A beverage brewing machine for preparing a coffee beverage from a container filled with an ingredient

Abstract

A beverage brewing machine for preparing a coffee beverage from a container filled with an ingredient such as ground coffee, the machine comprising a brewing chamber, which, in use, is filled with the container, a pump, heating means and a control circuit, characterised in that the machine is provided with an input means which is communicatively connected with the control circuit for receiving information about a selected temperature setting from a plurality of mutually different temperature settings for the coffee beverage to be prepared, wherein the control circuit is arranged to control the pump and / or the heating means such that for brewing a beverage, in use, a predetermined first amount of water is pumped towards the container in a first phase, wherein the water which is pumped towards the container in the first phase is regulated towards a temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting for the beverage to be prepared.

Description

[0001] Title: A beverage brewing machine for preparing a coffee beverage from a container filled with an ingredient

[0002] The invention relates to a beverage brewing machine for preparing a coffee beverage from a container filled with an ingredient such as ground coffee, in particular a beverage brewing machine according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a machine is generally known. There is an ongoing desire for improvements to such machines, in particular in terms of various qualities of beverages brewed using the machine, as well as in terms of user friendliness.

[0003] According to an aspect of the invention, a machine according to claim 1 is provided, wherein the machine is characterized in that the machine is provided with an input means which is communicatively connected with the control circuit for receiving information about a selected temperature setting from a plurality of mutually different temperature settings for the coffee beverage to be prepared, wherein the control circuit is arranged to control the pump and / or the heating means such that for brewing a beverage, in use, a predetermined first amount of water is pumped towards the container in a first phase, wherein the water which is pumped towards the container in the first phase is regulated towards a temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting for the beverage to be prepared.

[0004] Advantageously, in this way, the machine enables a user to influence one or more qualities of the beverage, in particular one or more qualities depending on a temperature of the water which is pumped towards the container in the first phase. Such one or more qualities may include a temperature of the beverage, a taste profile of the beverage, and an appearance of the beverage, in particular an appearance of a crema layer that may be formed on the beverage when collected in a cup or other drinking vessel. An appearance of such a crema layer may be associated with a color of the crema layer and / or a thickness of the crema layer and / or dimensions of bubbles of the crema layer. In some cases, different qualities of the beverage may be varied mutually differently, depending on the temperature towards which the water which is pumped towards the container in the first phase is regulated, and thus depending on the received selected temperature setting. For example, in case of a lower temperature setting, compared to a higher temperature setting, a thickness of the crema layer may be increased while a temperature of the beverage is reduced. Meanwhile, a taste profile of the beverage may vary with the temperature setting as well. Since different users tend to have different preferences regarding such beverage qualities and possible combinations thereof, the machine thus advantageously enables users to control the beverage preparation to better match their preferences, in particular in a relatively user friendly manner.

[0005] In the following, the above described aspect will be explained further along with explanations of optional advantageous elaborations such as those provided by the subject-matter of the dependent claims. Although reference will be made to a drawing, it shall be appreciated that the drawing merely serves to illustrate an example and that embodiments described herein may also be understood independent from the drawing.

[0006] In the drawing, Fig. 1 schematically shows an example of a beverage brewing machine according to an embodiment, loaded with a container filled with an ingredient such as ground coffee.

[0007] Fig. 1 shows an example of a beverage preparation machine 2 for preparing a beverage from a container 4 filled with an ingredient, for example ground coffee 6. The machine 2 and such a container 4 may be comprised by a system 1, e.g. together forming such a system 1. The machine 2 comprises a brewing chamber 8 having an inlet 10 and an outlet 12. In use, the brewing chamber 8 is filled with the container 4. Furthermore a spout 13 may be provided for collecting a beverage flowing through the outlet 12. The machine further comprises a pump 14 and a fluid connection 16 extending between an outlet side of the pump 14 and the inlet 10. The machine preferably comprises a reservoir 18 which can be filled with water and a further fluid connection 20 extending between the reservoir and an inlet side of the pump 14. Heating means 17 are provided for heating fluid which, in use, is pumped to the inlet 10 of the brewing chamber 8, in particular a fluid flowing through the fluid connection 16. The machine is further provided with a control circuit 21 for controlling the pump 14, e.g. via a control line 21a, and for controlling the heating means 17, e.g. via a control line 21b. Also the machine comprises an input means, for example a control-panel 22, which is communicatively connected with the control circuit. The control panel 22 or other input means may be suitable for providing instructions to the control circuit 21 by a user.

