RU2805680C2 - Coffee machine - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: coffee machines.

SUBSTANCE: espresso coffee machine that also provides the possibility of preparing brewed filter coffee. An external water supply nozzle is provided which supplies water to a coffee jug containing a filter holder for holding the coffee filter and ground coffee contained therein. The coffee jug and the external water supply nozzle can be connected to and disconnected from each other. The possibility of connecting and disconnecting the coffee jug and the outer nozzle is provided, as well as the optimal temperature for brewing espresso coffee in the espresso coffee mode and the optimal temperature for brewing filtered coffee in the water supply brewing filter coffee mode.

EFFECT: new, more versatile design.

15 cl, 13 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to coffee machines, in particular to espresso coffee machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

An espresso machine typically contains a brewing chamber that contains ground coffee. The machine compresses the ground coffee and passes hot water through the compressed ground coffee to create the espresso coffee drink.

A fully automatic espresso coffee machine additionally contains a coffee grinder so that the machine performs the full range of functions of grinding coffee beans, compressing the ground beans and producing an espresso drink.

In addition, these devices usually provide the function of automatically preparing cappuccino with frothed milk. In most cases, steam is used to heat and froth milk in a similar way to a barista.

This type of machine is only suitable for preparing espresso and cappuccino drinks. However, brewed filter coffee is also popular.

Commercial coffee machines are designed with the ability to prepare all different types of coffee drinks, as well as other drinks such as tea, hot chocolate, hot milk, etc. However, these are expensive cars that are not suitable for the domestic market. For example, CN 2006-14922 discloses a commercial coffee machine that includes an espresso coffee maker and a drip coffee maker built in parallel.

US 2015/0033947 discloses a device with a variety of accessories. An accessory for a coffee capsule or an accessory for brewed filter coffee is provided.

There remains a need for a fully functional coffee machine that can prepare espresso drinks (and cappuccino if necessary) as well as brewed filter coffee, but without significantly increasing the cost, complexity, difficulty of use or size of the device.

WO 96/31125 discloses a milk frothing system that is part of an espresso coffee machine. The coffee machine includes a hot water tap that can be used to drain hot water into the thermos.

WO 2012/151629 discloses a coffee maker which includes a removable water reservoir. A steam wand is used to ensure steam is released to froth the milk.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims.

According to the examples, in accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a coffee machine comprising:

water supply system;

water heater for heating water;

pump for pumping heated water;

a brewing chamber for receiving ground coffee and brewing coffee using hot water supplied by a pump;

external water supply nozzle for delivering water from the pump that did not pass into the brewing chamber; And

a coffee carafe containing a filter holder for holding a coffee filter and ground coffee contained therein,

wherein the coffee carafe and the coffee machine include complementary connecting elements to enable connection and disconnection of the coffee carafe and the external water supply nozzle.

This coffee machine is designed to prepare espresso coffee using a brewing chamber in which ground coffee is placed. However, in combination with a coffee carafe with filter holder, the machine can also prepare brewed filter coffee. The coffee filter is located on the outside of the machine, so the added feature of brewing filter coffee does not add to the space required or complexity of the machine. All different types of coffee use the same water supply system, water heater and pump.

Using a coffee carafe to make brewed filter coffee does not require the user to make any adjustments to the coffee machine other than selecting the brewed filter mode so that the coffee machine can control the supply of hot water from the pump directly to the external water supply nozzle.

The coffee machine preferably includes a controller configured to implement an operating mode for preparing brewed filter coffee and an operating mode for preparing espresso coffee. The controller controls the pump to control the water flow rate and/or controls the heater to control the temperature. Thus, water is supplied to the external water supply nozzle during the brewing filter coffee mode, and water is supplied to the brewing chamber during the espresso coffee brewing mode at different water flow rates and/or different temperatures.

In this way, the water supply speed and/or the water temperature are adjusted in accordance with the operating mode, so that the coffee preparation is optimal for the preparation of espresso coffee or for the preparation of brewed filter coffee.

Thus, according to the first aspect, the controller, when operating in a brewed filter coffee mode, can be configured to control a pump to supply a required amount of water to the external water supply nozzle at a corresponding water supply rate. Thus, the water supply rate from the external water supply nozzle is actively controlled to provide an optimal rate for producing brewed filter coffee.

