Filtration device, beverage supply device, and filtration method

Abstract

To provide a filtering device that can effectively filter crema.SOLUTION: A filtering device for filtering a beverage includes: a filter for filtering a liquid; a body part formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds an outer periphery of the filter and forming a filtration area for filtering a beverage; and an atmosphere open part for keeping the filtration area at the atmospheric pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filtering device, a beverage supply device, and a filtering method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a beverage supply device that extracts coffee by applying pressure to hot water or water is known. In such a beverage supply device, when extracting coffee, carbon dioxide contained in coffee beans may be generated as bubbles called crema.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a beverage supply device including an extraction unit that extracts coffee and a filter element that filters the extracted coffee. This beverage supply device provides the extracted coffee to a cup without passing through the filter element when the extracted coffee is standard pressure-extracted coffee (e.g., espresso), and provides the coffee to the cup through the filter element when the coffee is similar to standard filtered coffee.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a filtering device and a filtering method that can effectively filter crema.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The filtering device of the present disclosure is coffee a filtering device for filtering, including a filter that filters a liquid, and a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the filter, coffeeIt comprises a main body that forms a filtration region for filtering, and an atmospheric vent section that brings the filtration region to atmospheric pressure. The main body is composed of a plurality of divided main body sections, each of which the filters are arranged, and the plurality of divided main body sections are arranged so that the filters are stacked vertically with space between them, forming a plurality of vertically aligned filtration regions, and further comprises a beverage discharge section that discharges the coffee that exceeds a predetermined height to the lower filtration region when the height of the coffee liquid accumulated in the filtration region exceeds a predetermined height. .

[0007] A beverage supply device according to this disclosure comprises a cylinder, a piston, and a cap, and uses a raw material compressed by the piston and the cap within the cylinder and hot water or water. coffee An extraction unit for extracting and the extracted by the extraction unit coffee A filtration device for filtering the liquid, the filtration device comprising a filter for filtering the liquid, and a cylindrical structure surrounding the outer circumference of the filter, coffee It comprises a main body that forms a filtration region for filtering, and an atmospheric vent section that brings the filtration region to atmospheric pressure. The main body is composed of a plurality of divided main body sections, each of which the filters are arranged, and the plurality of divided main body sections are arranged so that the filters are stacked vertically with space between them, forming a plurality of vertically aligned filtration regions, and further comprising a beverage discharge section that discharges the coffee that exceeds a predetermined height to the lower filtration region when the height of the coffee liquid accumulated in the filtration region exceeds a predetermined height. ru.

[0008] The filtration method of this disclosure comprises a filter for filtering a liquid, and a cylindrical structure surrounding the outer circumference of the filter. coffee It comprises a main body that forms a filtration region for filtering, and an atmospheric vent portion that brings the filtration region to atmospheric pressure, The main body is composed of a plurality of divided main body sections, each of which the filter is arranged, and the plurality of divided main body sections are arranged so that the filters are stacked vertically with the filters separated from each other, forming a plurality of vertically aligned filtration regions. A filtration device is used. coffee A filtration method for extracting compressed raw materials using hot water or water. coffee By placing it in the filtration area and opening it to the atmosphere, crema is generated, and the coffee While filtering through the aforementioned filter, the crema is captured by the aforementioned filter. Furthermore, if the level of coffee liquid accumulated in the filtration area exceeds a predetermined height, the coffee exceeding that height is discharged to the filtration area located below. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the filtration apparatus, beverage supply apparatus, and filtration method of this disclosure, crema can be effectively filtered. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a beverage supply device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the extraction unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]Perspective view showing the state where the filtration device according to the embodiment is attached to the beverage supply device [Figure 4A] Longitudinal sectional view of the divided main body part according to the embodiment [Figure 4B] Plan view of the divided main body part according to the embodiment [Figure 4C] Bottom view of the divided main body part according to the embodiment [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the filtration device according to the embodiment [Figure 6] Perspective longitudinal sectional view of the filtration device according to the embodiment [Figure 7] Explanation diagram of the extraction process in the beverage supply process according to the embodiment [Figure 8] Explanation diagram of the filtration mechanism in the first filtration state according to the embodiment [Figure 9] Explanation diagram of the filtration mechanism in the second filtration state according to the embodiment [Figure 10] Explanation diagram of the filtration mechanism in the third filtration state according to the embodiment

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] [Configuration of Beverage Supply Device] [Schematic Configuration of Beverage Supply Device] First, the schematic configuration of the beverage supply device will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of the beverage supply device.

[0013] The beverage supply device 1 shown in Figure 1 extracts and supplies espresso by compressing coffee bean powder and supplying pressurized hot water. The beverage supply device 1 also extracts and supplies drip-flavored coffee by compressing coffee bean powder at a lower pressure than that used for espresso extraction and supplying pressurized hot water at a lower pressure than that used for espresso extraction. Coffee bean powder is an example of the raw material used in this disclosure. Drip-flavored coffee is an example of the beverage used in this disclosure. In the following, espresso and drip-flavored coffee may be referred to simply as "coffee liquid" without distinction.

[0014] When espresso is extracted, carbon dioxide contained in the coffee beans dissolves into the coffee, and when the pressure is released, the dissolved carbon dioxide rises to the surface as a foam called crema. Generally, this crema is considered necessary for espresso and is an important factor in beverage quality. On the other hand, in drip coffee extraction, foam is produced as carbon dioxide contained in the coffee beans is released during extraction. It is said that by preventing this foam from being included in the coffee, a clear coffee with less bitterness can be produced. In terms of beverage quality and appearance, clear coffee extracted in this way is preferred, especially by those who prefer black coffee. Even in equipment equipped with an espresso extraction device, there is a method of low-pressure extraction that approaches drip extraction, and the extraction pressure can be made almost the same, but crema remains in appearance. Because this crema remains, it was sometimes not possible to provide clear coffee. The beverage supply device 1 of this embodiment has a configuration for effectively filtering out the crema.

