WO2016000752A1 - Portable coffee machine with improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency - Google Patents

Portable coffee machine with improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016000752A1
WO2016000752A1 PCT/EP2014/063893 EP2014063893W WO2016000752A1 WO 2016000752 A1 WO2016000752 A1 WO 2016000752A1 EP 2014063893 W EP2014063893 W EP 2014063893W WO 2016000752 A1 WO2016000752 A1 WO 2016000752A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
unit
coffee machine
electric power
portable coffee
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/063893
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yavuz Sahin
Emre Ozturk
Sevim AYDIN
Georg MILDE
Original Assignee
Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority to PCT/EP2014/063893 priority Critical patent/WO2016000752A1/en
Publication of WO2016000752A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016000752A1/en

Links

Images

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
    • A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
    • A47J31/32—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under air pressure

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a coffee machine, in particular a coffee machine which is portable.
  • EP 0 523 278 A1 discloses an electrically operated espresso machine.
  • This coffee machine has a boiler and a brewing chamber which is fluidly connected to the boiler through a pipe, and an electrical air pump which pressurizes the hot water inside the boiler.
  • the boiler has a container which stores water and a heater for heating the water inside the container.
  • the coffee brewing process generally depends on various factors.
  • the temperature and pressure of the water used in the coffee brewing process greatly influences the taste of the resulting coffee.
  • it is of utmost importance that the same conditions can be established each time the coffee machine brews coffee.
  • Relatively small changes in the brewing conditions can alter the taste of the coffee.
  • the consumer will usually perceive the differences in the taste of the coffee. Consequently, a consumer satisfaction may easily decrease.
  • the electrical air pump starts to pressurize the boiler up to a target value when the water reaches a preset coffee brewing temperature in order to convey the hot water from the boiler to the brewing chamber.
  • the temperature of the water inside the boiler decreases as the pump starts to pump air into the boiler, thus the coffee brewing process degrades.
  • An objective of the present invention is to provide a portable coffee machine which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in an energy efficient and cost effective way and which enables an unvarying and uniform coffee taste.
  • the portable coffee machine of the present invention comprises an air cavity which has an opening to admit air from the outside into its interior.
  • the interior of the air cavity is arranged in heat exchange with the heater unit.
  • the electrical air pump is configured to suck the air which is to be pumped into the container from the interior of the air cavity.
  • the outer surface of the container is formed to define an air cavity.
  • the cavity is formed like a depression into the container.
  • the container has two sub-containers whose outer surfaces enclose a gap which defines the air cavity.
  • the heater unit is at least partly arranged inside the gap.
  • the sub-containers are connected by a fluid passage.
  • phase change material is respectively arranged between each sub-container and the heater unit so as to compensate for a temperature drop in the container when the heating process is interrupted.
  • the container, the heater unit, the phase change material, and the air cavity are wrapped into a thermal insulating material.
  • the portable coffee machine has valves for respectively controlling the flow of the air sucked from the air cavity into the container, and the flow of the pressurized hot water into brewing chamber. These valves are preferably one way valves to prevent any backflow.
  • the portable coffee machine is operable with electric power supplied from the mains power source, or optionally with the electric power supplied from its rechargeable battery unit, for instance when the mains power source is disconnected.
  • the user interface of the portable coffee machine also allows to activate/deactivate the battery operation.
  • the heater unit includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the water inside the container, and two separate electrical heaters, one for heating the water inside the container with the electric power to be supplied from the mains power source, and the other one for heating the water inside the container with the electric power to be supplied from the rechargeable battery unit, for instance when the mains power source is disconnected.
  • the latter of the above electrical heaters is preferably a Peltier element which maintains the temperature of the water inside the container at an ideal water temperature for brewing coffee, for instance when the mains power source is disconnected.
