Apparatus for making beverage and associated method and power management system

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and associated method of making a beverage and a power management system, the apparatus comprising: a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly configured to heat a liquid; the power management system comprises a controller and an energy storage device; and an electronic control circuit powered by the mains supply. Wherein the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly each comprise a first heater element configured to be powered by a mains supply and a second heater element configured to be powered by an energy storage device. When a beverage making function requires simultaneous operation of the first and second heating assemblies, the controller is configured to simultaneously supply mains supply to the first heater elements of the first and second heating assemblies, supply power from the energy storage device to the second heater elements of the first and second heating assemblies, control a total power drawn from the mains supply, and control the total power drawn from the mains supply. Such that the total power does not exceed a predetermined power limit, and retaining a portion of the mains power for powering the electronic control circuitry.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on November 7, 2018, with application number 201880078013.7 (international application number PCT / AU2018 / 000217) and entitled "Apparatus and associated method for making beverages, power management system and microcontroller readable medium". Technical Field

[0002] This invention generally relates to a beverage-making apparatus, a power management system for the apparatus, a method for controlling the apparatus, and a microcontroller-readable medium. Background Technology

[0003] Home appliances designed to make beverages (such as automatic tea makers and espresso machines) typically operate using electricity supplied by the mains power grid connected to the device.

[0004] Most of the electricity demand is used to heat heating components to perform certain functions, such as heating water to make espresso, heating water to generate steam, and heating water to supply hot water. Heaters can also be used to heat other liquids to make beverages.

[0005] Sometimes, depending on the country or region where the equipment is used, the power obtained from household mains electricity or virtually any other power supply may not be sufficient to enable the simultaneous use of one or more of the two heaters. For example, in the United States, household mains electricity provides a maximum output of 1800 watts. In Australia, however, the maximum output is 2400 watts. Therefore, users may need to perform multiple simultaneous steps to prepare their chosen beverage. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to substantially overcome or at least improve one or more disadvantages of the existing arrangement.

[0007] An arrangement is disclosed that seeks to solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems by providing a beverage-making apparatus, a power management system for the apparatus, a method for controlling the apparatus, and a microcontroller-readable medium that enables the simultaneous use of multiple heating components.

[0008] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for making beverages is provided, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of heating components for heating liquids, and a power management system, wherein the power management system includes: an energy storage device, wherein at least a first function of the apparatus requires simultaneous operation of a first heating component and a second heating component among the plurality of heating components, and wherein at least the first heating component includes a first heater element and a second heater element, wherein the first heater element is powered by mains electricity, and the second heater element is powered by the energy storage device.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a power management system is provided for use in a beverage making apparatus, wherein the apparatus has a plurality of heating components for heating liquids, the power management system comprising: a controller and an energy storage device, wherein the controller is arranged to determine that at least a first function of the apparatus has been selected, requiring simultaneous operation of a first heating component and a second heating component among the plurality of heating components, and once determined, the controller is further arranged to apply mains power to a first heater element of the first heating component and to apply power from the energy storage device to a second heater element of the first heating component.

[0010] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for controlling the power supply in a beverage-making apparatus, wherein the apparatus has a plurality of heating components for heating a liquid, the method comprising the steps of: determining that at least a first function of the apparatus has been selected that requires simultaneous operation of a first heating component and a second heating component of the apparatus, and, once definitively determined, applying mains power to a first heater element of the first heating component and applying power from an energy storage device to a second heater element of the first heating component.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a microcontroller-readable medium is provided for use in a beverage-making apparatus, wherein the apparatus has a plurality of heating components for heating a liquid, the microcontroller-readable medium having a program recorded thereon, wherein the program is configured to cause the microcontroller to perform the following processes: determining that at least a first function of the apparatus has been selected, requiring simultaneous operation of a first heating component and a second heating component among the plurality of heating components, and, once definitively determined, applying mains power to a first heater element of the first heating component, and applying power from an energy storage device to a second heater element of the first heating component.

[0012] Other aspects were also disclosed. Attached Figure Description

[0013] At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings and appendices, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A beverage-making apparatus in the form of a coffee machine, according to this disclosure, is shown;

[0015] Figure 2 The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 1A and Figure 1B A diagram of the hydraulic system for the liquids used in the equipment;

[0016] Figure 3 The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 1A and Figure 1B The equipment uses two brewing heads;

[0017] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The present disclosure shows the method for use Figure 1A and Figure 1B A heating assembly with multiple heating elements in the equipment;

[0018] Figure 5 The present disclosure shows the method for use Figure 1A and Figure 1B System block diagram of the devices in the diagram;

[0019] Figure 6 The present disclosure shows the method for use Figure 1A and Figure 1B The flowchart of the device in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Although the embodiments described herein relate to a water heating device for making beverages, it should be understood that the device can be used to heat other suitable drinking water or liquid mixtures to make beverages.

