JP2015144714A - Holder type drip coffee machine, and drip coffee holder adaptable thereto - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To develop a novel coffee machine, despite a holder type machine that is conventionally an extractor dedicated to espresso coffee, capable of extracting delicious drip coffee regardless of time and person who brews.SOLUTION: A coffee machine M, despite the holder type, can extract drip coffee by including a special filter 24D into a holder 2D, the special filter being already filed as a patent application of the applicant. The special filter 24D has a multi-layer structure formed by superposing a plurality of screens SC, where the respective screens SC are superposed in such a manner that mesh openings of a filter are gradually enlarged toward an extraction direction. Besides the drip holder 2D, it is preferable to have an espresso holder 2E, so that, while a machine body 1 is used in common, a user can brew any coffee thereof by replacing a holder 2.

Description

  The present invention relates to a special-type filter (espresso coffee and drip coffee, both of which have already been filed by the applicant, in a holder-type coffee machine that is normally used for extracting espresso coffee. The present invention relates to a novel holder type coffee machine in which delicious drip coffee is always brewed in the same state easily at home by applying a filter that can be used: Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-17264).

Drip coffee is common as a coffee that can be easily brewed in ordinary households in Japan, and this drip coffee is often referred to as coffee in Australia, the United States, or South America outside Japan.
The original way to brew this drip coffee is, for example, to put a coffee powder (coffee beans ground to an appropriate particle size) into a dripper (filter) with a filter set, and pour an appropriate amount of hot water into it. Is dropped into a server or cup, and it is exactly a technique to “drip” the coffee liquid from the coffee powder.
However, with this manual extraction method, it is difficult to adjust the amount of hot water, the timing of pouring, or the interval between pouring and the amount of hot water that is divided into several times, and it is always possible to extract delicious drip coffee with a certain quality (taste). Was difficult (that's why there are many coffee shops).

For this reason, there is a coffee machine (dedicated machine) that can automatically drip coffee in response to the desire to always make delicious drip coffee with the same taste at home. As this type of drip coffee machine, for example, one using a paper triangular or truncated cone filter is the mainstream, and is manually replaced for each extraction.
However, when a paper filter is used, there is a drawback that the odor and taste of foreign matter such as paper, for example, lignin, are mixed with the coffee liquid during extraction, and the original taste of coffee cannot be enjoyed.

Of course, filters that are not made of paper, for example, those made of metal already exist, and if such a metal filter is applied, the smell and taste of the paper will not be mixed into the coffee liquid. However, since this type of metal filter opens a through hole by punching, the opening is relatively large, and therefore it is inevitable that fine powder of coffee powder, which is a miscible ingredient, is mixed into the coffee liquid.
For this reason, it was desired to develop a coffee machine (drip machine) that can always make full-fledged drip coffee with the same taste (delicious drip coffee without the smell and taste of paper) at home. However, it was in a situation that could not be realized.

On the other hand, although it is not so popular in ordinary households in Japan, there are already dedicated coffee machines for making espresso coffee.
Incidentally, espresso coffee is a coffee that is popular in Europe, especially in Italy. Speaking of coffee in Europe, it usually refers to this espresso coffee.
Espresso coffee is characterized by fine bubbles called crema, strong bitterness (in fact, umami) and aroma, and is drunk in a small cup called Demitas Cup. In addition, espresso coffee is generally used that has a stronger roasting degree than the coffee beans used in drip coffee (so-called “deep roasted beans”), and the grain size is also ground finer. (For example, “finely ground”, “very finely ground”, etc.), the coffee powder is in the form of a powder.
For the extraction of espresso coffee, for example, a holder type coffee machine is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In order to brew espresso coffee with this holder-type coffee machine, first, a filter (filter basket) according to the amount of coffee liquid to be extracted is set in the cup part of the holder (for example, a cup called single) Etc. for double cups or double cups). Next, an appropriate amount of coffee powder is put into the filter basket, and the coffee powder is tamped with a tamper (so-called tamping).
After that, set the holder with the ground coffee powder in the espresso machine and lock it firmly. This is because espresso coffee is extracted by applying a high pressure of about 10 bar, for example. For this reason, in an espresso machine, a metal filter (filter basket) is applied so as to withstand the high pressure during extraction.
Thereafter, hot water supply pressure is gradually applied to supply hot water to the holder (cup part), and the coffee liquid is extracted.
In addition, the concept of a dedicated coffee machine for extracting espresso coffee as described above was common for holder-type coffee machines.

As you can see, espresso coffee and drip coffee are basically different in the original extraction method, including the degree of roasting of the beans used and how to grind the powder (grain). In general, a coffee machine has been developed as a special coffee machine.
However, the present applicant has tried to develop such coffee so that it can be brewed in earnest while using a single coffee machine and a common filter (special filter), and has reached a patent application. Reference 2).
And by applying the above special filter to a holder-type coffee machine, which was previously considered exclusively for espresso coffee extraction, authentic delicious drip coffee can be easily brewed even in ordinary households. This has led to the present invention from the idea of whether or not there is.

JP 2006-218295 A Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-17264

  The present invention was made as part of such development, and the present applicant has already developed a holder-type coffee machine, which has been considered as a dedicated machine for extracting espresso coffee. By applying a holder that incorporates a special filter that extends, it is an attempt to develop a new coffee machine that allows delicious drip coffee to be easily brewed in the same state at any time even at home.