  • the portable coffee machine visually indicates the temperature of the water inside the container.
  • the portable coffee machine has a support for a mug.
  • the mug has a rechargeable battery unit which is directly or inductively connectable to a charging unit of the portable coffee machine.
  • the mug of the present invention has a temperature sensor and an electrical heater, preferably a Peltier element for heating the coffee inside the mug, on the basis of the sensed temperature the coffee inside the mug by using the electric power to be supplied from its own rechargeable battery unit.
  • the mug maintains the temperature of the coffee at an ideal drinking temperature.
  • a portable coffee machine which has an improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency.
  • the hot water inside the container can be pressurized with air which has substantially a same temperature with the hot water.
  • the hot water inside the container can be prevented from cooling and the ideal water temperature for brewing coffee can be maintained during a pressurizing process.
  • a post-heating process of the water inside the container can be dispensed with, and the energy efficiency can be increased.
  • a same quality and taste of the coffee can be granted throughout each coffee brewing process. Thereby, a consumer satisfaction can be increased.
  • Figure 1 – is a partial schematic view of a portable coffee machine and a mug according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the portable coffee machine (1) comprises a container (2, 2a, 2b) for storing water (3), a heater unit (4) for heating the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b), a brewing chamber (5) for releasably holding ground coffee (6a) or a coffee pod (6b), an electrical air pump (7) for pressurizing the air above the hot water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b), and a conduit (8) for conveying the pressurized hot water (3) from the container (2, 2a, 2b) to the brewing chamber (5) (Fig. 1).
  • the portable coffee machine (1) of the present invention further comprises an air cavity (9) which has an opening (10) for admitting air from the outside into an interior (11) of the cavity (9).
  • the interior (11) of the air cavity (9) is arranged in heat exchange with the heater unit (4).
  • the electrical air pump (7) is configured to suck the air which is to be pumped into the container (2, 2a, 2b) from the interior (11) of the air cavity (9).
  • the air cavity (9) is formed into the outer surface (12, 12a, 12b) of the container (2, 2a, 2b).
  • the container (2, 2a, 2b) has two sub-containers (2a, 2b). Each sub-container (2a, 2b) is suitable for storing water (3).
  • the mutually facing outer surfaces (12, 12a, 12b) of the sub-container (2a, 2b) form the air cavity (9).
  • the heater unit (4, 4a) is arranged between the two sub-containers (2a, 2b).
  • the two sub-containers (2a, 2b) are fluidly connected, for example by an intermediate channel (not shown).
  • the portable coffee machine (1) comprises phase change material (13a, 13b) which is respectively arranged between each sub-container (2a, 2b) and the heater unit (4, 4a).
  • the portable coffee machine (1) also comprises thermal insulation material (14) which is arranged to thermally insulate the sub-containers (2a, 2b), the phase change material (13a, 13b), the heater unit (4, 4a) and the air cavity (9) from the outside.
  • the portable coffee machine (1) comprises a first valve (15) for controlling the flow of the pressurized hot water (3) through the conduit (8), and a second valve (16) for controlling the flow of the air being pumped by the electrical air pump (7) into the container (2, 2a, 2b).
  • the first valve (15) is located on the downstream side of the container (2, 2a, 2b) and on the upstream side of the brewing chamber (5).
  • the second valve (16) is located on the downstream side of the electrical air pump (7) and on the upstream side of the container (2, 2a, 2b).
  • the first valve (15) and the second valves (15) are controlled by a first control unit (17) of the portable coffee machine (1).
  • the first valve (15) and the second valves (15) can also be optionally manually opened/closed.
  • the portable coffee machine (1) comprises: an electric power unit (not shown) for connecting to the mains power source, a first battery unit (not shown) for receiving one or more than one rechargeable battery, a charging unit (not shown) for recharging each battery in the first battery unit with the electric power to be supplied from the electric power unit, a user interface (not shown) for receiving user inputs, and a first control unit (17) for controlling the electric power unit, the first battery unit, the charging unit, the heater unit (4,4a), and the electrical pump (7).
  • the portable coffee machine (1) is operated with the electric power supplied from the electric power unit when it is connected to the mains power source.
