coffee machine

Abstract

A coffee machine (10) is used to prepare espresso beverages and also enables the preparation of filtered coffee. An external water supply nozzle (20) is provided, which supplies water to a coffee pot (30), which includes a filter holder (32) for holding a coffee filter (33) and contained coffee grounds (34). The coffee pot (30) and the external water supply nozzle (20) can be coupled or detached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coffee machine, in particular to an espresso coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] An espresso machine typically includes a brewing chamber in which coffee grounds are provided. The machine compresses the coffee grounds and passes hot water through the compressed coffee grounds to produce an espresso beverage.

[0003] Fully automatic espresso machines also include a grinder, allowing the machine to perform all functions of coffee bean grinding, compression, and espresso drink formation.

[0004] These appliances also typically offer the ability to automatically brew cappuccinos using frothed milk. In most cases, steam is used to heat and froth the milk in a manner similar to that of a barista.

[0005] This machine is only suitable for making espresso and cappuccino drinks. However, drip coffee is also popular.

[0006] Commercial coffee machines are capable of providing all different types of coffee drinks as well as other drinks (such as tea, hot chocolate, hot milk, etc.). However, these are high-cost machines that are not suitable for the home market. For example, CN 2006-14922 discloses a commercial coffee machine that includes an espresso machine and a filter coffee machine integrated side by side.

[0007] US 2015 / 0033947 discloses a device with multiple accessories, including a coffee bag accessory or a drip coffee accessory.

[0008] There remains a need for a full-featured coffee machine that is capable of preparing espresso (and optionally cappuccino) beverages, and is also capable of preparing drip coffee, but does not significantly increase the cost, complexity, difficulty of use, or size of the appliance.

[0009] WO 96 / 31125 discloses a milk frothing system which is part of an espresso coffee machine. The coffee machine comprises a hot water tap which can be used to discharge hot water into an air pot.

[0010] WO 2012 / 151629 discloses a coffee making device comprising a removable water tank and a steam wand for providing steam output for frothing milk. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0012] According to various examples of one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coffee machine, comprising:

[0013] water supply;

[0014] Water heater, used to heat water;

[0015] A pump for pumping the heated water;

[0016] a brewing chamber for receiving coffee grounds and brewing coffee using hot water delivered by a pump;

[0017] an external water delivery nozzle for delivering water from the pump that is not delivered to the brewing chamber;

[0018] A coffee maker including a filter holder for holding a coffee filter and contained coffee grounds;

[0019] The coffee maker and coffee machine include complementary coupling features to allow the coffee maker to be coupled to and decoupled from the external water delivery nozzle.

[0020] This coffee machine is based on the use of a brewing chamber containing coffee grounds for espresso production. However, when combined with a coffee pot with a filter holder, the machine can also produce filtered coffee. The coffee filter is located externally, so adding filtered coffee functionality does not increase the machine's space or complexity. The same water heater and the same water supply, pump, and water heater are used for all different coffee types.

[0021] Using a coffee pot to make filtered coffee does not require the user to make any adaptations to the coffee machine, except for selecting the filtered coffee mode, so that the coffee machine can control the hot water to be delivered directly from the pump to the external water delivery nozzle.

[0022] Preferably, the coffee machine includes a controller adapted to implement a filter coffee mode of operation and an espresso mode of operation. The controller controls the pump to control the water delivery rate and / or the heater to control the temperature. Thus, water is delivered to the external water delivery nozzle during the filter coffee mode, and water is delivered to the brewing chamber at a different delivery rate and / or at a different temperature during the espresso mode.

[0023] Thus, the water delivery rate and / or the water temperature are adapted depending on the operating mode so that the coffee preparation is optimal for espresso production or filter coffee production.

[0024] Thus, in the first aspect, in the filter coffee operating mode, the controller may be adapted to control the pump to deliver a desired amount of water to the external water delivery nozzle at an appropriate water delivery rate. Thus, the water delivery rate from the external water delivery nozzle is actively controlled to be optimal for producing filter coffee.

