CA2060085A1 - Coffee machine - Google Patents
Coffee machineInfo
- Publication number
- CA2060085A1 CA2060085A1 CA002060085A CA2060085A CA2060085A1 CA 2060085 A1 CA2060085 A1 CA 2060085A1 CA 002060085 A CA002060085 A CA 002060085A CA 2060085 A CA2060085 A CA 2060085A CA 2060085 A1 CA2060085 A1 CA 2060085A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- station
- coffee
- cycle
- brewing
- receptacle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/18—Apparatus in which ground coffee or tea-leaves are immersed in the hot liquid in the beverage container
- A47J31/20—Apparatus in which ground coffee or tea-leaves are immersed in the hot liquid in the beverage container having immersible, e.g. rotatable, filters
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A coffee-making machine for professional use comprises a plurality of brewing receptacles carried by a rotary support having the function of successively bringing each receptacle opposite to a particular workstation. The workstations are all placed on the same circular track but are dedicated to two different operating cycles, namely a normal beverage production cycle and a special cleaning cycle.
The normal operating cycle comprises successively : an initial coffee powder filling station ; a second and diametrically opposite station at which compacting of the powder followed by pouring of a predetermined dose of hot water for brewing the coffee are performed immediately after initial filling;
and a third station for removal of coffee grounds.
The special cleaning cycle comprises successively : a station for depositing a detergent and located between the first two stations of the normal cycle, and a station for pouring hot water for the cleaning operation proper, this station being constituted by the second station of the normal cycle.
A coffee-making machine for professional use comprises a plurality of brewing receptacles carried by a rotary support having the function of successively bringing each receptacle opposite to a particular workstation. The workstations are all placed on the same circular track but are dedicated to two different operating cycles, namely a normal beverage production cycle and a special cleaning cycle.
The normal operating cycle comprises successively : an initial coffee powder filling station ; a second and diametrically opposite station at which compacting of the powder followed by pouring of a predetermined dose of hot water for brewing the coffee are performed immediately after initial filling;
and a third station for removal of coffee grounds.
The special cleaning cycle comprises successively : a station for depositing a detergent and located between the first two stations of the normal cycle, and a station for pouring hot water for the cleaning operation proper, this station being constituted by the second station of the normal cycle.
Description
20~085 A COFFEE MACHINE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to coffee-making machines for professional use, these machines being intended to produce at each utilization a quantity of brewed coffee corresponding to a small cup. klore specifically, the invention is concerned with machines of the type comprising a plurality of brewing receptacles carried by a rotary support so designed as to bring each receptacle in succession opposite to a particular workstation forming part of a series of workstations which have different functions and which are located at intervals on the same circular path.
Description of the Prior Art Patent No. CH 387,252 describes a machine of this type in which provision is made for three different workstations in sequence following an initial coffee powder filling station, namely a second station for compacting the powder, a third station for pouring hot water in order to brew the coffee and a fourth station for washing prior to a return to the initial station.
Thus, in this machine, there exists an intermediate station for compacting coffee powder between the initial coffee powder filling station and the brewing station. In consequence, at any moment, a receptaale filled with coffee powder is located in a stationary position opposite to the compacting station while an infusion of coffee takes place in the preceding receptacle. This has a detrimental effect on the quality of the beverage thus obtained since it is not made with freshly ground powder but with powder which has remained stationary over a certain period of time at the location of the intermediate station if the machine is not in continuous use.
Moreover, a machine of this type has a disadvantage in that the brewing receptacles become rapidly clogged. In fact, the washing opera$ion carried out in the course of a normal coffee production cycle cannot be sufficiently efficient to remove all the particles of coffee powder attached to the walls of the brewing receptacles, particularly as it is impossible to introduce detergent products in these receptacles. In the event of clogging of a machine of this type, it is consequently necessary to resort to the services of a specialized repairman, which is liable to put the machine out of service over a considerable period of time, with all the disadvantages which may result in the case of a coffeeshop or other public drinking establishment.
Furthermore, the machines of the type considered which are in current use have particularly complex mechanisms, thus increasing their capital cost as weIl as the potential danger of failures. This is the case in particular with the machine disclosed in patent No. CH 387,252. In this machine, the brewing receptacles are located at intervals at the periphery of a plate which is subjected to a series of different movements during each period of use, namely a downward axial movement, a movement of partial rotation and an axial movement of upward return. Thi~ aaaordingly requires the presence of a particularly aomplex mechanism with the disadvantages which result in regard to both capital expenditure and reliability.
Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a coffee-making machine which is so designed as to remove all these disadvantages.
SUMMA~Y OF THE INVENTION
The distinctive feature of the coffee machine in accordance with the invention lies in the fact that the machine is provided with two series of workstations dedicated to two different operating cycles, placed on one and the same circular path, and comprising :
a) For a normal operating cycle, the following stations in succession :
- an initial coffee powder filling station, - a second and diametrically opposite station at which compacting of the powder followed by pouring of the predetermined dose of hot water for brewing the coffee are performed immediately after initial filling, the device for controlling the displacements of the rotary support of the brewing receptacles being capable of moving each receptacle directly from the initial station to the brewing station without any intermediate 8top, - a third station for removal of coffee grounds without stopping the~rotary support of the brewing receptacles and during the same movement of rotation of said support.
b) For a specia~l cleaning cycle, the following stations in succession : ~
- a station for depositing a detergent product and located between the first two stations of the 25 ~ normal~cycle, a station for pouring hot water for the cleaning operation proper, this station being constituted by the second station of the normal cycle.
By virtue of the design thus proposed, the receptacle which has received a dose of freshly ground coffee powder moves immèdiately to the brewing station at which preliminary compacting of the powder also takes place. Under these àonditions, coffee~is always brewed with fresh}y ground powder, thus makin~ it ~ ::
~' ~. .
