Preparation of warm milk-containing beverages

Abstract

To provide a process and a coffee machine for preparing hot, milk-containing beverages, where optimum process control is combined with optimum quality products.SOLUTION: The invention provides a process for preparation of a hot, milk-containing beverage in a coffee machine (1), which comprises a brewing section (3) and a milk section (2), where the milk section (2) comprises a liquid milk concentrate supply (5) and a mixing device (6) in fluid connection with the liquid milk concentrate supply (5). Also provided is a coffee machine (1) for executing this process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for preparing a warm milk-containing beverage in a coffee machine and to a coffee machine suitable for carrying out such a process.

Background Art

[0002] Coffee machines for preparing and dispensing different variations of warm milk-containing beverages such as regular coffee with milk, cappuccino, caffe latte, latte art, etc. are widely known and commercially available. Various systems are available. Some systems cooperate with a reservoir of liquid milk (especially fresh milk or ultra-high temperature treated milk), and other systems cooperate with a reservoir of powdered milk. There are also systems that cooperate with a cartridge containing a milk concentrate, but coffee machines that cooperate with a more replaceable reservoir in the case of milk concentrate have also been described. Generally, systems that cooperate with a reservoir of liquid milk or liquid milk concentrate and a conduit for transporting such liquid milk or liquid milk concentrate need to include a desirable water wash and sterilization routine for adequately cleaning such reservoir and conduit. Such routines typically mean that the operation of the machine is stopped, either for a shorter or longer period, especially when such a machine is used, for example, in a restaurant or a bar, which is inconvenient.

[0003] European Patent Application Publication No. 1440910A1 discloses a system for preparing hot beverages using cartridges containing beverage products that form a hot beverage that can be consumed when in contact with hot water. The cartridges are designed so that when placed in a beverage preparation machine, hot water passes through the cartridge and comes into contact with the beverage ingredients contained within the cartridge, after which the hot beverage is dispensed into a container. The beverage products in the cartridges may be in powder form, ground, leaf-based, or liquid form, and thus include coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, or concentrated liquid milk. Any coffee or milk cartridge may have an internal structure specially designed to form a foam layer on top of the hot beverage. Each cartridge contains a single ingredient. For example, when a cappuccino is prepared, the coffee cartridge is first inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the coffee is dispensed into the container, the coffee cartridge is removed, the milk cartridge is inserted, and the machine is operated again to dispense a milk foam layer on top of the coffee. The beverage preparation machine includes one hot water line. When preparing products that require a layer of milk foam, such as cappuccinos or lattes, several steps are required per serving. This is particularly inconvenient in commercial catering environments such as bars and restaurants.

[0004] International Publication No. 02 / 100224A2 discloses apparatus and methods for preparing frothy beverages. According to International Publication No. 02 / 100224A2, frothy beverages are prepared from one or more concentrates, such as coffee concentrate and milk concentrate. The concentrates are mixed with hot water to prepare a hot beverage. In the case of coffee, extraction is not performed; coffee is prepared by mixing the coffee concentrate with hot water. Foaming is achieved by supplying air to the water before mixing with the concentrate. Water is supplied under pressure, thereby drawing in air, and the resulting air / water flow is then mixed with the concentrate, thereby creating a vortex and thus foaming. The apparatus includes a single water supply and a water heater, and may include one or more holders for storing the concentrates in packs. Therefore, when preparing a hot beverage using coffee and frothy milk, the coffee and milk need to be prepared in succession and dispensed into containers.

[0005] International Publication No. 2006 / 093406A1 discloses an apparatus for preparing and distributing a hot beverage that can be at least partially frothed. Similar to International Publication No. 02 / 100224A2, the apparatus does not include an extraction unit for preparing coffee, but instead uses a coffee concentrate. This coffee concentrate is mixed with hot water and optionally passed through a frothing chamber. Similarly, a milk concentrate can be used to prepare milk foam. The concentrates used can be in liquid or powder form. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include separate lines for coffee and milk, each line having its own hot water unit, a metering supply unit, and a frothing chamber. During operation, the hot water and concentrate are first mixed and metering supplied, and then the resulting beverage flows into the frothing chamber, where frothing is typically performed by a stirrer, by aerating the beverage. As already stated, the disclosed apparatus prepares coffee not by extraction, but by mixing hot water with a liquid or powdered coffee concentrate. Consumers generally prefer freshly brewed coffee made from roasted beans, and if possible, coffee ground just before brewing. Therefore, most modern coffee machines include one or more coffee bean hoppers and grinders.

