WO2013173388A1 - Distributeur de boissons à commande d'écoulement et à commande thermique améliorées - Google Patents

Distributeur de boissons à commande d'écoulement et à commande thermique améliorées Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013173388A1
WO2013173388A1 PCT/US2013/041021 US2013041021W WO2013173388A1 WO 2013173388 A1 WO2013173388 A1 WO 2013173388A1 US 2013041021 W US2013041021 W US 2013041021W WO 2013173388 A1 WO2013173388 A1 WO 2013173388A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
pump
thermoblock
outlet
pressure
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/041021
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Igor ZAMLINKSY
Gleb POLYAKOV
Original Assignee
Zpm Ltd. Co. D/B/A Zpm Expresso
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zpm Ltd. Co. D/B/A Zpm Expresso filed Critical Zpm Ltd. Co. D/B/A Zpm Expresso
Priority to PCT/US2013/041021 priority Critical patent/WO2013173388A1/fr
Publication of WO2013173388A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013173388A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/40—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
    • A47J31/402—Liquid dosing devices

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to beverage dispensing machines, and more particularly to espresso machines with improved thermal and flow control.
  • Espresso machines and other beverage dispensing machines, use a variety of pumps.
  • Espresso machines for example, include a relatively high pressure pump (-15 Bar) to pump steam through coffee grounds.
  • These pumps can be rotary vane pumps, for example, which use a plurality of vanes on a rotor. The rotor is then mounted offset in a circular chamber to create a pumping action as each vane moves from the "large" end of the pump to the "small” end of the pump creating pressure.
  • Vibratory solenoid pumps in consumer or commercial applications, for example, generally consist of a solenoid coil- wrapped tube with a spring-tensioned shuttle and a check valve. As the name implies, as the shuttle vibrates back and forth in the tube displacing fluid. As the fluid is displaced, a check valve acts as a "diode" and maintains flow only in one direction. Vibratory solenoid pumps are typically designed to be driven directly by an alternating current "mains" power supply. As shown in Fig. 1, therefore, a diode is sometimes placed in series with the solenoid to eliminate every other half cycle of the sine wave. Depending on configuration, each half cycle, or every other half cycle, of the drive signal actuates the shuttle- generating pressure.
  • thermoblocks In addition, home espresso machines (and some commercial machines) generally use one of two technologies to heat the water inside the machines before it is streamed under pressure over coffee grounds or exhausted as steam: boilers and thermoblocks.
  • a boiler is simply a vessel with a heat source (e.g., heating element or gas flame) to heat the water.
  • a thermoblock is a large block of metal with a plurality of narrow channels that acts like a heat exchanger. A heating element heats the thermoblock, which heats the water by transferring heat to the liquid from the metal via conduction as the water flows through the channels.
  • Fig. 2 depicts the fluid circuit for a commercially available espresso machine.
  • the machines generally comprise a water tank 205 and a vibratory or rotary vane pump 210 to deliver water and/or steam to the dispenser 215.
  • a problem with conventional pumps 210 used in espresso and other dispensing machines is that they do not provide variable pressure control.
  • return circuits 220, pressure relief valves 225, and other systems must be used to return excess flow to the water tank 205. This unnecessarily complicates the machine and wastes energy because the pump 210 pumps more water than is necessary, which is simply returned to the tank 205.
  • thermoblock designs tend to perform poorly due to, among other things, the small contact area between the water and the thermoblock, underpowered heating elements, and low thermoblock mass. These factors conspire to lower the efficiency of the conduction between the metal of the block and the water. This results in poor temperature control (among other things), which is key to quality espresso.
  • the present invention is a method for feedback pressure control of vibratory solenoid pumps, particularly in applications for beverage extraction and dispensation. This method forgoes the typical fixed frequency alternating current sine wave drive signal, instead utilizing a direct current, variable frequency square wave. Using feedback control, the frequency of said square wave can be regulated to maintain a desired pressure output.
  • the present invention is a solid block water heater with integrated brew group and filter holder; whose channel design allow it to heat water to a consistent temperature for the duration of an espresso shot, as well as produce steam when required. It is comprised of a block with serpentine concentric water channels, a steam channel, a spring operated check valve, an internal heating element, and filter holder.
  • Embodiments of the present invention also enable consistent pressure and temperature and variable pressure and temperature profiles.
  • pressure can be ramped up or down through the duration of the shot, for example, temperature can be ramped up or down through the duration of the shot, or any combination thereof.
  • Embodiments of the present invention can comprise a system including a pump in fluid communication with a fluid from a fluid supply and a thermoblock.
  • the thermoblock can comprise a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, one or more fluid passages, disposed in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, in a serpentine configuration, and a thermal source in thermal communication with the one or more fluid passages to change the temperature of the fluid as is passes through the one or more fluid passages.
  • the thermoblock can also comprise a steam outlet, and a check valve with a first position and a second position.
  • the check valve when the fluid is in liquid form, the check valve is in the first position and the one or more fluid passages are in fluid communication with the fluid outlet and, when the fluid is a gas, the check valve is in the second position and the one or more fluid passages are in fluid communication with the steam outlet.
