Device and method for preparing and delivering a coffee product

Abstract

Device and method for preparing and dispensing a coffee product. A device for preparing and dispensing a coffee product comprises a housing (10) in which is accommodated a preparation unit (15) which prepares an obtainable coffee product. The housing is provided externally with a dispenser (35) where the coffee product is receivable and which is for this purpose coupled via a product conduit (20) to the preparation unit (15). The dispenser (35) is height-adjustable relative to the housing (15). The product conduit (20) comprises a distal segment (25) which is connected to the dispenser (35). The distal segment (25) has a helical shape with an adjustable pitch and is able and configured to follow a height adjustment of the dispenser (35).

Description

[0001] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PREPARING AND DELIVERING A COFFEE PRODUCT

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for preparing and dispensing a coffee product, comprising a housing in which is accommodated a preparation unit with which an obtainable coffee product is at least partially prepared, which housing is provided externally with a dispenser where the prepared coffee product is receivable, and wherein the preparation unit is coupled to the dispenser by a product conduit. The invention aiso relates to a method for preparing a coffee product, wherein water is guided under increased pressure through a compressed coffee powder and an extract obtained therefrom is guided via a product conduit to a height-adjustable dispenser and the coffee product is received from the dispenser. The invention relates here particularly to such a device whereby a coffee product such as espresso coffee is extracted from ground coffee powder.

[0003] A device of the type described in the preamble is for instance known from European patent application EP 1.367.925 in the form of a fully automatic coffee machine. The preparation unit comprises here a so-called decoction group. This is the part of the apparatus where hot water comes into contact with a measured quantity of ground coffee. The coffee powder is here compressed between a piston wall and a filter wall before guiding the hot water therethrough under increased pressure. A good quality of the final coffee product is characterized by a firm, continuous crema layer over the surface. This is a creamy foam on top of the espresso. Not only does it make the product look more attractive, the crema layer is also rich in flavour, texture and aromas.

[0004] In order to be able to accommodate different sizes of container, such as cups and mugs, as are usually applied for different coffee varieties, under the dispenser a height-adjustable dispenser is desirable. The distance between the dispenser and a container placed thereunder can thereby be adjusted to the height of the container, so that the prepared product need bridge only a limited distance therebetween. This would have a positive effect on the formation of a crema layer on the product in the container.

[0005] A height adjustment of the dispenser however requires a flexible tube as connection in respect of the product conduit upstream of the dispenser. As a result, unpredictable bends and restrictions may occur in the product conduit, this disrupting or even partially or wholly undoing the crema. This is undesirable, all the more because full product control and reproducibility is negatively affected thereby. The present invention has for its object, among others, to provide a device and method for preparing a coffee product, which obviates this drawback to at ieast significant extent.

[0006] For this purpose a device of the type described in the preamble has the feature according to the invention that the dispenser is height-adjustable relative to the housing, that the product conduit comprises a distal segment which is connected to the dispenser, that at least the distal segment of the product conduit has a helical shape with an adjustable pitch, and that the distal segment is able and configured to follow a height adjustment of the dispenser. In order to achieve the stated object a method of the type described in the preamble has the feature according to the invention that a distal segment of the product conduit is connected to the dispenser, which distal segment has a helical shape with an adjustable pitch, whereby the distal segment is able and configured to follow a height adjustment by adjustment of the pitch of the dispenser.

[0007] Owing to the adjustable pitch of the helical shape in the flexible distal segment of the product conduit, this part can extend to greater or lesser extent and thereby follow an adjustment of the dispenser exactly. The product here however essentially always follows the same, wholly predictable trajectory of a fixed number of windings through this part of the product conduit, which significantly enhances the reproducibility and quality of the product from the device.

[0008] For the flexible distal segment of the product conduit use can for instance be made both of a form-retaining tube formed into a helix and of a flexible tube. A particular embodiment of the device according to the invention has in this respect the feature that the distal segment of the product conduit is formed from a flexible plastic, particularly from a plastic from a group of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silicones. By making use of a flexible plastic for the distal segment this part of the product conduit requires no further processing in order to provide for the required flexibility and accommodating capacity thereof. Flexible plastics such as silicones and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), usually referred to with the brand name Teflon®, have been found to be sufficiently heat-resistant without imparting any flavour to the product guided therethrough.

