Coffee maker

Abstract

A coffee maker is provided having an externally adapted coffee container for receiving freshly ground coffee. A closure and / or tamping system is provided for closing the coffee container and / or compacting the ground coffee in the coffee container by providing relative motion between the closure and / or tamping system and the coffee container. The coffee container has a water inlet port extending through a side wall for transferring hot water to an interior volume of the coffee container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to coffee or espresso machines and in particular to closing and / or tamping systems and water delivery systems for use in such machines. Background Art

[0002] It is well known that coffee made from freshly ground beans is of better quality than pre-ground coffee. Often, fresh beans are used when making espresso.

[0003] There are many different types of espresso machines available on the market, and espresso machines are designed for use at home or in bars, restaurants, and hotels. The type of machine that is appropriate for a particular setting depends on usage and budget, for example.

[0004] In a manual espresso machine, the user fills a coffee receiving container, called a portafilter, with coffee grounds. The user then tamps the coffee grounds inside the portafilter with sufficient pressure (e.g., approximately 200N) to create a so-called puck. The portafilter is then attached to the coffee machine, typically via a bayonet-type connection. The coffee machine then forces hot water through the puck inside the portafilter and dispenses coffee via a nozzle typically integrated into the portafilter. After brewing, the user disconnects and empties the portafilter, discarding the used coffee grounds.

[0005] In a bar setting, the manual process is performed by a barista. In a home setting, the manual steps can make the user feel more involved in the coffee making process and thus give the user the feeling of playing the role of a barista.

[0006] There are also manual espresso machines with integrated grinders. The user switches the portable filter between a first position for receiving ground coffee and a second position for brewing coffee. Tamping can be done manually or via a manually operated lever.

[0007] In a fully automatic espresso machine, all of the above steps are automatically performed within the same machine. The machine includes a bean hopper and grinder to produce the coffee grounds. These grounds are transported into the brew chamber and automatically compacted by a piston that can be actuated by an electric motor or hydraulically. Next, hot water is forced through the coffee grounds in the brew chamber, the coffee is brewed and dispensed, and the used ground coffee is discharged from the brew chamber into a waste container within the machine.

[0008] This removes the manual steps required by manual espresso machines and therefore saves time, as well as ensuring more consistent results.

[0009] Manual espresso machines can be produced at a lower cost than fully automatic espresso machines because many of the transport steps do not need to be automated. However, the results are less consistent due to the user's involvement in the filling and tamping process, particularly in setting the volume or weight of the coffee grounds, and the force and uniformity (straightness) of the tamping of the coffee grounds into a puck. Manual espresso machines require less maintenance because the coffee puck is removed by the customer after each brew as part of the brewing process.

[0010] Fully automatic machines produce more consistent results but cost more. They also remove the barista feel associated with using a manual espresso machine. Fully automatic machines also require more maintenance (refilling with coffee beans, refilling with water, removing the waste water, and discarding the coffee waste in the waste bin). Fully automatic machines can also be larger.

[0011] A third type of coffee machine has been proposed which combines elements from the two above types. This is described herein as a hybrid espresso machine.

[0012] For example, U.S. Patent No. 9,125,519 discloses a coffee maker with a removable portable filter for use in a manual espresso machine, but further comprising a bean container and a coffee grinder for transferring coffee grounds to the inserted portable filter. The portable filter functions as a brewing chamber, and the dispenser filter (forming a plunger) is used to automatically tamp and thereby compact the coffee grounds in the portable filter before pressurized hot water is transferred through the dispenser filter into the portable filter.

[0013] This hybrid espresso machine thus combines elements from both manual and fully automatic espresso machines. Thus, in this type of machine, the user simply connects the empty portable filter to the machine. Grinding, dosing the ground coffee in the portable filter, tamping the ground coffee, hot water transfer, and coffee dispensing then proceed automatically, as in a fully automatic machine. After brewing, the user disconnects the portable filter and discards the coffee, similar to how a manual espresso machine is used.

[0014] The present invention generally relates to espresso or coffee machines of this hybrid type, ie with an external portafilter, but with closing and tamping (if necessary) of the portafilter effected by the coffee machine to obtain consistent results.

[0015] In currently proposed designs, water is provided through the distribution filter by a plunger, which complicates the hydraulic connections in the distribution filter requiring a movable fluid connection as it moves with the piston.

