushing the coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1 / 4 of their original size) to make it easier to separate unwanted materials adhering to the coffee beans. The second grinder 5B is a grinder for grinding the coffee beans crushed by the first grinder 5A into ground coffee beans of a desired particle size. For this reason, the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B grind beans to different particle sizes, with the second grinder 5B grinding beans to a finer particle size than the first grinder 5A. The grain size of the ground beans in the second grinder 5B can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b, although there may be an error (about ±5 μm).

[0120] The first grinder 5A includes a motor 52a (see FIG. 12) and a main body 53a. The motor 52a is the drive source of the first grinder 5A. The main body 53a is a unit that houses a cutter, and has a built-in rotating shaft 54a as shown in FIG. 13. A gear 55a is provided on the rotating shaft 54a, and the driving force of the motor 52a is transmitted to the rotating shaft 54a via the gear 55a.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 13, the rotary shaft 54a is provided with a rotary blade 58a, which is a cutter. A fixed blade 57a, which is also a cutter, is provided around the rotary blade 58a. The interior of the main body 53a is connected to the inlet 50a (see FIG. 12) and the outlet 51a (see FIG. 13). Roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 shown in FIG. 2 enter the main body 53a through the inlet 50a formed at the top of the main body 53a and are ground by being sandwiched between the rotary blade 58a and the fixed blade 57a shown in FIG. 13. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, a suppression plate 56a is provided above the rotary blade 58a on the rotary shaft 54a, and the suppression plate 56a prevents the roasted coffee beans from escaping upward. The roasted coffee beans are ground into, for example, about ¼ size in the first grinder 5A. The ground beans are discharged from the outlet 51a to the separator 6.

[0122] The roasted coffee beans supplied to the inlet 50a may be supplied at a height that allows them to strike the side of the rotary blade 58a rather than from above. In this case, the rotary blade 58a prevents the roasted coffee beans from escaping upward, so there is no need to provide the suppression plate 56a.

[0123] The size of the roasted coffee beans discharged after grinding may be changed by changing the rotation speed of the rotary blade 58a of the first grinder 5A, or by manually adjusting the distance between the rotary blade 58a and the fixed blade 57a.

[0124] The separator 6 shown in Figure 12 has the same configuration as the separator 6 described using Figure 4, and is located between the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B. It is a mechanism that separates unwanted materials such as chaff and fine powder from the ground beans using the suction force of air. Roasted coffee beans supplied from the storage device 4 are first coarsely ground by the first grinder 5A, and the unwanted materials are separated from the coarsely ground beans by the separator 6. The coarsely ground beans from which the unwanted materials have been separated are then finely ground by the second grinder 5B.

[0125] The second grinder 5B includes a motor 52b (see FIG. 12) and a main body 53b. The motor 52b is the drive source of the second grinder 5B. The main body 53b is a unit that houses a cutter, and has a built-in rotating shaft 54b as shown in FIG. 13. A pulley 55b is provided on the rotating shaft 54b, and the driving force of the motor 52b is transmitted to the rotating shaft 54b via a belt 59b and the pulley 55b.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 13, a rotary blade 58b is also provided on the rotary shaft 54b, and a fixed blade 57b is provided above the rotary blade 58b. The interior of the main body 53b is connected to the inlet 50b shown in FIG. 12 and the outlet 51b also shown in FIG. 12. The ground beans dropping from the separator 6 enter the main body 53b through the inlet 50b and are further crushed between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b. The crushed ground beans are discharged from the outlet 51b. The particle size of the ground beans in the second grinder 5B can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b.

[0127] Next, the separation device 6 will be explained again, although some of the explanation overlaps with the explanation so far. Figure 14 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the separation device 6. The separation device 6 includes a suction unit 6A and a forming unit 6B. The forming unit 6B is a hollow body that forms a separation chamber SC (see Figure 13) through which ground beans passing as they freely fall from the first grinder 5A. The suction unit 6A is a unit that communicates with the separation chamber SC in a direction (left-right in this example) that intersects with the direction in which the ground beans pass (up-down in this example) and sucks in air from within the separation chamber SC. By sucking in the air from within the separation chamber SC, lightweight objects such as chaff and fine powder are sucked in. This allows unwanted materials to be separated from the ground beans.

[0128] The suction unit 6A is a centrifugal separation mechanism and includes a blower unit 60A and a collection container 60B. The blower unit 60A is a fan motor and exhausts the air in the collection container 60B upward.

[0129] The collection container 60B includes an upper portion 61 and a lower portion 62 that can be separably engaged with each other. The lower portion 62 is cylindrical with an open top and a closed bottom, forming a space for accumulating waste. The upper portion 61 constitutes a lid that is attached to the opening of the lower portion 62. As shown in FIG. 14, the upper portion 61 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 61a and an exhaust tube 61b formed coaxially therewith. The blower unit 60A is fixed to the upper portion 61 above the exhaust tube 61b so as to suck air from the exhaust tube 61b. The upper portion 61 also includes a cylindrical connecting portion 61c that extends radially. The connecting portion 61c is connected to the forming unit 6B and connects the separation chamber SC and the collection container 60B. The connecting portion 61c opens to the side of the exhaust tube 61b.

[0130] Driving the blower unit 60A generates air currents indicated by arrows d1 to d3 in FIG. 14. These air currents suck air containing unwanted matter from the separation chamber SC through the connection part 61c into the collection container 60B. Because the connection part 61c opens to the side of the exhaust tube 61b, the air containing unwanted matter swirls around the exhaust tube 61b. The unwanted matter D in the air falls due to its own weight and is collected in a part of the collection container 60B (accumulating on the bottom surface of the lower part 62). The air passes through the inside of the exhaust tube 61b and is exhausted upward.

[0131] A plurality of fins 61d are integrally formed on the circumferential surface of the exhaust tube 61b. The plurality of fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust tube 61b. Each fin 61d is inclined obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust tube 61b. The provision of such fins 61 promotes the circulation of air containing unwanted matter D around the exhaust tube 61b. The fins 61 also promote the separation of the unwanted matter D. As a result, the vertical length of the suction unit 6A can be reduced, contributing to the miniaturization of the device.

[0132] Furthermore, the forming unit 6B is disposed in the path along which the ground beans from the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B fall, and the centrifugal suction unit 6A is disposed to the side of the path. Centrifugal separation mechanisms tend to be long in the vertical direction, but by displacing the suction unit 6A to the side and offsetting it from the path, the suction unit 6A can be installed sideways alongside the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B. This contributes to reducing the vertical length of the device. In particular, when two-stage grinding is performed using the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B, the vertical length of the device tends to be long, so such an arrangement of the suction unit 6A is effective in reducing the size of the device.

[0133] The forming unit 6B will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 17. Figure 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the forming unit 6B. Figure 16 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of the forming unit 6B. Figure 17 is a plan view of the forming unit 6B, illustrating a comparison of cross-sectional areas.

[0134] The forming unit 6B shown in Figure 15 is formed by joining two upper and lower halves. The forming unit 6B includes a pipe section 63 and a separation chamber forming section 64, and is spoon-shaped in plan view. The pipe section 63 is a cylindrical body that forms a communication passage 63a with the suction unit 6A and extends in the horizontal direction (the direction intersecting with the center line CL described below). The separation chamber forming section 64 is connected to the pipe section 63 and is a hollow, annular body with a center that is open in the vertical direction and forms the separation chamber SC.

[0135] The separator 6 shown in Figure 14 separates unwanted materials from ground beans by applying lateral air pressure to the ground beans dropping from the first grinder 5A, sucking up the unwanted materials. This has the advantage of being shorter in vertical length than the centrifugal separation method.

[0136] The separation chamber forming portion 64 shown in FIG. 15 includes a cylindrical portion 65 extending in the vertical direction. The cylindrical portion 65 protrudes into the separation chamber SC from its vertical center to its lower portion. The cylindrical portion 65 has an opening 65a at one end on the upper side, which forms an inlet for ground beans that communicates with the separation chamber SC. The opening 65a is located outside the separation chamber SC and is connected to the discharge port 51a of the first grinder 5A (see FIG. 13). This allows ground beans that fall from the discharge port 51a to be introduced into the separation chamber forming portion 64 without leakage. The cylindrical portion 65 has an opening 65b at the other end on the lower side. The opening 65b is located inside the separation chamber SC. Because the opening 65b faces the separation chamber SC, ground beans that fall from the discharge port 51a are introduced into the separation chamber SC without leakage.

[0137] The tubular portion 65 has a cylindrical shape, and the openings 65a and 65b are concentric circles located on the center line CL. This allows the ground beans falling from the discharge port 51a to pass through the tubular portion 65 more easily. The tubular portion 65 has a tapered shape, with the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space gradually decreasing from the opening 65a side to the opening 65b side. Because the inner wall of the tubular portion 65 is shaped like a mortar, the falling ground beans are more likely to collide with the inner wall. The ground beans falling from the first grinder 5A may fall in clumps, with the grains adhering to each other. If the ground beans are in a clumped state, the efficiency of separating the unwanted material may decrease. In the tubular portion 65 shown in FIG. 15, the clumped ground beans collide with the inner wall of the tubular portion 65, breaking up the clumps and making it easier to separate the unwanted material.

[0138] In terms of breaking up clumps of ground beans, the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 65 is not limited to a mortar shape. If there is a portion in the middle of the cylindrical portion 65 where the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space is smaller than the opening 65a, and if there is an inner wall that is inclined (not horizontal) with respect to the center line CL, collisions with the clumps can be promoted while allowing the ground beans to fall smoothly. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 65 does not need to protrude into the separation chamber SC; it may only have a portion that protrudes upward from the outer surface of the separation chamber forming portion 64. However, by having the cylindrical portion 65 protrude into the separation chamber SC, the wind speed around the cylindrical portion 65 can be improved. Therefore, the separation effect of unwanted materials due to wind pressure can be enhanced in the region R1, which is relatively far from the pipe portion 63.

[0139] The separation chamber forming portion 64 has a discharge port 66 that communicates with the separation chamber SC, through which the ground beans are discharged after the unnecessary materials have been separated. The discharge port 66 shown in FIG. 15 is located below the opening 65b, and the ground beans that pass through the cylindrical portion 65 pass through the separation chamber SC and fall freely from the discharge port 66. The discharge port 66 is a circular opening located on the center line CL, and is an opening concentric with the openings 65a and 65b. This makes it easier for the ground beans to fall freely through the separation chamber forming portion 64, preventing the ground beans from accumulating within the separation chamber forming portion 64.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 17, the cross-sectional area SC2 of the discharge port 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area SC1 of the opening 65b. The opening 65b and the discharge port 66 overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the opening 65b is projected in the vertical direction relative to the discharge port 66, the opening 65b is contained within the discharge port 66. In other words, the opening 65b is contained within an area obtained by extending the discharge port 66 in the vertical direction. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the opening 65b and the discharge port 66 overlap but are not on the same center line, or a configuration in which at least one of the openings 65b and the discharge port 66 overlap but are not circular.

[0141] The ratio of the cross-sectional area SC1 to the cross-sectional area SC2 is, for example, 95% or less, or 85% or less, or, for example, 60% or more, or 70% or more. Because the opening 65b and the discharge port 66 are concentric circles, they overlap when viewed along the center line CL. This facilitates the easy discharge of ground beans that freely fall from the opening 65b through the discharge port 66. This also prevents the falling ground beans from colliding with the edge of the discharge port 66 and bouncing toward the tube portion 63, thereby preventing the necessary ground beans from being sucked into the suction unit 6A. While the above example illustrates a case in which the opening area of ​​the one-end opening (e.g., 65a) is smaller than the opening area of ​​the discharge port (e.g., 66), the opening areas of the discharge port (e.g., 66) and the one-end opening (e.g., 65a) may be the same, or the opening area of ​​the one-end opening (e.g., 65a) may be larger than the opening area of ​​the discharge port (e.g., 66). Although the opening area of ​​the other end opening (e.g., 65b) has been exemplified as being smaller than the opening area of ​​the discharge port (e.g., 66), the opening area of ​​the discharge port (e.g., 66) and the opening area of ​​the other end opening (e.g., 65b) may be the same, or the opening area of ​​the other end opening (e.g., 65b) may be larger than the opening area of ​​the discharge port (e.g., 66). Although the suction unit (e.g., 6A) has been exemplified as sucking air from the discharge port 66 and the inlet (e.g., 65a, 65a'), the amount of air sucked from the discharge port 66 may be greater than the amount of air sucked from the inlet (e.g., 65a, 65a'). This may be achieved by having the other end opening (e.g., 65b) protrude into the separation chamber, or by having the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust port 66 larger than the opening area of ​​the one end opening (e.g., 65a), or by having the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust port 66 larger than the opening area of ​​the other end opening (e.g., 65b), or by having the distance from the exhaust port 66 to the separation chamber shorter than the distance from the one end opening (e.g., 65a) to the separation chamber, or by having the distance from the exhaust port 66 to the exhaust stack 61b shorter than the distance from the one end opening (e.g., 65a) to the exhaust stack 61b, or by having the distance from the exhaust port 66 to the blower unit 60A shorter than the distance from the one end opening (e.g., 65a) to the blower unit 60A.The forming unit 6B or any of the inner wall portions of the components (63-65) constituting the separation chamber SC, the cylindrical portion 65, or the other-end opening (e.g., 65b) may be configured to be in direct or indirect contact with the grinder (at least one of 5A and 5B) via another component, and to vibrate due to the vibrations caused by the rotation of the grinder. For example, in the case of the coffee bean grinder 1 in the embodiment, since they are in direct or indirect contact, during operation of the grinder, any of the inner wall portions of the components (63-65) constituting the forming unit 6B or the separation chamber SC, the cylindrical portion 65, or the other-end opening (e.g., 65b) vibrates, and the turbulent air generated in the separation chamber SC by the vibration brakes light unwanted matter entering the separation chamber SC through the other-end opening (e.g., 65b), making it easier for the unwanted matter to be sucked in by the suction unit (e.g., 6A). In particular, as in the coffee bean grinder 1 in the embodiment, the forming unit 6B is in direct contact with the first grinder 5A of the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B, but by making it in direct contact with one of the grinders in this manner, it is possible to give the forming unit 6B a moderate vibration, making it easier to suck up light unwanted matter.

[0142] The air sucked by the suction unit 6A is mainly sucked through the outlet 66. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 13, a gap is provided between the outlet 66 and the inlet 50b of the second grinder 5B, which promotes air suction. Arrow d4 shown in FIG. 15 schematically indicates the direction of the airflow of the air sucked by the suction unit 6A. By sucking air through the outlet 66, unwanted matter is less likely to be discharged from the outlet 66, improving the separation performance between ground beans and unwanted matter. The air sucked by the suction unit 6A is also sucked through the opening 65a.

[0143] A turbulence promoter 67 is formed on the surrounding wall that defines the discharge port 66. The turbulence promoter 67 generates turbulence in the air drawn into the separation chamber SC from the discharge port 66. The formation of the turbulence promoter 67 makes it easier for turbulence to occur, particularly in the region R2 between the opening 65b and the discharge port 66. In addition, in the forming unit 6B shown in FIG. 15, the wind speed increases around the cylindrical portion 65, which synergistically promotes the generation of turbulence in the region R2.

[0144] The ground beans introduced into the inlet 65a are agitated by the turbulent flow as they pass through the region R2. In particular, because the cross-sectional area SC2 of the outlet 66 is larger than the cross-sectional area SC1 of the opening 65b, the ground beans always pass through the region R2. The turbulent flow facilitates separation of unwanted materials, such as chaff and fine powder, from the ground beans. Therefore, even if the separation chamber SC is small, the separation efficiency of unwanted materials can be improved. This contributes to reducing the vertical length of the separation chamber SC, which is advantageous for downsizing the device when two-stage grinding is performed using the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B.

[0145] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the turbulence promoter 67 includes a plurality of turbulence promoter elements 67a. The turbulence promoter elements 67a are protrusions that protrude downward in the vertical direction. The protrusion direction of the turbulence promoter elements 67a may be in any direction, but a direction ranging from downward to radially inward is preferable in order to more easily generate turbulence in the separation chamber SC. A downward protrusion direction is more preferable because it prevents the falling ground beans from getting caught.

[0146] The cross-sectional shape of the turbulence promotion element 67a is a trapezoidal square prism arranged with the upper base of the cross section facing the center line CL, and has a chamfered edge 67b on the inside of the tip, as shown in Fig. 16. The shape of the turbulence promotion element 67a is not limited to this, but a shape that makes the shape of the outlet 66 three-dimensionally complex is preferable.

[0147] As shown in Figure 16, the turbulence promotion elements 67a are repeatedly formed in the circumferential direction d5 of the outlet 66. This allows air to be blown into the region R2 from multiple directions, promoting the generation of turbulence. The pitch between adjacent turbulence promotion elements 67a is equal, but they may also be different. Furthermore, although 12 turbulence promotion elements 67a are formed, the number of turbulence promotion elements 67a is arbitrary.

[0148] The grinding device 5 described above using Figures 12 to 17 is incorporated into the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1, but the grinding device 5 can also be used alone as a coffee bean grinder. In this case, a storage device that stores roasted coffee beans and supplies them to the inlet 50a, a control device that controls the grinding device 5, and an information display device are added.

[0149] Figure 18 is an external perspective view of the coffee bean grinder, and Figure 19 is a block diagram of the coffee bean grinder's control device. The basic configuration of the coffee bean grinder shown in Figure 18 is substantially the same as the basic configuration of the grinding device 5 described using Figures 12 to 17. Below, components with the same names as components described so far are assigned the same reference numerals as used so far, and the following description will focus on the differences from the grinding device 5 described using Figures 12 to 17.

[0150] The coffee bean grinder GM shown in Fig. 18 has a storage device 4, a grinding device 5, and a control device 11 shown in Fig. 19 that controls these. The coffee bean grinder GM also has an information display device 12 (see Fig. 19) that is wirelessly connected to the control device 11. The information display device 12 is a touch panel display for inputting various control instructions and setting values ​​for the coffee bean grinder GM, and is capable of displaying various information as well as accepting input from an administrator or user. The information display device 12 is also provided with a speaker and a camera.

[0151] The control device 11 controls the entire coffee bean grinder GM. The control device 11 includes a processing unit 11a, a memory unit 11b, and an I / F (interface) unit 11c. The processing unit 11a is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The memory unit 11b is, for example, a RAM or ROM. This memory unit 11b stores a recipe. The recipe includes information on various conditions for grinding coffee beans, bean information, information on the recipe creator, and comments from the recipe creator. The I / F unit 11c includes an input / output interface for inputting and outputting 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 external terminals such as a server 16 and a mobile terminal 17 via a communication network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 can communicate with a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone via the communication network 15 and can receive information such as reservations for coffee grinding and customer feedback from the mobile terminal 17 of a consumer. The coffee bean grinder 1, the server 16, and the mobile terminal 17 constitute a coffee bean grinding system GS for grinding coffee beans.

