A method for improving the uniformity of espresso coffee concentration in an espresso coffee machine, and related espresso coffee machines.

Abstract

To provide a machine for preparing and discharging espresso coffee.SOLUTION: A machine includes: a coffee boiler; a filter holder including a filter for coffee powder pack to be pressed; a pre-injection chamber; and a hydraulic pressure circuit for conveying pressurized water from the coffee boiler to the pre-injection chamber. The machine further includes a device for detecting a parameter indicating loading of the pre-injection chamber and the hydraulic pressure circuit. The machine can start a step of discharging espresso coffee on the basis of a detected loading parameter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to espresso coffee machines, and more specifically, to methods and machines capable of discharging espresso coffee at a desired concentration.

Background Art

[0002] Many machines for preparing beverages are known in the prior art. In particular, many machines for preparing espresso coffee from coffee powder, pods, capsules, etc. are known.

[0003] In machines for preparing espresso coffee, a high-temperature and high-pressure water stream is usually generated that passes through a pack having ground coffee. In some known machines, it is possible to accurately adjust the pressure and / or temperature of the water passing through the coffee pack. In some known machines, it is possible to change the pressure and / or temperature of the water during discharge.

[0004] The above-described functions are adopted by some coffee machine manufacturers in order to improve the quality of the beverage by more effectively extracting components and essences from the ground coffee powder. The above-described functions are also adopted, together with other functions, to compensate for different coffee mixtures, different processing operations, different particle sizes and different compressions in the ground coffee, as well as different moisture ratios, etc.

[0005] In some cases, coffee machine manufacturers are attempting to develop solutions for preparing coffee having the same characteristics.

[0006] Currently, in espresso coffee preparation machines that dispense beverages at a constant pressure... In this case, the moment the user gives the instruction to start dispensing (espresso coffee), it can be used to dispense (espresso coffee). Begin calculating the amount or mass of water to be used.

[0007] The same applies to machines equipped with control units that allow the operator to select different pressure profiles. This can also occur. In this case, the machine will reproduce the profile from the moment the operator gives the command. After the injection has started and a predetermined amount or mass of water has flowed, or after the total time has elapsed since the start of injection Interrupt the reproduction of the profile.

[0008] Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2011 / 140582) describes espresso coffee Improved methods and apparatus for the cin are described. In this case, the pump output is changed. A module for this purpose is operationally associated with the pump. The module preferably provides a pressure profile of the flow supplied by the pump. The value can be defined. In some embodiments, a module for changing the pump output is available. The material can be used to obtain pre-infusion. Patent Document 1 According to one aspect of the invention described above, a module for changing the pump output related to pre-injection An espresso coffee machine equipped with a casing is provided. In some embodiments, The module for changing the pump output is used during the espresso coffee production cycle. It can be used to define force profiles. Pressure profiles are preset. It may be set by default or by the user. The pressure profile is more preferably It can take the form of a power-time profile indicating the power supplied to each pump. . Patent Document 2 (European Patent Application Publication No. 3225141) describes a coffee machine and its operating method.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0010] The applicant of the present application currently recognizes that it is impossible to obtain espresso coffee in which the amounts of a solvent (water) and a solute (coffee powder) are in a certain ratio. The reason is that at least it is impossible to accurately calculate how much water will be discharged before the start of pre-injection. That's because.

[0011] In fact, due to differences in the amount of coffee powder used, and / or differences in the fineness of grinding set by the user, and / or differences in the pressing by the user, the volume of the empty space above the coffee powder pack changes. Therefore, before the pressurized warm water reaches the coffee pack, there is variation in the amount of liquid allocated to fill the empty space above the coffee pack. That is, a part of the supplied water is used to fill the water pressure circuit on the upstream side of the filter holder, and another part is used to fill the volume of the filter above the coffee powder pack.

[0012] ​​​​​​It is used. The volume of the hydraulic circuit can be calculated based on the information substantially grasped by the manufacturer of the espresso coffee machine, but the volume above the coffee powder pack varies depending on the different amount of coffee powder used, and / or the different fineness of grinding set by the user, and / or the different pressing by the user. This volume can vary between about 2.5 cm and about 10 cm It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder. and about 10 cm 3 ~ It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder. 3 It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder. It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder. It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder. It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder. It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder. It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder. It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder. It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder. It goes without saying that such an amount of water can have a great impact on the concentration of the resulting espresso coffee. Regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is small, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is more, while if the volume upstream of the coffee pack is large, the amount of solvent available for the espresso coffee is less. In other words, regarding the supply of the same amount of water, if less water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, more water is used for the beverage, while if more water is used to fill the volume upstream of the coffee pack, less water is used for the beverage. The concentration of the espresso coffee actually depends not only on the amount of water but also on the amount of powder.