First, the holder type drip coffee machine according to claim 1 is:
In a holder-type coffee machine in which coffee powder ground to an appropriate particle size is stored in a detachable holder, and then this holder is attached to the machine body to supply hot water to the holder and extract the coffee liquid ,
The holder is provided with a filter that prevents the passage of coffee powder, and this filter has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of screens are stacked, and each screen gradually moves toward the direction of coffee liquid extraction. It is formed by stacking so that the opening is large,
The holder is attached to the machine body to extract drip coffee.

In addition, the holder-type drip coffee machine according to claim 2 has the requirements of claim 1,
The coffee machine is provided with a holder for extracting espresso coffee in addition to a holder for extracting drip coffee, and the holder for extracting espresso coffee is a holder for extracting drip coffee. A filter having a volume smaller than that of the cup part, and having a passage hole for passing the extract at the bottom of the container or dish in order to prevent the coffee powder from passing through the cup part for espresso coffee extraction The basket is applied,
By attaching one of these holders to the machine body according to any coffee extraction, espresso coffee and drip coffee can be selectively extracted while using the same machine body. It is characterized by that.

In addition to the requirement of claim 1 or 2, the holder-type drip coffee machine according to claim 3,
The machine body is characterized by using a holder-type machine body that has been conventionally applied as a dedicated machine for espresso coffee extraction.

In addition, the holder-type drip coffee machine according to claim 4 has the requirements of claim 1, 2, or 3,
The machine body is characterized in that a grinder for grinding coffee powder from coffee beans to an appropriate particle size is provided separately or integrally with the machine body.

In addition, the holder-type drip coffee machine according to claim 5 is in addition to the requirements according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4,
In the machine body, one or several appropriate extraction conditions are set in advance as a program, and the extraction of the coffee liquid is executed based on the command of the selected program.
The extraction conditions set as the program can be changed as appropriate.

The drip coffee holder according to claim 6
In the holder that is installed in the machine body of the coffee machine after extracting the coffee powder that has been ground to an appropriate particle size and that extracts the coffee liquid by supplying hot water,
This holder is attached to the holder-type drip coffee machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, and is characterized in that it extracts drip coffee.

The above-described problems can be solved by using the configuration of the invention described in each of the claims.
First, according to the invention of claim 1 or 6, delicious drip coffee can be brewed while using a holder type coffee machine. In the past, the concept of a dedicated coffee machine for making espresso coffee has been fixed, so the idea of brewing drip coffee with a holder-type coffee machine is very innovative. is there. In addition, delicious drip coffee can be easily brewed on the machine, and can be brewed in almost the same state no matter who is brewed at any time, and the taste hardly changes with each extraction. (You can enjoy coffee with the same taste no matter who you drink). By the way, in the conventional method (especially ordinary households) where the extraction of drip coffee is mainly done manually, even if it is tried to make the same every time, it is often slightly different, and it is always extracted with a constant taste It was extremely difficult.

According to the invention of claim 2 or 6, delicious espresso coffee can be brewed by replacing the holder for espresso extraction while using the same machine body. Of course, espresso coffee can be drunk in almost the same state no matter who is drunk.
In the past, as described above, the espresso coffee and drip coffee extraction machines were the idea that they were separate coffee machines (dedicated machines). Such a combined extractor can be realized. In addition, the coffee machine of the present invention can be used for business purposes, and in that case, particularly for the owner of a private business, the equipment (double-use extractor) can be introduced at a very low cost, and the cost can be greatly reduced. is there.
Furthermore, in the present invention, since it is a combined extractor as described above, it can be installed in a small space (as an example, it can be installed with a width of about 230 mm). By the way, in the past where the drip coffee extractor (exclusive machine) and the espresso coffee extractor (exclusive machine) were installed separately, if both of these were installed, a width dimension of 600 mm was required as an example, The above-mentioned compactness and space saving could not be achieved.

  According to the invention of claim 3 or 6, since a conventional espresso coffee machine body is used as the machine body of the holder-type drip coffee machine, a general user or a coffee shop has already used a machine dedicated to espresso coffee. If you have a main body, you can brew delicious drip coffee just by preparing a dedicated drip coffee holder (it will be a combined extractor).

  According to the invention of claim 4 or 6, since the grinder is provided in the machine body, an extraction mode in which the beans are ground to powder every time the extraction is performed, and more delicious coffee is brewed. In other words, the quality of coffee, such as aroma and flavor, deteriorates over time, but it is better to store it in a coffee bean (in a sealed container than to store it in ground coffee). It is preferable to store it in a cool and dark place), and the quality can be greatly prevented. Therefore, the above-mentioned aspect that is ground immediately before each extraction can produce more delicious coffee.

According to the invention of claim 5 or 6, since extraction is performed based on a program inputted in advance, it can be reproduced in the same situation (high reproducibility) regardless of who drowns, and can be brewed with the same taste. be able to. Moreover, even if the optimum extraction conditions change depending on the type of coffee beans used, the degree of roasting, etc., the optimum extraction can be performed immediately in response to this.
Furthermore, since the extraction conditions can be changed as appropriate, for example, according to the taste of the person (drinker) who tastes, even if the person who drinks is the same, if you want to taste different coffee in the morning and at night, etc. Correspondingly, you can make the best coffee.