[0152] The processing unit 11a executes a program stored in the memory unit 11b and controls the storage device 4 and the pulverizer 5 according to a recipe. More specifically, the processing unit 11a controls the actuator group 14 according to a recipe, and controls the actuator group 14 based on instructions from the information display device 12, detection results from the sensor group 13, or instructions from the server 16. The sensor group 13 is a variety of sensors (e.g., sensors for detecting the operating position of a mechanism) provided in the storage device 4 and the pulverizer 5. The actuator group 14 is a variety of actuators (e.g., motors) provided in the storage device 4 and the pulverizer 5.

[0153] The storage device 4 shown in FIG. 18 includes a cylindrical canister storage unit 401 and a removable cap 401c that screws onto the upper end of the canister storage unit 401 and covers the top surface of the canister storage unit 401. A canister storage chamber (not shown) is provided inside the canister storage unit 401. Multiple canister storage chambers are provided circumferentially, allowing multiple canisters to be stored inside the canister storage unit 401. The canister (not shown) here has the same structure as the canister shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that it does not have a handle 40b. The storage device 4 allows selective use of multiple stored canisters. Therefore, roasted coffee beans of different varieties or roasted coffee beans of different roast levels can be selected and ground, or multiple types of roasted coffee beans of different varieties or roasted levels can be mixed and ground.

[0154] The canister storage unit 401 is detachably attached to an option mounting part GM11 provided at the top of the center casing GM10 of the coffee bean grinder GM. In addition to the canister storage unit 401, multiple types of units can be attached to this option mounting part GM11. The top of the center casing GM10 covers the bottom of the units attached to the option mounting part GM11. An external terminal such as a mobile terminal 17 that can communicate with the coffee bean grinder GM may be configured to display the type of unit attached to the option mounting part GM11.

[0155] Figure 20(a) shows a coffee bean grinder GM to which a hopper unit 402 is attached instead of the canister storage unit 401 shown in Figure 18, and Figure 20(b) shows a coffee bean grinder GM to which a funnel unit 403 is attached.

[0156] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the coffee bean grinder GM seen from the front left, whereas FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the coffee bean grinder GM seen from the front right.

[0157] 18 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the center casing GM10. The method of attaching each unit to this option mounting part GM11 may be a screw-fit method, a method in which a locking claw provided on each unit locks onto the option mounting part GM11, or a method in which a locking claw provided on the option mounting part GM11 locks onto each unit.

[0158] 20(a) is a transparent container that contains roasted coffee beans and is covered on the top with a removable cap 402c. This hopper unit 402 corresponds to a large single canister.

[0159] On the other hand, the funnel unit 403 shown in Figure 20(b) is funnel-shaped with the inside tapering toward the option mounting part GM11 and open at the top. This funnel unit 403 also stores roasted coffee beans. Compared to the canister and hopper unit 402, the funnel unit 403 supplies roasted coffee beans to the downstream side more smoothly. The canister storage unit 401, the hopper unit 402, and the funnel unit 403 are all storage units capable of storing roasted coffee beans. These storage units (401 to 403) are provided with supply ports for supplying roasted coffee beans to the downstream side.

[0160] In addition, a weighing unit can also be attached to the option attachment section GM11.

[0161] FIG. 21(a) is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a measuring unit 404 is attached to the option attachment section GM11.

[0162] The coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 21(a) has a weighing unit 404 attached to an option mounting part GM11, and further has a canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 20 attached to it. Storage units (401-403) capable of storing roasted coffee beans can be detachably attached to the weighing unit 404. The storage units can be attached to the weighing unit 404 in the same manner as the units are attached to the option mounting part GM11, by a screw-fitting method, by a locking claw provided on each unit to lock onto the weighing unit 404, or by a locking claw provided on the weighing unit 404 to lock onto the storage units. In the example shown in FIG. 21(a), a locking claw 404k provided on the weighing unit 404 locks onto a protrusion GM11t on the option mounting part GM11. Further, a locking claw 401k provided on the canister storage unit 401 is locked to a protrusion 404t provided on the upper part of the inner circumferential wall of the weighing unit 404.

[0163] The weighing unit 404 has a receiving port 4040, a guide passage 4041, a conveying passage 4042, and a delivery port 4043. When the storage units (401 to 403) are attached to the weighing unit 404, the supply ports USP of the storage units connect to the receiving port 4040 of the weighing unit 404, and the roasted coffee beans stored in the storage units are supplied to the receiving port 4040. The receiving port 4040 and the upstream side of the conveying passage 4042 are connected by a guide passage 4041. In the conveying passage 4042 shown in Figure 21(a), the right side is the upstream side and the left side is the downstream side. An electric screw conveyor ESC is arranged within the conveying passage 4042, and the roasted coffee beans are conveyed within the conveying passage 4042 and sent out from the delivery port 4043 towards the grinding device 5. That is, roasted coffee beans supplied to receiving port 4040 are guided through guide path 4041 to conveying path 4042, and are conveyed from the right side to the left side of conveying path 4042 shown in Figure 21(a). Although conveying path 4042 shown in Figure 21(a) is provided horizontally, downstream end opening 4042o of conveying path 4042 is formed so as to open facing diagonally upward. Note that conveying path 4042 may also be inclined so that the downstream side is higher than the upstream side.

[0164] FIG. 21(b) is a perspective view showing the electric screw conveyor ESC.

[0165] In the electric screw conveyor ESC shown in Figure 21(b), the far right side is the upstream side, and the near left side is the downstream side. The electric screw conveyor ESC has a screw shaft ESC1 and a screw blade ESC2 spirally arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the screw shaft ESC1. A motor ESC3 that rotates and drives the screw shaft ESC1 is built into the upstream end of the electric screw conveyor ESC. The roasted coffee beans guided to the conveying path 4042 are transported within the conveying path 4042 by the rotating screw blade ESC2. The control device 11 controls the rotation of the motor ESC3, and the amount of roasted coffee beans is automatically measured based on the amount of rotation of the screw shaft ESC1. The electric screw conveyor ESC automatically measures the roasted coffee beans stored in the storage units (401-403) and transports them downstream.

[0166] 21(a), a cover member 460 is provided at the downstream end opening 4042o of the conveying passage 4042. As described above, the downstream end opening 4042o is formed facing obliquely upward, and the cover member 460 is also disposed obliquely. The cover member 460 has a cover plate 461 and a strip-shaped member 451.

[0167] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing some aspects of the cover member 460 arranged at the downstream end opening 4042o of the conveying passage 4042.

[0168] 22(a), the upper half of the downstream end opening 4042o is covered by a cover plate 461. The cover plate 461 is a rigid body made of resin.

[0169] An outlet section 45 is provided at the downstream end of the conveying passage 4042. This outlet section 45 is made up of flexible belt-shaped members 451 arranged horizontally at a distance W1. The belt-shaped members 451 are more flexible than the cover plate 461. The distance W1 between the belt-shaped members 451 is narrower than the size of typical roasted coffee beans B. The upper end of the belt-shaped member 451 is fixed to the lower edge of the cover plate 461, but the lower end of the belt-shaped member 451 is a free end. The lower end of the belt-shaped member 451 is located inside the edge 4042e that defines the downstream end opening 4042o by a length that is shorter than the size of the roasted coffee beans B. The belt-shaped member 451 narrows the area of ​​the downstream end opening 4042o, but its flexibility allows the passage of roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2. That is, the area of ​​the downstream end opening 4042o is reduced to about half by the cover plate 461, making it difficult for roasted coffee beans B to fall from the downstream end opening 4042o once the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. Furthermore, the area of ​​the downstream end opening 4042o is further reduced by the belt-shaped member 451, making it even more difficult for roasted coffee beans B to fall from the downstream end opening 4042o. This prevents roasted coffee beans B from accidentally entering the downstream side. Meanwhile, because the belt-shaped member 451 is flexible and its lower end is free, it is turned outward by the pushing force (equivalent to the conveying force) of roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2. As a result, the spacing W1 of the belt-shaped member 451 and the gap between the lower end of the belt-shaped member 451 and the edge 4042e defining the downstream end opening 4042o widen, and roasted coffee beans B are discharged through the widened spacing and gap.

[0170] Furthermore, in the covering member 460 that is arranged facing diagonally upward, the strip-shaped member 451 is also inclined, and the outlet portion 45 also faces diagonally upward. The outlet portion 45 shown in Figures 22(a) to 22(f) faces diagonally upward. By having the outlet portion 45 facing diagonally upward in this way, roasted coffee beans B are less likely to fall from the outlet portion 45. However, the outlet portion 45 shown in Figures 22(a) to 22(f) may also face straight sideways.

[0171] 22(a), the upper half of the downstream end opening 4042o is covered by a cover plate 461. The cover plate 461 is a rigid body made of resin.

[0172] The covering members 460 shown in FIGS. 22(b) and 22(c) are the same as the covering member 460 shown in FIG. 22(a), except that the strip-shaped member 451 is longer. The strip-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(b) extends downward beyond the edge 4042e that defines the downstream end opening 4042o, with the lower end of the strip-shaped member 451 positioned outside the edge 4042e. The strip-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(c) extends downward just to the edge 4042e that defines the downstream end opening 4042o, with the lower end of the strip-shaped member 451 overlapping the edge 4042e. Therefore, in both of the covering members 460 shown in FIGS. 22(b) and 22(c), the area of ​​the downstream end opening 4042o can be made smaller than in the covering member 460 shown in FIG. 22(a), and the allowance for passage of roasted coffee beans B is reduced. However, both the belt-shaped member 451 shown in Figure 22(b) and the belt-shaped member 451 shown in Figure 22(c) are flexible and have free lower ends, so they are turned outward by the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2. As a result, the roasted coffee beans B are sent out by the pushing force from both the outlet portion 45 shown in Figure 22(b) and the outlet portion 45 shown in Figure 22(c).

[0173] The covering members 460 shown in Figures 22(d) and 22(e) are the same as the covering member 460 shown in Figure 22(a), except for the size of the covering plate 461. In the covering member 460 shown in Figure 22(d), the covering plate 461 covers an upper portion corresponding to one-third of the size of the downstream end opening 4042o. In the covering member 460 shown in Figure 22(e), the covering plate 461 covers an upper to middle portion corresponding to two-thirds of the size of the downstream end opening 4042o. Therefore, the covering member 460 shown in Figure 22(d) does not narrow the area of ​​the downstream end opening 4042o compared to the covering member 460 shown in Figure 22(a), and therefore allows more roasted coffee beans B to pass through. However, when the strip-shaped member 451 is also included, the area of ​​the downstream opening 41h is narrowed by more than half, making it difficult for roasted coffee beans B to fall from the outlet portion 45 once the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. 22(e) has a smaller area of ​​the downstream end opening 4042o than the covering member 460 shown in Fig. 22(a), and has a significantly lower tolerance for the passage of roasted coffee beans B. For this reason, it is preferable to use a belt-shaped member that is more flexible than the belt-shaped member 451 shown in Fig. 22(a).

[0174] The covering member 460 shown in FIG. 22(f) does not include a covering plate 461 and is composed only of an outlet section 45 made of a strip-shaped member 451. Both ends of the strip-shaped member 451 are fixed to an edge 4042e that defines the downstream end opening 4042o. In the covering member 460 shown in FIG. 22(f), the strip-shaped member 451 narrows the area of ​​the downstream end opening 4042o. Furthermore, because both ends of the strip-shaped member 451 are fixed, one end does not turn outward. However, the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B transported by the rotating screw blade ESC2 widens the spacing W2 of the strip-shaped member 451. The strip-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(f) is thinner than the strip-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(a). 22(f) is narrower than the size of typical roasted coffee beans B, but wider than the spacing W1 of the strip-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(a). Therefore, the spacing W2 of the strip-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(f) is more likely to expand due to the pushing force of the transported roasted coffee beans B than the strip-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(a), and the spacing after expansion is also larger. Therefore, the roasted coffee beans B are also sent out from the outlet portion 45 shown in FIG. 22(f) by the pushing force.

[0175] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing yet another embodiment of a cover member 460. As shown in FIG.

[0176] The covering member 460 shown in FIG. 23(a) is the same as the covering member 460 shown in FIG. 22(a), except for the configuration of the outlet portion 45. That is, the upper half of the downstream end opening 4042o is covered by a covering plate 461, and the outlet portion 45 is provided in the lower half. The outlet portion 45 shown in FIG. 23(a) is composed of a horizontally extending rotation shaft 452 and a lid member 453 that rotates vertically around the rotation shaft 452. The lid member 453 covers the entire lower half of the downstream end opening 4042o and has a rectangular outer shape. The lid member 453 shown in FIG. 23(a) covers the entire lower half of the downstream end opening 4042o, making it difficult for roasted coffee beans B to fall from the outlet portion 45 once the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. Moreover, each outlet portion 45 shown in FIG. 23 also faces diagonally upward. For this reason, the lid member 453 also faces diagonally upward, making it difficult to rotate upward. However, the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2 causes the lid member 453 to rotate upward as shown by the arrow in the figure, and the roasted coffee beans B are also discharged from the outlet portion 45 shown in Figure 23(a).

[0177] The covering member 460 shown in FIG. 23(b) is the same as the covering member 460 shown in FIG. 23(a), except for the size and shape of the lid member 453. The lid member 453 shown in FIG. 23(b) covers part of the lower half of the downstream end opening 4042o and has a semicircular outer shape. Therefore, a gap W3 is generated between the edge 4042e defining the downstream end opening 4042o and the lid member 453, but this gap W3 is narrower than the size of typical roasted coffee beans B. Even with the covering member 460 shown in FIG. 23(b), roasted coffee beans B are less likely to fall once the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. Meanwhile, the pushing force of the conveyed roasted coffee beans B causes the lid member 453 to rotate upward as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and roasted coffee beans B are also discharged from the outlet portion 45 shown in FIG. 23(b). In particular, the outlet section 45 shown in FIG. 23(b) has a gap W3, and therefore has a higher tolerance for the passage of roasted coffee beans B than the outlet section 45 shown in FIG. 23(a).

[0178] The cover member 460 shown in Figure 23(c) does not have a cover plate 461 and is composed only of an outlet section 45 having two rotating shafts 452L, 452R and a pair of left and right lid members 453L, 453R. The two rotating shafts 452L, 452R are inclined from the vertical because the downstream end opening 4042o faces diagonally upward. The left lid member 453L covers the entire left half of the downstream end opening 4042o and has a semicircular outer shape. The right lid member 453L covers the entire left half of the downstream end opening 4042o and has a semicircular outer shape. Even in the outlet section 45 shown in Figure 23(c), roasted coffee beans B are less likely to fall out once the screw blade ESC2 stops rotating. Meanwhile, due to the pushing force of the transported roasted coffee beans B, the left lid member 453L rotates to the left, and the right lid member 453R rotates to the right, as shown by the arrows in the figure, and the roasted coffee beans B are also discharged from the outlet portion 45 shown in Figure 23(c).

[0179] Although each outlet 45 shown in FIG. 23 faces diagonally upward, it may also face straight to the side.

[0180] In the above description, "A coffee machine that uses coffee beans to prepare coffee, a conveying mechanism (e.g., an electric screw conveyor ESC) that conveys the coffee beans toward an opening (e.g., a downstream end opening 4042o); an outlet portion (e.g., outlet portion 45) that narrows the area of ​​the opening and allows the coffee beans conveyed by the conveying mechanism to pass through; A coffee machine (e.g., beverage manufacturing device 1, coffee bean grinder GM) characterized by having the above. He explained about:

[0181] In addition, the conveying mechanism may be arranged inside a cylindrical body, and the cylindrical body may have an upstream side that is a storage side where the coffee beans are stored and an opening on the downstream side.

[0182] Here, the coffee machine may be characterized by having a storage section that stores coffee beans, a conveying mechanism that conveys the coffee beans from the storage section toward an opening, and an outlet section that narrows the area of ​​the opening and allows the coffee beans conveyed by the conveying mechanism to pass through.

[0183] Also, The outlet portion is a flexible strip-shaped member (e.g., strip-shaped member 451) arranged in one direction (e.g., horizontal direction) at intervals (e.g., intervals W1, W2). A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0184] The one direction may be a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, or an oblique direction.

[0185] The outlet may be comb-shaped.

[0186] The strip-shaped member may also be one whose both ends are fixed (for example, strip-shaped member 451 shown in FIG. 22(f)).

[0187] Also, The belt-shaped member has one fixed end and the other free end (for example, belt-shaped member 451 shown in Figures 22(a) to 22(e)). A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0188] Also, The other end is located inside the edge that defines the opening (for example, the strip-shaped member 451 shown in Figures 22(a), 22(d), and 22(e)). A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0189] The other end may be spaced inward from the edge that defines the opening (e.g., edge 4042e) by a first length, and the first length may be shorter than the size of a coffee bean.

[0190] Also, "The belt-shaped member has a part of the other end (e.g., free end) overlapping the edge (e.g., edge 4042e) that defines the opening (e.g., belt-shaped member 451 shown in Figures 22(b) and 22(c)). A beverage manufacturing device characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0191] That is, the other end may be located outside the edge [for example, the tip of the strip-shaped member 451 shown in Figure 22(b)], or may be located on the edge [for example, the tip of the strip-shaped member 451 shown in Figure 22(c)].

[0192] Also, "The intervals [for example, intervals W1, W2] are narrower than the size of the coffee beans, A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0193] Also, "A coffee machine characterized by comprising a cover portion [e.g., a cover plate 461] that covers part of the opening, separate from the outlet portion." He also explained.

[0194] The cover portion may be fixedly disposed along the outer periphery of the opening, or may be plate-shaped.

[0195] Also, The outlet portion is a lid member [for example, the lid member 453 shown in FIG. 23, the left lid member 453L and the right lid member 453R] that opens due to the coffee bean conveying force of the conveying mechanism [for example, the pushing force of the roasted coffee beans B conveyed by the rotating screw blade ESC2]. A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0196] Also, The outlet portion faces obliquely upward (see, for example, the downstream end opening 4042o shown in FIG. 21(a)). A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0197] Next, the bean outlet will be described.

[0198] Figure 24(a) shows the lid unit GM21, which opens and closes the bean outlet GM20 provided in the center casing GM10 of the coffee bean grinder GM, in a closed state, and Figure 24(b) shows the lid unit GM21 in an open state.

