Espresso coffee machine with adjustable discharge pressure and method for adjusting discharge pressure of espresso coffee machine

Abstract

To provide a machine for espresso coffee (or other beverages) which is able to prepare espresso coffee using parameters set by a user.SOLUTION: An espresso coffee machine is described which comprises: a pressure sensor positioned at at least one dispensing group which dispenses shots of espresso coffee; a measuring device; and a control unit. The pressure sensor provides values of the dispensing pressure in the dispensing group. The measuring device provides values indicating the amounts of liquid at an inlet or outlet of the dispensing group. Using the values of the dispensing pressure received from the pressure sensor and the values indicating the amounts of liquid which are received from the measuring device, the control unit controls the dispensing pressure of each shot according to a profile of the dispensing pressure as a function of the amounts of liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of machines for preparing beverages. More particularly, during the preparation of a beverage For espresso coffee (or other beverages), a system for adjusting the discharge pressure is provided. The present invention also relates to a method for adjusting the delivery pressure of an espresso coffee machine. Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] As is known, coffee can be obtained by an infusion or percolation process. In the permeation process, a liquid passes through a porous medium. Permeation occurs when a liquid passes through a porous baffle. The espresso coffee uses a dynamic process to make the coffee, whereas the infusion is based on a static process. This is a system that extracts by increasing water pressure and then forcing it to infiltrate.

[0003] Patent document 1 relates to a machine for preparing coffee etc. The machine has one or more operating groups. loop, each of the operating groups including at least one boiler, a pump, and a heating unit. a unit for extracting the aroma and discharging the espresso coffee through an associated duct; Each group includes a control unit for controlling and adjusting the parameters of the espresso coffee production. According to one embodiment, the machine is provided with a system for producing espresso coffee. According to one embodiment, the machine is equipped with a means for adjusting the extraction pressure of the espresso machine. According to one embodiment, the machine is provided with a means for adjusting the extraction temperature at which the coffee is injected. The device is equipped with a control unit that contains various stored pressure profiles that the controller can call up. can.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes a measuring device for an espresso coffee machine and a device incorporating such a device. About the espresso coffee machine.

[0005] US Pat. No. 5,399,633 discloses a machine for making coffee-based beverages. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2490580 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2701563 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 3064099 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The machine described in the patent publication No. 2003-0136634 passes a packet of coffee powder through water at a given pressure. The predetermined pressure may be constant over time, but typically varies over a given profile. In fact, the profile of the discharge pressure as a function of time varies over time according to ( Select from multiple pressure profiles stored (by the factory or by the machine user) It is possible.

[0008] The solution according to US Pat. No. 5,999,633 differs from that according to, for example, the coffee mixture used, the grinding particle size, -It allows for different pressures to be applied depending on the compression of the heat pack or other factors, This is highly advantageous. As is known, the discharge pressure influences the organoleptic properties.

[0009] Therefore, by applying the teachings disclosed in the '611 patent, the machine can be adapted to apply pressurized water to the It is possible to generate a pressure profile over time that is passed through the HEPAK. .

[0010] However, applicants have found that when using a pressure / time profile, the amount of fluid passing through the pack Note that the control of the amount of coffee powder is ignored. The amount of water (rather than the amount of water used) also influences the sensory characteristics of espresso coffee.

[0011] Applicant therefore considers the ratio that exists between pressure and the solute / solvent ratio forming the injectate. The current state of the art is not yet able to achieve the same organoleptic properties of the infusion (espresso coffee). I don't think it can be reproduced.

[0012] The applicant's objective is to prepare espresso coffee using user-defined parameters. The present invention provides an espresso coffee (or other beverage) machine capable of producing The main purpose of the new machines is to reduce the mass or volume of the liquid used (typically by the bartender) To be able to generate and / or reproduce pressure profiles that are strictly related to changes in volume And so. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In accordance with the present invention, an espressor that can continuously correlate mass / volume to a given pressure is provided. A coffee machine is provided.

[0014] In this way, the user can vary in a well-defined way the amount of mass / volume extracted at different pressures. Thus, the sensory characteristics of the coffee pack selected by the user can be accurately and accurately reflected. It can be optimized in a repeatable manner.

