Methods for making frothy coffee from an automatic coffee machine equipped with a foaming device

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for making foamed coffee from an automatic coffee machine, the automatic coffee machine having a dispensing head including at least one coffee output nozzle and a foaming device for a liquid to be foamed, the foaming device having a Venturi tube suction system for the liquid to be foamed and air connected to a steam supply tube, and having a liquid to be foamed supply tube, an air supply tube, and a foaming liquid output nozzle, the method comprising the following steps: a) placing a container on a cup holder, below the coffee output nozzle and the liquid to be foamed output nozzle; b) preparing at least one serving of coffee with a temperature between 85°C and 95°C and a volume less than 220 ml; a1) placing the free end of the liquid to be foamed supply tube into the container; b1) cooling the coffee below 40°C using external and / or internal devices of the automatic coffee machine; b2) supplying steam to the foaming device during time t1, the steam generating suction of coffee and air through the Venturi tube to produce foamed coffee, which flows into the container through the foaming liquid output nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for making foamed coffee, particularly for making foamed cold coffee with smooth, thick foam that lasts a long time. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to make a type of foamed cold coffee called "nitrogen coffee." The method for making this beverage includes the steps of brewing cold coffee to produce coffee known as "cold brew," and then includes the step of foaming the coffee with nitrogen, particularly during the coffee dispensing process.

[0003] This method of making frothy cold coffee produces a smooth, rich, and long-lasting foam. However, this method is very time-consuming, especially the cold brew step, which can take several hours and requires many steps from the user.

[0004] It is also known to use automatic coffee machines with dispensing heads to make effervescent beverages. The dispensing head includes a coffee output nozzle and a device for frothing the liquid to be frothed (especially milk). The frothing device has a milk and air venturi suction system from a steam supply pipe. Such a milk frothing device is described, for example, in document EP2606782. The frothing device has a milk supply pipe, an air supply pipe, and a frothing liquid output pipe. However, this machine only provides recipes based on coffee and frothed milk. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings and to propose a simple and quick method for making foamed coffee to obtain foamed coffee with smooth, thick foam that remains stable over time.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for making foamed coffee using a home coffee machine based on existing technology.

[0007] These objectives are achieved by a method for making frothed coffee from an automatic coffee machine having a dispensing head including at least one coffee output nozzle and a frothing device for the liquid to be frothed, the frothing device having a Venturi suction system for the liquid to be frothed and air connected to a steam supply pipe, the frothing device having a supply pipe for the liquid to be frothed, an air supply pipe, and a frothed liquid output nozzle, the dispensing head being arranged above a cup holder, the method comprising the following steps:

[0008] a) Place the container on the cup holder, below the coffee dispensing nozzle and the frothing liquid dispensing nozzle of the frothing device.

[0009] b) Prepare at least one serving of coffee with a temperature T1 between 85°C and 95°C and a volume V1 less than 220ml.

[0010] The method is characterized in that, after step a), it includes step a1), which includes:

[0011] a1) Place the free end of the supply tube for the foaming liquid into the container.

[0012] Then, during and / or after step b), including step b1), which includes:

[0013] b1) Use external and / or internal devices of the automatic coffee machine to cool the coffee to a temperature below temperature T2, where temperature T2 is below 40°C.

[0014] Then, after step b1), step b2) includes:

[0015] b2) Steam is supplied to the foaming device within time t1. The steam generates suction between coffee and air through the venturi tube to make foamed coffee. The foamed coffee flows into the container through the foaming liquid output nozzle of the foaming device.

[0016] Therefore, this method of making bubbly coffee can be completed quickly in a few minutes. The method only involves a few steps performed manually, while most of the steps are performed by a home automatic coffee machine, which has now become very common.

[0017] This method makes it possible to obtain frothy coffee, especially frothy cold coffee with a smooth, rich foam that lasts a long time. It also allows for the provision of sweetness without the addition of sugar or sweeteners.

[0018] It should be understood that the temperature T1 is automatically managed by the automatic coffee machine, and the capacity V1 is programmed by the user using the control circuit of the automatic coffee machine.

[0019] Advantageously, the time t1 is between 10s and 60s, preferably between 20s and 30s.

[0020] Supplying cold coffee to the frother allows for the production of smooth, uniform foam in a very short time. The time t1 is very short, preventing the beverage from being overheated by steam.

[0021] Preferably, the device implemented in step b1) is an external device formed from an ice block with a volume of V2, and the method includes step a2) between step a) and step b), which includes:

[0022] a2) Place ice cubes with a volume of V2 in a container.