[0021] Furthermore, it should be understood that the device can be any suitable device, such as a manual espresso machine, a capsule espresso machine, or an automatic espresso machine.

[0022] The embodiments described below relate to a coffee machine that includes operations such as making espresso, generating steam, and supplying hot water. The generated steam can be used to froth milk. The supplied hot water can be added to the espresso. A user can select functions via a user interface, where the function is one or more of these operations. For example, one function could be to generate steam to heat and froth milk while making one cup of espresso. Another function could be to make two cups of espresso simultaneously. Yet another function could be to make espresso while supplying hot water.

[0023] It should be understood that the described components and processes can be implemented in other devices designed for beverage production (such as tea makers). It should also be understood that the described components and processes can enable heating elements in the device to heat liquids other than water.

[0024] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A device in the form of a coffee (e.g., espresso) machine 101 is shown.

[0025] Coffee machine 101 has a main body 102 containing various components necessary for making coffee. These components include a water tank 103 for storing water for the device's use. Object 104 is a water outlet or tap for discharging hot water. In this example, the coffee machine has two coffee outlets (105A, 105B), each of which can be used as an outlet for either espresso or hot water. Each coffee outlet is associated with a brew head. In this example, a filter portafilter can be attached to one or both brew heads to extract coffee. A steam wand 107 is provided to output the generated steam. The device has a mains power cord 109, which allows the device to obtain mains power by connecting it to a mains outlet. A user interface 111 is provided, through which a user can select one or more functions of the coffee machine 101.

[0026] The first function may include a first operation and a second operation, wherein the first operation generates a single shot of espresso from a first brewing head connected to a first coffee outlet 105A, while the second operation generates steam via a steam wand 107 to heat and foam the milk. Another function may include a first operation and a second operation, wherein the first operation generates a first shot of espresso from a first brewing head connected to a first coffee outlet 105A, while the second operation generates a second shot of espresso from a second brewing head connected to a second coffee outlet 105B. Yet another function may include a first operation and a second operation, wherein the first operation generates espresso from a first brewing head connected to a first coffee outlet 105A, while the second operation provides hot water via a water outlet 104.

[0027] It should be understood that alternative equipment can have more than two brewing heads or coffee outlets, and can have more than one water outlet or steam wand.

[0028] Figure 2 A hydraulic system 201 for the liquid used in the coffee machine 101 is shown. In this example, the liquid is water. However, it should be understood that alternative liquids other than water can be used.

[0029] Water tank 103 contains cold water 203. Common hydraulic line 205 delivers cold water 203 to first hydraulic line 208A and second hydraulic line 208B via T-joint 207.

[0030] In the first hydraulic line 208A, cold water flows through a flow meter 209A via the operation of a water pump 211A. Cold water 203 flows through a heating element 213A to produce hot water. The hot water is supplied to an electrically controlled valve 215A in the form of a three-way valve connected to a microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the water flow through the valve so that water flows through the brewing head leading to the coffee outlet 105A into the coffee line or into the steam wand 107. After flowing through the electrically controlled valve 215A, which acts as a one-way valve, the water can then be used to generate steam or espresso.

[0031] In the second hydraulic line 208B, cold water flows through a flow meter 209B via the operation of a water pump 211B. Cold water 203 flows through a heating element 213B to produce hot water. The hot water is supplied to the second brewing head 105B via an electrically controlled valve 215B in the form of a three-way valve connected to a microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the water flow through the valve so that water flows through the brewing head leading to the coffee outlet 105B into the coffee line or into the hot water outlet 104. After flowing through the electrically controlled valve 215B, which acts as a one-way valve, the water can then be used to produce hot water or espresso.

[0032] Figure 3 More details are shown of the two outlets of the hydraulic lines (208A, 208B) used in the coffee machine 101. Hot water supplied by the first hydraulic line 208A is delivered via an electronically controlled valve 215A to the brew head (espresso generator) 305 leading to the coffee outlet 105A or to the steam generator 307. Hot water supplied by the second hydraulic line 208B is delivered via an electronically controlled valve 215B to the brew head (espresso generator) 303 leading to the coffee outlet 105B or to the hot water outlet 301.

