Espresso machine with microwave or induction water heating
The integration of a microwave or induction heating system with a control device in espresso machines ensures consistent water temperature and reduces electricity consumption, addressing the inefficiencies of electric resistance heating.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TU RO CO SRL
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing espresso machines with electric resistance heating systems consume significant electricity and take a long time to heat water, leading to temperature fluctuations and suboptimal coffee quality during peak demand periods.
A microwave or induction water heating system is integrated into the espresso machine to maintain water temperature through recirculation, using a control device to manage water flow and heating based on temperature measurements, ensuring consistent coffee quality.
The system maintains optimal water temperature, reduces heating pause times, and lowers electricity consumption, providing consistent espresso quality regardless of usage intervals.
Smart Images
Figure IB2025062939_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH MICROWAVE OR INDUCTION WATER HEATING
[0002] DESCRIPTION
[0003] The present patent concerns professional machines for making and dispensing espresso coffee, and in particular it concerns a new machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee with hot water recirculation.
[0004] In bars, restaurants, and similar public establishments, professional espresso coffee machines are used, which are provided with two, three, or more portafilter housings for dispensing multiple doses of espresso coffee simultaneously.
[0005] Typically, these types of machines are subject to peaks in demand, in terms of the number of coffees to be dispensed at certain times of the day, such as at mealtimes. When one or more coffees are made and dispensed, the hot water in the reservoir decreases, and an automatic filling valve, via a feed duct, refills the reservoir from the water supply system of the facility.
[0006] The water flowing into the reservoir of the machine is at room temperature or at a lower temperature, and therefore cools the water already present in the reservoir at least partially.
[0007] Consequently, the thermostat installed in the reservoir detects this drop in temperature and activates the water heating system in the reservoir.
[0008] The boilers known in the art are equipped with electric resistance heating devices. In addition to consuming a considerable amount of electricity, said electric heating elements take a long time to bring the water to the desired temperature.
[0009] Furthermore, during periods of prolonged inactivity, the water in the pipes between said reservoir and the portafilter housings cools down and consequently the first few cups of coffee dispensed are not the best that can be obtained, since the temperature is lower than the water temperature.
[0010] In order to overcome all the drawbacks mentioned above, a new type of machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee with hot water recirculation has been designed and manufactured, which comprises a new quick heating system, such as a microwave device or an induction device, capable of quickly heating the water contained in the circuit.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee that always makes an optimal espresso coffee regardless of how much time has passed since the last coffee was made and dispensed.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a new espresso machine that maintains the water in the circuit and in the portafilter housings for coffee dispensing at the correct temperature.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a new machine in which heating pause times and electricity consumption are reduced.
[0014] The new machine is particularly suitable for dispensing coffee in bars, cafes, restaurants, clubs, and even in non-specialist environments such as offices, factories, and even at home.
[0015] These and other direct and complementary objects are achieved by the new machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee with hot water recirculation, comprising, in its main parts, a microwave or induction water heating device, an automatic water filling valve, a variable displacement pump, a pressure gauge, a flowmeter, at least one thermometer, at least one check valve, and a control device.
[0016] The heating device is connected to the water mains through an automatic filling valve. As the water level inside the circuit decreases during coffee dispensing, said automatic filling valve allows water to flow into the heating device and the circuit, until the preset quantity is reached.
[0017] The duct between said heating device and the portafilter housings, hereinafter referred to as the delivery duct, feeds all the portafilter housings and, more specifically, feeds all the taps or valves that allow hot water to flow to the portafilter housings.
[0018] There is another connection duct, hereinafter referred to as the return duct, designed to connect the delivery duct to the heating device.
[0019] Said return duct connects said delivery duct, upstream of the valves of the portafilter housings, to the delivery duct conveying the water that flows from the automatic filling valve to the heating device.
[0020] The following can be found along the delivery duct, in sequence: a variable displacement pump, a pressure gauge, a flowmeter, and a first thermometer, all connected to said control device.
[0021] Along the return duct there is a check valve designed to allow water to flow from the delivery duct, upstream of the valves of the portafilter housings, to the delivery duct conveying the water that flows from the automatic filling valve to the heating device.
[0022] Along the return duct there is also a second, controlled valve, designed to allow or prevent the passage of water in said return duct.
[0023] The control device is connected to and controls the heating unit and said second valve, in addition to activating and varying the number of revolutions of the pump that conveys hot water to the portafilter housings through said delivery duct and back to the microwave or induction heating device through the return duct.
[0024] The control device measures the temperature of the water being conveyed by means of said thermometer and compares it with a preset reference value or reference temperature.