[0015] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a machine suitable for delivering a shot of espresso coffee. The present invention provides an espresso coffee machine having at least one outlet group, Each discharge group is removably attached to a portable filter (filter holder). and configured to combine the machine with - Placed in a discharge group and suitable for providing the value of the discharge pressure in the discharge group A pressure sensor, - adapted to provide a value indicative of the amount of liquid at an inlet or outlet of said dispensing group A measuring device; - receiving the value of the discharge pressure from the pressure sensor and measuring the liquid pressure from the measurement device; a control unit configured to receive the value indicative of the amount; The control unit receives the value of the discharge pressure from the pressure sensor and and using the value indicative of the amount of liquid received from the device, The discharge pressure is configured to be controlled according to a discharge pressure profile.

[0016] Preferably, the present invention provides continuous control of pressure versus volume of beverage, rather than discrete control. stomach.

[0017] According to a first embodiment, the value indicative of the amount of liquid at the inlet or outlet of the dispensing group is: It includes a value related to or corresponding to the mass of liquid at the inlet or outlet of the dispense group.

[0018] According to these embodiment variants, the measuring device measures the amount of liquid at the outlet of the discharge group. A metering device configured to measure the mass at the inlet or outlet of the discharge group. The value indicative of the amount of liquid includes a value of the mass of liquid at the outlet of the dispense group.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the value indicative of the amount of liquid at the inlet or outlet of the dispense group is The inlet or outlet of the outlet group may include a value related to or corresponding to the volume of liquid at the inlet or outlet of the outlet group.

[0020] According to these embodiment variants, the measuring device measures the amount of liquid at the inlet of the dispensing group. A flow meter configured to measure a volume of liquid at an inlet or outlet of the discharge group. The volume value includes a value for the volume of liquid at the inlet of the dispense group.

[0021] Preferably, the control unit is adapted to control the amount of fluid supplied to the inlet or outlet of the dispensing group during the dispensing cycle. Given the total amount of liquid to be dispensed, it is constructed as follows: - dividing the total amount of liquid into N portions, and - maintaining the discharge pressure at a substantially constant value during the discharge of each of the N portions, Each substantially constant value is determined based on the profile of the discharge pressure as a function of the amount of liquid. will be done.

[0022] Preferably, the control unit is configured during a dispensing cycle as follows. - periodically obtaining an indication of the amount of liquid from the measuring device; and - Dispensing of one of N portions is determined based on periodically obtained values ​​indicating the amount of liquid. When it is determined that the discharge pressure is complete, the discharge pressure is increased from a substantially constant value to the value associated with the next portion. It is further adjusted to a substantially constant value.

[0023] Preferably, the control unit is configured as follows. - periodically obtain the discharge pressure value from the pressure sensor; and - A feedback mechanism adjusts the flow rate of water supplied to the discharge group to The pressure is maintained at a substantially constant value.

[0024] Preferably, the control unit stores a profile of the discharge pressure as a function of the amount of liquid. A memory is provided for storing the

[0025] Preferably, the machine stores in memory a profile of the discharge pressure as a function of the volume of liquid. It is provided with a data input means for inputting data.

[0026] According to a variant, the memory stores the profile in the form of a discrete set of N samples, N is greater than or equal to 2, and each sample follows a profile of the discharge pressure as a function of the volume of liquid. Each sample includes a respective sample of the liquid volume and a respective pressure value associated therewith.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a machine suitable for delivering a shot of espresso coffee. Adjustment of the outlet pressure of an espresso coffee machine having at least one outlet group At least one of the discharge groups is provided with a portable filter (filter holder). da), the method further comprising: - measuring values ​​of the discharge pressures in the discharge groups; - measuring a value indicative of the amount of liquid at the inlet or outlet of a dispensing group; - discharge pressure as a function of the amount of liquid, using values ​​of the discharge pressure and values ​​indicating the amount of liquid; and controlling the discharge pressure according to a profile of [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an espresso coffee machine in which the present invention may be incorporated; [Diagram 2] 1 is a first embodiment of a hydraulic circuit diagram for an espresso coffee machine according to the invention; [Diagram 3] 2 shows a second embodiment of the hydraulic circuit diagram of an espresso coffee machine according to the invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a coffee boiler, a discharge group and a portable filter. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical connections existing between some components of an espresso coffee machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6a-6d show examples of pressure profiles as a function of the mass of liquid dispensed into the cup. [Figure 7] 3 is a flow chart of the operation of the espresso coffee machine according to a first operating mode. [Figure 8] 8a-8d show examples of pressure profiles as a function of the volume of dispensed liquid. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram of the operation of the espresso coffee machine according to a second operating mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting examples, It can be read with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] In the following description, for convenience, specific reference will be made to an espresso coffee machine, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned machine, but may be applied to machines that dispense other beverages. For example, Barley flour or other cereal flour may be used in place of coffee powder. The expression "lesso coffee machine" refers to the fact that this operation is by forced osmosis (using pressurized water). This should be understood to include machines for preparing other beverages, provided that the beverage preparation is carried out in a manner that is consistent with the present invention. Similarly, the expression "espresso coffee" refers to the product used to prepare the beverage (coffee, "the term cereal grains" should be understood to have a broader meaning corresponding to wheat, barley or other cereals, This is also done by forced infiltration (using pressurized water).