[0006] European Patent Application Publication No. 1747743A1 discloses a coffee machine for preparing a hot milk-containing beverage, comprising a milk supply unit for containing concentrated milk, an extraction unit, a hot water dispenser, and a mixing unit that fluidly connects the hot water dispenser and the concentrated milk supply unit. The concentrated milk is mixed with hot water in the mixing unit to prepare hot milk that can be dispensed into containers through a dedicated hot milk outlet. The coffee prepared in the extraction unit is dispensed into containers through a separate coffee outlet. A single hot water dispenser in the coffee machine supplies hot water to both the extraction unit and the mixing unit. The concentrated milk supply unit may be a fixed reservoir that can be filled with concentrated milk, or a holder (bag-in-box system) for receiving a box containing concentrated milk. A frothing means may also be included in the apparatus so that air can be introduced into the hot milk flow and milk foam can be dispensed through a dedicated milk outlet. The coffee machine and corresponding method for preparing a hot milk-containing beverage include a single water supply line with a single hot water dispenser. This is not an optimal situation in terms of in-cup quality or process control, for example, because it requires the use of a single temperature of hot water for both extraction and mixing with concentrated milk. A better quality product could be obtained by using different temperatures for the coffee and milk, especially the milk foam. Similarly, different water pressures and flow rates for extracting the coffee and preparing the milk foam would result in a better final product.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0286262 discloses an automatic hot beverage dispensing machine and a method for producing hot beverages. A preferred apparatus includes several flavoring reservoirs connected via pumps and valves to a plenum that directly dispenses flavorings into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitates the mixing of the milk, steam, and flavorings, and dispenses the mixture into single-serving cups. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, thereby enabling the machine to produce flavored lattes, cappuccinos, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is guided through a venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air to produce steamed and / or frothed milk, sending the fluid to a vortex mixer. Flavorings are sent to the vortex mixer, and steam is passed through the plenum to facilitate the dispensing of flavorings and maintain the hygienic condition of the plenum. However, the machine described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0286262 has several drawbacks with respect to process control. For example, the use of a venturi assembly and pressurized steam makes it difficult, or even impossible, to provide consistent in-cup quality.