[0008] Preferably, a flowmeter 19 is provided to measure a flowrate through the fluid connection 16 and for providing, e.g. via control line 19a, a signal to the control circuit which signal represents the measured flowrate.

[0009] Preferably, the brewing chamber 8 comprises an enclosing member 23 for being loaded with the container 4 and a plate 24 for closing the enclosing member, the plate being provided with relief elements 26 for opening the container on its outlet side under the influence of fluid pressure in the container. The outlet 12 may be formed by a plurality of openings in the plate. The enclosing member 23 is preferably provided with cutting means 30 for opening the container at its inlet side 32. The inlet side and the outlet side of the capsule are defined to be on the outside of the container.

[0010] Preferably, the container 4 is a well-known capsule 4 comprising a capsule body 34 sealed with a lid 36 of the capsule. The capsule body 34 comprises for example a base 38, a sidewall 40 and a flange 42. The lid 36 may be sealed to the flange 42, wherein the base 38 may form the inlet side The capsule body may be made from a metal such as aluminium, an aluminium alloy, tin, stainless steel, etc. The body may also be made from a biodegradable material or a plastic. Laminates comprising combinations of at least two of a metal layer, biodegradable layer and a plastic layer are also not ruled out. The lid may also be made from the same selection of materials as discussed for the capsule body. Preferably the capsule body is made from aluminium, optionally provided with a lacquer layer. The lid is preferably made from aluminium. Optionally, the body and / or the lid is provided with a lacquer layer. The lid is preferably sealed to the capsule body to provide an hermetically sealed capsule.

[0011] Preferably, the enclosing member 23 and the plate 24 can be moved away from each other for positioning the container in the enclosing member 23. Subsequently, the enclosing member and the plate may be movable towards each other. As a result, the cutting means may cut open the base 38 of the container. The enclosing member may then provide a fluid sealing contact with the flange of the container in a manner known as such. Also, preferably, the plate including its relief elements may contact the lid of the container (prior to brewing or during brewing) if the plate and the enclosing member have been moved towards each other to form a closed brewing chamber comprising the container 4. The opening and closing of the brewing chamber may be performable manually in a known manner, for example by means of moving a pivotable lever which may be mechanically connected to a mechanical closing mechanism. Alternatively, opening and closing of the brewing chamber may in some embodiments be carried out by means of an electromotor actuated by the control circuit 21 if for example a button of the control panel 22 is operated. The enclosing member may be provided with well-known hydraulic closing means for (further) closing the brewing chamber by (further) moving a free edge of the enclosing member (the edge of the enclosing member which faces the plate) and the plate towards each other. Such a hydrauhc closing means is known from EP 2068684 Al and incorporated by reference in this application.

[0012] The machine 2 is arranged for, in use: feeding water under pressure by means of the pump 14 and via the fluid connection 16 and the inlet 10 towards and into the container 4 so that water which is heated by the heating means 17 flows through the container 4 and the beverage is formed though interaction between the ingredient and the water; and collecting the beverage which flows out of the container 4 through the outlet 12.

[0013] Preferably, the working of the machine 2 for preparing a beverage comprises steps (a) to (d) described below.

[0014] In a step (a), the container 4 is placed into the brewing chamber 8 such that the container 4 is positioned in a fluid path extending in the brewing chamber 8 from the inlet 10 to the outlet 12;

[0015] In a step (b), at least one opening is provided on an inlet side of the container 4 when the container at its inlet side prior to step (a) is closed. The opening in the base of the container 4 may be obtained by means of the cutting means 30 upon closing of the brewing chamber 8.

