Capsule coffee preparation system

Abstract

Capsule coffee preparation system, comprehensive - a coffee capsule (2) which has a round or disc-shaped or disc-shaped form, which is provided with fine pores (9) in the circumference, through which the water (7) with dissolved coffee powder can flow out when internal pressure is applied into the coffee capsule (2), - a heating element (22, 26) which is built directly into the coffee capsule (2) and which can be supplied with electricity from the outside through two electrical contact points (31) located on an outer wall of the coffee capsule (2), a coffee capsule machine (1) consisting of at least - a closable coffee capsule receiving container in which a turntable (4) and at least one recess (13) for receiving capsules (2) are installed, which can be quickly rotated electrically about a vertical axis, - a valve-controlled injection needle or cannula (6) which injects water at low pressure or water flowing solely by gravity from a water chamber into the coffee capsule (2), - two electrodes or contact pins (32) which are moved electrically towards the electrical contact points (31) of the coffee capsule (2) or which touch them manually when a lid (12) of the coffee capsule receptacle is closed, - an electric motor drive that can quickly rotate the turntable (4) with the coffee capsule (2) attached there, - drainage channels, holes or grooves, which are arranged radially in the turntable (4), which further accelerate the coffee flowing out of the pores (9) of the coffee capsule (2) by centrifugal action, - a casing (21) in hollow cylinder shape, which is a collecting container / collection container (20), which surrounds the rotating plate (4) without touching it, which collects the centrifugally ejected coffee, which takes a funnel shape below the rotating plate (4) and forms a downward extension that leads directly to the coffee cup, - an electronic control which controls the current for the heating element (22, 26) and the processes of the coffee machine (1), - a fixing device (18) which fixes the coffee capsule (2) in the recess (13) of the turntable (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coffee or espresso machine having a heating element integrated into the capsule and using a centrifugal method to extract the coffee from a capsule content.

[0002] There are numerous capsule machines that use capsules to prepare coffee or espresso. The capsules contain a small amount of coffee powder (approximately 5-6 grams). They also have a built-in filter that filters the coffee as it flows through. During preparation, the capsule is pierced in several places, and hot water flows in through one side, while the coffee flows out the other. The coffee flow first enters a funnel and is then directed through a semi-tubular container to the cup. Such machines have a pressure generator and a heating device. The water pressure pump is an important element because it creates the necessary pressure, which is sufficient to ensure the flow of water through the capsule contents. The coffee components are then dissolved in the hot water and pumped out through another opening outside the capsule to the cup.

[0003] DE 43 02 899 A1 describes a device for preparing beverages, preferably coffee or tea beverages, and preferably a filter unit suitable for this device, characterized by a circulation pump for circulating the liquid through the filter unit.

[0004] EP 2 210 539 B1 describes a device and system for producing a beverage using centrifugal force, wherein the device further comprises a control unit suitable for varying the speed of the drive means for centrifugally rotating the capsule, thereby providing different centrifugal pressures in the capsule, depending on the type of beverage to be brewed, and that the control unit is connected to a capsule recognition system that makes it possible to recognize the type of capsules and to adapt the speed according to the capsule inserted into the device.

[0005] EP 2 316 310 B1 describes a system and method for producing a liquid food from a material contained in a container by centrifugation, wherein the device comprises a flow limiting device with a valve device which is at or after the outlet of the capsule for opening or enlarging a liquid channel when sufficient pressure of the centrifuged liquid is exerted on the valve device so that the liquid from the capsule can be released from the device, the flow limiting device further comprises a peripheral wall section of the capsule which is arranged in the liquid flow path emerging from the casing of the capsule and has outlet openings of less than 200 micrometers.

[0006] US Pat. No. 5,325,765 A discloses a filter cartridge in which the coffee grounds are contained in a filter bag within the cartridge. The outer shell of the cartridge is made of a water-impermeable material, while the filter bag is made of a water-permeable material. The filter bag has a downwardly tapered shape, forming a chamber in the lower area of ​​the filter cartridge between the outer shell and the filter bag. To extract the coffee grounds, the cartridge is pierced on both sides by an upper and lower piercing device.