[0199] As described above, the upper part of the center casing GM10 of the coffee bean grinder GM is provided with an option attachment part GM11. A start button GM15, which is pressed to start the grinding process, is provided in the middle of the center casing GM10 in the height direction. The lower part of the center casing GM10 covers the first grinder 5A. The bean outlet GM20 shown in FIG. 24(b) is located downstream of the option attachment part GM11 and upstream of the first grinder 5A. That is, when a measuring unit 404 is attached to the option attachment part GM11, the bean outlet GM20 is located downstream of the delivery port 4043 (see FIG. 21(a)) of the measuring unit 404. When a storage unit (401-403) is attached to the option attachment part GM11, the bean outlet GM20 is located downstream of the supply port USP (see FIG. 21(a)) of the storage unit. Roasted coffee beans stored in the storage units (401-403) are discharged from the bean outlet GM20. Furthermore, if a weighing unit 404 is attached to the option attachment part GM11, excess beans may be discharged from the bean outlet GM20 as a result of weighing. A guide path forming member GM22 is attached to the center casing GM10 to prevent the roasted coffee beans discharged from the bean outlet GM20 from scattering. As shown in FIG. 24(b), roasted coffee beans B discharged from the bean outlet GM20 are guided by this guide path forming member GM22 and slide down diagonally downward. If a collection container is placed near the tip of the guide path forming member GM22, the discharged roasted coffee beans can be easily collected in the collection container.

[0200] As shown in Fig. 24(b), the lid unit GM21 has an inner lid GM211 and an outer lid 212. In the closed state shown in Fig. 24(a), the inner lid GM211 is part of the peripheral wall of a bean transport path (not shown) provided inside the center casing GM10. On the other hand, in the closed state shown in Fig. 24(a), the outer lid GM212 is a member that forms part of the center casing GM10. The bean removal opening GM20 provided in the center casing GM10 is blocked by this outer lid GM212.

[0201] For example, after the weighing unit 404 has finished weighing and sent the weighed roasted coffee beans to the first grinder 5A, the lid unit GM21 is automatically switched from the closed state to the open state under the control of the control device 11. When the lid unit GM21 is in the open state, the screw blade ESC2 resumes rotation, transporting any remaining roasted coffee beans and discharging them from the bean outlet GM20 before they reach the first grinder 5A. If any roasted coffee beans remain in the electric screw conveyor ESC, the next time different types of roasted coffee beans are ground, the different types of roasted coffee beans will be mixed together. For this reason, it is necessary to remove the remaining roasted coffee beans from the electric screw conveyor ESC to the outside. Furthermore, the bean outlet GM20 functions effectively even when the weighing unit 404 is not installed and the same type of roasted coffee beans are ground. Normally, roasted coffee beans are not supplied to the first grinder 5A until the rotational speed of the first motor of the first grinder 5A reaches a constant speed. However, any remaining beans in front of the first grinder 5A are ground by the first grinder 5A and must be discarded. However, if the bean outlet GM20 is provided, the remaining beans in front of the first grinder 5A can be collected through the bean outlet GM20, preventing waste of beans. When the drive of the first grinder 5A stops, the lid unit GM21 automatically changes from the closed state to the open state under the control of the control device 11. Note that when the lid unit GM21 automatically changes to the open state, a notification is provided in advance. Furthermore, the lid unit GM21 opens to allow roasted coffee beans to be removed from inside the coffee bean grinder GM, not only for leftover roasted coffee beans but also when the grinding process is interrupted midway. Furthermore, the lid unit GM21 may be manually opened. For example, the lid unit GM21 may be auto-locked and unable to be opened when the first grinder 5A is running, but the auto-lock may be released when the first grinder 5A is stopped, allowing the lid unit GM21 to be opened manually at any time. Alternatively, the lid unit GM21 may be configured to be able to be opened by an instruction from an external terminal such as the mobile terminal 17.

[0202] In the grinding method for the coffee bean grinder GM described above, first, a storage unit (401-403) capable of storing coffee beans is attached to the option attachment part GM11 provided upstream of the first grinder 5A (attaching step). Next, the coffee beans stored in the storage unit attached to the option attachment part GM11 are supplied to the first grinder 5A (supply step). The supplied coffee beans are then ground by the first grinder 5A (grinding step). Finally, the coffee beans remaining between the storage unit (401-403) and the first grinder 5A are removed to the outside from the bean removal opening GM20 (removal step).

[0203] The bean outlet GM20 and the outer lid 212 that opens and closes the bean outlet GM20 can also be applied to the beverage production device 1 shown in Fig. 1. The bean outlet GM20 may be provided below the bean inlet 103, upstream of the grinding device 5, by changing the mounting position of the information display device 12.

[0204] According to the above description, "A coffee bean grinder equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans [e.g., grinding device 5], An option mounting portion (e.g., option mounting portion GM11) is provided upstream of the grinder, A storage unit capable of storing coffee beans (for example, the canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18 or the hopper unit 402 shown in FIG. 20(a)) can be attached to the option attachment portion. The coffee bean grinder (for example, the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18) is described as follows.

[0205] This coffee bean grinder has excellent expandability, as various optional units can be attached to the optional attachment portion, such as a storage unit that can store roasted coffee beans to be supplied to the grinder.

[0206] Also, "A funnel unit for introducing coffee beans (for example, the funnel unit 403 shown in FIG. 20(b)) can be attached to the option attachment portion. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0207] Also, "A weighing unit (e.g., weighing unit 404 shown in FIG. 21) that weighs coffee beans and transports them downstream can be attached to the option attachment portion. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0208] Also, "An outlet (e.g., bean outlet GM20) through which coffee beans can be taken out is provided upstream of the grinder and downstream of the option mounting portion. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0209] Also, "A lid [for example, an outer lid 212] is provided to open and close the outlet. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0210] moreover, "A coffee bean grinding system (e.g., Figures 10 and 19) comprising an external device (e.g., server 16, mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinder." He also explained.

[0211] Also, "A method for grinding coffee beans in a grinder for grinding coffee beans, comprising: an attachment step of attaching a storage unit capable of storing coffee beans (e.g., a canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18, a hopper unit 402 shown in FIG. 20(a), or a funnel unit 403 shown in FIG. 20(b)) to an option attachment part (e.g., an option attachment part GM11) provided upstream of the grinder; a grinding step of grinding the coffee beans stored in a storage unit attached to the option attachment portion with the grinder; A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising the steps of: He also explained.

[0212] According to the above description, "A coffee bean grinder equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans [e.g., grinding device 5], An outlet (e.g., bean outlet GM20) is provided upstream of the grinder to allow coffee beans to be taken out. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above (for example, the beverage production device 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18) He explained about:

[0213] This coffee bean grinder allows coffee beans that do not need to be fed to the grinder to be removed from the outlet, allowing the coffee beans that do not need to be ground to be collected.

[0214] Also, "A lid [for example, an outer lid 212] is provided to open and close the outlet. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0215] Also, "A storage section (e.g., storage device 4) capable of storing coffee beans is provided upstream of the grinder, The coffee beans stored in the storage section can be taken out from the outlet. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0216] Also, "A cover body [for example, a center casing GM10] is provided to cover at least a part of the grinder, When the lid is in an open state, a part of the cover body is also in an open state, allowing coffee beans to be taken out. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0217] Also, "A cover body [for example, a center casing GM10] is provided to cover at least a part of the storage section, When the lid is in an open state, a part of the cover body is also in an open state, allowing coffee beans to be taken out. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0218] Also, "A guide path (for example, a guide path formed by a guide path forming member GM22) for guiding the coffee beans taken out from the outlet, A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0219] moreover, "A coffee bean grinding system (e.g., Figures 10 and 19) comprising an external device (e.g., server 16, mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinder." He also explained.

[0220] Also, "A method for grinding coffee beans in a grinder for grinding coffee beans, comprising: a supply step of supplying coffee beans to the grinder; a grinding step of grinding the coffee beans supplied in the supplying step with the grinder; an unloading step of unloading the coffee beans to the outside through an unloading port provided upstream of the grinder; A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising the steps of: He also explained.

[0221] Next, the grinding device 5 of the coffee bean grinder GM will be described. The basic configuration of this grinding device 5 is the same as the basic configuration of the grinding device 5 described using Figures 12 to 17, and it has a first grinder 5A, a second grinder 5B, and a separating device 6. The following description will focus on the differences from the grinding device 5 described using Figures 12 to 17, and duplicated explanations may be omitted.

[0222] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the main components of the grinding device 5 built into the coffee bean grinder GM with the guide path forming member GM22 shown in FIG. 24 facing forward.

[0223] In Figure 25, a first grinder 5A, a forming unit 6B, and a second grinder 5B are arranged from the upstream side. That is, the forming unit 6B is provided downstream of the first grinder 5A and upstream of the second grinder 5B. The first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are mechanisms for grinding roasted coffee beans supplied from a storage unit such as a canister storage unit 401, a hopper unit 402, or a funnel unit 403. Furthermore, when the measuring unit 404 shown in Figure 21(a) is attached, the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B become mechanisms for grinding roasted coffee beans transported by the electric screw conveyor ESC. The connection structure between the first grinder 5A and the forming unit 6B is the same as the connection structure described using Figure 13, that is, the forming unit 6B is provided with a cylindrical portion 65 (see Figure 13) not shown here, and the discharge outlet 51a (see Figure 13 or Figure 26) of the first grinder 5A is connected to an opening 65a (see Figure 13) at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 65.

[0224] The upper end of a connecting duct 661 is connected to the outlet 66 of the forming unit 6B. In Figure 25, the lower part of this connecting duct 661 is hidden by a manual setting disk dial 695. The connecting duct 68 and the manual setting disk dial 695 are provided only in the coffee bean grinder GM, and will be described in detail later.

[0225] FIG. 25 also shows the fixed blade 57b arranged on the upper side and the rotary blade 58b arranged on the lower side, which constitute the second grinder 5B.

[0226] Furthermore, fixed blade 57b can be raised and lowered relative to rotary blade 58b, and the grind size of the beans can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between rotary blade 58b and fixed blade 57b. Figure 25 also shows a worm wheel 691 and a worm gear 692 meshed with worm wheel 691 as part of the mechanism for raising and lowering fixed blade 57b. The mechanism for raising and lowering fixed blade 57b will be described in detail below.

[0227] First, the first grinder 5A will be described.

[0228] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the first grinder 5A.

[0229] The first grinder 5A shown in Fig. 26 is a grinder for crushing the coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1 / 4 of its original size) to make it easier to separate unwanted matter adhering to the coffee beans. A rotary shaft (not shown in Fig. 26) extends from above, and a rotary blade 58a (a cutter) is provided on the rotary shaft. A fixed blade 57a (a cutter) is also provided around the rotary blade 58a. The fixed blade 57a shown in Fig. 26 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body 53a. The rotary shaft is rotated by a first motor (not shown) (see motor 52a shown in Fig. 12), which rotates the rotary blade 58a.

[0230] Roasted coffee beans introduced into the bean conveying path provided inside the center casing GM10 pass through the portion blocked by the inner lid GM211 shown in FIG. 24(b) and reach the first grinder 5A.

[0231] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the grinding process of the first grinder 5A, which is executed by the processing unit 11a shown in FIG.

[0232] The grinding process of the first grinder 5A shown in Fig. 27 is started in response to pressing the start button GM15 shown in Fig. 24. Furthermore, if the weighing unit 404 shown in Fig. 21 is attached to the option mounting part GM11, it may also be started in response to the start of rotation of the screw blade ESC2. On the other hand, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the electric screw conveyor ESC has finished transporting a set amount of roasted coffee beans, the termination condition is satisfied and the grinding process of the first grinder 5A ends. It is also possible to provide a sensor that detects roasted coffee beans passing through the inlet of the first grinder 5A, and start or end the grinding process of the first grinder 5A in response to the detection result of this sensor.

[0233] First, the processing unit 11a starts the forward rotation of the first motor (step S11), and the rotary blade 58a starts forward rotation. Next, it determines whether to continue the forward rotation of the first motor based on whether the above-mentioned termination condition is satisfied (step S12). If the termination condition is satisfied, the determination result is No, the forward rotation of the first motor is stopped (step S17), and the grinding process of the first grinder 5A is terminated. On the other hand, if the termination condition is not satisfied, the determination result is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S13, where the forward rotation of the first motor is continued.

[0234] The upper surface 58a1 of the rotary blade 58a is inclined downward toward the downstream side in the forward rotation direction. At least the highest point of the upper surface 58a1 of the rotary blade 58a is higher than the fixed blade 57a. The roasted coffee beans that reach the first grinder 5A are guided by the upper surface 58a1 of the rotating rotary blade 58a and are directed toward the fixed blade 57a by centrifugal force, or are directed toward the fixed blade 57a without being guided by the upper surface 58a1 of the rotary blade 58a, and are crushed by being sandwiched between the fixed blade 57a and the rotating rotary blade 58a. The crushed ground beans are discharged from the discharge port 51a (see FIG. 26(a)) to the forming unit 6B.

[0235] Although it is rare, the roasted coffee beans B that reach the first grinder 5A may contain foreign objects, such as stones or nails, that are harder than the roasted coffee beans B. Such foreign objects cannot be ground between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a and remain caught between them, preventing the rotary blade 58a from rotating normally.

[0236] In FIG. 26(a), a stone St is caught between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a, preventing the rotary blade 58a from rotating normally in the forward direction. That is, the rotation stops or the rotation speed slows down significantly. The processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 monitors the value of the current flowing through the first motor. When the rotary blade 58a is no longer able to rotate normally in the forward direction, the current value becomes an abnormal value (a value exceeding the reference value). In step S13 shown in FIG. 27, the processing unit 11a determines whether the current value is an abnormal value, and if the current value is normal, the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current value is an abnormal value, the first motor is rotated in the reverse direction (step S14), and the rotary blade 58a starts rotating in the reverse direction.

[0237] 26(b), the first motor starts rotating in the reverse direction, causing the stone St caught between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a to fall. Note that the processing unit 11a may monitor the rotation torque in addition to the current value and determine whether the value of the rotation torque is an abnormal value. Alternatively, the processing unit 11a may monitor the number of rotations and the rotation speed of the rotary blade 58a, instead of monitoring the first motor, and determine whether these values ​​are abnormal values.

[0238] In step S15 following step S14 shown in FIG. 27, an instruction is given to output a notification that an abnormal value has been detected. The notification here is an error display (for example, a text display saying "A bean jam error has occurred in the first grinder 5A") displayed on the display screen of the information display device 12, but an error notification sound may also be output from a speaker provided in the information display device 12. In addition, the processing unit 11a records a log indicating that an abnormal value has been detected in the memory unit 11b (step S16). Note that the abnormality notification and the abnormality log recording may be executed either first or simultaneously. Alternatively, only one of them may be executed, or neither may be executed.

[0239] When the execution of step S16 is completed, the process returns to step S11, and the processing unit 11a outputs an instruction to start the forward rotation of the first motor.

[0240] Figure 26(c) shows that the first motor has returned to normal rotation and roasted coffee beans B have been ground properly. The reverse rotation of the first motor shown in Figure 26(b) is instantaneous, and the return to normal rotation occurs immediately. The reverse rotation of the first motor may be continued for a certain period of time. For example, the first motor may continue to rotate in reverse while the abnormality notification is being issued, and when normal rotation is restored, an error resolution notification may be output stating, "The bean jam error has been resolved."

[0241] 26(b), the falling stone St reaches the second grinder 5B. Because the second grinder 5B is a fine grinder, the gap between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b is narrow, making it unlikely for the stone St to get caught in this gap, and the stone St remains on the fixed blade 57b. After this, due to the error notification in step S15 and the storage of the error log in step S16, maintenance of the crushing device 5 is performed, at which time the stone St is removed.

[0242] As described above, the first motor rotates in reverse during the grinding process of the first grinder 5A executed by the processing unit 11a. However, an instruction to start the reverse rotation of the first motor may be output from an external terminal such as the mobile terminal 17 shown in FIG. 19. Alternatively, an instruction to stop the rotation of the first motor may be output from the external terminal. Furthermore, an instruction to stop the operation of the entire coffee bean grinder GM may be output from the external terminal. The processing unit 11a controls the actuator group 14 in response to such an instruction from the external terminal.

[0243] 26, a stone was caught between the fixed blade 57a and the rotary blade 58a. However, in some cases, very hard, deteriorated roasted coffee beans may be caught. Even in such a case, the grinding process of the first grinder 5A can be continued by performing the reverse rotation control in step S14. This also prevents damage to the first motor, fixed blade 57a, or rotary blade 58a.

[0244] In addition, a reverse rotation switch may be provided to rotate the first motor in the reverse direction, and when an abnormal value is detected, the reverse rotation control of step S14 may not be performed, but an abnormality notification instruction may be issued in step S15, and the reverse rotation of the first motor may be performed by the user of this coffee bean grinder GM operating the reverse rotation switch.

[0245] 21, the roasted coffee beans can be measured more accurately, but as long as a predetermined amount of roasted coffee beans per unit time is continuously supplied to the first grinder 5A, the beans can be measured by the first grinder 5A without using the measuring unit 404. That is, the amount of beans ground by the first grinder 5A can be calculated by measuring the time from when the current value of the first motor of the first grinder 5A increases after the beans start to be ground.

[0246] The grinding process of the first grinder 5A described above using Figures 26 and 27 can also be applied to the grinding process of the first grinder 5A in the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the grinding process of the first grinder 5A described using Figures 26 and 27 can also be applied to the grinding process of the second grinder 5B.

[0247] According to the above description, "A coffee machine equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, a first grinder 5A], The grinder includes a grinding part (e.g., a rotary blade 58a) that can rotate in a predetermined direction. A determination device (for example, a processing unit 11a that executes step S13 shown in FIG. 27) that determines whether the sawing unit is in a normal state where it can perform normal rotational operation is provided. A coffee machine characterized by the above (for example, the beverage production device 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18) He explained about:

[0248] According to this coffee machine, an abnormal state such as the grinding section not rotating normally can be detected based on the determination result of the determination device.

[0249] Also, "A control device for controlling the grinder (for example, the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19) is provided, The control device is capable of causing the grinding unit to perform a rotation operation in a direction opposite to a predetermined rotation operation when the determination device determines that the grinding unit is not in the normal state [for example, step S14 shown in FIG. 27]. A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0250] Also, "A drive unit (for example, the motor 52a or the first motor shown in FIG. 12) is provided to drive the sawing unit, The determination device determines whether the sawing unit is in the normal state based on whether the current flowing through the drive unit exceeds a predetermined value (for example, step S13 shown in FIG. 27). A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0251] Also, "When the determination device determines that the cutting unit is not in the normal state, an alarm device (e.g., an information display device 12) is provided that notifies the user of the abnormal state (e.g., by displaying an error message or outputting an error alarm sound). A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0252] Also, "When the determination device determines that the cutting unit is not in the normal state, a storage device (for example, a storage unit 11b shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19) is provided that can store an abnormal state (for example, an abnormality log). A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0253] moreover, "A coffee machine system (e.g., Fig. 10 or 19) characterized by including an external device (e.g., server 16, mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee machine." He also explained.

