Hot drink dispensing system

Abstract

A hot beverage dispensing system (100) comprises a diverter (5) switchable between a first conduit (6) of a hotter circuit (A) and a second conduit (7) of a less hot circuit (B) to change the dispensing temperature (To) of the hot water to extract the beverage in the shortest possible time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot beverage dispensing system, in particular to a hot beverage dispensing system for a coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been a demand for hot drinks not only coffee but also tea or herbal tea, so the hot water is dispensed by the same coffee machine designed to dispense espresso steam.

[0003] EP 4 129 124 A1 in the name of the same applicant describes a filter holder with a special conical filter for dispensing coffee-based beverages, such as Americano.

[0004] As tests have shown, coffee machines require increasingly advanced technology to quickly change the water temperature for each beverage dispensed.

[0005] In fact, while coffee brewed with a conical filter is usually brewed at temperatures between 85°C and 95°C, some types of tea must be brewed at lower temperatures, even around 70°C.

[0006] Currently, machines using cone filter technology are able to dispense hot coffee and tea beverages by using the coffee machine's water circuit, specifically a dispensing unit made of heated metal, which keeps the temperature of the beverage to be dispensed stable. While this allows for excellent temperature repeatability for each beverage, changing the temperature takes several minutes.

[0007] Such a problem is encountered when the operator wants to change the type of coffee and use a new type of coffee that requires a different extraction temperature than the previous coffee required. In addition, such a problem is prolonged if the operator wants to dispense a cup of tea or herbal tea immediately after dispensing a cup of coffee, because the temperature of the hot water for tea must be at least 15°C lower than the water temperature for coffee.

[0008] US 20216 / 206065 describes a machine for dispensing hot drinks in which hot user water from a boiler is mixed with cold water so as to supply a dispensing unit with water at a lower temperature than the water supplied directly from the boiler.

[0009] US2006 / 042470 discloses a beverage machine, which includes an injection nozzle for injecting gas into a beverage. The injection nozzle is connected to a pressurizing device, so that the pressurizing device receives a volume of water from a pump to compress a volume of gas contained inside and discharge it toward the injection nozzle. Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a hot beverage dispensing system that is able to quickly adapt to the water temperature required for dispensing the beverage.

[0011] Another object is to provide a hot beverage dispensing system that is versatile and can be integrated into a conventional coffee machine.

[0012] Another object is to provide a hot beverage dispensing system that is efficient, accurate and reliable.

[0013] These objects are achieved according to the invention having the features of the attached independent claim 1 .

[0014] Advantageous results of the invention emerge from the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Further features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the purely illustrative and therefore non-limiting form of its embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a hot beverage dispensing system according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 1A yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of a dispensing unit of a hot beverage dispensing system;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Hydraulic diagram of the hot beverage dispensing system;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of the operation of a hot beverage dispensing system; and

[0020] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C It is shown by Figure 3 Three flow charts of three algorithms implemented by the control unit of the hot beverage dispensing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] With the aid of the accompanying drawings, a hot beverage dispensing system according to the invention is described and is generally indicated by the reference numeral 100 .

[0022] Reference now Figure 1 , the hot beverage dispensing system 100 comprises a dispensing unit 4 and a filter holder 2 adapted to be coupled to the dispensing unit 4 .

[0023] The filter holder 2 has a filter 20 suitable for containing the product from which the hot beverage is extracted. The filter 20 can contain coffee, tea or other herbal tea products.

[0024] The filter 20 may be a conical filter as described in EP 4 129 124 A1 or it may be a conventional filter for use in a filter holder of an espresso machine.

[0025] The dispensing unit 4 has a body 40 made of a metallic material which is a good conductor of heat.

[0026] The resistor R2 is embedded in the body 40 of the dispensing unit for heating the body 40 of the dispensing unit, so that, by heat exchange, the body 40 of the dispensing unit heats the water that passes through the body and is distributed to the filter 20 of the filter holder.