[0025] For example, in the filter coffee mode of operation, the controller is adapted to control the pump to deliver a pulsed flow of water to the external water delivery nozzle. This pulsed flow is used to achieve a lower water delivery rate than a continuous flow. This allows the pump to provide a flow rate at a pressure suitable for preparing a drip coffee beverage.

[0026] In the espresso mode of operation, the controller may be adapted to control the pump to deliver water to the brewing chamber at a higher water delivery rate than during the filter coffee mode of operation. Thus, the controller is adapted to actively control the water delivery rate to be optimal for producing espresso during the espresso mode and to be optimal for preparing filter coffee in the filter coffee mode.

[0027] For the espresso operating mode, the water delivery rate is, for example, higher than 3 ml / s, such as in the range of 3 ml / s to 5 ml / s, and for the filter coffee operating mode, the water delivery rate is, for example, lower than 2 ml / s, such as in the range of 1 ml / s to 2 ml / s.

[0028] In a second aspect, the controller is adapted to control the heater to deliver water at an appropriate temperature in the filter coffee operating mode. Thus, the temperature of the water delivered from the external water delivery nozzle is actively controlled to be optimal for producing filter coffee.

[0029] In the espresso mode of operation, the controller may be adapted to control the heater to deliver water to the brewing chamber at a higher temperature than during the filter coffee mode of operation. Thus, the controller is operable to actively control the water temperature to be optimal for producing espresso during the espresso mode and to be optimal for preparing filter coffee in the filter coffee mode.

[0030] For the espresso operating mode, the temperature is, for example, higher than 95 degrees (eg, 100 degrees), while for the filter coffee operating mode, the temperature is, for example, lower than 95 degrees (eg, 90 degrees).

[0031] The external water delivery nozzle may include a coupling feature for coupling to a coffee maker. This may facilitate accurate alignment between the coffee maker and the external water delivery nozzle.

[0032] The filter holder for the coffee maker can include a coupling feature for connecting to an external water delivery nozzle. For example, the filter holder can be attached to the coffee maker, with the maker simply sitting underneath as a collecting vessel. This means only a small, lightweight component needs to be installed on the coffee maker.

[0033] The coffee machine preferably comprises a bean-to-cup espresso machine including a bean grinder. In this way, the functionality of the fully automatic, full-function espresso machine is expanded to include a true drip coffee function, wherein the drip coffee can be made from freshly ground beans.

[0034] The bean grinder, for example, may have an outlet that can be configured to deliver coffee grounds to a brewing chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the outlet of the bean grinder may be configured to deliver the coffee grounds to an external coffee grind output, accessible from outside the coffee machine. In this way, the machine's integrated coffee grinding capacity can be used to grind coffee beans for other uses, such as for the aforementioned drip coffee function or a standalone drip coffee machine or other coffee machine. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the external coffee grind output can also be advantageously applied to other coffee machines, without being limited by claim 1. Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, a coffee machine may be provided, comprising: a water supply; a water heater for heating water; a pump for pumping the heated water; a brewing chamber for receiving coffee grounds and brewing coffee using the hot water delivered by the pump; and a bean grinder having an outlet that is configured to deliver the coffee grounds to the brewing chamber and / or the external grounds output of the coffee machine.

[0035] Furthermore, the water heater is preferably controllable to generate steam. Alternatively, an additional heater may be provided to generate steam. In addition to the internally prepared espresso, the external hot water output also enables the preparation of drip coffee, and the steam output enables the heating and frothing of milk, thereby enabling the preparation of cappuccino (or latte or other drinks).

[0036] For this purpose, the coffee machine further comprises a steam outlet. The steam outlet can be separate from the external water delivery nozzle, or it can be the external water delivery nozzle (thus being able to deliver steam or hot water).

[0037] The coffee machine preferably further comprises a milk frothing unit for coupling to the steam outlet.

[0038] The present invention also provides a coffee maker, comprising:

[0039] utensils; and

[0040] a filter holder for holding a coffee filter and contained coffee grounds; and

[0041] A coupling feature adapted to allow the coffee maker to be connected to the external water delivery nozzle of the espresso machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0043] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A fully functional espresso machine is shown;

[0044] Figures 2A to 2D Examples of output nozzles for steam and hot water are shown.