[0013] As described above, Patent Document 1 describes an improved method and apparatus for an espresso coffee machine. In this case, the espresso coffee machine includes a module for changing the pump output for pre-injection. The module for changing the pump output can be used to define a pressure profile during the manufacturing cycle of the espresso coffee. According to Patent Document 1, the pressure profile is preset. As described above, Patent Document 1 describes an improved method and apparatus for an espresso coffee machine. In this case, the espresso coffee machine includes a module for changing the pump output for pre-injection. The module for changing the pump output can be used to define a pressure profile during the manufacturing cycle of the espresso coffee. According to Patent Document 1, the pressure profile is preset. As described above, Patent Document 1 describes an improved method and apparatus for an espresso coffee machine. In this case, the espresso coffee machine includes a module for changing the pump output for pre-injection. The module for changing the pump output can be used to define a pressure profile during the manufacturing cycle of the espresso coffee. According to Patent Document 1, the pressure profile is preset. As described above, Patent Document 1 describes an improved method and apparatus for an espresso coffee machine. In this case, the espresso coffee machine includes a module for changing the pump output for pre-injection. The module for changing the pump output can be used to define a pressure profile during the manufacturing cycle of the espresso coffee. According to Patent Document 1, the pressure profile is preset. As described above, Patent Document 1 describes an improved method and apparatus for an espresso coffee machine. In this case, the espresso coffee machine includes a module for changing the pump output for pre-injection. The module for changing the pump output can be used to define a pressure profile during the manufacturing cycle of the espresso coffee. According to Patent Document 1, the pressure profile is preset. It may be present, or it may be set by the user. The pressure profile is supplied to each pump. It can take the form of a power-time profile that shows the power being used. The applicant has previously stated that The set pressure profile is a compromise and takes into account the actual conditions of the ground coffee pack. Since this does not happen, there is room for improvement in the approach described in Patent Document 1. I understand. A pre-configured profile includes, for example, at least one of the following: That is, the actual amount of ground coffee in the filter, the amount of ground coffee in the filter - Pressure, average particle size of ground coffee, and residual amount in the circuit compared to the previous cycle Water is not taken into consideration. Similar considerations apply to the user-configurable pressure profile. Even if you do this, it still applies. This is because the amount of ground coffee and water used by the user in the filter... While it's possible they have some information about the amount of water remaining in the road, they may not be able to fully grasp the information. Because they don't have a clear understanding of it.

[0014] Patent Document 2 describes a coffee machine, particularly one having an injection chamber formed within an injection cylinder. A method for operating a coffee machine equipped with a built-in coffee grinder is disclosed. In this case, the injection chamber is injected by a piston displaceable within the injection cylinder. It is defined in the axial direction. The applicant’s objective is the amount of coffee powder used, and / or This is relatively independent of the fineness of the grind set by the user and / or the pressure applied by the user. To provide an espresso coffee machine capable of producing espresso coffee of a set concentration. And so it is.

[0015] According to the present invention, a parameter indicating the filling of the empty space on the upstream side of a coffee powder pack is used. A change in the value is detected. This filling parameter affects the subsequent pre-injection step and actual This is taken into consideration during the extraction step. That is, according to the present invention, the infusion step is coffee It doesn't start from the moment hot water begins flowing from the boiler, but rather in the coffee powder pack. It starts when the upstream circuit and empty space are filled with water. The water used to fill the container is not taken into account when calculating the concentration.

[0016] Filling parameters include changes in pressure, flow rate, mass, or related parameters. This may include any other combination.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a machine for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee is The machine provided includes a coffee boiler and a filler for pressing coffee grounds into packs. A filter holder with a filter, a pre-injection chamber, and a pre-injection chamber from a coffee boiler. The machine of the present invention is equipped with a hydraulic circuit for transporting pressurized water to the pre-injection chamber. The system further includes a device for detecting changes in parameter values ​​indicating the filling of the water pressure circuit. Based on the changes in the filled parameter values, the step of dispensing espresso coffee is opened. It can be started.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the parameter values ​​indicating the filling of the pre-injection chamber and the hydraulic circuit are The device for detecting this includes a flow meter. The flow meter is, for example, designed to detect the deceleration of the water flow. The configuration is as follows: The deceleration of the water flow indicates the filling of the pre-injection chamber and the hydraulic circuit. In reality, the water flow towards the pressed coffee pack is resisted by the water coming into contact with the coffee pack. Until resistance occurs and the water flow slows down, it is free and virtually unhindered.