The perspective view (a) which shows an example of the holder type drip coffee machine of this invention, the perspective view (b) and sectional view (c) which show an example of the holder for drip coffee with which a machine main body is mounted | worn, and it incorporates in the said holder The disassembled perspective view skeletally showing the configuration of the special filter, the explanatory view (d) showing the openings of the screens constituting the special filter in a plan view, and the configuration of the special filter in a vertical sectional view. It is explanatory drawing (e) which shows a seed. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of the holder for espresso coffee. It is explanatory drawing which compares and shows the holder for espresso coffee, and the holder for drip coffee, (a) and (b) are two types of sectional drawings which show the holder for espresso coffee, (c) and (d) These are two kinds of explanatory views showing a drip coffee holder. It is a table | surface which shows four types of how to combine each screen at the time of comprising three layers of screens and comprising a special filter. It is a systematic diagram which shows the flow of the liquid in the machine main body in a holder type drip coffee machine.

  The mode for carrying out the present invention includes one described in the following embodiments, and further includes various methods that can be improved within the technical idea.

The main feature of the present invention is that drip coffee can be extracted while using the machine body of a holder-type coffee machine, which has been conventionally considered as an exclusive machine for espresso coffee. This is a revolutionary idea. However, as a holder for extracting drip coffee, a special filter that the applicant has already filed for a patent application is incorporated, and the volume of the holder (cup part) is also a conventional holder type coffee machine, that is, for espresso extraction The size of the holder is larger than that of the drip coffee, and the drip coffee has a unique holder structure.
In the following examples, both a drip extraction holder and an espresso extraction holder are provided. Depending on the coffee to be extracted, one of the holders is attached to the machine body, and drip coffee or espresso coffee is provided. However, it is possible to use only a drip extraction holder as the holder.
In the description, the holder for drip coffee will be described together with the description of the holder-type drip coffee machine.
Incidentally, the reason why the volume of the drip extraction holder (cup part) is larger than that of the espresso extraction holder is that drip extraction requires a larger extraction space than espresso extraction.

As shown in FIG. 1, as an example, the holder-type drip coffee machine M includes a machine main body 1 that is a main body of the coffee machine M and a holder 2 that is detachably attached to the machine main body 1 as main components. In the extraction, the coffee liquid is extracted by supplying the holder 2 containing the coffee powder to the machine body 1 and then supplying hot water to the holder 2 from the machine body 1.
Here, the “coffee liquid” described in the present specification means a state in which the coffee extract is extracted (eluted) from hot coffee as a solvent using coffee powder as a raw material, and drip coffee is used as an extraction method. Drip extraction and espresso coffee brewing espresso coffee. Also, some beverage menus require the addition of milk, but when referred to as “coffee liquor”, it mainly refers to the state prior to the addition of milk.
Incidentally, the drink menu that requires the addition of milk to the coffee liquid includes caffe latte, cappuccino, etc. In particular, cappuccino is a drink in which fine foamed milk is added to espresso coffee. Of course, the “beverage menu” includes coffee liquid to which no milk is added, for example, drip-extracted coffee liquid (that is, drip coffee).
Hereinafter, the machine body 1 and the holder 2 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 as an example, the machine body 1 has a water storage section 11 for storing water, and various control conditions are set in advance, and a control section 12 that executes extraction based on this program. And a hot water generating unit 13 for generating hot water from water, a steam generating unit 14 for generating steam from the hot water, and a pressure feeding unit 15 for mainly feeding the generated hot water to the holder 2.
Hereinafter, each component will be further described.

First, the water reservoir 11 will be described.
The water storage unit 11 has a water supply tank 111 for storing water as a main member, and this water is mainly used to generate hot water for extracting coffee, but also for steam (for generating steam) for heating and foaming milk. Used.
Further, the water supply tank 111 is normally detachably attached to the machine main body 1, and when replenishing water, for example, the water supply tank 111 is removed from the machine main body 1 and taken to the faucet (water pipe). Many modes of supplying water are employed.

Next, the control unit 12 will be described.
The control unit 12 stores various extraction conditions recommended according to the type of coffee beans and the like in advance as a program, and performs extraction according to the program. The substrate 121 is a main member.
In particular, in drip extraction, the optimal temperature, hot water volume, and steaming time depend on the type of beans, the mixing (blending) of different beans, the depth (degree) of roasting, the particle size (grinding) of the coffee powder, and the amount of powder. The extraction conditions are different, and by pre-programming such extraction conditions, it is possible to extract coffee with almost the same taste regardless of who is brewed at any time, and it is possible to suppress variations in extraction by hand.
Of course, it is also possible to change the input extraction conditions once, and this is different depending on the taste of the person (drinker) who tastes, and even if the drinker is the same, the coffee is different in the morning and at night. Because there are times when you want to taste. Specifically, when the user wants to extract darker (or when he likes darker coffee), for example, the steaming time can be changed to be longer. Incidentally, conventionally, there have been almost no coffee machines that allow the user to change the steaming time according to his / her preference.
As described above, in the coffee machine M, the user can extract (reproduce) the coffee in the same state at any time by inputting (setting) the extraction conditions suitable for the user's preference in advance.