For example, the controller, when operating in the brewed filter coffee preparation mode, is configured to control a pump to supply a pulsed flow of water to an external water supply nozzle. This pulsed flow of water is used to achieve a lower water flow rate than a continuous flow. This allows the pump to provide a flow rate at a pressure suitable for brewing a brewed filter coffee drink.

The controller, when operating in the espresso coffee brewing mode, may be configured to control the pump to supply water to the brewing chamber at a higher water flow rate than during operation in the brewed filter coffee brewing mode. Thus, the controller is used to actively control the water flow rate to provide an optimal speed for brewing espresso coffee in the espresso brew mode and an optimal speed for brewing filter brew coffee in the brew filter coffee mode.

For the espresso coffee mode, the water flow rate is, for example, more than 3 ml/s, for example in the range from 3 ml/s to 5 ml/s, and for the brewed filter coffee mode, the water flow rate is, for example, less than 2 ml/s s, for example in the range from 1 ml/s to 2 ml/s.

According to the second aspect, the controller, when operating in the brewed filter coffee preparation mode, is configured to control the heater to supply water at a suitable temperature. Thus, the temperature of the water supplied from the external water supply nozzle is actively controlled to provide the optimum temperature for brewing filtered brewed coffee.

The controller, when operating in the espresso coffee brewing mode, may be configured to control the heater to supply water at a higher temperature to the brewing chamber than during operation in the brewed filter coffee brewing mode. Thus, the controller is used to actively control the temperature of the water to provide the optimum temperature for brewing espresso coffee in the espresso brew mode and the optimal temperature for brewing filter brew coffee in the brew filter coffee mode.

For the espresso coffee mode, the temperature is, for example, more than 95°C (for example, 100°C), and for the brewed filter coffee mode, the temperature is, for example, less than 95°C (for example, 90°C).

The outer water supply nozzle may include a connecting member for connecting to the coffee jug. This can make it easier to accurately align the coffee carafe and the external water nozzle.

The filter holder of the coffee jug may include a connecting member for connecting to an external water supply nozzle. For example, the filter holder can be attached to the coffee machine, and the jug can simply be installed underneath as a collection tank. This means that only a small and lightweight element needs to be installed in the coffee machine.

The coffee machine preferably comprises an espresso coffee machine with a bean grinding function comprising a coffee grinder. Thus, the functionality of a fully automated, full-featured espresso coffee machine is enhanced by incorporating a true drip filter brewing function, where brewed filter coffee can be prepared from freshly ground coffee beans.

For example, a coffee grinder has an outlet that may be configured to supply ground coffee to the brewing chamber. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the coffee grinder outlet may be configured to supply ground coffee to an external ground coffee outlet accessible from the outside of the coffee machine. Thus, the machine's built-in coffee grinding capability can be used to grind coffee beans for other purposes, such as the aforementioned brewed filter coffee function or for a separate drip coffee machine or other coffee machine. In this regard, it is clear that the external output of ground coffee can be successfully used in other coffee machines without the limitations of this paragraph 1 of the claims. Therefore, according to an aspect of the invention, a coffee machine may be provided including a water supply system, a water heater for heating water, a pump for pumping heated water, a brewing chamber for receiving ground coffee and brewing coffee using hot water supplied by the pump, a coffee grinder with an outlet configured with the ability to supply ground coffee to the brewing chamber and/or to the external ground coffee outlet of the coffee machine.

In addition, the water heater is preferably configured to control steam production. Alternatively, an additional heater may be provided to generate steam. An external hot water outlet provides the ability to brew brewed filter coffee in addition to the espresso coffee brewed inside the machine, while a steam output provides the ability to heat and froth milk for cappuccinos (or lattes, or other drinks).

For this purpose, the coffee machine additionally includes a steam outlet. The steam outlet may be separate from the external water supply nozzle, or it may be an external water supply nozzle (which can thus supply steam or hot water).

In a preferred embodiment, the coffee machine further comprises a milk frothing unit for connection to the steam outlet.