[0015] The beverage supply device 1 comprises an extraction unit 2, a container placement unit 3, a supply path unit 4, and a filtration device 5. The extraction unit 2, the supply path unit 4, and the filtration device 5 are housed in a housing (not shown).

[0016] Extraction unit 2 extracts either espresso C1 or drip-flavored coffee C2. The detailed configuration of extraction unit 2 will be described later.

[0017] A container P, which is supplied with espresso C1 or drip-flavored coffee C2, is placed on the container placement section 3.

[0018] The supply path section 4 supplies espresso C1 extracted by the extraction section 2 to the container P. The supply path section 4 supplies drip-flavored coffee C2 extracted by the extraction section 2 to the filtration device 5. The supply path section 4 includes a first pipe 41, one end of which is connected to the extraction section 2. The other end of the first pipe 41 is connected to a supply path switching section 42. The supply path switching section 42 is further connected to one end of a second pipe 43 and one end of a third pipe 44. The other end of the second pipe 43 is located above the container mounting section 3. The other end of the third pipe 44 is connected to the filtration device 5. The supply path switching section 42 switches the supply path of the coffee liquid C so that espresso C1 is guided to the container P via the second pipe 43, while drip-flavored coffee C2 is guided to the filtration device 5 via the third pipe 44. The supply path switching unit 42 may be composed of one three-way valve or two solenoid valves.

[0019] The filtration device 5 is positioned, for example, above the container mounting section 3. The filtration device 5 captures the fine coffee bean powder (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "fine powder") and crema contained in the drip-flavored coffee C2, that is, filters the drip-flavored coffee C2, and supplies the filtered drip-flavored coffee C2 to the container P. The detailed configuration of the filtration device 5 will be described later. Alternatively, instead of positioning the filtration device 5 above the container mounting section 3, one end of the fourth pipe may be connected to the filtration device 5, and the other end of the fourth pipe may be positioned above the container mounting section 3 to supply the drip-flavored coffee C2 filtered by the filtration device 5 to the container P.

[0020] <Configuration of the extraction unit> Next, the configuration of the extraction unit 2 will be described. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the extraction unit.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the extraction unit 2 comprises a cylinder 21, a piston 22, a cap 23, and a lifting restrictor 24. The extraction unit 2 extracts coffee liquid C using coffee bean powder compressed by the piston 22 and cap 23 within the cylinder 21, and hot water supplied from a hot water supply unit (not shown).

[0022] The cylinder 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A retaining portion 211 is provided at the lower end of the cylinder 21. The retaining portion 211 is formed to protrude inward from the lower end of the cylinder 21, preventing the piston 22 from coming out of the cylinder 21. A hot water intake portion 212 is provided on the rear side (right side in Figure 2) of the cylinder 21. The hot water intake portion 212 is connected to the hot water supply section via piping (not shown). The cylinder 21 is configured to move up and down relative to the piston 22 and cap 23 by the drive of a lifting drive unit (not shown).

[0023] The piston 22 is equipped with a head portion 221 that moves up and down inside the cylinder 21. The head portion 221 is formed in a cylindrical shape, with an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the cylinder 21 and larger than the inner diameter of the retaining portion 211. The head portion 221, together with the cylinder 21, forms an extraction space 20 for extracting coffee liquid C. Coffee bean powder F1 (see Figure 7) is supplied to the extraction space 20 from a raw material supply unit (not shown) located above the extraction space 20.

[0024] A filter (not shown) is positioned on the upper surface of the head portion 221 that constitutes the piston 22. A molten metal flow passage 222 is formed inside the head portion 221. The molten metal flow passage 222 is configured to guide the molten metal supplied to the inside of the cylinder 21 via the molten metal intake portion 212 into the inside of the head portion 221 through an opening formed on a part of the side surface of the head portion 221, and to supply it to the extraction space 20 through a plurality of openings formed on the upper surface of the head portion 221. The piston 22 further comprises a shaft portion 223 extending downward from the head portion 221, and a piston projection portion 224 projecting horizontally from the shaft portion 223. The shaft portion 223 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the outer diameter of which is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the retaining portion 211. The piston projection portion 224 is provided to project in an annular plate shape from the lower end of the shaft portion 223. The piston 22 is configured such that its downward movement is restricted when the lower end of its shaft portion 223 abuts against the bottom portion 25 of a frame (not shown) that holds the extraction portion 2.

[0025] The cap 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the cylinder 21, and is configured to be insertable into the cylinder 21. The cap 23 is configured to reciprocate between an extraction position, indicated by a dashed line directly above the cylinder 21, and a retracted position, indicated by a solid line in front of the cylinder 21 (left side in Figure 2), by the drive of a cap movement part (not shown). A filter (not shown) is located on the underside of the cap 23. A coffee liquid outlet 231 is provided on the front side of the cap 23. The coffee liquid outlet 231 is connected to the first piping 41. A coffee liquid flow passage 232 is formed inside the cap 23. The coffee liquid flow passage 232 is configured to guide the coffee liquid C extracted in the extraction space 20 into the interior of the cap 23 through an opening formed in the center of the underside of the cap 23, and to allow it to be taken out to the outside of the extraction unit 2 via the coffee liquid outlet 231.

[0026] The upward restricting section 24 includes a contact member 241 that can contact the piston projection 224. The upward restricting section 24 restricts the upward movement of the piston 22 as the cylinder 21 rises by rotating the contact member 241 around the shaft member 242 and bringing it into contact with the piston projection 224, and allows the upward movement of the piston 22 as the cylinder 21 rises by moving it away from the piston projection 224.

