System and method for dispensing hot milk-containing beverage components or beverage portions and use of thick film heaters - Patents.com

Abstract

1. An exemplary system (1) for intermittently dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion, the system (1) comprising a flow path (30) extending from a water inlet (31) to a dispensing outlet (32), the flow path (30) being provided with a milk concentrate inlet (33) upstream of the dispensing outlet (32) and a thick film heater (18) upstream of the milk concentrate inlet (33), the system comprising water temperature determining means (34) configured to determine, e.g., estimate and / or measure, a water temperature at or upstream of the water inlet (35) of the thick film heater (18), and a controller (36) configured to control the thick film heater (18) in response to the water temperature determined by the water temperature determining means (34).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for dispensing hot milk-containing beverage ingredients or beverage portions, the beverage being, for example, hot coffee. [Background technology]

[0002] Such systems and methods are generally known per se. In known systems and methods, a liquid milk concentrate is mixed with a flow of hot water to form hot milk. The hot water is provided from a buffer unit (e.g. a boiler) which electrically heats a buffer amount of water, which is provided for example from a common water tap. The advantage of such a hot water supply is that the water can be heated to the desired temperature without exceeding the maximum power consumption of e.g. a power outlet. However, boiler solutions can be bulky, consume a lot of energy and may not be able to deliver water at the desired temperature after several servings have been performed.

[0003] Another known heating solution is the thermoblock. A drawback is that the heating is relatively slow, so that the user may have to wait an undesirable time before a hot beverage can be dispensed. Another drawback is that the continuous power consumption of known heater solutions effectively inhibits the power consumption of other electrically-driven components related to beverage distribution, for example associated with coffee distribution in the same beverage distribution system. Depending on the power management configuration of such a system, power for heating water for milk may only be available to the extent that it is not consumed by coffee-related components. For these reasons, integrating milk and coffee distribution in a combined system has proven difficult. Problems also arise when integrating in coffee machines with highly variable or high internal temperatures (e.g. above 40° C.) due to the heat generation of the respective coffee extraction components.

[0004] US 2021 / 0145205 A1 discloses a relatively complex powdered milk preparation machine with improved cooling effect. The machine includes a mixing bottle, a powdered milk box, a water tank, and a thermostatic bottle. The thermostatic bottle has a PTC heater at the bottom of the thermostatic bottle for heating the water in the bottle in addition to the respective NTC temperature sensor. When the detected temperature in the thermostatic bottle becomes too low, the PTC heater is instantly activated to heat the water, thereby keeping the water temperature in the thermostatic bottle constant at all times. In addition, the machine includes a thick film heater and a downstream spiral cooling tube. The first of these spiral tubes is provided with a temperature detector. The thick film heater is utilized to rapidly heat the water sent to the thick film heater to a temperature of 90°C to 100°C. The heated water is cooled and transferred to the bottle.

[0005] EP 1 380 243 provides a machine for heating a liquid in a beverage preparation machine, comprising at least one set of at least two resistors for transferring energy to a flow of water provided from an upstream cold water tank. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved system for intermittently dispensing hot milk-containing beverage ingredients or portions of beverages, in particular in which waiting times are reduced and / or the power consumption associated with dispensing hot milk per portion is more easily combined with the power consumption requirements of, for example, coffee dispensing and / or overheating of the water is more easily prevented. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To that end, a first aspect of the invention provides a system for intermittently dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion. According to the first aspect, the system comprises a flow path extending from a water inlet to a dispensing outlet, the flow path being provided with a milk concentrate inlet upstream of the dispensing outlet and with a thick film heater upstream of the milk concentrate inlet. According to the first aspect, the system comprises water temperature determining means configured to determine, e.g. estimate and / or measure, a water temperature at the water inlet or upstream of the thick film heater. According to the first aspect, the system comprises a controller configured to control the thick film heater in response to the water temperature determined by the water temperature determining means.

[0008] Such a combination of thick film heater and controller allows precise, rapid and efficient water heating, especially under changing conditions such as changing heater power utilization and / or changing water inlet temperature. The power consumption for such heating is substantially limited to a well-defined period before and after dispensing, allowing easier integration with other power consumers and / or power managers, such as those of a coffee machine. Overheating can be effectively prevented, for example, by inhibiting heating by the heater depending on the determined water temperature. Also in this way, a reliable dispensing result without overheating can be achieved in cases where the internal temperature variations of the system are relatively large, for example where the coffee machine may have a relatively high internal operating temperature of at least 40°C or even at least 50°C at an ambient room temperature of 20°C.

[0009] For example, the system may include a single heater, which may be a thick film heater, resulting in a compact, energy efficient and reliable system.

[0010] Thick film heaters are known per se in various forms (see, for example, https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Heating_element) and may be advantageously combined with such a controller in a system for intermittently dispensing hot milk-containing beverage ingredients or portions of a beverage. The thick film heater preferably provides a section of said flow path, the flow path extending between a heater inlet and a heater outlet.

