JP2023549318A - Automatic hot beverage machines, especially fully automatic coffee machines as well as methods for the operation of such automatic machines - Google Patents

Abstract

a steam/hot water supply (1) comprising at least a) a steam generator (10) capable of being supplied with water via a steam generator supply line (12) and a hot water generator (20) capable of being supplied with water; c) a brewing unit (40) capable of preparing a hot beverage to be prepared with water from a hot water generator (20); and c) a beverage outlet (70) capable of discharging the prepared beverage into a container. In fully automatic machines, d) the water to be fed to the hot water generator (20) can first be guided through or along the steam generator (10), after which the water is Fully automatic coffee machine, characterized in that it can be guided into a hot water generator (20) and in the region of the steam generator (10) a heat exchanger (17) is formed.

Description

The invention relates to an automatic hot beverage machine according to claim 1, in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, as well as a method for the operation of a fully automatic coffee machine according to claim 8.

In a fully automatic coffee machine, coffee beans are ground fresh and the coffee powder so produced is fed into a brewing chamber, where hot water from a hot water generator is passed through the compressed coffee powder. A coffee beverage is prepared by pressing. Such fully automatic coffee machines are known from the prior art in different configurations and embodiments.

In countries with a voltage in the low voltage network lower than 230V (for example 110V), only reduced power is provided for the operation of fully automatic coffee machines designed for a 230V mains voltage. Nevertheless, the reduction in machine performance for the first successive products should be kept as low as possible. That is, several coffee products should be able to be dispensed in succession within the shortest possible time and without interruption. In this case, the quality of the product (which is characterized in this application, inter alia, by the defined preparation temperature) must be kept constant.

However, due to the relatively low mains voltage and the associated relatively low electrical power that can be supplied to fully automatic coffee machines, sustained heating during product preparation is also difficult because the heater itself is not adapted to the low mains voltage. Although possible, it may be insufficient to reach the discharge temperature again for the next beverage to be dispensed. This can result in undesirable waiting times before the next product preparation.

The above-mentioned problems are to be alleviated by the present invention.

The above problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

Therefore, a steam/hot water supply section having at least a steam generator capable of supplying water through a steam generator supply pipe and a hot water generator capable of supplying water;
- a brewing unit in which the hot beverage to be prepared can be prepared with water from a hot water generator;
A fully automatic coffee machine is provided, the coffee machine having a beverage outlet capable of discharging a prepared hot beverage into a container;
- The water to be supplied to the hot water generator can first be guided through or along the steam generator, after which the water can be guided to the hot water generator and in the region of the steam generator. A heat exchanger is formed.

In this way, even if the heating power of the hot water generator is relatively low, more coffee beverage can be produced at the desired rate by the heater of the hot water generator without an early after-heating step. That is, preparation can normally be carried out without waiting time.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply line to the hot water generator is provided with a switching valve, a branch line guided through or along the steam generator, and a branch line guided directly to the hot water generator. It is assumed that there will be a branch road. When preparing coffee/milk mixtures, this switching valve gives the option of directing the water directly to the hot water generator and heating it there, thus preventing energy from flowing out of the steam generator. be done. This reduces, or in the best case avoids, the necessary post-heating step of the steam generator before preparing the coffee/milk mixture drink, which would otherwise be necessary for example for the production of foamed milk. Ru. In such a case, the heater of the hot water generator can be operated in parallel with the operation of the steam generator for foamed milk preparation, so that such parallel operation advantageously reduces the resulting output Waiting time can be compensated.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, in the first switching position of the switching valve, the branch of the supply line in which the water to be heated is guided through or along the steam generator , which in this case is preheated, flows into the hot water generator and, on the other hand, the branch of the supply line that is led directly to the hot water generator is blocked. is assumed. In this way, even if the heating power of the hot water generator is relatively low, more coffee beverage can be produced at the desired rate by the heater of the hot water generator without an early after-heating step. That is, preparation can normally be carried out without waiting time.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, in the second switching position of the switching valve, the water to be heated is routed directly to the hot water generator via a branch of the supply line. The branch of the feed line which flows into the hot water generator and is thereby heated by the heater of the hot water generator and which, on the other hand, is guided through or along the steam generator is shut off. It is assumed that there will be. Thereby, the parallel operation of the steam generator and the hot water generator when preparing a coffee/milk mixed drink is realized in a structurally simple and therefore advantageous manner.

