KR20120009778A

KR20120009778A - A foam generation device of coffee-machine

Info

Publication number: KR20120009778A
Application number: KR1020100070450A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 정우영
Original assignee: 컨벡스코리아(주)
Priority date: 2010-07-21
Filing date: 2010-07-21
Publication date: 2012-02-02
Also published as: KR101228579B1

Abstract

PURPOSE: A foaming apparatus of a coffee machine is provided to enable the formatoin of a bubble layer having minute particles since pressure difference is gnearted on an outlet by a foaming unit. CONSTITUTION: A foaming apparatus of a coffee machine comprises a filter holder(100) and a filter(200). The filter comprises a housing(300) and a foaming unit(400). The housing has a receiving part(310) for accepting the coffee and a hole formed on the bottom thereof. The foaming unit has a circular body portion, a supporting plate of a doughnut shape, a protrusion, a recessed portion, and a through-hole. The circular body portion is mounted in the housing bottom. The supporting plate is built in the body portion. The protrusion is projected from the center of the body portion downward and is sienrted into the hole. The through-hole is located under the recessed portion.

Description

A foam generation device of coffee-machine

The present invention relates to a foaming device of a coffee machine for forming a fine foam layer during the coffee extraction, and more particularly, coffee having a foaming unit having a through hole that narrows toward the bottom and widens again The present invention relates to a foaming apparatus for a coffee machine, in which a foam layer having fine particles is formed in the coffee solution while the stock solution passes through the through hole.

In general, the coffee machine used in home or office refers to a device that extracts the coffee solution by spraying high-pressure water to the coffee powder. When these coffee machines are used, a thick layer of foam is often formed in the coffee filled in the cup, which is called crema. The crema acts to prevent the aroma of coffee from being released and is formed when coffee beverages such as espresso are extracted by high pressure.

However, when the pressure of the coffee machine is not sufficient, the coffee extract often flows out without crema when the coffee is extracted. In addition, when coffee powder is too thick, big foam may be extracted.

Therefore, in order to give the customer satisfaction to properly feel the taste and aroma of the coffee beans, an apparatus for forming a fine foam layer in the coffee extracted from the coffee machine should be provided.

An object of the present invention for solving the problems of the prior art as described above is to provide a foaming apparatus using a Venturi effect by the pressure difference in order to form a fine foam layer in the coffee extracted from the coffee machine. .

The foaming device of the coffee machine according to the present invention is fixed to the main body of the coffee machine is formed with a discharge outlet for discharging the coffee solution mixed with coffee powder and water at the lower end and a filter holder provided with a handle on the side, and inserted into the filter holder And a filter for extracting coffee, the filter comprising: a housing having a hole for receiving coffee and a hole formed in a bottom surface thereof; And a circular body part seated on the bottom of the housing, a donut-shaped support plate embedded in the body part, a protrusion projecting downward from the center of the body part to be fitted into the hole, and recessed to a predetermined depth in the center of the upper surface of the body part. A bubble generator comprising a portion and a through hole positioned below the depression and narrowed toward the bottom of the depression and widened again; It is configured to include.

In addition, the bubble generating unit is preferably a synthetic resin material having an elastic force.

In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of rod-shaped protrusions radially disposed upwardly protruding from the recessed portion and a fan-shaped protrusion protruding upward between the rod-shaped protrusions are formed on the upper surface of the body portion.

In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of cylindrical protrusions protrude upward from the upper surface of the body portion at predetermined intervals with the recessed portion inside the plurality of rod-shaped protrusions.

In addition, the support plate of the body portion is preferably formed with a plurality of puncture needle protruding to protrude above the upper surface of the body portion.

In addition, it is preferable that the bubble generating portion further comprises a puncturing means formed with a puncture needle for drilling a hole in the bottom of the capsule coffee.

In addition, the drilling means is a donut shape, the inner diameter of the Y-shaped joint is formed, the center of the joint is preferably a punching needle protrudes upward.

In addition, the puncturing means is a donut-shaped protruding edge, it is preferable that a plurality of puncture needles protrude upward at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the inner diameter.

In addition, it is preferred that the foaming unit and the punching means further comprises a strainer for filtering the coffee powder contained in the capsule coffee.