[0011] According to an embodiment, in a first heating mode, control of the heater by the controller may be substantially independent of the determined temperature, and in a subsequent second heating mode, control by the controller is dependent on the determined temperature.

[0012] The first heating mode may include a preheat period during which little or no water flows through the heater. In the first mode, the controller may be configured to control the heater at a constant and / or variable, e.g., time-varying, heating level and / or power level.

[0013] It has been found that in this way particularly rapid and precise heating of the water can be provided, for example the second mode being activated only after a predefined heating time in the first mode, the first mode allowing for a more rapid initial heating and the second mode allowing for more precise control.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the system, for example a controller, may be configured to turn off the thick film heater at a predetermined heater off time before the system stops supplying water to the flow path.

[0015] Thus, more efficient power consumption may be promoted, for example reducing the build-up of excess hot water in the heater.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the water temperature determination means may be configured to measure the water temperature at the water outlet of the thick film heater or downstream thereof and to estimate the water temperature at the water inlet of the thick film heater or upstream thereof based on at least the measured temperature at the water outlet or downstream thereof.

[0017] Thus, good temperature control can be obtained with a relatively small number of temperature sensing components.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the thick film heater during dispensing of one of the portions in response to a first water temperature estimated by the water temperature determining means based on at least a second water temperature at or downstream of the water outlet where the second water temperature was measured by the water temperature determining means during dispensing of one or more previous portions of the portions.

[0019] For example, the water temperature measured at the heater outlet during the dispensing of one portion may be used to estimate the water temperature at the heater inlet for dispensing a subsequent portion, such estimation preferably taking into account how much time has elapsed between the dispensing of the portions, e.g., the more little time has elapsed, the closer the estimate will be to the measured value.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the system may be configured to receive a milk concentrate container, in particular of the bag-in-box type, for supplying milk concentrate to the milk concentrate inlet.

[0021] Thus, milk concentrate can be provided in a particularly hygienic and user-friendly manner.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the system may include a valve actuator for actuating a valve member of a received milk concentrate container which, in use, regulates the flow of milk concentrate to a milk concentrate inlet of the flow path, and a controller configured to control the valve actuator for regulating the flow of milk concentrate.

[0023] Thus, an automatic and hygienic control of the supply of milk concentrate can be realized, for example by coordinating the control of the valve actuator with the control of the heater and / or vice versa, the valve actuator and the heater being controlled, for example, by the same controller.Such valves in systems for dispensing hot milk-containing beverages are known per se (see, for example, WO 2014 / 069993 A1) and can be advantageously combined with the system of the present invention.

[0024] The water temperature determining means may include a temperature sensor, particularly a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) type thermistor, located at the water outlet of the thick film heater.

[0025] Thus, a reliable temperature measurement at the heater outlet can be achieved.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the hot milk-containing beverage ingredient or beverage may comprise coffee and the system further comprises coffee dispensing means for dispensing the coffee in portions.

[0027] Thus, an improved integrated system can be provided for dispensing beverages containing both coffee and milk, particularly with improved power management, examples of such beverages include cafe au lait, cappuccino, cortado, flat white, latte, latte macchiato, and macchiato.

[0028] A second aspect provides a method of dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion, such as a method utilising a system according to the invention. According to the second aspect, the method comprises supplying water through a flow path, heating the water in the flow path by a thick film heater, and supplying milk concentrate to the heated water in the flow path. According to the second aspect, the method comprises determining, such as estimating and / or sensing, a water temperature at or upstream of the water inlet of the thick film heater, and controlling heating by the heater in response to the determined water temperature.

[0029] Such a method can provide the advantages mentioned above.

[0030] In a first heating mode, the control may be substantially independent of the determined temperature, and in a subsequent second heating mode, the control may be dependent on the determined temperature.

[0031] The method may include turning off the heater while the water is flowing through the heater.

[0032] Determining the water temperature at the water inlet or upstream of the thick film heater may include sensing the water temperature at the water outlet or downstream of the thick film heater, for example during dispensing of a previous portion of a warm milk-containing beverage ingredient or beverage, and then estimating the water temperature at the water inlet or upstream based on at least the sensed water temperature at the water outlet or downstream.

[0033] The method may include actuating a valve member of the milk concentrate container to regulate the delivery of milk concentrate.

[0034] A third aspect provides the use of a thick film heater to heat water flowing intermittently through a flow path, the water being mixed with a milk concentrate downstream of the heater, thereby forming hot milk for dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or portion of the beverage.

[0035] The use of thick film heaters provides the advantages discussed above.