- 20~08~
possible to obtain coffee of better quality than in machines of the same type in the prior art. Moreover, any danger of clogging is eliminated owing to the existence of a special cleaning cycle which is separate and distinct from the normal cycle of production of coffee drinks and which permits highly efficient cleaning. It should be added that the mechanisms of the present coffee machine are particularly simple since the rotary support of the brewing receptacles carries out solely a partial movement of rotation each time the machine is put into operation, both in the case of the special cleaning cycle and in the case of the normal cycle of production of coffee drinks.
In accordance with another distinctive feature of the present coffee machine, the control device of this machine automatically initiates the cleaning cycle at each complete stoppage of operation of the machine. In addition, this cycle can be initiated by the user at any moment which he or she may choose.
In accordance with yet another distinctive feature, each brewing receptacle is fitted with a removable bottom filter and provision is made in the special cleaning cycle for an additional workstation located after the hot water pouring station. Said additional station is so arranged as to permit with-drawal of the removable parts provided in each brewing receptacle inaluding the bottom filter so that they may be thoroughly cleaned by hand whenever necessary. The result thereby achieved is that any danger of clogging of the coffee machine is radiaally eliminated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a coffee machine in accordance with the invention, this view being taken along a vertical plane which passes through ,. ~ .
, 20~008~
the line I-I of FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the position, in the same horizontal plane, of the different workstations provided in this machine.
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along a vertical plane which passes through the line III-III of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operations performed at the different workstations in a normal cycle of production of coffee drinks.
FIG. 5 is a similar view corresponding to the special cleaning cycle.
FIG. 6 is a sectional half-view to a larger scale showing an alternative form of construction of the compacting piston.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The machine which is illustrated in the drawings has only two coffee-brewing receptacles la and lb placed in diametrically opposite positions on a common support 2 which~can have the shape of a simple bar forming a connection between these two reaeptacles.
Preferably, the assembly is constituted by a single-~; piece component of molded metal alloy and can be driven in rotation by a vertical shaft 3 located at the center.
Said assembly is removably mounted on said shaft by ~- .
means of a wing nut 4 or any other suitable fastening element which can readily be detached.
The bottom portion of each receptacle la or lb contains a piston 5 which is pierced with a plurality of holes and provided with a removable filter grid 6.
Said piston is carried by a rod 7 which is mounted for free sliding motion within a bore 8 formed in the lower end of the corresponding receptacle. In its normal position, the piston 5 rests on the bottom wall of said receptacle and is thus located above an infusion-liquid :
20~008~
discharge nozzle 9. In this position, the rod 7 of the filter piston projects beneath the corresponding receptacle and the lower end of said rod bears on a circular track 10, the function of which will be explained below.
~ he rotary shaft 3 is driven by an electric motor 12 via a series of gears contained in a protective casing 11. The motor is of a special type known as a n stepping" motor and operated in dependence on a control unit designed to deliver pulses which are necessary in order to determine angular displace~ents of precise amplitude for the rotary support 2 of the two receptacles la and lb. This accordingly makes it possible to bring each receptacle successively to the location of a particular workstation forming part of a series of stations having different functions.
Thus the changes of position of the brewing receptacles are obtained with precision without making use of end-of-travel stops or like systems which have the disadvantage of being subject to disturbances of adjustment. This technology therefore makes it possible to obtain excellent reliability of the coffee ; machine under consideration.
The machine in accordance with the invention is distinguished by the fact that it has two separate and distinct workstations dedicated to two different operating cyales, namely a normal operating cycle for the preparation of coffee drinks and a second cycle which is a special cleaning cycle. However, the dif~ferent workstations of these two series are located at angular intervals on the same circular path 13, the center O of which coincides with the center of the ~; shaft 3, at least one of these stations being common to both operating cycles if so required. In addition ~ 35 to these two operating cycles, provision is also made : ~ :
-- 206~08~
for a rinsing cycle which utilizes the workstations of the normal operating cycle and which will be described below.
The normal operating cycle comprises the following three workstations in succession :
- an initial station A for filling with coffee powder, provision being made above this station for a feed nozzle 14 connected to the outlet of a coffee-grinding unit 15, start-up of said unit for the purpose of grinding a predetermined dose of coffee being initiated by putting the present coffee machine into operation, - a second station B which is diametrically opposite and in which infusion of aoffee powder takes place in order to deliver a predetermined quantity of beverage into a small coffee-cup 16 via a pouring spout 17, ; - and a third station C for removal of coffee grounds, this station being located between the stations B
and A.
Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows the respective angular positions of these three stations.~ As will be apparent, the support 2 of the filtering receptacles is driven in rotation in the direction of the arrow F.
It is worthy of note that the control unit of the~motor~l2 is intended each time to impart one half-revolution to the support 2 in order to transfer each brewing receptacle directly from the filling station A to the brewing station B. The other receptacle obviously moves from station ~ to station ;~ 30 without stopping opposite to station C for removal of coffee grounds. This is in any case essential in order to ensure that the receptacle which has just received coffee powder at station A should pass directly to the brewing station B.
It must also be pointed out that station B
::
206~085 is designed to carry out both preliminary compacting of the coffee powder and then pouring of the intended dose of hot water for brewing. The powder-compacting operation is performed by a pressure piston 18 provided with a detachable grid 19. The rod 20 of said piston is slidably mounted within a guide-block 21 and is displaced in sliding motion by means of a pinion 22 disposed in mesh with a screw-and-nut system 23. Said pinion is in turn driven by an electric direct-current motor 24. This fact being taken into consideration, it is possible to determine the torque developed by said motor by simply measuring the intensity of the current which flows through the motor. In consequence, this makes it possible to determine the conditions in which the ground coffee is compacted. Furthermore, it is thus possible to store in memory the value of current intensity to be adopted for any subsequent compaction of the coffee powder. Irrespective of the quantity of coffee placed within the corresponding brewing receptacle, it is therefore always possible to ensure that the powder is compacted in exactly the same manner.