[0033] Figure 4A and 4B A heating assembly with multiple heating elements is shown for use with coffee machine 101.

[0034] like Figure 4A As shown, the first heating assembly 213A includes a first heater element 401A and a second heater element 403A. The first heater element 401A is composed of an energy storage device (see...) Figure 5 The first heater element 403A is powered by AC power. This arrangement is suitable for use in areas where AC power output up to 1800 W is available. The heater elements are resistance rails. The first and second heater elements can be interleaved.

[0035] According to one example, the energy storage device comprises multiple capacitor banks and is associated with one or more control switches, as will be explained in more detail below. According to another alternative example, the energy storage device may comprise one or more battery storage devices, said devices being associated with one or more control switches. Therefore, the energy storage device may comprise capacitors, capacitor banks, supercapacitors, supercapacitor banks, or batteries. It should be understood that any suitable form and capacity of energy storage device can be used.

[0036] The first control switch is controlled by the controller to charge the capacitor bank. The second switch is controlled by the controller to discharge the capacitor bank, for example, to apply power to a load. The controller uses an XOR (exclusive OR) operation to control the switches to ensure that the two switches are never open or closed simultaneously.

[0037] In this example, the energy storage device supplies up to 700 W of power to the first heater element 401A, while the mains power supplies up to 1000 W of power to the second heater element 403A. This arrangement is suitable for use in areas where mains power output can reach up to 1800 W. The mains power provides 1700 W of power to heat the two second heater elements (403A, 403B), and the remaining 100 W of power can be used for other functions of the coffee machine, such as electronic devices.

[0038] A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor 405A is provided to measure the temperature of the first heating element 213A.

[0039] Figure 4A The diagram also shows a second heating assembly 213B, which includes a first heater element 401B and a second heater element 403B. The first heater element 401B is powered by the same energy storage device (see...). Figure 5 The second heater element 403B is powered by mains electricity.

[0040] In this example, the energy storage device provides up to 1000 W of power to the first heater element 401B, while the mains power provides up to 700 W of power to the second heater element 403B.

[0041] A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor 405B is provided to measure the temperature of the second heating element 213B.

[0042] Figure 4B An alternative arrangement for use in areas providing mains power output up to 2400 W is shown. The first heating assembly 407A includes a first heater element 409A and a second heater element 411A. The first heater element 409A is provided by an energy storage device (see...). Figure 5 The second heater element 411A is powered by mains electricity.

[0043] Furthermore, the energy storage device includes multiple capacitor banks and is associated with one or more control switches, as will be explained in more detail below. According to another alternative example, the energy storage device may include one or more battery storage devices, which are associated with one or more control switches. Therefore, the energy storage device may include capacitors, capacitor banks, supercapacitors, supercapacitor banks, or batteries. It should be understood that any suitable form of energy storage can be used.

[0044] The first control switch is controlled by the controller to charge the capacitor bank. The second switch is controlled by the controller to discharge the capacitor bank, for example, to apply power to a load. The controller uses an XOR (exclusive OR) operation to control the switches to ensure that the two switches are never open or closed simultaneously.

[0045] In this example, the energy storage device provides up to 300 W of power to the first heater element 409A, while the mains power provides up to 1600 W of power to the second heater element 411A.

[0046] A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor 413A is provided to measure the temperature of the first heating element 407A.

[0047] Figure 4B The diagram also shows a second heating assembly 407B, which includes a first heater element 409B and a second heater element 411B. The first heater element 409B is powered by the same energy storage device (see...). Figure 5 The second heater element 411B is powered by mains electricity.

[0048] In this example, the energy storage device provides up to 900 W of power to the first heater element 409B, while the mains power provides up to 800 W of power to the second heater element 411B.

[0049] A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor 413B is provided to measure the temperature of the second heating element 409B.

[0050] This arrangement is suitable for use in areas with a mains power output of up to 2400 W. The mains power provides 2300 W of power to heat the two secondary heater elements (411A, 411B), and the remaining 100 W of power can be used for other functions of the coffee machine, such as electronics.

[0051] Figure 5 A system block diagram for use in coffee machine 101 is shown.

[0052] The main PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) 501 has a microcontroller 502, which is arranged to control various processes based on instructions stored in a memory 504. The memory may be, for example, ROM or EEPROM. It should be understood that appropriate control lines exist between the microcontroller 502 and other components of the coffee machine to enable the coffee machine to operate fully.

[0053] Memory 504 is a microcontroller-readable medium.