[0036] A fourth aspect, which may be combined with one or more of the other aspects described above, provides a system for intermittently dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion. According to the fourth aspect, the system comprises a flow path extending from a water inlet to a dispensing outlet, the flow path being provided with a milk concentrate inlet upstream of the dispensing outlet and a thick film heater upstream of the milk concentrate inlet. According to the fourth aspect, the system comprises water temperature determination means configured to determine, e.g. estimate and / or measure, a property, in particular a temperature, of the water in the flow path. According to the fourth aspect, the system comprises a controller configured to control the thick film heater, wherein in a first heating mode, control by the controller is substantially independent of the determined property and in a subsequent second heating mode, control by the controller is dependent on the determined property.

[0037] Such a combination of thick film heater and controller allows precise, rapid and efficient water heating, especially under varying conditions such as varying heater power utilization and / or varying water inlet temperature. The power consumption for such heating can be substantially limited to well-defined periods before and after dispensing, allowing easier integration with other power consumers and / or power managers, such as those in a coffee machine. For example, overheating can be effectively prevented by throttle back heating by the heater depending on the determined water temperature.

[0038] The first heating mode may include a preheat period during which little or no water flows through the heater. In the first mode, the controller may be configured to control the heater at a constant and / or variable, e.g., time-varying, heating level and / or power level.

[0039] It has been found that in this way particularly rapid and precise heating of the water can be provided, for example the second mode being activated only after a predefined heating time in the first mode, the first mode allowing for a more rapid initial heating and the second mode allowing for more precise control.

[0040] A fifth aspect, which may be combined with one or more of the other aspects described above, provides a system for intermittently dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion. According to the fifth aspect, the system includes a flow path extending from a water inlet to a dispensing outlet, the flow path being provided with a milk concentrate inlet upstream of the dispensing outlet and a thick film heater upstream of the milk concentrate inlet. According to the fifth aspect, the system is configured to power off the thick film heater at a predetermined heater off time before the system stops supplying water to the flow path.

[0041] Such an arrangement of a system with a thick film heater allows precise, rapid and efficient water heating, especially under varying conditions such as varying heater power utilization and / or varying water inlet temperatures. The power consumption for such heating can be substantially limited to well-defined periods before and after dispensing, allowing easier integration with other power consumers and / or power managers, such as those in a coffee machine. By stopping operation of the heater before stopping the water supply, overheating can be effectively prevented. In this way, accumulation of excess hot water in and / or around the heater can be effectively prevented, without substantially affecting precise temperature control.

[0042] A sixth aspect, which may be combined with one or more of the other aspects described above, provides a method for dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion. According to the sixth aspect, the method comprises supplying water through a flow path, heating the water in the flow path by a thick film heater, and supplying a milk concentrate to the heated water in the flow path. According to the sixth aspect, the method comprises determining, e.g. estimating and / or sensing, a property of the water, in particular the temperature, and controlling the heating, wherein in a first heating mode, the control is substantially independent of the determined property and in a subsequent second heating mode, the control is dependent on the determined property.

[0043] Such a method offers the advantages mentioned above.

[0044] A seventh aspect, which may be combined with one or more of the other aspects described above, provides a method of dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion. According to the seventh aspect, the method includes supplying water through a flow path, heating the water in the flow path by a thick film heater, and supplying a milk concentrate to the heated water in the flow path. According to the sixth aspect, the method includes turning off the heater while the water is flowing through the heater.

[0045] Such a method offers the advantages mentioned above.

[0046] For example, according to an embodiment, the method may include the following modes of operation: 1) a pre-heat mode, in which the heater is powered up to a predetermined high heating level (preferably a maximum heating level that provides the full heating capacity of the heater) without water flowing through the heater, and optionally the duration of the first mode is calculated based on an estimated heating power of the heater (e.g. based on a previous distribution); 2) a start-of-flow mode, in which water flows through the heater and the heater is powered to a second heating level that is lower than the predetermined high heating level (the second heating level is in particular lower than the maximum heating level such that the second heating level provides only a portion of the heating capacity of the heater and the second heating level is higher than zero), the second heating level being preferably calculated based on an estimated water inlet temperature and an estimated heating power; 3) a control phase mode in which the controller controls the thick film heater in response to the water temperature determined by the water temperature determining means, preferably the heater power level is controlled to achieve a desired or predetermined water outlet temperature, for example based on the measured outlet temperature; 4) A pre-shutdown mode may be included in which the thick film heater is turned off at a predetermined heater shut-down time, after which water is left flowing through the heater for a certain final water flow duration (with the water flow being stopped at the end of the final water flow duration).

[0047] In one or more aspect embodiments, the system is configured to generate, and / or the method includes, a flow rate of water through the thick film heater, particularly during dispensing, of at least 100 ml / min, preferably at least 150 ml / min, more preferably at least 200 ml / min, in particular 250 ml / min or more, for example in the range of 250-450 ml / min. Thus, advantageously, a relatively rapid dispense of a desirably hot beverage can be achieved.