[0031] The machines to which the invention pertains may be lever or piston type machines. Alternatively, the present invention is described, for example, in EP 2 789 276 A1. The present invention can also be applied to modular machines such as

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an espresso coffee machine, generally designated 1000, which is shown by way of example only. The machine 1000 is a substantially closed system that houses the main components of the machine. The machine 1000 comprises a machine body 1001, some of which are described below. The cup has a surface 1002 on top where the cup can be placed. An electrical resistance heating system (not shown) or other heating system may also be provided.

[0033] The machine 1000 comprises at least one dispense group 1 for dispensing espresso coffee. 003. Preferably, the machine 1000 comprises a plurality of dispense groups 1003, e.g. The machine shown as an example in FIG. 1 has three groups. It can also have two, four or There may be more groups. The drip tray 1004 is preferably connected to a grill 1005. 1003. The nozzle is partially closed at the top by a nozzle hole 1004. In the embodiment, the coffee cup is placed on the grill 1005 during the dispensing of the espresso coffee. .

[0034] The portable filter supports a filter basket against a coffee powder pack. It can be removably connected to the discharge group 1003 .

[0035] The machine 1000 may, for example, be turned on / off and / or begin dispensing. One or more displays 1010 and push buttons may be provided to switch between active and inactive modes.

[0036] The machine 1000 shown in FIG. 1 also includes an espresso controller 1004 for each dispense group 1003. Start / stop the dispense of coffee and / or adjust the dispense pressure during the dispense of espresso coffee To change the position, a lever 1112 is provided.

[0037] Before describing the hydraulic circuit diagrams shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in detail, the various symbols used will be explained below. These are presented below with a brief description of each component.

[0038] 1 Coffee Boiler 10. Pump 11 Expansion valve 12 Check valve 13 Preheater mixing valve 14 Steam boiler 15 Pressure reducing valve 16 Flow meter (volume meter) 18 Ball Tap 19 Steam solenoid valve 20 Steam Wand 21 Hot water mixing valve 22 Steam boiler charging solenoid valve 23 Hot Water Wand 24 Pressure Sensor 25 Steam boiler pressure gauge 26 Drainage well 27 Gear Pump 28 Safety valve 29 Weighing device

[0039] Preferably, the flow meter 16 is in the hydraulic circuit connecting the pump 10 to the discharge group 1003. 1003. The discharge groups 1003 are disposed along the length of the discharge groups 1003 and provide a measurement of the volume of water being delivered to the discharge groups 1003.

[0040] Preferably, pressure sensor 24 is located in discharge group 1003 and discharge group 1004. 03 provides a measurement of the pressure at which the beverage is dispensed.

[0041] Preferably, the metering device 29 is disposed below the dispensing group 1003 and below the dispensing group 1004. To this end, the weight or mass of the liquid dispensed by the The metering device 29 preferably collects the liquid dispensed by the dispensing group 1003. The measuring device 29 is also provided with a measuring platform suitable for supporting a cup or container intended for measuring the weight of the food product. cooperates with the scale base to adjust the amount of liquid dispensed into a cup or container supported by the scale base. The load cell is designed to measure the weight. It may be located directly beneath the weighbridge (as shown) or may be attached to one or more arms and / or brackets. It may be connected directly to the weighbridge by a mechanical connection with a socket.

[0042] In order to be able to position the metering device 29 under the discharge group 1003, a grill 1005 preferably has an opening of a shape (typically rectangular) corresponding to the shape of the weighing platform. The weighing platform is preferably located under the discharge group 1003 and includes a grill 1005 and In this way, the entire weighing device 29 is aligned when the load cell is located directly under the weighing platform. The body is then placed substantially within the drip tray 1004. Alternatively, a weighing platform and a load cell are provided. The aforementioned mechanical connection between the weighing platform and the drip tray 1004 allows the weighing platform alone to be positioned within the drip tray 1004. while the load cells may be located at a different location, for example within the machine body 1001. .