[0027] The temperature sensor S2 is provided in the main body 40 of the dispensing unit so as to detect the temperature of the main body of the dispensing unit.

[0028] The dispensing unit 4 comprises a shower screen 3 for dispensing hot water in the form of drops to the filter 20. The shower screen 3 comprises a perforated disc 30 supporting a flow restrictor 31. Such a shower screen 3 is described, for example, in EP3469962A1.

[0029] The hot beverage dispensing system 100 comprises a heater 1 arranged upstream of the dispensing unit 4. The heater 1 is a boiler or a momentary coil heater or other type of heater with an electrical resistance.

[0030] The heater 1 comprises a container 10 adapted to be filled with water and a resistor R1 disposed in the container 10 to heat the water in the container 10. A temperature sensor S1 is disposed in the container 10 of the heater for detecting the temperature of the water contained in the container of the heater.

[0031] The container 10 of the heater 1 is filled with cold water from a water supply system 200. A supply pipe 201 connects the water supply system 200 to the container 10 of the heater. A pump P is provided in the water supply pipe 201 for pumping water from the water supply system 200 to the container 10 of the heater and ensuring sufficient water pressure in the hot beverage dispensing system 100.

[0032] Also refer to Figure 2 , a check valve, a solenoid valve, a safety valve, a flow meter, a pressure gauge and a nozzle can be set in the supply pipeline 201.

[0033] An outlet pipe 12 is connected to the heater's reservoir 10 to dispense pressurized hot water from the instantaneous heater.

[0034] A flow divider 5 is arranged in the outlet duct 12 of the heater so as to divert the water into a first duct 6 forming part of a hotter circuit A or into a second duct 7 forming part of a less hot circuit B.

[0035] The flow divider 5 comprises a three-way solenoid valve having an inlet 50 connected to the outlet pipe 12 of the heater, a first outlet 51 connected to the first pipe 6 of the hotter circuit A, and a second outlet 52 connected to the second pipe 7 of the less hot circuit B.

[0036] Respective non-return valves 60 , 70 are or can be provided in the first duct 6 and the second duct 7 , thereby allowing a unidirectional flow towards the dispensing unit 4 .

[0037] Reference Figure 1A , the first pipe 6 of the hotter circuit A enters the body 40 of the distribution unit through the first fitting 61 and is connected to the connecting pipe 8 formed in the distribution unit. The first pipe 6 extends inside the body 40 of the distribution unit for having an inner pipe portion 6a of length L1 from the first fitting 61 to the connecting pipe 8.

[0038] The second pipe 7 of the less hot circuit B enters the body 40 of the distribution unit through the second fitting 71 and is connected to the connecting pipe 8 provided in the distribution unit 7. The inner pipe portion 7a extends inside the body 40 of the distribution unit for having a length L2 from the second fitting 71 to the connecting pipe 8.

[0039] It should be noted that the inner pipe portion 6a of the first pipe 6 is longer than the inner pipe portion 7a of the second pipe 7, for example, the length L1 of the inner pipe portion 6a of the first pipe 6 is 8 to 12 times the length L2 of the inner pipe portion 7a of the second pipe 7.

[0040] In view of the above, the water flowing in the inner pipe portion 6a of the first pipe 6 travels a longer path in the body of the distribution unit, is not cooled and keeps its temperature constant. The water flowing in the inner pipe portion 7a of the second pipe 7 travels a shorter path in the body of the distribution unit, is not heated by heat exchange (if the body of the distribution unit has a higher temperature) and keeps its temperature constant.

[0041] To this end, the first duct 6 belongs to the hotter circuit A, while the second duct 7 belongs to the less hot circuit B.

[0042] In addition, the inner pipe portion 6a of the first pipe 6 is arranged near the resistor R2 of the distribution unit. Specifically, considering that the resistor R2 of the distribution unit has an elongated tubular shape, the inner pipe portion 6a of the first pipe 6 extends into the body 40 of the distribution unit at a distance D1 from the resistor R2 in a direction parallel to the resistor R2.