Immediately after compaction of the coffee powder, a predetermined dose of hot water is poured from a pipe 25 into the brewing receptacle located opposite to station B, the outlet of said pipe being located above said station. The means for supplying the pipe with hot water do not need to be described since they are of conventional design in coffee machines of this type.
By virtue of the fact that each brewing receptacle passes immediately from station A to station B, coffee is brewed from freshly ground coffee powder.
This accordingly makes it possible to produce a beverage of much better quality than in machines of 206~08~
this type which are currently in use.
As already mentioned, the station C for removal of coffee grounds M is a station at which each receptacle la and lb only passes without stopping. At S the location which corresponds to this station, the circular track lO already mentioned has a raised portion lOc with connecting ramps lOa and lOb on each side. Thus, when a receptacle la or lb has left station B, the lower end of the rod 7 of the corresponding filter piston 5 is caused to slide along the ascending ramp lOb so as to reach the raised portion lOc. In consequence, this has the effect of lifting the piston 5 above the corresponding receptacle as shown in the right-hand portion of FIG. 4. At the location of station C, provision is made for a fixed scraper 26 which is intended to cause removal of the coffee grounds M which are present on the top face of the piston 5 by virtue of the very fact that the corresponding receptacle la or lb is passing at that moment beneath said scraper. However, by means of the descending ramp lOa, the piston 5 then returns to its initial position before the receptacle again reaches the filling station A. :
In regard to the special cleaning cycle, this cycle comprises~successively, in addition to the initial station A which is common to the normal operating cycle :
- a station D for depositing a detergent product from a feed pipe 27, this station being located between the first two stations A and B of the normal cycle, ~:- a second station at which hot water is poured for ::the cleaning operation proper, this station being constituted by the second station B of the normal cycle, - a third station E providing the possibility of , --``` 20~085 disassembly of the detachable parts provided within each brewing receptacle, this station being located after the hot water pouring station B.
The control unit of the present machine is programmed so as to ensure that there does not take place any discharge of coffee powder at the location of the initial station A while the special cleaning cycle is taking place and that the pressure piston 18 does not come into action at the location of station B.
It will be apparent that this unit is also programmed so as to impart in such a case angular displacements which are different from those carried out during the normal operating cycle in order to ensure that each receptacle should be caused to stop successively opposite to the different stations A, B, D and E.
In regard to the last-mentioned station E, a point worthy of note is that this station is placed above the raised portion lOc of the circular track 10.
At this location, the piston 5 is thus thrust upwards above the corresponding receptacle l as shown in the right-hand portion of FIG. 5. It is therefore an extremely easy:matter to grip this portion~together with its filter grid 6 by hand in order to withdraw the assembly from the corresponding receptacle 1. This permits thorough cleaning of these two stations outside the machine and consequently to ensure a wholly efficient cleaning operation since the grid 6 aan then be separated from the piston 5. Similarly, the grid 19 which i8 fitted on the pressure piston 18 aan also be detached for subsequent cleaning outside the machine.
The piston 18 also can be readily cleaned when a receptacle la or lb is located opposite to the disassembly station E. In this instance, no brewing receptacle is present at station B since the receptacles are located in diametrically opposite positions. In ' 20~308~
this situation, it is a very easy matter to gain access to the piston 18 for thorough cleaning.
The existence of a special cleaning cycle permits wholly efficient cleaning of the filtering receptacles and the different parts with which they are equipped. This accordingly makes it possible to avoid the risks of clogging which exist in prior-art machines of the same type and consequently their attendant drawbacks. Furthermore, the cleaning operation per-formed is made even more efficient by the possibilityof disassembly at the location of station E, of the detachable parts with which each brewing receptacle is equipped. It should be added that, if the need arises, the assembly formed by the two receptacles la and lb can even be completely disassembled for subsequent cleaning outside the machine. To this end, it is only necessary to unscrew the nut 4 which serves to fix this assembly in a removable manner.
The control unit of the coffee machine under consideration is so designed that the special cleaning ~- cycle is initiated automatically each time the machine is completely stopped, for example at the end of a day or at closing time of a coffeeshop or other public drinking establishment equipped with this machine.
However, the control unit also enables the user himself (herself) to initiate this cleaning cycle at any moment which he or she may choose, for example if he or she ` considers that there is a potential danger of clogging of the filters and brewing receptacles.
The rinsing cycle provided in addition to the ; normal operating cycle and cleaning cycle utilizes the stations of the first of these two cycles. However, ~,~
when this rinsing~cycle is being performed, the control unit of the machine suppresses the operation which consists in pouring coffee powder at the location of ~::
the initial station A as well as the powder-compacting operation at station B. Consequently the only operation which takes place is the pouring of hot water at the location of station B, thus carrying out the intended rinsing operation.
Moreover, the control unit of the machine is made dependent on a system designed to control the time of filling of a coffee cup. The arrangement is such that, when this time interval exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to the normal time of flow of water through the coffee powder, this control system produces action on the control device in such a manner that this device then initiates the rinsing cycle. Thus as soon as the residue of spent coffee powder begins to stagnate and causes an increase in the time of flow of water through the coffee powder, this automatically initiates a rinsing cycle, thereby preventing any risk of clogging. However, the control unit also permits initiation of the rinsing cycle by hand at any moment which the user may choose.