Next, the hot water generation unit 13 will be described.
As shown in the system diagram of FIG. 5 as an example, the hot water generation unit 13 includes a main boiler 131 that generates hot water by heating water supplied from the water supply tank 111 as a main component, and an air relief valve 132. And two three-way valves 133 and 134 provided immediately in front of the holder 2.
The main boiler 131 is a part that heats water to generate hot water, and this hot water is supplied to the holder 2 and is mainly used for extraction of coffee liquid. As described above, it is used for heating and frothing milk. Also used for steam generation.
Also, hot water is supplied to the holder 2 by driving a pump 151 (to be described later). The supply path from the main boiler 131 to the holder 2 through the air relief valve 132 and the three-way valves 133 and 134 in this order. To supply.
In addition, the member of the code | symbol 135 provided in the figure branched from the three-way valve 134 provided just before the holder 2 is for discharging the washed hot water when hot water is washed between the main boiler 131 and the holder 2. (This hot water cleaning will be described later).

Next, the steam generation unit 14 will be described.
The steam generation unit 14 is a part that further heats the hot water supplied from the main boiler 131 to generate steam, and includes a steam generator 141 as a main component, and a steam valve (three-way valve) 142, And a steam wand 143. In addition, the steam produced | generated by the steam production | generation part 14 is mainly utilized for the heating and frothing of milk as mentioned above.
Further, the steam generation and supply path will be described. The hot water sent from the main boiler 131 is sent from the three-way valve 133 provided immediately before the holder 2 to the steam generator 141 (the flow path is not sent to the holder 2). In this case, steam is generated here, and this steam is ejected from the steam wand 143 via the steam valve 142.
Incidentally, in order to produce fine foamed milk with the steam squirted from the steam wand 143, an appropriate amount of cold and warm milk is put in a cup (for example, made of stainless steel) different from the cup C into which the coffee liquid is poured. First, immerse the steam wand 143 (steam injection port) in this milk solution so that it is completely submerged, spray and heat the steam, and when the milk warms to an appropriate temperature, the steam injection port is Steam is sprayed by being placed on the surface thread, and is produced into fine foamed milk.

Next, the pressure feeding unit 15 will be described.
The pressure feeding unit 15 is responsible for feeding the water stored in the water supply tank 111 into the main boiler 131 and also for feeding hot water generated by the main boiler 131 to the holder 2. Further, the pumping unit 15 is also driven when steam is sent out from the steam wand 143.
The pumping unit 15 includes a pump 151 as a main component, and includes an overpressure valve (OPV) 152. The overpressure valve 152 adjusts the maximum pressure of hot water together with the air relief valve 132.
In addition, since espresso extraction is performed with high pressure as described above (because it is necessary to supply hot water to the holder 2 at high pressure), the pump 151 of the pressure feeding section 15 is also for high pressure (high pressure) Applicable to the extraction pressure).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, for example, the machine main body 1 includes a holder holding portion 16 for attaching a holder 2 containing coffee powder. The holder holding portion 16 is a holder 2 described later. In many cases, the holder 2 is held and fixed to the machine body 1 at the time of extraction. That is, the holder 2 is formed with a bayonet claw as the holder mounting portion 23, and the machine body 1 (holder holding portion 16) is formed with a bayonet groove. The bayonet claw is fitted into the bayonet groove by rotating while pressing against 16 (pressing from below to above), and the holder 2 is firmly fixed to the machine body 1 and this fixed state is locked.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, for example, the machine body 1 is configured with a drain portion 17 for collecting coffee liquid or the like that has spilled from the cup C during extraction (not entered into the cup C). The The drain portion 17 is mainly composed of a container-like or box-like drain tray (drain box) 171 having an open top surface, and the top surface portion is closed by a drain tray gate 172 having a liquid passage hole. It has a structure. That is, the cup C at the time of extraction is placed on the drain tray gate 172, and the coffee liquid falling from the holder 2 (a spout 22h described later) is accommodated in the cup C.
The drain tray 171 is preferably configured to be removable from the machine body 1, and the drain tray gate 172 itself is preferably detachably attached to the drain tray 171.

Here, the liquid dropped and collected on the drain tray 171 will be described.
As each coffee extraction approaches the final stage, the extracted coffee liquid contains a lot of miscellaneous components. For this reason, for example, while the coffee liquid is still dripping from the holder 2 (spout 22h). The cup C may be withdrawn from the drain tray gate 172, and the extract (residual liquid) containing a large amount of miscellaneous components may be dropped and collected on the drain tray 171 as it is.
Further, not only such residual liquid but also steam, hot water, and the like ejected from the steam wand 143 may be collected by the drain tray 171. That is, the steam ejected from the steam wand 143 is not immediately ejected with the steam in the desired state when the switch (knob) is turned on. Usually, the hot water accumulated in the path first flows out first. From (after a certain period of time) the desired vapor state is obtained. For this reason, hot water and steam discharged from the steam wand 143 can be recovered by the drain tray 171 until a desired state is reached.
In addition, the washed hot water flowing out from the pipe 135 described above can also be collected by the drain tray 171.
In general, the residual liquid collected by the drain tray 171 is removed from the machine main body 1 to the kitchen or the like and discarded to the drain.

Next, the holder 2 will be described.
As an example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the holder 2 is provided at a grip portion 21 that serves as a grip (handle) when the holder 2 is attached to the machine body 1, and is provided substantially at the tip of the grip portion 21. It comprises a cup portion 22 that serves as a coffee powder container. Further, a spout 22h is opened at the bottom of the cup portion 22, from which the coffee liquid is dropped and poured into the cup C. In addition, in the espresso holder 2E shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the spout 22h is drawn in a bifurcated shape, and this is for pouring coffee liquid into two cups C at the same time. At this time, a double for double cups is applied to the filter basket.
Further, on the outer peripheral side of the cup portion 22, there are formed holder attaching portions 23 for fixing the holder 2 to the machine body 1 (here, two bayonet claws are formed opposite to each other), as described above. In addition, bayonet engagement (structure) is often adopted as seen in ordinary holder-type coffee machines (espresso machines).
Incidentally, although the cup part 22 is an accommodation space which receives coffee powder as mentioned above, it is a site | part which also becomes substantial extraction space.

