WO2019177556A2

WO2019177556A2 - An espresso machine

Info

Publication number: WO2019177556A2
Application number: PCT/TR2018/050711
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hayri Barış HELVACIOĞLU; Anıl HORASAN
Original assignee: Helvacioğlu Kahve Gida Temi̇zli̇k İnşaat Turi̇zm Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Li̇mi̇ted Şi̇rketi̇
Priority date: 2017-11-21
Filing date: 2018-11-21
Publication date: 2019-09-19
Also published as: WO2019177556A3; TR201718446A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to an espresso machine, which provides efficiency and energy saving, essentially characterized by at least one pump (2), at least one steam boiler (3) in which the water and steam are present in a stable way and into which the main pump (2) carries water, at least one reservoir boiler (4) in which the main pump (2) carries water by means of the pipes and which heats the water by means of the resistances therein, at least one hot water valve (41) which is positioned on the reservoir boiler (4), at least one mini boiler (5) in which the water in the reservoir boiler (4) is transferred and wherein only the water is present, at least one temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature inside the mini boiler (5), at least one resistance which is positioned inside the mini boiler (5) and used for heating the water, at least one automatic pressure adjustment system (6) which increases/decreases the pressure of the mini boiler (5), and which realizes water intake from the reservoir boiler (4) to the mini boiler (5) when it is required, at least one pump (61) which is connected at the end of the hot water pipe going out of the reservoir boiler (4), at least one regulator (62) which is connected at the end of the pump (61), at least one spring which is provided inside the regulator (62) and which adjusts the pressure by being moved with a screw system, at least one gear group (63) which is connected to the spring, at least one actuator (64) which is adapted to move the gear group (63), a control unit which is adapted to move the actuator (64) and to control the resistances by means of the temperature, pressure, level sensors.

Description

AN ESPRESSO MACHINE Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an espresso machine which provides energy saving by generating water at a high precision, fast, and at a desired pressure and temperature.

Background of the Invention

Espresso machines in the prior art have similar features with each other. Different tastes can be given to coffee with small modifications such as coffee ground at different degrees or coffee roasted at different degrees, different pressure setting, and different water temperature and tamp style.

Espresso machines have different operational systems, and different tastes can be given to coffee with different brewing styles. While several machines operate with steam power, other machines have different operational systems such as Lever/ Arm, Pump, Rotary Pump.

The operation principle of espresso machines operating with steam power known in the prior art is based on brewing coffee by pressing water to the port into the coffee in the filter. The first machine was a machine working with steam power. Coffee could be brewed simultaneously with 4 head group connected to the steam boiler.

Pressure Methods:

- Armed/Lever Machines: The first machine with piston was developed in Italy by Achille Gaggia in 1945. This design generally compresses the hot water sent to the groups from the coffee in the porta filter with the help of an arm and brews the coffee. There are two types, namely manual and automatic. While the pressure is generated by means of the arm and the water is transferred to the porta filter in the manual one, in the automatic one the signal (command) is sent to the operator by means of the arm, 8-10 bar pressure is generated there and the water is sent to the porta filter.

Pump-machines: There are two types of typical pumped espresso machines, namely vibrating pump and rotary pump. With the invention of the Faema E61 in 1961, the manual pressurized espresso machines were replaced by pumped machines and these machines took their place in many espresso bars. These pumps provide the required pressure and send the water to the porta filter to brew the espresso at the required temperature and pressure.

Vibrating pump: While the pressure is applied manually in lever machines, a more stable pressure is provided from the pumps in the said system. The use of electrical pump have become common with the vibrating pump developed by Ulka in the end of l970s. It has been integrated into the domestic espresso machines due to its compact form and low cost, and it is still being used. Here, the pressure is obtained by the vibrating pistons and directed to the porta filter. Vibrating pumps are continued to be manufactured in a way to apply 16 bar pressure. Since they are vibrating, sometimes they make loud noises. Therefore they are not suitable for professional use; the vibrating pump may burn due to overheating caused by the repeated pressing of the espresso. Therefore, it is only suitable for domestic use.

Rotary pump: This type of pumps was developed in the l960s and is still used as a standard part of espresso machines. It operates quieter relative to the vibrating pump, as well as operating with a more constant pressure and longer life. These pumps can directly be connected to the water installations, and the pressure is constant. It is larger and stronger than the vibrating pump.

Air pump: It is a system that has become common in recent years. Machines send water to the porta filter using pressure of hot air from N2 and C02 cartridges or with the help of the pump, and brew the espresso. Its being lighter and smaller than electrical machines are one of the advantages. As well as AeroPress (2005) is the first invention with air pump, Handpresso (2007) is also an example.