[0054] Supply AC power to main PCBA 501 503. (e.g.) Figure 4A and 4B As described, two NTCs (405A, 405B) are connected to two heating elements (213A, 213B) to detect temperature. Two other NTCs (505A, 505B) are connected to the water path located at the end of each brewing head (105A, 105B).

[0055] The reed switch 507 is used to provide a signal to the controller 502 to indicate when the water tank 103 in the coffee machine 101 is empty.

[0056] An interlock switch 509 is provided to indicate to the controller 502 whether the steam rod 307 has been lifted from its "steam" configuration. If the steam rod 307 has been lifted from its "steam" configuration, the controller 502 controls the electrically controlled valve 215A to ensure that steam cannot flow into the steam rod 307, thereby reducing the risk of scalding the user.

[0057] A user interface (UI) PCBA 513 is provided as a user interface, such as an LCD interface, to enable the user to control the functions of the coffee machine 101. For example, when the user selects a specific operation or function, one or more control signals can be generated at the UI. This control signal is transmitted back to the main PCBA 501 to the controller 502, so that the controller 502 can control the various components of the system according to the generated control signal.

[0058] Two water pumps (211A, 211B) are also controlled by controller 502 to pump fluid into and through the heater element of the heating assembly. The flow rate of the fluid is measured by two flow meters (209A, 209B).

[0059] The heater elements in the heating assemblies (213A and 213B) are controlled by a circuit including TRIAC switching devices (515A, 515B). A charging circuit 517 controls the charging mode of an energy storage device (e.g., a battery) 519. An inverter 521 is provided to convert DC to AC to apply power to the heater elements.

[0060] Figure 6 A flowchart for use in coffee machine 101 is shown.

[0061] The process begins at step S601. At step S603, controller 502 determines whether one or more functions selected by the user on the user interface require simultaneous operation of the first heating element and the second heating element (213A, 213B). That is, it determines whether one or more functions selected by the user on the user interface require simultaneous operation of two separate heating elements, wherein the first heating element is located in the first hydraulic line, and the second heating element is located in the second (i.e., a different) hydraulic line.

[0062] When no definitive conclusion is reached, the controller continues to monitor the operation of the coffee machine 101 through the user interface.

[0063] When the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S605, where the controller applies mains power to the first heater element of the first heating assembly.

[0064] After step S605, the process proceeds to step S607, where the controller applies the mixed power from the energy storage device 519 to the second heater element of the first heating assembly.

[0065] Then, the process ends in step S609.

[0066] pass Figure 6 The process illustrated should be understood to mean that the power applied to the first heating element by the energy storage device 519 is sufficient to allow the remaining mains power to be used to power the second heating element. This will then cause both the first and second heating elements to be heated simultaneously.

[0067] It should be understood that, alternatively, a similar process can be performed to power the first and second heater elements of the second heating assembly simultaneously with the heater elements of the first heating assembly in a similar manner.

[0068] Therefore, the following synchronized combinations of operations are provided: Function 1: Coffee (hydraulic line 1) + Milk frothing (hydraulic line 2). Function 2: Coffee (hydraulic line 1) + Coffee (hydraulic line 2). Function 3: Coffee (hydraulic line 2) + Hot water (hydraulic line 2).

[0069] For example, when a user wants to make a cappuccino, they select function 1 through the user interface. This requires extracting coffee from the filter port into the cup while simultaneously frothing the milk. Therefore, it is necessary to activate two heaters in two hydraulic lines simultaneously. For example, 1700 watts of power (as a combination of stored power and mains power) can be supplied to the first heating element in the hydraulic line used to provide coffee to extract the coffee, and 1700 watts of power (as a combination of stored power and mains power) can be supplied to the second heating element in the other hydraulic line to mix air with a venturi pump and generate steam from the steam wand.

[0070] This makes it faster and more convenient for users to make coffee.

[0071] The energy storage device 519 has an associated control circuitry system connected to the microcontroller 502. For example, the control lines can indicate the charging status of the energy storage device. If the energy storage device is not charged to a threshold amount, the microcontroller 502 can disable certain operations or disable all functions when the user selects a function.

[0072] The energy storage device and associated control circuitry can be located inside the main body of the equipment or integrated with it.

[0073] The main PCBA 501 and associated components (e.g., energy storage device 519, controller 502, and UI PCBA 513) form a power management system for controlling the way the coffee machine heats water.

[0074] The power management system uses controller 502 to control when to apply power to each heater element, based on the selected operation or function and the charging status of the energy storage device.