[0254] Also, "A start step (e.g., step S11 shown in FIG. 27) of starting the rotation of the grinding unit that grinds the coffee beans; a determination step (for example, step S13 shown in FIG. 27) for determining whether the sawing unit is in a normal state where it can perform normal rotation; A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising the steps of: He also explained.

[0255] Next, the suction unit 6A, which is not shown in FIG. 25, will be described.

[0256] Figure 28(a) is a diagram showing the separating device 6. In Figure 28(a), a suction unit 6A and a forming unit 6B that constitute the separating device 6 are shown.

[0257] The configuration of the forming unit 6B shown in FIG. 28(a) is the same as the configuration of the forming unit 6B described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0258] The suction unit 6A shown in Figure 28(a) is a unit that communicates with the separation chamber SC (see also Figures 13 and 15) in a direction (left-right in this example) that intersects with the passing direction BP of the ground beans (up-down in this example), and sucks in the air inside the separation chamber SC. By sucking in the air inside the separation chamber SC, lightweight objects such as chaff and fine powder are sucked in. This allows unwanted matter to be separated from the ground beans.

[0259] The suction unit 6A is a centrifugal separation mechanism. It includes a blower unit 60A and a collection container 60B. The blower unit 60A is a fan motor that, when driven, sucks in air from the separation chamber SC, collecting light particles such as chaff and fine powder into the collection container 60B. The blower unit 60A is covered by a casing 60C shown in FIG. 18, and the blower unit 60A is not visible in the perspective view of the exterior of the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18. An exhaust slit (not shown) is provided on the rear side of the casing 60C, and the air sucked in by the blower unit 60A is exhausted from the exhaust slit to the outside of the coffee bean grinder GM. An air volume dial 60D (see FIG. 18) is provided above the blower unit 60A. Operating the air volume dial 60D changes the suction volume of the fan motor of the blower unit 60A.

[0260] The collection container 60B shown in FIG. 28(a) is composed of an upper part 61 and a lower part 62, similar to the collection container 60B described with reference to FIGS.

[0261] FIG. 28(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the outer peripheral wall 61a (see FIG. 28(a)) of the upper portion 61 of the collection container 60B has been removed.

[0262] Figure 28(b) shows the blower unit 60A that was attached to the removed outer peripheral wall 61a. Also shown is the exhaust tube 61b of the upper part 61. Like the exhaust tube 61b shown in Figure 14, the exhaust tube 61b shown in Figure 28(b) has multiple fins 61d formed on its peripheral surface. The multiple fins 61d are arranged in the circumferential direction of the exhaust tube 61b. Each fin 61d is inclined obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the exhaust tube 61b. The provision of such fins 61d promotes the swirling of air containing unwanted matter around the exhaust tube 61b.

[0263] 28(b) shows the internal structure of the lower part 62 of the collection container 60B. The lower part 62 shown in FIG. 28(b) differs from the lower part 62 shown in FIG. 14 in that it has a double structure consisting of an outer case 60Bo and an inner case 60Bi. A portion of the inner case 60Bi placed inside the outer case 60Bo is visible in FIG. 28(b). The inner case 60Bi has an upper end opening 6uo that opens upward, and an exhaust pipe 61b is located inside and above the upper end opening 6uo.

[0264] FIG. 29(a) is a perspective view of the separation device 6 with the outer case 60Bo removed, viewed obliquely from below.

[0265] 29(a) shows the inner case 60Bi. A plurality of openings 6io (four in this example) are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction in the lower portion of the peripheral wall 6iw of the inner case 60Bi. Of the edges defining each opening 6io, a lower edge 6ioe forms part of the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi.

[0266] FIG. 29(b) is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the outer case 60Bo and the inner case 60Bi by looking through the outer case 60Bo.

[0267] 29(b), the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi is located near the middle of the height of the outer case 60Bo. There is also a certain amount of clearance between the inner peripheral surface 6ois of the outer case 60Bo and the outer peripheral surface 6ios of the inner case 60Bi.

[0268] Figure 30(a) is a diagram schematically illustrating phenomena such as air flow within the separation device shown in Figure 29. In Figure 30(a) and Figure 30(b) described below, the flow of air containing unwanted matter such as chaff and fine powder is indicated by solid or dotted arrows, the movement of the unwanted matter is indicated by dashed-dotted arrows, and the flow of air from which the unwanted matter has been separated is indicated by dashed-dotted arrows.

[0269] By driving the blower unit 60A, air containing unwanted materials such as chaff and fine powder flows from the separation chamber SC in the forming unit 6B (see FIG. 29(a)) through the connecting portion 61c and reaches the interior of the upper portion 61 of the collection container 60B. The connecting portion 61c opens to the side of the exhaust tube 61b, and the air containing unwanted materials swirls around the exhaust tube 61b as shown by the solid and dotted arrows in FIG. 30(a) and eventually enters the inner case 60Bi through the upper end opening 6uo of the inner case 60Bi. In the upper portion of the inner case 60Bi, unwanted materials such as chaff and fine powder fall due to their own weight (see the dashed-dotted arrows). They then fall further into the outer case 60Bo through multiple openings 6io provided near the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi (see the dashed-dotted arrows) and accumulate on the bottom surface 6obs of the outer case 60Bo. The air from which the unwanted material falls and is separated inside inner case 60Bi becomes an ascending air current that rises from inside inner case 60Bi along the central axis of exhaust pipe 61b as indicated by the two-dot chain arrow and is exhausted to the outside of coffee bean grinder GM through an exhaust slit (not shown) provided on the back side of casing 60C shown in Fig. 18. As a result, the case where unwanted material such as chaff and fine powder has accumulated (outer case 60Bo) is different from the case where an ascending air current occurs (inner case 60Bi), making it difficult for unwanted material to fly up and reducing the backflow of unwanted material.

[0270] Both the outer case 60Bo and the inner case 60Bi are entirely transparent, allowing the interior to be seen from the outside. This allows the accumulation of unwanted materials such as chaff and fine powder, as well as the airflow, to be seen from the outside. Instead of being entirely transparent, only a portion of the case may be transparent, or the case may be translucent instead of transparent.

[0271] FIG. 30(b) is a diagram schematically showing phenomena such as air flow in the separation device of the modified example.

[0272] In this modification, the upper end of the inner case 60Bi is closed and is closed by a doughnut-shaped top plate 6ub. The air swirling around the exhaust pipe 61b, containing unwanted materials such as chaff and fine powder, continues to swirl along the outer peripheral surface 6ios of the inner case 60Bi and heads toward the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi (see solid and dotted arrows). Eventually, the air enters the inner case 60Bi through multiple openings 6io provided near the bottom surface 6ibs of the inner case 60Bi. At this time, the unwanted materials such as chaff and fine powder fall due to their own weight (see dash-dotted arrows) and accumulate on the bottom surface 6obs of the outer case 60Bi. The air from which the unwanted material has fallen and been separated becomes an ascending air current within inner case 60, as indicated by the two-dot chain arrow, rises along the central axis of inner case 60, passes through the inside of exhaust pipe 61b and heads upward, and is exhausted to the outside of coffee bean grinder GM through an exhaust slit (not shown) provided on the back side of casing 60C shown in Fig. 18. Even in this modification, the case where unwanted material such as chaff and fine powder has accumulated (outer case 60Bo) is different from the case where an ascending air current occurs (inner case 60Bi), making it difficult for unwanted material to fly up and reducing the backflow of unwanted material.

[0273] The separating device 6 described above with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30 can also be applied as the separating device for the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

[0274] According to the above description, "A grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, No. 1 Grinder 5A], A separation section (e.g., a separation chamber SC) that separates unwanted matter (e.g., chaff and fine powder) from coffee beans; a storage section (e.g., a lower portion 62 of the collection container 60B) for storing the waste matter separated from the coffee beans in the separation section; A coffee machine comprising: The storage unit has an outer case body (for example, the outer case 60Bo shown in FIG. 28 or FIG. 29(b)) and an inner case body (for example, the inner case 60Bi shown in FIG. 29) inside the outer case body, The inner case body has an opening (e.g., opening 6io) in a peripheral wall (e.g., peripheral wall 6iw shown in FIG. 29(a)) that is connected to the inside of the outer case body. A coffee machine characterized by the above (for example, the beverage production device 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18) He explained about:

[0275] The opening may allow the unwanted matter to pass through or may allow airflow to pass through.

[0276] Also, "A suction section (for example, a blower unit 60A) is provided above the storage section, The inner case body is configured such that an air current containing the unwanted matter enters the area inside the peripheral wall, where the unwanted matter falls due to its own weight (e.g., the dashed line in FIG. 30(a)), while an air current is generated that is sucked in by the suction portion and rises (e.g., the dashed line in FIG. 30(a)), The outer case body collects the unwanted matter (e.g., the dashed line shown in FIG. 30(a)) that has passed through the opening. A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0277] The inner case body has an air current containing the unwanted material swirling along the peripheral wall, causing the unwanted material to fall by its own weight near the opening [for example, the dashed-dotted arrow shown in Figure 30(b)], while an air current is generated that is sucked in by the suction section and rises [for example, the dashed-dotted arrow shown in Figure 30(b)], and the outer case body may store the unwanted material that has fallen from near the opening [for example, the dashed-dotted arrow shown in Figure 30(b)].

[0278] Also, "The outer case body is provided with a transparent portion (for example, the entire body is transparent), A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0279] Also, "The inner case body is provided with a transparent portion (for example, the entire body is transparent), A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0280] Also, "A discharge section (for example, an exhaust slit provided on the back side of the casing 60C) is provided above the storage section to discharge the air in the storage section to the outside. "A coffee machine characterized by..."

[0281] Also, "The grinder has a first grinder (e.g., a first grinder 5A) and a second grinder (e.g., a second grinder 5B), The separation unit is provided downstream of the first grinder and upstream of the second grinder. A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0282] moreover, "A coffee machine system (e.g., Fig. 10 or 19) characterized by including an external device (e.g., server 16, mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee machine." He also explained.

[0283] Also, "A method for recovering waste generated from coffee beans during the grinding process, a separation step of separating waste materials from the coffee beans; a first step of directing an airflow containing the unwanted matter toward a region inside a peripheral wall of an inner case body that is disposed inside the outer case body and has an opening in the peripheral wall that leads to the interior of the outer case body; a second step of generating an ascending air current inside the peripheral wall by suctioning the inside from above; A method for collecting unwanted materials, characterized by: He also explained.

[0284] According to this method for collecting unwanted objects, in the second step, the unwanted objects fall onto the bottom wall of the inner case body under their own weight, and may even fall onto the bottom wall of the outer case body through the opening.

[0285] Next, the connecting duct 661 will be described.

[0286] FIG. 31 is a diagram in which the manual setting disk dial 695 shown in FIG. 25 has been removed, allowing the entire connecting duct 661 to be seen.

[0287] FIG. 31 shows the rotary blade 58b constituting the second grinder 5B, the fixed blade 57b that can be raised and lowered relative to the rotary blade 58b, and a worm wheel 691 and a worm gear 692 meshed with the worm wheel 691 as part of the lifting mechanism for the fixed blade 57b. The worm wheel 691 has a gear portion 691g, a connecting portion 691c, and a connecting port 691j (see FIG. 32). FIG. 31 also shows a holder portion 693 provided between the fixed blade 57b and the worm wheel 691. The fixed blade 57b is screwed to the connecting portion 691c of the worm wheel 691 via the holder portion 693. Therefore, when the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 rotates, the fixed blade 57b also rotates together with the holder portion 693. A thread groove 693s is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the holder portion 693.

[0288] Furthermore, the connecting port 691j of the worm wheel 691 is connected to the lower end of the connecting duct 661. This forms a passageway for the roasted coffee beans, from the discharge port 66 of the forming unit 6B → the connecting duct 661 → the worm wheel 691 → the holder portion 693 → the fixed blade 57b → the rotary blade 58b. As shown in FIG. 31, an air suction port 661a is provided at the bottom of the connecting duct 661. This air suction port 661a has the same function as the gap between the discharge port 66 and the inlet 50b of the second grinder 5B, as shown in FIG. 13, and by drawing air through the air suction port 661a, separation performance between ground coffee beans and unwanted matter is improved.

[0289] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the second grinder 5B.

[0290] The second grinder 5B includes a second motor 52b, a motor base 502, a base portion 505a, and a grain size adjusting mechanism 503.

[0291] The second motor 52b is a drive source for the second grinder 5B, and is supported above the motor base 502. Also, on the motor base 502, there are arranged a pinion gear 52b' fixed to the output shaft of the second motor 52b, and a gear 502a that meshes with this pinion gear.

[0292] A gear 55b' that meshes with the gear 502a is disposed on the base portion 505a. A rotary shaft 54b is fixed to the gear 55b', and the rotary shaft 54b is rotatably supported on the base portion 505a. The driving force of the second motor 52b, which is transmitted to the gear 55b' via the gear 502a, rotates the rotary shaft 54b. A rotary blade 58b is provided at the end of the rotary shaft 54b, and a fixed blade 57b is provided above the rotary blade 58b. That is, the fixed blade 57b is disposed opposite the rotary blade 58b.

[0293] The grain size adjusting mechanism 503 has a motor 503a as its drive source, and a worm gear 692 that is rotated by the driving force of the motor 503a. A gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 meshes with the worm gear 692.

[0294] FIG. 32 also shows a frame member 694. The frame member 694 is fixed to a casing (not shown) and has a threaded inner surface. A threaded groove 693s on the outer surface of the holder portion 693 meshes with the threaded groove of the frame member 694. As described above, the fixed blade 57b is screwed to the connection portion of the worm wheel 691 via the holder portion 693. Therefore, when the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 rotates, the fixed blade 57b moves up and down in its axial direction. Note that the connecting port 691j of the worm wheel 691 is connected to the lower end of the connecting duct 661 so as to overlap with the lower end of the connecting duct 661. Even when the worm wheel 691 moves down, the connection with the lower end of the connecting duct 661 is maintained. The fixed blade 57b shown in FIG. 32 is in its initial position and is furthest from the rotary blade 58b.

[0295] 19 controls the rotation amount of the motor 503a to adjust the gap between the rotary blade 58b and the fixed blade 57b. By adjusting this gap, the grain size of the ground beans in the second grinder 5B can be adjusted.

[0296] The detection position of the rising and falling fixed blade 57b is a position that is a predetermined distance (for example, 0.7 mm) away from the rotary blade 58b. The detection position is a position closer to the rotary blade 58b than the initial position of the fixed blade 57b. The second grinder 5B is provided with a sensor 57c that detects that the fixed blade 57b is at the detection position.

[0297] The second grinder 5B described above performs an initial operation when the power is turned on to the coffee bean grinder GM. In the initial operation of the second grinder 5B, calibration is performed.

[0298] Fig. 33 is a flowchart showing the calibration process executed in the initial operation, and Fig. 34 is a diagram showing the calibration process in stages.

[0299] In the second grinder 5B, when grinding of the roasted coffee beans is completed, the fixed blade 57b returns to the initial position.

[0300] When the initial operation starts, the fixed blade 57b is located at the initial position, and the contact step (step S51) shown in FIG. 33 is executed as the first step of calibration. In the contact step, the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 drives the motor 503a shown in FIG. 32. The driving of the motor 503a rotates the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691, and the fixed blade 57b, which is located at the initial position, descends until it contacts the rotary blade 58b. FIG. 34(a) is a diagram showing the first contact step being executed. In FIG. 34(a), the fixed blade 57b located at the initial position is indicated by a two-dot chain line. When assembling the second grinder 5B, even if the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b are intended to be attached as designed, slight attachment errors may occur, resulting in deviations in the attachment orientations of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b. Furthermore, deviations in the attachment orientations of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b may also occur due to long-term use, etc. Furthermore, frame member 694 and rotary shaft 54b may be mounted at an angle. Figure 34 exaggerates the misalignment of fixed blade 57b and rotary blade 58b. As designed, both fixed blade 57b and rotary blade 58b always maintain a horizontal position. However, in Figure 34(a), rotary blade 58b is tilted toward the upper right, while fixed blade 57b is tilted toward the lower right. When the contact step is performed, fixed blade 57b descends as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and as shown by the solid line in Figure 34(a), the portion of fixed blade 57b that is positioned lowest due to its tilt comes into contact with the portion of rotary blade 58b that is positioned highest due to its tilt. When any part of fixed blade 57b comes into contact with any part of rotary blade 58b, the rotational torque and current value of motor 503a increase. When the processing unit 11a detects an increase in the rotational torque or an increase in the current value, it stops the motor 503a, and the contact step ends.

[0301] Next, the movement process (step S52) is executed. In the movement process, the processing unit 11a rotates the motor 503a in the opposite direction to the contact process, and raises the fixed blade 57b to the detection position. FIG. 34(b) is a diagram showing the state in which the first movement process is executed. When the movement process is executed, the fixed blade 57b rises as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and the fixed blade 57 continues to rise until the fixed blade 57b is detected by the sensor 57c shown in FIG. 32. When the processing unit 11a acquires a detection signal from the sensor 57c, it stops the rotation of the motor 503a. The motor 503a is a stepping motor, and the processing unit 11a counts the number of steps from when the motor 503a starts to rotate until it stops during the movement process, and stores the count in the memory unit 11b shown in FIG. 19. The movement process in FIG. 34(b) involved 20,150 steps.

[0302] Next, a rotation process (step S53) is executed. In the rotation process, the processing unit 11a rotates the second motor 52b shown in FIG. 32 by a predetermined rotation angle. The predetermined rotation angle may be any angle other than 360 degrees, and is set to 90 degrees here for ease of understanding. In practice, however, the predetermined angle is, for example, around 35 degrees. As a result, the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(c) changes its state to a position tilted upward toward the depth of the page. Note that the second motor 52b may be rotated for a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 seconds).

[0303] Next, step S54 is executed to determine whether the rotary blade 58b has rotated once since the start of calibration. In this example, since the predetermined rotation angle in the rotation process of step S53 is less than 360 degrees, step S54 determines whether the rotary blade 58b has rotated once. However, step S54 is a step for determining whether the count value of the number of steps has been obtained multiple times. Furthermore, to improve accuracy, step S54 may be a step for determining whether the count value of the number of steps has been obtained a predetermined number of times. The greater the predetermined number of times, the higher the accuracy of the calibration, but the longer it takes to complete the calibration. An example of the predetermined number of times is about 10 times.