  • the thermal source can be, for example, a resistive heating element or a gas flame.
  • the pump can be a vibratory pump and the pump volume, pressure, or both are adjustable by varying the pump frequency or the pulse width.
  • the system can also include a temperature sensor in thermal communication with the thermoblock and a control unit for controlling the temperature of a fluid in the thermoblock.
  • the control unit can be a proportional-integral (PI) control unit.
  • Embodiments of the present invention can also comprise a system including a pump, with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in fluid communication with a fluid supply, a thermoblock comprising a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump, a fluid outlet, and a plurality of serpentine fluid passages between the inlet and the outlet, a thermal source, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump, a control unit in electrical communication with the pressure sensor and the pump for controlling the pressure at the outlet of the pump, and a thermal source in thermal communication with the thermoblock to change the temperature of the fluid as is passes through the thermoblock.
  • a system including a pump, with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in fluid communication with a fluid supply, a thermoblock comprising a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump, a fluid outlet, and a plurality of serpentine fluid passages between the inlet and the outlet, a thermal source, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump, a control unit in
  • control unit can be a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller.
  • PID proportional-integral-derivative
  • the control unit can measure an error between a first setpoint and a pressure measured by the pressure sensor and change the frequency or pulse width of the pump to reduce the error.
  • the pressure transducer can comprise a piezoresistive ceramic pressure sensor.
  • the thermoblock can comprise aluminum.
  • thermoblock can further comprise a cover plate, a base plate comprising a heating element groove housing the thermal source, and a check valve with a first position and a second position.
  • the check valve when the check valve is in the first position, the one or more fluid passages can be in fluid communication with a fluid outlet, and when the check valve is in the second position, the one or more fluid passages are in fluid communication with a steam outlet.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a conventional pump control signal.
  • Fig. 2 depicts a conventional water circuit for an espresso machine.
  • Fig. 3 depicts a square wave control signal, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a flowchart depicting a method of controlling pump pressure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a thermoblock, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a top view of a thermoblock, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a bottom, perspective view of a thermoblock, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a bottom view of a thermoblock, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of a thermoblock assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to an espresso machine with improved fluid and thermal control.
  • the espresso machine can include a vibratory solenoid pump with improved pressure control.
  • the machine can also include a thermoblock with increased surface contact area to provide improved efficiency and improved temperature control, among other things.
  • the system is described below as a motor and heat exchanger for an espresso machine.
  • the system can also provide improved pumping for a number of fluids and in a number of applications including, but not limited to, coffee, soda, and other drink dispensers, sump pumps, fuel pumps, and washing machines.
  • the system can also provide a heat exchanger with improved efficiency for use in, for example and not limitation, hot water dispensers, on demand hot water heaters, automotive heating and cooling systems, and pressure washers.
  • thermoblocks or other heat exchangers, that provide inefficient heat transfer due to, among other things, the small contact area between the water and the thermoblock, underpowered heating elements, and low thermoblock mass.
  • the heating systems cycles on and off, constantly under or over heating the water.
  • temperature control is critical to providing quality espresso and other hot beverages.
  • espresso machine and pump that is simple and robust, yet provides variable pressure control.
  • the espresso machine should have a thermoblock with improved efficiency and temperature control. It is to such a system that embodiments of the present invention are primarily directed.
  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to a vibratory pump with improved flow control.
  • Fig. 1 depicts embodiments of the control system disclosed herein.
  • each actuation of the shuttle moves a set volume of water through the pump.
  • the volume per actuation is determined by, among other things, the physical properties of the pump and the back pressure in the hydraulic system.
  • the pump actuation rate is constant.
  • the pump pressure is set by physical properties of the hydraulic system.
  • the pump can be driven using a direct current (DC) pulse.
  • DC direct current
  • An example of a suitable pump is a ULKA EP5.
  • other pumps can be used and are contemplated herein.
  • one pulse can cause one actuation of the pump.
  • microcontroller for example, a square wave pulse can be generated and controlled precisely.
  • the pulse width can be kept constant.
  • the pulse width can be sized such that the pulse is long enough to enable the pump to complete one actuation stroke and short enough to keep within the duty cycle limits of the pump.
  • control of flow rate and pressure can be controlled by varying the pulse frequency controls.
  • the system can include a pressure sensor and/or a feedback control algorithm running on the microcontroller to monitor and adjust the pressure in the system at any point.
  • the frequency can remain constant and the pulse width can vary.
  • the frequency can be maintained at a constant and can be synchronized with the mains power (e.g., 60 Hz in the U.S.), for example.
