Coffee filter and method of delivering coffee

Abstract

Disclosed is a coffee percolator (1) comprising: a delivery unit (2) configured to deliver water to a filter cup (7) to produce a coffee input liquid; a pump unit (3) in fluid connection with the delivery unit (2) configured to draw water from an external water supply and to feed water to the delivery unit (2) in a controlled manner; a dispensing unit (4) arranged between the delivery unit (2) and the pump unit (3) configured to obtain a volume amount (Q) of delivered water; an adjuster unit (5) arranged between the delivery unit (2) and the pump unit (3) configured to control the pressure of the delivered water; an electronic control unit (6) operatively connected to the adjuster unit (5) configured to control the delivery pressure (p) of the delivered water through the adjuster unit (5); wherein the control unit (6) is further operatively connected to the dispensing unit (4) and configured to define two subsequent adjustment phases while delivering water from the delivery unit (2), wherein the delivery pressure (p) is adjusted according to one or more predetermined delivery times (t) and one or more volume amounts (Q), respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to coffee percolators and methods of delivering coffee as specified in the preamble of the first claim. Background Technology

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a coffee percolator, which includes a delivery unit preferably provided with multiple water heaters. Such a coffee percolator is disclosed in documents US-A-2016 / 249763 and US-A-2016 / 278569.

[0003] Coffee is a well-known and traditionally highly valued beverage that can be prepared using a variety of machines. Among these, automatic machines and lever-driven machines are particularly well-known.

[0004] An automatic coffee percolator includes at least a delivery unit that can be connected to a filter bowl that delivers coffee infusion to a collection cup, a kettle configured to heat the infused water, a control button for actuating the coffee infusion with water, and a pressurization system connected to the delivery unit to allow management of the pressure acting on the coffee to be delivered.

[0005] Typically, automatic machines allow coffee input liquid to be delivered at a constant pressure (e.g., 9 bar), so they are not the preferred tools for producing high-quality coffee.

[0006] In fact, it is well known that by maintaining low pressure in the first stage of coffee pre-infusion and increasing pressure in the second infusion stage (as the actual delivery stage), the resulting espresso has superior sensory properties compared to coffee produced by applying constant pressure throughout the coffee delivery cycle.

[0007] In contrast, lever-driven machines are manually operated instruments, primarily used by trained personnel, and at least include a delivery unit that can be connected to a filter bowl that delivers coffee infusion to a collection cup, a kettle configured to heat the infused water, and a pressurization system connected to the delivery unit to allow for management of the pressure acting on the coffee to be delivered.

[0008] Basically, in the operation of the machine, once the filter bowl is filled with the given amount of ground coffee and connected to the delivery unit, a lever can be driven to deliver hot water to the grind. After the coffee is poured in with hot water, the lever can be returned to the starting position while pressing the coffee puck, thus expelling the beverage from the filter bowl.

[0009] Therefore, lever-driven machines allow for professional control of both coffee injection pressure and coffee delivery pressure, resulting in high-quality coffee beverages. Of course, the main challenge in using lever-driven machines is the need for the right personnel, as proper coffee injection essentially depends on the skillful hands of professionals in the field to obtain the extraction profile using the lever-driven machine. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In this context, the technical objective of the present invention is to develop a coffee percolator and a related method for delivering coffee, allowing the production of high-quality coffee input liquid under automated machine control.

[0011] Another important objective of this invention is to develop a coffee percolator and a related method for delivering coffee, which can be enjoyed by any user (even those not skilled in the art).

[0012] The technical problem and specific objective are achieved by a coffee percolator and related methods for delivering coffee, as described in appended claim 1. Preferred technical solutions are indicated in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The features and advantages of the present invention are clarified below by a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a functional schematic diagram of the coffee percolator according to the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is an illustrative diagram of a method for delivering coffee according to the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is an illustration showing a first embodiment of a coffee delivery method implemented according to the present invention; and

[0017] Figure 4 This is an illustration showing a second embodiment of a coffee delivery method implemented according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In this document, when associated with "approximately" or other similar terms (such as "almost" or "substantially"), the measurement, value, form, or geometric reference (e.g., perpendicularity and parallelism) should first be understood in relation to a slight deviation from the value, measurement, form, or geometric reference to which it relates, except for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing. For example, when these items are associated with values, it is best to indicate a deviation of no more than 10% of the value.