  • the portable coffee machine (1) is operated with the electric power supplied from the first battery unit when it is disconnected from the mains power source.
  • the heater unit (4, 4a) includes: a first electrical heater (4a) for heating the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) with the electric power to be supplied from the electric power unit, and a second electrical heater (not shown) for heating the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) with the electric power to be supplied from the first battery unit, a first temperature sensor (18) for sensing the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b).
  • the first control unit (17) is adapted to operate, on the basis of the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) either the first electrical heater (4a) when the electric power unit is connected to the mains power source or the second electrical heater when the electric power unit is disconnected from the mains power source.
  • the first control unit (17) is adapted to operate the second electrical heater so as to maintain the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) within a first predetermined range when the electric power unit is disconnected from the mains power source.
  • the first predetermined range corresponds to an ideal water temperature for brewing coffee.
  • the second electrical heater comprises a Peltier element (not shown).
  • the portable coffee machine (1) further comprises an indicating means (19) for visually indicating the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b).
  • said means comprises one or more than one light emitting diode (19).
  • said indicating means (19) comprises a display (not shown).
  • the portable coffee machine (1) further comprises a support (20) for placing a mug (21) to be filled with the coffee dripping from the brewing chamber (5).
  • the portable coffee machine (1) further comprises a mug (21) which includes: a second battery unit (not shown) for receiving one or more than one rechargeable battery, wherein the second battery unit is directly or inductively connectable to the charging unit of the portable coffee machine (1), and wherein the first control unit (17) is adapted to recharge each battery of the second battery unit with the electric power to be supplied from the electric power unit, a third electrical heater (not shown) for heating the coffee inside the mug (21) with the electric power to be supplied from the second battery unit or optionally from the portable coffee machine (1), a second temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the coffee inside the mug (21), and a second control unit (not shown) which is adapted to operate the third electrical heater on the basis of the temperature of the coffee inside the mug (21).
  • a second battery unit not shown
  • the first control unit (17) is adapted to recharge each battery of the second battery unit with the electric power to be supplied from the electric power unit
  • a third electrical heater for heating the coffee inside the mug (21) with
  • the second control unit is adapted to operate the third electrical heater so as to maintain the temperature of the coffee inside the mug (21) within a second predetermined range.
  • the coffee inside the mug (21) has preferably an initial temperature of 90°C to 95°C. After a while the temperature drops to the ideal drinking temperature.
  • the second predetermined range corresponds to the ideal drinking temperature.
  • the third electrical heater comprises a Peltier element (not shown).
  • a portable coffee machine (1) which has an improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency.
  • a same quality and taste of the coffee can be granted throughout each coffee brewing process. Thereby, a consumer satisfaction can be increased.
  • the portable coffee machine of the present invention is not limited to brew a particular type of coffee, and is intended for brewing different types of coffee including filter coffee, espresso or the like by adapting various pressure, temperature, flow conditions for the hot water.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable coffee machine (1) comprising a refillable container (2, 2a, 2b) for storing water (3), a heater unit (4, 4a) for heating the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b), a brewing chamber (5) for releasably holding ground coffee (6a) or a coffee pod (6b), an electrical air pump (7) for pressurizing the air above the hot water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b), a conduit (8) for conveying the pressurized hot water (3) from the container (2, 2a, 2b) to the brewing chamber (5). The portable coffee machine (1 ) of the present invention comprises an air cavity (9) which has an opening (10) for admitting air from the outside into its interior (11) which is arranged in heat exchange with the heater unit (4, 4a). The electrical air pump (7) is configured to suck the air to be pumped into the container (2, 2a, 2b) from the interior (11) of the air cavity (9).