In addition, since the original extraction method is fundamentally different between drip coffee and espresso coffee as described above, a dedicated one is applied to the holder 2 in this embodiment as well. Here, in order to distinguish the holders 2 from each other, a drip (drip extraction) holder is marked with “2D”, and an espresso (espresso extraction) holder is marked with “2E”. Is. In this way, the distinction between the two is made by adding the suffixes “D” and “E”, and this is used in the same way for other members and components (the description will not be repeated each time). There).
Here, in this embodiment, a single machine body 1 is provided with both an espresso holder 2E and a drip holder 2D. However, the coffee machine M of the present invention does not necessarily include these holders 2 It is not necessary to provide both, and it is sufficient to provide at least the drip holder 2D. As mentioned above, this is a holder-type coffee machine that was previously thought of as an exclusive machine for espresso coffee, and it is a very innovative and innovative idea to brew drip coffee according to the original extraction method. Because there is.

Next, the difference between the espresso holder 2E and the drip holder 2D will be described.
First, as the espresso holder 2E, a holder of a normal espresso machine (holder type coffee machine) can be applied as it is. On the other hand, since the drip holder 2D requires a larger extraction space, the volume of the cup portion 22D is first larger than that of the espresso cup portion 22E. Specifically, the height (depth) dimension of the cup part 22E of the espresso holder 2E (single) is about 40 mm, whereas the height (depth) dimension of the cup part 22D of the drip holder 2D is About 70-80 mm. Of course, both the bore sizes (holder mounting portion 23) are the same, and is about 60 mm as an example.

Further, since the drip extraction is basically extraction without applying pressure, the filter 24 is greatly different for espresso and drip. Here, since the filter for espresso extraction is the same as the conventional structure, it may be referred to as “filter basket 24E”, and the drip extraction filter may be referred to as “special filter 24D”.
The difference between the espresso filter (filter basket) 24E and the drip filter (special filter) 24D will be described below.
First, the espresso filter basket 24E will be described.
The filter basket 24E for espresso has a bowl-like shape having a passage hole through which an extraction liquid is allowed to pass while preventing the passage of coffee powder at the bottom of a container shape or a dish shape. Called filter basket).
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the filter basket 24E is often provided for one cup (single) and two cups (double) depending on the amount of coffee liquid to be extracted (the amount of coffee powder to be stored). . Thus, the filter basket 24E for espresso has a structure having both a filter function and a coffee powder storage function.

In addition, the filter basket 24E may be referred to as a “blind (hole)” in which the passage hole is not opened in addition to the one for the full cup and the double cup (for the rightmost in FIG. 2). This is attached to the holder 2 when washing the section from the main boiler 131 to the holder 2 (three-way valve 134), and since there is no passage hole, the hot water supplied to the holder 2 is The water is discharged from the pipe 135 without passing through the filter basket 24E (blind) (the discharged hot water is collected by the drain tray 171).
Incidentally, the filter basket 24E for espresso generally has a low opening ratio (as an example, about 2 to 3%), and is generally opened by punching with a press.
Moreover, the symbol “T” given in FIG. 2 is a tamper, which is used to squeeze the coffee powder stored in the cup portion 22E (single or double filter basket 24E).

On the other hand, the special filter 24D for drip has a flat shape, that is, a non-container shape with a small thickness (not three-dimensionally formed like a basket), and is attached to the inner bottom portion of the cup portion 22D. (Here fixed by screwing).
As described above, the special filter 24D is a filter that the applicant has already filed for a patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-17264). This application is a single extractor and uses the same filter. This is a novel and groundbreaking development that allows both drip coffee and espresso coffee to be extracted in earnest (hence the name “special filter”). Then, the present applicant newly developed a holder to which the special filter 24 is applied (a holder 2D dedicated to drip coffee), so that it is a holder-type coffee machine that has been conventionally considered as a dedicated machine for espresso coffee. Even so, the present application came from the idea that delicious drip coffee can be easily brewed.

The special filter 24D is attached with some gaps from the bottom of the cup portion 22D (see FIG. 1C), and the coffee powder is put into the cup portion 22D so as to be placed on the special filter 24D. The Thus, the special filter 24D has a filtering action exclusively. That is, the special filter 24D is exclusively responsible for the filtering action that allows the coffee liquid extracted from the coffee powder to pass therethrough but prevents the coffee powder from passing therethrough.
As an example, the diameter of the special filter 24D is about 54.6 mm.