[0007] EP 1554958 B1 relates to coffee machines for brewing powdered coffee packaged in capsules. Coffee machines of the type in question are predominantly used in households. Compared to conventional coffee machines equipped with a grinder for grinding coffee beans, a fundamental advantage of the coffee machines in question is that the use of capsules allows for brewing a high-quality coffee beverage, especially since the coffee powder has an optimal grinding degree and is packaged airtight in the capsules. Furthermore, the coffee machines are subject to relatively low contamination from coffee powder.

[0008] EP 2476633 B1 relates to a capsule, a system, and a method for preparing a beverage. Here, the stiffening region is arranged, in particular, rotationally symmetrically around the penetration region, wherein the stiffening region is formed as at least one recess in the base, substantially in the circumferential direction.

[0009] DE 27 52 733 A1 discloses a cartridge containing a substance for producing a beverage using a corresponding machine. This cartridge has a sealed housing with an acute-angled truncated cone shape and is typically made of aluminum sheet.

[0010] WO 2010 / 041179 A2 discloses a capsule for producing beverages such as coffee. The capsule can contain ground coffee and has a top surface with a weakened area incorporated into it.

[0011] EP 1 944 248 A1 discloses a plastic capsule containing a powder for the production of a beverage using a corresponding machine. A reinforced wall is incorporated into a central area of ​​the base of the capsule to prevent the base from sagging immediately before penetration.

[0012] The pressure pump is actually one of the most expensive components in an espresso / coffee machine. When using tap water, it needs to be descaled frequently, depending on the limescale content and frequency of use. Otherwise, the pump can become damaged and thus no longer function.

[0013] In order to simplify the machine as much as possible, it is proposed to completely omit the high-pressure pump and to use a simpler design for extraction from the capsule.

[0014] The invention is based on the object of creating a coffee machine which is relatively simply constructed and which brews the coffee directly in the coffee capsule and directs it into the coffee cup without any major detours.

[0015] This object is achieved by a capsule coffee preparation system having the features listed in patent claims 1 to 22.

[0016] Advantages of the invention are - better extraction of coffee from the coffee powder - freely adjustable coffee strength - simple construction of the machine

[0017] Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to Fig. 1 to 3. They show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of the invention with the extraction process by centrifugal force, Fig. 2 the machine and the heating element, which is built directly into the capsule, Fig. 3 the statically installed needle in the turntable.

[0018] The machine is relatively simple in design and therefore quite robust. Instead of squeezing the capsule contents out using high pressure, it is filled with water, saturated, and the heating element in the capsule is activated, heating the contents. The capsule then spins at high speed, forcing the coffee powder and water mixture out of the capsule sideways under centrifugal force. This allows for optimal, even extraction of the coffee components from the ground coffee.