[0027] <Configuration of the filtration system> Next, the configuration of the filtration device 5 will be described. First, the general configuration of the filtration device will be described. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the filtration device attached to the beverage supply device.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the filtration device 5 comprises a main body 51, a lid 52, and a nozzle 53.

[0029] The main body 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The main body 51 is composed of a plurality of cylindrically formed divided main body parts 54 that are detachably connected to one another. The main body 51 has the function of filtering drip-flavored coffee C2 and capturing the crema. The shape of the main body 51 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may also be a polygonal cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, etc.

[0030] The lid 52 is positioned to cover the upper end of the main body 51. The lid 52 includes a beverage introduction section 522 (see, for example, Figure 5) and an atmospheric vent section 523. The other end of the third pipe 44 is connected to the beverage introduction section 522. The beverage introduction section 522 is configured to introduce the drip-flavored coffee C2 extracted by the extraction section 2 into the main body 51. The atmospheric vent section 523 is configured to bring the inside of the main body 51 to atmospheric pressure. Here, the inside of the housing is not sealed and is configured to allow air to enter and exit, such as by exhausting steam from the exhaust port using a fan motor. The atmospheric vent section 523 brings the outside of the main body 51, the inside of the housing, and the inside of the main body 51 to atmospheric pressure.

[0031] The nozzle section 53 is located downstream of the flow of coffee liquid C in the main body section 51. The nozzle section 53 discharges the filtered drip-flavored coffee C2 within the main body section 51.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the divided main body 54 that constitutes the main body 51 will be described. Figure 4A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the divided main body. Figure 4B is a plan view of the divided main body. Figure 4C is a bottom view of the divided main body.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4A, the divided body portion 54 comprises a large-diameter portion 541 and a small-diameter portion 542 whose outer diameter is smaller than that of the large-diameter portion 541. The large-diameter portion 541 is located above the small-diameter portion 542. An upper screw groove 541A is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 541. A lower screw groove 542A is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter portion 542. Multiple divided body portions 54 are connected by screwing the lower screw groove 542A into the upper screw groove 541A of another divided body portion 54. If the body portion 51 has a shape other than cylindrical, such as a polygonal tube or an elliptical tube, the divided body portions may be connected by snap fitting. The divided body portions 54 of this embodiment may also be connected by snap fitting.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the small-diameter portion 542 of the divided main body 54 is provided with a filter support portion 543 formed to connect multiple different parts on its inner circumferential surface. The filter support portion 543 comprises a first rib 543A, a second rib 543B, and a third rib 543C, which extend radially from the center of the small-diameter portion 542 toward the inner circumferential surface. The portion of the first to third ribs 543A to 543C located in the center of the small-diameter portion 542 is formed in a lower shape than the other portions.

[0035] The divided main body section 54 is integrally equipped with a filter 55 and a beverage discharge section 544.

[0036] The filter 55 is formed in a sheet shape from fibers such as nylon. The maximum pore diameter of the filter 55 can be exemplified as 80 μm or more. The outer circumference of the filter 55 is fixed around the opening of the small diameter portion 542 in the divided body portion 54 so as to close the lower opening of the small diameter portion 542 in the divided body portion 54. The upper surface of the filter 55 is fixed so as to be in close contact with the lower surface of the filter support portion 543 (first to third ribs 543A to 543C). Methods for fixing the filter 55 to the small diameter portion 542 and the filter support portion 543 include adhesive bonding, welding, screw fastening, integral molding, etc. Together with the small diameter portion 542 of the divided body portion 54, the filter 55 forms a filtration region 50 for filtering drip-flavored coffee C2.

[0037] The beverage discharge section 544 discharges the drip-flavored coffee C2 that has exceeded a predetermined height (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "coffee liquid level") in the filtration area 50 to the lower filtration area 50 when the height of the coffee liquid level exceeds a predetermined height. An example of when the coffee liquid level exceeds a predetermined height is when the filter 55 is clogged with fine powder. The beverage discharge section 544 includes an overflow cylinder 545 and an air vent cylinder 546.

[0038] The overflow cylinder 545 constitutes the first discharge section of this disclosure. The overflow cylinder 545 has the function of discharging the drip-flavored coffee C2 that exceeds the first height when the coffee liquid level in the filtration area 50 exceeds the first height to the lower filtration area 50. The air vent cylinder 546 constitutes the second discharge section of this disclosure. The air vent cylinder 546 has the function of discharging the drip-flavored coffee C2 that exceeds the second height when the coffee liquid level in the filtration area 50 exceeds the second height which is higher than the first height to the lower filtration area 50. The air vent cylinder 546 further has the function of maintaining atmospheric pressure in the filtration area 50 where the air vent cylinder 546 is provided and in the lower filtration area 50 when the coffee liquid level is lower than the second height.

[0039] The overflow cylinder portion 545 constitutes a part of the raised portion of the first rib 543A and is located on the side closer to the inner circumferential surface of the divided body portion 54. The air vent cylinder portion 546 constitutes a part of the raised portion of the second rib 543B and is located on the side closer to the inner circumferential surface of the divided body portion 54. The overflow cylinder portion 545 and the air vent cylinder portion 546 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The overflow cylinder portion 545 and the air vent cylinder portion 546 are formed so that their axial directions are parallel to the axial direction of the divided body portion 54. The lower openings of the overflow cylinder portion 545 and the air vent cylinder portion 546 are exposed below the filter 55 through the first opening 551 and the second opening 552 formed in the filter 55. When multiple divided body portions 54 are connected, the air vent cylinder portion 546 is formed in such a shape that its upper end does not come into contact with the filter 55 located above it.