It should be recalled that the mechanism provided in this coffee machine is relatively simple since it is only necessary to impart predetermined angular displacements to the rotary support 2 of the two brewing receptacles. These displacements can in fact be controlled with precision by making use of the stepping motor 12. The control unit of the maahine therefore comprises a microprocessor in order to deliver the necessary pulses to said motor. The assembly also includes a sequenaer and a power supply.
The use of a control unit comprising a microprocessor makes it possible to store a large number of parameters in said microprocessor in order to control a number of elements of the machine. Thus the control unit will be able to control the coffee-grinding - : ~
--`" 206~085 unit lS by causing it to operate during a predetermined period of time in order to obtain the desired quantity of ground coffee.
Moreover, as has already been mentioned, this control unit is designed to initiate both the cleaning cycle and the rinsing cycle under the conditions described earlier.
As will be readily apparent, the coffee machine in accordance with the invention is not limited to the example of construction described in the foregoing. Thus in this example, provision is made for only two brewing receptacles located in diametrically opposite positions on their rotary support 2, in which case the two stations A and B of the normal cycle are lS also located in diametrically opposite positions in order to permit direct transfer of each receptacle from station A to station B. However, the rotary support 2 could carry a greater number of brewing receptacles.
It would accordingly be necessary to provide suitable angular positions of the two stations A and 8 in order to ensure that there always takes place a direct transfer of each reoéptacle from the initial station A
to the brewing station B without any intèrmediate stop.
During the normal operating cycle, there would in such a case be intermediate stops on the return path from station B to station A but these intermediate stops would not correspond to workstations.
By reason of its advantages, the aoffee machine in aacordance with the invention is more partlcularly intended to be employed in public drinking ;~ establishments, coffeeshops, cafeterias or the like for supplying cups of cofee to consumers.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the coffee machine thus described embodies an improve-ment which makes lt possible to control compaction of ', ' ~: , . ., :
- - ' - . , . , ' ' .
20~08~
the coffee powder with greater efficiency.
To this end, the piston 18 is fitted with a seal around its entire periphery in order to obtain good fluid-tightness between the piston 18 and the internal walls of the receptacles la or lb. This arrangement is sub]ect to a disadvantage in that the seal is in rubbing contact with the receptacle walls and that this friction adds an additional force to be overcome by the motor 24. Since this force is not constant, compaction of the coffee powder is not constant either.
An expedient devised with a view to circumventing this disadvantage and illustrated in FIG. 6 consists in providing a hollow seal which is inflated by the hot water used for brewing.
Reference being made to this figure, it is apparent that the pipe 25 is no longer a fixed pipe which opens freely above the piston 18 but has a flexible portion 25a tightly fitted over a tube 25b which is forcibly inserted in a bore 18a of the piston 18.
The bottom end of said bore 18 communicates via a duct 28 on the one hand with a radial duct 29 which opens into a channel 30 and on the other hand with a plurality of ducts 31 through which the hot water will flow into the coffee powder contained in the receptacle 1.
The channel 30 is a circular channel formed in the piston 18 around itC entire periphery. There is placed within said channel a seal 32 which is hollow and which communicates with the duct 29 via an orifice 33.
The result thereby achieved is that the water which arrives through the flexible pipe 25a will fill the duct 29 and, by passing through the orifice 33, will cause inflation of the seal 32.
' 206~08~
It is thus possible to determine the diameter of the piston 18 and of its seal 32 so as to ensure that, when the seal is in the deflated state, the piston 18 can penetrate into the receptacle with play.
When the piston 18 has pressed the coffee until the desired compaction couple is attained, the pump discharges hot water which inflates the seal 32, thus achieving fluid-tightness between the piston and the receptacle throughout the duration of the brewing process. When brewing has been completed, the pump stops, the brewing chamber is decompressed, the seal 32 is deflated and the piston 18 can return up~ards without any friction.
.
'. . :.. - -. ' ~' ' - , ' -. - ~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to coffee-making machines for professional use, these machines being intended to produce at each utilization a quantity of brewed coffee corresponding to a small cup. klore specifically, the invention is concerned with machines of the type comprising a plurality of brewing receptacles carried by a rotary support so designed as to bring each receptacle in succession opposite to a particular workstation forming part of a series of workstations which have different functions and which are located at intervals on the same circular path.
Description of the Prior Art Patent No. CH 387,252 describes a machine of this type in which provision is made for three different workstations in sequence following an initial coffee powder filling station, namely a second station for compacting the powder, a third station for pouring hot water in order to brew the coffee and a fourth station for washing prior to a return to the initial station.
Thus, in this machine, there exists an intermediate station for compacting coffee powder between the initial coffee powder filling station and the brewing station. In consequence, at any moment, a receptaale filled with coffee powder is located in a stationary position opposite to the compacting station while an infusion of coffee takes place in the preceding receptacle. This has a detrimental effect on the quality of the beverage thus obtained since it is not made with freshly ground powder but with powder which has remained stationary over a certain period of time at the location of the intermediate station if the machine is not in continuous use.
Moreover, a machine of this type has a disadvantage in that the brewing receptacles become rapidly clogged. In fact, the washing opera$ion carried out in the course of a normal coffee production cycle cannot be sufficiently efficient to remove all the particles of coffee powder attached to the walls of the brewing receptacles, particularly as it is impossible to introduce detergent products in these receptacles. In the event of clogging of a machine of this type, it is consequently necessary to resort to the services of a specialized repairman, which is liable to put the machine out of service over a considerable period of time, with all the disadvantages which may result in the case of a coffeeshop or other public drinking establishment.