[0019] An example of implementation is shown on the Fig. 1. The coffee machine 1 shown here works according to a different principle than conventional coffee machines. A high-pressure pump is missing because extraction is achieved by centrifugal force. A water heating block is also missing because the water is heated directly in the capsule 2 by a heating element 26 built into the capsule 2. For this purpose, the capsule 2 has a disc / discus shape and is fixed in a closable container (chamber) 3 in the machine on a turntable 4 and centrifuged. It is pierced from above in the center 5 by a cannula or injection needle 6, filled with water 7, the heating element 26 is activated, and then set into rapid rotation (depending on the desired coffee strength, e.g. between 500 and 20,000 rpm). The heating element is integrated into the capsule wall and consists of a simple ribbon-shaped conductor track 33, which is scratched or cut from the capsule wall material.This conductor track can be spiral-shaped and made of aluminum. In practice, the capsule wall can be used very well for this purpose if it is insulated in at least two places and constructed in a strip-like manner. The heating element is energized by two electrical contact points 31 on the outer wall of the capsule 2. Fine pores 9 are built into the edge 8 of the capsule / disk 2, through which the coffee + water mixture can flow out. The pores 9 are quite fine and therefore a filter in the sense of this is not absolutely necessary to install in the capsule 2. The pores 9 can be left open during production or closed from the outside. Although the pores 9 are very fine, the coffee loses its aroma after a few weeks or months if they are left open. Therefore, it is better if they are closed. The pores 9 can, for example, be covered with a film 10, which, for example,completely encloses the capsule 2 or by a film ring that only covers the equator 11 of the disc, or only the pores 9 that are built in there, during production or is closed from the outside. This film 10 is removed before use. As soon as the film 10 is removed, the lid 12 (e.g. a stable, transparent dome) of the machine 1 is opened and the capsule 2 is placed centrally on the turntable 4 in the corresponding recess 13. Several recesses 13 can be built into the turntable, which are arranged concentrically, into which different sizes of capsules can be inserted (similar to PCs and their DVD drive drawers, which have several recesses that can accommodate both 12 cm and 8 cm discs). The turntable 4 has radially arranged grooves or channels 14 through which the brewed coffee 15 is radially ejected from the capsule 2.The drive 16, which can be an electric motor, is installed beneath the turntable 4. The electric motor is precisely controlled by an electronic control system. This allows its speed to be varied as desired.

[0020] On the Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment, in which the heating element 26 is built directly into the coffee capsule 2. The machine 1 here has no water heater and thus no longer requires a heating block. This simplifies the construction of the machine 1 enormously. The heating element 26, which is built directly into the coffee capsule 2, serves to heat the water + coffee mixture very quickly. A heating coil inserted into the capsule 2, for example, serves as the heating element 26. The capsule wall 27 itself can also serve as the heating element 26. It is sufficient if the wall 27 is built in two layers, in which an insulation layer 28 and a metal layer 29 (metal foil / aluminum foil) are integrated. The metal layer 29 is shaped like a ribbon-like spiral 30 and two electrical contact points 31 are built into the top (or bottom) of the capsule 2.Two electrodes or spring-loaded contact pins 32 are built into the coffee machine 1, in the lid of the capsule hopper, which can form an electrical circuit through the heating element 26 into the capsule 2. As soon as the (cold) water is injected into the capsule 2, the current is switched on (via a switch or electronic control), and the heating element 26 in the capsule 2 heats up. The contents (water + coffee powder mixture) are heated instantly. Immediately afterwards, the rotation of the capsule 2 can begin. Whether the current contacts 31 remain at the contact points 31 and rotate (sliding contacts and slip rings can ensure the current even during rotation) or whether the contact pins 32 are retracted, thus interrupting the current, is up to the manufacturer.Due to centrifugal force and the additional overpressure generated in the capsule 2 when the contents are heated, the water-coffee mixture flows relatively quickly outward at the edge of the capsule 2 and is collected by the casing 21 and directed to the cup 25. The heating element 26 can also be constructed in the form of a simple spiral heater. No additional pads need to be installed as contact points; instead, the capsule lid 12 can be used instead. All that is needed is to create two insulated areas, each connected to the ends of the heating element 26. The main thing is that the capsule lid 12 is made of aluminum or another conductive material. This would ensure a reliable flow of current. It is important that the capsule wall can withstand the heat well and does not begin to melt at 150°C. Plastic capsules would be unsuitable here, unless a heat-resistant plastic is used.

[0021] A spring-loaded fixing plate, disc, or ring 18 can be installed in the lid cap 17. This freely rotatable disc presses against the capsule 2 when the lid cap 17 is closed. A similar solution, as in a CD player, where a freely rotatable disc is installed in the lid and presses against the CD disc when the lid is closed, can also be applied here.