[0040] Next, the internal configuration of the filtration device 5 will be described. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the filtration device. Figure 6 is a perspective longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filtration device.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the main body 51 is composed of six segmented main body sections 54 connected in the vertical direction. In other words, the main body 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer circumference of six filters 55 that are stacked vertically at a distance from each other. Each segmented main body section 54 is connected by screwing the lower screw groove 542A into the upper screw groove 541A of the other segmented main body section 54. The number of segmented main body sections 54 constituting the main body 51 may be between one and five, or seven or more. The more segmented main body sections 54 there are, the higher the removal capacity of fine powder and crema in the filtration device 5, but the longer the filtration time required. The number of segmented main body sections 54 constituting the main body 51 and the maximum pore diameter of the filters 55 can be determined taking into consideration the crema removal capacity, the period during which that removal capacity is maintained, and the filtration time required.

[0042] Each divided body section 54 is connected such that its respective overflow cylinder section 545 and its respective air vent cylinder section 546 pass through it vertically. In other words, each divided body section 54 is connected such that the overflow cylinder section 545 and the air vent cylinder section 546 are not located below the central portion 553 (see Figure 4B) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "unfixed central region 553") of the filter 55 that is not fixed to the divided body section 54 and the filter support section 543. Note that each divided body section 54 may be connected so that its respective overflow cylinder section 545 does not pass through it vertically. When each divided body section 54 is connected, a gap is formed between each air vent cylinder section 546 and the filter 55 located above it, so that air can be guided to the lower divided body section 54 via each air vent cylinder section 546.

[0043] The lid portion 52 is formed in a disc shape. A screw groove 521 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lid portion 52. The lid portion 52 is fixed to the main body portion 51 by screwing this screw groove 521 into the upper screw groove 541A of the divided main body portion 54. A beverage introduction portion 522 is provided in the center of the lid portion 52. The beverage introduction portion 522 is configured to introduce drip-flavored coffee C2 to the center of the main body portion 51 in a plan view, that is, to a position including the lower part of the first to third ribs 543A to 543C. An atmospheric vent portion 523 is provided in the lid portion 52 at a position offset from the center.

[0044] The nozzle portion 53 includes a cylindrical nozzle body portion 531. A screw groove 532 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle body portion 531. The nozzle portion 53 is fixed to the body portion 51 by screwing this screw groove 532 into the lower screw groove 542A of the divided body portion 54. The nozzle body portion 531 is provided with a discharge portion 533 formed to close its opening. The discharge portion 533 includes a slanted portion 534 formed to slope downwards toward the center of the nozzle body portion 531, and a discharge port 535 formed at the lower end of the slanted portion 534 for discharging drip-flavored coffee C2. In this way, by making the diameter of the discharge port 535 smaller than the diameter of the upper opening surface of the slanted portion 534, a certain amount of coffee liquid C can be stored in the discharge portion 533. Therefore, when the mesh of the filter 55 is made coarser and the number of layers of the filter 55 is increased, even if the coffee liquid C does not accumulate in the intermediate filters 55 (filters 55 other than the bottom filter 55), the coffee liquid C can accumulate on the bottom filter 55, and the crema can be captured.

[0045] <Operation of the beverage dispenser> Next, the operation of the beverage supply device 1, specifically the beverage supply process, will be described. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the extraction process in the beverage supply process.

[0046] First, when the user initiates the dispensing of coffee using an operating unit (not shown), a control unit (not shown) of the beverage dispensing device 1 controls the raw material supply unit to dispense coffee bean powder F1 into the extraction space 20, as shown in the top diagram of Figure 7. Once the dispensing of coffee bean powder F1 is complete, the control unit controls the cap movement unit to move the cap 23 from the retracted position to the extraction position. The control unit controls the upward restricting unit 24 to release the restriction on the upward movement of the piston 22.

[0047] Next, the control unit controls the lifting drive unit to raise the cylinder 21 and piston 22 as shown in the center diagram of Figure 7 to perform tamping. The control unit continues tamping until the compressed state of the coffee bean powder F1 reaches a predetermined state. Next, the control unit extracts the coffee liquid C. The control unit controls the hot water supply unit to supply pressurized hot water W to the extraction space 20, thereby extracting the coffee liquid C.

[0048] If the user selects espresso C1, the control unit compresses the coffee bean powder F1 at a first pressure and supplies pressurized hot water W at a second pressure. The control unit controls the supply path switching unit 42 to supply the espresso C1 to the container P without passing it through the filtration device 5. On the other hand, if the user selects drip-flavored coffee C2, the control unit compresses the coffee bean powder F1 at a third pressure lower than the first pressure and supplies pressurized hot water W at a fourth pressure lower than the second pressure. The control unit controls the supply path switching unit 42 to supply the drip-flavored coffee C2 to the filtration device 5. The drip-flavored coffee C2 supplied to the filtration device 5 is filtered by the filtration device 5 and then supplied to the container P. The filtration method of the drip-flavored coffee C2 in the filtration device 5 will be described later. Although the example given shows the supply path switching unit 42 controlling the switching of supply paths based on the coffee selection operation by the operation unit, it is also possible to provide a reception unit in the beverage supply device 1 to receive instructions for switching supply paths, and have the supply path switching unit 42 switch supply paths based on the received switching instructions. In this case, the reception unit may receive switching instructions via wireless communication using a terminal device or the like, or it may receive switching instructions based on the operation of the operation unit. With such a configuration, the user can choose between coffee with or without crema according to their preference.

[0049] When the extraction of coffee liquid C is complete, the control unit controls the lifting drive unit to move the cylinder 21 downward, as shown in the bottom diagram of Figure 7, exposing the residue F2 on the piston 22 to the upper side of the cylinder 21. Next, the control unit moves a removal member (not shown) to remove the residue F2 from the piston 22. The control unit also moves the cap 23 from the extraction position to the retracted position. The control unit may or may not link the removal member and the cap 23. After controlling the lifting restriction unit 24 to restrict the upward movement of the piston 22, the control unit controls the lifting drive unit to raise the cylinder 21, bringing it to the state shown in the top diagram of Figure 7. This completes the beverage supply process.