[0016] Furthermore, the dispensing filter requires extensive cleaning since it has multiple holes that can become clogged with trapped coffee particles. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0018] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coffee machine, comprising:

[0019] a main housing having an external mounting port;

[0020] water storage tank;

[0021] water heater;

[0022] water pumps;

[0023] a coffee container for removably fitting into the external mounting port and adapted to receive freshly ground coffee;

[0024] a closing and / or tamping system for closing the coffee container and / or compacting the ground coffee in the coffee container by providing a relative movement between the closing and / or tamping system and the coffee container;

[0025] The coffee container includes a base and sidewalls defining an interior volume and an open top, wherein the coffee container includes a water inlet port extending through the sidewall, the water inlet port being used to deliver heated water to the interior volume of the coffee container.

[0026] This coffee maker provides hot water directly to the coffee container (the coffee container creates the brewing chamber and thus functions as a portable filter), rather than via a dispensing head that moves downward over the coffee container. In this way, a tighter water delivery system and fewer moving fluid channels become possible.

[0027] By removing the water dispensing function from the closure and / or tamping system, the closure and / or tamping system can have smooth surfaces that remain clean (rather than an array of dispensing holes), thereby reducing cleaning effort for the user and limiting the number of stale coffee particles in the brewing area.

[0028] The coffee container is preferably adapted to be removably fitted to the external mounting port by a bayonet-type assembly. This is a well-known coupling design for attaching a coffee container (e.g., a portable filter) to a coffee machine.

[0029] The main housing may include a water delivery port for delivering hot water to the coffee container, and the water delivery port forms a fluid connection with the water inlet port (of the coffee container) when the coffee container is adapted to the external mounting port.

[0030] Thus, an adapter to the coffee container, such as a portable filter, automatically makes the required fluid connection to allow hot water to flow to the coffee container.

[0031] For example, the closing and / or tamping system includes a tamping piston.

[0032] The tamping piston may have an annular groove that communicates with the water inlet port. This groove serves to distribute water around the coffee container and thus performs the function of a dispensing head. The water inlet port may then comprise a single opening in the inner surface of the sidewall. Thus, the water inlet port may be a simple channel through the sidewall of the coffee container. The annular groove in the tamping piston distributes the water.

[0033] As an alternative, there may be an annular groove around the inside of the coffee container (below the maximum insertion depth of the tamping piston).

[0034] In another design, the water inlet port comprises a collection of openings at the inner surface of the side wall. In this way, a distributed arrangement of openings can be provided by the channel means in the body of the coffee container.

[0035] For example, a coffee machine may include a hydraulic actuator, wherein the sealing and / or tamping system is driven by the hydraulic actuator. For example, the hydraulic actuator is used to move the sealing and / or tamping system up and down. As a result, the coffee container remains static, which simplifies the fluid connection to the coffee container. When the coffee container is attached to the coffee machine, a rigid fluid coupling that engages with each other can be used.

[0036] For example, the closing and / or tamping system can be actuated between an upper position and a lower position, wherein the coffee machine includes a chute for transferring coffee grounds to the coffee container via a space between the closing and / or tamping system and the coffee container when the closing and / or tamping system is in the upper position.

[0037] Thus, coffee can be transferred to the coffee machine with the coffee container in place, thereby reducing the number of steps for the user. A coffee grinder can be provided for transferring coffee grounds to the chute. A bean hopper can also be provided for transferring coffee beans to the coffee grinder.

[0038] For example, the coffee machine includes a controller adapted to control at least one of the following:

[0039] Heating of water;

[0040] Grinding of coffee beans;

[0041] dispensing ground coffee into the coffee container;

[0042] displacement of the closing and / or tamping system relative to the coffee container; and

[0043] Transfer of hot water to the coffee container BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how the same may be put into practice, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 It shows that the overall design of the coffee machine can be applied to various embodiments;

[0046] Figure 2 One example of a possible hydraulic circuit is shown;

[0047] Figure 3 An example of a coffee container of the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 4 shows the use of the coffee container during the transfer of coffee grounds; and

[0049] Figure 5 The use of the coffee container during the transfer of hot water is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the 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 drawings are schematic diagrams only and are 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 parts.

[0052] The present invention provides a coffee maker (e.g., a portable percolator) having an externally adapted coffee container for receiving freshly ground coffee. A closure and / or tamping system is provided for sealing the coffee container and / or compacting the coffee grounds therein by providing relative motion between the closure and / or tamping system and the coffee container. The coffee container has a water inlet port extending through a sidewall for delivering hot water to the interior volume of the coffee container.

[0053] Figure 1 The general design of a coffee machine to which the present invention may be applied is shown. The present invention relates in particular to a hybrid espresso coffee machine as described above.

[0054] The coffee maker 10 includes a main housing 12 having an external mounting port 14 for receiving a coffee container 16. The illustrated machine also includes a steam nozzle 24.