[0022] As soon as the lid 12 is closed and the machine 1 is switched on, an injection needle / cannula 6 is inserted into the center of the capsule 2 from below or from above, depending on what the manufacturer considers optimal. It is pierced approximately a few millimeters into a wall of the capsule 2 and the hot water is injected there. Regardless of whether this is done from above, almost no pressure is required on the water to carry out the injection because the drive of the turntable 4 is switched on at the same time as the injection, so that the capsule 2 begins to rotate. Therefore, in this case, gravity is sufficient to inject the water from a higher water tank and heater into the capsule 2. In addition, the centrifugal force of the rotating capsule 2 sucks the water in the center in. The needle 6 can rotate with the needle, but it does not have to.It can just as easily be installed statically while the capsule 2 is rotated at high speed. The inner diameter of the cannula 6 should not be very small, because otherwise it will take forever for the 25 - 50 ml of water to reach the capsule 2. It can, for example, have an inner diameter of approximately 2 - 5 millimeters. The water will then flow in relatively quickly. As soon as the capsule 2 begins to rotate, each drop of water is mixed with the coffee powder 34, spun in the equator of the capsule 2 and pressed against the pore wall 19. With sufficient rotation speed and centrifugal force, it will flow outwards through the pores 9. The coffee grounds remain trapped in the pores 9, thus eliminating the need to install a filter in the capsule 2. The faster the turntable 4 rotates with the capsule 2 in the center, the stronger the centrifugal force, which continues to suck in water from the center of the capsule 2.The rotation speed and pore size determine the strength of the coffee being prepared. If the rotation speed is low, it takes longer to extract the coffee, and this allows bitter substances to get into the coffee. If the turntable rotates quickly, the coffee is extracted within a few seconds, and the process is complete. The collecting container 20, with the cylindrical casing 21 around the turntable 4, does not touch the turntable 4 and only serves to collect the centrifugally ejected coffee and direct it downwards under gravity. These parts, such as the turntable 4, the casing 21, and the funnel 23 below, can all be heated by heating elements 22 or hot air flow, so that the coffee does not get cold upon contact. A funnel 23 below collects the coffee, which then flows downwards into the cup.The walls of the casing 21 and the funnel 23 should be water-repellent or provided with a water-repellent coating so that the coffee foam does not stick there and everything flows down into the cup. Incidentally, special coffee pads, which have a heating element and aluminum foil on at least one surface, can also be used in this machine 1. The coffee pad 24 is placed on the turntable 4 and pressed against the turntable 4 by the force of the turntable 18 (or rings or another plate) of the lid 12. When the machine 1 is switched on (or even when the lid 12 is pressed down), the injection needle 6 extends into the coffee pad 24 and the water 7 is injected.

[0023] The needle 6 can also be installed statically in the turntable 4 and protrude a few millimeters from the center of the turntable 4. As soon as the capsule or coffee pad is pressed downwards by the rotating disc 18 of the lid 12, it is pierced by the injection needle 6 at a point in the center. The turntable 4 begins to rotate (the needle can, but does not have to, rotate with it) and the water flows from the injection needle 6 into the capsule 2 or the coffee pad, moistens or spreads through the coffee powder, and dissolves the soluble coffee components ( Fig.3). Once several ml of water have flowed in, the rotation speed can be increased, and then the liquid begins to flow outward due to centrifugal force. This is collected by the casing 21 and directed downwards through the funnel 23 into the cup 25. Hot water continues to flow into the capsule 2 or coffee pod through the cannula 6 (injection needle) until the optimal amount for an espresso (approx. 15-25 ml) or for a coffee (approx. 40 ml) is used. After that, the water flow is stopped by a valve control, and the coffee is ready. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 coffee machine 2 capsules / diskus capsules 3 Closed container (chamber) 4 turntables 5 Middle 6 Cannula or injection needle 7 Hot water 8 Edge of the capsule / disc 9 Fine pores 10 slides 11 Equator 12 lids 13 Deepening 14 grooves or channels 15 Brewed coffee 16 Drive 17 Lid dome 18 Fixing plate / disc / ring 19 Pore wall 20 collection containers 21 Cylinder casing 22 heating elements 23 funnels 24 coffee pods 25 cup 26 Heating element 27 Capsule Wall 28 Insulation layer 29 metal layer 30 Ribbon-shaped spiral 31 power contact points 32 electrodes or spring-loaded contact pins 33 Conductor track 34 coffee powder

Claims

[1] Capsule coffee preparation system, comprising - a coffee capsule (2) which has a round or disc-shaped or disc-shaped form, which is provided with fine pores (9) in the circumference, through which the water (7) with dissolved coffee powder can flow out when internal pressure is applied into the coffee capsule (2), - a heating element (22, 26) which is built directly into the coffee capsule (2) and which can be supplied with electricity from the outside through two electrical contact points (31) located on an outer wall of the coffee capsule (2), a coffee capsule machine (1) consisting of at least - a closable coffee capsule receiving container in which a turntable (4) and at least one recess (13) for receiving capsules (2) are installed, which can be quickly rotated electrically about a vertical axis, - a valve-controlled injection needle or cannula (6) which injects water at low pressure or water flowing solely by gravity from a water chamber into the coffee capsule (2), - two electrodes or contact pins (32) which are moved electrically towards the electrical contact points (31) of the coffee capsule (2) or which touch them manually when a lid (12) of the coffee capsule receptacle is closed, - an electric motor drive that can quickly rotate the turntable (4) with the coffee capsule (2) attached there, - drainage channels, holes or grooves, which are arranged radially in the turntable (4), which further accelerate the coffee flowing out of the pores (9) of the coffee capsule (2) by centrifugal action, - a casing (21) in hollow cylinder shape, which is a collecting container / collection container (20), which surrounds the rotating plate (4) without touching it, which collects the centrifugally ejected coffee, which takes a funnel shape below the rotating plate (4) and forms a downward extension that leads directly to the coffee cup, - an electronic control which controls the current for the heating element (22, 26) and the processes of the coffee machine (1), - a fixing device (18) which fixes the coffee capsule (2) in the recess (13) of the turntable (4). [2] Capsule coffee preparation system according to claim 1, characterized by that the coffee capsule wall is constructed in two or more layers, wherein at least one insulation layer and a metal construction in the form of a band-shaped heating coil 30 are integrated. [3] Capsule coffee preparation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the turntable (4) of the coffee capsule machine (1) is equipped with fixing elements for receiving an adapter in which different coffee capsule sizes can be accommodated. [4] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an unbalance control system is installed, which increases the rotation speed of the turntable (4) somewhat more gently, thus giving some time for the redistribution of the powder and liquid into the capsule 2. [5] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fixing device is a rotatable disc or ring (18) which is installed in a movable holder and can be lowered from above down to the capsule (2). [6] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fixing device is installed in a lid (12) of the coffee capsule receptacle. [7] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fixing device is mounted and can rotate freely. [8] Capsule coffee preparation system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the lid (12) is sturdily constructed and made of a transparent material. [9] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive for rotating the coffee capsule (2) is coupled to the rotating disc or ring, while the turntable (4) is freely rotatable. [10] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the casing (21) is heated. [11] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the puncture needle (6) pierces from below or from above into the capsule center (5) when a lid (12) is closed or can be retracted electrically. [12] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the water tank or the water heating device is higher than the turntable (4) and the water or the hot water can be injected into the coffee capsule (2) mainly or solely by gravity. [13] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the needle (6) is connected to a valve or solenoid valve that can be controlled electrically or manually. [14] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotation speed of the turntable (4) is electronically controllable. [15] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the coffee capsule (2) is empty of air or there is a negative pressure / vacuum inside. [16] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the turntable (4) is also designed to accommodate conventional coffee pads (24) or is provided with a suitable recess for this purpose. [17] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the turntable (4) has several concentrically arranged recesses for different coffee capsule or coffee pad sizes. [18] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the speed and rotation duration of the turntable (4) are controllable. [19] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the amount of water injected through the cannula (6) is portioned or controllable. [20] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the water temperature can be regulated by a built-in control. [21] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a small pump is installed which directs the water at low pressure into the coffee capsule (2) or coffee pad (24). [22] Capsule coffee preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is also designed for espresso preparation or tea preparation using tea-filled capsules or tea pads.

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