[0050] Next, the filtration method for drip-flavored coffee C2 in the filtration device 5 will be explained. During the filtration process of drip-flavored coffee C2, the following three states occur. • In all filtration areas 50, the coffee liquid level is lower than the upper end of the overflow cylinder 545 (lower than the first height) (first filtration state). - In all filtration regions 50, the coffee liquid level is lower than the upper end of the air vent cylinder 546 (lower than the second height), but in at least one filtration region 50, the coffee liquid level is higher than the upper end of the overflow cylinder 545 (higher than the first height) (second filtration state). • In some filtration areas 50, if the coffee liquid level is higher than the upper end of the air vent cylinder 546 (higher than the second height) (third filtration state)

[0051] The filtration mechanisms differ in the first, second, and third filtration states. The filtration mechanisms in each case are described below. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the filtration mechanism in the first filtration state. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the filtration mechanism in the second filtration state. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the filtration mechanism in the third filtration state. The six filtration regions 50 provided in the main body 51 are sometimes referred to from top to bottom as the first filtration region 501, the second filtration region 502, the third filtration region 503, the fourth filtration region 504, the fifth filtration region 505, and the sixth filtration region 506.

[0052] <Mechanism of filtration in the first filtration state> First, the filtration mechanism in the first filtration state will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Regardless of whether or not extraction is being performed in the extraction unit 2, as shown in Figure 8, the outside of the filtration device 5, the inside of the housing, and the first filtration region 501 are at atmospheric pressure. Similarly, the second to sixth filtration regions 502 to 506 and the inside of the nozzle section 53 are at atmospheric pressure.

[0053] The drip-flavored coffee C2 extracted in the extraction unit 2 is introduced into the first filtration region 501 at atmospheric pressure via the beverage introduction unit 522. If the amount of drip-flavored coffee C2 introduced per unit time from the extraction unit 2 is greater than the amount of drip-flavored coffee C2 filtered by the filter 55, the drip-flavored coffee C2 accumulates in the first filtration region 501. The drip-flavored coffee C2, which has been subjected to extraction pressure, is released to the atmosphere as it enters the first filtration region 501. When the drip-flavored coffee C2 is released to the atmosphere, carbon dioxide released from the drip-flavored coffee C2 to the outside is generated as crema on the surface of the coffee liquid. The drip-flavored coffee C2 accumulated in the first filtration region 501 is pushed by the air pressure in the first filtration region 501, passes through the filter 55, and falls into the second filtration region 502. At this time, the drip-flavored coffee C2 falls into the second filtration region 502 from the non-fixed central region 553, which is prone to collapsing due to its own weight. As the drip-flavored coffee C2 falls into the second filtration area 502, fine particles and crema are captured by the filter 55.

[0054] In the second to sixth filtration regions 502 to 506, the same phenomenon as in the first filtration region 501 occurs, and the drip-flavored coffee C2 is filtered by the filters 55 in the second to sixth filtration regions 502 to 506. If the drip-flavored coffee C2 accumulated in the second to sixth filtration regions 502 to 506 contains fine particles, or if crema is generated, the fine particles or crema are captured by the filters 55 in the second to sixth filtration regions 502 to 506. The drip-flavored coffee C2 filtered by the filters 55 in the first to sixth filtration regions 501 to 506 is discharged from the discharge port 535 of the nozzle section 53 and supplied to the container P.

[0055] <Mechanism of filtration in the second filtration state> Next, the filtration mechanism in the second filtration state will be explained with reference to Figure 9. As the number of beverage supply cycles increases, the filter 55 becomes clogged with fine particles, and the amount of drip-flavored coffee C2 that accumulates in the filtration area 50 increases. In all filtration areas 50, the coffee liquid level is lower than the upper end of the air vent cylinder 546, but in at least one filtration area 50, the coffee liquid level may be higher than the upper end of the overflow cylinder 545.

[0056] For example, as shown in Figure 9, in all filtration regions 50, the coffee liquid level is lower than the upper end of the air venting cylinder 546, but in the second filtration region 502, if the coffee liquid level is higher than the upper end of the overflow cylinder 545, the overflow cylinder 545 of the second filtration region 502 is blocked by the drip-flavored coffee C2. On the other hand, the overflow cylinders 545 of the first, third to sixth filtration regions 501, 503 to 506, and the air venting cylinders 546 of the first to sixth filtration regions 501 to 506 are not blocked. Therefore, the first to sixth filtration regions 501 to 506 and the inside of the nozzle 53 are maintained at atmospheric pressure via the atmospheric vent 523. Therefore, the drip-flavored coffee C2 accumulated in the first to sixth filtration regions 501 to 506 is pushed by the air pressure, filtered by the respective filters 55, and falls to the bottom, and is finally supplied to the container P from the discharge port 535 of the nozzle section 53.

[0057] Incidentally, some of the drip-flavored coffee C2 that accumulates in the second filtration area 502 passes through the overflow cylinder 545 of the second filtration area 502 and falls into the third filtration area 503. In other words, some of the drip-flavored coffee C2 falls into the third filtration area 503 without passing through the filter 55. When the drip-flavored coffee C2 falls into the third filtration area 503, due to the surface tension at the opening at the lower end of the overflow cylinder 545, it may fall to a position offset from the vertically downward position of the overflow cylinder 545. In this case, the drip-flavored coffee C2 that has passed through the overflow cylinder 545 of the second filtration area 502 does not directly enter the overflow cylinder 545 of the third filtration area 503, but accumulates in the third filtration area 503. As described above, the pressure inside the third filtration area 503 is atmospheric pressure, so the drip-flavored coffee C2 that falls from the overflow cylinder 545 into the third filtration area 503 is pushed down by the pressure and passes through the filter 55.