[0019] Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “higher,” “lower,” “primary,” and “secondary” are not necessarily used to indicate the order, priority of a relationship, or corresponding position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components from each other.

[0020] Unless otherwise stated, terms such as “processing,” “informatics,” “determining,” and “computing” refer to the actions and / or processes by which a computer or similar electronic computing device manipulates and / or converts data represented as physical data (e.g., electronic quantities in information systems and / or memories) into other data represented as physical quantities within information systems, registers, or other devices for data storage, transmission, or display.

[0021] Unless otherwise stated, the measurements and data reported in this disclosure shall be deemed to be performed in accordance with ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975).

[0022] Referring now to the figures in the accompanying drawings, the coffee percolator according to the invention is generally shown by reference numeral 1.

[0023] Machine 1 is capable of producing coffee input liquid. Therefore, machine 1 simply includes at least a delivery unit 2 and a pump unit 3.

[0024] The delivery unit 2 is essentially configured to deliver water. Specifically, like most professional coffee percolators, the delivery unit 2 is configured to deliver water to the filter cup 7. The filter cup 7 essentially comprises a container for grinding coffee, with a hole drilled in its bottom to allow the passage of coffee infusion produced by wetting the coffee contained therein with pressurized hot water. The filter cup 7 typically includes a handle suitable for easy gripping by the user. In any case, the filter cup 7 itself is known to those skilled in the art and may be part of or simply compatible with the machine 1.

[0025] Therefore, the delivery unit 2 is configured to supply water to the filter cup 7 to produce coffee input liquid. Specifically, the delivery unit 2 may include a connecting portion to which the filter cup 7 can be connected. Furthermore, the delivery unit 2 may include a water heater 20, which may be a multi-boiler.

[0026] Pump unit 3 is configured to draw water from an external water supply or a suitable container. Furthermore, it can be configured to deliver water to delivery unit 2 in a controlled manner. Therefore, pump unit 3 is connected to delivery unit 2 via a fluid channel. For this connection, machine 1 can obviously include a suitable hydraulic circuit. Pump unit 3 may include pump 30, which is essentially the type common in the coffee percolator field. In any case, pump 30 is configured for delivery, i.e., pumping water is sufficient. Pump 30 can be driven by motor 31.

[0027] When present, motor 31 is part of pump unit 3. Therefore, motor 31 is configured to drive pump 30 under controlled conditions. For example, motor 31 can be asynchronous. Furthermore, motor 31 can be equipped with a water cooling system. When present, water cooling is achieved by the same water from a hydraulic network outside pump 30. Therefore, the water flowing through motor body 31 is not only cooled and made more efficient, but is also partially heated before entering pump 30. After leaving pump 30, the water is pressurized and delivered to delivery unit 2.

[0028] Machine 1 may advantageously include other components. Preferably, machine 1 includes an intermediate component operatively arranged between conveying unit 2 and pump unit 3. Therefore, machine 1 includes a dispensing unit 4. Dispensing unit 4 is disposed between conveying unit 2 and pump unit 3.

[0029] The distribution unit 4 is advantageously configured to acquire the volume Q of the conveyed water. Therefore, when water flowing from the pump unit 3, particularly from the pump 30, is transferred to the delivery unit 2, the volume Q is measured. In any case, any sensor suitable for detecting said volume Q can be advantageously used in the machine 1.

[0030] Machine 1 also includes an adjustment unit 5. The adjustment unit 5 is arranged between the conveying unit 2 and the pump unit 3, just like the distribution unit 4. For example, as a further detail, the adjustment unit 5 may be located downstream of the distribution unit 4.

[0031] Advantageously, the adjusting unit 5 is configured to control the pressure of the conveying water. Therefore, the adjusting unit 5 may be able to obtain at least the value p of the conveying pressure that the conveying water is subjected to or when it enters the conveying unit 2.