Hereinafter, the special filter (drip filter) 24D will be described in more detail.
As an example, as shown in FIG. 1 (d), the special filter 24D is formed by stacking a plurality of screens SC having different openings (opening sizes), and the stacked screen SC is further supported by a reinforcing member HC from below. It is made up of. Here, a hole (eye) opened in each screen SC is defined as a passage hole h (“passage hole h” is commonly used in each screen SC and the reinforcing member HC).
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 (d), each screen SC is formed of a stainless steel plain woven wire mesh and is laminated in three layers (three layers excluding the reinforcing member HC). ). In addition, the screens SC are stacked such that the passage holes h of the screens SC sequentially expand downward (this is referred to as “lowering”).
Here, when each of the three-layer screens SC is shown separately, the screen located at the top and in direct contact with the coffee powder is referred to as a first-layer screen SC1. The screen located in the middle is the second-layer screen SC2, and the screen located at the bottom and in contact with the reinforcing member HC is the third-layer screen SC3. Note that the openings of the passage holes h of the screens SC1 to SC3 will be described later.

Next, the reinforcing member HC will be described.
The reinforcing member HC supports the screen SC as described above, and supports the screen SC so as not to be deformed or damaged even if extraction is repeated.
As the reinforcing member HC of the present embodiment, a relatively thick stainless steel plate material is applied (for example, about 1 mm in thickness), and a substantially regular hexagonal passage hole h is opened here (so-called honeycomb-like shape). ).
The reason why the passage hole h of the reinforcing member HC is substantially regular hexagonal (because it is formed in a honeycomb shape in a plan view) is to simultaneously increase the strength and improve the aperture ratio as the reinforcing member HC. . That is, if the passage hole h is substantially a regular hexagon, the boundary portion between the passage holes h has a constant width dimension, and exhibits an excellent performance as a strength for supporting the screen SC, and also allows the coffee liquid to pass smoothly. This is because a high rate can be secured (for example, an aperture ratio of 20% or more as an example), and a limited filter area can be used effectively.
Of course, the shape of the passage hole h may be circular as represented by a general punching metal, but in this case, the boundary between the circular hole and the hole has a constant width dimension. Not every part is different. For this reason, if it is attempted to secure the necessary minimum strength at the narrowest boundary portion, there is a concern that the aperture ratio of the entire reinforcing member HC decreases, and that the limited filter area cannot be used effectively. For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1D, the reinforcing member HC is formed in a honeycomb shape.

Note that when the regular hexagonal passage hole h is opened in the reinforcing member HC, it is opened by etching in this embodiment, and therefore the reinforcing member HC is particularly referred to as “hexagonal etching”.
Here, the etching process is a hole-opening method in which a metal is melted with a chemical. A plate of a hole (pattern) to be opened is raised, and a metal plate (here, a stainless steel plate) is eluted (etched) to open a hole. For this reason, the hole is tapered in a longitudinal sectional view (see FIG. 1E).
Incidentally, the reason why the etching process is employed for the opening of the passage hole h is that in the case of this embodiment, the opening by press punching is extremely difficult. That is, here, as described above, a relatively high opening ratio is required as the reinforcing member HC, but it is extremely difficult to perform press punching with such a high opening ratio for a stainless steel plate having a thickness of about 1 mm (almost). Impossible). In addition, it is said that press punching is normally a practical limit of an opening diameter of about φ0.5 and a plate thickness of about 0.3 to 0.4 mm (smaller holes can be opened, but the size and plate thickness There are more restrictions). On the other hand, the size (opposite side distance) of the regular hexagonal passage hole h that opens in the reinforcing member HC in the present embodiment is, as an example, as shown in FIG. 2 mm, the larger one is 3.6 mm.
Further, the filter (filter basket 24E) of the conventional espresso machine (holder type coffee machine) has a low opening ratio as described above (for example, about 2 to 3%), and can be opened by press working. . That is, when the aperture ratio is low, the convex molds forming needles for opening are dispersed and the strength as a mold can be maintained. However, when the aperture ratio is high as in this embodiment, the individual parts are formed. The convex portion of the slab is too close to maintain the strength as a die (actually, a sword mountain-like shape in which individual needle-like portions are connected at the ends).
Note that (i) and (ii) in FIG. 1 (e) are those in which the reinforcing member HC is inverted upside down. That is, this figure (i) is the example which provided the reinforcement member HC so that the through-hole h which forms a taper shape by a longitudinal cross-sectional view may spread downward, and this figure (ii) passes conversely to this This is an example in which the reinforcing member HC is provided so that the hole h is widened upward.

Next, the size (opening) of the passage hole h of each of the screens SC1 to SC3 having a laminated structure will be described.
Generally, the fine powder of coffee powder is present from the smallest powder of about 20 μm. Therefore, in order to reliably prevent the passage of such fine powder, the opening of the screen (particularly the first screen SC1) is less than about 20 μm. It is preferable to increase the numerical value of the mesh. However, if the eyes are made too fine (the mesh value is increased), the coffee liquid at the time of extraction deteriorates (sometimes it does not come off). In particular, the drip extraction here does not apply a high pressure as in the espresso extraction. Therefore, if the screen SC is too fine, a long extraction time is required even if a low pressure is applied. Incidentally, it is said that the maximum extraction time allowed for a coffee machine as an automatic machine is about 1 minute.
For this reason, in this embodiment, as an example of the combination of the three screens SC1 to SC3, the combination of A to D is given as shown in FIG. 4, and B, C are particularly preferable. , D.
Here, the aperture ratio of the first screen SC1 in the combination A is about 31%, the aperture ratio of the first screen SC1 in the combination B is about 26.4%, and the aperture ratio of the first screen SC1 in the combination C is 27. The aperture ratio of the first-layer screen SC1 in the combination D is about 26.4%.