[0048] In the following, the invention will be explained using exemplary embodiments and drawings which are schematic and show examples only, in which corresponding elements are indicated with corresponding reference signs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] 1 shows, highly diagrammatically, an exemplary beverage dispensing system 1 and features of an exemplary method. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the milk section of the system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a partially open front perspective view of the milk section of FIG. 2; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a further partially opened perspective view of the milk section of FIG. 3; [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 shows a partially open perspective rear view of the milk section of FIG. 3; [Figure 6] 1 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method for dispensing hot milk-containing beverage components or beverage portions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Figures 1 to 5 show an example of a system 1 for intermittently dispensing portions of hot milk-containing beverage ingredients or beverages, each of said portions may for example have a total volume in the range of about 10ml to 500ml, such as a total volume of 90 to 350ml, or another range.

[0051] The system 1 comprises a flow path 30 extending from a water inlet 31 to a dispensing outlet 32, with a milk concentrate inlet 33 provided in the flow path 30 upstream of the dispensing outlet 32 ​​and with a (e.g. single) thick film heater 18 provided upstream of the milk concentrate inlet 33. The system 1 comprises water temperature determining means 34 arranged to determine, e.g. estimate and / or measure, the water temperature at the water inlet 35 or upstream of the thick film heater 18. The system also comprises a controller 36 arranged to control the thick film heater 18 in response to the water temperature determined by the water temperature determining means 34.

[0052] Here, the water temperature determining means 34 is, for example, at least partially included in the controller 36. The water temperature determining means 34 may include one or more sensors, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 1 as including a milk section 2 and an extraction section 3 .

[0054] In an exemplary use of the system 1, a water flow 8 enters the system 1. The water flow 8 may be, for example, a flow of relatively cool (e.g., unheated or low temperature) water. For example, the water flow 8 may be provided by a water source (not shown), such as a water tap and / or a respective water conduit.

[0055] The water flow may pass through an optional valve 10 and may be split into a first water flow 12 and a second water flow 11. The first water flow 12 flows into the brewing section 3 and subsequently passes through a water pump 19, a water flow meter 20 and a first water heater 21 to produce a first hot water flow 12a. A bean hopper 23 forming part of the brewing section 3 is fed by a coffee bean supply 9. Coffee beans from the bean hopper 23 are ground in a grinder 24 and the ground coffee 9a is passed into the brewing unit 22. The first hot water flow 12a is also passed into the brewing unit 22 where coffee 28 is prepared.

[0056] Meanwhile, the second water flow 11 flows into the milk section 2 and subsequently passes through a water pump 16, a water flow meter 17 and a second water heater 18 to give rise to a second hot water flow 11a which flows into the mixing device 6 of the milk concentrate container 4. Here, the second water heater 18 is a thick film heater 18.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 1, when the system 1 is in use, an optional air flow 7 can enter the system 1 in the milk section 2, and after passing through a particle filter 13, is pressurized by an air pump 14, and then the pressurized air 7a enters the mixing device 6 of the milk concentrate container 4 through an airtight connector 15 that establishes a removable airtight connection with the mixing device 6. Liquid milk concentrate from a liquid milk concentrate supply 5 enters the mixing device 6. In the mixing device 6, the liquid milk concentrate is first mixed with a second hot water flow 11a to generate a warm milk flow, and then the pressurized air 7a is introduced into the warm milk flow to generate milk froth 27.

[0058] The coffee 28 and milk foam 27 are finally dispensed into a receptacle 29 .

[0059] Coffee solids resulting from the extraction of coffee in the brewing unit 22 are collected in a solids tray 25, while water contained in the solids is collected in a drip tray 26.

[0060] Figures 2 to 5 show further embodiments of a part of the milk section 2 of the exemplary system 1, where the part of the milk section 2 forms a module that can be integrated into the overall system 1. In the example of Figure 1, the milk section 2 is integrated with a brewing section 3 for coffee, but it will be understood that this is not necessarily required. Thus, a system 1 according to the invention does not necessarily have to include such a brewing section 3.

[0061] In that example, in a first heating mode, control by the controller 36 may not be substantially dependent on the determined temperature, and in a subsequent second heating mode, control 84 by the controller 36 depends on the determined temperature. Reference is now made to Figure 6, which illustrates steps of an exemplary method described in more detail elsewhere herein. The steps include such control 84 of the heater in response to the determined temperature.

[0062] In that example, the system 1 , eg, the controller 36 , can be configured to turn off 85 the thick film heater 18 at a predetermined heater off time before the system 1 stops 86 the supply of water to the flow path 30 .