[0025] If the two temperatures are similar or within an acceptable range, the control device determines that water recirculation is in progress and operating normally, and allows coffee to be dispensed. If the two temperatures are different, typically the temperature measured by the thermometer is much lower than the reference temperature, the control device determines that the new machine is in a temporary heating mode, limits the coffee dispensing operation, and activates quick water heating.
[0026] While at least one coffee is being dispensed, said control device activates the closure of said second valve along the return duct, so that the pressure of the water conveyed to the portafilter housing or housings during the dispensing activity is maintained at a constant value, and the water does not flow towards the heating device.
[0027] A second thermometer, also connected to said control device, can be installed along said return duct.
[0028] The control device compares the temperature taken by the first thermometer on the delivery duct with the temperature taken by the second thermometer on the return duct.
[0029] If the two temperatures measured are similar or within an acceptable range, the control device determines that water recirculation is in progress and operating normally, and allows coffee to be dispensed.
[0030] If the two temperatures are different, typically the temperature measured by the second thermometer is much lower than the temperature measured by the first thermometer, the control device determines that the new machine is in a temporary heating mode, limits the coffee dispensing operation, and activates quick water heating.
[0031] The drawings attached hereto show a practical embodiment of the invention by way of non-limiting example.
[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of some parts of the new machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee with hot water recirculation. More specifically, some of the main components are shown: an automatic filling valve (A), a microwave water heating device (MO), a variable displacement pump (P), a pressure gauge (M), a flowmeter (F),
[0033] - two thermometers (Tl, T2), a check valve (N), a control device (C), a second controlled valve (A2), portafilter housings (U).
[0034] The microwave water heating device (MO) is connected to the water mains via said automatic filling valve (A) interposed therethrough. As water is discharged from the portafilter housings (U), said automatic filling valve (A) allows water to flow into the circuit until the preset pressure is reached.
[0035] The delivery duct (Gl), between the heating device and the portafilter housings (U), feeds all the taps or valves (Uv) that allow hot water to flow to the portafilter housings (U).
[0036] There is another connection duct (G2), hereinafter referred to as the return duct (G2), suited to connect said delivery duct (Gl), just upstream of the valves (Uv) of the portafilter housings (U), to the duct (G3) which, through the automatic filling valve (A), ensures the flow of water to the heating device (MO).
[0037] The following can be found along the delivery duct (Gl), in sequence: the variable displacement pump (P), the pressure gauge (M), the flowmeter (F), and a first thermometer (Tl), connected to said control device (C).
[0038] Along the return duct (G2) there are the check valve (N), the second thermometer (T2), and the second controlled valve (A2).
[0039] Said second thermometer (T2) and said second controlled valve (A2) are also connected to said control device (C).
[0040] Said control device (C) activates and varies the number of revolutions of the pump (P) that conveys hot water to the portafilter housings (U) through said delivery duct (Gl) and back to the microwave heating device through said return duct (G2), maintaining the water at the optimal temperature.
[0041] The control device (C) measures the temperature of the water being conveyed by means of said first thermometer (Tl) and compares it with the temperature of the water flowing back through said second thermometer.
[0042] If the two temperatures measured are similar, the control device (C) determines that water recirculation is in progress and operating normally.
[0043] If the two temperatures are different, typically the temperature measured by the second thermometer (T2) is much lower than the temperature measured by the first thermometer (Tl), the control device determines that the new machine is in a temporary heating mode and limits the coffee dispensing operation, while at the same time activating the microwave device (MO) to heat the water.
[0044] While at least one coffee is being dispensed, said control device (C) activates the closure of said second valve (A2) along the return duct, so that the pressure of the water conveyed to the portafilter housing or housings during the dispensing activity is maintained at a constant level, and the water does not flow towards the heating device (MO).
[0045] The use of a microwave device (MO) with suitable power makes it possible to continuously maintain the water flow at the dispensing temperature, wherein said dispensing temperature can be modified.
[0046] Said microwave heating device preferably comprises a microwave generator (5), a metal container (1) suited to provide a closed compartment in turn containing said microwave generator (5), a base element or plate (2) made of PTFE or PEEK, inside which there is a duct (3) for the passage of water, and wherein above said base element or plate (2) there is air or a gaseous fluid in general.
[0047] The device (MO) for heating fluids comprises a closed compartment (1) in the shape of a parallelepiped, with a height of 43 mm ± 3 mm and a width of 86 mm ± 3 mm. Said device (MO) for heating fluids in general comprises a closed compartment (1) with a length included between 100 and 250 mm, and said base element (2) has a thickness of 10 mm and a width of 50 mm.
[0048] According to the invention, said duct (3) may be a coil or spiral duct lying on a plane or a spiral duct lying on two planes that are orthogonal to each other.