Description

PORTABLE COFFEE MACHINE WITH IMPROVED COFFEE BREWING PERFORMANCE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The present invention relates to a coffee machine, in particular a coffee machine which is portable.
Several techniques for brewing coffee are commonly known. In order to meet the preferences and needs of different customers, different types of coffee machines are available on the markets which brew coffee in accordance with one of the commonly known techniques.
EP 0 523 278 A1 discloses an electrically operated espresso machine. This coffee machine has a boiler and a brewing chamber which is fluidly connected to the boiler through a pipe, and an electrical air pump which pressurizes the hot water inside the boiler. The boiler has a container which stores water and a heater for heating the water inside the container.
The coffee brewing process generally depends on various factors. The temperature and pressure of the water used in the coffee brewing process greatly influences the taste of the resulting coffee. Thus, it is of utmost importance that the same conditions can be established each time the coffee machine brews coffee. Relatively small changes in the brewing conditions can alter the taste of the coffee. However, the consumer will usually perceive the differences in the taste of the coffee. Consequently, a consumer satisfaction may easily decrease.
In the above type of coffee machines the electrical air pump starts to pressurize the boiler up to a target value when the water reaches a preset coffee brewing temperature in order to convey the hot water from the boiler to the brewing chamber. However, the temperature of the water inside the boiler decreases as the pump starts to pump air into the boiler, thus the coffee brewing process degrades.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a portable coffee machine which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in an energy efficient and cost effective way and which enables an unvarying and uniform coffee taste.
This objective has been achieved by the portable coffee machine as defined in claim 1. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.
The portable coffee machine of the present invention comprises an air cavity which has an opening to admit air from the outside into its interior. The interior of the air cavity is arranged in heat exchange with the heater unit. The electrical air pump is configured to suck the air which is to be pumped into the container from the interior of the air cavity.
In an embodiment, the outer surface of the container is formed to define an air cavity. In a version of this embodiment, the cavity is formed like a depression into the container.
In another embodiment, the container has two sub-containers whose outer surfaces enclose a gap which defines the air cavity. The heater unit is at least partly arranged inside the gap. In a version of this embodiment, the sub-containers are connected by a fluid passage.
In another embodiment, phase change material (PCM) is respectively arranged between each sub-container and the heater unit so as to compensate for a temperature drop in the container when the heating process is interrupted. In a version of this embodiment, the container, the heater unit, the phase change material, and the air cavity are wrapped into a thermal insulating material.
In another embodiment, the portable coffee machine has valves for respectively controlling the flow of the air sucked from the air cavity into the container, and the flow of the pressurized hot water into brewing chamber. These valves are preferably one way valves to prevent any backflow.
In another embodiment, the portable coffee machine is operable with electric power supplied from the mains power source, or optionally with the electric power supplied from its rechargeable battery unit, for instance when the mains power source is disconnected. In a version of this embodiment, the user interface of the portable coffee machine also allows to activate/deactivate the battery operation.
In another embodiment, the heater unit includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the water inside the container, and two separate electrical heaters, one for heating the water inside the container with the electric power to be supplied from the mains power source, and the other one for heating the water inside the container with the electric power to be supplied from the rechargeable battery unit, for instance when the mains power source is disconnected.
In another embodiment, the latter of the above electrical heaters is preferably a Peltier element which maintains the temperature of the water inside the container at an ideal water temperature for brewing coffee, for instance when the mains power source is disconnected.
In another embodiment, the portable coffee machine visually indicates the temperature of the water inside the container.
In another embodiment, the portable coffee machine has a support for a mug.
In another embodiment, the mug has a rechargeable battery unit which is directly or inductively connectable to a charging unit of the portable coffee machine. The mug of the present invention has a temperature sensor and an electrical heater, preferably a Peltier element for heating the coffee inside the mug, on the basis of the sensed temperature the coffee inside the mug by using the electric power to be supplied from its own rechargeable battery unit.
In another embodiment, the mug maintains the temperature of the coffee at an ideal drinking temperature.
With the present invention, a portable coffee machine has been provided which has an improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency. With the present invention, particularly by virtue of the air cavity, the hot water inside the container can be pressurized with air which has substantially a same temperature with the hot water. Thereby, the hot water inside the container can be prevented from cooling and the ideal water temperature for brewing coffee can be maintained during a pressurizing process. Thus, a post-heating process of the water inside the container can be dispensed with, and the energy efficiency can be increased. With the present invention, a same quality and taste of the coffee can be granted throughout each coffee brewing process. Thereby, a consumer satisfaction can be increased.
Additional advantages of the portable coffee machine of the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 – is a partial schematic view of a portable coffee machine and a mug according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.
1. Portable coffee machine
2. Container
2a. Sub-container
2b. Sub-container
3. Water
4. Heater unit
4a. First electrical heater
5. Brewing chamber
6a. Ground coffee
6b. Coffee pod
7. Electrical air pump
8. Conduit
9. Air cavity
10. Opening
11. Interior
12.Outer surface
12a. Outer surface
12b. Outer surface
13a. phase change material (PCM)
13b. phase change material (PCM)
14. Thermal insulation material
15. First valve
16. Second valve
17. First control unit
18. First temperature sensor
19. Indicating means (LED)
20. Support
21. Mug
The portable coffee machine (1) comprises a container (2, 2a, 2b) for storing water (3), a heater unit (4) for heating the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b), a brewing chamber (5) for releasably holding ground coffee (6a) or a coffee pod (6b), an electrical air pump (7) for pressurizing the air above the hot water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b), and a conduit (8) for conveying the pressurized hot water (3) from the container (2, 2a, 2b) to the brewing chamber (5) (Fig. 1).