[0032] The delivery pressure p can be the same as the pressure of the water supplied by pump 30. Otherwise, the delivery pressure p can be appropriately controlled by adjusting unit 5. For this purpose, adjusting unit 5 may include valve 50. Valve 50 can be configured in detail to control delivery pressure p. Preferably, valve 50 is a motor-operated stepping proportional valve. An example of such valve 50 is disclosed in paragraphs

[0036] to

[0040] of document EP 2991530 B. Figure 1-3 The Chinese text is included here for reference.

[0033] The adjustment unit 5 also includes a pressure transducer 51. The pressure transducer 51 is optional for the operation of the valve 50 and is configured to acquire the delivery pressure p at the output of the valve 50. More specifically, the pressure transducer 51 allows for feedback control of the valve 50.

[0034] In practice, machine 1 may also preferably include a control unit 6. This control unit 6 is preferably electronic and operatively connected to the adjustment unit 5. Therefore, the control unit 6 is configured to control the delivery pressure p of the delivery water via the adjustment unit 5.

[0035] More specifically, the control unit 6 is operatively connected to both the valve 50 and the pressure transducer 51. The control unit 6 can control the valve 50, while simultaneously checking with the pressure transducer 51 whether the actual delivery pressure p corresponds to the control pressure. Therefore, the control unit 6 provides feedback control to the valve 50.

[0036] Therefore, the control unit 6 may include a simple electronic card 60. This electronic card 60 is a known component, at least equipped with a processor and possibly internal memory, which can efficiently execute commands given from the outside or even through algorithms recorded in the internal memory. Typically, the control unit 6 allows the execution of the control system of machine 1.

[0037] Advantageously, the control unit 6 is also operatively connected to the distribution unit 4. Furthermore, the control unit 6 is configured to define two adjustment stages during water delivery to the delivery unit 2. These adjustment stages are comprised of the control unit 6 and are sequential or consecutive to each other.

[0038] Specifically, in the first adjustment stage, the delivery pressure p is adjusted relative to one or more predetermined delivery times t. The delivery time t can be determined by the control unit 6 and substantially defines the duration for which water flows out of the delivery unit 2.

[0039] In the second adjustment stage, the delivery pressure p is adjusted relative to one or more volume quantities Q. Adjustment based on volume quantity Q can be based on absolute or relative data. This means the machine can be configured to adjust the pressure according to either the absolute volume quantity Q of the water being delivered or a relative volume quantity (possibly a percentage of the water to be delivered) compared to a predetermined amount of water to be delivered.

[0040] For example, if control unit 6 is configured to deliver a given amount of water according to the coffee input liquid, then pressure adjustment of the second adjustment stage can be achieved based on a predetermined amount reaching a percentage volume Q. An example of this control will be explained more clearly below.

[0041] Therefore, machine 1 allows for substantial mixing control of the water delivery from delivery unit 2 to filter cup 7 to obtain coffee input liquid.

[0042] The operation of the coffee percolator 1 described above in terms of its structure is similar to that of any conventional coffee percolator. However, the present invention includes a novel coffee delivery process. More specifically, the process includes a delivery stage. In the delivery stage, water is delivered by the delivery unit 2 to obtain the coffee infusion liquid. Advantageously, the delivery stage includes two sub-stages. In fact, in the delivery stage, the delivery pressure p is first adjusted for one or more predetermined delivery times t.

[0043] Following the initial adjustment, the delivery pressure p is adjusted relative to one or more predetermined volume quantities Q, as previously described. Therefore, the delivery of the input fluid is achieved by controlling the pressure according to specific logic.

[0044] Therefore, the present invention allows for the manufacture of a control system for a coffee percolator, including means for implementing the process described herein.

[0045] Furthermore, the present invention allows the execution of computer programs, including instructions that, when the program is executed by the computer, allow the computer to perform the above-described process.

[0046] In summary, the present invention allows for the creation of a computer-readable file system, including instructions that, when executed by the computer, allow the computer to perform the above-described process.

[0047] As previously stated, the system can essentially be implemented by control unit 6. Therefore, programs and files can be part of control unit 6, for example, implemented more specifically in control card 60.