[0049] Said duct (3) comprises a tube that is made of a material compatible with fluid foods and is positioned inside two conveniently hollow half-shells coupled opposite each other to form said base element (2) or said duct in the compact base element (2) is obtained through a 3D moulding process.
[0050] Figure 2 schematically shows some parts of the new machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee with hot water recirculation. More specifically, some of the main components are shown: an automatic filling valve (A), an induction water heating device (IN) equipped with a control unit (5'), a duct (3 ’) made of a metallic material, an induction plate (6), a variable displacement pump (P), a pressure gauge (M), a flowmeter (F),
[0051] - two thermometers (Tl, T2), a check valve (N), a control device (C), a second controlled valve (A2), portafilter housings (U). These are the schematic outlines that are sufficient for the expert in the art to carry out the invention, consequently, on practical application variants may be obtained that do not affect the substance of the innovative concept introduced herewith.
[0052] Therefore, with reference to the above description and the attached drawings, the following claims are made.
Claims
CLAIMS1. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee, comprising at least one water heating system connected to the water source by means of a duct (G3) and to the portafilter housings (U) by means of a delivery duct (Gl), characterized in that it comprises a microwave device (MO) or an induction device (IN) for heating water.
2. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to claim 1, characterized in that said microwave device (MO) comprises a microwave generator (5), a metal container (1) suited to provide a closed compartment in turn containing said microwave generator (5), a base element or plate (2) inside which there is a duct (3) for the passage of the fluid, and wherein above said base element or plate (2) there is air or a gaseous fluid in general.
3. Device for heating fluids in general according to claims 1, 2, characterized in that said closed compartment (1) is a parallelepiped sized 43 mm ± 3 mm in height and 86 mm ± 3 mm in width.
4. Device for heating fluids in general according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of said closed compartment (1) is included between 100 and 250 mm.
5. Device for heating fluids in general according to claims 1, 2, characterized in that said base element (2) has a thickness of 10 mm and a width of 50 mm.
6. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said duct (3, 3’) is a coil or spiral duct lying on the same plane.
7. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to claim 6, characterized in that said duct (3, 3') is a coil or spiral duct lying on two planes that are orthogonal to each other or, in any case, not parallel to each other.
8. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said duct (3) comprises a tube that is made of a material compatible with fluid foods and is positioned inside two conveniently hollow half-shells coupled opposite each other to form said base element (2).
9. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to claim 5, characterized in that said base element or plate (2) is made of PTFE or PEEK.
10. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to claims 7, 8, 9, characterized in that said duct in the compact base element is obtained by 3D moulding or injection.
11. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to claim 1, characterized in that said induction device (IN) comprises a control unit (5’), at least one induction plate (6), at least one duct or metal container (3’) for the passage of the fluid to be heated.
12. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device (C) for controlling the energy emitted by the generator according to the desired fluid outlet temperature.
13. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device (C) for controlling the quantities of fluid flowing through it in order to maintain the proper flow rate and temperature.
14. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one automatic water filling valve (A) and at least one return duct (G2) suited to connect said delivery duct (Gl), just upstream of the portafilter housings (U) or of the valves of the portafilterhousings (U), to said heating device (MO, IN), and wherein a pump (P) keeps water flowing from said delivery duct (Gl) to said return duct (G2).
15. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first thermometer (Tl) suited to measure the temperature of the water flowing in said delivery duct (Gl).
16. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a possible second thermometer (T2) suited to measure the temperature of the water flowing in said return duct (G2).
17. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a check valve (N) arranged on said return duct (G2) in such a way as to allow the water that has not been dispensed to flow only towards said heating device (MO, IN).
18. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control device (C) connected to said pump (P) and said thermometers (Tl, T2), andwherein said control device (C) activates said pump (P) and / or modifies its operating speed according to the difference in temperature (Tl) compared to the reference temperature and / or to the difference in temperature measured by said thermometers (Tl, T2).
19. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a pressure gauge (M) arranged on said delivery duct (Gl) and connected to said control device (C), and wherein said control device (C) adapts the operation of the machine and of the pump (P) also according to the value indicated by said pressure gauge (M).
20. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a flowmeter (F) arranged on said delivery duct (Gl) and connected to said control device (C), and wherein said control device (C) adapts the operation of the machine and of the pump (P) also according to the value indicated by said flowmeter (F).
21. Machine for making and dispensing espresso coffee according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second controlled valve (A2) arranged on said return duct (G2) and connected to said control device (C), and wherein during the dispensing operation, through at least one of said portafilter housings (U), said control device (C) closes said second valve (A2) so that the pressure of the water conveyed towards said portafilter housing / s (U) during the dispensing operation remains constant, and the water does not flow towards the heating device (MO).