[0075] Depending on the operating mode, when the device is not used to heat the liquid (e.g., the device is in standby mode), the energy storage device is charged under the control of controller 502. Control signals are fed back to the display on the UI to inform the user of the energy storage device's charge percentage.

[0076] As mentioned herein, any suitable form of energy storage can be used to form the energy storage device 519. In this example, the energy storage system 519 is a battery. However, capacitors can also be used because they have a faster charging and discharging rate compared to battery technology.

[0077] It should be understood that the process described herein for applying power from multiple power sources to different loads may also involve applying power from multiple power sources to loads other than heater elements (e.g., loads such as electric motors, such as grinding motors).

[0078] Industrial applicability

[0079] The described arrangement is applicable to the liquid heating equipment industry, and especially to the industry that manufactures liquid heating equipment for making beverages.

[0080] The foregoing has only described some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and / or changes may be made to it without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. These embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive.

[0081] In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" means "primarily includes but not necessarily includes alone," "has," or "includes," rather than "consisting of only." Variations of the word "comprising" have correspondingly different meanings.

Claims

1. An apparatus for making a beverage, the apparatus comprising: a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly configured to heat a liquid; a power management system comprising a controller and an energy storage device; and an electronic control circuit powered by mains electricity, wherein the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly each comprise: a first heater element configured to be powered by mains electricity; and a second heater element configured to be powered by the energy storage device, wherein, when a beverage making function requires simultaneous operation of the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly, the controller is configured to: supply mains electricity simultaneously to the first heater element of the first heating assembly and the first heater element of the second heating assembly, power the second heater element of the first heating assembly and the second heater element of the second heating assembly from the energy storage device, control the total power drawn from mains electricity such that the total power does not exceed a predetermined power limit, and reserve a portion of the mains electricity in order to power the electronic control circuit.

2. A method of controlling the supply of power in an apparatus for making a beverage, wherein the apparatus has a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly, the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly each comprising a first heater element and a second heater element, the apparatus comprising a power management system comprising a controller and an energy storage device, the method comprising: determining that a beverage making function requires simultaneous operation of the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly; supplying mains electricity simultaneously to the first heater element of the first heating assembly and the first heater element of the second heating assembly; powering the second heater element of the first heating assembly and the second heater element of the second heating assembly from the energy storage device; controlling the total power drawn from mains electricity such that the total power does not exceed a predetermined power limit; and reserving a portion of the mains electricity in order to power an electronic control circuit of the apparatus during simultaneous operation of the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly.

3. A power management system for an apparatus for making a beverage, wherein the apparatus has a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly, the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly each comprising a first heater element and a second heater element, the system comprising: a mains electricity input for receiving mains electricity; an energy storage device; and a controller configured to: determine when the apparatus requires simultaneous operation of the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly; supply mains electricity simultaneously to the first heater element of the first heating assembly and the first heater element of the second heating assembly, and power the second heater element of the first heating assembly and the second heater element of the second heating assembly from the energy storage device; dynamically adjust the delivery of mains electricity and the power of the energy storage device such that the total mains electricity consumption does not exceed a rated limit; and allocate a portion of the mains electricity for powering an electronic control circuit of the apparatus during simultaneous operation of the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly. ​ ​ ​ ​ 4. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller monitors a state of charge of the energy storage device and adjusts power supplied from the energy storage device based on the state of charge to maintain a total power balance during simultaneous operation of the first and second heating assemblies.

5. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller adjusts a power distribution ratio between the utility power and the energy storage device in real time according to heating load demands of the first and second heating assemblies.

6. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller includes a protection function that disables activation of the first and second heating assemblies when the state of charge of the energy storage device is below a predetermined threshold.

7. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The utility power is configured to supply a total power no greater than 1800W or 2400W corresponding to a residential power supply capacity.

8. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured to maintain power supplied to the electronic control circuit substantially constant during operation of the first and second heating assemblies.

9. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first and second heating assemblies are located in independent hydraulic circuits configured to heat liquid to achieve different functions, respectively.

10. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The energy storage device includes one or more of a battery, a capacitor, or a supercapacitor.

11. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a converter configured to convert DC output from the energy storage device to AC power for the second heater element.

12. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is further configured to determine a heating sequence of the first and second heating assemblies based on a user-selected beverage function.

13. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller maintains independent temperature feedback control loops for the first and second heating assemblies during simultaneous operation of the first and second heating assemblies.

14. The apparatus or system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The electronic control circuit includes a user interface, a sensor system, and a processor that are continuously powered by a reserved portion of the utility power throughout all heating operations.

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