[0043] In contrast, the inner pipe portion 7a of the second pipe 7 is away from the resistor R2 of the distribution unit. Specifically, the inner pipe portion 7a of the second pipe 7 extends perpendicularly to the resistor R2 at a distance D2 from the end of the resistor, which is greater than the distance D1 of the inner pipe portion 6a of the first pipe 6 from the resistor R2.

[0044] This particular arrangement of the inner pipe portion 6a of the first pipe 6 and the inner pipe portion 7a of the second pipe 7 helps to increase the temperature difference between the temperature of water supplied from the first pipe 6 to the connecting pipe 8 and the temperature of water supplied from the second pipe 7 to the connecting pipe 8.

[0045] The connecting pipe 8 is shorter than the inner pipe portion 6 a of the first pipe 6 and is arranged at a distal position relative to the resistor R2 .

[0046] The connection pipe 8 is connected to a dump solenoid valve 9 which enables the hot water to flow to a distribution pipe 45 formed in the body 40 of the distribution unit and communicating with the water distribution network 3 .

[0047] The dump solenoid valve 9 is a three-way valve having an inlet 90 connected to the connecting pipe 8 , a first outlet 91 connected to the distribution pipe 45 , and a second outlet 92 connected to the discharge pipe 301 connected to the discharge device 300 .

[0048] Reference Figure 3 The hot beverage dispensing system 100 comprises a control unit U operatively connected to the diverter 5 so as to control the diverter 5 so as to activate the first conduit of the hotter circuit A or the second conduit 7 of the less hot circuit B according to the set dispensing temperature To of the hot beverage.

[0049] For setting the dispensing temperature To, the hot beverage dispensing system 100 comprises a user interface I, such as a control panel, which a user uses to select the dispensing temperature To according to the hot beverage to be dispensed. The dispensing temperature To is sent to the control unit U.

[0050] Furthermore, the hot beverage dispensing system 100 comprises a memory M in which a plurality of recipes D of hot beverages are stored, each recipe D corresponding to a specific dispensing temperature To.

[0051] The user interface I is connected to the memory M so that the user can select a recipe D and the memory M returns a dispensing temperature To to the control unit U according to the recipe selected by the user.

[0052] Therefore, the user can use the user interface I to select the dispensing temperature To or the recipe D corresponding to the dispensing temperature To.

[0053] The memory M stores a threshold temperature Ts which distinguishes between beverages requiring a high dispensing temperature and beverages requiring a lower dispensing temperature. For example, the threshold temperature Ts may be selected within the range of 80° C. to 90° C., preferably 83° C. to 87° C., preferably 85° C. Such a threshold temperature Ts is sent to the control unit U for comparison with the dispensing temperature To.

[0054] according to Figure 4A According to the algorithm shown in , the control unit U is configured to compare the distribution temperature To with the threshold temperature Ts in such a way that if the distribution temperature To is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature Ts, the control unit U controls the diverter 5 so as to activate the first conduit 6 of the hotter circuit A. On the other hand, if the distribution temperature To is lower than the threshold temperature Ts, the control unit U controls the diverter 5 so as to activate the second conduit 7 of the less hot circuit B.

[0055] The control unit U is connected to a dump valve 9 so as to deliver the hot water to the water distribution network 3 of the distribution unit.

[0056] The control unit U is operatively connected to the temperature sensors S1 , S2 and the resistors R1 , R2 so as to control the resistors R1 , R2 according to the temperatures T1 , T2 detected by the temperature sensors S1 , S2 .

[0057] Once the user sets the dispensing temperature To, the control unit U controls the resistor R1 of the heater so as to heat the water to a temperature equal to the dispensing temperature To. Such control can be based on Figure 4B The algorithm shown is completed. If the temperature T1 detected by the sensor S1 of the heater is lower than the dispensing temperature To, the control unit turns on the resistor R1 of the heater. If the temperature T1 detected by the sensor S1 of the heater is higher than or equal to the dispensing temperature To, the control unit turns off the resistor of the heater.