[0055] The coffee container 16 may include a filter or screen 17 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). It may also include a holder 18 for receiving a filter or filter screen. The coffee container 16 may also include a lower spout 20 for dispensing brewed coffee, and may have a crema valve aligned with the lower spout. The coffee container has a handle 19 to facilitate attachment to the mounting port 14. Thus, as shown in the figures, the coffee container 16 may correspond to a conventional portable filter. In use, the coffee container 16 is adapted to the external mounting port 14, for example, via a bayonet-type coupling.

[0056] In the present description, the term "coffee container" is generally used to denote a container that is filled with ground coffee and then closed to form a brewing chamber in which coffee is brewed.

[0057] In this hybrid machine, the brewing chamber can be considered at least partially external because it is formed by external removable parts. However, the ground coffee is transferred to the brewing chamber internally. After brewing, the pellets are discharged externally by the user.

[0058] The main housing 12 contains a hydraulic circuit that provides a fluid coupling between a water source (typically a water reservoir), an internal water heater, and a water delivery system having a water delivery head for delivering hot water to a coffee container 16 (functioning as a brew chamber).

[0059] Figure 2 An example of a possible hydraulic circuit is shown. Figure 2 An example of a hydraulic circuit with an internal grinder but an external coffee container is shown, and is therefore suitable for use in a hybrid coffee machine.

[0060] It should be noted that Figure 2 Adapted from PCT / EP2020 / 087481, reference is made to PCT / EP2020 / 087481 for further details. In particular, an alternative hydraulic circuit is disclosed in PCT / EP2020 / 087481, which may be similarly adapted and is only briefly outlined below.

[0061] Figure 2 Shown are a water reservoir 30, a flow meter 32 (for flow rate and delivery control), a water heater 34, a water pump 36, and a controller 38. The flow meter 32 can provide flow rate measurements to the controller 38, which can then control the heater and pump to execute the coffee brewing process. For example, the water heater can be a flow-through heater, such as a heat block. The flow meter 32 is optional. Delivery and flow rate control can also alternatively be accomplished via appropriate pump 36 control (e.g., power level and pump timing).

[0062] As will become clear from the following description, the coffee machine of the present invention provides a fluid channel for delivering hot water directly to the coffee container, rather than to a water delivery head forming part of the tamping system, as previously proposed and disclosed in PCT / EP2020 / 087481. In known designs, a water delivery head including a water distribution tray is used. The water distribution tray provides an area for delivering water to the ground coffee.

[0063] By providing relative movement between the tamping piston 40 and the coffee container 16, a sealing and tamping system for compacting the ground coffee in the coffee container is provided. This relative displacement seals the coffee container to form a closed chamber, i.e., the brewing chamber. Furthermore, it applies a force to the ground coffee to perform the tamping. The relative movement is achieved by moving the tamping piston 40.

[0064] The closing and tamping system comprises a hydraulic actuator 42 comprising a hydraulically driven piston 40. The hydraulic actuator may also comprise a return spring (not shown) to help retract the piston after brewing.

[0065] The water outlet from the water pump 36 is coupled to the hydraulic actuator 42 via the heater 34 through a first fluid coupling 44. The water outlet from the water pump is also coupled to the coffee container through a second fluid coupling 46. The second fluid coupling 46 includes a passive inline valve 48. When the pressure on the inlet side of the hydraulic actuator (i.e., at the branch point 50) reaches a desired pressure (e.g., a desired tamping pressure), the passive inline valve opens.

[0066] Below this pressure, valve 48 remains closed. There may be hysteresis so that valve 48 opens at a first threshold pressure (opening pressure) but only closes again when a lower second threshold pressure (closing pressure) is reached. Alternatively, there may be only one threshold pressure.

[0067] In this manner, water pump 36 is used for both brewing transfer water and sealing and tamping transfer water. Passive inline valve 48 automatically switches between these two transfer functions without requiring user interaction or an electric actuator. For example, when tamping pressure is reached, i.e., when tamping is complete, passive valve 48 opens. Water is then transferred to the coffee container via open valve 48. Tamping pressure is maintained during the transfer of water to the coffee container.

[0068] In the case where tamping of the coffee grounds is not required, the same system can be used to simply close the coffee container 16. In this case, the passive inline valve 48 can open when the closing pressure is reached.

[0069] It is also conceivable that the closure of the coffee container is accomplished via a different mechanism, for example manually. In this case, the above-described system can be used only to tamp the coffee grounds. Then, when the appropriate tamping pressure is reached, i.e., when tamping is complete, the passive inline valve 48 can be opened again.