[0016] In a step (c), the control circuit controls the pump via the control line 21a such that water is fed under pressure by means of the pump and via the further fluid connection 10, the fluid connection 16 and the inlet towards and into the container. Also, the control circuit 21 controls the heating means 20 via the control line 21b so that water which flows through the fluid connection may be heated by the heating means. The water then flows into the brewing chamber 8 and thereby into the container 4. If the lid 36 of the container 4 is closed, the lid will subsequently tear open on the relief elements under influence of the water pressure in the container. Thereafter, the heated water will flow through the container 4 and the beverage is formed through interaction between the ingredient and the water. In a step (d), the beverage which flows out of the container through the outlet 12 and the spout 13 is collected in a cup.

[0017] The machine is provided with an input means 22 which is communicatively connected with the control circuit 21 for receiving information about a selected temperature setting from a plurality of mutually different temperature settings for the coffee beverage to be prepared. The control circuit 21 is arranged to control the pump 14 and / or the heating means 17 such that for brewing a beverage, in use, a predetermined first amount of water is pumped towards the container 4 in a first phase, wherein the water which is pumped towards the container 4 in the first phase is regulated towards a temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting for the beverage to be prepared.

[0018] Advantages of such an arrangement of the control circuit 21 have been explained above, in particular in terms of enhanced control of the beverage preparation to better match the user’s personal preferences.

[0019] Where in the present disclosure reference is made to water being pumped towards the container, this may alternatively or additionally be understood as water being pumped into the container and / or through the inlet of the brewing chamber. Thus, a temperature of water being pumped towards the container may alternatively or additionally refer to a temperature of water being pumped into the container and / or through the inlet of the brewing chamber. In view of the typically relatively small volumes of water between such sites in relation to typical flow rates, it shall be appreciated by the skilled person that such water temperatures will normally amount to approximately the same temperature. Thus, possible sites where such a temperature may be observed, e.g. in a test bench setting, may range from just downstream from the heating means to the inlet of the brewing chamber, or to just upstream of the container.

[0020] It shall be appreciated that the actual temperature of the water which is pumped towards the container 4 in the first phase may be somewhat variable over time during the first phase, for example due to possible delays in the control of the heating means 17.

[0021] Preferably, the above described temperature regulation is mainly effected by the control circuit 21 through control of the heating means 17. However, it shall be appreciated that alternatively or additionally control of the pump 14 may be used to effect the temperature regulation, for example by varying a flow rate of the water flowing through the heating means 17 while the heating means 17 is for example operated at a fixed power level.

[0022] In embodiments, the temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting for the beverage to be prepared is associated with the received selected temperature setting for the beverage.

[0023] In this way, the machine can advantageously conform to a user’s intuitive understanding of the temperature setting in relation to the beverage preparation process, facilitating easy operation and promoting a sense of personalized control.

[0024] In embodiments, the received selected temperature setting comprises a reference temperature, wherein the temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting for the beverage to be prepared lies in the range of from the reference temperature up to and including the reference temperature plus 10%.

[0025] Thereby, the temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting for the beverage to be prepared can be relatively well associated with the received selected temperature setting for the beverage. Meanwhile, in this way, possible heat losses in the machine can be taken into account, in particular in a substantially feed-forward manner, thus being relatively robust compared to possible delays that may be associated with a pure feed-back type of control.

[0026] The temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting may for example be used as basis for a set point in a feedback control loop operated by the control circuit 21. The control circuit 21 may for example combine the received selected temperature setting with a fixed or variable offset to determine the set point, in particular to take a possible delay and / or a possible thermal resistance into account in a feed forward manner. Thus, the above mentioned function of the received selected temperature setting may correspond to a sum of the received selected temperature setting and an offset.

[0027] In embodiments, the machine 2 is arranged for a selection of one of at least a first and a second reference temperature for the beverage to be prepared as the received selected temperature setting, wherein the first reference temperature lies within a first range and the second reference temperature lies within a second range.

[0028] In this way, the machine 2 can advantageously provide a set of options to the user for the temperature setting, thereby making it relatively simple for a user to exercise personalized control.

[0029] In embodiments, the lowest temperature of the first range is higher than the highest temperature of the second range.

[0030] Thereby, the discrete options can be mutually relatively well distinguished, further facilitating control by the user.