[0304] If the determination in step S54 is "NO," the data acquisition process, which consists of three steps: a contact step (step S51), a movement step (step S52), and a rotation step (step S53), is executed again. In FIG. 34(d), the second contact step is executed, and the fixed blade 57b descends as indicated by the arrow in the figure. Because the rotation step has been executed, the circumferential position of the uppermost part of the rotary blade 58b is different from that in the first contact step. Therefore, the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(d) are in contact with each other at different parts than in the first contact step. In FIG. 34(e), the second movement step is executed. This second movement step involved 20,170 steps. In FIG. 34(f), the second rotation step is executed, and the rotary blade 58b rotates 90 degrees. As a result, the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(f) has changed its state to one tilted upward and leftward.

[0305] At the end of the rotation process in FIG. 34(f), the rotary blade 58b has rotated 180 degrees since the start of calibration, and the third data acquisition process is executed. In FIG. 34(g), the third contact process is executed, and the fixed blade 57b descends as indicated by the arrow in the figure. As a result of the second rotation process being executed, the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(g) are in contact with each other at different locations than in the previous contact processes. In FIG. 34(h), the third movement process is executed. This third movement process involved 20,160 steps. In FIG. 34(i), the third rotation process is executed, and the rotary blade 58b has rotated 90 degrees. As a result, the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34(i) has changed its position to one tilted upward toward the front of the page.

[0306] At the end of the rotation process in FIG. 34(i), the rotary blade 58b has rotated 270 degrees since the start of calibration, and the fourth data acquisition process is executed. The fourth data acquisition process is not shown in FIG. 34, but it will be similar to FIGS. 34(d) to 34(f). The fourth movement process took 20,168 steps. Furthermore, when the fourth rotation process is executed, the rotary blade 58b has rotated 360 degrees since the start of calibration, and the determination in step S54 shown in FIG. 33 becomes "Yes," and the process proceeds to step S55.

[0307] In step S55, the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 executes a calibration value calculation step. The memory unit 11b stores the count values ​​of the number of steps of the motor 503a acquired in each of the four data acquisition processes. The processing unit 11a calculates the calibration value from these four count values. The calibration value may be the average of the four count values ​​or the median of the four count values ​​(half the sum of the minimum and maximum values). In the example shown in FIG. 34, the average is 20,162 steps and the median is 20,160 steps. The calculated calibration value is stored in the memory unit 11b. The calibration value is updated each time the coffee bean grinder GM is powered on and an initial operation is performed. When step S55 is completed, the calibration ends.

[0308] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the second grinder 5B in the grinding process.

[0309] FIG. 35(a) is a diagram showing an example of an ideal state in which both the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b are always kept in a horizontal position as designed.

[0310] The diagram on the left side of Figure 35(a) shows the state in which the fixed blade 57b is located in its initial position. The processing unit 11a shown in Figure 19 adjusts the grind size of the ground beans in the second grinder 5B using the grind size adjustment mechanism 503 shown in Figure 32, according to various manufacturing conditions (recipe) for grinding roasted coffee beans stored in the memory unit 11b. The recipe specifies manufacturing conditions under ideal conditions, and to adjust the grind size of the ground beans in the second grinder 5B, the motor 503a is rotated 20,160 steps, and the fixed blade 57b is lowered from its initial position. The diagram on the right side of Figure 35(a) is a schematic diagram showing the grinding of roasted coffee beans B. In this diagram on the right side, the fixed blade 57b is in the position specified in the recipe, having been lowered by rotating the motor 503a 20,160 steps from its initial position.

[0311] FIG. 35(b) is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the mounting posture of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 34 is misaligned.

[0312] The diagram on the left side of FIG. 35(b) also illustrates a state in which the fixed blade 57b is located at its initial position. The fixed blade 57b in FIG. 35(b) is tilted downward and to the right. Meanwhile, the rotary blade 58b in FIG. 35(b) is tilted upward and to the right. The same recipe as in the example shown in FIG. 35(a) is used here. Therefore, the motor 503a should rotate 20,160 steps, but the amount of rotation of the motor 503a is corrected using the calibration value obtained in step S55 shown in FIG. 33. In the ideal case shown in FIG. 35(a), the number of steps of the motor 503a required to raise the fixed blade 57b from the state in which the fixed blade 57b is in contact with the rotary blade 58b to the detection position is pre-stored as a reference value in the memory unit 11b shown in FIG. 19. When correcting the rotation amount of the motor 503a, the corrected rotation amount is calculated from the ratio between the calibration value obtained in step S55 shown in FIG. 33 and a reference value previously stored in the memory unit 11b. In this example, the corrected rotation amount was 20,140 steps. The diagram on the right side of FIG. 35(b) also schematically illustrates the grinding of roasted coffee beans B. In this diagram on the right side, the fixed blade 57b is in a corrected position, having been lowered by rotating the motor 503a 20,140 steps from the initial position. However, the average spacing between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 35(b) is approximately the same as the spacing between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b shown in FIG. 35(a). Therefore, even if roasted coffee beans B are ground in the state shown on the right side of FIG. 35(b), ground beans of the same particle size can be obtained as when roasted coffee beans B are ground in the state shown on the right side of FIG. 35(a).

[0313] In the above explanation, the calibration value is calculated using the number of steps of the motor 503a when raising the fixed blade 57b to the detection position, but the calibration value can also be calculated using the number of steps when the fixed blade 57b is lowered from the detection position until the fixed blade 57b comes into contact with the rotary blade 58b.

[0314] In addition, although only the fixed blade 57b of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b is configured to move up and down, the rotary blade 58b may also be configured to move up and down. In this case, the calibration value may be obtained using the step numbers of both blades. Furthermore, the movement of the blades is not limited to up and down, but may also be, for example, left and right movement. Furthermore, the positions of the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b may be reversed, with the fixed blade 57b located at the bottom and the rotary blade 58b located at the top.

[0315] Furthermore, although the fixed blade 57b does not rotate when grinding the roasted coffee beans B, the calibration method shown in Fig. 33 can be applied even when the fixed blade 57b rotates. Furthermore, although the calibration method shown in Fig. 33 is a method for the second grinder 5B, the calibration method shown in Fig. 33 can also be similarly applied to the first grinder 5A.

[0316] 33, the calibration value calculation process may not be performed at the calibration stage, but rather, only the count values ​​for a plurality of times may be stored in the storage unit 11b, and the calibration value may be calculated when the recipe to be used is determined, or the rotation amount may be corrected directly from the stored count values ​​for a plurality of times. Note that the calculation of the calibration value and the correction of the rotation amount may be performed by the control unit of the information display device 12 instead of the processing unit 11a shown in FIG.

[0317] In the above description, "A first crushing section [e.g., rotary blade 58b], a second crushing section (e.g., fixed blade 57b); a rotation mechanism (e.g., a second motor 52b, a pinion gear 52b', a gear 502a, a gear 55b', a rotation shaft 54b) that rotates at least one of the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit (e.g., a rotary blade 58b); a moving mechanism (e.g., particle size adjusting mechanism 503) that moves (e.g., raises and lowers) at least the second pulverizing unit out of the first pulverizing unit and the second pulverizing unit, and adjusts the gap between the first pulverizing unit and the second pulverizing unit; a sensor (e.g., sensor 57c) that detects the second crushing unit at a position (e.g., a detection position) that is a predetermined distance (e.g., 0.7 mm) away from the first crushing unit; A control unit (e.g., a processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19) that controls the movement mechanism; Equipped with The extraction target (for example, roasted coffee beans stored in the storage device 4, or roasted coffee beans B (ground beans) ground by the first grinder 5A) is ground between the first grinding unit and the second grinding unit, The operation of moving the second crushing unit from a state in which the second crushing unit is in contact with the first crushing unit (for example, the state shown in Figures 34(a), 34(d), and 34(g)) until the sensor detects the second crushing unit (for example, the operation shown by the arrows in Figures 34(b), 34(e), and 34(h)) is repeated multiple times while changing the state of the crushing unit (for example, the direction of the rotary blade 58b) by rotation by the rotation mechanism; The control unit controls the movement mechanism (for example, by calculating a calibration value and rotating the motor 503a by a rotation amount corrected using the calibration value) based on a value relating to the movement amount of the second crushing unit in a plurality of operations (for example, a count value of the number of steps of the motor 503a). An extraction object crushing device [for example, the second grinder 5B] characterized by the above. He explained about:

[0318] The rotation mechanism may rotate the first crushing unit, may rotate the second crushing unit, or may rotate the blades of both the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit.

[0319] The movement mechanism may be configured to move only the second crushing unit out of the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit, or may be configured to move the first crushing unit as well.

[0320] Furthermore, the operation may be an operation of moving only the second crushing unit out of the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit, or an operation of moving the blades of both the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit.

[0321] The change in state of the crushing unit in the operation may be a change in state of the first crushing unit, a change in state of the second crushing unit, or a change in state of both the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit. The change in state here may be a change in orientation or a change in posture.

[0322] Also, "A first crushing unit [e.g., rotary blade 58b] and a second crushing unit [e.g., fixed blade 57b], a rotation mechanism (e.g., a second motor 52b, a pinion gear 52b', a gear 502a, a gear 55b', a rotation shaft 54b) that rotates at least one of the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit (e.g., a rotary blade 58b); a moving mechanism (e.g., particle size adjusting mechanism 503) that moves (e.g., raises and lowers) at least the second pulverizing unit out of the first pulverizing unit and the second pulverizing unit, and adjusts the gap between the first pulverizing unit and the second pulverizing unit; a sensor (e.g., sensor 57c) that detects the second crushing unit at a position (e.g., a detection position) that is a predetermined distance (e.g., 0.7 mm) away from the first crushing unit; A control unit (e.g., a processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19) that controls the movement mechanism; Equipped with The extraction target is crushed between the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit, The operation of moving the second crushing unit from a state where the second crushing unit is separated from the first crushing unit by a predetermined distance [for example, the state shown in Figures 34(b), 34(e), and 34(h)] until the second crushing unit comes into contact with the first crushing unit [for example, the operation shown by the arrows in Figures 34(a), 34(d), and 34(g)] is repeated multiple times while changing the state of the crushing unit [for example, the direction of the rotary blade 58b] by rotation by the rotation mechanism [for example, the rotation shown by the arrows in Figures 34(c), 34(f), and 34(i)], The control unit controls the movement mechanism (for example, by calculating a calibration value and rotating the motor 503a by a rotation amount corrected using the calibration value) based on a value relating to the movement amount of the second crushing unit in a plurality of operations (for example, a count value of the number of steps of the motor 503a). An extraction object grinding device [for example, the second grinder 5B]. He also explained.

[0323] The extraction object crushing device may also include a first crushing unit, a second crushing unit attached opposite the first crushing unit, a rotation mechanism that rotates the first crushing unit, a movement mechanism that moves the second crushing unit in a direction toward and away from the first blade, a sensor that detects the second crushing unit located a predetermined distance away from the first crushing unit, and a control unit that controls the movement mechanism, wherein the extraction object is crushed between the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit, and the operation of moving the second crushing unit from a state in which the second crushing unit is in contact with the first crushing unit until the sensor detects the second crushing unit is performed multiple times by changing the orientation of the first crushing unit through rotation by the rotation mechanism, and the control unit controls the movement mechanism based on values ​​related to the amount of movement of the second crushing unit during the multiple operations.

[0324] Also, "The control unit controls the movement mechanism based on an average or median value (e.g., half the sum of the minimum and maximum values) of values ​​related to the movement amount of the second crushing unit in a plurality of operations. An extraction object crushing device characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0325] Also, "The above operation is performed during the initial operation when the power is turned on. An extraction object crushing device characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0326] Also, The control unit controls the moving mechanism according to the desired particle size after grinding the extraction target (for example, the particle size of ground beans), and causes the moving mechanism to adjust the interval. An extraction object crushing device characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0327] Also, "The moving mechanism uses a motor (e.g., the second motor 52b) as a driving source, The value relating to the movement amount of the second crushing unit is a value relating to the rotation amount of the motor (for example, a count value of the number of steps of the motor 503a). An extraction object crushing device characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0328] Also, "The first crushing portion is a first blade [for example, a rotary blade 58b], The second crushing unit is a second blade [for example, a fixed blade 57b], The second crushing unit is attached opposite to the first crushing unit. An extraction object crushing device characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0329] Also, The operation of moving the second crushing unit from a state in which the second crushing unit is in contact with the first crushing unit until the sensor detects the second crushing unit is performed multiple times while changing the orientation of the crushing unit by rotation by the rotation mechanism [for example, the example shown in Figure 34]. An extraction object crushing device characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0330] In the above description, "A calibration method that is executed when the power is turned on in the extraction target grinding device (e.g., the second grinder 5B), a moving step (e.g., the moving step of step S52, FIGS. 34(b), 34(e), and 34(h)) of moving the second crushing unit (e.g., the rotary blade 58b) from a state in which the first crushing unit (e.g., the fixed blade 57b) is in contact with the second crushing unit until the second crushing unit is spaced apart from the first crushing unit by a predetermined length (e.g., 0.7 mm); After the moving step is performed, a state changing step (for example, the rotating step of step S53, FIGS. 34(c), 34(f), and 34(i)) is performed to change the state of at least one of the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit (for example, the rotary blade 58b). a contacting step (e.g., step S51, Fig. 34(a), Fig. 34(d), and Fig. 34(g)) of bringing the second pulverizing unit, which is separated by a predetermined distance from the first pulverizing unit, into contact with the first pulverizing unit in a state in which the state of the pulverizing unit has been changed by the state changing step; The moving step, the state changing step, and the contact step (e.g., the data acquisition process shown in FIG. 33) are repeatedly performed to change the state of the crushing unit (e.g., the orientation of the rotary blade 58b) and acquire a value relating to the movement amount of the second crushing unit (e.g., the count value of the number of steps of the motor 503a) multiple times. A calibration method (for example, the calibration method shown in FIG. 33) characterized by: He also explained.

[0331] The state change process may be a rotation process in which, after the movement process is performed, at least one of the first crushing unit and the second crushing unit is rotated to change the orientation of the crushing unit, and the movement process, the rotation process, and the contact process may be repeatedly performed to change the orientation of the crushing unit and obtain a value related to the movement amount of the second crushing unit multiple times.

[0332] The value relating to the movement amount of the second crushing unit may be a value relating to the movement amount (e.g., the amount of ascent) of the second crushing unit in the movement step, or a value relating to the movement amount (e.g., the amount of descent) of the second crushing unit in the contact step. Alternatively, both may be used in combination.

[0333] The method may also include a calibration value calculation process (e.g., a calibration value calculation step in step S55) for calculating a calibration value based on the movement amount of the second crushing unit acquired multiple times. The calibration value may be the average value or the median value of the movement amount of the second crushing unit acquired multiple times.

[0334] In the above explanation, fixed blade 57b is raised and lowered by the drive of second motor 52b, but fixed blade 57b can also be raised and lowered manually to set the grind size of the ground beans. This manual grind size setting can be done using a manual setting disk dial and a fine adjustment knob dial.

[0335] Fig. 36(a) is a diagram showing the manual setting disk dial 695 and the fine adjustment knob dial 696 together with the second motor 503a, and Fig. 36(b) is a diagram showing the manual setting disk dial 695 and the second motor 503a removed, showing the connecting dial 697 and the rotation shaft 6961 of the fine adjustment knob dial 696. Note that Fig. 36 also shows a portion of the connecting duct 661 and the forming unit 6B. Fig. 36(b) also shows the hammer member GM32, which will be described in detail later.

[0336] FIG. 36 also shows a lever member 698. As shown in FIG. 36(a), a rotation shaft 6921 of a worm gear 692 meshed with a gear portion 691g of a worm wheel 691 is journaled on the lever member 698. The lever member 698 is also journaled on a rotation shaft 6961 of a fine adjustment knob dial 696 shown in FIG. 36(b). The position of the lever member 698 shown in FIG. 36 is its initial position. When the lever member 698 is in its initial position, the worm gear 692 meshes with the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691. Rotation of the worm gear 692 rotates the worm wheel 691, and the fixed blade 57b moves up and down. The lever member 698 can rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 36(b) around the rotation shaft 6961 of the fine adjustment knob dial 696 as its rotation center. The lever member 698 is lifted by rotating in the direction of the arrow, changing to a release position and maintaining the release position. When the lever member 698 is lifted to the release position, the worm gear 692 journaled by the lever member 698 moves away from the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 and disengages from the gear portion 691g. The lever member 698 is capable of changing its position between the initial position and the release position, but a spring member 6981 attached to the rotation shaft 6961 applies a biasing force in a direction returning the lever member 698 to the initial position. When the lever member 698 is in the release position, the worm wheel 691 is in a rotatable state, and the fixed blade 57b is also in a rotatable state. If the grinding process is performed in this state, the fixed blade 57b will rotate as the rotating blade 58b rotates, widening the gap between the fixed blade 57b and the rotating blade 58b. For this reason, the lever member 698 must be returned to its initial position during the grinding process.

[0337] 36(a) shows a pinion gear 503b attached to the rotary shaft of the second motor 503a, and the pinion gear 503b is also shown in FIG. 36(b) with the second motor 503a removed. The rotational driving force of the second motor 503a is transmitted from the pinion gear 503b via a two-stage gear and a transmission gear 6962 (described later) to the worm gear 692 and the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691.

[0338] A connecting dial 697 shown in Figure 36(b) connects the manual setting disk dial 695 and the worm gear 692. Figure 36(b) shows the connecting dial 697 connected to the worm wheel 691, and the two rotate together. A connecting gear 697g is provided on the upper surface of the connecting dial 697. A gear (not shown) that meshes with this connecting gear 697g is provided on the manual setting disk dial 695 shown in Figure 36(a), and when the manual setting disk dial 695 is placed on the connecting dial 697, the gear (not shown) meshes with the connecting gear 697g.

[0339] When the lever member 698 is in the initial position, the worm gear 692 is engaged with the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691, and therefore the manual setting disk dial 695 cannot be rotated. On the other hand, when the lever member 698 is in the released position, the worm gear 692 is not engaged with the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691, and therefore the manual setting disk dial 695 can be rotated. When the manual setting disk dial 695 is rotated, the worm gear 692 rotates via the connecting gear portion 697g, and the fixed blade 57b can be raised and lowered.

[0340] The minimum unit of adjustment that can be made by rotating the manual setting disk dial 695 is one tooth of the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691. In other words, unless the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 is rotated by one tooth, the worm gear 692 cannot mesh with the gear portion 691g, and the lever member 698 cannot return from the released position to the initial position. Therefore, adjustments of less than one tooth are not possible with the manual setting disk dial 695.