Furthermore, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the preheating power of the heat exchanger is routed from a branch of the supply line through or along the steam generator in the region of the steam generator. It is envisaged that the heat exchanger will operate like a tube bundle heat exchanger. This achieves an increased performance of the heat exchanger in a simple and space-saving manner.

The above-mentioned object is also solved by a method according to claim 8.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The invention is not limited to this example, but can also be replaced by other forms or equivalents within the scope of the claims.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a water/steam supply section of a fully automatic coffee machine according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a water/steam supply section of a variation of the fully automatic coffee machine according to the present invention. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a hydraulic system of a fully automatic coffee machine according to the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a steam and hot water supply 1 of an automatic hot beverage machine, which is designed in particular as a fully automatic coffee machine, more precisely as a fully automatic coffee machine. ing. The hot beverage automatic machine may for example be configured as an automatic tea preparation machine.

The steam/hot water supply 1 of the fully automatic coffee machine may be supplied with water by means of a potable water network. For this purpose, fully automatic coffee machines are usually permanently connected to a tap point 2 provided for this purpose. A pump 3 and optionally a water meter 4, which may be configured as an impeller counter, can be connected downstream of the tap point 2, and optionally a check valve 5 as well. may optionally be connected to a pressure measuring device 6.

The steam and hot water supply 1 of the fully automatic coffee machine furthermore has a steam generator 10, which is also referred to in technical terms as a steam boiler. The steam generator 10 has here a container 11 into which water (here from the drinking water network) can flow via a steam generator supply line 12 and into which the container 11 can be heated preferably electrically by a heater 13.

The steam generator 10 is provided to generate steam from incoming water by the operation of the heater 13, and this steam collects above the water surface and is led out of the steam generator 10 through a steam pipe line 14. can be done. The steam generator 10 can have a filling level sensor 15 to ensure that there is always enough water in the steam generator 10.

The steam thus produced may be used, for example, to froth milk, whereby the foamed milk produced by the steam and air creates a coffee-milk mixed drink, for example a cafe au lait or a latte. Macchiato etc. can be prepared.

The steam and hot water supply 1 of the fully automatic coffee machine furthermore has a hot water generator 20, which is also referred to in technical terms as a water boiler.

The hot water generator 20 has a container 21 in which water can be heated, preferably electrically, by means of a heater 22 . The hot water generator 20 is arranged to generate hot water having a temperature above 60° C. from the incoming water by operation of the heater 22, which is typically used for preparing coffee drinks. . The hot water thus generated can be led out of the hot water generator 20 through the hot water line 23. To ensure that excessively high pressures do not develop within the hot water generator 20, the hot water generator 20 can have a pressure sensor 24.

In the case of a power grid with a low supply voltage (for example 110 V), water is first passed through the steam generator 10 or It is envisaged that the water flows through a branch 16a of the supply line 16, which is guided along the steam generator 10, and then flows into the hot water generator 20, preheated by the steam in the steam generator 10.

This advantageously allows the coffee beverage to be heated to the desired level by the heater 22 of the hot water generator 20 without an early after-heating step, despite the relatively low power output of the heater 22 of the hot water generator 20. It becomes possible to prepare it quickly, ie without waiting times.

In this respect, the supply line 16 and the steam generator 10 advantageously act like a heat exchanger 17. The preheating power of such a heat exchanger 17 is formed in the region of the steam generator 10 from a branch 16a of the supply line 16, which is guided through or along the steam generator 10. If necessary, the heat exchanger 17 operates like a tube bundle heat exchanger.

That is, in this regard, the water to be supplied to the hot water generator 20 can first be guided through or along the steam generator 10 and then to the hot water generator. , a heat exchanger 17 is formed in the region of the steam generator 10.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 2, a switching valve 30 is arranged in the supply line 16 to the hot water generator 20. Furthermore, the supply line 16 has a branch line 16a which is guided through or along the steam generator 10 and a branch line 16a which is guided directly to the hot water generator 20, i.e. through the steam generator 10. strands 16b that are not guided along or along the steam generator 10. The switching valve 30 may be configured as a 3-port, 2-position directional control valve and is shown here switched to a second switching position. The switching valve 30, as shown in FIG. 2, is preferably constructed as a spring-return solenoid valve, but may also be constructed in other forms.

In the first switching position of the switching valve 30, the water to be heated flows through the branch 16a of the supply line 16, which is guided through or along the steam generator 10; In this case, the branch 16b of the supply line 16, which flows preheated into the hot water generator 20 and, on the other hand, is guided directly to the hot water generator 20, is blocked in this case.

Thereby, water can only enter the hot water generator 20 via the steam generator 10, ie preheated, in the first switching position of the switching valve 30.

In the second switching position of the switching valve 30 shown here, the water to be heated is supplied via the branch 16 b of the supply line 16 directly to the hot water generator 20 . The supply enters the generator 20 and is thereby heated in the hot water generator 20 by the heater 22 of the hot water generator 20 and on the other hand is guided through or along the steam generator 10 Branch 16a of conduit 16 is blocked. Such a switching position is set when a coffee-milk mixed drink is to be prepared.

During the preparation of a mixed coffee/milk drink, the switching valve 30 gives rise to the option of directing the water directly to the hot water generator 20 and heating it in the hot water generator 20 , so that water is removed from the steam generator 10 . energy leakage is prevented. This reduces, or in the best case avoids, the necessary post-heating step of the steam generator 10 before preparing the coffee-milk mixed beverage, which would otherwise be necessary for example for the production of foamed milk. be done. In such a case, the heater 22 of the hot water generator 20 can be operated in parallel with the operation of the steam generator 10 for foamed milk preparation, so that such parallel operation reduces the power-induced standby. time can be compensated.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a fully automatic coffee machine according to the invention. In addition to the steam and hot water supply 1 mentioned above, the fully automatic coffee machine has a brewing unit 40 in which the hot beverage to be prepared, in this case preferably coffee, is brewed. Since the brewing unit 40 of a fully automatic coffee machine is known from the prior art, a detailed description of the brewing unit 40 is omitted here. The hot water required for the extraction process is supplied to the extraction unit 40 via the hot water line 23. In the hot water pipe 23, an extraction valve 50 is inserted between the hot water generator 20 and the extraction unit 40.

Associated with the brewing unit 40 is at least one coffee grinder, here two coffee grinders 61 , 62 , which feed the brewing unit 40 with coffee powder. Each coffee grinder 61, 62 can be operatively connected to a storage container for coffee beans. By means of the two coffee grinders 61, 62 and the storage container associated with the two coffee grinders 61, 62, coffee beans of different types and/or roasts can be used for the preparation of coffee drinks or coffee/milk mixtures. It becomes possible to use it for

Brewing valve 50 controls the flow of hot water into brewing unit 40 . The extraction valve 50 is here illustratively designed as a two-port, two-position directional control valve and is shown here switched into a second switching position. The extraction valve 50 is preferably constructed as a spring-return solenoid valve, as shown in FIG.

In the first switching position of the brewing valve 50 hot water can flow from the hot water generator 20 into the brewing unit 40 through the hot water line 23 . In the second switching position of the brewing valve 50, which is switched here, the hot water line 23 is blocked, so that no hot water can enter the brewing unit 40.

The coffee beverage brewed in the brewing unit 40 flows through a beverage conduit 41 into a first central beverage outlet 70 in which it is optionally slid vertically. It is discharged into a beverage container placed below the possible first central beverage outlet 70 . A diverter valve 80 is inserted into the beverage line 41 for this purpose.

The diverter valve 80 controls the inflow of beverage into the first central beverage outlet 70 or outlet 71, such flow direction being preferably utilized in the wash cycle of the machine. Diverter valve 80 is here configured as a three-port, two-position directional control valve and is shown here switched to a second switching position. Diverter valve 80 is preferably constructed as a spring return solenoid valve, as shown in FIG.

In the first switching position of the diverter valve 80 , brewed coffee beverage can flow from the brewing unit 40 into the first central beverage outlet 70 through the beverage line 41 . In the second switching position of the diverter valve 80 which is now switched, cleaning liquid can flow into the outlet 71 during the cleaning cycle. A check valve 72 may be inserted into the conduit leading to the discharge port 71.

Furthermore, the fully automatic coffee machine has a milk system 90. The milk system 90 typically includes equipment for milk frothing, in which foamed milk is produced here by steam and air from the milk. The milk may be packaged in a conventional milk package 92, for example beverage cardboard, and housed in a milk cooler 91 for hygienic reasons. In order to guide the milk from the milk package 92 to the milk system 90, the milk system 90 is connected with the milk package 92 by a first milk line 93. The first milk line 93 may be designed as a tube. The milk processed in the milk system 90 flows through a second milk line 94 into the first central beverage outlet 70, where it optionally flows vertically. It is dispensed into a beverage container placed below the slidable first central beverage outlet 70 .

The fully automatic coffee machine may have an auxiliary system 100. The auxiliary system 100 is supplied with hot water via a hot water line 101 . The hot water line 101 branches off from the hot water line 23 downstream of the extraction valve 50 in the direction of the auxiliary system 100 . Additionally, the auxiliary system 100 is supplied with water via a water line 102 .

The automatic coffee machine furthermore has a control, which is not shown here, for open-loop or closed-loop control of the preparation of the hot beverage in the automatic coffee machine.

For the operation of the steam/hot water supply 1 of an automatic hot beverage machine, in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, the following method is indicated:
First, a steam/hot water supply section 1 is prepared in a fully automatic coffee machine, and the steam/hot water supply section 1 is normally supplied with water through a drinking water network. The steam/hot water supply 1 has a steam generator 10 which has a container 11 into which water, in this case water from the drinking water network, is supplied for steam production. The vessel 11 can be heated by means of a heater 13, preferably electrically, so that steam can be produced from the water, which steam can be used for steam generation. It can be led out from the steam line 14 from the vessel 10. Furthermore, the steam/hot water supply 1 has a hot water generator 20 which has a container 21 in which water can be heated by a heater 22, preferably electrically. , whereby the water can be heated to a predefined preparation temperature.

In a subsequent second step, water enters the steam generator 10 from the potable water network through the first section 16a of the supply line 16.

In a further third step, water from the drinking water network is preheated in the supply line 16 in the steam generator 10 .

In the fourth and final step, the water preheated in the steam generator 10 flows into the hot water generator 20 through the second section 16b of the supply line 16.

This ensures that, despite the low power output of the heater 22 of the hot water generator 20, the beverage can be delivered at the desired rate, i.e. with no waiting time, by the heater 22 of the hot water generator 20, without an early post-heating step. It becomes possible to prepare the product without using it.

Optionally, a switching valve 30 may be inserted in the supply line 16 that is connected to the steam generator 10 . By means of the switching valve 30, water can alternatively be routed via a portion 16a' of the first section 16a of the supply line 16, through the water supply line 26 and through a portion 16b' of the second section 16b of the supply line 16. It also becomes possible for the hot water to flow directly into the hot water generator 20. The supply line 16 to the steam generator 10 is shut off in this case.

1 Steam/hot water supply section 2 Faucet location 3 Pump 4 Water meter 5 Check valve 6 Pressure measuring device 10 Steam generator 11 Container 12 Steam generator supply line 13 Heater 14 Steam line 15 Filling level sensor 16 Supply line 16a, b Branch (of supply pipe) 17 Heat exchanger 20 Hot water generator 21 Container 22 Heater 23 Hot water pipe 24 Relief valve 25 Preheating pipe 26 Water supply pipe 30 Switching valve 40 Extraction unit 41 Beverage pipe 50 Extraction Valves 61, 62 Coffee grinder 70 First beverage outlet 71 Outlet 72 Check valve 80 Diverter valve 90 Milk system 91 Milk cooler 92 Milk package 93 First milk line 94 Second milk line 100 Auxiliary system 101 Hot water pipe 102 Water pipe

Claims (9)

A fully automatic coffee machine,
at least a) a steam/hot water supply section (1) having a steam generator (10) capable of being supplied with water through a steam generator supply line (12) and a hot water generator (20) capable of being supplied with water;
b) an extraction unit (40) in which the hot beverage to be prepared can be prepared with water from said hot water generator (20);
c) a fully automatic coffee machine, comprising a beverage outlet (70) capable of discharging the prepared beverage into a container;
d) The water to be fed to the hot water generator (20) can first be guided through or along the steam generator (10), after which the water is supplied to the hot water generator (20). leadable to a hot water generator (20), characterized in that a heat exchanger (17) is formed in the region of said steam generator (10),
Fully automatic coffee machine. The supply line (16) to the hot water generator (20) is provided with a switching valve (30) and a branch line guided through or along the steam generator (10). 2. Fully automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, comprising: (16a) and a branch (16b) leading directly to the hot water generator (20). In a first switching position of the switching valve (30), the supply pipe in which the water to be heated is guided through or along the steam generator (10) through said branch (16a) of the channel (16), thereby flowing, in this case preheated, into said hot water generator (20); 3. Fully automatic coffee machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the directly guided branch (16b) of the feed line (16) is blocked. In the second switching position of the switching valve (30), the water to be heated is guided directly to the hot water generator (20), in the branch (16b) of the supply line (16). ) into the hot water generator (20), thereby being heated in the hot water generator (20) by the heater (22) of the hot water generator (20); Fully automatic coffee machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the branch (16a) of the supply line (16) guided through (10) or along the steam generator (10) is blocked. machine. The preheating power of the heat exchanger (17) is guided through or along the steam generator (10) in the branch (16a) of the supply line (16). ) is enhanced by another tube bundle formed in the region of the steam generator (10), whereby the heat exchanger (17) operates like a tube bundle heat exchanger; Fully automatic coffee machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The fully automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, further comprising at least one coffee grinder (61, 62) with an associated storage container for coffee beans. 7. Fully automatic coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a milk system (90) is provided, in which milk foam can be produced from the milk by means of steam and air. machine. 8. Method for operating a steam/hot water supply (1) of an automatic hot beverage machine, in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:
I) preparing a steam/hot water supply section (1) for the fully automatic coffee machine, the steam/hot water supply section (1) being supplied with water by a potable water network; The hot water supply (1) has a steam generator (10) into which water from the drinking water network flows via a steam generator supply line (12). The steam generator (10) can be heated, preferably electrically, by a heater (13), so that steam can be generated from the water, the steam being Further, the steam/hot water supply section (1) has a hot water generator (20), and the hot water generator (20) , the water is heatable by means of a heater (22), preferably electrically, whereby said water is heatable to a predefined preparation temperature;
II) a supply line (16) in which the water is guided from the potable water network to, through or along the steam generator (10); entering through a branch (16a) of;
III) passing the water from the potable water network into or adjacent to the steam generator (10) through or through the steam generator (10); IV) preheating the preheated water in the branch (16a) of the supply line (16), guided along the steam generator (10) or A method, characterized in that it comprises the step of flowing into the hot water generator (20) through the branch (16a) of the supply line (16), which is guided along the generator (10). . A switching valve (30) is inserted into the supply pipe (16) connected to the steam generator (10), and the switching valve (30) allows the water to flow into the hot water generator (20). ) can flow directly into the hot water generator (20) via the branch (16b) of the supply line (16), which is guided directly to the steam generator (20); 9. The branch (16a) of the supply line (16) guided through (10) or along the steam generator (10) is in this case blocked. Method.

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