Different boiler systems

Single Boiler (SB): These machines can only brew espresso. This type of appeal to low-budget consumers as domestic type.

Single Boiler-Dual Use (SB/DU): The single boiler is used for both heating the water and generating steam. In this system, while the espresso is being brewed by the machine on one hand, milk heating cannot be simultaneously performed by using the steam bar in order to make cafe latte. After one has finished, it is necessary to wait for the other in order to get the temperature and/or vapor pressure.

Heat Exchanger (HX): The working principle of machines with heat exchanger is different than other machines. Two-thirds of the water boiler is full of saturated water. The temperature degree of water is about 120 °C. For this reason, its one third is always full of steam. The said steam is used to foam the milk. A heat exchanger passes through the water boiler and when steam is used, this heat exchanger heats the cold water up to 88-96 °C in a short period of time and keeps the temperature of the water to a certain level. It also allows preparing espresso while using steam. The exchanger system is one of the systems primarily used in gastronomy. Water boiler volume is between 1.2-2.8 liters in machines with single group heat exchanger system. The volume of steam depends on the volume of the water boiler accordingly. The larger the volume is, the greater the volume of steam will be. The cold water is transferred from the boiler to the water chamber above the group headers. The water heats up to 95 ° C during normal use. Boiler heats up to 120 ° C for cappuccino or latte.

Dual Boiler (DB) and Dual Heater (DH): These machines are the basic heating system in many espresso machines that are being used today. In dual boiler systems, one boiler generates steam while the other boiler is used for hot water. In this way, while the espresso is being brewed, it is also possible to use the steam bar without temperature and pressure loss and heating and foaming of milk can also be performed. Since there is a separate dual heater in each one of the dual boilers, it is not necessary to wait until the water is cooled as it is in HX machines in order to brew coffee. The first dual boiler espresso machine was manufactured in 1970, which is La Marzocco.

(ref. http^/www.kahve-ickcsi.coiTyprofesiyoncl-mafdrscler, 19/10/2017)

In case espresso/americano is continuously made in the espresso machines in the state of the art, the temperature of the steam boiler decreases because too much hot water is taken from the boiler. Therefore, it is not possible to prepare espresso in series.

The Problems Solved with the Invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide an espresso machine which can adjust the temperature and pressure settings with precision.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an espresso machine which operates with high efficiency, provides water and energy saving. A further objective of the present invention is to provide an espresso machine which can perform profiling with low pressure values, allowing receiving espresso consecutively without loss of temperature.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an espresso machine which enables to take water at the desired temperature for the americano, to supply preheated water for the mini-boilers, and thus to use the steam boiler only for steam production.

Detailed Description of the Invention

An espresso machine developed to fulfill the objective of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying figures wherein,

Figure 1 is the perspective view of the espresso machine.

Figure 2 is the perspective view of the OB AS.

Figure 3 is the exploded perspective view of the mini boiler.

The components shown in the figures are each given reference numbers as follows:

1. Espresso machine

2. Main pump

3. Steam boiler

31. Steam valve

4. Reservoir boiler

41. Hot water valve

5. Mini boiler

51. Solenoid valve

52. Head group 53. Hole

6. Automatic pressure adjustment system (OB AS)

61. Pump

62. Regulator

63. Gear group

64. Actuator

An espresso machine (1) which provides efficiency and energy saving essentially comprises

at least one main pump (2),

at least one steam boiler (3) in which the water and steam are present in a stable way and which is fed by the main pump (2),

at least one steam valve (31) which is positioned on the steam boiler (3), at least one reservoir boiler (4) in which the main pump (2) carries water by means of the pipes and which heats the water by means of the resistances therein,

at least one hot water valve (41) which is positioned on the reservoir boiler

(4),

at least one mini boiler (5) in which the water in the reservoir boiler (4) is transferred and wherein the water is present,

at least one solenoid valve (51) which is connected on the mini boiler (5) and one surface of which contacts the mini boiler (5) and through which the hot water passes,

at least one head group (52) which the other surface of the solenoid valve (51) contacts (51),

at least one hole (53) which is positioned on the mini boiler (5) for discharging the air and steam,

at least one temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature inside the mini boiler (5),

at least one resistance which is positioned inside the mini boiler (5) and used for heating the water, at least one automatic pressure adjustment system (6) which

increases/decreases the pressure of the mini boiler (5), and which realizes water intake from the reservoir boiler (4) to the mini boiler (5) when it is required,

at least one pump (61) which is connected at the end of the hot water pipe going out of the reservoir boiler (4),

at least one regulator (62) which is connected at the end of the pump (61), at least one spring which is provided inside the regulator (62) and which adjusts the pressure by being moved with a screw system,

at least one gear group (63) which is connected to the spring,

at least one actuator (64) which is adapted to move the gear group (63), a control unit which is adapted to move the actuator (64) and to control the resistances by means of the temperature, pressure, level sensors.