Furthermore, the machines of the type considered which are in current use have particularly complex mechanisms, thus increasing their capital cost as weIl as the potential danger of failures. This is the case in particular with the machine disclosed in patent No. CH 387,252. In this machine, the brewing receptacles are located at intervals at the periphery of a plate which is subjected to a series of different movements during each period of use, namely a downward axial movement, a movement of partial rotation and an axial movement of upward return. Thi~ aaaordingly requires the presence of a particularly aomplex mechanism with the disadvantages which result in regard to both capital expenditure and reliability.
Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a coffee-making machine which is so designed as to remove all these disadvantages.
SUMMA~Y OF THE INVENTION
The distinctive feature of the coffee machine in accordance with the invention lies in the fact that the machine is provided with two series of workstations dedicated to two different operating cycles, placed on one and the same circular path, and comprising :
a) For a normal operating cycle, the following stations in succession :
- an initial coffee powder filling station, - a second and diametrically opposite station at which compacting of the powder followed by pouring of the predetermined dose of hot water for brewing the coffee are performed immediately after initial filling, the device for controlling the displacements of the rotary support of the brewing receptacles being capable of moving each receptacle directly from the initial station to the brewing station without any intermediate 8top, - a third station for removal of coffee grounds without stopping the~rotary support of the brewing receptacles and during the same movement of rotation of said support.
b) For a specia~l cleaning cycle, the following stations in succession : ~
- a station for depositing a detergent product and located between the first two stations of the 25 ~ normal~cycle, a station for pouring hot water for the cleaning operation proper, this station being constituted by the second station of the normal cycle.
By virtue of the design thus proposed, the receptacle which has received a dose of freshly ground coffee powder moves immèdiately to the brewing station at which preliminary compacting of the powder also takes place. Under these àonditions, coffee~is always brewed with fresh}y ground powder, thus makin~ it ~ ::
~' ~. .
- 20~08~
possible to obtain coffee of better quality than in machines of the same type in the prior art. Moreover, any danger of clogging is eliminated owing to the existence of a special cleaning cycle which is separate and distinct from the normal cycle of production of coffee drinks and which permits highly efficient cleaning. It should be added that the mechanisms of the present coffee machine are particularly simple since the rotary support of the brewing receptacles carries out solely a partial movement of rotation each time the machine is put into operation, both in the case of the special cleaning cycle and in the case of the normal cycle of production of coffee drinks.
In accordance with another distinctive feature of the present coffee machine, the control device of this machine automatically initiates the cleaning cycle at each complete stoppage of operation of the machine. In addition, this cycle can be initiated by the user at any moment which he or she may choose.
In accordance with yet another distinctive feature, each brewing receptacle is fitted with a removable bottom filter and provision is made in the special cleaning cycle for an additional workstation located after the hot water pouring station. Said additional station is so arranged as to permit with-drawal of the removable parts provided in each brewing receptacle inaluding the bottom filter so that they may be thoroughly cleaned by hand whenever necessary. The result thereby achieved is that any danger of clogging of the coffee machine is radiaally eliminated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a coffee machine in accordance with the invention, this view being taken along a vertical plane which passes through ,. ~ .
, 20~008~
the line I-I of FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the position, in the same horizontal plane, of the different workstations provided in this machine.
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along a vertical plane which passes through the line III-III of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operations performed at the different workstations in a normal cycle of production of coffee drinks.
FIG. 5 is a similar view corresponding to the special cleaning cycle.
FIG. 6 is a sectional half-view to a larger scale showing an alternative form of construction of the compacting piston.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The machine which is illustrated in the drawings has only two coffee-brewing receptacles la and lb placed in diametrically opposite positions on a common support 2 which~can have the shape of a simple bar forming a connection between these two reaeptacles.
Preferably, the assembly is constituted by a single-~; piece component of molded metal alloy and can be driven in rotation by a vertical shaft 3 located at the center.
Said assembly is removably mounted on said shaft by ~- .
means of a wing nut 4 or any other suitable fastening element which can readily be detached.
The bottom portion of each receptacle la or lb contains a piston 5 which is pierced with a plurality of holes and provided with a removable filter grid 6.
Said piston is carried by a rod 7 which is mounted for free sliding motion within a bore 8 formed in the lower end of the corresponding receptacle. In its normal position, the piston 5 rests on the bottom wall of said receptacle and is thus located above an infusion-liquid :
20~008~
discharge nozzle 9. In this position, the rod 7 of the filter piston projects beneath the corresponding receptacle and the lower end of said rod bears on a circular track 10, the function of which will be explained below.
~ he rotary shaft 3 is driven by an electric motor 12 via a series of gears contained in a protective casing 11. The motor is of a special type known as a n stepping" motor and operated in dependence on a control unit designed to deliver pulses which are necessary in order to determine angular displace~ents of precise amplitude for the rotary support 2 of the two receptacles la and lb. This accordingly makes it possible to bring each receptacle successively to the location of a particular workstation forming part of a series of stations having different functions.
Thus the changes of position of the brewing receptacles are obtained with precision without making use of end-of-travel stops or like systems which have the disadvantage of being subject to disturbances of adjustment. This technology therefore makes it possible to obtain excellent reliability of the coffee ; machine under consideration.
The machine in accordance with the invention is distinguished by the fact that it has two separate and distinct workstations dedicated to two different operating cyales, namely a normal operating cycle for the preparation of coffee drinks and a second cycle which is a special cleaning cycle. However, the dif~ferent workstations of these two series are located at angular intervals on the same circular path 13, the center O of which coincides with the center of the ~; shaft 3, at least one of these stations being common to both operating cycles if so required. In addition ~ 35 to these two operating cycles, provision is also made : ~ :
-- 206~08~
for a rinsing cycle which utilizes the workstations of the normal operating cycle and which will be described below.