[0045] Figure 3A and Figure 3B shows the manner in which a filter coffee maker is attached to an output nozzle to enable the production of drip coffee;

[0046] Figure 4 More details are shown for adapting to FIG3 and Figure 4 The filter holder and pot design for the output nozzle shown;

[0047] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A first way of preparing filter coffee using a fully functional machine is shown;

[0048] Figure 6 A second way of preparing filter coffee using a fully functional machine is shown; and

[0049] Figure 7 An example of a hydraulic system for a coffee machine is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar components.

[0051] The present invention provides a coffee machine for preparing espresso beverages, but also capable of producing filtered coffee, such as drip coffee. An external water delivery nozzle is provided that supplies water to a coffee pot, which includes a filter holder for holding a coffee filter and contained coffee grounds (i.e., ground coffee beans). The coffee pot and the external water delivery nozzle can be coupled or detached.

[0052] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A beverage machine 10 is shown in the form of an espresso machine. Figure 1A shows a perspective view, while Figure 1B A view from the front is shown.The example is a bean-to-cup machine, although other options are possible as mentioned further below.

[0053] The machine comprises a main body 12 housing a water reservoir, a water heater, and a reservoir for receiving coffee beans, an internal grinding mechanism for producing coffee grounds, a brewing chamber or brewing group for receiving the coffee grounds, and a pumping system for pumping heated water through the coffee grounds.

[0054] The machine comprises a coffee output 14 from which an espresso drink (without milk) is output after hot water has been pumped through the coffee grinds. The coffee output 14 faces downwards and is located above a drip tray 16. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Also shown is a user interface 18 for receiving user selections (such as for water selection and other beverage selections). There is also an external water delivery nozzle 20 for delivering water (or steam) from the pump that does not flow into the brewing chamber. This is hereinafter referred to as the output nozzle 20.

[0055] In addition to the espresso mode for delivering coffee from the coffee output 14, the delivery nozzle 20 enables a hot water mode and a steam mode. Some of the beverage selections are related to beverage recipes that include frothing milk and therefore require the generation of steam. For this purpose, steam can be provided from the delivery nozzle 20. The option to generate steam can also be selected (not as part of the beverage selection), for example, to enable the user to generate heated milk and / or frothed milk independently of any beverage to be prepared by the machine. This can be described as a milk frothing mode.

[0056] The present invention particularly relates to a coffee machine having an external hot water delivery nozzle, such as that explained above. In the example of FIG1 , the delivery nozzle 20 can be used to deliver either hot water or steam, depending on the heat setting of the water heater. However, separate steam and hot water outlets may alternatively be provided. Separate heaters may also be provided, one for producing hot water and another, or both, acting together to produce steam. Whether steam or hot water is delivered depends on user selection at the user interface 18. The steam delivery can be used to heat and / or froth milk, while the option of only hot water delivery provides the user with additional options, for example, for making soup, tea, hot chocolate, etc.

[0057] The operation of the machine when producing espresso beverages is entirely conventional, and no further description of the general operation of the coffee machine will be given. Furthermore, the illustrated full-function espresso machine is only one example of the type of coffee machine to which the present invention may be applied. Other types include pod or capsule coffee machines or portable espresso machines with a handle, in which a portion of the brewing chamber is detachable from the machine for receiving coffee grounds and manually discharging the coffee grounds after use.

[0058] The present invention relates to applying a filter coffee maker to the delivery nozzle 20 to enable a drip coffee function.

[0059] In order to realize the drip coffee function, the water pump of the coffee machine is preferably controlled to deliver a pulsed water flow to the output nozzle 20. For this purpose, the coffee machine has a controller 11.

[0060] The delivery nozzle 20 is located in a docking area 21 for receiving a filter coffee maker. Likewise, a beverage container or a milk frothing unit can be provided at the docking area 21.

[0061] Figures 2A to 2D An example of the output nozzle 20 is shown in more detail in . Figure 2A shows a front view, Figure 2B shows a side view, Figure 2C shows a perspective view from above, and Figure 2D A perspective view from below is shown.