[0070] The passive valve 48 functions as a pressure control system because it responds to the prevailing pressure. Therefore, sealing and / or tamping is reliable and repeatable. By implementing pressure control, the desired sealing and / or tamping pressure can be applied to any volume within the coffee container, which is not easily achieved using position control.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, to drain water from the hydraulic actuator, a return path can be provided between the hydraulic actuator 42 and the water reservoir 30. To open or close the return path, a valve 59 can be provided. For example, the valve 59 can comprise an electronic shutoff valve. However, a lower-cost alternative is a mechanical lock that can be actuated by a separate handle or by the act of attaching / detaching the coffee container 16. More specifically, the valve 59 can be closed when the coffee container 16 is attached and opened when the coffee container is detached. Thus, the opening and closing of the valve 59 can be controlled in response to or by the user attaching / detaching the coffee container.

[0072] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the first and second fluid couplings 44, 46 intersect at a branch point 50 downstream of the heater 34. Water is directed to the hydraulic actuator 42 or the coffee container from the same branch point 50. To avoid the use of hot water for the sealing and / or tamping process, the controller 38 can shut off the water heater 34 during actuation of the hydraulic actuator 42 and turn it on during the transfer of water to the coffee container.

[0073] In the pair Figure 2 In a first possible modification of the hydraulic circuit, the first fluid coupling 44 may instead be between the water reservoir 30 (or more specifically, the water pump 36) and the hydraulic actuator 42, rather than through the water heater 34, because hot water is not required to drive the hydraulic actuator 42. However, the second fluid coupling 46 is between the water reservoir 30 (or more specifically, the water pump 36) and the coffee container through the water heater 34.

[0074] In the pair Figure 2In a second possible modification of the hydraulic circuit, the first fluid coupling 44 could instead be located between the water reservoir 30 and the hydraulic actuator 42, without passing through the water heater 34, and include the pump 36. The second fluid coupling 46 would then be located between the hydraulic actuator 42 and the coffee container, passing through the water heater 34. Thus, the two fluid couplings are connected in series, one on each side of the hydraulic actuator 42. The pump 36 is in the first fluid coupling 44, and the heater 34 is in the second fluid coupling 46. Again, cold water can be used for sealing and / or tamping, and hot water for brewing. Heating occurs between the hydraulic actuator and the coffee container. This avoids cooling the water during the sealing and / or tamping process, reducing energy use.

[0075] Further details of these alternatives are in PCT / EP2020 / 087481. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the use of passive inline valves, and more conventional hydraulic circuits may use active valves to separate different flow paths in the system.

[0076] Figure 2 Also shown is a bean hopper 54 and a coffee grinder 56 having a ground coffee outlet 58. Figure 2 An internal coffee grinder and brew chamber is shown in the form of a coffee container 16 which is removably mounted to the external mounting port 14 and is emptied externally by a user as part of normal operation of the coffee machine.

[0077] Figure 3 An example of a coffee container 16 for use in the above hydraulic circuit according to the present invention is shown. As mentioned above, the coffee container is adapted to be removably fitted to an external mounting port and is suitable for receiving freshly ground coffee.

[0078] The coffee container 16 includes a base 60 and sidewalls 62, which together define an interior volume 64 and an open top 66. The coffee container also includes a water inlet port 70 extending through the sidewall 62 for transferring hot water to the interior volume 64 of the coffee container. In this manner, water does not need to be transferred through the tamping piston 40, thus allowing for a smooth end surface without holes. This makes cleaning easier, as the coffee container is the only part that must be thoroughly cleaned. This is of course simple, as it is removed from the coffee machine by each user and can be cleaned in a dishwasher, for example.

[0079] The external mounting port has a water delivery port for delivering hot water to the coffee container. When the coffee container is fitted to the main housing, for example by a bayonet coupling as described above, the water delivery port (of the main housing and forming part of the bayonet coupling) is fluidly connected to the water inlet port 70.

[0080] Thus, rotation of the coffee container to complete the bayonet coupling aligns the water inlet port and the water delivery port. When the bayonet coupling is complete, the seal can be maintained by the compressed coffee container or main housing.

[0081] The water inlet port 70 has an external connection port 72 that is coupled to the water delivery port, and an internal opening 74 that leads to the interior volume 64 .

[0082] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the water inlet port 70 has a single interior opening 74 on the interior surface of the side wall 62 and a single connection port 72 on the exterior surface of the side wall.

[0083] However, as will be further shown below, the tamping piston may have an annular groove, in particular an inner opening 74, communicating with the water inlet 70 so that water can diffuse around the ring.