The screens SC, the third-layer screen SC3, and the reinforcing member (hexagonal etching) HC are integrated in advance as a filter (special filter 24D) and attached to the bottom of the cup portion 22D in this state. Preferred (here screwed). This pre-integration can prevent the horizontal displacement of the screen SC in a laminated state, can increase the strength as a filter (special filter 24D), and can further prevent clogging of the first screen SC1. . Incidentally, the special filter 24D of the present embodiment is made of metal as described above, and such a metal filter has a great feature that it does not taste or smell of paper and can be used repeatedly (like a paper filter). In this respect, integrating the screen SC and the reinforcing member HC also maintains the function of the special filter 24D at a high level over a long period of time.
The conventional drip extraction (drip extraction using a paper or cloth filter) is said to remove the bean oil, which should be the umami of coffee, with paper or cloth. In comparison, it is said that espresso coffee is almost 4-5 times diluted. In this respect, since the present embodiment is a metal (stainless steel) filter, it can be extracted without impairing the oil of coffee beans, which is an umami component.
Further, in integrating the screen SC and the reinforcing member HC, a method called thermocompression bonding is preferable. This method is a method in which each screen SC and the reinforcing member HC are stacked, and then in a vacuum state at a high temperature and high pressure below the melting point for a certain time. This is a bonding method in which an intermetallic bond is generated at the contact portion by holding and is firmly fixed.
Since the screen SC (particularly the first-layer screen SC1) is formed of a plain woven wire mesh, clogging at the time of waste discharge can be reduced (can prevent sticking) and can be performed periodically as compared with the case where the screen SC is formed of a woven wire mesh. Filter cleaning is also easy.

The machine body 1 (holder drip coffee machine M) is preferably provided with a grinder (not shown) for grinding coffee powder from coffee beans to an appropriate particle size. As a result, coffee powder can be ground from coffee beans each time extraction is performed, and even more delicious coffee can be extracted. In other words, coffee is inherently deteriorated in quality such as aroma and flavor over time, but it is better to store it in the state of beans before grinding than to store it in powdered state. Since the deterioration of quality can be greatly prevented (preferably stored in a sealed container in a cool and dark place), the coffee beans can be brewed more deliciously when the beans are ground to a particle size according to the user's preference at each extraction. Is.
In addition, as the grinder, for example, a conical grinder can be applied, and since this generally has a low rotation speed of the cutter, heat generation is small and it is difficult to impair the aroma and flavor of coffee beans. . Of course, as the grinder, not only such an electric type but also a manual mill can be adopted. Incidentally, since the manual mill grinds coffee beans relatively slowly, heat generation due to friction is further suppressed, and the aroma and flavor of coffee are less likely to be impaired.
In addition, since such a grinder is often already possessed by the user, the grinder is basically provided separately from the machine body 1, but is not necessarily required, and may be provided integrally with the machine body 1. Is possible.

Furthermore, the machine main body 1 (holder drip coffee machine M) is preferably provided with a milk cooler (not shown), and the milk cooler can be provided integrally with the machine main body 1 or separately.
The advantage of having a milk cooler is that the milk can be reliably stored in a fresh state (reliability of storage), and the colder the milk, the easier it is to foam and the milk is refrigerated. It is the point that it is easy to produce (certainty of foamed milk production).
Such foamed milk is suitable when espresso coffee is desired as a latte or cappuccino, but may be applied to drip coffee. In recent years, latte art or the like, in which foamed milk is poured onto espresso coffee brewed in cup C to draw a picture, is also popular.
Incidentally, as a method of tailoring milk (in a state of matching with coffee liquid), hot milk with almost no foaming, cold milk that remains cold, and the like can be mentioned in addition to foamed milk.

The coffee machine M of the present invention has the basic structure as described above, and hereinafter, an extraction mode for brewing espresso coffee or drip coffee by applying the coffee machine M will be described.
(1) Production of coffee powder (grinding from beans to powder) to storage in holder As mentioned above, when extracting either espresso coffee or drip coffee, an appropriate amount of beans is removed by a grinder or mill each time. It is preferable to grind to an appropriate particle size (grind).
In addition, as described above, the original brewing method (extraction form) of espresso coffee and drip coffee differs depending on the degree of roasting of coffee beans, the particle size of coffee powder, and the like in this embodiment. According to such an original extraction form, the espresso extraction and the drip extraction are basically based on a form in which different coffee powders are put into each holder 2. That is, when extracting espresso coffee, so-called deep roasted beans to medium roasted beans with a relatively strong roasting degree are often used, and the grain size (grain) is “finely ground” or “ Basically, it is ground to a state called “ultra-fine grinding”. In addition, when extracting drip coffee, so-called lightly roasted beans to medium roasted beans with a relatively weak roast degree are often used. Basically, it is ground to a state called "coarse grinding". However, for example, when drip coffee is extracted for iced coffee, relatively strong roasted coffee beans may be used (actually done), so espresso extraction does not always require the use of deep roasted beans. However, just because of drip extraction does not necessarily limit the use of light roasted beans.
In addition, the quantity of the coffee powder | flour thrown into the cup part 22 of the holder 2 is about 10-15g per cup (one person).