[0048] Therefore, the present invention allows the machine 1 to be programmed to operate the delivery system in a manner equivalent to that of a manually operated lever machine. Thus, programming allows for appropriate control of pressure variation patterns as a function of the delivery dose.

[0049] The following example illustrates the operation guide.

[0050] In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the control system may, for example, be based on filling in a table with two rows and seven columns, thereby allowing a total of 14 values ​​to be defined. Therefore, the control matrix can be made as follows, where the values ​​of the delivery pressure p, delivery time t, and volume Q (as a percentage of a given predetermined amount) are distinguished by subscripts.

[0051]

[0052]

[0053] The control characteristics are as follows: for the first four values ​​in the table, the pressure value is defined as a function of time; for the next three values, it is a percentage of the delivered volume Q. The pressure value is measured by pressure transducer 51. The delivery time t, in seconds, is given by a count that begins with the delivery. The percentage of the delivered water volume Q is obtained from data from the volume counter of distribution unit 4.

[0054] exist Figure 2 The first 30cc / cm shown 3 In the example of volumetric transport, the following values ​​are given:

[0055] Pressure [Bar] 1 9 9 9 9 9 9 Time (seconds) 5 7 7 7 Volume percentage 50％ 75％ 100％

[0056] Basically, the table shows a conventional operating profile with a constant pressure of 9 bar, which is typical of conventional electronic machines.

[0057] exist Figure 3 The second 30cc / cm shown 3 In the example of volumetric transport, the following values ​​are given:

[0058] Pressure [Bar] 1 12 12 12 8 4 0 Time (seconds) 5 7 7 7 Volume percentage 50％ 75％ 100％

[0059] Essentially, this table displays a profile under conventional lever operation. The pressure profile provides a coffee pre-infusion stage that occurs at a programmable pressure value and is, in any case, very low, to allow for proper wetting within the given timeframe.

[0060] At the end of the pre-injection phase, the actual coffee delivery begins, and the pressure suddenly increases to the previously programmed maximum value.

[0061] Once the maximum value is reached, the pressure begins to decrease gradually in a manner exactly similar to that in a lever machine, and the delivery ends with a small residual pressure.

[0062] exist Figure 4 The third 30cc / cm shown 3 In the example of volumetric transport, the following values ​​are given:

[0063] Pressure [Bar] 1 12 12 12 8 4 0 Time (seconds) 5 7 15 15 Volume percentage 50％ 75％ 100％

[0064] Essentially, the table displays an extended lever profile. For this pressure profile, the pre-injection time and maximum pressure can be specified, as well as the time to maintain that maximum pressure before gradually reducing the pressure until the delivery is complete.

[0065] In summary, at the fourth 30cc / cm 3 In an example of volumetric transport, not shown in the accompanying drawings, the following values ​​are given:

[0066] Pressure [Bar] 1 11 6 11 7 4 2 Time (seconds) 5 7 15 23 Volume percentage 70％ 85％ 100％

[0067] Essentially, the table displays a personalized profile. For example, this pressure profile can be completely varied. This pressure profile allows for maximum freedom in specifying pressure values ​​and creating unusual profiles to obtain the most suitable extraction and the best quality coffee cup input from any mixture.

[0068] A real-world example might be a profile resembling the letter M, or a curve similar to the pressure profile obtained by a lever machine at approximately half the delivery time by restarting the movement.

[0069] Generally speaking, as can be seen from the example above, at the start of delivery, it is preferable to infer the coffee pre-injection time in terms of delivery time t, corresponding to the coffee being wetted at near-room pressure, and the subsequent stage of increasing and maintaining delivery pressure p.

[0070] Conversely, at the end of the conveying process, the primary consideration is the conveying volume, because the actual conveying time t for each conveying can be variable, taking into account other uncontrollable parameters (such as the grind quality of the coffee particles).

[0071] Therefore, it is generally preferable to define the value of the conveying pressure p based on the actual volume Q of the coffee being conveyed, and compare it with the total amount to be conveyed, corresponding to the amount predetermined before conveying.

[0072] According to the present invention, the coffee percolator or machine 1 and the related conveying method have gained significant advantages.