The portable coffee machine (1) of the present invention further comprises an air cavity (9) which has an opening (10) for admitting air from the outside into an interior (11) of the cavity (9). The interior (11) of the air cavity (9) is arranged in heat exchange with the heater unit (4). The electrical air pump (7) is configured to suck the air which is to be pumped into the container (2, 2a, 2b) from the interior (11) of the air cavity (9).
In an embodiment, the air cavity (9) is formed into the outer surface (12, 12a, 12b) of the container (2, 2a, 2b).
In another embodiment, the container (2, 2a, 2b) has two sub-containers (2a, 2b). Each sub-container (2a, 2b) is suitable for storing water (3). In this embodiment, the mutually facing outer surfaces (12, 12a, 12b) of the sub-container (2a, 2b) form the air cavity (9). The heater unit (4, 4a) is arranged between the two sub-containers (2a, 2b).
In another embodiment, the two sub-containers (2a, 2b) are fluidly connected, for example by an intermediate channel (not shown).
In another embodiment, the portable coffee machine (1) comprises phase change material (13a, 13b) which is respectively arranged between each sub-container (2a, 2b) and the heater unit (4, 4a). In this embodiment, the portable coffee machine (1) also comprises thermal insulation material (14) which is arranged to thermally insulate the sub-containers (2a, 2b), the phase change material (13a, 13b), the heater unit (4, 4a) and the air cavity (9) from the outside.
In another embodiment, the portable coffee machine (1) comprises a first valve (15) for controlling the flow of the pressurized hot water (3) through the conduit (8), and a second valve (16) for controlling the flow of the air being pumped by the electrical air pump (7) into the container (2, 2a, 2b). The first valve (15) is located on the downstream side of the container (2, 2a, 2b) and on the upstream side of the brewing chamber (5). The second valve (16) is located on the downstream side of the electrical air pump (7) and on the upstream side of the container (2, 2a, 2b). The first valve (15) and the second valves (15) are controlled by a first control unit (17) of the portable coffee machine (1). In a version of this embodiment, the first valve (15) and the second valves (15) can also be optionally manually opened/closed.
In another embodiment, the portable coffee machine (1) comprises: an electric power unit (not shown) for connecting to the mains power source, a first battery unit (not shown) for receiving one or more than one rechargeable battery, a charging unit (not shown) for recharging each battery in the first battery unit with the electric power to be supplied from the electric power unit, a user interface (not shown) for receiving user inputs, and a first control unit (17) for controlling the electric power unit, the first battery unit, the charging unit, the heater unit (4,4a), and the electrical pump (7). In this embodiment, the portable coffee machine (1) is operated with the electric power supplied from the electric power unit when it is connected to the mains power source. The portable coffee machine (1) is operated with the electric power supplied from the first battery unit when it is disconnected from the mains power source.
In another embodiment, the heater unit (4, 4a) includes: a first electrical heater (4a) for heating the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) with the electric power to be supplied from the electric power unit, and a second electrical heater (not shown) for heating the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) with the electric power to be supplied from the first battery unit, a first temperature sensor (18) for sensing the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b). In this embodiment, the first control unit (17) is adapted to operate, on the basis of the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) either the first electrical heater (4a) when the electric power unit is connected to the mains power source or the second electrical heater when the electric power unit is disconnected from the mains power source.
In another embodiment, the first control unit (17) is adapted to operate the second electrical heater so as to maintain the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) within a first predetermined range when the electric power unit is disconnected from the mains power source. In this embodiment, the first predetermined range corresponds to an ideal water temperature for brewing coffee.
In another embodiment, the second electrical heater comprises a Peltier element (not shown).
In another embodiment, the portable coffee machine (1) further comprises an indicating means (19) for visually indicating the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b). In a version of this embodiment, said means comprises one or more than one light emitting diode (19). In an alternative embodiment, said indicating means (19) comprises a display (not shown).
In another embodiment, the portable coffee machine (1) further comprises a support (20) for placing a mug (21) to be filled with the coffee dripping from the brewing chamber (5).
In another embodiment, the portable coffee machine (1) further comprises a mug (21) which includes: a second battery unit (not shown) for receiving one or more than one rechargeable battery, wherein the second battery unit is directly or inductively connectable to the charging unit of the portable coffee machine (1), and wherein the first control unit (17) is adapted to recharge each battery of the second battery unit with the electric power to be supplied from the electric power unit, a third electrical heater (not shown) for heating the coffee inside the mug (21) with the electric power to be supplied from the second battery unit or optionally from the portable coffee machine (1), a second temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the coffee inside the mug (21), and a second control unit (not shown) which is adapted to operate the third electrical heater on the basis of the temperature of the coffee inside the mug (21).
In another embodiment, the second control unit is adapted to operate the third electrical heater so as to maintain the temperature of the coffee inside the mug (21) within a second predetermined range. The coffee inside the mug (21) has preferably an initial temperature of 90°C to 95°C. After a while the temperature drops to the ideal drinking temperature. In this embodiment, the second predetermined range corresponds to the ideal drinking temperature.
In another embodiment, the third electrical heater comprises a Peltier element (not shown).
With the present invention, a portable coffee machine (1) has been provided which has an improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency. With the present invention, a same quality and taste of the coffee can be granted throughout each coffee brewing process. Thereby, a consumer satisfaction can be increased. The portable coffee machine of the present invention is not limited to brew a particular type of coffee, and is intended for brewing different types of coffee including filter coffee, espresso or the like by adapting various pressure, temperature, flow conditions for the hot water.