Of course, the holder 2 (cup portion 22) for charging the coffee powder also applies the dedicated holder 2 as described above, and at the time of drip extraction, the holder 2D having a large cup portion 22D with a deep bottom is used. When applying espresso, the holder 2E having a small cup portion 22E with a shallow bottom is applied.
In the case of espresso extraction, a filter basket 24E (for example, a single cup or double cup) corresponding to the amount of coffee liquid to be extracted is first attached to the cup portion 22E (for example, a spring). In this filter basket 24E, the coffee powder is accommodated and tamped using a tamper T. On the other hand, in the case of drip extraction, since the special filter 24D is already fixed to the bottom of the cup portion 22D, it is only necessary to add coffee powder to the cup portion 22D and no tamping by the tamper T is performed. .

(2) Attaching the holder to the machine body After that, the holder 2 containing the coffee powder is attached to the machine body 1 (holder holding portion 16).
As described above, bayonet engagement is generally used as a structure for mounting the holder 2 to the machine body 1. Here, the bayonet engagement is mainly adopted as the structure in the conventional holder type coffee machine (espresso machine), which is a general structure of bayonet engagement, which is used for high pressure when brewing espresso coffee. This is to endure. However, in the present invention, the main coffee that is desired to be extracted is drip coffee that does not apply pressure during extraction. Therefore, when the coffee machine M is intended to extract only drip coffee, the mounting structure is not necessarily bayonet engaged. There is no need, and other fixing means that is detachable from the machine body 1 can be employed.

(3) Extraction After that, hot water is supplied from the main boiler 131 of the machine body 1 to the holder 2 to extract the coffee liquid. In this extraction, a small amount of steaming hot water is first supplied to the holder 2. For example, hot water of 90 ± 2 ° C. is supplied for about 2 seconds. And after stopping this hot water supply, for example, coffee powder is steamed for about 30 seconds. Thereafter, hot extraction is performed by supplying hot water to the holder 2 at, for example, about 15 seconds at the same hot water temperature (for example, 90 ± 2 ° C.) as described above. The extracted coffee liquid falls from the holder 2 (the spout 22h) and is poured into the cup C as it is.
Incidentally, the extraction conditions (specific numerical values) such as the steaming time, the hot water supply time, and the hot water temperature are examples when extracting drip coffee, and these extraction conditions can be appropriately changed and adjusted. In the above extraction, the main extraction is described as being performed once, but it is of course possible to supply hot water in several times.
Incidentally, in the case of drip extraction, the amount of coffee liquid poured into the cup C is about 150 to 180 cc as an example, but hot milk or the like may be added while reducing the amount of coffee liquid.
On the other hand, in the case of espresso extraction, the amount of coffee liquid poured into the cup C is a small amount of about 30 to 60 cc, and so-called small-capacity demitasse cups are often applied.

M holder type drip coffee machine (coffee machine)
1 Machine body 2 Holder

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Machine main body 11 Water storage part 12 Control part 13 Hot water production | generation part 14 Steam production | generation part 15 Pumping part 16 Holder holding part 17 Drain part

2 Holder 2D Holder (Drip Holder)
2E holder (Espresso holder)
21 Grip part 22 Cup part 22D Cup part (Drip cup part)
22E Cup (Espresso cup)
22h Spout 23 Holder mount 24 Filter 24D Special filter (Drip filter)
24E filter basket (filter for espresso)

11 Water storage 111 Water supply tank

12 Controller 121 Board

13 Hot water generator 131 Main boiler 132 Air relief valve 133 Three-way valve 134 Three-way valve 135 Pipe

14 Steam Generation Unit 141 Steam Generator 142 Steam Valve 143 Steam Wand

15 Pumping section 151 Pump 152 Over pressure valve

17 Drain section 171 Drain tray (drain box)
172 Drain tray gate

SC screen SC1 First layer screen SC2 Second layer screen SC3 Third layer screen HC Reinforcement member h Passing hole

T tamper C cup

Claims (6)

In a holder-type coffee machine in which coffee powder ground to an appropriate particle size is stored in a detachable holder, and then this holder is attached to the machine body to supply hot water to the holder and extract the coffee liquid ,
The holder is provided with a filter that prevents the passage of coffee powder, and this filter has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of screens are stacked, and each screen gradually moves toward the direction of coffee liquid extraction. It is formed by stacking so that the opening is large,
A holder-type drip coffee machine, wherein the holder is attached to the machine body to extract drip coffee.
The coffee machine is provided with a holder for extracting espresso coffee in addition to a holder for extracting drip coffee, and the holder for extracting espresso coffee is a holder for extracting drip coffee. A filter having a volume smaller than that of the cup part, and having a passage hole for passing the extract at the bottom of the container or dish in order to prevent the coffee powder from passing through the cup part for espresso coffee extraction The basket is applied,
By attaching one of these holders to the machine body according to any coffee extraction, espresso coffee and drip coffee can be selectively extracted while using the same machine body. The holder-type drip coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein
The holder-type drip coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the machine body is a holder-type machine body that has been conventionally applied as an exclusive machine for espresso coffee extraction.
The holder drip coffee according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the machine body is provided with a grinder for grinding coffee powder from coffee beans to an appropriate particle size separately or integrally with the machine body. Machine.
In the machine body, one or several appropriate extraction conditions are set in advance as a program, and the extraction of the coffee liquid is executed based on the command of the selected program.
5. The holder-type drip coffee machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the extraction conditions set as the program can be changed as appropriate.
In the holder that is installed in the machine body of the coffee machine after extracting the coffee powder that has been ground to an appropriate particle size and that extracts the coffee liquid by supplying hot water,
A holder for drip coffee, which is mounted on the holder-type drip coffee machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, and extracts drip coffee.

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