[0058] In addition, the control unit U controls the resistor R2 of the dispensing unit so as to keep the water flowing through the dispensing unit 1 at a temperature equal to the dispensing temperature To. Such control can be based on Figure 4C The algorithm shown is completed. If the temperature T2 detected by the temperature sensor S2 of the dispensing unit is lower than the dispensing temperature To, the control unit activates the resistor R2 of the dispensing unit. If the temperature T2 detected by the temperature sensor S2 of the dispensing unit is higher than or equal to the dispensing temperature To, the control unit turns off the resistor R2 of the dispensing unit.

[0059] Consider now the case where the operator uses the user interface I to select a hot drink, for example a beverage requiring a dispensing temperature To of 92°C, i.e. a temperature above the threshold temperature Ts set at 85°C. The heater 1 heats the water to the dispensing temperature To of 92°C and the diverter 5 opens the hotter circuit A. The water heated to the dispensing temperature To of 92°C flows through the first conduit 6, then through the connecting conduit 8 and to the pouring solenoid valve 9, which activates dispensing into the dispensing conduit 45. During such a path, there is maximum contact of the water with the body 40 of the dispensing unit, which has been appropriately heated to the dispensing temperature To of 92°C. In this way, the dispensing temperature To of 92°C is maintained as the water passes through the dispensing unit 4. The water having a dispensing temperature To of 92°C can then flow to the water diversion network 3 to be dispensed.

[0060] Now consider the case where the operator uses the user interface I to select a less hot beverage, for example a beverage requiring a dispensing temperature To of 80°C, i.e. a temperature below the threshold temperature Ts set at 85°C. The heater 1 heats the water to the dispensing temperature To of 80°C, and the diverter 5 opens the less hot circuit B. The water heated to the dispensing temperature To flows through the second pipe 7, then through the connecting pipe 8 and to the pouring solenoid valve 9, which activates dispensing into the dispensing pipe 45. During such a path, there is minimal contact of the water with the body 40 of the dispensing unit, thereby minimizing the effect of the temperature of the dispensing unit on the water temperature. In this way, water with a dispensing temperature To of 80°C can flow to the water diversion network to be dispensed.

[0061] With the system according to the invention, the dispensing temperature To can be changed by up to 10° C. from a hot beverage to a less hot beverage with a waiting time of less than 5 seconds.

[0062] Equivalent changes and modifications may be made to the present embodiments of the invention within the capabilities of those skilled in the art, while still being within the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hot beverage dispensing system (100), comprising: a dispensing unit (4) suitable for dispensing hot water; said dispensing unit (4) having a body (40), a resistor (R2) for heating the body and a temperature sensor (S2) for detecting the temperature (T2) of the body, a filter holder (2) having a filter (20) suitable for receiving a product from which a hot beverage is to be extracted; said filter holder (2) being suitable for being coupled to the dispensing unit (4), - a heater (1) comprising a container (10) suitable for being filled with water, a resistor (R1) arranged in the container so as to heat the water, a temperature sensor (S1) for detecting the temperature (T1) of the water in the container, and an outlet pipe (12) for delivering the hot water, - a first duct (6) of the hotter circuit (A), which is connected to a connecting duct (8) in the body (40) of the dispensing unit, - a second duct (7) of the less hot circuit (B), which is connected to said connecting duct (8) in the body (40) of the dispensing unit, a flow divider (5) connected to the outlet pipe (12) of the heater, to the first pipe (6) of the hotter circuit (A) and to the second pipe (7) of the less hot circuit (B), so as to convey the hot water coming out of the outlet pipe (12) of the heater to the first pipe (6) of the hotter circuit (A) or to the second pipe (7) of the less hot circuit (B), - a user interface (I) for setting the dispensing temperature (To) according to the beverage to be dispensed, a memory (M) for storing a threshold temperature (Ts) distinguishing between beverages requiring a high dispensing temperature and beverages requiring a low dispensing temperature, - a control unit (U) operatively connected to the user interface (I), to the memory (M) and to the diverter (5), so as to receive the dispensing temperature (To) and the threshold temperature (Ts) and to control the diverter (5) based on a comparison between the dispensing temperature (To) and the threshold temperature (Ts); and The control unit (U) is operably connected to the temperature sensor (S1) of the heater, to the temperature sensor (S2) of the distribution unit, to the resistor (R1) of the heater and to the resistor (R2) of the distribution unit, thereby receiving the temperature (T1) detected by the temperature sensor (S1) of the heater and the temperature (T2) detected by the temperature sensor (S2) of the distribution unit, and controlling the resistor (R1) of the heater based on a comparison between the temperature (T1) detected by the temperature sensor (S1) of the heater and the distribution temperature (To), and controlling the resistor (R2) of the distribution unit based on a comparison between the temperature (T2) detected by the temperature sensor (S2) of the distribution unit and the distribution temperature (To).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The flow divider (5) comprises a three-way solenoid valve having an inlet (50) connected to the outlet pipe (12) of the heater, a first outlet (51) connected to the first pipe (6) of the hotter circuit (A), and a second outlet (52) connected to the second pipe (7) of the less hot circuit (B).

3. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first pipe (6) of the hotter circuit (A) enters the body (40) of the distribution unit through a first fitting (61) and is connected to the connecting pipe (8) provided in the distribution unit; the first pipe (6) extends in the body (40) of the distribution unit and has an inner pipe portion (6a) having a length (L1) from the first fitting (61) to the connecting pipe (8); The second pipe (7) of the less hot circuit (B) enters the main body (40) of the distribution unit through a second fitting (71) and is connected to the connecting pipe (8) arranged in the distribution unit (7); the second pipe (7) extends inside the main body (40) of the distribution unit and has an inner pipe portion (7a) having a length (L2) from the second fitting (71) to the connecting pipe (8).

4. The system (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The length (L1) of the inner pipe portion (6a) of the first pipe (6) is 8 to 12 times the length (L2) of the inner pipe portion (7a) of the second pipe (7).

5. The system (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The inner pipe portion (6a) of the first pipe (6) is adjacent to the resistor (R2) of the distribution unit, and the inner pipe portion (7a) of the second pipe (7) is distant from the resistor (R2) of the distribution unit.

6. The system (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The resistor (R2) of the distribution unit has an elongated tubular shape; the inner pipe portion (6a) of the first pipe (6) extends into the body (40) of the distribution unit in a direction parallel to the resistor (R2) at a distance (D1) from the resistor (R2), and the inner pipe portion (7a) of the second pipe (7) extends perpendicular to the resistor (R2) at a distance (D2) from the end of the resistor, the distance (D2) being greater than the distance (D1) of the inner pipe portion (6a) of the first pipe (6) from the resistor (R2).

7. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The threshold temperature (Ts) is selected in the range of 80°C to 90°C, preferably 83°C to 87°C, and most preferably 85°C.

8. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A plurality of recipes (D) for hot drinks are stored in the memory (M), and each recipe (D) corresponds to the dispensing temperature (To), and the user interface (I) is connected to the memory (M) so as to enable a user to select a recipe (D), and depending on the recipe selected by the user, the memory (M) returns the dispensing temperature (To) corresponding to the selected recipe to the control unit (U).

9. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a dump solenoid valve (9) connected to the connecting pipe (8) so as to enable hot water to flow to the dispensing pipe (45) provided in the body (40) of the dispensing unit.

10. The system (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The dumping solenoid valve (9) is a three-way valve having an inlet (90) connected to the connecting pipe (8), a first outlet (91) connected to the dispensing pipe (45), and a second outlet (92) connected to a discharge pipe (301) connected to a discharge device (300).

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