[0058] Even if the drip-flavored coffee C2 were to fall directly into the overflow cylinder 545 of the third filtration region 503, when it falls from the overflow cylinder 545 of the third filtration region 503 to the fourth filtration region 504, the surface tension described above may cause it to fall to a position offset from the vertically below the overflow cylinder 545. This phenomenon may also occur in the overflow cylinders 545 of the fourth to fifth filtration regions 504 to 505. Due to these phenomena, the drip-flavored coffee C2 filtered by at least one filter 55 is guided to the nozzle 53. Furthermore, even if the drip-flavored coffee C2 that has passed through the overflow cylinder 545 of the second filtration region 502 were to pass through the overflow cylinder 545 instead of the filters 55 of the third to sixth filtration regions 503 to 506, the amount that passes through is small and therefore hardly affects the quality of the drip-flavored coffee C2 supplied to the container P.

[0059] <Mechanism of filtration in the third filtration state> Next, the filtration mechanism in the third filtration state will be explained with reference to Figure 10. As the number of beverage supply cycles increases further, the filter 55 becomes more clogged with fine particles, and the amount of drip-flavored coffee C2 accumulating in the filtration area 50 increases further. In some parts of the filtration area 50, the coffee liquid level may rise above the upper end of the air vent cylinder 546.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 10, if the coffee liquid level is lower than the upper end of the air vent cylinder 546 in the first, third to sixth filtration regions 501 and 503 to 506, but higher than the upper end of the air vent cylinder 546 in the second filtration region 502, then the air vent cylinder 546 and the overflow cylinder 545 in the second filtration region 502 are blocked by the drip-flavored coffee C2. As a result, the third to sixth filtration regions 503 to 506 and the nozzle 53 become sealed. In such a sealed state, the drip-flavored coffee C2 accumulated in the third to sixth filtration regions 503 to 506 and the nozzle 53 may not be pushed down by air pressure and may not fall out of the third to sixth filtration regions 503 to 506 and the nozzle 53.

[0061] Some of the drip-flavored coffee C2 accumulated in the second filtration area 502 passes through the overflow cylinder 545 and the air vent cylinder 546 of the second filtration area 502 and falls into the third filtration area 503. At this time, due to the surface tension at the openings at the lower ends of the overflow cylinder 545 and the air vent cylinder 546, the coffee may fall to a position offset from the vertically below the overflow cylinder 545 and the air vent cylinder 546. In this case, the drip-flavored coffee C2 that has passed through the overflow cylinder 545 and the air vent cylinder 546 of the second filtration area 502 does not directly enter the overflow cylinder 545 and the air vent cylinder 546 of the third filtration area 503, but accumulates in the third filtration area 503.

[0062] When the drip-flavored coffee C2 that has passed through the overflow cylinder 545 and the air vent cylinder 546 of the second filtration region 502 enters the third filtration region 503, the volume of the drip-flavored coffee C2 in the sealed third filtration region 503 increases, causing the internal pressure of the third filtration region 503 to rise. Due to this increase in internal pressure, some of the air in the pressurized third filtration region 503 pushes the drip-flavored coffee C2 in the third filtration region 503, causing it to pass through the filter 55 and fall into the fourth filtration region 504.

[0063] Furthermore, the pressure in the fourth to sixth filtration regions 504 to 506 becomes the same as the pressure in the third filtration region 503 via the overflow cylinder 545 and the air vent cylinder 546. The drip-flavored coffee C2 in the fourth to sixth filtration regions 504 to 506 passes through each filter 55 and falls downwards due to the same phenomenon as in the third filtration region 503. As a result, the drip-flavored coffee C2 filtered by the filters 55 in the first to sixth filtration regions 501 to 506 is supplied to the container P.

[0064] Furthermore, due to a phenomenon similar to that in the second filtration state, the drip-flavored coffee C2 that has passed through the overflow cylinder 545 or air vent cylinder 546 of the second filtration region 502 may pass through the overflow cylinder 545 or air vent cylinder 546 instead of the filters 55 of the third to sixth filtration regions 503 to 506. Even in such cases, the amount of drip-flavored coffee C2 that ultimately passes through the overflow cylinder 545 or air vent cylinder 546 of the sixth filtration region 506 is small, so it hardly affects the quality of the drip-flavored coffee C2 supplied to the container P.

[0065] Furthermore, of the air in the third to sixth filtration regions 503 to 506 that is pressurized as the internal pressure rises, any air that is not used to push out the drip-flavored coffee C2 is introduced into the nozzle region 53 via the beverage discharge section 544 (overflow cylinder section 545 and air venting cylinder section 546) of the third to sixth filtration regions 503 to 506.

[0066] <Effects of the Embodiment> The filtration device 5 comprises a filter 55, a main body 51 surrounding the outer circumference of the filter 55 and forming a filtration region 50 with the filter 55, and an atmospheric release section 523 that brings the filtration region 50 to atmospheric pressure. With this configuration, the drip-flavored coffee C2, which has been subjected to extraction pressure, can be released to the atmosphere when it enters the filtration region 50, thereby reducing the solubility of carbon dioxide in the drip-flavored coffee C2. As a result, carbon dioxide that does not dissolve in the drip-flavored coffee C2 can be generated as crema on the surface of the coffee liquid, and this crema can be effectively filtered by the filter 55. Furthermore, by accumulating the drip-flavored coffee C2 that has been released to the atmosphere on the filter 55, the crema can be made to float on the surface of the coffee liquid. As a result, the crema can be filtered even more effectively by the filter 55.

[0067] The main body 51 comprises multiple segmented main body sections 54, each of which is equipped with a filter 55. Therefore, the crema can be filtered more effectively by the multiple filters 55.

[0068] The filtration device 5 further includes a beverage discharge section 544 that discharges the drip-flavored coffee C2 exceeding a predetermined height to a lower filtration area 50 when the coffee liquid level in the filtration area 50 exceeds a predetermined height. With this configuration, when the coffee liquid level in all filtration areas 50 does not exceed the predetermined height and the drip-flavored coffee C2 can be filtered, the beverage discharge section 544 is not blocked by the drip-flavored coffee C2, and each filtration area 50 becomes atmospheric pressure. The drip-flavored coffee C2 accumulated in each filtration area 50 is then pushed by the atmospheric pressure in each filtration area 50, passing through the filter 55 and falling to the lower side. In this way, by passing the drip-flavored coffee C2 through the filter 55 in each filtration area 50, it is possible to provide drip-flavored coffee C2 with the crema properly removed. On the other hand, in a predetermined filtration area 50, if the filter 55 becomes clogged with fine powder and the coffee liquid level exceeds a predetermined height, the drip-flavored coffee C2 exceeding the predetermined height is discharged to the lower filtration area 50 via the beverage discharge section 544. While the drip-flavored coffee C2 is being discharged from the beverage discharge section 544, the beverage discharge section 544 is blocked, and the lower filtration area 50 becomes sealed. As a result, the drip-flavored coffee C2 in the lower filtration area 50 is not pushed by the air flowing in via the beverage discharge section 544 and may not pass through the filter 55 and fall further down. However, when drip-flavored coffee C2 flows into the sealed filtration area 50 via the beverage discharge section 544, the volume of drip-flavored coffee C2 in the filtration area 50 increases, and its internal pressure rises. The pressurized air, due to the increase in internal pressure, pushes the drip-flavored coffee C2 in the filtration area 50, causing it to pass through the filter 55 and fall further down. In this way, even if the filter 55 in a predetermined filtration region 50 becomes clogged, the drip-flavored coffee C2 can be passed through the filter 55 in each filtration region 50, thereby providing drip-flavored coffee C2 with the crema properly removed.

[0069] The beverage discharge section 544 includes an overflow cylinder 545 and an air vent cylinder 546. Therefore, if the height of the coffee liquid in a predetermined filtration area 50 is lower than the upper end of the air vent cylinder 546 and higher than the upper end of the overflow cylinder 545, even if the overflow cylinder 545 is blocked, the lower filtration area 50 can be maintained at atmospheric pressure via the air vent cylinder 546. Consequently, the drip-flavored coffee C2 present in the lower filtration area 50 can be smoothly drained through the filter 55.

[0070] The main body 51 is constructed by connecting multiple segmented main body sections 54. Therefore, by disassembling the main body 51 into its individual segmented main body sections 54, maintenance of the main body 51 can be easily performed.

[0071] Each divided main body section 54 is equipped with a filter support section 543 to which the filter 55 is fixed. The filter support section 543 is provided with a beverage discharge section 544. In this way, by giving the filter support section 543 the function of fixing the filter 55 and the function of positioning the beverage discharge section 544 in the filtration area 50, the configuration of the filtration device 5 can be simplified.

[0072] Each divided body section 54 is connected to one another such that the overflow cylinder section 545 and the air vent cylinder section 546, which constitute the beverage discharge section 544, are not located vertically below the unfixed central region 553 of the filter 55. Here, the unfixed central region 553 of the filter 55 is located some distance from the area fixed to the divided body section 54 and the filter support section 543, and is therefore more prone to indentation than other parts due to the weight of the drip-flavored coffee C2. As a result, the drip-flavored coffee C2 accumulated in the filtration region 50 is more likely to fall out from the unfixed central region 553. In this embodiment, since the overflow cylinder section 545 and the air vent cylinder section 546 are configured not to be located below the unfixed central region 553, the drip-flavored coffee C2 that falls out from the unfixed central region 553 can enter the overflow cylinder section 545 and the air vent cylinder section 546, preventing it from falling out without passing through the filter 55.

[0073] The overflow cylinder 545 and the air vent cylinder 546 that constitute the beverage discharge section 544 are positioned so as not to be located vertically below the beverage introduction section 522 of the lid section 52. This prevents the drip-flavored coffee C2 introduced from the beverage introduction section 522 from entering the overflow cylinder 545 and the air vent cylinder 546 and falling through without passing through the filter 55.

[0074] [Differentiation] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0075] For example, the main unit 51 may have only one filter 55. However, the more filters 55 the main unit 51 has, the better the crema capture can be.

[0076] The filtration device 5 does not need to have an air venting cylinder 546, it may have multiple overflow cylinders 545 or air venting cylinders 546, or it may have an additional cylindrical structure of a different height from the overflow cylinders 545 or air venting cylinders 546.

[0077] The main body 51 is constructed by connecting multiple divided main body parts 54, but it may also be constructed from a single cylindrical member or from two semi-cylindrical members.

[0078] Alternatively, instead of providing a filter support portion 543 on each divided body portion 54, the outer circumference of the filter 55 may be fixed around the opening of the small diameter portion 542, and a cylindrical member having the same function as the overflow cylinder portion 545 and the air vent cylinder portion 546 may be fixed to the upper surface of the filter 55.

[0079] The overflow cylinder 545 and the air vent cylinder 546 may be positioned below the non-fixed central region 553 of the filter 55, or they may be positioned vertically below the beverage inlet 522 of the lid 52.

[0080] Alternatively, the filter device 5 may be positioned vertically below the lower end of the third pipe 44 without a lid 52, thereby guiding the drip-flavored coffee C2 to the main body 51. In this case, the upper opening of the uppermost divided main body 54 functions as the atmospheric vent of this disclosure.

[0081] The filtration device 5 may be placed outside the beverage supply device 1, or the filtration device 5 may be attached to the existing beverage supply device 1.