  • the pulse width can be varied infinitely between a first pulse width, i.e., the pulse width required for a full pump stroke (maximum output) and a second pulse width, or no pulse width (zero output).
  • the pump operates on a partial stroke, adjusting pressure and volume.
  • both pulse width and frequency can be varied to provide additional adjustability.
  • Embodiments of the present invention can also comprise a method for providing variable pump pressure with feedback.
  • a pump controller can be used.
  • the controller can use one of a variety of types of feedback and non-feedback control including, but not limited to proportional-integral (PI), proportional-integral-derivative (PID), and simple on/off control.
  • PI proportional-integral
  • PID proportional-integral-derivative
  • a PID Controller can be used and the pump controller can be initialized 405 and can be provided with the desired pressure set point(s) 410.
  • the pump controller can then calculate an initial, estimated pump rate 415 required to produce the commanded pressure. This can be done, for example, using a calculation or an onboard table to lookup pump rate. With the initial rate calculated, the pump can then be activated 420 using a pulsed signal, as described above, at the predetermined pump rate.
  • the controller can employ feedback control.
  • the controller can also initialize a feedback loop 425.
  • the loop 425 can include, for example, a pressure measurement 430 using a pressure transducer, for example, or other suitable method.
  • a Metallux ME662 piezoresistive ceramic pressure sensor, or other suitable pressure transducer can be used.
  • the controller can then retrieve the pressure set point 435 and compare it to the measured pressure 430.
  • the controller can comprise a PID controller performing PID calculations 440 to provide a suitable feedback response. The response can then be used to modify the pump rate 445 to achieve the desired pressure.
  • the pump can be deactivated 550.
  • thermoblock 500 for heating or cooling fluids with improved efficiency.
  • the thermoblock 500 can comprise a plurality of the water channels 15 in a "labyrinth," or serpentine, pattern.
  • the water supply inlet 10 can be in fluid
  • the channel 15 can be of sufficient length to raise the temperature of the water to the desired set point by the time it reaches the water outlet 17 at the center of the thermoblock 500.
  • the inlet 10 and outlet locations 17 are somewhat arbitrary and could be reverse, for example, for packaging reasons.
  • the water when making steam (e.g., for making espressos), for example, as opposed to simply heating water for brewing, the water can travel through the plurality of water channels 15 at a lower rate than when brewing. This can be achieved using the aforementioned pump control 200, for example. At lower flow rates, the water can evaporate as it travels through the plurality of channels 15. Due to increased heat transfer, when the steam reaches the center 17 of the thermoblock 500, it can be diverted by the spring force of a check valve located in the outlet 17, and sent through a steam channel 16, and out through a steam outlet 11. The steam can then exit the machine through a steam valve (not shown) for use in steaming milk, for example, for beverages.
  • a steam valve not shown
  • thermoblock 500 can comprise a material with high thermal conductivity such as, for example and not limitation, brass, bronze, or copper.
  • the thermoblock can comprise aluminum and can be, for example and not limitation, A413 or 6061 Aluminum. In this manner, the heat from the heating element can be efficiently and evenly distributed to the fluid.
  • the thermoblock 500 can further comprise a gasket groove 19 and a brew gasket (not shown) to provide a watertight seal.
  • Figs. 9 and 10 depict an exploded view of the thermoblock 2. As shown, the
  • thermoblock 2 and heating element 4 can be disposed between the cover plate 1 and the base plate/filter holder 5.
  • the heating element 4 can be inserted into the heating element groove 19 and can be mechanically clamped between the thermoblock 2 and mounting block 5.
  • the assembly can be held together using fasteners and holes 14 around the perimeter of the block.
  • the fasteners can comprise, for example and not limitation, bolts, screws, pins, or rivets.
  • the unit can also comprise a brew gasket 3 inserted into a gasket groove 19.
  • the thermoblock 500 can further comprise a check valve 20, which can be installed inside the brew water outlet 17.
  • the check valve 20 can comprise a temperature rated, food grade rubber or plastic ball 7, a spring 8, and a retaining screw 9.
  • the check valve 20 can be adjustable with the retaining screw 9 setting the seat pressure of the check valve 20 by increasing or reducing spring 8 tension.
  • a distribution screen 6 can also be held in place using the retaining screw 9 of the check valve 20 to catch any particulate matter in the system (e.g., coffee grounds).
  • the system can also comprise a temperature feedback loop.
  • a temperature sensor can be attached to the thermoblock 500 at a mounting point 13 above the brew water outlet 17. As water exits the thermoblock 500, the temperature sensor can measure its temperature and provide feedback to the pump control. In this manner, the pump speed can be varied in real time to provide precise temperature control and the outlet 17.
  • Temperature control can be achieved using a separate feedback loop, similar to the PID feedback controller discussed above, or can be achieved using a thermistor, thermocouple, mechanical thermostat, or other suitable means.
  • temperature control can be provided using a predictive semi-open feed forward Pi-controller. As mentioned above, temperature control is important to drink quality.
  • embodiments of the present invention are not so limited.
  • the pump and thermoblock disclosed above are discussed in conjunction with an espresso machine, the system could be used in many systems where efficient pumping and temperature control are desired.
  • the final marketed "form" of the product could be, for example, espresso or other drink dispensing machines, machine cooling systems, or heating and air conditioning units.
  • the system is discussed above with respect to fluids, but could also be used for gases or powders, for example, with little or no modification.