[0023] Step a2) Placing ice blocks of volume V2 in the container can be done before or after step a1) inserting the free end of the supply tube for the foaming liquid into the container.

[0024] Using ice cubes as a device to cool coffee is an extremely simple and common method.

[0025] Advantageously, the ratio between the volume of ice (V2) and the capacity of coffee (V1) is between 0.5 and 2.

[0026] This ratio will not dilute the coffee excessively. To make a fuller beverage, it is advantageous to perform a sequence of two smaller shots of espresso, for example, two shots of approximately 20 ml or more of espresso, in step b).

[0027] Preferably, in step b1), a timer is started to count down time t2 at the beginning of step b), and step b2 begins when time t2 has elapsed.

[0028] This timer allows ice to melt upon contact with hot coffee, thus homogenizing the temperature of the ice water / coffee mixture.

[0029] Advantageously, time t2 is between 0s and 60s.

[0030] This timer has a very short duration, which helps to speed up the brewing of coffee.

[0031] Preferably, the automatic coffee machine has a control circuit with control components, and the method includes step a3) after steps a), a1), and a2), which includes:

[0032] a3) Press the control component to cause the control circuit to automatically execute steps b), b1), and b2).

[0033] Therefore, automatic coffee machines perform most of the procedures automatically.

[0034] Advantageously, the device implemented in step b1) is an internal device formed by a cooling device, particularly a coffee dispensing tube, and the method includes step a4) between steps a) and b), which includes:

[0035] a4) Start the cooling device.

[0036] This arrangement allows users to minimize the restrictions on their actions.

[0037] Preferably, the automatic coffee machine has a control circuit with control components, and the method includes step a3') after steps a) and a1), which includes:

[0038] (a3') Press the control component to cause the control circuit to automatically execute steps a4), b), b1), and b2).

[0039] Therefore, once the user has placed the container below the end of the dispensing head and the supply tube that supplies the liquid to be foamed, the automatic coffee machine will automatically make coffee.

[0040] Advantageously, the cooling device is a Pelletier effect cooling device with a cooling section in contact with the coffee dispensing tube.

[0041] Preferably, the air supply pipe has a diameter of 0.02 to 0.06 mm. 2 The preferred value is 0.03 mm. 2 The cross-sectional limiting part.

[0042] This arrangement allows for the production of fine and stable foam.

[0043] Advantageously, the air supply line is connected to the liquid suction line to form a liquid / air mixture, which is then drawn into the venturi tube.

[0044] Advantageously, the suction pipe for the liquid to be foamed has a diameter of 1 and 2 mm. 2 Between 1.1 and 1.4 mm is preferred. 2 The cross-sectional limit between them.

[0045] Advantageously, it is preferable to add the milk to the cup in step a).

[0046] This arrangement can be used to make coffee and milk-based drinks like Frappuccinos. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The invention will be better understood through study of the embodiments, which are not limiting, and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view of an automatic coffee machine according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0049] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows an automatic coffee machine. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Please note that in this document, the terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “low,” “up,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “high,” and “low” used to describe automatic coffee machines refer to the machine when placed on a work surface during use.

[0051] exist Figures 1 to 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the coffee-making method is at least partially implemented in an automatic coffee machine 1. The automatic coffee machine 1 includes a water tank 2 forming a cold water supply source, and an electric pump 9 (…). Figure 2The automatic coffee machine 1 has a frame 3, a container support 4 on which a container 5 can be mounted, and a height-adjustable dispensing head 20. The dispensing head 20 has a coffee output nozzle 21. The container support 4 may, for example, have a support grille and a drip tray. Figure 1 The dispensing head 20 is mounted to slide vertically between a high position and a low position. In the high position, the user can place a large cup on the cup holder 4, and in the low position, the user can place a small cup on the cup holder 4. The automatic coffee machine 1 has a control circuit 40 for managing the preparation of beverages based on user-given instructions. The control circuit 40 specifically has a control element 51 that allows the user to begin making frothy coffee. The control element 51 can be formed, in particular, by a capacitive button.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, an electric pump 9 supplies water to two instantaneous water heaters 13 and 33: heater 13 is used to produce hot water, and heater 33 is used to produce steam. The electric pump 9 includes an inlet connected to a water tank 2 for receiving cold water. The electric pump 9 has an outlet connected to a solenoid valve 11, which allows water to be directed to heater 13 to produce hot water or to heater 33 to produce steam. Heater 13 is arranged below brewing chamber 12, which has an upper opening. Brewing chamber 12 can accommodate a pressure piston 14, which is mounted to be movable along a vertical axis via a drive mechanism (not shown). Heater 13 is used to heat water for brewing coffee in brewing chamber 12.

[0053] The water heater 13 includes an electric heating resistor 15, a channel 16 for water passage and heating, an inlet of channel 16 connected to the cold water tank 2 via an electric pump 9, and one end of channel 16 leading to the bottom of the brewing chamber 12. When the pressure piston 14 is in the position... Figure 2 In the low-pressure position shown, the brewing chamber 12 is fluidly connected to the coffee outlet 21 via the distribution pipe 22. This brewing device 10 is described in more detail, for example, in patent application PCTWO99 / 12456.

[0054] according to Figure 2The automatic coffee machine 1 has a frothing device 40 disposed in the dispensing head 20, particularly for frothing milk. The frothing device 40 has a Venturi suction system for the liquid to be frothed and air supplied from the steam supply of the water heater 33. The Venturi suction system is formed by a cross-sectional restriction 41 of the steam supply pipe 32 leading to the frothing chamber 42. The passage of steam creates a pressure drop at the cross-sectional restriction 41. The frothing device 40 has a liquid supply pipe 43 and an air supply pipe 44, which are connected to the cross-sectional restriction 41 of the steam supply pipe 32. Advantageously, the liquid supply pipe 43 and the air supply pipe 44 meet before the cross-sectional restriction 41 of the steam supply pipe 32 to form a liquid / air mixture, which is then drawn into the Venturi tube. The liquid supply pipe 43 is flexible and has a free end 46. Such a milk frothing device is described, for example, in document EP2606782. The air supply pipe 44 can be advantageously opened or closed by a solenoid valve 52. The milk frothing device 40 has a frothing liquid outlet nozzle 45 arranged near the coffee outlet nozzle 21. The air supply pipe 44 has a 0.03mm diameter before connecting to the liquid suction pipe 43 to be frothed. 2 The cross-sectional limiting portion. The suction tube 43 for the foamed liquid has a 1.2 mm diameter before connecting to the cross-sectional limiting portion 41 that forms the venturi tube. 2 The cross-sectional limiting part.

[0055] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the automatic coffee machine 1 has a cooling device 25 for the coffee dispensing tube 22. The cooling device 25 is a Peltier effect device, which has a cooling portion 26 in contact with the coffee dispensing tube.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the method for making foamed coffee includes the following steps:

[0057] a) Place container 5 on cup holder 4 of automatic coffee machine 1, below coffee outlet nozzle 21 and frothing liquid outlet nozzle 45 of frothing device 40.

[0058] a1) Place the free end 46 of the supply tube 43 for the foaming liquid into the container 5.

[0059] a2) Place ice cubes 6 with a volume of V2 in container 5.

[0060] a3) Control component 51 of the press control circuit 50

[0061] b) For coffee brewed at a temperature T1 between 85℃ and 95℃ with a volume V1 equal to 80ml, the ratio of the volume V2 of ice cube 6 to the volume V1 of the coffee is equal to 1.

[0062] Then, during step b), step b1) includes:

[0063] b1) During time t2, the coffee is cooled to a temperature below temperature T2 using ice cubes 6. Temperature T2 is below 50°C, preferably below 40°C. Time t2 is counted down by timer 53, which is included in control circuit 50 and started at the beginning of step b). When time t2 has elapsed, step b2) is started. Time t2 is equal to 25 seconds.

[0064] b2) During time t1, steam is supplied to the foaming device 40. The steam passes through the cross-sectional confinement 41 that forms a venturi tube, creating a suction force between the coffee and air to make foamed coffee. The foamed coffee flows into the container 5 through the foaming liquid output nozzle 45 of the foaming device 40. Time t1 is equal to 20 seconds.

[0065] In this first embodiment, the control circuit 50 of the automatic coffee machine 1 automatically executes steps b), b1), and b2).

[0066] In the second embodiment, the automatic coffee machine 1 includes a cooling device 25, and the method for making bubbly coffee includes the following steps:

[0067] a) Place container 5 on cup holder 4 of automatic coffee machine 1, below coffee outlet nozzle 21 and frothing liquid outlet nozzle 45 of frothing device 40.

[0068] a1) Place the free end 46 of the supply tube 43 for the foaming liquid into the container 5.

[0069] a3') The control component 51 of the press control circuit 50

[0070] a4) Start the cooling device 25.

[0071] b) Prepare at least one serving of coffee with a temperature T1 between 85°C and 95°C and a volume V1 of XX ml.

[0072] Then, during step b), step b1) includes:

[0073] b1) Cool the coffee to a temperature below T2 using a cooling device, wherein T2 is below 50°C, preferably below 40°C.

[0074] b2) During time t1, steam is supplied to the foaming device 40. The steam passes through the cross-sectional restriction part 41 that forms a venturi tube, generating suction between the coffee and air to make foamed coffee. The foamed coffee flows into the container 5 through the foaming liquid output nozzle 45 of the foaming device 40. Time t1 is equal to 20 seconds.

[0075] In this second embodiment, the control circuit 50 of the automatic coffee machine 1 automatically executes steps a4), b), b1), and b2).

[0076] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown only as examples. Modifications are still possible, particularly in terms of the configuration of various elements or by substitution with equivalent techniques, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0077] In a first variant embodiment, the foaming device 40 is formed by a steam-supplying foaming nozzle having a venturi suction system. Such a foaming nozzle is specifically described in patent EP0727168. In step a1) of the method, the free end of the foaming nozzle is placed in a container.

[0078] In a second variant embodiment, the cooling device includes a cold block in contact with the coffee dispensing tube. The cold block is removable and contains a eutectic liquid. The cold block is first placed in a freezer and then returned to the automatic coffee machine 1 to perform step b1.

Claims

1. A method for making foamed coffee from an automatic coffee machine (1), the automatic coffee machine having a dispensing head (20) including at least one coffee output nozzle (21) and a foaming device (40) for foaming liquid, the foaming device having a Venturi suction system for foamed liquid and air connected to a steam supply pipe (32), the foaming device (40) having a foamed liquid supply pipe (43), an air supply pipe (44) and a foamed liquid output nozzle (45), the dispensing head (20) being arranged above a cup holder (4), the method comprising the following steps: a) Place the container (5) on the cup holder (4), below the coffee outlet nozzle (21) and the foaming liquid outlet nozzle (45) of the foaming device (40). b) Prepare at least one serving of coffee with a temperature T1 between 85°C and 95°C and a volume V1 less than 220ml. The method is characterized in that it includes step a1) after step a), which includes: a1) Place the free end (46) of the supply tube (43) for the foaming liquid into the container (5). Then, during and / or after step b), including step b1), which includes: b1) Using an external device and / or an internal device of the automatic coffee machine (1), cool the coffee to a temperature below temperature T2, where temperature T2 is below 40°C. Then, following step b1), step b2) is included, which includes: b2) During time t1, steam is supplied to the foaming device (40), and the steam generates a suction force between the coffee and air through the venturi tube to produce foamed coffee. The foamed coffee flows into the container (5) through the foaming liquid output nozzle (45) of the foaming device (40).

2. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time t1 is between 10 seconds and 60 seconds.

3. The method for making foamed coffee according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The device implemented in step b1) is an external device formed from an ice block (6) with a volume of V2, and the method includes step a2) between step a) and step b), which includes: a2) Place ice blocks (6) with a volume of V2 in the container (5).

4. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ratio between the volume V2 of the ice cube (6) and the capacity V1 of the coffee is between 0.5 and 2.

5. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step b1), a timer (53) is started to count down time t2 at the beginning of step b), and step b2 begins when time t2 has elapsed.

6. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 5, characterized in that, The time t2 is between 0 seconds and 60 seconds.

7. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 3, characterized in that, The automatic coffee machine (1) has a control circuit (50) with a control component (51), and the method includes step a3) after steps a), a1), and a2), which includes: a3) Press the control component (51) so that the control circuit (50) automatically executes steps b), b1), and b2).

8. The method for making foamed coffee according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The device implemented in step b1) is an internal device formed by a cooling device (25), and the method includes step a4) between step a) and step b), which includes: a4) Start the cooling device (25).

9. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 8, characterized in that, The internal device is a coffee dispensing tube (22).

10. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 8, characterized in that, The automatic coffee machine (1) has a control circuit (50) with a control component (51), and the method includes step a3') after steps a) and a1), which includes: (a3') Press the control component (51) so that the control circuit (50) automatically executes steps a4), b), b1), and b2).

11. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cooling device is a Peltier effect cooling device (25) having a cooling section (26) in contact with the coffee dispensing tube (22).

12. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The air supply pipe (44) has a diameter of 0.02 and 0.06 mm. 2 The cross-sectional limit between them.

13. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The air supply pipe (44) has a diameter of 0.03 mm. 2 The cross-sectional limiting part.

14. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The foaming liquid supply tube (43) has a diameter of 1 and 2 mm. 2 The cross-sectional limit between them.

15. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The supply tube (43) for the foaming liquid has a diameter of 1.1 and 1.4 mm. 2 The cross-sectional limit between them.

16. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Add milk to the cup.

17. The method for making foamed coffee according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In step a), milk is added to the cup.

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