[0031] In embodiments, the first range is 85-99 degrees Celsius, preferably 90-97 degrees Celsius, and the second range is 60-80 degrees Celsius, preferably 70-77 degrees Celsius.

[0032] It has been found that such ranges can provide particularly relevant results in terms of possible different personal preferences of different users regarding one or more qualities of the beverage, such as regarding a crema layer.

[0033] In embodiments, the control circuit 21 is arranged to regulated the water which is pumped towards the container 4 in the first phase towards a temperature which is closer to the selected one of the at least first and second reference temperatures than to any other one of the at least first and second reference temperatures. In this way, the temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting for the beverage to be prepared can be particularly specifically associated with the received selected temperature setting for the beverage.

[0034] In embodiments, the control circuit 21 is arranged to control the pump 14 and / or the heating means 17 such that, in use, for brewing the beverage, after pumping the predetermined first amount of water in the first phase, a predetermined second amount of water is pumped towards the container 4 in a second phase, wherein the value of the electrical power (Watt) submitted to the heating means 17 while pumping the second amount of water in the second phase is lower than any value of the electrical power (W att) submitted to the heating means 17 while pumping the first amount of water in the first phase.

[0035] In this way, the heating means 17 may cool down during the second phase, allowing the machine 2 to be used relatively quickly for preparing a subsequent beverage at a possible lower temperature setting for the first phase of the subsequent beverage. In this respect, it is considered that the heating means 17 may take a relatively long time to cool down if it cannot dissipate its heat to a flow of water, e.g. while no beverage is being prepared. Meanwhile, heating up the heating means 17 may be performed relatively quickly by control of the electrical power submitted to the heating means. Thus, to allow a subsequent beverage to be prepared with a lower temperature setting relatively quickly after a first beverage is prepared with a higher temperature setting, it may be advantageous to allow the heating means 17 to dissipate some of its heat during the second phase of the preparation of the first beverage. Surprisingly, it has been found that the perceived quality of the first beverage need not be adversely affected by such a cooling down of the heating means in the second phase. Preferably, the described arrangement of the control circuit 21 allows the heating means 17 to cool down during the second phase to a level suitable for preparing the subsequent beverage at a lower temperature setting than the temperature setting of the first beverage. Cooling down to a level below a lowest selectable temperature setting is in most applications not necessary and is preferably avoided by the configuration of the control circuit 21, in particular so as to avoid an excessively low temperature of the water in the second phase.

[0036] In embodiments, the value of electrical power (W att) submitted to the heating means 17 while pumping the second amount of water in the second phase is nihil or zero.

[0037] In this way, the above described advantages of lowering the electrical power in the second phase can be realized particularly effectively. Meanwhile, the duration of the second phase and / or a flow rate of the pump in the second phase may be configured and / or controlled to effect a desired cooling of the heating means 17 and / or a desired temperature of the water in the second phase.

[0038] In embodiments, the machine 2 is arranged to receive a selection for the amount of the beverage to be prepared, wherein the control circuit 21 is arranged such that, in use, a volume of the first amount of water is a function of the selected amount of the beverage.

[0039] In this way, further personalized control of the beverage preparation can be facilitated by the machine, in particular also in combination with the temperature-related control as described herein.

[0040] In embodiments, the input means 22 is arranged to receive information about the amount of the beverage to be prepared.

[0041] Thereby, advantageously, a same input means 22 may be used to receive the information about the amount of the beverage and the information about the selected temperature setting.

[0042] In embodiments, the volume of the second amount of water is independent from the amount of the beverage to be prepared. Thereby, the cooling down of the heating means 17 in the second phase can be performed substantially equally well for each of the possible amounts of beverage. Meanwhile, the first amount of water may be varied to control the amount of the beverage, wherein advantageously the described temperature control for the first phase may thus be applied with respect to a larger amount of water in case of a larger amount of beverage.

[0043] In embodiments, the volume of the second amount of water has a predetermined fixed value.

[0044] A relatively simple yet effective configuration and control with respect to the second phase may thus be provided, wherein meanwhile the first amount of water may advantageously be made dependent on the amount of beverage to be prepared, as described above.

[0045] The predetermined fixed value may correspond to a volume available for water flow through the heating means 17. The predetermined fixed value may be in the range of 10 mL to 30 mL, preferably in the range of 15 mL to 25 mL, for example about 20 mL. Favorable results have been obtained using such a volume as the predetermined fixed value.

[0046] In embodiments, the selected amount of the beverage corresponds with any one of: a ristretto, a double ristretto, an espresso, a double espresso, a lungo and a double lungo.

[0047] Such amounts tend to correspond to user preferences for beverage amounts for coffee beverages. In embodiments, a ristretto ranges from 35-45 mL beverage, a double ristretto ranges from 62-78 mL beverage, an espresso ranges from 50-67 mL beverage, a double espresso ranges from 85-115 mL beverage, a lungo ranges from 105-145 mL beverage and a double lungo ranges from 190-250 mL beverage.

[0048] In embodiments, the machine 2 is arranged, in use, to heat up the heating means 17 in a heating phase after activating by means of the inputting means 22 the machine 2 for preparing the beverage and before submitting the first amount of water in the first phase. In this way, the first amount of water can be heated particularly effectively, in particular also from the beginning of the first phase.

[0049] In embodiments, the machine 2 is arranged, in use, to heat up the heating means 17 in the heating phase such that it reaches a temperature which depends on the received selected temperature for the beverage to be prepared.

[0050] Thereby, the above-described personalized temperature-related control of the beverage preparation can be exercised particularly well, in particular also from the beginning of the first phase.

[0051] In embodiments, the control circuit 21 is arranged to control, in use, the heating means 17 such that it is heated up in a heating phase after activating by means of the inputting means the machine 2 for preparing the beverage and before submitting the first amount of water in the first phase.

[0052] In this way, excessively wasteful power consumption via the heating means 17 can be prevented. Meanwhile, the heating means 17 can still reach a desired temperature relatively quickly by appropriate control of the electrical power submitted to it.

[0053] In embodiments, the control circuit 21 is arranged to control, during the heating phase, the heating means 17 such that it reaches a temperature which depends on the selected temperature for the beverage to be prepared.

[0054] Thus, the above described possible arrangement of the machine 2 to heat up the heating means in the heating phase may in particular be realized by a corresponding arrangement of the control circuit 21, allowing other elements of the machine 2 to be of relatively simple design.

[0055] In embodiments, the machine 2 is arranged to temporarily stop the pump 14 during the first phase.

[0056] A so-called pre-wetting or pre-infusion may be provided thereby, which may enable improved uniformity of the interaction between the water and the ingredient in the container, among other advantages known as such for pre-wetting or pre-infusion. The first phase may thus include a prewetting or pre-infusion phase, and preferably extends in time beyond the end of such a pre-wetting or pre-infusion phase to allow advantages described above regarding temperature regulation during the first phase to be obtained in particular also beyond the pre-wetting or pre-infusion phase.

[0057] Although the invention has been explained herein using examples of embodiments and drawings, these do not limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Within said scope, many variations, combinations and extensions are possible, as will be appreciated by the skilled person having the benefit of the present disclosure. For example, although a control panel is mentioned herein as a possible example of the input means, additional or alternative possibilities include a wireless receiver, for example for communication with a mobile device, either directly or via a server. Meanwhile, different designs of the control panel are possible, for example comprising buttons and / or a touch screen. The heating means may be arranged downstream or upstream with respect to the pump. The control circuit may correspond to a single controller or to a combination of multiple controllers. The plurality of mutually different temperature settings for the coffee beverage to be prepared may correspond to a discrete set of temperature settings and / or a continuous range of temperature settings. The selection of the temperature setting may for example be received in the form of a position of a rotary knob or a slider, or in the form of a number or a word. The temperature settings are preferably numerical, but may alternatively or additionally be non-numerical, for example: warm’, very warm’, ‘hot’. All such variants are considered included in the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A beverage brewing machine for preparing a coffee beverage from a container filled with an ingredient such as ground coffee, the machine comprising a brewing chamber, which, in use, is filled with the container, the brewing chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a pump, a fluid connection extending between the pump and the inlet, heating means for heating fluid which, in use, is pumped to the inlet of the brewing chamber and a control circuit for controlling the pump and the heating means, wherein the machine is arranged for, in use: feeding water under pressure by means of the pump and via the fluid connection and the inlet towards and into the container so that water which is heated by the heating means flows through the container and the beverage is formed though interaction between the ingredient and the water; and collecting the beverage which flows out of the container through the outlet, characterised in that the machine is provided with an input means which is communicatively connected with the control circuit for receiving information about a selected temperature setting from a plurality of mutually different temperature settings for the coffee beverage to be prepared, wherein the control circuit is arranged to control the pump and / or the heating means such that for brewing a beverage, in use, a predetermined first amount of water is pumped towards the container in a first phase, wherein the water which is pumped towards the container in the first phase is regulated towards a temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting for the beverage to be prepared.

2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting for the beverage to beprepared is associated with the received selected temperature setting for the beverage.

3. Machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the received selected temperature setting comprises a reference temperature, wherein the temperature which is a function of the received selected temperature setting for the beverage to be prepared lies in the range of from the reference temperature up to and including the reference temperature plus 10%.

4. Machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the machine is arranged for a selection of one of at least a first and a second reference temperature for the beverage to be prepared as the received selected temperature setting, wherein the first reference temperature lies within a first range and the second reference temperature lies within a second range, wherein the lowest temperature of the first range is higher than the highest temperature of the second range.

5. Machine according to claim 4, wherein the first range is 85-99 degrees Celsius, preferably 90-97 degrees Celsius, and the second range is 60-80 degrees Celsius, preferably 70-77 degrees Celsius.

6. Machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the control circuit is arranged to control the pump and / or the heating means such that, in use, for brewing the beverage, after pumping the predetermined first amount of water in the first phase, a predetermined second amount of water is pumped towards the container in a second phase, wherein the value of the electrical power (Watt) submitted to the heating means while pumping the second amount of water in the second phase is lower than any value of the electrical power (Watt) submitted to the heating means while pumping the first amount of water in the first phase.

7. Machine according to claim 6, wherein the value of electrical power (Watt) submitted to the heating means while pumping the second amount of water in the second phase is nihil or zero.

8. Machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the machine is arranged to receive a selection for the amount of the beverage to be prepared, wherein the control circuit is arranged such that, in use, a volume of the first amount of water is a function of the selected amount of the beverage.

9. Machine according to claim 8, wherein the input means is arranged to receive information about the amount of the beverage to be prepared.

10. Machine according to any one of claims 6-7 and according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the volume of the second amount of water is independent from the amount of the beverage to be prepared.

11. Machine according to claim 10, wherein the volume of the second amount of water has a predetermined fixed value.

12. Machine according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the selected amount of the beverage corresponds with any one of: a ristretto, a double ristretto, an espresso, a double espresso, a lungo and a double lungo.

13. Machine according to claim 12, wherein a ristretto ranges from 35- 45 mL beverage, a double ristretto ranges from 62-78 mL beverage, an espresso ranges from 50-67 mL beverage, a double espresso ranges from 85- 115 mL beverage, a lungo ranges from 105-145 mL beverage and a double lungo ranges from 190-250 mL beverage.

14. Machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the machine is arranged, in use, to heat up the heating means in a heating phase after activating by means of the inputting means the machine for preparing the beverage and before submitting the first amount of water in the first phase.

15. Machine according to claim 14, wherein the machine is arranged, in use, to heat up the heating means in the heating phase such that it reaches a temperature which depends on the received selected temperature for the beverage to be prepared.

16. Machine according to any preceding claim 1-13, wherein the control circuit is arranged to control, in use, the heating means such that it is heated up in a heating phase after activating by means of the inputting means the machine for preparing the beverage and before submitting the first amount of water in the first phase.

17. Machine according to claim 16, wherein the control circuit is arranged to control, during the heating phase, the heating means such that it reaches a temperature which depends on the selected temperature for the beverage to be prepared.

18. Machine according to any preceding claims, wherein the machine is arranged to temporarily stop the pump during the first phase.

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