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne une machine à expresso à commande fluidique et à commande thermique améliorées. La machine peut comprendre un contrôleur de commande de pression de rétroaction de pompes vibrantes à solénoïde. Le contrôleur peut surveiller la pression de la pompe et/ou son volume et fournir une commande de rétroaction de la pression de la pompe et/ou de son volume en temps réel ; commander une sortie de pompe au moyen d'une onde carrée à fréquence variable en courant continu qui peut être régulée afin de maintenir une sortie de pression désirée ; et commander une sortie de pompe au moyen d'une onde carrée à largeur d'impulsion variable en courant continu. La machine à expresso peut également comprendre un thermo-bloc à efficacité thermique et à commande de température améliorées. Le thermo-bloc peut comprendre un ou plusieurs conduit(s) en serpentin afin d'améliorer le transfert thermique vers le fluide qu'il(s) contient/contiennent, et fournir une commande de rétroaction de température du fluide.
PCT/US2013/041021 2012-05-14 2013-05-14 Distributeur de boissons à commande d'écoulement et à commande thermique améliorées WO2013173388A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2013/041021 WO2013173388A1 (fr) 2012-05-14 2013-05-14 Distributeur de boissons à commande d'écoulement et à commande thermique améliorées

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US61/608,000 2012-05-14
US61/608,008 2012-05-14
PCT/US2013/041021 WO2013173388A1 (fr) 2012-05-14 2013-05-14 Distributeur de boissons à commande d'écoulement et à commande thermique améliorées

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WO2013173388A1 true WO2013173388A1 (fr) 2013-11-21

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6428289B1 (en) * 2000-12-21 2002-08-06 Grigori Lishanski Automated pump
US20080041231A1 (en) * 2006-08-17 2008-02-21 The Procter & Gamble Company Method and device for brewing beverages
US7398726B2 (en) * 2003-12-12 2008-07-15 Keurig, Incorporated System for dispensing metered volumes of heated water to the brew chamber of a single serve beverage brewer
US7461585B2 (en) * 2004-11-24 2008-12-09 Chris Nenov Portable electrical expresso machine
US7644649B2 (en) * 2003-11-22 2010-01-12 Nestec S.A. Mobile or portable apparatus with pressurized gas supply for preparing beverages or similar products
US8012360B1 (en) * 2005-11-22 2011-09-06 Clayton B. Sippola Pressure sensor

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6428289B1 (en) * 2000-12-21 2002-08-06 Grigori Lishanski Automated pump
US7644649B2 (en) * 2003-11-22 2010-01-12 Nestec S.A. Mobile or portable apparatus with pressurized gas supply for preparing beverages or similar products
US7398726B2 (en) * 2003-12-12 2008-07-15 Keurig, Incorporated System for dispensing metered volumes of heated water to the brew chamber of a single serve beverage brewer
US7461585B2 (en) * 2004-11-24 2008-12-09 Chris Nenov Portable electrical expresso machine
US8012360B1 (en) * 2005-11-22 2011-09-06 Clayton B. Sippola Pressure sensor
US20080041231A1 (en) * 2006-08-17 2008-02-21 The Procter & Gamble Company Method and device for brewing beverages

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