[0009] A further embodiment of the device according to the invention advantageously has the feature that the distal segment has a preformed helical shape, particularly a resilient, at least flexible shape. The distal segment can thus be placed in and optionally removed from the device as preformed component. A resilience therein provides a memory in the material, whereby the component will always spring back to a starting position after being stretched. The standardization achieved thereby furthermore results in a predictable flow behaviour of the product through this final part of the product conduit to the dispenser.

[0010] The preforming of the distal segment can be realized in the conduit itself, but it is also possible to impart the helical shape to the distal segment or enhance it from the outside. A particular embodiment of the device has in this respect the feature that a preformed helical wire is arranged in or on a wall of the distal segment. The preformed helical wire directs or at least guides the distal segment in the intended helical shape and imparts resilience thereto. The helical wire advantageously comprises a form-retaining plastic filament or a metal wire, particularly of spring steel or a resilient alloy such as for instance nickel titanium.

[0011] The distal segment of the product conduit can also be urged into the intended helical shape by an auxiliary device. A particular embodiment of the device according to the invention has for this purpose the feature that the distal segment of the product conduit is received by a holder, which holder leads the distal segment in the helical shape. The helical shape of the distal segment is thus not (only) present therein intrinsically, but is imparted thereto at least partially from the outside by the holder in which the distal segment is contained. A standard flexible tube which is formed manually into the intended helix and is held in this form by the holder can here in principle be applied for the distal segment.

[0012] In a particular embodiment the device according to the invention has for this purpose the feature that the holder comprises for at least a number of windings of the distal segment in each case a holder member in which the segment is received, and that the holder members are arranged movably in a linear guide which extends over at least a part of a height adjustment of the dispenser. The distal segment can here be guided in the holder members winding by winding, and so be fixed in the desired helical shape. The linear guiding of the holder members then allows the distal segment to stretch or to take on a more compact state and so follow a height adjustment of the dispenser.

[0013] In particularly practical embodiment the device according to the invention is characterized in that the holder members comprise in each case a bracket into which a winding of the distal segment is snappable, and more particularly in that the brackets each comprise a curved channel part which follows a part of the winding. A flexible tube can thus for instance be wound into a helix and placed in the brackets winding by winding in simple manner. A curved channel part on the brackets enhances a precise helical winding here. Both the holder and the brackets and guide can be formed wholly by plastic parts.

[0014] A further particular embodiment of the device has the feature according to the invention that the distal segment connects on opposite outer ends to respectively an upstream part of the product conduit and the dispenser. The distal segment is here coupled to a part of the product conduit lying further upstream and extending from the preparation unit. For this purpose the distal segment can for instance be coupled lea k- tig htly to this part of the product conduit by means of standard connectors, and on the other side connects to the dispenser.

[0015] A further particular embodiment of the device according to the invention has the feature that the dispenser and the distal segment of the product conduit form part of an independent product dispensing unit which is connected to or is at least connectable to the housing, that the dispenser is arranged in the product dispensing unit for height adjustment along a central axis thereof, and that the distal segment of the product conduit follows the helical shape around a screw axis, which screw axis extends parallel to the central axis of the dispenser. The dispenser is thus accommodated together with the distal segment of the product conduit in a product dispensing unit which already provides for the intended height adjustment of the dispenser. This component can be connected to the housing of the apparatus as independent subassembly. In that case the remaining part of the apparatus requires no further modification for accommodating the distal segment or providing an adjustable dispenser. The dispenser is here height-adjustable adjacently of the screw axis of the distal segment.

[0016] With a view to a practical connection of the distal segment of the product conduit a further particular embodiment of the device has the feature according to the invention that the product dispensing unit is arranged over a liquid passage of the housing and that the distal segment of the product conduit connects to the liquid passage of the housing. The distal segment can hereby be coupled proximally to the liquid passage in simple manner.

[0017] Besides being used to pass the product prepared by the preparation unit, the distal segment can also be applied to pass further liquids. A particular embodiment of the device has for this purpose the feature according to the invention that the distal segment of the product conduit comprises at least two separate liquid channels, which liquid channels are connected to the dispenser downstream and are each fed by a separate product conduit downstream. These are for instance related liquids, such as optionally heated milk, but optionally also other products such as cocoa drink or chocolate milk, lemonade (cordial) and / or soup.

[0018] The method according to the invention is particularly performed using a device according to the invention, as described above. These will be further elucidated hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment and an accompanying drawing. In the drawing:

[0019] Figure 1 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention;

[0020] Figure 2A shows a perspective rear view of a product dispensing unit for the device of figure 1;

[0021] Figure 2B shows a frontal rear view of the product dispensing unit of figure 2A;

[0022] Figure 2C shows a side view of the product dispensing unit of figure 2A;

[0023] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a distal segment of the product conduit in the product dispensing unit of figures 2A-2C;

[0024] Figure 3A shows a section of the product conduit of figure 3;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a tube guide and product tube as alternatively applicable in the product dispensing unit of figures

[0026] 2A-2C; and Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a bracket as applied in the tube guide of figure 4.

[0027] It is otherwise noted here that the figures are purely schematic and not all drawn to (the same) scale. Some dimensions in particular may be exaggerated to greater or lesser extent for the sake of clarity. Corresponding parts are designated in the figures with the same reference numeral.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention. This is an independent apparatus with which one or more coffee products can be prepared. The apparatus comprises an apparatus housing 10 in which is accommodated a preparation unit 15 with a hot water supply in the form of one or more boilers or continuous flow heaters 12. In this example the apparatus is connectable to a fixed water connection 11, although the apparatus can optionally also be provided with a refillable water reservoir.

[0029] The apparatus comprises on an upper side one or more bean reservoirs 14 for a supply of coffee beans, which debouch in an optionally joint grinding device 16 with an adjustable grind size whereby a dosage of coffee grounds is prepared from a measured quantity of coffee beans and is supplied to the preparation unit 15. The grounds are here received between a set of bottoms of a decoction chamber and compressed into a compact bed. The apparatus comprises a pump 13 whereby hot water from the hot water supply 12 is guided under increased pressure through the thus compressed quantity of coffee grounds in a short amount of time in order to obtain an extract therefrom, usually referred to as espresso coffee. This product is guided via a product conduit 20 to a dispenser 30 of the apparatus, where it can be received in a container 40 by a user.

[0030] Provided externally on the apparatus are a display and control panel 17 whereby the user can enter a selection for a desired coffee product and can receive any service messages. One or more reservoirs for further product can here be provided in the apparatus, such as for instance sugar, cocoa powder and / or milk powder and / or bouillon powder, with which the variety of products to be prepared can be expanded. A cooling provision for fresh milk can also be provided in or at the apparatus, and the apparatus can also be equipped with a milk frother with which fresh milk or milk foam can be added to the coffee product in order to thereby provide a selection of a number of coffee varieties. The whole is powered electrically via a connection 18 for one or more phases of an alternating current mains electricity which is in place. To control and monitor the whole preparation process and the user interface 17 the apparatus has a control unit 19.

[0031] In order to enable containers with different dimensions to be received under the dispenser 35, the dispenser is adjusted in height relative to the remaining part of housing 10 in accordance with a height dimension of the container. In this case the dispenser 35 is received for this purpose in a product dispensing unit 30 which is arranged adjustably on an outer side of the apparatus. Figures 2A- 2C show this product dispensing unit 30 and the dispenser 35 incorporated therein in further detail. Dispenser 35 is accommodated in the bottom of a frame 31 of plastic or metal having on either side thereof side pieces 32 which are provided internally with an aluminium guide rail 33, whereby this part 31 is continuously movable over a mounting bracket 34 along a central axis H of dispenser 35 via plastic slide bearings. It is possible, if desired, to provide in the guide one or more adjustable friction elements with which a relative friction between the bracket 34 and the frame 31 can be adjusted so that frame 31 always remains at a selected level. The dispensing unit 30 can be mounted in the apparatus housing by means of the metal mounting bracket 34. Provided in mounting bracket 34 is a liquid passage 22 to which the product conduit 20 is connected upstream. A measure for good espresso quality is a delicate foam layer which forms thereon upon extraction under high pressure, typical ly at a water pressure in the order of between 5 and 20 Bar. It is important that this delicate foam, usually referred to as crema, remains present into container 40 and always distributes over the surface of the received espresso as a creamy foam layer. An adjustment of the level of dispenser 35 could disrupt this process in that the product conduit 20 could thereby follow a different trajectory. In order to counteract this a distal segment 25 of the product conduit which has a helical shape is applied according to the invention. This part is accommodated internally in the product dispensing unit and follows therein a helical shape around a screw axis H, see figure 2C. The distal segment is connected on one side to the liquid passage 22 in mounting bracket 34 and on the other to the dispenser 35. As can be seen in the detail of figure 2B, dispenser 35 splits into two, whereby two part-flows of the product are received from a pouring spout 36.A, 36B in dual form.

[0032] For the helical distal segment 25 of product conduit 20 use can be made of a helically placed, flexible tube of plastic or of a preformed, thin-walled tube of plastic or metal which is spring-mounted in dispensing unit 30. In this example a flexible tube of a suitable plastic which leaves no traces in the flavour of the product, such as for instance polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silicones, is opted for for the distal segment of the product conduit, in order to impart a defined helical shape thereto, a preformed helical wire 26 is incorporated in the wall of the tube, or otherwise connected thereto, over substantially a whole length, see figure 3. This metal wire is for instance formed from metal or plastic and imparts resilience whereby the tube segment 25 is urged into the desired helical shape, although the segment remains axially stretchable. This helical part 25, 26 of product conduit 20 thereby has an adjustable pitch whereby a height adjustment of dispenser 35 can always be followed, with no or hardly any consequences for the trajectory / travelled by the product to the dispenser. A constant and readily reproducible product quality can thereby be better ensured.

[0033] In the shown example the distal segment 25 of the product conduit takes a dual form with two separate liquid channels 25A, 25B, see figure 3. The helical wire 26 extends therebetween in order to impart the intended helical shape to both channels. The two liquid channels 25A, 25B are connected to dispenser 35 upstream and are each fed by a separate product conduit 20 downstream. The liquid passage 22 likewise takes a dual form for this purpose. For the further liquid channel 25B additional pouring spouts 36A, 36B can be provided on dispenser 35 or the separate product flows can be combined in dispenser 35, if desired. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the distal segment 25 of the product conduit in the product dispensing unit 30. In this case use is also made of a flexible plastic tube of polytetrafluoroethylene (PIPE) or silicones for the distal segment. In this case a helical shape is imparted thereto by a holder 50 in which the distal segment 25 is received and which leads the segment 25 in the helical shape. The holder 50 comprises for each of the windings of distal segment 25 in each case a holder member 52 in the form of a bracket in which the relevant winding lies embedded.

[0034] The brackets 52 each comprise a curved channel part 53 into which the tube 25 can be snapped and whereby the relevant winding of the tube segment 25 is guided in the intended helical shape. These holder members 52 are in turn arranged movably in a linear guide 54 which covers at least a part of the height adjustment of the dispenser. The guide is fastened in the mounting bracket and is located inside the product dispensing unit 30. The holder 50 with the guide 54 and the brackets 52 comprise injection-moulded parts which were formed wholly from a suitable thermoplastic plastic.

[0035] The tube segment 25 is in this case also connected upstream with a proximal outer end 27 to the passage 22 in the housing in simple manner, while an opposite outer end 28 is coupled to dispenser 35. During a height adjustment of dispenser 35 the holders 52 will follow this adjustment in the guide, whereby the pitch of helix 25 increases or decreases in order to thereby follow the adjustment seamlessly without disrupting a trajectory of the liquid in any way. Although use is in this example made in the helical distal segment 25 of a single product conduit 20, it is also possible here to opt for a multiple product conduit with mutually separated liquid channels for separate product flows.

[0036] Although the invention has been further elucidated above with reference to only a single exemplary' embodiment, it will be apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto. On the contrary, many variations and embodiments are still possible within the scope of the invention for a person with ordinary skill in the art.

[0037] In the example use is thus made of a coffee machine equipped with a reservoir for coffee beans and a grinder for obtaining freshly ground coffee powder, but the invention is likewise applicable in a device in which only pre-ground coffee is used or only a pre-prepared liquid coffee extract is mixed with hot water in order to prepare the final product. And besides increased pressure, the hot water can also be guided through the coffee powder under atmospheric pressure in order to prepare filter coffee. The invention is also applicable in a device with a preparation unit for other types of drink as well, such as lemonade, bouillon, soup, tea or cocoa.

[0038] The device of the exemplary embodiment comprises a multiple product conduit whereby milk or milk foam is also guided to the dispenser in addition to coffee extract. The device can instead also be embodied with a single product conduit, only for the coffee product to be prepared.

Claims

Claims:

1. Device for preparing and dispensing a coffee product, comprising a housing in which is accommodated a preparation unit with which an obtainable coffee product is at least partially prepared, which housing is provided externally with a dispenser where the prepared coffee product is receivable, wherein the preparation unit is coupled to the dispenser by a product conduit and the dispenser is height-adjustable relative to the housing, characterized in that the dispenser is height-adjustable relative to the housing, that the product conduit comprises a distal segment which is connected to the dispenser, that at least the distal segment of the product conduit has a helical shape with an adjustable pitch, and that the distal segment is able and configured to follow a height adjustment of the dispenser.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distal segment of the product conduit is formed from a flexible plastic, particularly from a plastic from a group of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silicones.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the distal segment has a preformed helical shape, particularly a resilient, at least flexible shape.

4. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that a preformed spiral wire is arranged in or on a wall of the distal segment.

5. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distal segment of the product conduit is received by a holder, which holder leads the distal segment in the helical shape.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the holder comprises for a number of windings of the distal segment in each case a holder member in which the winding of the distal segment is received, and that the holder members are arranged movably in a linear guide which extends over at least a part of a height adjustment of the dispenser.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the holder members comprise in each case a bracket into which a winding of the distal segment is snappable.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the brackets each comprise a curved channel part which follows a part of the winding.

9. Device according to one or more of the claims 5-8, characterized in that the holder is formed at least substantially from plastic.

10. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distal segment connects on opposite outer ends to respectively an upstream part of the product conduit and the dispenser.

11. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser and the distal segment of the product conduit form part of an independent product dispensing unit which is connected to or is at least connectable to the housing, that the dispenser is arranged in the product dispensing unit for height adjustment along a central axis thereof, and that the distal segment of the product conduit follows the helical shape around a screw axis, which screw axis extends parallel to the central axis of the dispenser.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the product dispensing unit is arranged over a liquid passage of the housing and that the distal segment of the product conduit connects to the liquid passage of the housing.

13. Device according to one or more of the preceding ciaims, characterized in that the distal segment of the product conduit comprises at least two separate liquid channels, which liquid channels are connected to the dispenser downstream and are each fed by a separate product conduit downstream.

14. Method for preparing a coffee product, wherein water is guided under increased pressure through a compressed coffee powder and an extract obtained therefrom is guided via a product conduit to a height-adjustable dispenser and the coffee product is received from the dispenser, characterized in that a distal segment of the product conduit is connected to the dispenser, which distal segment has a helical shape with an adjustable pitch, whereby the distal segment is able and configured to follow a height adjustment by adjustment of the pitch of the dispenser.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that a device according to any one of the claims 1 -13 is applied herein.

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