The invention further provides a coffee carafe comprising:

tank and

a filter holder for holding the coffee filter and ground coffee contained therein; And

a connecting member configured to connect the coffee jug to an external water supply nozzle of the espresso coffee machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A and 1B depict a fully functional espresso coffee machine;

Fig. 2A-2D show an example of an outlet nozzle for supplying steam and hot water;

Fig. 3A and 3B depict a method of attaching a filter coffee pitcher to an outlet nozzle to enable the preparation of brewed filter coffee;

Fig. 4 shows in more detail the structure of the filter holder and jug for connection with the outlet nozzle shown in FIG. 3 and 4;

Fig. 5A and 5B depict a first method of using a complete brewed filter coffee machine;

Fig. 6 shows a second method of using a full-featured brewed filter coffee machine; And

Fig. 7 shows an example of a hydraulic system for a coffee machine.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods are presented for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the accompanying claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are only schematic and are not depicted to scale. It is further understood that like reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to denote the same or similar parts.

According to the invention, there is provided a coffee machine for preparing an espresso coffee drink, which also enables the preparation of brewed filter coffee, such as coffee brewed using a drip filter. An external water supply nozzle is provided that supplies water to a coffee jug including a filter holder for holding a coffee filter and ground coffee (ie, ground coffee beans) contained therein. The coffee carafe and the external water nozzle can be connected and disconnected from each other.

In FIG. 1A and 1B illustrate a beverage machine 10 in the form of an espresso coffee machine. In FIG. 1A is a perspective view, and FIG. 1B is a front view. This example is a coffee machine with a bean grinding function, although other options are possible, as listed below.

It contains a main body 12 in which a water tank, a water heater and a tank for receiving coffee beans are located. There is an internal grinding mechanism to produce ground coffee, a brewing chamber or brewing group to receive ground coffee, and a pumping system to pump heated water through the ground coffee.

The coffee machine includes a coffee outlet 14 from which an espresso drink (without milk) comes out after pumping hot water through the ground coffee. The coffee outlet 14 faces downwards and is located above the drip tray 16. In addition, in FIG. 1A and 1B show a user interface 18 for receiving user selection signals, such as selection of water and other beverages. In addition, there is an external water supply nozzle 20 for delivering water (or steam) from the pump that has not passed into the brewing chamber. Below this is called exit nozzle 20.

In addition to the espresso coffee mode for dispensing coffee from the coffee outlet 14, the outlet nozzle 20 provides a hot water mode and a steam mode. Some of the selected drinks are drink recipes that include frothed milk and therefore require steam generation. For this purpose, steam can be supplied from the outlet nozzle 20. There may also be a steam option that is not part of the beverage selection, for example to provide the user with the ability to prepare heated and/or frothed milk independent of any beverage being prepared by the coffee machine. This can be described as a milk frothing mode.

The present invention particularly relates to a coffee machine having an external hot water outlet such as described above. In the example of FIG. 1 outlet nozzle 20 can be used to supply hot water or steam depending on the heating setting of the water heater. However, separate outlets for steam and hot water may be provided instead. Separate heaters can also be used, one to produce hot water, the other, or both, acting together to produce steam. The supply of steam or hot water depends on the user's selection in the user interface 18. The steam output can be used to heat and/or froth milk, while the hot water only output option gives the user additional options such as making soup, tea, hot chocolate, etc.

The operation of the coffee machine when preparing the espresso coffee drink is completely conventional, and the general operation of the coffee machine is not described further. In addition, the fully functional espresso coffee machine depicted is only one example of the type of coffee machine to which the invention can be applied. Other types include: a pod or capsule coffee machine or a portafilter espresso coffee machine, in which a portion of the brewing chamber is removable from the machine to receive ground coffee and manually discharge said ground coffee after use.

The present invention relates to the use of a filter coffee jug attached to the outlet nozzle 20 so as to enable the preparation of brewed filter coffee.

To provide the brewed filter coffee function, the water pump of the coffee machine is preferably controlled to supply a pulsed flow of water to the outlet nozzle 20. For this purpose, the coffee machine includes a controller 11.

An outlet nozzle 20 is located in the docking area 21 for receiving a coffee filter jug. Likewise, a beverage container or a milk frothing unit may be installed in the docking area 21.

An example of the outlet nozzle 20 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2A-2D. In FIG. 2A is a front view; FIG. 2B is a side view, FIG. 2C is a top perspective view, and FIG. 2D shows a perspective view from below.

The illustrated outlet nozzle 20 includes an outlet tip 22 having an outlet that generally faces downward in use so that hot water is directed downward into a reservoir where it is captured and steam is generated in a safe downward direction.

When steam is supplied, it is supplied to the steam inlet of the milk frothing unit (not shown). A variety of milk frothing units are known (and commercially available) that utilize a steam inlet to froth and heat milk. The milk frothing unit may, for example, comprise a milk container and an outlet for the frothed milk. Alternatively, the milk frothing unit may contain a milk frothing tube (cappuccino maker, pannarello).

The outlet tip 22 may be spring-loaded or otherwise resiliently deformable or retractable such that it deforms or retracts when a unit, such as a filter coffee pitcher (according to the invention) or a milk frothing unit (already known), is placed in the docking area. 21 and is thus displaced (elastically, by gravity or otherwise) to provide sealing. The tip 22 can thus function as a retaining mechanism between the installed block and the outlet nozzle, and also provide a sealed connection between them.

The hot water may be supplied either to the installed filter coffee carafe, or it may be supplied through the outlet nozzle 20 directly to the outside of the beverage machine to be collected in the beverage reservoir.

In FIG. 2B shows that the outlet nozzle 20 may be directed downwardly offset from the vertical by an angle θ that is, for example, less than 30 degrees, such as less than 20 degrees, such as 15 degrees. The nozzle 20 is angled relative to the outer surface, in this case relative to the front surface 24 of the machine, from which the outlet nozzle protrudes. Due to this angle θ, the nozzle does not need to protrude to the center of the hot water receiving container (eg a mug). The projection distance d is, for example, less than 4 cm, for example less than 3 cm, or even less than 2 cm.

In the specific example shown, the outlet nozzle 20 has an outlet tube 26 that is rotatable about an axis 28 and has an outlet tip 22 at its lower end. The outlet tube 26 may be configured to rotate about this axis 28 between a first direction that is offset from the vertical and a second direction that is different when the unit is installed. The second direction may be more vertical than the first direction, and may in fact be completely vertical. It is believed that this second orientation is more compact and can be used when the outlet nozzle 20 is connected to a mounted block so that the block can be mounted as close to the machine as possible. This in turn allows the small drip tray 16 to be used to catch spilled hot water, spilled frothed milk and spilled brewed coffee, respectively.

The outlet nozzle 20 can be configured to rotate in other directions, for example to the side, which can be particularly advantageous when used with a cappuccino maker.

In FIG. 3A and 3B show a coffee carafe 30 including a reservoir 31 and a filter holder 32 for holding a paper coffee filter 33 and ground coffee 34 contained therein. The coffee carafe 30 and the outlet nozzle 20 include complementary connecting elements to allow connection and disconnection of the coffee carafe and an external water supply nozzles. It may have a snap and snap function.

The coffee carafe includes, as a connecting member, a receiving chamber 36 that fits over the outlet nozzle 20 to facilitate alignment of the coffee carafe 30 for the user. The outlet tube 26 of the outlet nozzle 20 can be considered a connecting element in the sense that the chamber 36 is pressed onto the outlet tube 26 in a tight fit.

In FIG. 3A and 3B show how the coffee carafe 30 can be installed in a coffee machine. It is brought at an angle so that the receiving chamber 36 is aligned with the outlet nozzle 20. When the receiving chamber 36 is mounted on the outlet tube 26 of the outlet nozzle 20, the outlet tip 22 is retracted against the action of its spring, elastic element, gravity or other displacement. The outlet tip then fits into a recess inside the receiving chamber 36 so that the hole in the outlet tip 22 is aligned (and if necessary also sealed) with the water inlet port of the filter holder. This also joins the two parts together, although other or additional snap-fit or press-fit connection arrangements may be provided.

After engagement, the coffee jug 30 can be turned downward. It then assumes a more upright position relative to the front surface 24. As shown in FIG. 3B, in this case, the coffee carafe 30 can stand on the drip tray 16. This allows for easy connection since the base of the coffee carafe 30 does not contact the drip tray 16 during the initial connection, as shown in FIG. 3A. In an alternative embodiment, the coffee carafe 30 may be sized such that its base hangs above the drip tray 16 in a positioned position.

The filter holder 32 is configured to remove the jug from the tank 31.

In one example there is no hard connection between them. In this case, the filter holder 32 is attached to the outlet nozzle 20 in the manner described above, and a separate pitcher reservoir 31 is simply mounted at the bottom to catch the brewed filtered coffee.

In another example, the pitcher tank 31 and the filter holder 32 are secured to each other so that the pitcher tank and the filter holder can be used as a single unit, as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B.

In FIG. 4 shows a filter holder 32 and a reservoir 31 for connection with the outlet nozzle 20 shown in FIG. 2 and 3. The receiving chamber 36 includes a frame that fits over the outlet nozzle 20 and a slot 37 that receives the outlet tip 22.

To prepare brewed filter coffee, the controller 11 may control a pump to pulse hot water into the coffee jug. The amount of water can be selected by the user in advance, or he can start and stop the water supply process manually.

There are various options for preparing brewed filtered coffee drink.

In FIG. 5A and 5B schematically show the first embodiment, in which the brewing chamber 58 is disconnected from the rest of the coffee machine 10. FIG. 5A, the filter holder 32 is attached to the coffee grinder 38, and then ground coffee is supplied to the filter holder 32. In FIG. 5B, a filter holder 32 and a coffee jug 31 are attached to the outlet nozzle 20.

In this example, the user uses the coffee grinding function of the coffee machine by installing a filter holder at the outlet of the grinder and removing the brew chamber from the outlet of the grinder.

In FIG. 6 schematically shows an example in which the coffee grinder 38 has an outlet 39 that can be rotated between a first position in which it supplies ground coffee into the brewing chamber 58 and a second position in which it is directed toward an external ground coffee outlet where the ground coffee can be placed in the filter holder 32 when the filter holder 32 and the coffee jug 31 are already in the receiving position and connected to the outlet nozzle 20.

More generally, the grinder may have a first outlet for a brewing chamber 58 and a second outlet for an external outlet 70 of ground coffee. These two outlets may be implemented statically (ie, two outlets and a valve to select between them) or by a single outlet that moves between outlet positions, as shown in FIG. 6.

The outlet of the ground coffee may be adjacent to the outlet nozzle 20, as shown in FIG. 6, so that ground coffee and water can be supplied to the coffee jug and filter holder in the same position. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1B, an external ground coffee outlet 70 may be positioned at a distance from the outlet nozzle 20 and serve to dispense ground coffee into a coffee filter holder or portafilter for use with the illustrated coffee machine or a separate coffee machine.

In this case, the controller selects the output to be used (i.e. to the brewing chamber or to the outlet chute) by controlling the operation of a valve or drive mechanism that selects between two possible exit paths for delivering ground coffee to either the brewing chamber or the outlet chute. The controller determines the path of ground coffee depending on the mode selected by the user.

In FIG. 7 shows the internal components of a fully functional espresso coffee machine and, in particular, shows the fluid paths through the system.

The coffee machine 10 includes a water container 42, a water heater 44 for heating water to produce steam and hot water having a water heater outlet, and a water pump 48 for pumping heated water and steam. Additionally, there is a water dosing flow meter 47.

The pump supplies water to the water heater 44. In addition, there is an overpressure valve 50 connecting the heater to a drip tray 16 for collecting or discharging spilled water.

Heated steam is supplied to the outlet nozzle 20 through the first electronic valve 56.

The coffee outlet 14 may have a built-in valve for creamy coffee crema. Heated water is supplied to the brewing chamber 58 through the second valve 60, as well as through the control unit 62. The control unit 62 makes it possible to drain water into the drip tray 16, for example, during cooling of the heater.

The brewing chamber 58 may be driven by a motor 64 to move the brewing chamber between different positions. These positions include at least a ground coffee receiving position and a coffee brewing position. Alternatively (not shown), the brewing chamber can be opened and closed manually using a portafilter.

The illustrated coffee machine uses a single heater 44 to selectively supply hot water at a temperature of about 100°C (usually above 95°C) for brewing coffee, steam at a temperature of about 140°C (or above) to an outlet nozzle 20 for heating and/or frothing milk, and water at a temperature of 90°C (usually below 95°C) to the outlet nozzle 20 to prepare brewed filter coffee depending on the mode set by the user. The temperature is controlled by a controller. Alternatively, an additional heater may be provided to generate steam or to assist the first heater in generating steam.

The coffee machine may have a pressurization system for the brewing chamber. In addition, it may have a tank for receiving coffee beans and a coffee grinder (38 in Fig. 5 and 6) to provide a full bean grinding function. Alternatively, the ground coffee may be supplied in capsules, pods, or similar pre-portioned form. These items are not shown because they are not hydraulic components.

Espresso coffee is typically prepared by forcing water under pressure through some ground coffee. The brewing chamber or part thereof may be removable to facilitate emptying and cleaning of the brewing chamber. As shown and mentioned above, once removed in some examples, the coffee holder (drip filter holder, brew chamber, portafilter) can be attached to the outlet 39 or external ground coffee outlet 70 of the grinder.

During the espresso preparation process, the ground coffee may be compressed to a certain extent. To this end, the machine may, for example, comprise a piston which is movably positioned in the cylindrical brewing chamber and which is configured to seal the open upper side of the brewing chamber.

The movement of the piston controls the degree of compression of the ground coffee. As the compression of the ground coffee increases, the resistance to flow through the ground coffee increases. In the espresso brewing process, the brewing pressure at which the process is carried out, i.e. The pressure at which water is forced through the ground coffee is determined by the resistance to flow through the ground coffee.

Brew pressure is a determining factor in important characteristics of an espresso drink, including the flavor and texture of the foam layer. Thus, the brewing pressure is controlled, for example, by changing the position of the piston and/or the water flow.

When the coffee machine is to prepare espresso coffee, the heater 44 is first heated to approximately 140° C. (or higher) to supply steam to heat and/or froth the milk. The heater is then cooled to approximately 100°C to provide hot water for brewing coffee. During the cooling phase from 140 to 100°C, the water leaving the heater may still be too hot to brew coffee. This water is drained into the drip tray 16 using the control unit 62.

To prepare brewed filter coffee, the user places the coffee filter paper 33 in the filter holder 32, applies the required amount of ground coffee to the filter paper, possibly using a coffee grinder if one is included with the coffee machine, and places the filter holder to the outlet nozzle 20. Select the operating mode to prepare brewed filter coffee, and then the coffee machine controller 11 controls the pump and heater to supply the required amount of water at the appropriate temperature and water supply speed.

The temperature or water flow rate, or both, may differ between the espresso mode and the brewed filter coffee mode.

The water supply can be continuous or pulsed. Pulsing water may be of interest since the pump has a specific water flow output function depending on the back pressure. The pump is selected to provide a good flow rate for the back pressure of the espresso, for example 3-5 ml/s (usually more than 3 ml/s) at a back pressure (gauge pressure) of 8 bar (1 bar = 100 kPa).

For the brew filter coffee function using a drip filter, the back pressure is approximately zero, which means that the pump will provide a flow of about 15 ml/s at full pressure.

A restriction can be added at the trickling filter outlet to reduce the flow to the required level. However, this creates pressure in the connector and increases the risk of calcification. The power supplied to the pump can be reduced by phase cutting. This requires electronic filtration and therefore increases cost.

Although these are possible options for controlling the water flow rate and are within the general concept of the invention, it is preferable instead to provide cyclic control of the pump power, i.e. provide a pulsed output stream. This solution is economical. Additionally, users appreciate the resulting choppy sound.

Thus, for the full power espresso function the flow rate may be 3-5 ml/s (usually more than 3 ml/s) at a back pressure (gauge pressure) of 8 bar, while for the brew filter function using a drip filter the resulting the flow rate can be 1-2 ml/s (usually less than 2 ml/s) at a back pressure (gauge pressure) of 0-1 bar.

The coffee machine may comprise any suitable type of water heater for heating water, such as a thermoblock or instantaneous heater.

The invention is of particular interest to fully automatic coffee machines, as described above, which create a coffee beverage by automatically grinding coffee beans, compressing the ground coffee, and pumping pressurized hot water through the coffee. In addition, these coffee machines have the ability to prepare milk-based drinks by frothing milk using steam. These coffee machines are known as full-featured espresso coffee machines with bean grinding functionality. However, the invention can be applied generally to any beverage machine that has an internal brewing chamber as well as a hot water outlet.

For example, the invention may be applied to a capsule or pod system that accepts pre-compressed coffee capsules or pods, or to a portafilter espresso machine, or to a machine that accepts pre-ground coffee.

The machine may have an internal or external water tank or may be connected to a water supply.

The above example shows only one possible connection arrangement between the filter holder 32 and the outlet nozzle 20. Any suitable coupling or male/female connector may be used. The example shows connecting elements that provide a fixed connection. However, the connecting elements may instead simply function as alignment elements to allow flow from the outlet nozzle to the filter holder, but without the need for a sealed connection.

Other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention based on examination of the drawings, descriptive text, and appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the grammatical means of expressing the singular do not exclude the presence of the plural. The mere fact that certain measures are set out in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. No item numbers in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims (31)

1. A coffee machine containing: water supply system (42); water heater (44) for heating water; pump (48) for pumping heated water; controller (11); a brewing chamber (58) for receiving ground coffee and brewing coffee using hot water supplied by the pump; external water supply nozzle (20) for delivering water from the pump that did not pass into the brewing chamber, characterized in that it additionally contains: a coffee jug (30) containing a filter holder (32) for holding the coffee filter and the ground coffee contained therein, wherein the coffee carafe and the coffee machine comprise complementary connecting elements (26, 36) to enable connection and disconnection of the coffee carafe and the external water supply nozzle, and wherein the controller (11) is configured to: implementation of the operating mode for preparing brewed filtered coffee and the operating mode for preparing espresso coffee; And control of the pump (48) and/or heater (44) to provide water supply to the external water supply nozzle during operation in the brewed filter coffee mode and supply water to the brewing chamber during operation in the espresso coffee mode at different water flow rates and /or different temperatures. 2. The coffee machine according to claim 1, in which the controller, when operating in the brewed filtered coffee preparation mode, is configured to control the pump (48) to supply a pulsed flow of water to the external water supply nozzle. 3. The coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, in which the controller (11), when operating in the espresso coffee preparation mode, is configured to control the pump to supply water to the brewing chamber at a higher water supply rate than during operation in the filtered brew mode coffee. 4. The coffee machine according to claim 3, in which the controller (11), when operating in the espresso coffee preparation mode, is configured to control the pump to supply water to the brewing chamber at a water supply rate above 3 ml/s, and when operating in the filtered brew mode coffee is configured to control a pump to supply water to the external water supply nozzle at a water supply rate below 2 ml/s. 5. Coffee machine according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the controller (11), when operating in the espresso coffee preparation mode, is configured to control the heater to supply water at a higher temperature to the brewing chamber than during operation in the brewed filter coffee preparation mode. 6. The coffee machine according to claim 5, in which the controller (11), when operating in the espresso coffee preparation mode, is configured to control the heater to supply water to the brewing chamber at a temperature above 95°C, and when operating in the brewed filtered coffee preparation mode, it is configured with the ability to control the heater to supply water to the external water supply nozzle at temperatures below 95°C. 7. Coffee machine according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, in which the outer water supply nozzle (20) includes a connecting element (26) for connection with the coffee jug. 8. Coffee machine according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the coffee jug filter holder (32) includes a connecting element (36) for connection with an external water supply nozzle (20). 9. Coffee machine according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, containing an espresso coffee machine with a bean grinding function, containing a coffee grinder (38). 10. The coffee machine according to claim 9, wherein the grinder (38) has an outlet (39) that can be configured to supply ground coffee to the brewing chamber (58) and/or to an external ground coffee outlet (70). 11. Coffee machine according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, in which the water heater (44) is further configured to control steam production. 12. Coffee machine according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, further comprising a steam outlet that is either separate from the outer water supply nozzle or is an outer water supply nozzle (20). 13. The coffee machine according to claim 12, further comprising a milk frothing unit for connection to the steam outlet. 14. Coffee jug (30) of the coffee machine according to any one of claims. 1-13. 15. Coffee jug (30), containing: reservoir (31) and a filter holder (32) for holding the coffee filter and the ground coffee contained therein, characterized in that it additionally contains: a connecting element (36) configured to connect the coffee jug with a corresponding connecting element of the external water supply nozzle of the espresso coffee machine according to claim 1.