[0082] Although an example configuration was given in which the espresso C1 does not pass through the filter 5, it is also possible to pass it through the filter 5. In this case, the filtration capacity of the filter 5 may be set to a capacity that leaves some of the crema of the espresso C1 while sufficiently removing the crema of the drip-flavored coffee C2, so that either the espresso C1 or the drip-flavored coffee C2 passes through the filter 5. In these cases, the espresso C1 or the drip-flavored coffee C2 corresponds to the beverage of this disclosure. Furthermore, although an example configuration was given in which the beverage supply device 1 extracts the coffee liquid C using hot water, it is also possible to extract the coffee liquid C using cold water. [Industrial applicability]

[0083] This disclosure can be applied to filtration devices and beverage supply devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1 Beverage dispensing equipment 2 Extraction part 3. Container placement section 4. Supply Path Section 5 Filtration device 20 Extraction space 21 Cylinders 22 pistons 23 caps 24. Upward Regulation Section 25 Bottom part 41. First Piping 42 Supply path switching unit 43. Second Piping 44 Third Piping 50 filtration area 51 Main body 52 Lid 53 Nozzle section 54-part main body 55 Filters 211 Retaining part 212 Hot water intake section 221 Head section 222 Hot water flow passage 223 Shaft 224 Piston protrusion 231 Coffee liquid dispensing section 232 Coffee liquid flow passage 241 Contact member 242 Shaft member 501 1st filtration area 502 2nd filtration area 503 Third filtration area 504 4th filtration area 505 5th filtration area 506 6th filtration area 521 Screw groove 522 Beverage introduction section 523 Atmospheric vent 531 Nozzle body 532 Screw groove 533 Discharge part 534 Slope 535 Discharge port 541 Large diameter section 541A Upper thread groove 542 Small diameter section 542A Lower thread groove 543 Filter support section 543A First Rib 543B Second Rib 543C Third Rib 544 Beverage discharge section 545 Overflow tube section 546 Air vent tube section 551 First opening 552 Second opening 553 Free central region A air C Coffee liquid C1 Espresso C2 Drip Flavored Coffee F1 Coffee Bean Powder F2 Kasu P container W Yu

Claims

1. A filtration device for filtering coffee, A filter for filtering liquids, A main body formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the outer circumference of the aforementioned filter, forming a filtration area for filtering coffee, The filtration region includes an atmospheric pressure vent section, The main body is composed of a plurality of divided main body sections, each of which the filter is arranged. The plurality of divided main body sections are arranged such that the filters are stacked vertically with the filters separated from each other, forming a plurality of vertically aligned filtration regions. The system further includes a beverage discharge section that discharges the coffee liquid exceeding a predetermined height into a lower filtration area when the liquid level of the coffee accumulated in the filtration area exceeds a predetermined height. Filtration device.

2. The beverage discharge section is, When the height of the coffee liquid accumulated in the aforementioned filtration area exceeds a first height, a first discharge unit discharges the coffee exceeding the first height to the lower filtration area, The system includes a second discharge unit that discharges the coffee exceeding a second height (which is higher than the first height) into a lower filtration area when the level of the coffee liquid accumulated in the filtration area exceeds a second height. The filtration apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned multiple divided main body parts are detachably connected to one another. The filtration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The divided main body portion is provided with a filter support portion formed to connect a plurality of different parts on its inner circumferential surface, to which the filter is fixed. The beverage discharge section is provided in the filter support section. The filtration apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The plurality of divided body parts are connected such that the beverage discharge portion is not located vertically below the central portion of the area of ​​the filter that is not fixed to the divided body parts and the filter support portion. The filtration apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The main body further comprises a lid portion positioned to cover the upper end of the main body portion, The lid is provided with a beverage introduction section for introducing coffee into the main body. The beverage discharge section is positioned so as not to be located vertically below the beverage inlet section. The filtration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. An extraction unit having a cylinder, a piston, and a cap, which extracts coffee using raw materials compressed by the piston and the cap within the cylinder and hot water or water, The system includes a filtration device for filtering the coffee extracted by the extraction unit, The aforementioned filtration device is A filter for filtering liquids, A main body formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the outer circumference of the aforementioned filter, forming a filtration area for filtering coffee, The filtration region includes an atmospheric pressure vent section, The main body is composed of a plurality of divided main body sections, each of which the filter is arranged. The plurality of divided main body sections are arranged such that the filters are stacked vertically with the filters separated from each other, forming a plurality of vertically aligned filtration regions. The system further includes a beverage discharge section that discharges the coffee liquid exceeding a predetermined height into a lower filtration area when the liquid level of the coffee accumulated in the filtration area exceeds a predetermined height. Beverage dispensing equipment.

8. A first supply path for supplying coffee via the filtration device, A second supply path that supplies coffee without going through the aforementioned filtration device, The system further includes a supply path switching unit that switches the coffee supply path to either the first supply path or the second supply path. The beverage supply device according to claim 7.

9. The system further includes a reception unit that receives instructions for switching the supply route, The supply path switching unit switches the supply path based on the switching instruction. The beverage supply device according to claim 8.

10. A filter for filtering liquids, A main body formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the outer circumference of the aforementioned filter, forming a filtration area for filtering coffee, The filtration region includes an atmospheric pressure vent section, The main body is composed of a plurality of divided main body sections, each of which the filter is arranged. A method for filtering coffee using a filtration device in which the plurality of divided main bodies are arranged such that the filters are stacked vertically apart from each other, forming a plurality of vertically aligned filtration regions, By placing the compressed raw materials and the extracted coffee using hot or cold water into the filtration area and opening it to the atmosphere, crema is generated. The coffee is filtered through the filter, while the crema is captured by the filter. If the level of coffee accumulated in the aforementioned filtration area exceeds a predetermined height, the coffee exceeding that height is discharged into the lower filtration area. Filtration method.

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