[0062] The illustrated delivery nozzle 20 comprises a delivery tip 22 having a delivery orifice which, in use, faces generally downwards to direct the heated water downwards to a vessel in which it is captured and to generate steam in a safe downward direction.

[0063] When steam is delivered, it is provided to a steam inlet of a milk frothing unit (not shown). Many milk frothing units are known (and commercially available) that utilize a steam inlet to froth and heat milk. A milk frothing unit may, for example, include a milk container and a frothed milk outlet. Alternatively, the milk frothing unit may include a milk frothing tube (milk frother, cappuccinatore, pannarrello).

[0064] The delivery tip 22 may be spring-loaded or otherwise elastically deformable or retractable, such that when a unit (such as a filter coffee maker according to the present invention or a well-known milk frothing unit) is docked at the docking area 21, the delivery tip 22 deforms or retracts and is thereby elastically biased (by gravity or otherwise) to provide a seal. Thus, the tip 22 may serve as a retaining mechanism between the docking unit and the delivery nozzle, ensuring a sealed connection between the two.

[0065] The hot water may be delivered to a docked filter coffee maker, or it may be provided directly to the exterior of the beverage machine by the delivery nozzle 20 to be collected in a beverage receptacle.

[0066] Figure 2B The output nozzle 20 is shown as being oriented downwardly at an offset angle θ relative to the vertical, for example, less than 30 degrees, for example, less than 20 degrees, such as 15 degrees. The nozzle 20 is angled relative to an exterior surface (here, the front 24 of the machine, from which the output nozzle protrudes). Due to this angle θ, the nozzle does not need to protrude far into the center of the hot water receiving container (e.g., a mug). The protrusion distance d is, for example, less than 4 cm, for example, less than 3 cm, or even less than 2 cm.

[0067] In the particular example shown, the delivery nozzle 20 has an output tube 26 that is pivotable about an axis 28, and has an output tip 22 at its lower end. When the unit is docked, the delivery tube 26 can rotate about this axis 28 between a first orientation that deviates from vertical and a different second orientation. The second orientation can be more vertical than the first orientation, and in fact, it can be completely vertical. This second orientation is intended to be more compact and can be used when the delivery nozzle 20 is coupled to the docking unit, allowing the unit to be docked as close to the machine as possible. This, in turn, enables the use of a small drip tray 16 to catch spills of hot water, foamed milk, and filter coffee, as the case may be.

[0068] The delivery nozzle 20 may be rotated in other directions, for example sideways, which may be particularly advantageous if used with a milk frother.

[0069] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A coffee maker 30 is shown, comprising a vessel 31 and a filter holder 32 for holding a paper coffee filter 33 and contained coffee grounds 34. The coffee maker 30 and the delivery nozzle 20 comprise complementary coupling features to allow the coffee maker and the external water delivery nozzle to be coupled or decoupled. This may be a click-on and click-off function.

[0070] The coffee maker has a receiving cavity 36 as its coupling feature that fits over the delivery nozzle 20 to simplify user alignment of the coffee maker 30. The delivery tube 26 of the delivery nozzle 20 can be considered a coupling feature because the cavity 36 is a push fit over the delivery tube 26.

[0071] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The coffee maker 30 is shown as being docked to the machine. The coffee maker 30 is approached at an angle so that the receiving chamber 36 is aligned with the delivery nozzle 20. When the receiving chamber 36 is pushed toward the delivery tube 26 of the delivery nozzle 20, the delivery tip 22 retracts against its spring, elasticity, gravity, or other biasing force. The delivery tip is then received in a recess within the receiving chamber 36 so that the orifice of the delivery tip 22 is aligned with (and optionally also seals against) the water inlet of the filter holder. This also connects the two parts together, although other or additional snap-fit ​​or push-fit connection arrangements may be provided.

[0072] After engagement, the coffee pot 30 can be rotated downward. The coffee pot 30 then adopts a position more aligned with the front face 24. Figure 3B As shown, the coffee maker 30 can then be seated on the drip tray 16. Figure 3AAs shown, this provides for easy attachment because the bottom of the coffee pot 30 is detached from the drip tray 16 during the initial connection. In an alternative embodiment, the coffee pot 30 may be sized to suspend its bottom over the drip tray 16 in the docked position.