[0341] On the other hand, when the second motor 503a rotates and the worm gear 692 rotates, large adjustments (adjustments of more than one tooth) require time due to the reduction ratio of the worm gear 692. Therefore, large adjustments can be made quickly by operating the manual setting disk dial 695, which directly rotates the worm wheel 691. When adjusting using the manual setting disk dial 695, the fixed blade 57b is lowered and the position of the fixed blade 57b at the moment it hits the rotary blade 58b is set as the reference point (zero point). The moment of impact can be detected by the sound of the blades hitting each other. Although not shown, the manual setting disk dial 695 has a scale with 0 marks around its circumference. The manual setting disk dial 695 rotates below the center casing GM10 shown in FIG. 18, etc., and a reference line GM10k is marked at the bottom end of the center casing GM10. The manual setting disc dial 695 is rotated to lower the fixed blade 57b, and when the fixed blade 57b touches the rotary blade 58b, the rotation is stopped. The manual setting disc dial 695 is lifted and the 0 mark is aligned with the reference line GM10k marked on the center casing GM10, and then the lifted manual setting disc dial 695 is lowered straight down. This allows the reference point (zero point) to be recorded. When setting the grind size of the ground beans, the fixed blade 57b is raised and lowered based on the recorded reference point (zero point) to adjust the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b.

[0342] A transmission gear 6962 is provided at the end of the rotation shaft 6961 of the fine adjustment knob dial 696. This transmission gear 6962 meshes with the second gear 503c2 of the double gear (see FIG. 36(b)) and also with the worm gear 692. The first gear 503c1 of the double gear meshes with the pinion gear 503b. Therefore, when the second motor 503a is driven to rotate, the fine adjustment knob dial 696 also rotates, and the worm wheel 691 also rotates. When the second motor 503a is stopped, the fine adjustment knob dial 696 can be rotated, and rotating the fine adjustment knob dial 696 also rotates the worm wheel 691. When the fine adjustment knob dial 696 is rotated once, the gear portion 691g of the worm wheel 691 rotates by one tooth. Therefore, when fine adjustment knob dial 696 is rotated, adjustments of less than one tooth of worm gear 692 are possible, just as when second motor 503a is driven to rotate worm wheel 691. When manually setting the grind size, a rough grind size is set using manual setting disk dial 695, and then the set grind size is finely adjusted using fine adjustment knob dial 696. By rotating the dial, quick and precise grind size settings can be made.

[0343] Note that manual setting using manual setting disk dial 695 and fine adjustment knob dial 696 can also be applied to second grinder 5B of beverage preparation device 1 shown in FIG.

[0344] Next, a method for controlling the amount of ground coffee beans fed into the second grinder 5B will be described.

[0345] As described above, the first grinder 5A crushes the roasted coffee beans to a certain size (e.g., about 1 / 4 of their original size). Hereinafter, beans crushed to a certain size by the first grinder 5A will be referred to as "ground beans" to distinguish them from ground beans (especially coarsely ground beans). The second grinder 5B grinds the ground beans crushed by the first grinder 5A into ground beans of the desired particle size. If a large amount of ground beans is delivered from the first grinder 5A, exceeding the appropriate capacity for the grinding process by the second grinder 5B, excessive ground beans will get between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b, and the ground beans will become trapped between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b. The trapped ground beans will heat up due to friction from the rotating rotary blade 58b. Finely ground beans are particularly susceptible to heat, which can cause excessive oil to appear on the surface of the ground beans. Coffee drinks brewed from beans ground in this way tend to have a dark taste.

[0346] When the first grinder 5A is driven at the upper limit of its processing capacity, if the rotation speed of the first motor for the first grinder 5A is reduced, the amount of ground beans sent from the first grinder 5A per unit time decreases.

[0347] FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the control process of the processing unit 11a in the grind process.

[0348] The control process shown in Fig. 37 is started in response to pressing the start button GM15 shown in Fig. 24. In addition, when the measuring unit 404 shown in Fig. 21 is attached to the option attachment part GM11, the control process may be started in response to the start of rotation of the screw blade ESC2 shown in Fig. 21(b).

[0349] First, the processing unit 11a starts the rotation of the first motor for the first grinder 5A and the second motor 503a for the second grinder 5B (step S21). In step S21, both the first motor and the second motor 503a start rotating at a preset rotation speed. As a result, the rotary blade 58a of the first grinder 5A starts rotating, and the rotary blade 58b of the second grinder 5B starts rotating. Note that the rotation of the first motor and the rotation of the second motor 503a do not have to start simultaneously; the rotation of the second motor 503a may start after the rotation of the first motor has started. For example, when the grinding process is started in the first grinder 5A, the rotation torque or current value of the first motor increases. The processing unit 11a may start the rotation of the second motor 503a when it detects an increase in the rotation torque or current value of the first motor. When the first motor for the first grinder 5A starts to rotate, the ground beans are sent to the second grinder 5B.

[0350] In the next step S22, it is determined whether or not to continue rotating the first motor. For example, if a predetermined time has passed since the electric screw conveyor ESC finished conveying, or a predetermined time has passed since the rotation torque of the first motor decreased, or a predetermined time has passed since the current value of the first motor decreased, the determination result is No, and the rotation of the first motor is stopped (step S27). On the other hand, if the determination result is Yes, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0351] A sensor for detecting the passage of ground coffee beans is provided near the inlet of the second grinder 5B, and the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 monitors the amount of ground coffee beans fed into the second grinder 5B per unit time. In step S23, it is determined whether the amount fed per unit time exceeds a reference value. The reference value is a variable that varies depending on the type of coffee beans, the grind size of the ground coffee beans, the rotation speed set for the second motor 503a, etc., and multiple reference values ​​are stored in the memory unit 11b shown in FIG. 19. For example, the harder the coffee beans, the smaller the reference value. The recipe specifies the type of coffee beans, the grind size of the ground coffee beans, etc., and the processing unit 11a selects a reference value according to the recipe and executes the determination process of step S23, or selects a reference value according to various setting values ​​and executes the determination process of step S23. If the amount fed per unit time exceeds the reference value, the rotation speed of the first motor is reduced (step S24) and the process returns to step S22. The rate at which the rotational speed of the first motor is reduced may be a predetermined rate, or may be a rate corresponding to the degree to which the input amount exceeds a reference value. When the rotational speed of the first motor is reduced, the amount of ground coffee beans delivered per unit time from the first grinder 5A decreases. As a result, the input amount can also be reduced, preventing ground coffee beans from accumulating between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b and reducing the effects of heat on the ground coffee beans. The coffee beverage extracted from ground coffee beans ground in this way tends to have a bright flavor without being adversely affected by oil.

[0352] If the input amount is determined to be equal to or less than the reference value in step S23, it is determined whether the rotation speed of the first motor is being decelerated. If it is not being decelerated, the process returns to step S22. If it is being decelerated, the rotation speed is restored to the set rotation speed (step S26) before returning to step S22.

[0353] In step S28 following step S27 in which the rotation of the first motor is stopped, it is determined whether or not the rotation of the second motor 503a should be stopped. For example, if a predetermined time has passed since the rotation torque of the second motor 503a decreased or if a predetermined time has passed since the current value of the second motor 503a decreased, the determination result is Yes, the rotation of the second motor is stopped (step S29), and this control process ends.

[0354] In the control process described above, the amount of ground beans fed to the second grinder 5B is controlled by controlling the rotational speed of the first motor for the first grinder 5A, but it is also possible to control the amount of ground beans fed to the second grinder 5B by controlling the rotational speed of the motor ESC3 that rotates the screw blade ESC2 of the measuring unit 404 shown in Fig. 21. It is also possible to control the amount of ground beans fed to the second grinder 5B by controlling both the rotational speed of the first motor and the rotational speed of the motor ESC3.

[0355] The control process shown in Figure 37 can also be performed by the processing unit 11a shown in Figure 10, and the amount of ground beans fed into the second grinder 5B shown in Figure 2 can be controlled by controlling the rotational speed of the motor 52a for the first grinder 5A shown in Figure 12 or by controlling the conveying speed of the conveyor 41 shown in Figure 2.

[0356] Furthermore, the rotation speed of the rotary blade 58a of the first grinder 5A may change depending on the hardness of the roasted coffee beans, etc. Normally, the rotation speed of the first motor of the first grinder 5A is set so as not to exceed the allowable amount of grinding by the second grinder 5B, but the number of rotations per unit time (rotational speed) of the rotary blade 58a of the first grinder 5A or the first motor may be monitored, and if the number of rotations per unit time exceeds a reference value, the rotation speed of the first motor may be reduced.

[0357] The control process in the grinding process described above using Fig. 37 can also be applied to the control process in the grinding process of the grinding device of the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, an external terminal such as mobile terminal 17 shown in Fig. 19 may be able to output an instruction to reduce or restore the rotation speed of the first motor.

[0358] According to the above description, "A coffee machine equipped with a second grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, second grinder 5B], Controlling the amount of coffee beans fed into the second grinder (e.g., step S24 shown in Figure 37); A coffee machine characterized by the above (for example, the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 or the beverage production device 1 shown in FIG. 1) He explained about:

[0359] According to this coffee machine, the amount of coffee added is controlled taking into consideration the state of grinding the coffee beans in the grinder.

[0360] The coffee beans referred to here may be cracked beans, ground beans, or beans that are neither cracked nor ground.

[0361] The purpose of controlling the input amount is to prevent the ground beans from remaining in the second grinder for longer than necessary. If the amount of coffee beans input into the second grinder is greater than the amount of ground beans sent out, the ground beans will remain in the second grinder for a longer time, making them more susceptible to adverse effects from heat. Therefore, the coffee machine controls the input amount to prevent this from happening. Therefore, the machine is controlled taking into account the state of grinding the coffee beans in the grinder.

[0362] Also, "The amount of coffee added is controlled according to the type of coffee beans. A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0363] The type of coffee beans may be the variety of coffee beans, the roasting level of coffee beans, or a combination of the variety and the roasting level.

[0364] Also, "A first grinder [for example, first grinder 5A] for grinding coffee beans is provided upstream of the second grinder, A coffee machine characterized in that the amount of coffee beans fed into the second grinder is controlled by controlling the speed at which the first grinder grinds the coffee beans (for example, the rotation speed of the first motor). He also explained.

[0365] Also, "A supply device (e.g., a measuring unit 404 shown in FIG. 21 or a conveyor 41 shown in FIG. 2) is provided upstream of the second grinder to supply coffee beans downstream, controlling the amount of coffee beans fed into the second grinder by controlling the speed at which the coffee beans are fed by the feeder; A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0366] Also, "A first grinder (e.g., first grinder 5A) for grinding coffee beans, which is arranged upstream of the second grinder; a supply device (e.g., a measuring unit 404 shown in FIG. 21 or a conveyor 41 shown in FIG. 2) arranged upstream of the first grinder and supplying coffee beans downstream; Equipped with reducing the amount of coffee beans fed into the second grinder by controlling at least one of the first grinder and the feeder; A coffee machine characterized by He also explained.

[0367] For example, the amount of coffee beans fed into the second grinder may be reduced by controlling both the first grinder and the feeder.

[0368] moreover, "A coffee machine system (e.g., Fig. 10 or 19) including an external device (e.g., a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee machine." He also explained.

[0369] Also, "A step of starting to feed coffee beans into the second grinder (step S21 shown in FIG. 37); a step of controlling the amount of coffee beans to be added to the second grinder (step S24 shown in FIG. 37); A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising the steps of: He also explained.

[0370] The ground beans produced by the second grinder 5B are discharged from a chute GM31 shown in FIG.

[0371] The chute GM31 shown in Figure 18 guides ground beans that are delivered in a substantially horizontal direction downward. The coffee bean grinder GM shown in Figure 18 is provided with a hammer member GM32 that strikes the chute GM31. This hammer member GM32 rotates around a rotation axis GM321 that extends in the vertical direction. Ground beans that are delivered in a substantially horizontal direction may collide with the inner wall of the chute GM31 and become stuck to the inner wall. The user rotates the hammer member GM32 to strike the chute GM31, impacting the stuck ground beans and causing them to fall.

[0372] Next, an example will be described in which grinding processing is performed in accordance with order information from outside the coffee bean grinder GM (for example, the server 16 or mobile terminal 17 shown in FIG. 19).

[0373] FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the control process executed by the processing unit 11a when the grinding process is executed in accordance with the order information.

[0374] In step S31, it is determined whether or not order information has been received. If order information has not been received, step S31 is repeatedly executed. If order information has been received, the process proceeds to step S32. The specific contents of the order information will be described later.

[0375] In step S32, the received order information is displayed on the information display device 12 shown in FIG. 19, and the process proceeds to step S33.

[0376] In step S33, it is determined whether an operation to start grinding coffee beans has been accepted. The operation to start grinding here is an operation on the information display device 12, as will be described in detail later. If the operation to start grinding has not been accepted, the process proceeds to step S34, and if the operation to start grinding has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0377] In step S34, it is determined whether an operation to change the order information has been accepted. The operation to change the order information here, which will be described in detail later, is also an operation on the information display device 12. If an operation to change the order information has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S35, and if an operation to change the order information has not been accepted, the process returns to step S33.

[0378] In step S35, the accepted order information is updated in accordance with the operation to change the order information, and the process returns to step S33.

[0379] Between the time when the order information is received and the time when the grind start operation is received, the received order information can be changed in steps S34 and S35. The grind start operation and the operation to change the order information are not limited to operations on the information display device 12, but may also be operations received from the mobile terminal 17. Furthermore, as long as the information on this operation is transmitted to the coffee bean grinder GM, the transmission path may be any path.

[0380] In step S36, the coffee beans are ground. First, the amount of roasted coffee beans specified in the order information is supplied from the storage device 4 to the first grinder 5B. The ground beans are crushed in the first grinder 5B, and after unwanted materials are separated by the separator 6, they are supplied to the second grinder 5B. In this second grinder 5B, the coffee beans are ground while the gap between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b is changed at predetermined intervals (for example, in 50 μm increments) in accordance with the order information, and the ground coffee beans are discharged from the chute GM31 shown in FIG. 18. When this grinding process is completed, the process of producing ground coffee beans is completed.

[0381] In the above example, the grinding process is performed in accordance with order information from outside the coffee grinder GM, but the order information may be input directly to the coffee grinder GM using the information display device 12. In this case, steps S32, S34, and S35 shown in Figure 38 may be omitted.

[0382] Furthermore, in the above example, the order information can be changed between the time the order information is received and the time the grind start operation is received, but it is also possible to start the grind process as soon as the order information is received without providing an opportunity for such changes.

[0383] Here, the recipe will be described in detail. There are two types of recipes: a grind recipe that contains only grind information for grinding coffee beans, and a beverage brewing recipe that contains grind information as well as information on various brewing conditions for producing a coffee beverage, such as coffee beverage extraction conditions. With the coffee bean grinder GM, the grinding process can be performed as long as there is a grind recipe. However, if the beverage brewing recipe is displayed on the information display device 12, it may be possible to modify the grinding conditions in consideration of the conditions for the coffee beverage extraction process that is performed after the grinding process, and a better quality coffee beverage may be obtained.

[0384] 19 may be configured to continuously store the recipe, or to acquire the recipe from server 16 before starting the grinding process, store the recipe only while the grinding process is being performed, and erase the recipe from storage unit 11b after the grinding process is completed. Alternatively, storage unit 11b may store only part of the recipe information (e.g., bean information and recipe creator information), acquire the remaining recipe information (e.g., information on various conditions for grinding coffee beans) from server 16 before starting the grinding process, and erase the remaining information from storage unit 11b after the grinding process is completed. Note that the recipe stored in storage unit 11b is encrypted.

[0385] The recipes are managed in the form of a database in the server 16.

[0386] Figures 39(A) to 39(C) are diagrams showing examples of data stored in server 16. Figure 39(A) shows data 1500 stored in the beverage information database. Data 1500 includes recipe ID 1501, creator information 1502 indicating the creator of the recipe, production count information 1503 indicating the number of times the beverage information has been selected and produced by users in the past, ingredient information, production method, and type 1512, 1513. The ingredient information includes bean information 1504 indicating the type of beans, production area information 1505 indicating the production area of ​​the beans, and roast level information 1506 indicating the roast level of the beans. The production method also includes amount of beans used in one extraction 1507, bean grind size 1508, amount of steaming water 1509, steaming time 1510, and amount of extraction water 1511. Of these pieces of information, the most important piece of information for the grinding process is the bean grind size 1508, but other pieces of information may also be necessary when considering the bean grind size 1508. Type 1 (1512) is type information indicating whether the beverage is a hot beverage or an iced beverage, and Type 2 (1513) is type information indicating the flavor of the beverage. Note that in this embodiment, the production count information 1503 is described as the number of times a beverage corresponding to the production count information 1503 has been produced by multiple beverage production devices, but the production count information 1503 may be stored for each beverage production device.

[0387] 39(B) is exemplary data 1520 of the user information database. The user may be a store, a store clerk, or a customer of the store. The data 1520 includes ID information 1521 indicating a user identifier, name information 1522 indicating the user's name, age information 1523 indicating the user's age, and gender information 1524 indicating the user's gender. In one example, the data 1520 may further include information corresponding to the user's address, the user's nickname information, and user photo data.

[0388] 39(C) shows exemplary data 1530 of the grind history database. The data 1530 includes user information 1531 related to the user who instructed the grinding, date and time information 1532 related to the date and time of the grinding, a recipe ID 1533 used in the grinding process, a machine ID 1534 corresponding to the coffee bean grinder GM that performed the grinding process, and a store ID 1535 corresponding to the store where the coffee bean grinder GM is installed. In one example, the data 1530 may further include price information corresponding to the price of the ground beans of the ground coffee. A coffee beverage production history database may also be stored similarly to the grind history database.

[0389] The data 1500, 1510, and 1530 described above may also be stored in the memory unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder GM.

[0390] Next, examples of operations for order information will be described with reference to Figs. 40 to 45, while referring to the flow of control processing explained with reference to Fig. 38. Figs. 40 to 42 are diagrams showing how order information is entered. Fig. 43 is a diagram showing how order information is changed. Fig. 44 is a diagram showing an example of control parameters for the second grinder 5B for an order. Fig. 45 is a diagram showing an example of a display during execution of grinding processing.

[0391] In this example, an application for transmitting order information regarding ground coffee beans is installed on a mobile device 17, such as a smartphone. FIG. 40 shows an example of an order information input screen using this application. This input screen displays an order title input field 170, a desired type of coffee beans 1711, a quantity of coffee beans 1712, an input table 172 for specifying the grind ratio of the coffee beans, a "Fine to Coarse" button 173a for specifying the grind method for converting finely ground coffee beans to coarsely ground coffee beans, a "Coarse to Fine" button 173b for specifying the grind method for converting coarsely ground coffee beans to finely ground coffee beans, a graph area 174 for displaying the contents of the input table 172 in a graph, a "Send" button 175 for transmitting the order information, and a "Register Recipe" button 176 for registering the order information as a grind recipe. The desired type of coffee beans is transmitted from the coffee bean grinder GM with which the mobile device 17 communicates. Tap the pull-down button on the far right to display all of the available coffee bean types transmitted. For example, all types of beans stored in the canisters currently stored in the canister storage unit 401 shown in FIG. 18 are displayed. Alternatively, all types of beans available at the store where the coffee bean grinder GM is installed may be displayed. The types of coffee beans are distinguished not only by the variety of coffee beans but also by the name of the farm where they were grown. They are also distinguished by the roast level (extra light roast, light roast, medium-light roast, medium roast, medium-dark roast, dark roast, extra dark roast, extra-extra dark roast). The amount of coffee beans 1712 can also be specified in 5g increments using a pull-down menu. Alternatively, it may be possible to enter the amount directly. How to grind coffee beans will be described in detail below.