[0043] Figures 2 and 3 show the cold water flow diagrammatically as a "long dash-single short dash-long dash" line. 1, the hot water flow is shown diagrammatically in solid lines, the steam flow is shown diagrammatically in dashed lines, and the exhaust water A symbol system in which flows are diagrammatically represented by "long dash-short double dash-long dash" lines. It is being used.

[0044] Briefly, in the exemplary diagram shown in FIG. 2, a water main (or any other source) Cold water from a condenser is supplied to a pump 10. The pump 10 preferably passes the water through a check valve 12 and a pre-heater. It passes through a heater mixing valve 13 and is supplied to a steam boiler 14 .

[0045] Preferably, the steam wand 20 is connected to a steam boiler 14 to deliver steam, e.g. For example, it froths milk to make cappuccino.

[0046] Preferably, the steam boiler 14 provides hot water for preparing an infusion (e.g., tea or tisane). The hot water wand 23 is in fluid communication with the hot water wand 23 to supply hot water.

[0047] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the water from the coffee boiler 1 is fed through the inlet solenoid valve 9 and the inlet The water is delivered to the discharge group 1003 via a water pipe. In particular, water from pipe 6 is preferred. or reaches the shower screen 4, which is supported by the filter holder 8. The water is distributed substantially evenly above the coffee powder pack contained within the filter basket 7. The coffee powder pack is attached to the bottom of the dispensing group 1003 by a portable filter. It contains ground coffee that the bartender presses before mixing.

[0048] Preferably, the dosing solenoid valve 9 is a three-way valve. A first path for drawing out the inlet water, a second path for discharging the inlet water connected to the pipe 6, and a and a third passage connecting the inlet zone to the outlet.

[0049] The injection water discharge pipe 6 is preferably connected to the diffuser screw 3 and the shower screen. The fluid is in fluid communication with the nozzle 4.

[0050] In use, when a user wishes to prepare espresso coffee, the user presses a button (or (The extraction process starts in another way.) The injection water is supplied to the coffee boiler 1 through the injection solenoid valve 9. The water is drawn in through the outlet pipe and directed to the coffee pack through the pipe 6 which supplies the injection water. Pressurized water starts to flow in until the injection water supply pipe 6 is completely filled. Pressurized hot water then flows into the void space above the coffee pack.

[0051] The expression "empty space above the coffee powder pack" (or similar expressions) is used herein in accordance with the present specification and and claims, the device is filled with water before the preparation of espresso coffee begins. The bottom is bounded by a coffee powder pack and the bottom is bounded by a coffee boiler. A top is understood to mean the space (or volume) that is bounded. Typically, this space The space includes a pre-injection chamber, an injection solenoid valve, and a pipe for supplying injection water. The term "pre-infusion chamber" refers to a chamber that is bounded at the bottom by the top surface of the coffee pack and -It is bounded laterally by the upper part of the side wall of the filter basket that contains the heat pack. , is understood to mean a chamber bounded at its top by the base of the discharge group. Hereinafter, this empty space will be represented by the letter "V".

[0052] The espresso coffee machine according to the invention is capable of discharging coffee under pressure, The pressure is a function of the value of the amount of liquid being measured. The value of the amount of liquid is expressed as the volume of the liquid or the amount of liquid. It can be a value related to (or corresponding to) mass. For example, the value can be a value related to (or corresponding to) mass (measured by a volumetric Typically, the water is injected into the tank by an injection solenoid valve 9. of the beverage collected in a cup or any other container that may be dispensed Alternatively, the value may be calculated for a beverage collected in a cup or any other container. It may also be a mass (or weight) value.

[0053] For this purpose, the espresso coffee machine 1000 preferably comprises a control unit A hole (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) is provided.

[0054] As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5, a control unit, generally designated 30, preferably includes a processor. The memory 32 includes a processor 31 and a memory 32 suitable for execution by the processor 31. It has built-in pressure control software.

[0055] The control unit 30 preferably controls the pressure sensor 24, the flow meter 16 and the metering device 29. The control unit 30 is also preferably electrically connected to at least one of It is electrically connected to the solenoid valve 9 a and / or the pump 10 .