[0019] According to some other embodiments, parameters indicating the filling of the pre-injection chamber and hydraulic circuit The device for detecting the pressure value includes a pressure transducer. The pressure transducer, for example, detects the pressure difference of water. It is configured to detect the water pressure difference, which indicates the filling of the pre-injection chamber and the hydraulic circuit. As mentioned above, the water flow towards the pressed coffee pack is actually water Until it comes into contact with the coffee pack, creating resistance and resulting in a water pressure difference, it is free and substantial. It will not be hindered by that.

[0020] According to some other embodiments, parameters indicating the filling of the pre-injection chamber and hydraulic circuit The apparatus for detecting the value includes a weighing device. The weighing device is, for example, a dispensing ESP It is configured to detect changes in weight or mass in a container for receiving coffee. The weight of the container will not change unless espresso coffee flows into it. There is no such thing. Once the beverage begins to flow into the container, the supplied water will cause the pre-filling chamber and As the water pressure circuit fills up, it means the coffee pack is moist. Therefore, the esp The water dispensed before the coffee reaches the cup is the filling water and should not be considered in the calculation of the extraction ratio. This may not be taken into consideration.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, espresso coffee is prepared using an espresso machine. A method for making coffee is provided, which involves a coffee boiler and pressing coffee powder. A filter holder with a filter for packs, a pre-injection chamber, and a coffee boiler The present invention also includes a hydraulic circuit for transporting pressurized water to a pre-injection chamber. Steps include detecting changes in parameter values ​​indicating filling of the pre-injection chamber and hydraulic circuit, and Based on the changes in the dispensed filling parameter values, the steps include dispensing espresso coffee and Includes.

[0022] The filling parameters include parameters indicating water flow, parameters indicating water pressure, and parameters indicating the discharge into the container. A change in at least one parameter that indicates the weight or mass of the espresso coffee. It can include transformation.

[0023] Changes in filling parameter values ​​include deceleration of water flow, pressure difference, or changes in weight or mass. It is possible.

[0024] The details of the present invention will be described below illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of an espresso coffee machine to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment of the water pressure circuit in an espresso coffee machine according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment of the water pressure circuit in an espresso coffee machine according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a coffee boiler and a filter holder without water. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the same components in Figure 4, but with a first amount of water included in the circuit leading to the coffee powder pack. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing the same components as in Figure 4, but with water completely filling the entire space above the circuit and coffee pack. [Figure 7]This flowchart shows three different flows relating to three variations of the method according to the present invention. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows three different flows relating to three variations of the method according to the present invention. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows three different flows relating to three variations of the method according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the connection between the detection device and the processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an espresso coffee machine, which is represented entirely by reference numeral 1000. The machine 1000 comprises a substantially closed machine body 1001 that houses the main components, Some of these are described below. Machine 1000 preferably has a surface on which a cup can be placed. It is provided with 1002 at the top. On surface 1002, there is an electrical resistance system (not shown) or other heating system. We can also provide the system.

[0027] Machine 1000 has at least one dispensing group for dispensing espresso coffee. It includes 1003. Machine 1000, like the machine illustrated in Figure 1, has multiple discharge groups. 1003, for example, it is preferable to have three groups. In this case, two, four, or so The above discharge groups may be provided. Preferably, the top is partially formed by the grid 1005. The closed drip tray 1004 is preferably located below the dispensing group 1003. Yes. The coffee cup is typically on the grid 1005 during the dispensing of espresso coffee. It will be placed there.

[0028] A filter holder for supporting a filter for a coffee powder pack is provided for each dispensing group. It can be detachably connected to 1003.

[0029] Machine 1000 may, for example, switch the machine on / off and / or open the dispensing. It may include one or more displays 1010 for starting or ending, and a push button. Cut.

[0030] The machine 1000 shown in Figure 1 dispenses espresso coffee for each dispensing group 1003. To start or stop, and / or change the pressure during espresso coffee dispensing. It also features a lever 1112 for this purpose.