[0063] In this example, the water temperature determination means 34 is preferably configured to measure the water temperature at the water outlet 37 of the thick film heater 18 or downstream thereof, and to estimate the water temperature at the water inlet 35 of the thick film heater 18 or upstream thereof based on at least the measured temperature at the water outlet 37 or downstream thereof.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the controller 36 is configured to control the thick film heater 18 during the dispensing of one of the portions in response to the first water temperature estimated by the water temperature determining means 34 based on at least a second water temperature at or downstream of the water outlet 37 where the second water temperature was measured by the water temperature determining means 34 during the dispensing of one or more previous portions of the portions.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the system 1 is configured to receive a milk concentrate container 4, in particular of the bag-in-box type, for supplying milk concentrate to a milk concentrate inlet 33. To this end, Figure 2 shows the system 1 as including a housing part 40 for receiving the milk concentrate container 4. The milk concentrate container 4 is preferably provided with a mixing device 6 to which other parts of the system 1 can be connected as shown in Figure 1. Here, the mixing device 6 includes a section of the flow path 30, which section includes the milk concentrate inlet 33.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a valve actuator 38 for actuating a valve member 39 (see Figure 1) of a received milk concentrate container 4 which, in use, regulates the flow of milk concentrate to the milk concentrate inlet 33, and a controller 36 is configured to control the valve actuator 38 for regulating the flow of milk concentrate.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the water temperature determining means 34 includes a temperature sensor 34a, particularly a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) type thermistor, located at the water outlet 37 of the thick film heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 34a can be connected to the controller 36 in a variety of ways, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, for example via suitable (wired or wireless) communication links, to provide the sensor detection results (particularly the water temperature) to the controller 36. For example, the sensor 34a can be incorporated into the heater structure or heater assembly, or can be separate from the heater (e.g., located at or near the heater outlet 37).

[0068] In that example, the hot milk-containing beverage ingredient or beverage may comprise coffee, and the system 1 further comprises coffee dispensing means 3 for dispensing the coffee in portions, as described elsewhere in this specification with reference to FIG.

[0069] 6 illustrates steps of an exemplary method for dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion. The method includes supplying 82 water through flow path 30, heating 81 the water in flow path 30 by thick film heater 18, and supplying milk concentrate to the heated water in flow path 30. The method includes determining 83, e.g. estimating and / or sensing, a water temperature at or upstream of water inlet 35 of thick film heater 18, and controlling 84 heating by heater 18 in response to the determined water temperature.

[0070] In an exemplary method, in a first heating mode, the control 84 may not be substantially dependent on the determined temperature, and in a subsequent second heating mode, the control 84 depends on the determined temperature.

[0071] In that example, the method preferably includes turning off 85 the heater 18 while the water is flowing through the heater 18 .

[0072] In that example, determining 83 the water temperature at or upstream of the water inlet 35 of the thick film heater 18 preferably includes sensing the water temperature at or downstream of the water outlet 37 of the thick film heater 18, for example during dispensing of the previous portion of the warm milk-containing beverage ingredient or beverage, and then estimating the water temperature at or upstream of the water inlet 35 based on at least the sensed water temperature at or downstream of the water outlet 37.

[0073] For that purpose, the water temperature determined, e.g. sensed, during the dispensing of one portion may then be stored 87 in order to determine 83, e.g. estimate, the water temperature for heater control 84 for a subsequent portion, e.g. the portion immediately following.

[0074] An exemplary method may include actuating a valve member 39 of the milk concentrate container 4 to regulate the delivery of milk concentrate.

[0075] 6 illustrates steps of an exemplary dispensing cycle for a beverage ingredient or beverage according to this example. The cycle may include receiving 80 a command, e.g., via a user interface, to dispense a next portion of the beverage ingredient or beverage, activating 81 the heater 18, commencing the supply of water through the flow path 30 82, determining 83 a water temperature associated with the dispense, e.g., an estimated and / or sensed water temperature at the inlet 35 and / or outlet 37 of the heater 18, controlling 84 the heater 18 in response to the determined water temperature, deactivating 85 the heater before stopping the supply of water through the flow path 30, stopping the supply of water through the flow path 30, and storing 88 the determined water temperature, e.g., associated with the current dispense cycle, for use in a subsequent dispense cycle.

[0076] As shown in Figure 6, various subsequent stages can be distinguished in the dispensing cycle of the exemplary method, including a preheat stage P1, a feedforward control stage P2, a feedback control stage P3, and a shut off heater stage P4. Stages P1-P4 are described in more detail below, it being understood that many variations on the exemplary method described are possible. The duration of the stages is controlled by controller 36, as will be further described, and in each stage heater 18 is controlled by controller 36 according to one or more rules and / or relationships, as will be understood by those skilled in the art in light of this specification.

[0077] The pre-heat phase P1 begins with activating 81 the heater 18 and ends with an initial supply 82 of water into the flow path 30. The pre-heat phase P1 may encourage the heater 18 to be at a relatively high temperature so that an initial portion of the portion is sufficiently heated when the water is initially supplied 82 through the heater. In the pre-heat phase P1, the heater 18 is activated, for example, at a maximum available power level and / or a predetermined percentage thereof.

[0078] The pre-heating phase P1 has a predefined duration t_P1, which depends for example on one or more predefined and / or estimated and / or measured values ​​of the water temperature, the water flow rate, the heating power level and / or the heat capacity. Preferably, the duration t_P1 is further predefined by imposing a minimum duration, for example 1 second, and / or a maximum duration, for example 4 seconds.

[0079] Optionally, the pre-heating phase P1 can be omitted, i.e. the duration t_P1 of the pre-heating phase P1 can be set to zero, for example, when it is determined that pre-heating is not necessary, for example when the user interrupts the dispensing of the previous portion.

[0080] In the pre-heat phase P1, the water pump 16 or air pump (not shown) can optionally be activated to build up initial water or air pressure, respectively, without commencing water flow. In this manner, audio feedback can also be provided to the user to indicate that a dispensing cycle has begun.

[0081] The feedforward control phase P2 preferably starts with an initial supply 82 of water into the flow path 30 to initiate the portion dispense, and ends when the heater 18 is subsequently controlled 84 in a feedback control phase P3 in response to the determined temperature. In the feedforward control phase P2, water is supplied through the flow path so that it can reach and influence the water temperature sensor 34a at the outlet 37 of the heater 18. This allows for subsequent feedback control in phase P3.

[0082] In the feedforward control stage P2, the heater 18 is preferably powered intermittently according to a predetermined feedforward duty cycle coefficient FFDC, which depends for example on one or more predetermined and / or estimated and / or measured values ​​of the water temperature, the water flow rate, the heating power level and / or the thermal capacity. It will be appreciated that, if required, the coefficient FFDC may further be predetermined by imposing a minimum value, for example zero, and / or a maximum value, for example one.

[0083] The feedforward control stage P2 has a predefined duration t_P2, which depends for example on one or more predefined and / or estimated and / or measured values ​​of the water temperature, the water flow rate, the heating power level and / or the heat capacity. A minimum duration, for example zero, and / or a maximum duration, for example 3 seconds, can be imposed.

[0084] The feedback control phase P3 begins when the heater 18 is controlled 84 in response to the determined temperature and ends when the heater 18 is deactivated 85.

[0085] In the feedback control stage P3, the heater 18 is preferably controlled according to a dynamic feedback duty cycle FBDC, which depends on the difference with the water temperature T_out at the outlet 37 of the heater 18. The temperature T_out is preferably based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 34a at the outlet 37, and optionally corrected against the estimated water temperature T_in_est at the inlet 35 of the heater 18. The feedback control can be configured according to a proportional-integral (PI) and / or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop mechanism. Such a feedback control configuration can in particular impose a correction based on dynamic feedback on the feedforward control scheme, which can otherwise be continued from the feedforward control stage P2. A feedforward component can therefore be present in the heater control in both stages P2 and P3, while a feedback component is only present in stage P3. The feedback duty cycle FBDC in stage P3 can therefore depend on the feedforward duty cycle FFDC of stage P2.

[0086] The duration t_P3 of the feedback control phase P3 depends primarily on the predetermined dispense time of the portion, which may depend on the flow rate and the desired portion volume. The duration t_p3 may be determined by subtracting the predetermined duration t_P4 of the stop heater phase P4 from the predetermined total (remaining) dispense duration.

[0087] The stop heater phase P4 preferably begins when operation of the heater 18 is stopped and ends when the supply of water into the flow path is stopped 86, thereby ending the portion dispensing.

[0088] The duration t_P4 of the stop heater phase P4 may depend, for example, on one or more predefined and / or estimated and / or measured values ​​of water temperature, water flow rate, heating power level and / or heat capacity. A minimum duration, for example 0.5 seconds, and / or a maximum duration, for example 2 seconds, may be imposed in predetermining the duration t_P4.

[0089] The effective maximum heating power level P_est can be estimated once, e.g., during each dispensing cycle, i.e., for each portion dispensed, to be used to calculate the duty cycle and / or step duration as described above in a subsequent, e.g., immediately following, dispensing cycle.

[0090] The power level P_est may be estimated based on a recording of one or more estimated and / or measured values ​​of, for example, temperature and / or step duration. The power level P_est for a dispensing cycle may further be predetermined by applying a low pass filter to a time series including the previous predetermined value of the power level P_est for the previous dispensing cycle in addition to the newly estimated power level value. If desired, an initial value of P_est may be set to, for example, 2500 W.

[0091] The power level P_est thus determined may be stored for use in subsequent dispensing cycles (see step 87 in FIG. 6).