[0056] The espresso coffee machine 1000 is preferably also connected to a control unit 30. A user interface, such as a push button or a display with a touch screen, It also has S33.

[0057] A control unit 30, a flow meter 16, a pressure sensor 24, a metering device 29, a solenoid valve 9, a pump The electrical connection between 10 and the user interface 33 is preferably a cable connection. Alternatively, one or more of these connections may be of the wireless type. For example, At least one of the type connections may be formed using Bluetooth® technology. This can be done.

[0058] Preferably, the control unit 30 is programmed to adjust the dispense pressure during each dispense cycle. and the pressure is as follows:

[0059] (i) A position according to the mass of liquid dispensed into the cup, as measured by the measuring device 29. a constant pressure profile (first operating mode); or

[0060] (ii) the volume of water dispensed into the water dispenser as measured by flow meter 16; (second operating mode).

[0061] Referring to the first mode of operation, Figures 6a-6d show the relationship between the mass of liquid dispensed into the cup and the Four examples of pressure profiles as a function of mass are shown. Normalized to total mass dispensed.

[0062] According to a first example of a profile shown in FIG. 6a, the pressure decreases with increasing mass. According to the second example of the profile shown in Figure 6b, the pressure first increases with increasing mass. Then, after reaching a maximum value, it starts to decrease again. According to the third example profile shown in Figure 6c, , the pressure is substantially constant with respect to the variation of the mass. According to the example, the pressure first increases with increasing mass, reaches a maximum value, and then remains at a nearly constant value. These different pressure profiles result in different characteristics The bartender creates a drink that has the right balance of taste and flavor. It can be determined which pressure profile is most suitable.

[0063] The control unit 30 can control any desired pressure profile (e.g., Automatically adjusts the discharge pressure during each dispense cycle according to one of the profiles shown. In order to be able to adjust the pressure profile, it is preferable to sample where a discrete set of N mass samples m1, m2, …mN (where N is ≥ 2) The sampling frequency (and therefore the number of samples N) determines the profile to be reproduced. It is chosen not to undersample, so if the profile is complex The larger the sampling frequency and the number of samples N, the larger the sampling frequency and the number of samples N. For example, For a profile, N=2 samples are sufficient, but for a complex profile such as that shown in Figure 6d, For the profile shown in Figures 6a and 6b, N=8 samples are required. For ILE, it is of medium complexity, with N being a function of the accuracy with which the pressure profile is reproduced. It may be equal to 4 or 5.

[0064] In the desired profile, each pressure value p1, p2, ... pN is m2, ...mN.

[0065] The pairs (m1;p1), (m2;p2), ... (mN;pN) are preferably processing units. The load operation is, for example, performed by loading the program into the processing unit 30, for example into the memory 32 of the processing unit 30. For example, via a data input / output interface (e.g., a USB port) present on the machine 1000 Therefore, the user of the machine 1000 can 2) Insert a USB key containing pairs of ...(mN;pN) into the USB port of machine 1000. Therefore, (m1;p1), ( The operation of transferring pairs (m2;p2), ... (mN;pN) from the USB key to memory 32 is The pressure profile may be automatically implemented or may be implemented by the user interface 33. This may be managed by the user through a special function for managing files.

[0066] Alternatively, the above-mentioned loading operation can be performed in other ways. For example, do.

[0067] - Dispenses sample shots at the desired pressure profile manually controlled by the bartender These operating modes allow the bartender to choose the dispenser that will dispense the sample shots. The acquired pressure profile is stored by the processing unit 30 and automatically used during subsequent dispensing operations. can be reproduced in a realistic manner.

[0068] - Storing the pressure profile directly on the machine (e.g. by using a user interface) The special functionality implemented through (m1;p1), (m2;p2), … (mN;pN ) by specifying the desired values ​​of the pair

[0069] - Smartphone and / or tablet app allows you to store pressure profiles (e.g., the desired values ​​of pairs (m1;p1), (m2;p2), … (mN;pN) The app then assigns the profile to, for example, an Espresso The coffee can be sent to the machine.

[0070] The bartender responds to pairs (m1;p1), (m2;p2), … (mN;pN). The dispense cycle is performed using a pressure profile that determines the amount of Suppose we want to obtain a certain total mass of liquid dispensed, Mtot. Selecting the profile selects a pressure profile, implemented for example via the user interface 33 The selection of the total mass Mtot can be done by a special function in the user interface This can also be done via 33.