Claims (15)

  1. A portable coffee machine (1) comprising
    - a refillable container (2, 2a, 2b) for storing water (3),
    - a heater unit (4,4a) for heating the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b),
    - a brewing chamber (5) for releasably holding ground coffee (6a) or a coffee pod (6b),
    - an electrical air pump (7) for pressurizing the air above the hot water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) and
    - a conduit (8) for conveying the pressurized hot water (3) from the container (2, 2a, 2b) to the brewing chamber (5),
    characterized in that
    an air cavity (9) which has an opening (10) for admitting air from the outside into an interior (11) of the air cavity (9), wherein the interior (11) of the air cavity (9) is arranged in heat exchange with the heater unit (4, 4a), and wherein the electrical air pump (7) is configured to suck the air which is to be pumped into the container (2, 2a, 2b) from the interior (11) of the air cavity (9).
  2. The portable coffee machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the air cavity (9) is formed into the outer surface (12, 12a, 12b) of the container (2, 2a, 2b).
  3. The portable coffee machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container (2, 2a, 2b) has two sub-containers (2a, 2b) each for storing water (3), wherein the mutually facing outer surfaces (12, 12a, 12b) of the sub-container (2a, 2b) form the air cavity (9), and wherein the heater unit (4, 4a) is arranged between the two sub-containers (2a, 2b).
  4. The portable coffee machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the two sub-containers (2a, 2b) are fluidly connected.
  5. The portable coffee machine (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that
    - phase change material (13a, 13b) which is respectively arranged between each sub-container (2a, 2b) and the heater unit (4, 4a) and
    - thermal insulation material (14) which is arranged to thermally insulate the sub-containers (2a, 2b), the phase change material (13a, 13b), the heater unit (4, 4a) and the air cavity (9) from the outside.
  6. The portable coffee machine (1) according to any one claims 1 to 5, characterized in that
    - a first valve (15) for controlling the flow of the pressurized hot water (3) through the conduit (8), wherein the first valve (15) is located on the downstream side of the container (2, 2a, 2b) and on the upstream side of the brewing chamber (5) and
    - a second valve (16) for controlling the flow of the air being pumped by the electrical air pump (7) into the container (2, 2a, 2b), wherein the second valve (16) is located on the downstream side of the electrical air pump (7) and on the upstream side of the container (2, 2a, 2b).
  7. The portable coffee machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that
    - an electric power unit for connecting to the mains power source,
    - a first battery unit for receiving one or more than one rechargeable battery,
    - a charging unit for recharging each battery in the first battery unit with the electric power to be supplied from the electric power unit,
    - a user interface for receiving user inputs and
    - a first control unit (17) which is adapted to control the electric power unit, the first battery unit, the charging unit, the user interface, the heater unit (4, 4a), and the electrical pump (7).
  8. The portable coffee machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the heater unit (4, 4a) comprising
    - a first electrical heater (4a) for heating the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) with the electric power to be supplied from the electric power unit,
    - a second electrical heater for heating the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) with the electric power to be supplied from the first battery unit and
    - a first temperature sensor (18) for sensing the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b),
    wherein the first control unit (17) is further adapted to operate, on the basis of the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) either the first electrical heater (4a) when the electric power unit is connected to the mains power source or the second electrical heater when the electric power unit is disconnected from the mains power source.
  9. The portable coffee machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that
    the first control unit (17) is adapted to operate the second electrical heater so as to maintain the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b) within a first predetermined range.
  10. The portable coffee machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the second electrical heater comprises a Peltier element.
  11. The portable coffee machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an indicating means (19) for visually indicating the temperature of the water (3) inside the container (2, 2a, 2b).
  12. The portable coffee machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a support (20) for placing a mug (21) to be filled with the coffee dripping from the brewing chamber (5).
  13. The portable coffee machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that
    - a mug (21) comprising a second battery unit for receiving one or more than one rechargeable battery, wherein the second battery unit is directly or inductively connectable to the charging unit of the portable coffee machine (1), wherein the first control unit (17) is adapted to recharge each battery of the second battery unit with the electric power to be supplied from the electric power unit,
    - a third electrical heater for heating the coffee inside the mug (21) with the electric power to be supplied from the second battery unit, or optionally from the portable coffee machine (1),
    - a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the coffee inside the mug (21) and
    - a second control unit adapted to operate the third electrical heater on the basis of the temperature of the coffee inside the mug (21).
  14. The portable coffee machine (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that
    the second control unit is adapted to operate the third electrical heater so as to maintain the temperature of the coffee inside the mug (21) within a second predetermined range.
  15. The portable coffee machine (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the third electrical heater comprises a Peltier element
PCT/EP2014/063893 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 Portable coffee machine with improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency WO2016000752A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2014/063893 WO2016000752A1 (en) 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 Portable coffee machine with improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2014/063893 WO2016000752A1 (en) 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 Portable coffee machine with improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016000752A1 true WO2016000752A1 (en) 2016-01-07