[0092] As alluded to above, the water temperature T_in_est at the inlet 35 of the heater 18 can be estimated once, e.g., during each dispensing cycle, i.e., for each portion dispensed, for use in calculating the duty cycle and / or step duration as described above in a subsequent, e.g., immediately following, dispensing cycle.

[0093] The water temperature T_in_est may be estimated based on, for example, one or more predetermined and / or estimated and / or measured values ​​of water temperature, water flow rate, heating power level and / or thermal capacity.

[0094] The inlet water temperature T_in_est may further be determined by imposing a minimum value of, for example, 10°C and / or a maximum value of, for example, 40°C.

[0095] If the feedback control phase P3 was shorter than a predefined minimum duration, the update of the estimate of the inlet water temperature T_in_est can be omitted, i.e. the previous value of the estimate can be maintained. If necessary, the estimate T_in_est can be initialized, for example at about 23°C.

[0096] The value of the inlet water temperature T_in_est thus estimated may be stored (see step 88 in FIG. 6) and then used for subsequent dispensing cycles as described above.

[0097] Alternatively or in addition to estimating the water temperature at the inlet 35 of the heater 18 as described, a respective water temperature sensor (not shown) can be provided at the water inlet 35 of the heater 18 to determine the water temperature at said water inlet 35.

[0098] With reference to the drawings, the present specification discloses an exemplary use of a thick film heater 18 to heat water flowing intermittently through a flow path 30, where the water mixes with a milk concentrate downstream of the heater 18, thereby forming hot milk for dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or portion of a beverage.

[0099] With reference to the drawings, the present specification discloses an exemplary system 1 for intermittently dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion, the system preferably comprising a flow path 30 extending from a water inlet 31 to a dispensing outlet 32, the flow path 30 being provided with a milk concentrate inlet 33 upstream of the dispensing outlet 32 ​​and a thick film heater 18 upstream of the milk concentrate inlet 33, the system 1 comprising water temperature determination means 34 configured to determine, e.g. estimate and / or measure, a property, in particular the temperature, of the water in the flow path 30, the system 1 comprising a controller 36 configured to control the thick film heater 18, wherein in a first heating mode, control by the controller 36 is substantially independent of the determined property and in a subsequent second heating mode, control by the controller 36 is dependent on the determined property.

[0100] Also, with reference to the drawings, the present specification discloses an exemplary system 1 for intermittently dispensing a warm milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion, the system preferably including a flow path 30 extending from a water inlet 31 to a dispensing outlet 32, the flow path 30 being provided with a milk concentrate 33 inlet upstream of the dispensing outlet 32 ​​and a thick film heater 18 upstream of the milk concentrate inlet 33, the system 1 being configured to turn off the thick film heater 18 at a predetermined heater stop time before the system 1 stops supplying water to the flow path 30.

[0101] Further, with reference to the drawings, the present specification discloses an exemplary method for dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or portion thereof, preferably comprising supplying 82 water through a flow path 30, heating 81 the water in the flow path by a thick film heater 18, and supplying milk concentrate to the heated water in the flow path 30, the method comprising determining 83, e.g. estimating and / or sensing, a property of the water, in particular the temperature, and controlling the heating, wherein in a first heating mode, the control is substantially independent of the determined property, and in a subsequent second heating mode, the control 84 is dependent on the determined property.

[0102] Further, with reference to the drawings, the present specification discloses an exemplary method for dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion, preferably comprising supplying water 82 through a flow path 30, heating 81 the water in the flow path 30 with a thick film heater 18, and supplying milk concentrate to the heated water in the flow path 30, the method including turning off 85 the heater 18 while the water is flowing through the heater 30.

[0103] It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above: various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0104] For example, the various system components may be positioned in various ways relative to one another. By way of example, the water flow meters may be positioned upstream or downstream of their respective pumps (which provide the water flow measured by the flow meters), as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A system (1) for intermittently dispensing hot milk-containing beverage ingredients or beverage portions, comprising: A flow path (30) extending from a water inlet (31) to a distribution outlet (32); The flow path (30) is provided with a milk concentrate inlet (33) upstream of the distribution outlet (32), and a thick film heater (18) is provided upstream of the milk concentrate inlet (33); said milk concentrate inlet (33) being in particular adapted to supply milk concentrate to the heated water flowing through said flow path (30); The system (1) comprises: a water temperature determining means (34) configured to determine, e.g. estimate and / or measure, a water temperature at or upstream of a water inlet (35) of said thick film heater (18); a controller (36) configured to control the thick film heater (18) in response to the water temperature determined by the water temperature determining means (34); Including, The water temperature determining means (34) is preferably configured to measure the water temperature at a water outlet (37) of the thick film heater (18) or downstream thereof, and the water temperature determining means (34) is preferably configured to estimate the water temperature at a water inlet (35) of the thick film heater (18) or upstream thereof based on at least the measured temperature at the water outlet (37) or downstream thereof. System (1).