In addition, the bottom surface of the housing is formed with a circular protrusion convex upwardly around the hole, it is preferable that a circular concave groove corresponding to the protrusion is formed on the lower surface of the body portion.

In addition, the housing is preferably formed to correspond to the appearance of the capsule coffee to accommodate the capsule coffee.

The foaming device of the coffee machine according to the present invention includes a bubble generator having a through hole which narrows toward the lower side and then widens again, thereby extracting the coffee solution and providing a narrow passage when the coffee solution passes through the bubble hole. There is an effect that the pressure difference occurs in the outlet side gradually enlarged by the expansion, the fine foam layer can be formed in the coffee due to the expansion by this pressure difference.

1 is a view showing a capsule coffee.
2 is a perspective view showing a bubble generator of the coffee machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a sectional view showing a filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a sectional view showing a bubble generating unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a plan view showing a bubble generating unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5.
7 is a bottom view of the bubble generating unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of FIG. 7.
9 is a view showing a state in which the bubble generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a coffee machine.
10 is a perspective view showing a bubble generator of the coffee machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a sectional view showing a filter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a plan view showing a bubble generating unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of FIG. 12. FIG.
14 is a perspective view showing a foaming device of a coffee machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a sectional view showing a bubble generating unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating a bubble generator according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of FIG. 16. FIG.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in more detail the bubble generator of the coffee machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a view showing a capsule coffee.

Capsule coffee refers to coffee that is vacuum packed in capsules by grinding and tamping coffee beans. There is also a way to put the coffee powder in the coffee wrapping paper directly into the filter using a spoon, but the capsule coffee does not need to clean the filter, it has the advantage of making coffee simply. In other words, since the coffee extraction process is carried out in a capsule it can be said to be easy to clean and manage.

Such capsule coffee can be extracted only by using a coffee machine suitable for capsule coffee. There are several companies that produce capsule coffee, especially Nespresso and Lavazza. The size and shape of capsules vary slightly by manufacturer. Thus, the embodiment of the present invention was classified into capsules (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 according to size and shape.

Referring to FIG. 1, (a) is an aluminum capsule manufactured by Nespresso, and (b) is a plastic capsule manufactured by Lavazza. As shown in the figure, (a) is smaller in size than (b). And (a) is a narrow area of the floor, (b) is a large area of the floor. The present invention is to provide a foaming device for the capsule shown in [1], and also put the capsule coffee in the foaming device to be mounted on the coffee machine to extract the coffee well so that the crema can be formed It is to provide a bubble generator.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a bubble generator of a coffee machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 3, the bubble generator of the coffee machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a filter holder and a filter.

The filter holder 100 is fixed to the coffee machine main body 10 (FIG. 9), and an upper end portion is formed with an open opening 106, a lower end portion is formed with an outlet 104 for discharging coffee liquor, and a handle 102 at a side surface thereof. ) Is provided.

The filter 200 includes a housing 300, a bubble generator 400, a strainer 500, and a puncturing means 600.

The housing 300 is formed to have a size corresponding to the outer shape of the capsule coffee S so that the capsule coffee S of FIG. 1 can be inserted and adhered thereto, and an accommodating part 310 for accommodating the capsule coffee S is provided. ) Is formed, and the hole 320 is formed on the bottom surface. The bottom surface is formed with a circular protrusion 330 convex upwardly around the hole 320. For reference, in the present embodiment, the shape of the housing is formed in a shape similar to the capsule coffee in order to accommodate the capsule coffee, but is not necessarily formed in a shape similar to the capsule coffee. For example, when the coffee powder contained in the coffee wrapping paper is directly put in using a spoon, the housing may be shaped like a general cup.

Foam generating unit 400 is seated on the bottom of the housing 300, is made of a synthetic resin material having an elastic force. In some cases, it may be made of silicone or rubber material. The bubble generator 400 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8 as the core technology of the present invention for generating bubbles.

The strainer 500 is located above the bubble generator 400, and is formed in a circular shape and is woven with fine wire to form a plurality of holes. The strainer 500 functions to filter coarse coffee powder.

The drilling means 600 is for drilling a hole in the bottom of the capsule coffee (S) is located on the strainer 500 and is formed in the shape of a donut with a protruding edge. The plurality of puncture needles 610 protrude upward at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner diameter. The punch 610 is to make a hole in the capsule coffee (S) bottom. Through this hole, the coffee powder and water are mixed in the capsule so that the mixed coffee solution can be discharged.

4 is a cross-sectional view of the bubble generator 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the bubble generator 400 has a circular body portion 410 and protrudes downward from the center of the body portion 410 so as to be seated on the bottom surface of the housing 300. The protrusion 412 is fitted to the hole 320 formed in the 300.

The donut-shaped support plate 430 is built into the body 410 to maintain safety and robustness, thereby maintaining the original shape without being bleeding even in hot heat, and extending the service life of the foam generator 400. You can do it. The support plate 430 is preferably made of a hard metal, and particularly preferably made of stainless steel.

In addition, a depression 411 recessed to a certain depth is formed in the center of the upper surface of the body 410, and a through hole 420 is formed below the depression 411 so that the inner diameter thereof becomes narrower downward and wider again. do. Here, the depression 411 is to allow the coffee solution to be introduced well without being clogged when it is introduced into the through hole 420. The through hole 420 penetrates from the bottom of the depression 411 to the end of the protrusion 412 to form a fine foam layer in the coffee solution passing through the through hole 420.

The through hole 420 is divided into an inlet 416 and an outlet 414 and a narrow passage 418. The inlet 416 is formed with a diameter smaller than the depression 411 is formed on the bottom surface of the depression, the outlet 414 is formed with a diameter of the same size as the inlet 416 is formed at the end of the protrusion 412 do. The narrow passage 418 is positioned between the inlet 416 and the outlet 414 to be smaller than the diameter of the inlet 416. That is, the narrow passage 418 may be said to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the inlet 416 and the outlet 414.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the bubble generator 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG.

5 and 6, a rod-shaped protrusion protruding upwardly and disposed upward, downward, left, and right about the depression 411 on the upper surface of the body portion 410 of the bubble generator 400. There is a fan-shaped protrusion 419 projecting upward between 417 and the rod-shaped protrusion 417. In addition, a gap is generated between the bar-shaped protrusion 417 and the fan-shaped protrusion 419 to form a flow path 440 such as a waterway. Here, the upper surface of the body portion 410 is not flat, the center is a concave spherical surface so that the coffee extracted from the capsule can flow down toward the depression 411 along the flow path 440. That is, the coffee extracted from the capsule smoothly flows into the depression 411 of the foam generator 400.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the bubble generator 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of FIG.

7 and 8, a circular concave groove 413 corresponding to a circular protrusion 330 formed in the housing 300 is formed on a lower surface of the body portion 410 of the bubble generator 400. Is formed. The concave groove 413 is in close contact with the protrusion 330, thereby preventing leakage and obtaining an excellent watertight effect.

9 is a view showing a state in which the bubble generator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a coffee machine.

With reference to FIG. 9, the operation | movement and effect of the bubble generator 1 are demonstrated.

First, the bubble generator 1 according to the present invention is used to be mounted to the body 10 of the coffee machine. When mounting, grab the handle 102 of the filter holder 100 and insert the filter holder 100 into the main body 10 of the coffee machine and turn it counterclockwise so that the bubble generator 1 and the main body 10 are coupled to each other. .

When the coffee machine is operated, the coffee powder and water are mixed in the capsule coffee (S) and the coffee powder particles are filtered through the strainer 500, and only the coffee solution flows into the foam generator 400.

At this time, the coffee solution is collected along the flow path 440 formed on the top surface of the foam generator 400, and collected in the depression 411 located at the center of the foam generator 400. The coffee solution passes through the recess 411 and passes through the through hole 420. At this time, the pressure is lowered in the narrow passage 418, and the pressure is increased again at the outlet 414 which is gradually enlarged. That is, the pressure changes instantaneously.

According to Bernoulli's principle, the pressure is reduced at the point (A) where the cross section is small and narrow, and the pressure is expanded at the point (B) where the cross section is large and wide. That is, a pressure difference occurs at two points having different cross-sectional areas, and bubbles or bubbles may be formed in the coffee solution discharged through the point (A).

On the other hand, since the coffee particles passing through the narrow passage 418 become constant and fine grains, the particles are constant and small even though they have passed through the large and wide outlet 414. Thus, the foam generated while passing through the outlet 414 also has small and fine bubbles. As such, when the particles of the foam are small and fine bubbles, the foam can be maintained for a long time, thereby maintaining the taste and aroma of the coffee for a long time.

Therefore, by using the bubble generator 1 according to the present invention is a fine foam layer (C) is formed on the coffee beans (D) to be filled in the cup.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a bubble generator of a coffee machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a filter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

10 and 11, the foam generator of the coffee machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the filter or the same configuration as the filter holder of the first embodiment.

The filter holder 100 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The filter 200 'includes a housing 300', a bubble generator 400 ', and a puncturing means 600'.

The housing 300 'is similar to the housing 300 of the first embodiment, but differs in size. More specifically, the housing 300 of the first embodiment is a configuration for accommodating (a) of FIG. 1, and the housing 300 ′ of the second embodiment is for accommodating (b) of FIG. 1. Configuration. The housing 300 'is formed to have a size corresponding to the capsule coffee L so that the capsule coffee L can be inserted and adhered thereto, and an accommodating part 310' is formed to accommodate the capsule coffee L. Holes 320 'are formed on the bottom surface. The bottom surface is formed with a circular protrusion 330 'which is convex upwardly around the hole 320'.

The bubble generator 400 'is similar to the bubble generator 400 of the first embodiment, except that the second embodiment further includes a cylindrical protrusion 415' around the depression 411 '. .

The drilling means 600 ′ is for drilling a hole in the middle of the bottom of the capsule coffee L. The drilling means 600 of the first embodiment includes three drilling needles 610, but the drilling means of the second embodiment ( 600 ') has a difference in that one puncture needle 610' is formed.

The punching means 600 'is positioned above the bubble generator 400' and is formed in a donut shape. A Y-shaped joint 612 'is formed in the inner diameter, and a puncture needle 610' protrudes upward from the center of the joint 612 '. The puncture needle (610 ') is to make a hole in the middle of the bottom of the capsule coffee (L). Through this hole, the coffee powder and water are mixed in the capsule so that the mixed coffee solution can be discharged.

12 is a plan view illustrating a bubble generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view of FIG. 12.

12 and 13, the bubble generator 400 'is similar to the bubble generator 400 of the first embodiment, but has a different structure at the top of the body.

On the upper surface of the body portion, a radial projection is disposed radially about the depression 411 ', and an upwardly projecting bar-shaped projection 417' and a fan-shaped projection 419 'projecting upward between the bar-shaped projection 417' are provided. have. A flow path 440 'is formed in a space spaced between the bar-shaped protrusion 417' and the fan-shaped protrusion 419 '. In addition, a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 415 'having a predetermined height are formed at a predetermined interval with the recessed portion 411' inside the bar-shaped protrusion 417 '. It is preferable that the plurality of cylindrical protrusions 415 'are arranged very tightly.

Cylindrical protrusion 415 'is formed to solve the following problems,

First, when the middle of the bottom of the capsule coffee (L) is pierced by the puncture needle (610 '), powdered powder flows into the capsule coffee (L) instantaneously, and the recessed portion (411') is blocked by the powdered powder. If the depression 411 'is blocked, the coffee is not discharged well. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 415 'are formed around the depression 411' so as to serve as a strainer for filtering powder powder between the protrusions and the protrusions.

Second, when hot water enters the capsule coffee (L), the internal pressure increases, and the capsule coffee (L) expands. At this time, the bottom of the capsule coffee (L) is inflated so that the puncture needle (610 ') of the drilling means (600') is settled. When the puncture needle 610 'is settled down, when the coffee is discharged, the puncture needle 610' is blocked and the coffee is not discharged well. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 415 'are formed around the depression 411' to serve to support the puncture needle 610 'and the joint 612'.

14 is a perspective view showing a foaming device of a coffee machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 14, the foaming device for a coffee machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention relates to a foaming device into which the capsule coffee S of FIG. 1 can be placed, as in the first embodiment. .

The difference from the bubble generator of the first embodiment is that the filter is simpler.

The filter 200 of the first embodiment is composed of the housing 300, the foam generator 400, the strainer 500, the puncturing means 600, the filter 200 "of the third embodiment is the housing 300, There is a difference composed of the bubble generator 400 ". In particular, the bubble generator 400 "is characterized in that the puncture needle (431") is formed.

15 is a cross-sectional view showing a bubble generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a bubble generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. Fig. 16 is a perspective view.

15 to 17, a plurality of puncture needles 431 ″ protruding from the upper surface of the body portion are formed in the support plate 430 ″ of the body portion. The puncture needle 431 "is drilled in the bottom of the capsule coffee S. In addition, the upper surface of the body has a feature of forming a dish shape. That is, the center portion is round and flat, but the center portion is gentle toward the rim. In the center portion, the bar-shaped projection 417 ″ protrudes radially upward, and the puncture needle 431 ″ protrudes in the gently inclined portion.

So far, the bubble generating device is composed of a filter that can be inserted into the capsule coffee and a filter holder for inserting the filter into the coffee machine, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the bubble generator may be formed only of the filter holder excluding the filter. It is also possible to apply the bubble generator to the bottom of the filter holder so that bubbles can be generated in the filter holder itself.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and changes without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention but to describe the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be construed according to the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

1: Bubble generator 100: Filter holder 102: Handle
104: outlet 106: opening 200: filter
300: housing 310: receiving portion 320: hole
330: projection 400: bubble generating portion 410: body portion
411: depression 412: protrusion 413: groove
414: exit 416: entrance 418: narrow passage
420: through-hole 430: support plate 440: flow path
500: filter network 600: drilling means

Claims

It is fixed to the main body of the coffee machine is formed in the lower end discharge outlet for dispensing the coffee solution mixed with water and a filter holder having a handle on the side, and the filter is inserted into the filter holder and configured to extract coffee Become,
The filter,
A housing in which a hole is formed in the receiving portion and the bottom surface for accommodating coffee; And
A circular body part seated on the bottom of the housing, a donut-shaped support plate embedded in the body part, a protrusion protruding downward from the center of the body part to fit into the hole, and a constant depth at the center of the upper surface of the body part A bubble generating part including a depression recessed in the recess and a through hole positioned below the depression and narrowed toward the lower side thereof and penetrated wider again;
Bubble generating device of the coffee machine comprising a.

The method according to claim 1,
The bubble generator is a bubble generator of the coffee machine, characterized in that the synthetic resin material having an elastic force.

The method according to claim 2,
The upper surface of the body portion is formed in a radial radial centering around the depression, a plurality of bar-shaped projections projecting upwards, and a fan-shaped projections projecting upward between the bar-shaped projections is formed, characterized in that the foaming device of the coffee machine.

The method according to claim 3,
The foaming device of the coffee machine, characterized in that the upper surface of the body portion protrudes upward a plurality of cylindrical projections at predetermined intervals with the depression inside the plurality of rod-shaped projections.

The method according to claim 1,
The support plate of the body portion, the foaming device of the coffee machine, characterized in that a plurality of puncture needles protruding to protrude above the upper surface of the body portion.

The method according to claim 1,
The foaming device of the coffee machine, characterized in that further comprising a punching means formed on the top of the foaming unit to form a hole in the bottom of the capsule coffee.

The method of claim 6,
The punching means is a donut shape, the inner diameter of the Y-shaped joint is formed, the center of the joint is a bubble generating device of the coffee machine, characterized in that the perforated needle protrudes upward.

The method of claim 6,
The punching means is a donut shape of the rim protruding upward, the foaming device of the coffee machine, characterized in that a plurality of punching needles protrude upward at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the inner diameter.

The method according to claim 7 or 8,
The foaming device of the coffee machine, characterized in that further comprising a strainer for filtering the coffee powder contained in the capsule coffee between the foaming unit and the punching means.

The method according to claim 1,
The bottom surface of the housing is a convex circular protrusion is formed around the hole, the bottom of the body portion of the foam machine of the coffee machine, characterized in that a circular concave groove corresponding to the protrusion is formed.

The method according to claim 1,
The housing is a foaming device of the coffee machine, characterized in that formed to correspond to the appearance of the capsule coffee to accommodate the capsule coffee.