Family

ID=51134057

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2014/063893 WO2016000752A1 (en) 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 Portable coffee machine with improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2016000752A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108577551A (en) * 2018-07-26 2018-09-28 浙江贝仕迪智能科技有限公司 Portable coffee machines filter-pressing device

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0523278A1 (en) 1991-07-19 1993-01-20 Eugster/Frismag AG Espresso coffee machine
WO2007050315A1 (en) * 2005-10-11 2007-05-03 Bunn-O-Matic Corporation Air pump operated brewer, system and method
US20130032036A1 (en) * 2011-08-02 2013-02-07 Tsann Kuen (Zhang Zhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd. Nespresso

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0523278A1 (en) 1991-07-19 1993-01-20 Eugster/Frismag AG Espresso coffee machine
WO2007050315A1 (en) * 2005-10-11 2007-05-03 Bunn-O-Matic Corporation Air pump operated brewer, system and method
US20130032036A1 (en) * 2011-08-02 2013-02-07 Tsann Kuen (Zhang Zhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd. Nespresso

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108577551A (en) * 2018-07-26 2018-09-28 浙江贝仕迪智能科技有限公司 Portable coffee machines filter-pressing device

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20180116259A1 (en) Fluid heating appliance
WO2006127108A3 (en) Single serve beverage maker with coordinated heating and pumping periods
CN105266592B (en) The method for soaking the device of the ground coffee of doses and distributing concentrated coffee
HK1142787A1 (en) Method and apparatus for beverage formation
KR101392410B1 (en) Espresso coffee machine
US9526373B2 (en) Pump and heating method for coffee brewing
EP3369351A3 (en) Beverage making appliance
KR20140026319A (en) Beverage dispensing machine with brewing chamber heater
US9826858B2 (en) Hot fluid preparation unit for a fully automatic coffee machine
AU2018200746B2 (en) A boiling water heater system and method of heating water in same
ITTO20090250A1 (en) MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF INFUSES, ESPRESSO COFFEE IN PARTICULAR, DISPENSE GROUP AND METHOD OF REALIZING THE SAME
AU2015101973A4 (en) Espresso machine
US20170215634A1 (en) Coupling of a device for connecting a beverage machine to a distribution network
US9770128B2 (en) Dual heater coffee maker
US10602876B2 (en) Liquid heating device
US20150265092A1 (en) Beverage percolation device
WO2016000752A1 (en) Portable coffee machine with improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency
NZ733921A (en) Group for supplying hot water for a machine for making espresso coffee or the like and associated machine
JP2023531614A (en) electrically powered machine for preparing coffee
WO2016000753A1 (en) Portable coffee machine with improved usability
CN203647100U (en) Tea making machine
WO2016000751A1 (en) Portable coffee machine with improved coffee brewing performance and energy efficiency
CN211911337U (en) Small-sized desktop instant-heating water dispenser
NL2014790B1 (en) A beverage preparation device.
CN204445398U (en) Beverage brewing device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 14735912

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 14735912

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1