[0392] FIG. 41 shows an example of an input screen with order information entered. In this input screen, the text "Geisha for French Press" has been entered in the title input field 170. Furthermore, in the coffee bean type 1711, Geisha coffee beans grown at the Copei Farm, roasted extra dark, and 60g of coffee beans have been selected. In the input table 172, "40" indicating the percentage of 200 μm grain size and "60" indicating the percentage of 800 μm grain size have been entered, and the total percentage is shown to be "100"%. It also shows that comments have been entered for the 200 μm grain size, the 800 μm grain size, and the total. Furthermore, the fine → coarse grind button 173a has been selected. The graph area 174 displays the contents entered in the input table 172 in a graph. This graph shows two peaks, the left peak indicating that the particle size of 200 μm accounts for 40% and the right peak indicating that the particle size of 800 μm accounts for 60%.

[0393] In the graph area 174, the content input to the input table 172 can be indirectly changed by dragging a portion of the graph. FIG. 42 shows an example in which the right-hand peak of the two peaks in the graph area 174 shown in FIG. 41 is moved to the left. This operation changes the "60" representing the proportion of the 800 μm particle size input in the input table 172 to "0," and the "0" representing the proportion of the 600 μm particle size to "60." This input method by dragging the graph is not limited to changing the particle size, and may also be used to change the proportion. For example, it may be possible to increase or decrease the proportion of the corresponding particle size by dragging a portion of the graph up or down.

[0394] 42, after a value is input to input table 172, the value input to input table 172 is changed by dragging a part of the graph. This configuration is not limiting, and an initial state graph (a flat straight line, shown by a thick line in FIG. 39) may be displayed in graph area 174 from the state before a value is input to input table 172 (initial state), and the value of input table 172 may be set by dragging this graph.

[0395] The input method using the graph as described above allows the user to set the granularity ratio more intuitively.

[0396] In addition, increasing or decreasing the magnitude of one peak may cause the magnitude of other peaks to increase or decrease relatively, such that increasing the magnitude of one peak causes the magnitude of other peaks to decrease relatively. In cases where the size of graph area 174 is limited, graph area 174 can be used more effectively.

[0397] After setting the title, type and amount of coffee beans, particle size ratio, and grinding method (fine to coarse, coarse to fine), tapping the send button 175 sends the order information to the control device 11 of the coffee bean grinder GM via the communication network 15 shown in Fig. 19. Note that the order information may be sent to the server 16 once, and then sent to the coffee bean grinder GM via the server 16 and the communication network 15.

[0398] Here, order information such as the title, type and amount of coffee beans, grind ratio, and grind method (fine to coarse, coarse to fine) was set. However, this order information can also be saved and used as a grind recipe. To do so, tapping the recipe registration button 176 transmits the order information to the server 16 via the communication network 15. The server 16 also manages grind recipes in a database, and a grind recipe ID is assigned to the transmitted order information and stored. When transmitting the recipe to the server 16, it is also possible to set restrictions on the recipe. For example, a screen may be displayed on the mobile terminal 17 that allows the user to select various restrictions, such as prohibition on production (grinding), prohibition on display, prohibition on downloading, prohibition on copying, and prohibition on modification. The screen may also allow the user to set how to remove these restrictions (e.g., charging, expiration of a period, or use beyond a certain number of times with a charge). The creator's comments entered are also stored as part of the grind recipe, and the comments can be displayed when the recipe is displayed.

[0399] Furthermore, the chaff removal strength (chaff removal rate) (%) may be set as part of the order information and grind recipe.

[0400] When the order information is received, the information display device 12 displays the contents of the received order information (Yes in step S31 of FIG. 38, step S32). FIG. 43(A) shows an example in which the control device 11 receives the order information transmitted with the contents shown in FIG. 42 and the contents are displayed on the information display device 12. Specifically, the title entered in the title input field 170 of FIG. 42 and the contents of the input table 172, excluding the rows for particle sizes with a percentage of 0 and blank comment fields (rows for particle sizes of 400 μm and 1000 μm in FIG. 42), are displayed in the reception table 121. Furthermore, the grind instruction field 122 indicates that the fine → coarse grind button 173a in FIG. 42 was selected, thereby instructing the grind method for changing from fine grind to coarse grind. The bean type field 1231 indicates the type of beans received, and the bean amount field 123 indicates the amount of beans received. The amount of beans may be separately set by the store.

[0401] If the grind start button 124 is tapped in this state, the coffee beans will be ground (details will be described later), but before the grind start button 124 is tapped, the order information can be changed (No in step S33, Yes in step S34, step S35 in Figure 38). If the order information is changed, the coffee beans will be ground in accordance with this information. Depending on the temperature and humidity during grinding, the coffee beans may be ground to a fine (or coarse) particle size, but this can be adjusted by changing the order information on the store side.

[0402] For example, suppose the order information shown in FIG. 43(A) is received, but the coffee grind size is too fine due to low humidity. In this case, as shown in FIG. 43(B), the "40" in the reception table 121, which indicates the proportion of 200 μm grind, can be changed to "45," and the "60" in the reception table 121, which indicates the proportion of 600 μm grind, can be changed to "55." The coffee grind size can be adjusted to a coarser size, resulting in the desired grind size. In the example shown in FIG. 43(B), the comment "Low humidity → Increased proportion" has been added. Such a comment can sometimes convey information such as the reason for the correction. As described above, the order information (here, the grind size) can be adjusted depending on the installation environment of the coffee bean grinder GM.

[0403] Furthermore, a recipe registration button 125 is also provided on the display screen of the information display device 12, allowing order information to be registered as a grind recipe with the server 16 from the information display device 12 (coffee bean grinder GM). A grind recipe including parameters modified according to the installation environment of the coffee bean grinder GM can be saved with comments on the server 16. The grind recipe may also include environmental information (temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc.) at the time the order information (recipe) was created. The coffee bean grinder GM may be equipped with a temperature / humidity sensor and an air pressure sensor, and when the recipe registration button 125 is tapped, the environmental information acquired by these sensors may be automatically added to the grind recipe. Furthermore, when transmitting from the coffee bean grinder GM to the server 16, a selection screen may be displayed on the display screen of the information display device 12, allowing recipe restrictions to be set. The selection screen may also allow the user to set a method for removing these restrictions.

[0404] Additionally, the order information may be encrypted and stored as a grind recipe in the memory unit 11b of the control device 11 in the coffee bean grinder GM. Also, the order information may be encrypted and stored as a grind recipe in the memory unit 11b from the mobile terminal 17.

[0405] In addition, the grind recipe registered in this way can also be used in coffee beverage manufacturing equipment equipped with a coffee bean grinder GM and a coffee extraction device.

[0406] Next, the operation after tapping the grind start button 124 will be described using as an example the case where the grind start button 124 is tapped in the state shown in Fig. 43(B). When the grind start button 124 is tapped, the grinding process of the coffee beans is executed in accordance with the order information (Yes in step S33, step S36 in Fig. 38). Note that if coffee beans other than those stored in the storage device 4 are specified, the specified coffee beans are set in the storage device 4 before the grinding process begins.

[0407] Furthermore, the grinding process may be started after the calibration that is executed in the initial operation described with reference to Fig. 33 is performed. Whether or not to perform this calibration is transmitted from the mobile terminal 17 together with the order information. That is, it is possible to specify on the mobile terminal 17 that the calibration be performed before starting the grinding process based on the order information.

[0408] Figure 44(A) shows the particle sizes and their ratios specified in Figure 43(B). In this grinding process, processing unit 11a shown in Figure 19 controls grinding of coffee beans while changing the blade spacing of second grinder 5B (the spacing between fixed blade 57b and rotary blade 58b) at predetermined intervals (for example, in 50 μm increments) so that the particle size distribution of the produced ground coffee beans will be spread over a certain range (in this embodiment, a range of ±100 to 150 μm) relative to the particle size of the ground coffee beans specified in the order information. For example, Figure 44(B) shows that an operating time is set for operating second grinder 5B while changing the blade spacing within a range of 50 to 350 μm in response to the specification of a particle size of 200 μm specified in Figure 44(A). FIG. 44(B) also shows that an operating time is set for operating the second grinder 5B while varying the blade spacing within a range of 450 to 700 μm for the specified particle size of 600 μm specified in FIG. 44(A). Furthermore, FIG. 44(D) shows a graph of the operating time for each blade spacing of the second grinder 5B shown in FIG. 44(B). The blade spacing and operating time of the second grinder 5B set here are calculated by the processing unit 11a based on the order information and correspond to the particle size distribution of the ground coffee beans to be produced. Therefore, it can be said that the particle size distribution is set. Furthermore, if calibration is performed in the initial operation before the start of the grinding process, the processing unit 11a controls the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B while correcting the rotation amount of the motor 503a using the calibration value obtained in step S55 shown in FIG. 33.

[0409] In the above example, it is assumed that it takes a total of 30 seconds to produce the 60g of ground coffee beans specified in the order information. 45% (13.5 seconds) of this operating time is allocated to operation for a 200μm particle size. In the above example, since the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B is changed within a range of 50 to 350μm in response to the specified 200μm particle size, 13.5 seconds of operating time is allocated to grinding within this range. Note that in Figure 44(B), the total operating time of the grinder within the 50 to 350μm spacing range is 13.5 seconds. Furthermore, 55% (16.5 seconds) of the total 30 seconds of operating time is allocated to operation for a 600μm particle size. In the above example, the second grinder 5B is operated while changing the blade spacing between 450 and 700 μm in response to a specified particle size of 600 μm, and an operating time of 16.5 seconds is allocated to grinding within this range. Note that in FIG. 44(B), the total operating time of the grinder within the 450 to 700 μm spacing range is 16.5 seconds. As explained above, the operating time shown in FIG. 44(B) is derived from the time required to produce ground coffee beans. Note that in FIG. 44(B), an example was explained in which the ranges of the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B for the two specified particle sizes do not overlap, but if these ranges overlap, the operating time for that portion will be added.

[0410] As explained in the example of FIG. 44(B), by producing ground coffee beans while changing the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B, it is possible to achieve a dispersion of the particle size of the ground coffee beans. Coffee extracted from ground coffee beans with dispersed particle sizes can have a variety of flavors compared to coffee extracted from ground coffee beans without dispersed particle sizes. For those who do not like such flavors, an operating time may be set, such as that shown in FIG. 44(C). In FIG. 44(C), the operating time of the second grinder 5B is set only for operation with a blade spacing equal to the particle size specified in the order information, corresponding to a particle size distribution with reduced particle size dispersion. These configurations are merely examples, and a range of particle size distribution may also be specified when specifying the particle size.

[0411] In the example of Figure 44(B), the operating time is longest when the blade spacing is the same as the particle size specified in the order information, and the operating time becomes shorter as the difference between the specified particle size and the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B increases.However, for example, the operating time may be set to the same value for operations when the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B is ±50 μm relative to the specified particle size, or multiple particle size distribution patterns may be provided so that a selection can be made from them.

[0412] In addition, it may be possible to input operation time information such as that shown in Figure 44(B) when creating order information, and if the order information includes operation time information, the grinding process may be performed according to this information.

[0413] Furthermore, the information on the operating time (the change pattern of the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B) shown in Figures 44(B) and 44(c) may also be stored in the server 16 or the storage unit 11b as part of the grind recipe. In other words, various information may be stored in the server 16 or the storage unit 11b in association with the grind size of the ground beans. In addition, this information and the grind recipe stored in the storage unit 11b may be output to the server 16 or an external terminal such as the mobile terminal 17 via the communication network 15.

[0414] Although two types of granularity values ​​are set in Figure 44(A), the number of types of granularity for which values ​​are specified may be one type instead of multiple types. For example, if one type of granularity value is set, the operation time is set based on this value.

[0415] Furthermore, the input of order information from an external terminal (mobile terminal 17) and the calculation of control parameters for second grinder 5B based on that order information, as described using FIGS. 40 to 45, can also be applied to beverage production device 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0416] According to the above description, "A grinder [for example, the second grinder 5B] that grinds coffee beans under set conditions [for example, the blade spacing and operating time according to the grind size specified in the order information, as shown in Figure 44(B) or (C)], a reception unit (e.g., an I / F unit 11c shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19) that receives a user's designation (e.g., order information from a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone); a setting unit (for example, the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19) that can set the conditions; A coffee bean grinder comprising: The setting unit is capable of setting the conditions based on the designation received by the receiving unit (for example, the processing unit 11a calculates the control data shown in FIG. 44(B) or 44(C) based on the order information, and controls the second grinder 5B based on the control data). The receiving unit is capable of receiving a signal including the designation from the outside (e.g., FIG. 10 or FIG. 19). A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above (for example, the beverage production device 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18) He explained about:

[0417] This coffee bean grinder allows the user to easily specify the desired flavor.

[0418] The designation may be a designation of the grind size, a designation to perform calibration during the initial operation of the grinder, or various designations in a grind recipe (e.g., designation of the type and amount of coffee beans to be used, designation of the grinding method).

[0419] Also, "The setting unit is capable of acquiring a calibration value (e.g., a calibration value calculated in step S55 shown in FIG. 33) when setting the conditions based on the specification (e.g., a specification to calibrate the gap between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b in the initial operation of the second grinder 5B) received by the receiving unit. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0420] Also, "A storage device (for example, the storage unit 11b shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19) is provided to store the designation (for example, a grind recipe or a beverage brewing recipe) received by the reception unit, A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0421] Also, The receiving unit receives at least a specification of the grind size of the beans (for example, a specification of the grind size in the input table 172 shown in FIG. 41) as the specification, The storage device is capable of storing various information (e.g., control data shown in Figure 44(B) and (C)) linked to the grind size of the coffee beans. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0422] The particle size may be a particle size represented by a peak in a particle size distribution, and the various information may be conditions to be set in the grinder in order to grind the coffee beans to the particle size.

[0423] Also, "The information stored in the storage device can be output to an external device (e.g., a server 16 or a mobile terminal 17)." A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0424] moreover, "An external device (e.g., a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinder is provided, The external device is operated by a user. A coffee bean grinding system (e.g., Figures 10 and 19) characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0425] Also, "A method for grinding coffee beans in a grinder that grinds coffee beans under set conditions, A reception step (for example, a process that is a prerequisite for step S31 shown in FIG. 38) of receiving a user's designation (for example, order information from a mobile terminal 17 such as a smartphone) a condition setting step (for example, a process performed between step S32 and step S33 shown in FIG. 38 or a process performed between step S34 and step S33) of setting the condition based on the designation received in the receiving step; A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising the steps of: He also explained.

[0426] Furthermore, according to the above description, "A grinder [for example, the second grinder 5B] that grinds coffee beans under set conditions [for example, the blade spacing and operating time according to the grind size specified in the order information, as shown in Figure 44(B) or (C)], a setting unit (for example, the processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19) that can set the conditions; A user-operable operation unit (e.g., a manual setting disk dial 695, a fine adjustment knob dial 696) A coffee bean grinder comprising: The setting unit is capable of setting the conditions based on input information (for example, the processing unit 11a calculates the control data shown in FIG. 44(B) or 44(C) based on the order information, and controls the second grinder 5B based on the control data). The operation unit can change the conditions related to the grind size of the beans (for example, the distance between the fixed blade 57b and the rotary blade 58b) according to the operation. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above (for example, the beverage production device 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18) He explained about:

[0427] According to this coffee bean grinder, the above conditions are set based on input information, and the conditions regarding the grind size of the ground beans can also be adjusted manually.

[0428] The particle size may be a particle size represented by a peak in a particle size distribution. The input information may be information about the particle size of ground coffee beans or information instructing the grinder to perform calibration during initial operation. The input information may also be various pieces of information about a grind recipe (e.g., the type and amount of coffee beans to be used, and grinding method).

[0429] Also, The setting unit is capable of acquiring a calibration value (for example, a calibration value calculated in step S55 shown in FIG. 33) when setting the conditions. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0430] Also, "A storage device (e.g., the storage unit 11b shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19) for storing the input information (e.g., a grinding recipe or a beverage production recipe) is provided. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0431] Also, "The setting unit is capable of setting conditions related to the grind size of the ground beans (for example, the blade interval and operation time according to the grind size specified in the order information, as shown in Figures 44(B) and 44(C)) based on the input information (for example, the grind size specified in the input table 172 shown in Figure 41), The storage device is capable of storing various information (e.g., control data shown in Figure 44(B) and (C)) linked to the grind size of the coffee beans. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0432] The various information may be conditions to be set in the grinder in order to grind the coffee beans to the specified particle size.

[0433] Also, "The information stored in the storage device can be output to an external device (e.g., a server 16 or a mobile terminal 17)." A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0434] moreover, "An external device (e.g., a server 16, a mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinder is provided, the external device is operated by a user to specify the conditions; A coffee bean grinding system (e.g., Figures 10 and 19) characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0435] Also, "A method for grinding coffee beans in a grinder that grinds coffee beans under set conditions, an automatic setting step of automatically setting the conditions based on input information; A manual change step of changing the conditions related to the particle size of the ground beans among the conditions according to an operation; A method for grinding coffee beans characterized by being able to carry out the steps described above. He also explained.

[0436] It should be noted that either the automatic setting step or the manual change step may be executed first, and there may be cases where only one of them is executed.

[0437] In addition, in this embodiment, there are two types of grinding methods for the second grinder 5B: one that changes from a fine grind state to a coarse grind state, and the other that changes from a coarse grind state to a fine grind state. Either grinding method is specified using the fine to coarse grind button 173a and the coarse to fine grind button 173b described in FIG. 40. When the grinding method of changing from a fine grind state to a coarse grind state is specified, the second grinder 5B operates for the operating time set for each interval while widening the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B from 50 μm to 1000 μm. On the other hand, when the grinding method of changing from a coarse grind state to a fine grind state is specified, the second grinder 5B operates for the operating time set for each interval while narrowing the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B from 1000 μm to 50 μm. Depending on the grinding method, subtle differences may occur in the particle size distribution of the ground coffee beans produced, which may result in differences in taste. Therefore, this embodiment employs a configuration that allows these grinding methods to be set.