The espresso machine (1) of the present invention is connected to a water treatment unit or ready to use water source. The water taken from outside is sent to the steam boiler (3) and/or the reservoir boiler (4) by means of a main pump (2). The water and the steam are present inside the steam boiler (3) in a stable way. There are resistances inside the reservoir boiler (4) for heating the water. There is a mini boiler (5) in which the water in the reservoir boiler (4) is transferred and which is filled completely with the water. There is a hole (53) on the mini boiler (53), and the said hole (53) allows air discharge first before operating the machine. There is at least one temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the temperature inside the mini boiler (5). There is a resistance inside the mini boiler (5) for heating the water. There is an automatic pressure adjustment system (OBAS) (6) which is adapted to measure the pressure amount of the mini boiler (5) and take water from the reservoir boiler (4) when it is necessary. A pump (61) is connected at the end of the hot water pipe going out of the reservoir boiler (4). A spring adjusted regulator (62) is connected to the end of the pump (61). There is spring inside the regulator (62) which is moved by means of a screw system. There is a gear group (63) connected to the spring, and an actuator (64) for moving the gear group. Furthermore, there is a control unit which is adapted to move the actuator (64) and to control the resistances by means of the temperature, pressure, level sensors.

There are level electrodes present inside the steam boiler (3), and the water level inside the steam boiler (3) is determined by means of the level electrodes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are two level electrodes provided inside the steam boiler (3). Said level electrodes determine the level of water in the steam boiler (3) and enables water to be taken inside the steam boiler (3) by sending a signal to the main pump (2) when the water level falls below the determined value. When the level electrodes detect that there is sufficient water in the steam boiler (3), it stops the operation of the main pump (2) and stops further water intake into the steam boiler (3). There is provided a temperature sensor inside the steam boiler (3). There is a control unit that performs the measurement of temperature and pressure values in the steam boiler (3) and evaluates the data obtained by the sensors. Thanks to the control unit and temperature sensor, the temperature in the steam boiler (3) can be adjusted to the temperature value determined by the user. There is at least one resistance inside the steam boiler (3) and the said resistance is passed over a thermostat to secure the temperature of the water inside the steam boiler (3). There is at least one pressure safety unit placed on the steam boiler (3). The pressure regulator can be opened and closed in order to ensure the discharge of excess pressure in the steam boiler (3). In the steam boiler (3), there is at least one vacuum breaking valve to prevent the vacuum pressure generated during cooling. There are at least two steam outlets placed on the steam boiler (3) and there are two steam valves (31) connected to each steam outlet. Steam valves (31) are used to adjust the flow of steam in the steam boiler (3). There are at least two steam bars connected to the end of the steam valves (31). Steam bars move at certain angles thanks to a spherical joint, and thus enables steam discharge towards the desired direction. The saturated steam pressure in the steam boiler (3) has a pressure of 2 bars and there is a control unit adapted to keep it between 1 and 3 bar. The steam reached to the saturation has a pressure of 1 bar at l20°C and a relative pressure of 2 bars at l34°C. The steam taken from the steam boiler (3) is used only in heating milk and in foaming milk.

The water taken from the main pump (2) is also sent to the reservoir boiler (4). There are level electrodes present inside the reservoir boiler (4), and the water level inside the reservoir boiler (4) is determined by means of the level electrodes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are two level electrodes provided inside the reservoir boiler (4). Said level electrodes determine the level of water in the reservoir boiler (4) and enables water to be taken inside the reservoir boiler (4) by sending a signal to the main pump (2) when the water level falls below the determined value. When the level electrodes detect that there is sufficient water in the reservoir boiler (4), it stops the operation of the main pump (2) and stops further water intake into the reservoir boiler (4). There is provided at least one temperature sensor inside the reservoir boiler (4). There is a control unit that performs the measurement of the sensors in the reservoir boiler (4) and evaluates the data it obtains. Thanks to the control unit and temperature sensor, the temperature in the reservoir boiler (4) can be adjusted to the value determined by the user. The temperature of the reservoir boiler (4) is suggested to be 88 °C, but the control unit is adapted to adjust between 62 and 92 °C. There is at least one resistance inside the reservoir boiler (4) and the said resistance is passed over a thermostat to secure the temperature of the water inside the reservoir boiler (4). Since the reservoir boiler (4) is not a pressurized boiler, pressure safety is not required. However, in case the level electrodes within the reservoir boiler (4) break down, at least one waste water drain is connected in the upper part of the reservoir boiler (4) relative to the ground plane in order to remove the excess water in the reservoir boiler (4). There is at least one hot water valve (41) on the reservoir boiler (4) and the main function of the said hot water valve (41) and the reservoir boiler (4) is to discharge hot water outside. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hot water valve (41) can be control with an electronic button. Hot water valve (41) provides standard temperature while making Americano. Furthermore, the temperature of the water in the reservoir boiler (4) can be adjusted to the desired degree by means of the temperature sensor and the resistances. By this means, water not exceeding 100 °C is taken for making americano or tea, and the mineral values of the water can be prevented from decreasing. There is a resistance inside the mini boiler (5) and the said resistance is passed over a thermostat to ensure the temperature of the water inside the mini boiler (5). The mini boiler (5) takes the hot water it needs from the reservoir boiler