The normal operating cycle comprises the following three workstations in succession :
- an initial station A for filling with coffee powder, provision being made above this station for a feed nozzle 14 connected to the outlet of a coffee-grinding unit 15, start-up of said unit for the purpose of grinding a predetermined dose of coffee being initiated by putting the present coffee machine into operation, - a second station B which is diametrically opposite and in which infusion of aoffee powder takes place in order to deliver a predetermined quantity of beverage into a small coffee-cup 16 via a pouring spout 17, ; - and a third station C for removal of coffee grounds, this station being located between the stations B
and A.
Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows the respective angular positions of these three stations.~ As will be apparent, the support 2 of the filtering receptacles is driven in rotation in the direction of the arrow F.
It is worthy of note that the control unit of the~motor~l2 is intended each time to impart one half-revolution to the support 2 in order to transfer each brewing receptacle directly from the filling station A to the brewing station B. The other receptacle obviously moves from station ~ to station ;~ 30 without stopping opposite to station C for removal of coffee grounds. This is in any case essential in order to ensure that the receptacle which has just received coffee powder at station A should pass directly to the brewing station B.
It must also be pointed out that station B
::
206~085 is designed to carry out both preliminary compacting of the coffee powder and then pouring of the intended dose of hot water for brewing. The powder-compacting operation is performed by a pressure piston 18 provided with a detachable grid 19. The rod 20 of said piston is slidably mounted within a guide-block 21 and is displaced in sliding motion by means of a pinion 22 disposed in mesh with a screw-and-nut system 23. Said pinion is in turn driven by an electric direct-current motor 24. This fact being taken into consideration, it is possible to determine the torque developed by said motor by simply measuring the intensity of the current which flows through the motor. In consequence, this makes it possible to determine the conditions in which the ground coffee is compacted. Furthermore, it is thus possible to store in memory the value of current intensity to be adopted for any subsequent compaction of the coffee powder. Irrespective of the quantity of coffee placed within the corresponding brewing receptacle, it is therefore always possible to ensure that the powder is compacted in exactly the same manner.
Immediately after compaction of the coffee powder, a predetermined dose of hot water is poured from a pipe 25 into the brewing receptacle located opposite to station B, the outlet of said pipe being located above said station. The means for supplying the pipe with hot water do not need to be described since they are of conventional design in coffee machines of this type.
By virtue of the fact that each brewing receptacle passes immediately from station A to station B, coffee is brewed from freshly ground coffee powder.
This accordingly makes it possible to produce a beverage of much better quality than in machines of 206~08~
this type which are currently in use.
As already mentioned, the station C for removal of coffee grounds M is a station at which each receptacle la and lb only passes without stopping. At S the location which corresponds to this station, the circular track lO already mentioned has a raised portion lOc with connecting ramps lOa and lOb on each side. Thus, when a receptacle la or lb has left station B, the lower end of the rod 7 of the corresponding filter piston 5 is caused to slide along the ascending ramp lOb so as to reach the raised portion lOc. In consequence, this has the effect of lifting the piston 5 above the corresponding receptacle as shown in the right-hand portion of FIG. 4. At the location of station C, provision is made for a fixed scraper 26 which is intended to cause removal of the coffee grounds M which are present on the top face of the piston 5 by virtue of the very fact that the corresponding receptacle la or lb is passing at that moment beneath said scraper. However, by means of the descending ramp lOa, the piston 5 then returns to its initial position before the receptacle again reaches the filling station A. :
In regard to the special cleaning cycle, this cycle comprises~successively, in addition to the initial station A which is common to the normal operating cycle :
- a station D for depositing a detergent product from a feed pipe 27, this station being located between the first two stations A and B of the normal cycle, ~:- a second station at which hot water is poured for ::the cleaning operation proper, this station being constituted by the second station B of the normal cycle, - a third station E providing the possibility of , --``` 20~085 disassembly of the detachable parts provided within each brewing receptacle, this station being located after the hot water pouring station B.
The control unit of the present machine is programmed so as to ensure that there does not take place any discharge of coffee powder at the location of the initial station A while the special cleaning cycle is taking place and that the pressure piston 18 does not come into action at the location of station B.
It will be apparent that this unit is also programmed so as to impart in such a case angular displacements which are different from those carried out during the normal operating cycle in order to ensure that each receptacle should be caused to stop successively opposite to the different stations A, B, D and E.
In regard to the last-mentioned station E, a point worthy of note is that this station is placed above the raised portion lOc of the circular track 10.
At this location, the piston 5 is thus thrust upwards above the corresponding receptacle l as shown in the right-hand portion of FIG. 5. It is therefore an extremely easy:matter to grip this portion~together with its filter grid 6 by hand in order to withdraw the assembly from the corresponding receptacle 1. This permits thorough cleaning of these two stations outside the machine and consequently to ensure a wholly efficient cleaning operation since the grid 6 aan then be separated from the piston 5. Similarly, the grid 19 which i8 fitted on the pressure piston 18 aan also be detached for subsequent cleaning outside the machine.
The piston 18 also can be readily cleaned when a receptacle la or lb is located opposite to the disassembly station E. In this instance, no brewing receptacle is present at station B since the receptacles are located in diametrically opposite positions. In ' 20~308~
this situation, it is a very easy matter to gain access to the piston 18 for thorough cleaning.
The existence of a special cleaning cycle permits wholly efficient cleaning of the filtering receptacles and the different parts with which they are equipped. This accordingly makes it possible to avoid the risks of clogging which exist in prior-art machines of the same type and consequently their attendant drawbacks. Furthermore, the cleaning operation per-formed is made even more efficient by the possibilityof disassembly at the location of station E, of the detachable parts with which each brewing receptacle is equipped. It should be added that, if the need arises, the assembly formed by the two receptacles la and lb can even be completely disassembled for subsequent cleaning outside the machine. To this end, it is only necessary to unscrew the nut 4 which serves to fix this assembly in a removable manner.