[0031] Before describing the hydraulic circuit diagrams in Figures 2 and 3 in detail, let us explain each of the reference numerals used individually. The components are described below, along with a brief explanation of each component.

[0032] 1 Coffee boiler 10 pumps 11 Expansion valve 12 Check valve 13. Preheater mixing valve 14 Steam boiler 15 Pressure Reducing Valve 16. Flow meter (volume meter) 18 Ball Taps 19. Steam Solenoid Valve 20 Steam Wand 21 Hot water mixing valve 22 Solenoid valve for filling steam boilers 23 Hot water wand 24 Pressure transducer 25 Steam boiler pressure gauge 26 Drain water well 27 Gear pump 28 Safety valve 29 Weighing Systems

[0033] In Figures 2 and 3, the following symbols are used. That is, the cold water flow is "long dash Hot water is represented by a single short dash or long dash; hot water by a solid line, and steam flow by a dashed line. It is represented by this, and the discharged water flow is represented by the "long dash, short double dash, long dash" line. It is.

[0034] In short, in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2, from the main water pipe (or other Cold water (from any source) is supplied to pump 10. Pump 10 pumps the water to steam boiler 14. Preferably, the fluid is supplied by passing it through the check valve 12 and the preheater mixing valve 13.

[0035] The steam wand 20 is connected to the steam boiler 14, which discharges steam, for example, a cappuccino. The milk is frothed to make it.

[0036] The steam boiler 14 supplies hot water for preparing decoctions (for example, tea or Chisan tea). Therefore, it is in fluid communication with the hot water wand 23.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, water from the coffee boiler 1 is supplied to the injection solenoid valve 9 and the injection water pipe 6. Therefore, it is transported to discharge group 1003. In particular, the water from pipe 6 is preferably a shower It reaches screen 4, thereby inside the filter 7 supported by filter holder 8 The water is distributed substantially evenly above the coffee powder pack. The bartender presses the grinder before engaging the filter holder 8 with the bottom of group 1003. It includes coffee.

[0038] The injection solenoid valve 9 is preferably a three-way valve. The injection solenoid valve 9 receives water from the coffee boiler 1. A first path for drawing out the water, a second path connected to the injection water supply pipe 6, and an injection zone It has a third path for connecting the nozzle to the outlet.

[0039] The injection water supply pipe 6 preferably includes the diffuser screw 3 and the shower screen It is in fluid communication with 4.

[0040] If the user wishes to prepare espresso coffee while using the product, the user should press the button. Press (or start the extraction process by other means). The injected water is injected into the coffee boiler 1. The solenoid valve 9 is drawn out via its outlet pipe and the water is injected via the water supply pipe 6 into the coffee plant. It is supplied towards the buck. Pressurized water is supplied to the injection water supply pipe 6 (see Figure 5) until it is completely filled. The water begins to flow into the (light) area. Then, pressurized hot water flows into the empty space above the coffee pack.

[0041] The “empty space” (or similar expression) above the coffee powder pack refers to the “empty space” (or similar expression) as defined herein and in the Patents. To the extent of the claim, before the preparation of the espresso coffee begins, the container is filled with water. It means there is no space (or volume). This space or volume is coffee powder at the bottom. Bounded by the pack, and at the top bounded by the coffee boiler. Empty space is typically, Includes a pre-injection chamber, an injection solenoid valve, and pipes for supplying injection water. The "pre-injection chamber" is defined as having a boundary at the bottom with the top surface of the coffee pack, and a boundary in the lateral direction with the coffee pack The filter housing the pack is bounded at the top of its side wall, and at the top, it is bounded at the bottom of the discharge group. This refers to a chamber. In the following, a space will be represented by the letter "V".

[0042] The espresso coffee machine according to the present invention is positioned above the coffee pack and also pours It is possible to directly or indirectly estimate the volume of empty space that is not intended for use. Cut.

[0043] The primary objective of the machine according to the present invention is to reproduce the amount of water that passes through the coffee pack during preparation for pouring. The goal is to guarantee quality and uniformity. To achieve this, the extraction step is initiated. Before that, specify the amount of water to be used to fill the empty space above the coffee pack. This is necessary. The machine according to the present invention, with respect to each coffee infusion, the water passing through the pack It is configured to determine the amount, and how much of the total amount of distributed water fills the empty space. Evaluate whether it can be used for addition.