[0008] International Publication No. 2013 / 128323 relates to a beverage manufacturing machine comprising a housing, a container support surface, a beverage dispensing spout positioned above the container support surface, and a coffee extraction unit positioned within the housing of the machine, wherein the distance between the beverage dispensing spout and the container support surface is adjustable. The beverage dispensing spout includes a coffee dispensing nozzle that is in fluid communication with the coffee extraction unit, and a milk dispensing nozzle that is in fluid communication with a steam generator and a milk suction duct within the housing. The coffee dispensing nozzle and the milk dispensing nozzle are positioned with one inside the other. A milk frothing device includes or is connected to a venturi tube.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 8,356,551 describes a device for preparing and dispensing hot or cold milk, frothed or unfrothed, within a coffee machine for preparing various types of beverages based on coffee with milk, the coffee machine including an associated coffee dispensing device and a coffee machine for producing coffee using a first water heater for generating steam and a second water heater for generating hot water for preparing coffee within the coffee machine, the first and second water heaters connected to a water source for supplying water to them, and a frothing device having an internal chamber for frothing milk and at least one nozzle for dispensing milk to the outside, the device being liquid The system includes a milk line for milk, which connects a milk source to the frothing device; a steam line for steam, which connects a first water heater to the frothing device; an air line for air, which connects an air source to the frothing device; a pump positioned along the milk line for supplying milk from the liquid milk source to the frothing device; a first intercept valve positioned along the steam line; and a second intercept valve positioned along the air line, wherein the pump positioned along the milk line, and the first and second intercept valves, can be operated independently of each other so that the milk line, steam line, and air line are connected individually or in combination to the chamber of the frothing device. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a process and coffee machine for preparing hot milk-containing beverages in which optimal process control is combined with a product of optimal quality. In addition, the present invention aims to provide a process and coffee machine for preparing hot milk-containing beverages in a particularly efficient manner using relatively inexpensive, durable, and relatively low-energy means, while providing in-cup quality with minimal variation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] It has been found that superior results can be achieved in a coffee machine with a coffee extraction unit and a supply of liquid milk concentrate in terms of product quality (ratio of coffee, hot milk, and milk foam), operability, and process control, by using two separate, independently controlled water supply lines and a specific mixing device. For clarity, the phrase "separate water supply lines" refers to separate fluids; that is, the lines are separate and independently controlled from inlet to outlet.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a warm milk-containing beverage by using two independently processed and controlled water streams, wherein one water stream is heated and passed through an extraction section to prepare a warm beverage, and (depending on the final recipe in the cup) simultaneously or successively, a second water stream is used to prepare a warm milk stream in another milk section by mixing warm water with a liquid milk concentrate in a device including an eductor and a microfiltration device to prepare high-quality milk foam, after which the warm beverage and warm milk (or warm milk foam) are dispensed into containers in the desired order and amount.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a coffee machine configured to perform the above method.

[0014] An advantage of the present invention is that it enables a modular design for an integrated coffee machine, which means that, because the technology used in the machine is specialized for this function, very easy replacement of the milk frothing module can be achieved in the event of maintenance and / or failure. Immediate replacement of the entire module can be achieved simply by unfastening a few fasteners, resulting in very short downtime. Furthermore, the installation of the coffee machine according to the present invention is particularly suitable for rapid, continuous preparation. In conventional machines, which include a combined heater, a second heater, a third heater, a fourth heater, etc., coffee made as a rapid, continuous cup is often made with very hot water, resulting in coffee that is too hot or even burnt, all of which are, of course, undesirable. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The present invention relates to a method for preparing a hot milk-containing beverage in a coffee machine comprising an extraction section and a milk section, wherein the milk section comprises a liquid milk concentrate supply unit and a mixing device that is fluidly connected to the liquid milk concentrate supply unit. The aforementioned method, (a) The step of passing a first stream of water through the extraction section and a second stream of water through the milk section, (b) A step of heating a first water flow in a first water heater in the extraction section, and using the resulting first hot water flow to prepare a hot beverage in the extraction section, (c) A step in which, apart from the above step, a second water flow is heated in a second water heater in the milk section, and the resulting second water flow is mixed with a certain amount of liquid milk concentrate from a liquid milk concentrate supply unit in a mixing device to produce a warm milk flow, wherein the warm milk flow is mixed with air by introducing air into the warm milk flow through an air inlet in the mixing device to produce warm milk foam, and the mixing device includes an eductor and a microfiltration device, (d) Distributing the warm beverage prepared in step (b) and the warm milk foam prepared in step (c) into a container to produce a warm milk-containing beverage. Includes.

[0016] The method of the present invention involves the use of a coffee machine comprising an extraction section and a milk section, each having its own heater and water flow to be processed, and thus allowing separate adjustment, control, and regulation of each water flow. Thus, an important aspect of the present invention is that such extraction and milk sections operate separately and are managed and controlled separately, as reflected by the presence of separate water flows that enter separate inlets and pass through separate heaters, producing separate hot water flows within each section. Although not specifically stated, the system also includes a system control unit with a user interface, which allows the user of the coffee machine to select a desired hot milk-containing beverage, after which the system control unit executes the method of the present invention within the coffee machine by pre-programmed routines. A system control unit with a user interface is generally included in a coffee machine to allow the user to select a desired hot beverage.

[0017] In the brewing section of a coffee machine, hot beverages are prepared. The term "brewing" refers to a preparation method in which hot water is passed through a layer of solid ingredients, thereby extracting characteristic components from such solid ingredients. The most well-known examples are passing hot water from above through a layer of ground coffee to prepare coffee, and passing hot water from above through tea leaves or ground tea leaves to prepare tea. While other hot beverages that can be prepared by the brewing operation are not excluded, this invention relates in detail to the preparation of coffee. Thus, in step (b) of the method of the present invention, a first stream of hot water is suitably passed through a portion of ground coffee in the brewing section to produce a stream of hot coffee as a hot beverage. The amount of ground coffee for one serving is clearly selected according to the user's preference, in terms of both the type of coffee and the quantity (for example, espresso, latte, cappuccino, or regular coffee all require different amounts of ground coffee per serving) if different types are available.

[0018] Typical operating conditions in the extraction section are those used in conventional coffee machines. However, such conditions can vary. For example, coffee solids can be a contributing factor. These coffee solids can act as a variable resistance within the extraction section due to the properties of roasted and ground coffee. For this purpose, the fluid and fluid control within the coffee machine are increasingly adapted to ensure a stable downstream flow rate of extracted (i.e., freshly brewed) coffee. Due to the resistance created by the coffee solids in the extraction section and the desired high-quality beverage being extracted, a high upstream pressure, typically in the range of 6–12 bar, may be required. The flow rate of the liquid coffee extract after the extraction section (excluding coffee foam) is typically in the range of 1–2.5 ml / second for a single serving of 20–40 ml. This liquid coffee extract flow rate can reach up to approximately 7–8 ml / second for larger servings, larger extractor dimensions (amount of coffee solids), or double servings. Thus, the liquid coffee extract flow rate can range from 1–8 ml / second, depending on the final serving size. The typical temperature range for hot water and coffee extract in a coffee machine is generally between 80 and 95 degrees Celsius.

[0019] Within the milk section, a warm milk stream is prepared by mixing a pre-selected amount of liquid milk concentrate with hot water, the exact amount of which is determined by the type of warm milk-containing beverage selected by the user of the coffee machine. In step (c), the liquid milk concentrate is contained within the liquid milk concentrate supply section while the hot water is prepared by passing the second water stream through the second water heater. In this second water heater, the second water stream is preferably heated to a temperature in the range of 60–105°C, more preferably 65–99°C, and most preferably 90–98°C. This results in a warm milk stream having a temperature of 60–80°C when distributed in an energy-efficient manner. Before passing through the second water heater, the second water stream is preferably pressurized to a pressure of 1.1–10 bar, more preferably 1.2–5 bar, and most preferably 1.2–2.5 bar. Such pressurization is typically performed in a flow-controlled water pump, compressor, or water container with static pressure. The flow rate of the second water stream is typically in the range of 100 to 1000 milliliters / minute (ml / min), preferably 120 to 700 ml / minute, and most preferably 150 to 500 ml / minute. The liquid milk concentrate supply unit may consist of multiple containers containing liquid milk concentrate, so that when one container becomes empty, the user can switch to the next (full) container, while the empty container is replaced with a new full container. This enables continuous operation. The milk section also includes a mixing device that fluidly connects to the liquid milk concentrate supply unit for mixing warm water with the liquid milk concentrate, thereby preparing a warm milk stream.

[0020] While a mixing device may form part of a coffee machine, for the purposes of the present invention, it is preferable that the liquid milk concentrate supply unit and the mixing device be irremovably connected to form a replaceable inventory management unit (or SKU) for liquid milk concentrate. Such an SKU typically includes a container (e.g., a box or bag) as the liquid milk concentrate supply unit and a specially designed valve as a mixing device that can be irremovably connected to a conduit for supplying hot water. The valve has an outlet for a hot milk flow that can be irremovably connected, for example, to the hot milk outlet of a coffee machine. Thus, as used herein, the terms “replaceable inventory management unit” or “SKU” mean a container that holds a stock of liquid milk concentrate, which is fluidically and irremovably connected to a mixing device for mixing the liquid milk concentrate with hot water and optionally air to produce a hot milk flow. Such an SKU is preferably disposable.

[0021] The liquid milk concentrate that can be used is preferably a milk-based concentrate. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid milk (milk) concentrate has a dry matter content of 20-40% by weight, more preferably 22-35% by weight, and most preferably 23-30% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid milk concentrate. The fat content of the liquid milk concentrate can typically vary from 0-16% by weight, preferably 0.1-12% by weight. The liquid milk concentrate used can also be non-dairy derived, for example, plant-based (such as soy milk derived), or a mixture of dairy-based concentrates and plant-based concentrates.

[0022] In step (c) of the method of the present invention, the warm milk flow is further mixed with air by introducing air into the warm milk flow through an air inlet in the mixing device, thereby producing warm milk foam as the warm milk flow resulting from step (c). The air is preferably pressurized and introduced into the warm milk flow through the aforementioned air inlet at a pressure higher than the pressure of the warm milk flow, so as to enable the air to flow into the warm milk flow effectively and thereby form fine bubbles and thus milk foam. A pressure difference of 0 to 15 bar, more preferably 0 to 10 bar, has been found to lead to good frothing results. Therefore, an air pressure of at least 1.2 bar upon inflow into the mixing device is preferable, while good results have also been obtained with air pressures of at least 5 bar, preferably 7 to 15 bar. The air flow rate is typically in the range of 10 to 40 nL / hour, preferably 12 to 25 nL / hour. Normal liters of air per unit time refers to the amount of air flowing through the relevant pipe, calculated under normal conditions of 0°C and 1 atmosphere. The ratio of gas introduced to the flow rate of warm milk is typically in the range of 10:1 to 1:10, particularly 5:1 to 1:5, and more specifically 2:1 to 1:1.5. Air pressurization can be achieved by conventional gas pressurizing means, such as air pumps or air compressors. Such pressurizing means typically form part of a coffee machine.

[0023] A particularly suitable SKU for use in the present invention is a disposable assembly for generating milk foam, comprising a container for holding liquid milk concentrate, the container being irremovably connected to a mixing device comprising an eductor and a microfiltration device. The eductor and microfiltration device are preferably housed in a single housing. The eductor includes a hot water inlet configured to receive a second hot water flow, a hot milk outlet for a warm milk flow, and an inlet for liquid milk concentrate from a container, the liquid milk concentrate inlet being positioned between the hot water inlet and the warm milk outlet. The hot milk outlet of the eductor is fluidically connected to the hot milk inlet of the microfiltration device. The microfiltration device preferably further includes an air inlet for receiving pressurized air and an outlet for distributing warm milk foam. This outlet for distributing warm milk foam may be fluidically connected to a hot milk outlet of a coffee machine, if the coffee machine has such separate outlets. The suitable disposable assemblies described herein are disclosed in International Publication No. 2014 / 069993A1. The contents of International Publication No. 2014 / 069993 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the mixing device includes a microfiltration device having a tubular microfiltration wall with gas-permeable pores, the microfiltration device including an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the microfiltration device further including a housing surrounding the tubular microfiltration wall to form a gas supply space between the tubular microfiltration wall and the housing, the housing including a gas opening communicating with the gas inlet tube, and the tubular microfiltration wall being made of a hydrophobic material. Thus, when the disposable assembly is operably connected to the product preparation device, the microfiltration device of the hydrophobic material functions as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, providing a very hygienic way to prepare warm milk foam, so that the liquid milk concentrate is supplied to the microfiltration device such that gas is provided in a sterile state. Thus, when preparing a warm milk-containing beverage, by using a mixing device for adding gas to the product, a relatively simple method provides particularly stable and good-looking foam of a certain quality.

[0025] In step (d), the warm beverage prepared in step (b) and the warm milk foam prepared in step (c) are dispensed into a receptacle to produce a warm milk-containing beverage. As used herein, the term "receptacle" means any receptacle suitable for holding a warm milk-containing beverage. Typically, the receptacle can be a cup, mug, glass, or any other holder that can be used to consume a warm beverage.

[0026] As described above, the system control unit is typically used to perform tasks pre-programmed in the coffee machine when implementing the method of the present invention. Thus, for each serving of warm milk-containing beverage dispensed into a receptacle, at least (i) the amount of water passed through the first water inlet and the amount of water passed through the second water inlet, and (ii) the volume ratio of the second warm water stream to the liquid milk concentrate used to prepare the warm milk stream, and (iii) the amount of hot beverage, and the respective amounts of ground coffee and the first stream of hot water necessary to prepare such amount of hot beverage, (iv) The volume ratio of warm milk flow to warm beverage, (v) The order in which the hot milk stream and hot beverages are dispensed into the containers is: The coffee machine is preferably controlled by a system control unit. Since the tasks performed and the order in which they are performed differ for each product, they are ultimately determined by the user's selections via a user interface connected to the system control unit, through which the system control unit receives its commands.

[0027] As described above, an important aspect of the present invention is the operation and control of the extraction section and the milk section separately and independently. Such separate and independent operation and control are also managed by the system processing unit. Separate operation means that the respective water flows passing through the extraction section and the milk section can be processed, monitored, and regulated completely independently of each other. As a result, optimal quality hot beverages and hot milk flows can be prepared, thus producing a final hot milk-containing beverage of superior quality. In this regard, it has been found to be particularly useful to be able to set and control the flow rate, pressure, and temperature of the respective water flows in the extraction section and the milk section independently of each other. Thus, when pressurization and adjustment of the water flow are applied in each section, each section has its own (preferably regulated) water pump and flow meter, in addition to a (preferably regulated) water heater. In addition, naturally, each section has its own parameters to be controlled. For example, when milk foam is prepared in the milk section, the air pressure of the air introduced into the hot milk flow in the SKU's mixing device is an important parameter to be controlled. Similarly, in the extraction section, the timing of coffee supply (quantity and type) and continuous operation (distribution of the desired type of coffee beans from the coffee bean hopper to the grinder and from the grinder to the extraction unit before hot water is passed through) are also important parameters that need to be controlled.

[0028] Further additional control means can be used in a coffee machine for carrying out the method of the present invention. For example, additional control means can be included to control the simultaneous power consumption of both sections. Particularly when the amount of power supplied from the power grid is limited, this function helps to ensure that the flow rate and temperature are always at appropriate levels while maintaining operational safety. Control means can also be used to control the final temperature of the hot beverage and hot milk flows as they are dispensed into the containers.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a coffee machine for preparing a warm milk-containing beverage and dispensing such beverage into a container, wherein the coffee machine includes a brewing section, a milk section, and a system control unit for controlling the operation of the brewing section and the milk section. (a) The extraction section includes a first water inlet, a first water heater, a coffee supply means, an extraction unit, and a hot beverage outlet, The first water inlet is fluidly connected to the first water heater. The first water heater and extraction unit are fluidically connected. The coffee supply means is fluidly connected to the extraction unit. The hot beverage outlet is fluidly connected to the extraction unit, and (b) The milk section includes a second water inlet, a second water heater, at least one holder for receiving a replaceable inventory management unit for liquid milk concentrate, and an outlet means for dispensing warm milk. The second water inlet is preferably fluidically connected to a second water heater via a water pump tuned to precisely control the water flow rate. The second water heater is fluidly connected to the holder via a hot water conduit. The holder includes means for detachably connecting a hot water conduit to the inlet of a replaceable inventory management unit (SKU) of liquid milk concentrate when placed within the holder. The holder includes means for detachably connecting an outlet for a replaceable inventory management unit for liquid milk concentrate and an outlet means for hot milk flow when positioned within the holder. and The milk section further includes an air inlet and means for detachably connecting the air inlet to a replaceable inventory management unit for liquid milk concentrate when housed in a holder.

[0030] The milk section includes means for detachably connecting an air inlet to an air inlet of a mixing device that forms a non-detachable integral part of the liquid milk concentrate when housed in the holder, more specifically to an air inlet of the SKU. As described above, preferred disposable SKUs are disclosed in International Publication No. 2014 / 069993A1.

[0031] The coffee machine of the present invention also includes a system control unit. Such a system control unit controls, for each serving of hot milk-containing beverage dispensed into the container, at least (i) the amount of water that flows through the first inlet and the amount of water that flows through the second inlet, (ii) The volume ratio of the second hot water stream to the liquid milk concentrate used to prepare the warm milk stream, (iii) the amount of hot beverage, and the respective amounts of a portion of ground coffee and the first stream of hot water necessary to prepare such amount of hot beverage, (iv) The volume ratio of warm milk flow to warm beverage, (v) The order in which the hot milk stream and hot beverage are distributed into the containers. It is preferably programmed to control it.

[0032] Other parameters and settings may also be controlled by the system control unit. For example, the system control system may include a power consumption control device that adjusts the power consumption of any section (including a water heater) to ensure safe operation and eliminate heater shutdowns that could ultimately cause a section malfunction. Further examples of parameters controlled by the system control unit are different temperature, pressure, and flow rate settings. The system control unit can also be used to manage machine readouts (e.g., format, dataset) and data usage, including remote exchange of operational data.

[0033] The system control unit performs pre-programmed tasks according to the selection of a hot beverage made by the user through the user interface. The system control unit typically includes a microprocessor that performs functions as programmed into the underlying operating software according to given user instructions. This software provides the microprocessor with machine instructions for performing different tasks in the coffee machine along the line of the present invention as described above.

[0034] The coffee machine of the present invention also includes necessary auxiliary and measuring devices such as a pump, compressor, filter, flow meter, valve, valve block, coffee solids tray recovery machine, and drip tray. If roasted coffee beans are used instead of powdered filtered coffee, the coffee machine also includes means for storing roasted coffee beans, such as one or more grinders for grinding the beans and one or more bean hoppers, in addition to the ground coffee which is the product for the extraction unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] An exemplary flow scheme of a coffee machine for carrying out the method of the present invention is shown.

[0036] In Figure 1, the coffee machine 1 includes a milk section 2 and a brewing section 3. A water flow 8 flows into the coffee machine 1 and passes through a valve 10 which divides the water flow 8 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, which forms part of the brewing section 3, is supplied by a coffee bean dispenser 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. Meanwhile, the second water flow 11 flows into the milk section 2 and subsequently passes through the water pump 16, the water flow meter 17 and the second water heater 18 to create a second hot water flow 11a that flows into the mixing device 6 of SKU 4. In the flow scheme of Figure 1, the air flow 17 flows into the coffee machine 1 in the milk section 2, passes through the particle filter 13, is pressurized by the air pump 14, and then the pressurized air 7a flows into the mixing device 6 of SKU 4 through the airtight connector 15, which establishes a detachable airtight connection with the mixing device 6. The liquid milk concentrate from the liquid milk concentrate supply unit 5 flows into the mixing device 6. Inside the mixing device 6, the liquid milk concentrate is first mixed with the second hot water flow 11a to create a warm milk flow, and then pressurized air 7a is introduced into this warm milk flow to create milk foam 27. The coffee 28 and milk foam 27 are finally distributed into the container 29. Coffee solids resulting from coffee extraction in the extraction unit 22 are collected in the solids tray 25, while the water contained in the solids is collected in the drip tray 26.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a hot milk-containing beverage in a coffee machine (1) including an extraction section (3) and a milk section (2), wherein the milk section (2) includes an air pump (14), a liquid milk concentrate supply unit (5), and a mixing device that is fluid (6) connected to the liquid milk concentrate supply unit (5), The aforementioned method, (a) The step of passing a first stream of water into the extraction section (3) and a second stream of water into the milk section (2), (b) Heating the first water flow (12) in the first water heater (21) in the extraction section (3), and pressurizing the water flow to 6 to 12 bar in the water pump in the extraction section (3), and using the resulting first hot water flow (12a) to prepare a hot beverage in the extraction section (3), (c) After the water flow in the milk section (2) is pressurized to a pressure of 1.1 to 5 bar, the second water flow (11) is heated in a second water heater (18), and the resulting second hot water flow (11a) is mixed with a certain amount of liquid milk concentrate from the liquid milk concentrate supply unit (5) in the mixing device (6) to produce a warm milk flow, wherein the warm milk flow (11a) is mixed with air (7a) by introducing air into the warm milk flow through the air inlet in the mixing device (6) to produce warm milk foam (27), and the mixing device (6) includes an eductor and a microfiltration device, (d) Distributing the warm beverage prepared in step (b) and the warm milk foam (27) prepared in step (c) into a container (29) to produce the warm milk-containing beverage, Includes, A method characterized in that the air is pressurized to at least 1.2 bar in the air pump (14) when it flows into the mixing device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the liquid milk concentrate supply unit (5) and the mixing device (6) are irremovably connected, and together constitute a replaceable inventory management unit (4) for the liquid milk concentrate.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in step (b), the first hot water flow (12a) is passed through a portion of the ground coffee (9a) in the extraction unit (22) to produce the hot coffee flow (28) as the hot beverage.

4. For each serving of warm milk-containing beverage distributed into the container (29), at least (i) the amount of water that passes through the first inlet in the extraction section (3) and the amount and flow rate of water that passes through the second inlet in the milk section (2), (ii) The volume ratio of the second hot water stream to the liquid milk concentrate used to prepare the hot milk stream, (iii) the amount of hot beverage, and the respective amounts of ground coffee (9a) and the first hot water stream necessary to prepare such amount of hot beverage, (iv) The volume ratio of warm milk flow to warm beverage, (v) The order in which the warm milk stream and the warm beverage are distributed into the container (29) The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coffee machine (1) is controlled by a system control unit included in the coffee machine (1).

5. A coffee machine (1) for preparing a warm milk-containing beverage by the method described in claims 1 to 4 and dispensing the beverage into a container, wherein the coffee machine (1) includes an extraction section (3), a milk section (2), and a system control unit for controlling the operation of the extraction section (3) and the milk section (2), (a) The extraction section (3) includes a first water inlet, a first water heater (21), a coffee supply means, an extraction unit (22), and a hot beverage outlet, The first water inlet is fluidly connected to the first water heater (21), The first water heater (21) and the extraction unit (22) are fluidically connected, The coffee supply means is fluidly connected to the extraction unit (22), The hot beverage outlet is fluidly connected to the extraction unit (22), and (b) The milk section (2) includes an air pump (14), a second water inlet, a second water heater (18), at least one holder for receiving a replaceable inventory management unit (4) for liquid milk concentrate, and an outlet means for distributing warm milk. The second water inlet is fluidly connected to the second water heater (18), The second water heater (18) is connected to the holder via a hot water conduit, The holder includes means for detachably connecting the hot water conduit to the water inlet of a liquid milk concentrate exchangeable inventory management unit (4) when it is placed inside the holder. The holder includes means for detachably connecting the outlet of a liquid milk concentrate exchangeable inventory management unit (4) and the outlet means for warm milk foam when positioned within the holder, and The milk section (2) further includes an air inlet and means for detachably connecting the air inlet to the replaceable inventory management unit (4) of liquid milk concentrate when housed in the holder, Coffee machine (1).

6. The system control unit controls, for each serving of warm milk-containing beverage distributed into the container (29), at least (i) the amount of water that passes through the first water inlet and the amount of water that passes through the second water inlet, (ii) The volume ratio of the liquid milk concentrate to the second hot water stream used to prepare the hot water stream, (iii) the amount of hot beverage, and the respective amounts of a portion of ground coffee and the first stream of hot water necessary to prepare such amount of hot beverage, (iv) The volume ratio of warm milk flow to warm beverage, (v) The order in which the warm milk stream and the warm beverage are distributed into the container (29) A coffee machine (1) according to claim 5, programmed to control a

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