The control unit of the coffee machine under consideration is so designed that the special cleaning ~- cycle is initiated automatically each time the machine is completely stopped, for example at the end of a day or at closing time of a coffeeshop or other public drinking establishment equipped with this machine.
However, the control unit also enables the user himself (herself) to initiate this cleaning cycle at any moment which he or she may choose, for example if he or she ` considers that there is a potential danger of clogging of the filters and brewing receptacles.
The rinsing cycle provided in addition to the ; normal operating cycle and cleaning cycle utilizes the stations of the first of these two cycles. However, ~,~
when this rinsing~cycle is being performed, the control unit of the machine suppresses the operation which consists in pouring coffee powder at the location of ~::
the initial station A as well as the powder-compacting operation at station B. Consequently the only operation which takes place is the pouring of hot water at the location of station B, thus carrying out the intended rinsing operation.
Moreover, the control unit of the machine is made dependent on a system designed to control the time of filling of a coffee cup. The arrangement is such that, when this time interval exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to the normal time of flow of water through the coffee powder, this control system produces action on the control device in such a manner that this device then initiates the rinsing cycle. Thus as soon as the residue of spent coffee powder begins to stagnate and causes an increase in the time of flow of water through the coffee powder, this automatically initiates a rinsing cycle, thereby preventing any risk of clogging. However, the control unit also permits initiation of the rinsing cycle by hand at any moment which the user may choose.
It should be recalled that the mechanism provided in this coffee machine is relatively simple since it is only necessary to impart predetermined angular displacements to the rotary support 2 of the two brewing receptacles. These displacements can in fact be controlled with precision by making use of the stepping motor 12. The control unit of the maahine therefore comprises a microprocessor in order to deliver the necessary pulses to said motor. The assembly also includes a sequenaer and a power supply.
The use of a control unit comprising a microprocessor makes it possible to store a large number of parameters in said microprocessor in order to control a number of elements of the machine. Thus the control unit will be able to control the coffee-grinding - : ~
--`" 206~085 unit lS by causing it to operate during a predetermined period of time in order to obtain the desired quantity of ground coffee.
Moreover, as has already been mentioned, this control unit is designed to initiate both the cleaning cycle and the rinsing cycle under the conditions described earlier.
As will be readily apparent, the coffee machine in accordance with the invention is not limited to the example of construction described in the foregoing. Thus in this example, provision is made for only two brewing receptacles located in diametrically opposite positions on their rotary support 2, in which case the two stations A and B of the normal cycle are lS also located in diametrically opposite positions in order to permit direct transfer of each receptacle from station A to station B. However, the rotary support 2 could carry a greater number of brewing receptacles.
It would accordingly be necessary to provide suitable angular positions of the two stations A and 8 in order to ensure that there always takes place a direct transfer of each reoéptacle from the initial station A
to the brewing station B without any intèrmediate stop.
During the normal operating cycle, there would in such a case be intermediate stops on the return path from station B to station A but these intermediate stops would not correspond to workstations.
By reason of its advantages, the aoffee machine in aacordance with the invention is more partlcularly intended to be employed in public drinking ;~ establishments, coffeeshops, cafeterias or the like for supplying cups of cofee to consumers.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the coffee machine thus described embodies an improve-ment which makes lt possible to control compaction of ', ' ~: , . ., :
- - ' - . , . , ' ' .
20~08~
the coffee powder with greater efficiency.
To this end, the piston 18 is fitted with a seal around its entire periphery in order to obtain good fluid-tightness between the piston 18 and the internal walls of the receptacles la or lb. This arrangement is sub]ect to a disadvantage in that the seal is in rubbing contact with the receptacle walls and that this friction adds an additional force to be overcome by the motor 24. Since this force is not constant, compaction of the coffee powder is not constant either.
An expedient devised with a view to circumventing this disadvantage and illustrated in FIG. 6 consists in providing a hollow seal which is inflated by the hot water used for brewing.
Reference being made to this figure, it is apparent that the pipe 25 is no longer a fixed pipe which opens freely above the piston 18 but has a flexible portion 25a tightly fitted over a tube 25b which is forcibly inserted in a bore 18a of the piston 18.
The bottom end of said bore 18 communicates via a duct 28 on the one hand with a radial duct 29 which opens into a channel 30 and on the other hand with a plurality of ducts 31 through which the hot water will flow into the coffee powder contained in the receptacle 1.
The channel 30 is a circular channel formed in the piston 18 around itC entire periphery. There is placed within said channel a seal 32 which is hollow and which communicates with the duct 29 via an orifice 33.
The result thereby achieved is that the water which arrives through the flexible pipe 25a will fill the duct 29 and, by passing through the orifice 33, will cause inflation of the seal 32.
' 206~08~
It is thus possible to determine the diameter of the piston 18 and of its seal 32 so as to ensure that, when the seal is in the deflated state, the piston 18 can penetrate into the receptacle with play.
When the piston 18 has pressed the coffee until the desired compaction couple is attained, the pump discharges hot water which inflates the seal 32, thus achieving fluid-tightness between the piston and the receptacle throughout the duration of the brewing process. When brewing has been completed, the pump stops, the brewing chamber is decompressed, the seal 32 is deflated and the piston 18 can return up~ards without any friction.
.