[0044] According to the first embodiment, the machine has a volume meter connected to its control unit (CPU) 60. A flow meter 16 is provided (see Figure 10a). Preferably, the flow meter 16 is located immediately downstream of the injection solenoid valve 9. It is located at [location]. Alternatively, the flow meter 16 may be located further downstream or upstream of the injection solenoid valve 9, etc. , it may be placed in other positions. Connection between the flow meter 16 and the control and / or processing unit 60 This can be achieved using cables or wireless technology.

[0045] According to the present invention, the deceleration of the flow detected by the flow meter 16 is due to the empty space above the coffee pack. This indicates that space V is filled. That is, the user has consumed the specified amount of espresso. When the coffee dispensing process begins, add until the empty space above the coffee pack is filled. Pressurized water begins to flow freely within the injection water supply pipe 6. When this entire volume V is filled, pressurization occurs. The flow of water slows down due to the resistance of the coffee pack. This resistance is typically, This is detected by a sudden decrease in the rotational speed of the flow meter 16.

[0046] By determining the point at which deceleration occurs, the empty space V above the coffee pack is filled. It is possible to calculate the amount of water used and the actual amount of water used for injection. Since the calculation can begin, the end of the pre-injection step can be determined.

[0047] According to the second embodiment, the machine has a pressure transducer 24 connected to a control unit (CPU) 60. The pressure transducer 24 is preferably located near the discharge group and the coffee boiler. Fluid communication is established (see Figures 3 and 10b). The pressure transducer 24 is located in the same position as the flow meter 16. The connection between the pressure transducer 24 and the control and / or processing unit 60 may be made by cable or This can be achieved using wireless technology.

[0048] According to the present invention, the pressure increase detected by the pressure transducer 24 is transmitted to the top of the coffee pack. This indicates that the empty space and the injection water supply pipe 6 are filled. When the dispensing process for a predetermined amount of espresso coffee begins, the empty space above the coffee pack Pressurized hot water begins to flow freely through the injection water supply pipe 6 until the volume is filled. Once the entire container is filled, the pressure in the empty space above the coffee pack increases to the discharge value. Next, the pressurized water begins to pass through the coffee pack and is detected by the pressure transducer 16. The pressure is the discharge pressure generated by pump 10. The discharge pressure value is during the discharge process. It can be set as a variable pressure profile.

[0049] By determining when the pressure increase occurs, the pipe above the coffee pack is filled. It is possible to calculate the amount of water used, and to start calculating the amount of water used for injection. Because this allows us to determine when the pre-injection step is complete, we can determine when it is finished.

[0050] According to the third embodiment, the machine 1000 has a cup located below its discharge group 1003. Means 29 for detecting changes in the weight or mass of a beverage in (or another container) (see Figure 3) It is equipped with (illumination). Changes in the weight or mass of the beverage in the cup are measured from above the coffee powder pack. This indicates that the empty space has been filled. In other words, the user has consumed the specified amount of espresso. Once the coffee dispensing process begins, the empty space above the coffee pack will be filled. Pressurized hot water begins to flow freely within the injection water supply pipe 6. When this entire volume is filled, The pressurized water begins to pass through the coffee powder pack and flows into the cup below the dispensing group. The machine can determine the amount of water used for injection at the point when a change in weight or mass occurs. This is the point at which the completion of the pre-injection step can be determined.

[0051] The weighing unit 29 is preferably controlled and / or processed by cable or wirelessly. It is connected to 60 devices.

[0052] Regarding the determination of filling in the empty space above the coffee pack, the above-described embodiment Two or more can be combined, and therefore the flow of pressurized water used in the actual extraction process Needless to say, this allows for more precise execution of the start.

[0053] For example, according to another embodiment, a pressure transducer associated with a flow meter may be provided. If two or more devices indicating filling are combined, the machine's control unit will have two The values ​​(in this case, pressure and flow rate) are managed, and a single completion point for filling (completion of pre-injection and It is programmed to confirm the start of dispensing.

[0054] According to some embodiments, para indicates filling in the empty space above the coffee pack. The meter value is used for ongoing dispensing operations and / or to improve detection accuracy and / or speed. It can be used for subsequent dispensing operations via a self-learning mechanism.

[0055] Figures 7, 8, and 9 show three different flowcharts illustrating the method according to three main embodiments. —The chart is shown.

[0056] The flowchart in Figure 7 shows the parameters for filling the empty space above the coffee pack. This relates to a first embodiment in which the data is a flow parameter.