[0084] Alternatively, the water inlet port 70 may include a collection of openings on the inner surface of the sidewall, but a single connection port on the outer surface of the sidewall. Thus, the single connection port on the exterior of the coffee container may then branch into a collection of interior openings within the body of the coffee container to provide more consistent water delivery to the interior volume 64.

[0085] Figure 4 A coffee container 16 is shown having a closure and / or tamping system, specifically a tamping piston 80, having a lower closure surface 82 spaced above the open top of the coffee container.

[0086] Figure 4 The tamping piston 80 is shown in an upper position. The coffee maker includes a chute 58 (as described above) for transferring coffee grounds to the coffee container via the space between the lower closure surface 82 and the coffee container when in this upper position. The transfer of coffee grounds is indicated by arrow 86. The chute 58 receives coffee from the coffee grinder 56, which in turn receives coffee beans from the bean hopper 54. However, pre-ground coffee can alternatively be provided via the chute or directly into the coffee container.

[0087] Figure 4 Also shown is an annular groove 90 around the bottom of the tamping piston 80. At the outlet from the coffee container is a crema valve 92 through which the brewed coffee is transferred.

[0088] When the coffee container is connected to the main housing, coffee dosing begins.

[0089] Then, if Figure 5As shown, closing and optional tamping are performed. The tamping piston 80 is moved to a lower position, in which it closes the open top of the coffee container and, if necessary, compacts the coffee grounds. Thus, the tamping piston moves downward to tamp the coffee bed and form a watertight brewing chamber with the interior volume 64 of the coffee container.

[0090] The water used to brew the coffee is fed to and through the sidewall of the coffee container. The water connection to the water inlet port 70 is connected to the water source of the coffee machine by the same movement used to lock the coffee container to the appliance.

[0091] In the example shown, water is diffused around the coffee container through an annular groove 90 in the tamping piston 80. As mentioned above, water may also be injected from one or more internal openings in the side wall.

[0092] The example above uses a hydraulically actuated tamping piston. However, an electric actuator or even a manual lever could be used.

[0093] Different channel designs can be provided around the base of the tamping piston or the sidewall of the coffee container to provide a dispensing function. However, in all cases, water is transferred to the internal volume 64 through the sidewall of the coffee container, rather than through the body of the tamping piston.

[0094] Other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented 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. A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of several items listed in the claims. The 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. If the term "suitable for" is used in a claim or description, it should be noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured for". Any figure marks in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A coffee machine, comprising: a main housing (12) having an external mounting port (14); water storage container (30); Water heater (34); Water pump (36); a coffee container (16) for removably fitting to the external mounting port and adapted to receive freshly ground coffee; a closing and / or tamping system, comprising a tamping piston, for closing the coffee container and / or tamping the ground coffee in the coffee container by providing a relative movement between the closing and / or tamping system and the coffee container; wherein the coffee container includes a base (60) and a sidewall (62) defining an interior volume (64) and includes an open top (66), wherein the coffee container includes a water inlet port (70) extending through the sidewall for delivering heated water to the interior volume (64) of the coffee container; The tamping piston has an annular groove communicating with the water inlet port.

2. The coffee maker of claim 1, wherein the coffee container (16) is removably adapted to the external mounting port (14) by a bayonet-type assembly.

3. The coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main housing (12) includes a water delivery port for delivering heated water to the coffee container, and wherein when the coffee container is adapted to the external mounting port, the water delivery port forms a fluid connection with the water inlet port.

4. The coffee maker of claim 1 or 2, wherein the water inlet port comprises a single opening at an inner surface of the side wall.

5. The coffee maker of claim 1 or 2, wherein the water inlet port comprises a collection of openings at an inner surface of the side wall.

6. The coffee maker of claim 1 or 2, wherein the water inlet port comprises a single connection port at an outer surface of the side wall.

7. Coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a hydraulic actuator (42), wherein the closing and / or tamping system is driven by the hydraulic actuator (42).

8. Coffee machine according to claim 7, wherein the hydraulic actuator is used to displace the closing and / or tamping system up and down.

9. A coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing and / or tamping system is actuable between an upper position and a lower position, wherein the coffee machine comprises a chute for transferring coffee grounds to the coffee container via a space between the closing and / or tamping system and the coffee container when the closing and / or tamping system is in the upper position.

10. The coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a coffee grinder.

11. The coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a bean storage container (54).

12. The coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a controller (38) adapted to control at least one of the following: Heating of water; Grinding of coffee beans; dispensing ground coffee into the coffee container; displacement of the closing and / or tamping system relative to the coffee container; and Transfer of hot water to the coffee container.

Images