'. . :.. - -. ' ~' ' - , ' -. - ~
Claims (8)
1. A coffee machine of the type comprising a plurality of brewing receptacles carried by a rotary support adapted to bring each receptacle in succession opposite to a particular workstation forming part of a series of workstations having different functions including a coffee powder filling station and a station for pouring hot water in order to brew the coffee, wherein said machine is provided with two series of workstations dedicated to two different operating cycles, placed on one and the same circular path and comprising :
a) for a normal operating cycle, the following stations in succession :
- an initial coffee powder filling station, - a second station at which compacting of the powder followed by pouring of the predetermined dose of hot water for brewing the coffee are performed immediately after initial filling, the device for controlling the displacements of the rotary support of the brewing receptacles being capable of moving each receptacle directly from the initial station to the brewing station without any intermediate stop, - a third station for removal of coffee grounds without stopping the rotary support of the brewing receptacles and during the same movement of rotation of said support ;
b) for a special cleaning cycle, the following stations in succession :
- a station for depositing a detergent product and located between the first two stations of the normal cycle, - a station for pouring hot water for the cleaning operation proper, this station being constituted by the second station of the normal cycle.
a) for a normal operating cycle, the following stations in succession :
- an initial coffee powder filling station, - a second station at which compacting of the powder followed by pouring of the predetermined dose of hot water for brewing the coffee are performed immediately after initial filling, the device for controlling the displacements of the rotary support of the brewing receptacles being capable of moving each receptacle directly from the initial station to the brewing station without any intermediate stop, - a third station for removal of coffee grounds without stopping the rotary support of the brewing receptacles and during the same movement of rotation of said support ;
b) for a special cleaning cycle, the following stations in succession :
- a station for depositing a detergent product and located between the first two stations of the normal cycle, - a station for pouring hot water for the cleaning operation proper, this station being constituted by the second station of the normal cycle.
2. A coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein each brewing receptacle is provided with a removable bottom filter piston equipped with a detachable grid and provision is made in the special cleaning cycle for an additional station located after the hot-water pouring station, said additional station being so arranged as to permit withdrawal of the removable parts provided within each brewing receptacle in order that they may be thoroughly cleaned by hand whenever necessary.
3. A coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device of said machine automatically initiates the special cleaning cycle at each complete stoppage of operation of the machine and, in addition, this cycle can be initiated by the user at any moment which he or she may choose.
4. A coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein said machine is provided in addition with a rinsing cycle comprising the same workstations as the normal operating cycle but with this difference that pouring of coffee powder at the initial station does not take place and wherein the control device is dependent on a system for controlling the time of filling of a coffee cup, the arrangement being such that when this time interval exceeds a predetermined value, said control system produces action on the control device in such a manner that said device then initiates the rinsing cycle.
5. A coffee machine according to claim 1 wherein, at the location of the second station of the normal cycle, the pressure piston which has the intended function of compacting the coffee powder is actuated by a direct-current motor and means are provided for controlling the intensity of the current which flows through said motor in order to obtain predetermined compaction of the coffee powder in an accurate manner.
6. A coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein the support of the two brewing receptacles is removably mounted on a vertical shaft driven in rotation by an electric motor of the stepping type, said support being fixed in position by means of a wing nut or any other fastening element which can readily be removed.
7. A coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein the piston is adapted to carry a hollow seal which is inflated by the hot water delivered by a pump so as to provide a piston having dimensions such that it is capable of entering into and withdrawing from the receptacle without any friction.
8. A coffee machine according to claim 7, wherein the seal communicates via the interior of the piston with a flexible pipe through which hot water is supplied.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR9004720A FR2660850B1 (en) | 1990-04-12 | 1990-04-12 | COFFEE MACHINE. |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2060085A1 true CA2060085A1 (en) | 1993-07-28 |
Family
ID=9395712
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002060085A Abandoned CA2060085A1 (en) | 1990-04-12 | 1992-01-27 | Coffee machine |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0452215B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE106690T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2060085A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69102337D1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2660850B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5490447A (en) * | 1989-07-05 | 1996-02-13 | Faema S.P.A. | Automatic espresso and cappuccino machine |
| ES2054573B1 (en) * | 1991-05-13 | 1995-02-01 | Azkoyen Hosteleria | IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN PATENT INVENTION N {9101161 BY: "IMPROVEMENTS IN AUTOMATIC COFFEE DISPENSING MACHINES. |
| ES2065787B1 (en) * | 1991-05-13 | 1995-10-16 | Azkoyen Hosteleria | IMPROVEMENTS IN AUTOMATIC COFFEE VENDING MACHINES. |
| NL9300913A (en) * | 1993-05-27 | 1994-12-16 | Sara Lee De Nv | Method and device for preparing a drink. |
| US5911810A (en) * | 1997-06-23 | 1999-06-15 | Sanden Corp. | Coffee brewing apparatus and method of brewing coffee by the apparatus |
| CN2542169Y (en) * | 2002-04-14 | 2003-04-02 | 广东德豪润达电气股份有限公司 | Coffee-making device |
| EP3053490B1 (en) | 2015-02-04 | 2017-09-06 | Tuttoespresso S.r.l. | Brewing unit for a beverage dispensing machine |
| JP7157614B2 (en) * | 2018-10-04 | 2022-10-20 | ツインバード工業株式会社 | Coffee maker and its control method |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LU40768A1 (en) * | 1961-10-31 | 1963-05-02 |
-
1990
- 1990-04-12 FR FR9004720A patent/FR2660850B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1991
- 1991-04-10 EP EP91400960A patent/EP0452215B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-04-10 DE DE69102337T patent/DE69102337D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-04-10 AT AT91400960T patent/ATE106690T1/en active
-
1992
- 1992-01-27 CA CA002060085A patent/CA2060085A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FR2660850B1 (en) | 1992-07-24 |
| ATE106690T1 (en) | 1994-06-15 |
| DE69102337D1 (en) | 1994-07-14 |
| EP0452215B1 (en) | 1994-06-08 |
| EP0452215A1 (en) | 1991-10-16 |
| FR2660850A1 (en) | 1991-10-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |