Flow-controlled hybrid machine for preparing hot coffee beverages

Abstract

The invention described is equally suitable for preparing pour-over coffee and espresso coffee. In contrast to conventional machines, the flow rate through the coffee powder can be varied and adjusted by means of brewing profiles. In addition to the through-flow, the time and the target weight for terminating the brewing profile can also be set. The target weight is determined by means of a preferably integrated weighing device. The parameters of the brewing process are stored in brewing profiles. These brewing profiles can be stored on the machine. They are created via a smartphone app and are sent to the machine. The app and the machine communicate via Bluetooth.

Description

[0001] Köpplinger / Seyfert 001-roxy-hybrid-epct 1 / 8

[0002] invention

[0003] The invention relates to a flow-controlled hybrid machine for preparing coffee and hot beverages, in particular pour-over coffee and espresso, for the automated and reproducible execution of brewing recipes. The machine combines two brewing methods and, through the creation of brewing profiles, enables precise and reproducible results in the cup with automatic shut-off after reaching a target weight.

[0004] background

[0005] The market is divided into espresso machines and machines for brewed coffee.

[0006] Especially for lighter roasted espressos, regulating the flow rate and creating individual brewing profiles are crucial for the taste in the cup. For example, the flow rate in ml / s and the resulting pressure determine how many substances are dissolved and extracted from the grounds, and therefore the taste (e.g., more acidity or sweetness).

[0007] With pour-over coffee, the extraction time and the brewing ratio (grounds to water) are also crucial for the taste. Often, so-called blooming phases are used at the beginning of the brewing process, during which the coffee grounds swell and release CO2. This results in brewing profiles that can be varied to specifically bring out flavor nuances. Pour-over coffee is usually prepared manually with hot water, using a scale.

[0008] Temperature is also of enormous importance for both brewing methods.

[0009] The invention combines the two brewing methods in one machine with the ability to create targeted profiles and thus influence the taste.

[0010] State of the art

[0011] Machines for regulating flow or pressure are known, for example as described in WO2013173388A1. However, these are not suitable for preparing pour-over coffee.

[0012] Devices for preparing pour-over coffee with an integrated weighing device, as mentioned in W0002019006926A1, are also known. However, these are unsuitable for preparing espresso coffee or for creating brewing profiles. Köpplinger / Seyfert 001-roxy-hybrid-epct 2 / 8

[0013] Machines such as those mentioned in DE3000105A1, which combine two brewing methods, are also known. However, these cannot control the extraction like the invention for which registration is pending and thus cannot meet the requirements of the specialty coffee scene. Likewise, they cannot stop the brewing process when a target weight is reached.

[0014] Most programmable machines on the market have a display to show values ​​and therefore find little acceptance in kitchens, or they communicate via Wi-Fi, which does not allow for independent operation without Wi-Fi access.

[0015] Description of the characters

[0016] Figure 1 shows an example of a brewing profile for pour over coffee with individual blooming phases, which can be generated by the invention with the brewing attachment for pour over coffee and the programmed brewing profile.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an example of a brewing profile as produced by a classic Italian lever espresso machine and which can be replicated by the invention with the portafilter brewing attachment and the programmed brewing profile.

[0018] Figure 3 shows the invention with brewing attachment for pour-over coffee hot drinks.

[0019] Figure 4 shows the invention with the portafilter brewing attachment for espresso, coffee, and hot drinks.

[0020] Figure 5 shows the open rear view with an exemplary arrangement of the instantaneous water heater, the pump unit and the control system.

[0021] Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the invention (without cover) looking at the control unit and the brewing unit with sensors and the exemplary arrangement of the control buttons.

[0022] Figure 7 shows a side view of the machine with an example of the position of the brewing temperature measuring point at the dispensing point and the water tank.

[0023] Figure 8 shows the invention with the arrangement of the preferably used integrated weighing device.

[0024] Figure 9 shows the invention with the arrangement of the alternative weighing device in the form of a Bluetooth scale Köpplinger / Seyfert 001-roxy-hybrid-epct 3 / 8

[0025] Detailed description of the invention

[0026] The invention is subdivided into various functional groups.

[0027] Water storage and transport:

[0028] Water for preparation is preferably stored in a tank (6). Upon request, a

[0029] When a hot beverage is dispensed, preferably via a dispensing button (7), the water is conveyed to the heating element (8.2) by means of a pump (8.1).

[0030] The pump is controlled by a control unit (9) according to the setpoint specifications of the brewing profile, and the flow rate is regulated. The values ​​for the control are determined via the pump characteristic curve stored on the machine and the actual pressure measured at the brewing unit (10.1) by a pressure sensor (10.2).

[0031] The pressure reduction at the end of the brewing profile preferably takes place via a solenoid valve (8.4) into the drip tray (11 ).

[0032] Water heating:

[0033] The brewing water is heated, in particular, by an electric flow heater (8.2) (e.g., a thick-film heater). This is controlled by the control unit (9). The desired reference temperature is set by the data set stored on the control unit, and the actual temperature is measured by a sensor (8.3). Preferably, a thermal switch acts as a safety device and shuts off the flow heater in case of overheating.

[0034] Brewing unit with heating cartridges:

[0035] The tempered water preferably flows via a hose to the preferably thermally insulated brewing unit (10.1). In the brewing unit, the brewing attachment (4, 3) for filter coffee is used for brewing, and the brewing water is passed over the ground coffee in the filter holder (4) according to the brewing recipes. Alternatively, for the preparation of espresso shots, the portafilter (5) is inserted with the ground coffee, and the tempered brewing water is forced through according to the specifications of the brewing recipes. At the end of the brewing process, the residual pressure is preferably released into the drip tray (11) via a solenoid valve (8.4). To shorten the heating time of the brewing unit, two heating elements (10.4) are preferably installed in the brewing unit. The temperature for controlling the heating elements is preferably measured directly at the brewing unit with a sensor (10.3). Additionally, materials for thermal insulation or Köpplinger / Seyfert 001-roxy-hybrid-epct 4 / 8 are preferably used.

[0036] Heat conduction is used. This ensures that only the areas in contact with the brewing water during the brewing process are heated, thus maintaining a constant temperature. For hygienic reasons, two separate lines are used for brewing water and waste water.

[0037] Control and regulation concept:

[0038] Temperature control:

[0039] The flow heater (8.2) and the brewing unit (10.1) preferably have two separate, independent control circuits. These are controlled by the control unit (9) of the machine. The temperature of the brewing water, which is important for the brewing process and crucial for the taste, is preferably measured directly at the point of application to the coffee grounds (10.5). This temperature, together with the temperatures measured at the brewing unit and the heating element, serves as the control variable for the brewing water temperature.

[0040] Flow control:

[0041] The brewing recipes (profiles) are stored in steps and saved on the machine. The brewing pressure is preferably measured downstream of the flow heater (8.2) at the brewing unit (10.1) by the pressure sensor (10.2). The flow rate is preferably determined by measuring the volume displacement per pump stroke based on the stored pump characteristic curve or by means of a weighing device, which is not necessarily integrated. The determined flow rates are preferably compared with the target flow rate of the brewing recipe stored on the machine at the mains frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz). In case of deviations, individual pump strokes are preferably selectively switched on or off, thus regulating the flow rate very precisely. In addition to the target flow rate, the user can also save pressure values ​​as switching conditions. If the pressure is exceeded or falls below the specified value, the system switches to the next step of the brewing recipe.This allows for both time-controlled and pressure-controlled program steps, e.g. for pre-infusion of the coffee puck.

[0042] Software and app control:

[0043] The target flow rates / profiles are stored on the machine. This allows operation even without the app, using only the two existing buttons (7). The flow rate profiles and limit values ​​can be changed and saved on the machine via the app.

[0044] During extraction, measured values ​​can be visualized on the app and compared with previous extractions, if needed. This allows for the investigation of taste deviations or the targeted highlighting of nuances in flavor. Köpplinger / Seyfert 001-roxy-hybrid-epct 5 / 8

[0045] The dispensing of the hot beverage for pour over coffee or espresso can be stopped by a timer after a time set in the brewing recipes has elapsed, or by a programmed weight specification, optionally via a scale (12) integrated into the app via Bluetooth or a permanently installed scale (13) preferably integrated in the area of ​​the drip tray, to determine the cup weight reached or, for pour over, the weight reached in the filter.