[0071] Upon receiving the bartender's selection of the total mass Mtot and pressure profile, the control unit The knit 30 is preferably sized to a selected profile based on the desired total mass Mtot. rescale the values ​​of the corresponding samples m1, m2, ... mN. In particular, the control unit 3 0 preferably multiplies all values ​​of samples m1, m2, ... mN by a factor equal to Mtot / mN By multiplying the masses by the factor, we obtain N mass values ​​M1, M2, ... MN. The mass value MN is equal to the desired total mass Mtot.

[0072] Referring now to the flow chart of FIG. 7, when a dispense cycle is initiated (step 71 ), the control unit 30 preferably controls the discharge to adjust the discharge pressure relative to the first mass value M1. The control unit 30 then equals the corresponding pressure value p1 (step 72). is the value of the liquid mass dispensed into the cup, preferably measured by the metering device 29 is received periodically (for example, every 0.1 seconds).

[0073] At the same time, the control unit 30 periodically monitors the value of the discharge pressure measured by the pressure sensor 24. In particular, the control unit 30 preferably receives the discharge pressure from the pressure sensor 24. and supplies the pressure value each time there is an increase in the delivery mass of a specific amount, for example 0.5 g. Then, by a feedback mechanism, the control unit 30 preferably The flow rate of water supplied to the outlet group is adjusted (for example, by adjusting the solenoid valve 9 or the pump 1). 0 flow rate) to maintain the discharge pressure at pressure value p1.

[0074] The control unit 30 determines based on the received mass value that the mass of liquid to be dispensed into the cup is As long as it is determined that the mass is less than the first mass value M1 (step 73), the discharge pressure is preferably increased. Maintain force value p1.

[0075] Instead, it is determined that the mass of liquid dispensed into the cup has reached a first mass value M1. The control unit 30 preferably controls the discharge to change the discharge pressure from pressure value p1 to a second pressure value p2. The pressure value p2 corresponding to the mass value M2 is adjusted (step 74). The feedthrough 30 preferably utilizes a feedback mechanism similar to that described above to control the discharge pressure. moves from p1 to p2 and acts such that it always remains equal to the value of p2.

[0076] The control unit 30 determines the mass of the liquid dispensed into the cup based on the mass value received from the metering device 29. As long as it is determined (step 75) that the mass of the liquid being dispensed is less than the second mass value M2, The discharge pressure is maintained at a pressure value p2.

[0077] Until the control unit 30 adjusts the discharge pressure to a pressure value pN corresponding to the final mass value MN. The operation of the control unit 30 is repeated periodically (step 76). Based on the mass value received from the metering device 29, the mass of liquid dispensed into the cup is As stated above, until it is determined that a final mass value M equal to the desired total mass Mtot has been reached, Preferably, the discharge pressure is maintained at a pressure value pN (step 77).

[0078] When Mtot is reached, the control unit 30 then automatically terminates the dispense cycle. (Step 78).

[0079] Thus, at the end of the dispense cycle, the bartender will have the sum of masses M1, M2, …MN , to obtain the desired liquid mass Mtot. Each of the masses M1, M2, ... MN is The liquids are discharged at respective discharge pressures p1, p2, ... pN determined based on the file.

[0080] If the bartender wants to change the total mass Mtot, this change will allow the amount of water to be mixed according to different multiplication factors. This advantageously results in rescaling the values ​​of the samples m1, m2 ... mN according to the By implementing the algorithm in 7, the same pressure profile is reproduced and the discharge At the end of the cycle, a new desired total mass Mtot is obtained. In this way, a high degree of reproducibility of the ejection parameters is obtained. This reproducibility allows the desired Combined with the possibility to select the pressure profile, this allows the bartender to have the desired sensory characteristics It allows the beverage to be obtained in an accurate and repeatable manner.

[0081] As described above, according to the second mode of operation, the control unit 30 performs the following during each dispense cycle: It is programmed to adjust the discharge pressure, said pressure being measured by a flow meter 16. Depending on the volume of water supplied to the output group, a predetermined pressure profile is followed.

[0082] In this case, a pressure profile as a function of volume similar to that shown in, for example, Figs. 6a-6d, That is, a decreasing profile (Fig. 8a), a first increasing and then decreasing profile (Fig. 8b), a constant profile (Fig. 8c), or a more complex evolving profile (Fig. 8d). In this case, the bartender can use the following according to his / her experience and sensibility. Use them appropriately.