[0073] The filter holder 32 is detachable from the kettle vessel 31 .

[0074] In one example, there is no fixed connection between them. In this case, the filter holder 32 is attached to the output nozzle 20 in the manner explained above, and the separate pot vessel 31 is simply located below to capture the drip coffee.

[0075] In another example, the kettle vessel 31 and the filter holder 32 are clamped together so that the kettle vessel and the filter holder can be manipulated as a single unit, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown.

[0076] Figure 4 A filter holder 32 and vessel 31 are shown for attachment to the delivery nozzle 20 shown in Figures 2 and 3. The receiving chamber 36 comprises a bracket that fits over the delivery nozzle 20 and the recess 37 receives the delivery tip 22.

[0077] To produce a drip coffee beverage, the controller 11 can control the pump to provide a pulsed delivery of hot water to the coffee maker. The amount of water can be selected in advance by the user, or they can also manually start and stop the water delivery process.

[0078] There are several options for how to prepare drip coffee drinks.

[0079] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A first option is schematically shown in which the brewing chamber 58 is removed from the rest of the machine 10. Figure 5A In, the filter holder 32 is applied to the grinder 38 and then the coffee grounds are provided to the filter holder 32. Figure 5B , the filter holder 32 and the coffee pot 31 are attached to the delivery nozzle 20 .

[0080] In this example, the user utilizes the coffee grinding function of the machine by providing a filter holder at the output of the grinder, and by removing the brew chamber from the output of the grinder.

[0081] Figure 6Schematically, an example is shown in which the grinder 38 has an outlet 39 that can be rotated between a first position in which the outlet feeds the brewing chamber 58 and a second position in which the outlet leads to an external grounds output where coffee grounds can be captured in the filter holder 32 coupled to the output nozzle 20 when the filter holder 32 and the coffee pot 31 are already in the receiving position.

[0082] More generally, the coffee grinder may have a first outlet leading to a brew chamber 58 and a second outlet leading to an external coffee grounds output 70. The two outlets may be implemented statically (i.e., having two outlets and a valve to select between them), or as a single outlet device that moves between outlet positions, such as Figure 6 shown.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the coffee grounds output may be located proximate to the output nozzle 20 so that the coffee grounds and water may be located in the same location as the coffee pot and filter holder. Figure 1B As shown, the external coffee grounds output 70 may be separate from the output nozzle 20 and used to dispense coffee grounds from a coffee filter holder or portable filter for use with the illustrated machine or a stand-alone coffee maker.

[0084] The controller then selects the output to be used (i.e., to the brew chamber or to the output chute) by operating a valve or drive arrangement that selects between two possible output paths for delivering the coffee grounds to the brew chamber or to the output chute. The controller determines the path of the coffee grounds based on the mode selected by the user.

[0085] Figure 7 The internal components of a full-function espresso machine are shown, and in particular the fluid paths in the system are shown.

[0086] The coffee machine 10 comprises a water container 42, a water heater 44 for heating water to generate steam and hot water and having a water heater outlet, and a water pump 48 for pumping the heated water and steam. In addition, a water feed flow meter 47 is present.

[0087] The pump delivers the water to the heater 44. Additionally, there is an overpressure valve 50 from the heater to the drip tray 16 for collecting or draining the waste water.

[0088] The heated steam is supplied to the output nozzle 20 through the first electronic valve 56 .

[0089] The coffee output 14 may have an in-line crema valve. The heated water passes through a second valve 60 and is also provided to the brewing chamber 58 via a control unit 62. The control unit 62 allows draining of the water to the drip tray 16, for example during cooling of the heater.

[0090] The brewing chamber 58 can be driven by a motor 64 for driving the brewing chamber between different positions. These positions include at least a coffee grounds receiving position and a coffee brewing position. Alternatively (not shown), the brewing chamber can be manually opened and closed via a portable filter arrangement.