[0057] In the method of the present invention, the dispensing of espresso coffee (single, double, etc.) is initiated. (100) After that, it is assumed that the flow rate value will be monitored (101) using, for example, a flow meter 16. Next, the empty space above the coffee powder pack is shown to be completely filled. Detection of flow or deceleration of flow rate below a certain threshold (202) is performed. Once it has been confirmed that the empty space on the side is completely filled, add the desired amount of egg to the cup. To obtain pressurized coffee, pressurized water is dispensed in a predetermined amount and / or for a predetermined time. (104). The pressure of the hot water distributed before the point in time when the empty space was filled is The pressure may be less than the pressure at that point. Desired amount of espresso coffee in the cup. The amount of powder used to obtain the desired extraction ratio (dilution ratio between water and coffee powder) It may depend on quantity or other requirements, such as weight and / or volume.

[0058] The flowchart in Figure 8 shows the parameters for filling the empty space above the coffee pack. The present invention relates to a second embodiment in which 'data' is a pressure parameter.

[0059] In the method of the present invention, the dispensing of espresso coffee (single, double, etc.) is initiated. (200) After that, for example, the pressure value is to be monitored using a pressure transducer 24 (201) It is. Next, it is shown that the empty space above the coffee powder pack is completely filled. Detection of a discharge pressure value exceeding a predetermined threshold (202) is performed. Above the coffee powder pack Once it is confirmed that the empty space is completely filled, add the desired amount of espresso to the cup. To obtain Lesso coffee, pressurized water is dispensed in a predetermined amount and / or for a predetermined time. 204). The pressure of the hot water distributed before the point in time when the empty space was filled was then The pressure after the dot may be less. The desired amount of espresso coffee in the cup. This refers to the amount of powder used to obtain the desired extraction ratio (dilution ratio between water and coffee powder). Alternatively, it may depend on other requirements, such as weight and / or volume.

[0060] The flowchart in Figure 9 shows the parameters for filling the empty space above the coffee pack. The present invention relates to a third embodiment in which the parameter is weight or mass.

[0061] In the method of the present invention, the dispensing of espresso coffee (single, double, etc.) is initiated. (300) After that, it is assumed that the mass value or weight value of the container receiving the beverage will be monitored (301). In this case, for example, the weighing device 29 can be used. Next, the weight of the empty container A mass or weight value greater than the quantity or mass (tare weight) is detected (302). The empty space above the coffee powder pack is completely filled, and part of the beverage is in the container (cup). This indicates that it has begun to be received inside. The empty space above the coffee powder pack is complete. Once it is confirmed that the cup is completely filled, add the desired amount of espresso coffee. To obtain this, pressurized water is distributed in a predetermined amount and / or for a predetermined time (304). The pressure of the hot water distributed before the point in time when the void was filled is less than the pressure after that point in time. It can be even smaller. The desired amount of espresso coffee in the cup is the desired extraction. The amount of powder used to obtain the ratio (dilution ratio between water and coffee powder), or other requirements, For example, it may depend on weight and / or volume.

Claims

1. A method for preparing espresso coffee using an espresso coffee machine, wherein the espresso coffee machine comprises a coffee boiler, a filter holder having a filter for a coffee powder pack to be pressed, a pre-injection chamber, and a hydraulic circuit for transporting pressurized water from the coffee boiler to the pre-injection chamber, and the method is as follows: Steps to begin pre-injection, A step of detecting a change in parameter values ​​indicating filling of the pre-injection chamber and the hydraulic circuit, The step includes terminating the pre-injection step based on the detected parameter change, wherein the parameter change is (i) The deceleration of the water flow detected by the flow meter placed in the hydraulic circuit, (ii) An increase in water pressure detected by a pressure transducer placed in the water pressure circuit, (iii) Change in weight or mass in the container for receiving the dispensed espresso coffee, which is a change in weight or mass detected by a weighing device, It includes at least one of the following changes: The process includes the step of performing an injection step after the pre-injection step, and thereby obtaining espresso coffee at the end of the injection step, A method comprising the step of calculating the concentration of the espresso coffee based on the amount of water supplied during the injection step.

2. A method according to claim 1, the method further comprising the step of preparing espresso coffee, the step of initiating a further pre-injection step, the step of terminating the further pre-injection step based on the pre-injection step, the step of performing a further injection step after the further pre-injection step, and thereby obtaining further espresso coffee.

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