[0083] Again, the control unit 30 may control any desired pressure profile (e.g., FIG. 8a- The discharge pressure is automatically adjusted during each dispense cycle according to one of the profiles shown as an example in FIG. 8b. To allow for dynamic adjustment, the pressure profile to be reproduced is preferably where each pressure value p1, p2, ... pN corresponds to N volume samples. A discrete set of (m1, m2, …mN) is recognized. Again, the number of samples, N, is the number of samples to be reproduced. are chosen so as not to undersample the profile, and thus Depends on the complexity and precision to be reproduced.

[0084] The pairs (v1;p1), (v2;p2), ... (vN;pN) are loaded into the processing unit 30. The downloading operation may be performed as described above in relation to the first mode of operation. However, according to this second operating mode, the bartender can select the dispensed mass instead of the total mass Mtot. The total volume Vtot is selected from the user interface 3. This can be done via 3.

[0085] Upon receiving the bartender's selection of the total volume Vtot and pressure profile, the control unit The unit 30 preferably generates samples v1, v2...vN corresponding to the selected profile. By rescaling the values ​​of Vtot and multiplying them all by the same factor equal to Vtot / vN, Thus, we obtain N volume values ​​V1, V2...VN, where VN = Vtot.

[0086] Operation of the control unit 30 during a dispensing cycle in accordance with the second mode of operation is illustrated in FIG. do.

[0087] When a dispense cycle is initiated (step 91), the control unit 30 preferably The discharge pressure is controlled to be equal to the pressure value p1 corresponding to the first volume value V1 (step For this purpose, the control unit 30 preferably The volume of water supplied to the discharge group is periodically received (for example, every 0.1 seconds). Believe.

[0088] At the same time, the control unit 30 periodically monitors the value of the discharge pressure measured by the pressure sensor 24. In particular, the control unit 30 preferably receives the discharge pressure from the pressure sensor 24. The force is detected and the pressure is applied whenever there is an increase in the volume of water of a predetermined amount, for example 0.5 ml. Then, by a feedback mechanism, the control unit 30 preferably The flow rate of water supplied to the discharge group is adjusted (for example, by adjusting the solenoid valve 9 or the pump 10) to maintain the discharge pressure at pressure value p1.

[0089] The control unit 30 determines the volume of water to be delivered to the delivery group based on the received volume value. is less than the first volume value V1 (step 93), preferably the discharge pressure is The pressure is maintained at p1.

[0090] Instead, it is determined that the volume of water delivered to the dispensing unit has reached a first volume value V1. At this time, the control unit 30 preferably controls the discharge to change the discharge pressure from the pressure value p1 to the second pressure value p2. The pressure is increased to a pressure value p2 corresponding to the volume value M2 of the control valve (step 94). The control unit 30 preferably uses a feedback mechanism similar to that described above. The output pressure transitions from p1 to p2 and acts to always remain equal to the value of p2.

[0091] The control unit 30 controls the flow rate of the discharge groups based on the volume values ​​received from the flow meters 16. As long as it is determined that the volume of water being collected is less than the second volume value V2 (step 95), it is preferable to The discharge pressure is maintained at a pressure value p2.

[0092] Until the control unit 30 adjusts the discharge pressure to a pressure value pN corresponding to the final volume value VN. The operation of the control unit 30 is repeated periodically (step 96). Based on the volume value received from the flow meter 16, the volume of water delivered to the discharge group is As described above, until it is determined that a final volume value VN equal to the desired total volume Vtot has been reached, Preferably, the discharge pressure is maintained at a pressure value pN (step 97).

[0093] When Vtot is reached, the control unit 30 then automatically terminates the dispensing cycle. (Step 98).

[0094] Thus, at the end of the dispense cycle, the bartender must calculate the total volume of V1, V2, …VN. , a desired dispensed liquid volume Vtot is obtained. Each of the volumes V1, V2, ... VN is determined by the desired pressure profile. The gases are discharged at respective discharge pressures p1, p2, ... pN determined based on the profile.

[0095] If the bartender wants to change the total volume Vtot, this change will allow the amount of alcohol to be mixed according to different scaling factors. This advantageously results in rescaling the values ​​of samples v1, v2 ... vN according to the By implementing the algorithm in 9, the same pressure profile is reproduced and discharged. At the end of the cycle, a new desired total volume value Vtot is obtained. do.