[0073] In practice, coffee percolators and related delivery methods allow for the production of high-quality coffee infusions, either automatically performed by the same machine or, if necessary, entirely managed by an operator. Furthermore, coffee percolators and related delivery methods can be easily managed by any user (even those unfamiliar with the art).

[0074] The present invention may include variations that fall within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims.

[0075] For example, the control unit 6 may explicitly include an access panel, for instance, operatively connected to an electronic card 60. This allows for user access to the programming of the coffee percolator 1, enabling arbitrary manipulation of parameters (i.e., the values ​​of delivery pressure p, delivery time t, and volumetric quantity Q).

[0076] Clearly, this panel may include a button bar and a display device, suitable for showing the user changes to parameters and operation summaries, if needed, such as... Figure 2-4 As shown.

[0077] The control unit 6 can also be configured to suggest several preset operation profiles to the user, which may be stored in the main memory of the control unit 6.

[0078] In this respect, all details can be replaced with equivalent elements, and their materials, forms, and sizes can be freely chosen.

Claims

1. A coffee machine (1), comprising: - The delivery unit (2) is configured to deliver water to the filter cup (7) to produce coffee input liquid; - Pump unit (3), fluidly connected to the delivery unit (2), and configured to draw water from an external water network and deliver the water to the delivery unit (2) in a controlled manner. - A distribution unit (4) is disposed between the conveying unit (2) and the pump unit (3) and is configured to measure the volume (Q) of the water being conveyed. - Regulator unit (5), disposed between the conveying unit (2) and the pump unit (3), and configured to control the conveying pressure of the conveyed water; - An electronic control unit (6) is operatively connected to the regulator unit (5) and configured to control the delivery pressure (p) of the water being delivered via the regulator unit (5). -The control unit (6) is also operatively connected to the distribution unit (4) and configured to define two subsequent adjustment stages when the water is being delivered from the delivery unit (2). And it is characterized in that the two subsequent adjustment levels include: In the first adjustment step, the conveying pressure (p) is adjusted according to one or more predetermined conveying times (t), and the value of the conveying pressure (p) is a function of time. The second adjustment step, wherein the delivery pressure (p) is adjusted according to one or more of the volume (Q), and the value of the delivery pressure (p) is a function of the volume (Q).

2. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second adjustment step is consecutive to the first adjustment step.

3. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein, In the second adjustment step, the control unit (6) is configured to adjust the delivery pressure (p) according to the absolute volume (Q) of the water being delivered or the relative volume (Q) of the water being delivered relative to a predetermined amount of water to be delivered.

4. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the relative volume (Q) is expressed as a percentage value.

5. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the regulator unit (5) includes a valve (50) configured to control the delivery pressure (p) and at least one pressure transducer (51) configured to acquire the delivery pressure (p) such that the control unit (6) performs feedback control on the valve (50).

6. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 5, wherein the valve (50) is a stepper motor operated proportional valve.

7. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 6, wherein the pump unit (3) includes a pump (30) configured to deliver the water and a motor (31) configured to drive the pump (30) according to instructions.

8. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein the motor (31) is an asynchronous motor and is provided with a water cooling system.

9. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the delivery unit (2) includes a multi-boiler (20).

10. A method for delivering coffee using a coffee machine according to any one of claims 1-9, comprising at least the step of delivering the water from the delivery unit (2) to generate the coffee input liquid. And it is characterized by, During the step of conveying the water from the delivery unit (2) to produce the coffee input liquid, the method includes two adjustment steps: a) Adjust the conveying pressure (p) according to one or more predetermined conveying times (t), and b) Adjust the delivery pressure (p) according to one or more of the volume (Q).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the adjustment step b) is consecutive to the adjustment step a).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, In the adjustment step b), the delivery pressure (p) is adjusted based on the absolute volume (Q) of the water being delivered or the relative volume (Q) of the water being delivered relative to a predetermined amount of water to be delivered.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the relative volume (Q) is expressed as a percentage value.

14. A control system for a coffee percolator, comprising means for implementing the method according to claim 10.

15. A computer program product, comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, allow the computer to perform the method according to claim 10.

16. A computer-readable archive medium, comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, allow the computer to perform the method according to claim 10.

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