[0438] In FIG. 43(B), a grinding method from fine grinding to coarse grinding is specified, and the second grinder 5B is operated for the operating time set for each interval while increasing the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B from 50 μm to 1000 μm. At this time, the graph shown in FIG. 44(D) is displayed on the information display device 12, and the color of the area within the graph changes as the operation progresses. FIG. 45(A) shows the state 12.4 seconds after the start of grinding. At this time, the blade spacing of the second grinder 5B is set to 250 μm, and in FIG. 45(A), the color of the area to the left of this 250 μm boundary is indicated by hatching. This hatching is an example indicating that the grinding process for the corresponding area has ended. Also, FIG. 45(B) shows the state 30 seconds after the start of grinding and the end of the grinding process. In Figure 45(B), all areas are hatched, which is an example showing that all grind processing has been completed. As in the examples of Figures 45(A) and (B), displaying the progress of the grind processing can help customers avoid getting bored while waiting, and can enable store clerks to perform other tasks while waiting, thereby enabling more efficient work.

[0439] Figure 46(a) shows an example of a porta filter used to make espresso drinks. The porta filter PF shown in Figure 46(a) is a naked type, in which ground beans are filled into a metal basket PFb (see Figure 46(c)) whose bottom surface has a filter structure, and the basket PFb is held by a cylindrical holder PFr. A handle PFh is provided on the holder PFh.

[0440] Figure 46(b) shows how the handle PFh is being held to place the basket PFb held by the holder PFr on the chute GM31 of the coffee bean grinder. Ground beans are discharged from the chute GM31 and filled into the basket PFb. This process is called dosing. To save the operator the trouble of holding the handle PFh, the basket PFb may be fixed to the outlet of the chute GM31. Next, a leveling process is performed to ensure that the ground beans are packed evenly into the basket PFb. Finally, a process called tamping is performed to compress the evenly packed ground beans.

[0441] Figure 46(c) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the state in which ground beans that have been ground from finely ground to coarsely ground are packed into a basket PFb and then leveled and tamped.

[0442] Figure 46(c) shows a basket PFb held in a holder PFr. The bottom surface PFf of this basket PFb has a filter structure, and Figure 46(c) shows the filter mesh Fi schematically, but in reality, the mesh is much finer. The area on the bottom surface PFf side is filled with extra-finely ground beans Bvt, which have a particle size distribution peak of 200 μm. In Figure 46(c), the extra-finely ground beans Bvt are shown with fine crosshatching. The area above that area is filled with medium-finely ground beans Bmt, which have a particle size distribution peak of 600 μm. In Figure 46(c), the medium-finely ground beans Bmt are shown with coarse crosshatching. In other words, the area closer to the filter contains relatively finely ground beans, and the area farther from the filter contains relatively coarsely ground beans.

[0443] When brewing using the Porter Filter PF prepared in this way, the larger particle size area allows hot water to drain easily, resulting in a decrease in extraction efficiency, an indicator of flavor development. On the other hand, the smaller particle size area allows hot water to drain more slowly, resulting in an increase in extraction efficiency. Hot water poured from above (the opposite side of the filter) first passes through the area with low extraction efficiency and then finally passes through the particle size with high extraction efficiency. Considering the opposite scenario, the poured hot water will produce a strong coffee beverage in the first area, and in the last area, coffee components will be difficult to extract from the large particle size grounds, resulting in the grounds in the last area being wasted. This prediction is based on the tendency for coffee components to be easily extracted from hot water but difficult to extract from the coffee beverage. By pouring hot water through the area with low extraction efficiency first, the coffee beverage is sufficiently extracted from the ground beans in that area. However, the coffee beverage will be weak. However, because the coffee beverage is weak, there is a margin for coffee concentration, and the coffee beverage will be thoroughly extracted even when passing through the area with high extraction efficiency. Thus, to effectively utilize all the ground coffee beans in the porter filter PF, it is preferable to use finer ground coffee beans closer to the filter, which is particularly effective when brewing a strong coffee beverage such as espresso.

[0444] Similarly, the second grinder 5B in the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 can also grind from a finely ground state to a coarsely ground state, or from a coarsely ground state to a finely ground state. In the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, ground beans are stored in the extraction container 9. This extraction container 9 is inverted, and when the ground beans are stored (before the extraction container 9 is inverted), relatively coarse ground beans are stored in the lower region and relatively fine ground beans are stored in the upper region. As the extraction container 9 is inverted, the relatively fine ground beans are located in the lower region and the relatively coarse ground beans are located in the upper region. However, when viewed from the perspective of the filter provided in the lid unit 91 shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, as with the basket PFb, the relatively fine ground beans are stored in the region close to the filter and the relatively coarse ground beans are stored in the region far from the filter.

[0445] Note that multiple sets of grinding processes may be performed so that multiple sets of ground coffee beans can be ground with a single grind start operation. In this way, multiple baskets PFb may be prepared and a new basket PFb may be assigned to the chute GM31 for each set.

[0446] In addition, in the example of Figure 45(A)(B), when a grinding method that changes from a fine grind to a coarse grind is specified, the hatching spreads from the left side of the graph to the right side.However, when a grinding method that changes from a coarse grind to a fine grind is specified, the hatching spreads from the right side of the graph to the left side, unlike the example of Figure 45(A)(B).

[0447] Furthermore, in the above example, a configuration was described in which the progress of the grinding process is displayed on the information display device 12, but the progress of the grinding process may also be displayed on the mobile terminal 17 that sent the order information.

[0448] According to the above description, "A grinder for grinding coffee beans [for example, the second grinder 5B], A container for storing ground beans ground by the grinder [e.g., a basket PFb or an extraction container 9]; A coffee bean grinder comprising: A set of grinding operations can be performed in response to a start operation by a user (for example, tapping the grind start button 124, pressing the start button GM15, or issuing a command to produce a coffee beverage), The set of grinding operations refers to operations for grinding coffee beans to different particle sizes so that a first region of the container (e.g., a region relatively closer to or below the filter) contains ground beans of a first particle size (e.g., a relatively finer or coarser particle size), and a second region of the container (e.g., a region relatively further from or above the filter) contains ground beans of a second particle size (e.g., a relatively coarser or finer particle size). A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above (for example, the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 or the beverage production device 1 shown in FIG. 1)." He explained about:

[0449] The finer the ground beans, the harder it is for the hot water to drain out, and the more efficient the extraction. This coffee machine takes advantage of this tendency by providing areas containing ground beans of different sizes, which allows for different extraction efficiencies depending on the area, improving the taste of the coffee drink.

[0450] The amount of coffee beans ground in one grinding operation may be the amount required to extract one cup of coffee or the amount required for one brewing. The first particle size may be a particle size that is coarser than the second particle size.

[0451] Also, "The first particle size is a particle size finer than the second particle size, A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0452] Also, "The container has a filter (for example, a filter hole Fi provided on the bottom surface PFf shown in FIG. 46(c), or a filter provided on the lid unit 91 shown in FIG. 6, etc.)" The first region is a region of the container that is closer to the filter than the second region. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0453] The first region may be a region below the second region in the container.

[0454] Also, "A storage device capable of storing the set of grinding operations as a recipe [for example, the storage unit 11b shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 19] is provided. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0455] Also, "The set of grinding operations can be performed multiple times in response to a start operation by the user (for example, grinding beans for multiple extractions is possible). A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0456] moreover, "A coffee bean grinding system (e.g., Figures 10 and 19) comprising an external device (e.g., server 16, mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinding machine." He also explained.

[0457] Also, "A first step of placing ground coffee beans of a first particle size (e.g., a relatively fine or coarse particle size) in a first region (e.g., a region relatively close to or below the filter) of a container (e.g., basket PFb or extraction container 9); a second step of placing ground coffee beans of a second particle size (e.g., a relatively coarse or fine particle size) in a second region of the container (e.g., a region relatively farther from or above the filter); A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising the steps of: He also explained.

[0458] Next, the combination of the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B will be described.

[0459] As shown in FIG. 25 etc., the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B are arranged in series, upstream and downstream, when viewed in the direction of coffee bean transport. The first grinder 5A is capable of grinding coarsely ground coffee beans more accurately than the second grinder 5B, and the second grinder 5B is capable of grinding finely ground coffee beans more accurately than the first grinder 5A. More specifically, the first grinder 5A crushes the roasted coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1 / 4 of their original size) to produce ground coffee beans. The second grinder 5B grinds the ground coffee beans crushed by the first grinder 5A to the desired ground coffee size. For example, the second grinder 5B can perform coarse grinding, medium grinding, medium-fine grinding, fine grinding, and extra-fine grinding, while the first grinder 5A cannot grind coffee beans as finely as the coarse grinding. However, in order to make it easier to separate unwanted matter adhering to the coffee beans, it is preferable to grind the beans to a certain size in the first grinder 5A.

[0460] However, if one ignores the ease with which the separator 6 separates unwanted materials such as chaff and fine powder, it is also possible to perform the grinding process of the coffee beans only by the second grinder 5B without driving the first grinder 5A.

[0461] FIG. 47(a) is a perspective view showing the rotary blade 58a that constitutes the first grinder 5A by itself.

[0462] The rotary blade 58a is provided with guide paths 58ag extending diagonally downward around the rotation axis 58as from each of the four blades 58a1-58a4. As shown in Figure 47(a), when the rotary blade 58a is not rotating, the roasted coffee beans B sent from the storage device 4 pass through these guide paths 58ag and are sent to the second grinder 5B while maintaining their shape and size. The beans are then ground to the desired particle size by the second grinder 5B. In this case, the grinding is performed in a single stage using only the second grinder 5B, rather than in a two-stage process using the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B.

[0463] Instead of the first grinder 5A, a grinder identical to the second grinder 5B may be provided, allowing the upstream grinder to perform coarse, medium, medium-fine, fine, and extra-fine grinding. In this case, for example, the upstream grinder may perform coarse grinding, and after separating unwanted material using the separator 6, the second grinder 5B may perform a medium or finer grind. Alternatively, the upstream grinder may perform medium-fine grinding, and after separating unwanted material using the separator 6, the second grinder 5B may not perform grinding, and the medium-fine ground beans may be discharged from the chute GM31.

[0464] FIG. 47(b) is a diagram showing a modified example of the crushing device 5 shown in FIG. 25 and the like.

[0465] The grinding device 5 shown in FIG. 25 and other figures has two grinders arranged in series. However, in this modified example of the grinding device 5′, the two downstream grinders of the three grinders are arranged in parallel. A first grinder 5A is arranged downstream of the storage device 4 shown in FIG. 47(b). In the grinding device 5 shown in FIG. 25 and other figures, a forming unit 6B is provided downstream of the first grinder 5A. However, in this modified example, the forming unit 6B is omitted, and a cylindrical guide passage 6C is provided instead. Two second grinders 5B, each connected to a connecting duct 661, are arranged downstream of the guide passage 6C. The guide passage 6C is a passage for distributing the ground beans from the first grinder 5A to one of the two second grinders 5B. The number of second grinders 5B is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The processing unit 11a shown in FIG. 19 switches the guide passage 6C. Furthermore, the guide path 6C may be manually switched. Alternatively, the path may be switched in response to an instruction from an external terminal such as a mobile terminal 17. In this modification, a coffee bean grinder GM equipped with three grinders (one first grinder 5A and two second grinders 5B) performs a selection step of selecting one of the three grinders to grind coffee beans, a supply step of supplying coffee beans to the selected grinder, and a grinding step of grinding the coffee beans supplied in the supply step with the grinder. In the supply step, if one of the two second grinders 5B is selected, the coffee beans are supplied to the selected second grinder 5B via the guide path 6C. Note that in the selection step, the selection of one first grinder 5A is arbitrary, but when selecting two second grinders 5B, one of the second grinders 5B may always be selected. Alternatively, if the two second grinders 5B are not selected, the coffee beans may be discharged directly from the guide passage 6C.

[0466] According to this modification, by installing a plurality of second grinders 5B, grinding processes by the second grinders 5B can be performed in parallel. For example, in the control of the amount of ground coffee beans fed to the second grinders 5B described with reference to Fig. 37, if it becomes necessary to reduce the amount fed to the first second grinder 5B, the guide passage 6C can be switched and feeding to the second second grinder 5B can be started, eliminating the need to reduce the amount fed and preventing a decrease in the efficiency of the grinding process.

[0467] In the modified example shown in FIG. 47(b), the forming unit 6B is omitted. However, the forming unit 6B may be provided at the upstream end of the guide path 6C, and the waste material may be separated after the path switching is completed. Alternatively, a fixed path may be provided instead of the switchable guide path 6C, and multiple second grinders 5B may be provided to move to the downstream end of the fixed path to switch the grinder. Furthermore, instead of providing multiple grinders with the same function in parallel, multiple grinders with different functions may be provided in parallel. For example, a grinder dedicated to coarse grinding, a grinder dedicated to medium grinding, a grinder dedicated to medium-fine grinding, a grinder dedicated to fine grinding, and a grinder dedicated to extra-fine grinding may be provided in parallel so that the grinder can be selected. The upstream first grinder 5A may also be omitted. Alternatively, an additional grinder may be provided downstream of the second grinder 5B. The number of grinders provided downstream of the second grinder 5B may be one or more. When there are a plurality of units, they may be arranged in series or in parallel.

[0468] The embodiment of the grinding device 5 described above with reference to FIG. 47 can also be applied as the grinding device of the beverage production apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

[0469] According to the above description, "A coffee bean grinder having a plurality of grinders (for example, a first grinder 5A and a second grinder 5B in series or a plurality of second grinders 5B in parallel), The grinder for grinding the coffee beans can be selected from the plurality of grinders (for example, selecting both the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B in series, selecting only the second grinder 5B, or selecting each of the plurality of second grinders 5B in parallel). A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above (for example, the coffee bean grinder GM shown in FIG. 18 or the beverage production device 1 shown in FIG. 1)." He explained about:

[0470] This coffee bean grinder allows the user to select from a number of grinders to grind the coffee beans, making it easier to meet a wider range of grinding needs than conventional coffee bean grinders.

[0471] The number of grinders to be selected may be one or more.

[0472] Also, "The plurality of grinders include a first grinder (e.g., a first grinder 5A) and a second grinder (e.g., a second grinder 5B), It is possible to select whether to grind coffee beans using one of the first grinder and the second grinder [for example, only the second grinder 5B] or both [for example, the first grinder 5A and the second grinder 5B]. A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0473] Also, "The first grinder is capable of grinding coffee beans more coarsely with precision than the second grinder (for example, crushing roasted coffee beans to a certain size (for example, about 1 / 4)), The second grinder is capable of grinding coffee beans more finely and with greater precision than the first grinder (for example, it can grind coarsely, medium, medium-fine, fine, and extra-fine). A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0474] Also, "A coffee bean grinder characterized in that, when coffee beans are ground by both the first grinder [e.g., first grinder 5A] and the second grinder [e.g., second grinder 5B], the coffee beans ground by the first grinder [e.g., the upstream first grinder 5A] are further ground finely by the second grinder [e.g., the downstream second grinder 5B]." He also explained.

[0475] Also, When coffee beans are ground by one of the first grinder (for example, the second grinder 5B on the left side shown in FIG. 47(b)) and the second grinder (for example, the second grinder 5B on the right side shown in FIG. 47(b)), the coffee beans are guided to the one grinder (for example, guided by a guide passage 6C), A coffee bean grinder characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0476] That is, either one of the first grinder or the second grinder may be provided with a guide passageway for guiding coffee beans [for example, guide passageway 6C shown in FIG. 47(b)]. The guide passageway may move relative to the one grinder to guide the coffee beans to that one grinder, or the coffee beans may be guided to that one grinder by moving relative to the guide passageway, or the coffee beans may be guided to that one grinder by moving the guide passageway and the one grinder also moving.

[0477] moreover, "A coffee bean grinding system (e.g., Figures 10 and 19) comprising an external device (e.g., server 16, mobile terminal 17) capable of communicating with the coffee bean grinding machine." He also explained.

[0478] Also, "A selection step of selecting a grinder for grinding coffee beans from the plurality of grinders in a coffee bean grinding machine having the plurality of grinders; a supply step of supplying coffee beans to the selected grinder; a grinding step of grinding the coffee beans supplied in the supplying step with the grinder; A method for grinding coffee beans, comprising the steps of: He also explained.

[0479] The number of grinders to be selected may be one or more.

[0480] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and these contents can be combined with each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and may be partially modified depending on the purpose, etc. Furthermore, the individual terms used in this specification are used merely 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 terms, and may also include equivalents. For example, expressions such as "device" and "section" may be replaced with "unit," "module," etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0481] 1 Beverage production equipment 2 Bean processing equipment 3 Extraction device 4. Storage device 401 Canister Storage Unit 402 Hopper Unit 403 Funnel Unit 404 Weighing Unit 5. Crushing equipment 5A First Grinder 57a fixed blade 58a Rotary blade 5B Second grinder 57b fixed blade 58b Rotary blade 6 Separation device 6A Suction Unit 6B Formation Unit 6C Guideway 60 suction units 60B Collection container 60Bo outer case 60Bi inner case 6io aperture 695 Manual setting disc dial 696 Fine adjustment knob dial 698 Lever member 7 Fluid Supply Unit 9 Extraction vessel 11 Control device 11a Processing section 12 Information display device 17 Mobile devices GM coffee bean grinder GM10 center casing GM11 option mounting part GM20 Bean outlet GM21 Lid Unit GM22 guideway forming member PF Porter Filter PFb Basket

Claims

1. The first grinder grinds the coffee beans, a second grinder disposed below the first grinder and grinding finer than the first grinder; A coffee machine comprising: The first grinder includes a motor and a grinding unit that can be rotated by the motor, a determination device that determines whether the sawing unit is in an abnormal state where it cannot perform normal rotation by monitoring the current value flowing through the motor; a control device that controls the first grinder; a user-operable reverse rotation switch; Equipped with When the determination device determines that the grinding unit is in the abnormal state, and the user operates the reverse rotation switch, the control device can cause the motor to cause the grinding unit to perform a rotation operation in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotation operation, the second grinder includes a first grinding section and a second grinding section provided below the first grinding section so as to face the first grinding section, and grinds the coffee beans ground by the first grinder between the first grinding section and the second grinding section; The first grinder may have a grinding unit that is in the abnormal state due to a hard object, and the grinding unit rotates in a reverse direction to drop the hard object into the second grinder; Coffee machine characterized in that the second grinder is configured so that the hard objects that reach the second grinder can be removed by maintenance.

2. Coffee machine according to claim 1, an alarm device that notifies a user that the grinding unit is in the abnormal state; a storage device capable of storing information indicating that the cutting portion is in an abnormal state when the determination device determines that the cutting portion is in the abnormal state; A coffee machine comprising:

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