[0096] This second operating mode therefore also provides a high degree of reproducibility of the ejection parameters. The reproducibility of the pressure profile, combined with the possibility to select the desired pressure profile, allows the bartender to It makes it possible to obtain beverages with the desired organoleptic properties in a precise and repeatable manner.

Claims

1. An espresso coffee machine (1000) comprising at least one dispense group (1003) suitable for dispensing a shot of espresso coffee, said at least one dispense group (1003) adapted to releasably engage a portafilter, said espresso coffee machine (1000) comprising: a pressure sensor (24) arranged in said discharge group (1003) and suitable for providing a value of the discharge pressure in said discharge group (1003); a measuring device (29) suitable for providing a value representative of the amount of liquid at the outlet of said dispensing group (1003); a control unit (30) configured to receive the value of the discharge pressure from the pressure sensor (24) and the value indicative of the amount of liquid from the measuring device (29), the control unit (30) is configured to use the value of the discharge pressure received from the pressure sensor (24) and the value indicative of the amount of liquid received from the measuring device (29) to control the discharge pressure according to a profile of the discharge pressure as a function of the amount of liquid; the measuring device (29) comprises a metering device (29) configured to measure a mass of liquid at the outlet of the dispensing group (1003), the value indicative of the amount of liquid at the outlet of the dispensing group (1003) comprises a value of a mass of liquid at the outlet of the dispensing group (1003); The control unit (30) is configured to request the pressure sensor (24) to detect the dispense pressure and to provide a value of the dispense pressure each time there is an increase in dispensed mass of a specific amount of liquid.

2. 2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the control unit (30) regulates the flow rate of water supplied to the outlet groups by a feedback mechanism to keep the outlet pressure at a constant pressure value.

3. The control unit (30) determines, given a total amount (Mtot) of liquid delivered to the outlets of the dispense group (1003) during a dispense cycle, - dividing the total amount of liquid (Mtot) into N portions (M1, M2, ... MN), and A machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, configured to keep the discharge pressure at a respective constant value (p1, p2, ... PN) during the discharge of each of the N portions (M1, M2, ... MN), said respective constant values ​​being determined based on a profile of the discharge pressure as a function of the amount of liquid.

4. The control unit (30) during the dispensing cycle: - periodically obtaining an indication of the amount of liquid from said measuring device (29); and A machine as claimed in claim 3, configured to change the delivery pressure from said respective constant value (p1, p2, ... PN) to a further constant value (p1, p2, ... PN) relating to the next portion when it is determined, based on periodically obtained values ​​indicative of the amount of liquid, that the delivery of one of said N portions (M1, M2, ... MN) has ended.

5. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (30) is provided with a memory (32) suitable for storing a profile of the discharge pressure as a function of the amount of liquid.

6. 6. A machine as claimed in claim 5, comprising data input means for loading into said memory (32) a profile of said discharge pressure as a function of said volume of liquid.

7. said memory (32) storing said profile in the form of a discrete set of N samples ((m1;p1), ..., (mN;pN)); N is 2 or more, 7. The machine of claim 5 or 6, wherein each sample ((m1; p1), ..., (mN; pN)) comprises a respective sample of liquid volume (m1, ..., mN) and a respective pressure value (p1, ..., pN) associated with each sample according to a profile of the ejection pressure as a function of the volume of liquid.

8. A method for regulating the delivery pressure of an espresso coffee machine (1000) comprising at least one delivery group (1003) suitable for delivering a shot of espresso coffee, said at least one delivery group (1003) adapted for releasable engagement with a portafilter, said method comprising the steps of: - measuring the value of the discharge pressure in said discharge group (1003); - measuring a value representative of the amount of liquid at the outlet of said ejection group (1003); using said value of said discharge pressure and said value indicative of the amount of liquid to control said discharge pressure according to a profile of discharge pressure as a function of the amount of liquid; the measuring step includes measuring a mass of liquid at the outlet of the ejection group (1003); the value indicative of the amount of liquid at the outlet of the dispensing group (1003) comprises a value of a mass of liquid at the outlet of the dispensing group (1003); A method, wherein a control unit (30) requests a pressure sensor (24) to detect said dispense pressure and to provide a value of said dispense pressure each time there is an increase in dispensed mass of a specific amount of liquid.

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