[0046] Communication between the app and the machine takes place via Bluetooth.

[0047] Advantageous effect of the invention

[0048] The solution according to the invention combines two brewing methods in one machine. The brewing attachment with filter holder and the brewing attachment in the form of a portafilter allow the number of machines in the kitchen to be reduced and combined into one.

[0049] The solution according to the invention is highly advantageous because regulating the flow rate for different grind sizes of the coffee grounds leads to a uniform extraction of the coffee, thus having a significant impact on the taste of the brewed hot beverage. By selectively varying the flow rate, different substances can be extracted from the coffee grounds. For example, higher flow rates extract more acids from the coffee grounds, while lower flow rates and thus longer extraction times result in sweeter coffee.

[0050] It appears that ending the brewing process after a preset weight, either using the built-in scale or the optional Bluetooth-enabled scale, offers significant advantages in terms of brewing consistency. Unlike conventional brewing methods based on time, the ratio of coffee grounds weight to finished beverage weight remains constant with each brew, ensuring a reproducible flavor.

[0051] The solution according to the invention, with the display of measured values ​​and the creation of brewing profiles via an app, is very advantageous, as no display is required on the machine and acceptance in kitchens appears to be increased.

[0052] By using Bluetooth for communication between the machine and the app instead of Wi-Fi, it is possible to operate the machine anywhere, e.g. while camping, and independently of networks.

Claims

Köpplinger / Seyfert 001-roxy-hybrid-epct 6 / 8 Summary of the invention The described invention is equally suitable for preparing pour-over and espresso coffee. Unlike conventional machines, the flow rate through the coffee grounds can be varied and set via brewing profiles. In addition to the flow rate, the time and target weight for completing the brewing profile can also be set. The target weight is determined by a preferably integrated weighing device. The parameters of the brewing process are stored in brewing profiles. These brewing profiles can be saved on the machine. They are created using a smartphone app and sent to the machine. Communication between the app and the machine takes place via Bluetooth. Köpplinger / Seyfert 001-roxy-hybrid-epct 7 / 8 Claims 1. A machine for preparing hot coffee beverages with at least one brewing unit (10.1) suitable for dispensing brewed coffee and espresso shots, wherein the machine is designed to accommodate a holder for filter coffee (3) in the area of ​​the brewing unit or the drip tray (2) or a detachable portafilter (5) on the brewing unit, wherein the machine comprises: - at least one pressure sensor (10.2) in the area of ​​the brewing unit (10.1) which is / are suitable to provide values ​​for the brewing pressure of the hot beverage. - a pump (8.1 ) with a stored pump characteristic curve, which can regulate a flow rate based on the determined pressure values ​​and the pump characteristic curve. - Temperature sensors (8.3, 10.3) for measuring the brewing group temperature and the hot water temperature - A control unit^) for receiving pressure and temperature values, suitable for calculating the pump's control parameters and communicating with a display for visualizing the values, - a weighing device (13) which provides values ​​for terminating the brewing process after reaching the target weight of the hot beverage in the cup as specified in the brewing recipe.

2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the weighing device is a scale permanently integrated in the area of ​​the drip tray or a scale(12) that is wirelessly connected via the app and is in direct communication with the control unit^) and provides values ​​to terminate the dispensing process.

3. Machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display can be used in the form of an app on third-party devices, preferably mobile devices.

4. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication between the control unit and the app is via Bluetooth.

5. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the brewing group is heated and insulated against heat loss.

6. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure reduction at the end of the brewing process takes place via a solenoid valve into the drip tray.

7. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which operation can be carried out without an app using only the two control buttons to call up a saved brewing profile and start the brewing process.

8. Method for adjusting the flow rate of a machine for preparing hot coffee beverages with at least one brewing unit (10.1) for dispensing

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