[0091] Depending on the mode set by the user, the illustrated coffee machine utilizes a single heater 44 to selectively supply hot water at approximately 100°C (more typically, above 95°C) to the delivery nozzle 20 for brewing coffee, steam at approximately 140°C (or higher) to the delivery nozzle 20 for heating and / or frothing milk, and water at approximately 90°C (more typically, below 95°C) to the delivery nozzle 20 for producing filtered coffee. Temperature control is achieved by a controller. Alternatively, an additional heater may be provided to generate steam or to assist the primary heater in generating steam.

[0092] The machine may have a pressurizing system for the brewing chamber. It may further have a reservoir for receiving coffee beans and a grinder (Fig. 5 and Figure 6 38 in the figure), thereby providing full bean-to-cup functionality. Alternatively, the coffee grounds can be supplied in capsules, soft bags or similar pre-portioned form. As these elements are not related to the hydraulic elements, they are not shown.

[0093] Espresso is typically made by forcing pressurized water through a volume of coffee grounds. The brewing chamber, or a portion thereof, may be removably arranged to facilitate emptying and cleaning the brewing chamber. As shown and mentioned above, some examples allow a coffee holder (drip filter holder, brewing chamber, portable filter) to be attached to the outlet 39 or external grounds output 70 of the grinder when removed.

[0094] During the espresso making process, the coffee grounds may be compressed to a certain extent.For this reason, the machine may for example comprise a piston which is movably arranged in the cylindrical brewing chamber and which is capable of sealing the open top side of the brewing chamber.

[0095] The movement of the piston controls the degree of compression of the coffee grounds. As the coffee grounds become increasingly compressed, the resistance to flow through the coffee grounds increases. During the espresso brewing process, the brewing pressure (i.e., the pressure of water passing through the coffee grounds) is determined by the resistance to flow through the coffee grounds. The espresso brewing process is performed under brewing.

[0096] Brewing pressure is a determining factor for important characteristics of espresso beverages, including taste and the texture of the foam layer. Therefore, brewing pressure is controlled, for example, by varying the position of the piston and / or the water flow.

[0097] When the machine is ready to prepare an espresso beverage, the heater 44 is first heated to approximately 140°C (or higher) to supply steam for heating and / or frothing milk. The heater then cools to approximately 100°C to provide hot water for brewing coffee. During this cooling phase from 140°C to 100°C, the water from the heater may still be too hot to brew coffee. This water is then drained by the control unit 62 into the drip tray 16.

[0098] To make drip coffee, the user places a coffee filter 33 into the filter holder 32, provides the desired amount of coffee grounds in the filter (or possibly via a bean grinder if included in the coffee machine), and fits the filter holder to the delivery nozzle 20. The operating mode is selected for drip coffee, and the coffee machine's controller 11 then controls the pump and heater to deliver the desired amount of water at the appropriate temperature and delivery rate.

[0099] The water temperature or the water delivery rate, or both, may be different between espresso mode and filter coffee mode.

[0100] Water delivery can be continuous or pulsed. Pulsed delivery may be of interest because the pump has a specific function of water output and back pressure. The pump is selected to provide a good flow rate for the espresso back pressure, such as 3 ml / s to 5 ml / s (more typically greater than 3 ml / s) at a back pressure (gauge) of 8 bar (1 bar = 100 kPa).

[0101] For trickling filter function, the back pressure is approximately zero, which will mean that the pump will provide a flow rate of around 15 ml / s at full pressure.

[0102] To reduce the flow rate to the desired level, a restriction can be added to the trickling filter outlet. However, this stresses the connector and increases the risk of calcification. The power supplied to the pump can be reduced by phase cutting. This requires electronic filtering, which increases costs.

[0103] While these are possible options for controlling the water delivery rate, and they fall within the basic concept of the present invention, it is preferable to provide cyclical control of the pump power, i.e., to provide a pulsed output flow. This is a cost-effective solution. Furthermore, the resulting pulsed sound is appreciated by users.

[0104] Thus, for the espresso function at full power, a flow rate of 3ml / s to 5ml / s (more typically above 3ml / s) may be provided at a back pressure (gauge) of 8 bar, while for the drip function the resulting flow rate may be 1ml / s to 2ml / s (more typically below 2ml / s) at a back pressure (gauge) of 0 bar to 1 bar.