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein in a first heating mode, the control by the controller (36) is substantially independent of the determined temperature, and in a subsequent second heating mode, the control by the controller (36) is dependent on the determined temperature.

3. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the system (1), e.g., the controller (36), is configured to turn off the thick film heater (18) at a predetermined heater stop time before the system (1) stops supplying water to the flow path (30).

4. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller (36) is configured to control the thick film heater (18) during the dispensing of one of the portions in response to a first water temperature estimated by the water temperature determining means (34) based on at least a second water temperature at or downstream of the water outlet (37) where a second water temperature was measured by the water temperature determining means (34) during the dispensing of one or more previous portions of the portions.

5. 3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system (1) is configured to receive a milk concentrate container (4), in particular of the bag-in-box type, for supplying milk concentrate to the milk concentrate inlet (33), and the hot milk-containing beverage ingredient or beverage preferably comprises coffee, the system (1) further comprising coffee dispensing means (3) for dispensing coffee for the portions.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a valve actuator (38) for actuating a valve member (39) of the received milk concentrate container (4), the valve member (39) regulating, in use, a flow of milk concentrate to the milk concentrate inlet (33), and the controller (36) configured to control the valve actuator (38) for regulating the flow of milk concentrate.

7. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water temperature determining means (34) comprises a temperature sensor (34a), in particular a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) type thermistor, arranged at the water outlet (37) of the thick film heater (18).

8. 1. A method for dispensing hot milk-containing beverage ingredients or beverage portions, comprising: Supplying (82) water through a flow path (30); heating (81) the water in the flow path (30) with a thick film heater (18); providing a milk concentrate to the heated water in the flow path (30); Including, The method includes determining (83), e.g. estimating and / or sensing, a water temperature at or upstream of a water inlet (35) of the thick film heater (18) and controlling (84) the heating by the heater (18) in response to the determined water temperature; The determining (83) of the water temperature at or upstream of a pre-inlet (35) of the thick film heater (18) preferably comprises: - sensing the water temperature at or downstream of the outlet (37) of said thick film heater (18), e.g. during the dispensing of the previous portion of said warm milk-containing beverage component or beverage; Next, preferably, estimating the water temperature at the water inlet (35) or an upstream side thereof based on at least the detected water temperature at the water outlet (37) or a downstream side thereof. A method comprising:

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein in a first heating mode, the control (84) is substantially independent of the determined temperature, and in a subsequent second heating mode, the control (84) is dependent on the determined temperature.

10. The method comprises:

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, comprising turning off (85) the heater (18) while water is flowing through the heater (18).

11. 1. Use of a thick film heater (18) for heating water intermittently flowing through a flow path (30), said water being mixed with a milk concentrate downstream of said heater (18), thereby forming hot milk for dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or portion of the beverage.

12. A system (1) for intermittently dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion, comprising a flow path (30) extending from a water inlet (31) to a dispensing outlet (32), the flow path (30) being provided with a milk concentrate inlet (33) upstream of the dispensing outlet (32), and a thick film heater (18) being provided upstream of the milk concentrate inlet (33); the system (1) comprises a water temperature determining means (34) configured to determine, e.g. estimate and / or measure, a property, in particular a temperature, of the water in the flow path (30); the system (1) comprises a controller (36) configured to control the thick film heater (18), wherein in a first heating mode, the control by the controller (36) is substantially independent of the determined property, and in a subsequent second heating mode, the control by the controller (36) is dependent on the determined property. System (1).

13. A system (1) for intermittently dispensing a hot milk-containing beverage component or beverage portion, comprising a flow path (30) extending from a water inlet (31) to a dispensing outlet (32), the flow path (30) being provided with a milk concentrate (33) inlet upstream of the dispensing outlet (32), and a thick film heater (18) being provided upstream of the milk concentrate inlet (33); the system (1) is configured to turn off the thick film heater (18) at a predetermined heater off time before the system (1) stops supplying water to the flow path (30). System (1).

14. 1. A method for dispensing hot milk-containing beverage ingredients or beverage portions, comprising: Supplying (82) water through a flow path (30); Heating (81) the water in the flow passage with a thick film heater (18); providing a milk concentrate to the heated water in the flow path (30); Including, The method comprises determining, e.g. estimating and / or sensing (83) a property of the water, in particular the temperature, and controlling the heating, wherein in a first heating mode, the control is substantially independent of the determined property, and in a subsequent second heating mode, the control (84) is dependent on the determined property. method.

15. 1. A method for dispensing hot milk-containing beverage ingredients or beverage portions, comprising: Supplying (82) water through a flow path (30); heating (81) the water in the flow path (30) with a thick film heater (18); providing a milk concentrate to the heated water in the flow path (30); Including, The method includes turning off (85) the heater (18) while water is flowing through the heater (30).

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