[0105] The coffee machine may comprise any suitable type of water heater for heating water, for example a thermoblock or a flow-through heater.

[0106] The present invention is particularly interesting for fully automatic coffee machines, such as those described above, which produce coffee beverages by automatically grinding coffee beans, compressing the coffee, and pumping hot pressurized water through the coffee. Furthermore, such coffee machines may also produce milk-based beverages by frothing the milk with the aid of steam. These machines are known as full-function bean-to-cup espresso machines. However, the present invention is generally applicable to any beverage machine having an internal coffee brewing chamber and a hot water outlet.

[0107] For example, the present invention may be applied to capsule- or pouch-based systems that accept pre-compressed coffee capsules or pouches, or to portable espresso machines, or to machines that accept pre-ground coffee.

[0108] The machine may have an internal or external water reservoir, or may be upright.

[0109] The above example illustrates only one possible connection between the filter holder 32 and the output nozzle 20. Any suitable coupling or male and female connector may be used. This example illustrates a coupling feature that provides a secure connection. However, the coupling feature may simply serve as an alignment feature to ensure flow from the output nozzle reaches the filter holder, without requiring a fluid-tight connection.

[0110] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A coffee machine, comprising: Water supply (42); a water heater (44) for heating water; a pump (48) for pumping the heated water; Controller (11); a brewing chamber (58) for receiving coffee grounds and brewing coffee using hot water delivered by the pump; an external water delivery nozzle (20) for delivering water from the pump that is not delivered to the brewing chamber; Characterized in that the coffee machine also includes: A coffee maker (30) including a filter holder (32) for holding a coffee filter and contained coffee grounds; wherein the coffee maker and the coffee machine include complementary coupling features (26, 36) to allow the coffee maker to be coupled to and decoupled from the external water delivery nozzle; wherein the controller (11) is adapted to: Implementing filter coffee and espresso modes of operation; and The pump (48) and / or the heater (44) are controlled to deliver water to the external water delivery nozzle during the filter coffee operating mode and to deliver water to the brewing chamber at a different water delivery rate and / or at a different temperature during the espresso operating mode.

2. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein in the filter coffee operating mode, the controller is adapted to control the pump (48) to deliver a pulsed flow of water to the external water delivery nozzle.

3. A coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the espresso operating mode, the controller (11) is adapted to control the pump to deliver water to the brewing chamber at a higher water delivery rate than during the filter coffee operating mode.

4. The coffee machine according to claim 3, wherein the controller (11) is adapted to control the pump to deliver water to the brewing chamber at a water delivery rate higher than 3 ml / s in the espresso operating mode, and to control the pump to deliver water to the external water delivery nozzle at a water delivery rate lower than 2 ml / s in the filter coffee operating mode.

5. The coffee machine according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the controller (11) is adapted to control the heater to deliver water to the brewing chamber at a higher temperature in the espresso operating mode than during the filter coffee operating mode.

6. The coffee machine according to claim 5, wherein the controller (11) is adapted to control the heater to deliver water to the brewing chamber at a temperature higher than 95 degrees in the espresso operation mode, and to control the heater to deliver water to the external water delivery nozzle at a temperature lower than 95 degrees in the filtered coffee operation mode.

7. Coffee machine according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6, wherein said external water delivery nozzle (20) comprises said coupling feature (26) for coupling to said coffee pot.

8. The coffee machine according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6, wherein the filter holder (32) of the coffee pot comprises the coupling feature (36) for coupling to the external water delivery nozzle (20).

9. Coffee machine according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6, comprising a bean-to-cup espresso coffee machine comprising a bean grinder (38).

10. The coffee machine of claim 9, wherein the bean grinder (38) has an outlet (39) configured to deliver coffee grounds to the brewing chamber (58) and / or an external grinds output (70).

11. The coffee machine according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, wherein the water heater (44) is also controllable to generate steam.

12. The coffee machine according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10, further comprising a steam outlet, wherein the steam outlet is separate from the external water delivery nozzle or is the external water delivery nozzle (20).

13. The coffee machine according to claim 12, further comprising a milk frothing unit for coupling to the steam outlet.

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