(4). By this means, temperature drop is not experienced during making espresso. There is a digital pressure meter measuring the pressure value of the mini boiler

(5) on the mini boiler (5). There is provided at least one temperature sensor inside the mini boiler (5). There is a control unit that performs the measurement of temperature and pressure values in the mini boiler (5) and evaluates the data obtained by the temperature sensor. The temperature inside the mini boiler (5) is fixed to desired degree by means of the control unit and the temperature sensor. The temperature of the mini boiler (5) is suggested to be 93 °C, but the control unit is adapted to keep between 85 and 98 °C.

Furthermore, a pipe is connected on the reservoir pipe (4), and hot water is provided to the mini boiler (5) by means of the connected pipe. There is an Automatic Pressure Adjustment System (OBAS) (6) provided between the mini boiler (5) and the reservoir boiler (4). The mini boiler (5) is completely a closed system, and there is no air or water steam in the mini boiler (5). There is at least one hole (53) on the mini boiler (5). The said hole (53) allows the excess air in the mini boiler (5) to be discharged, and thus there is only water inside the mini boiler (5). The mini boiler (5) has a rectangular shape due to its temperature stability (maintaining temperature, preserving temperature) and easy assembly features, and the boiler part therein has a cylindrical structure. The inner part of the mini boiler (5) is manufactured in cylindrical form so as to provide high pressure resistance. The outer part of the mini boiler (5) is manufactured in rectangular form so that the temperature is maintained by increasing wall thicknesses and metal weight. By this means, since the water coming into the mini boiler (5) comes from the reservoir boiler (4) and the temperature of the reservoir boiler (4) is fixed at a constant temperature of around 90 °C, the temperature is ensured to be maintained. The water at a fixed temperature in the mini boiler (5) must not cool down during the route to be combined with the coffee. Even though the temperature of the water inside the mini boiler (5) is fixed and stable, if the water reaches the coffee by passing through a cold route, it does not reach the coffee at a desired/adjusted temperature, and this results in an unwanted espresso. For this reason, a special solenoid valve (51) and head group (52) are designed. There is a solenoid valve (51) which is connected on the mini boiler (5) and one surface of which contacts the mini boiler (5) and in which the hot water passes. There is a head group (52) which the other surface of the solenoid valve (51) contacts. The solenoid valve (51) consists of a metal block having two flat surfaces with 90 degrees angles to each other and a corner pipe is inserted into said block for liquid passing through it. One of the flat surfaces contacts the mini boiler (5) to transfer the heat inside the mini boiler (5) to the solenoid valve (51), thereby preventing water passing through the solenoid valve (51) from cooling. Furthermore, the other flat surface of the solenoid valve (51) contacts the head group (52) to allow heat to be transferred to the head group (52). A portion of the head group (52) contacts the mini boiler (5) and thus the temperature of the water leaving the head group (52) remains constant. The connection surfaces of the solenoid valve (51) and the head group (52) with the mini boiler (5) is increased and the heat transfer with the ground surfaces is increased (optimized) so that the solenoid valve (51) and the head group (52) have also constant adjusted temperature. By this means the solenoid valve (51) and the head group (52) also remain continuously at the temperature adjusted for the mini boiler (5), the temperature of the water to be taken for the coffee remains fixed without dropping inside the pipes/water routes.

OBAS (6) which is used for adjusting the pressure of the mini boiler (5) is adapted to adjust the pressure of the mini boiler (5) between 0 and 16 bars. There are two options in order to adjust the pressure of the mini boiler (5), namely manual and automatic. There is at least one adjustment button and a water outlet button on the mini boiler (5). The said adjustment button is used for adjusting the temperatures of the resistances inside the mini boiler (5). Furthermore, the adjustment button enables to determine the pressure profile adjustment value. With the adjustment button, it is possible to select the operation of the mini boiler (5) in automatic or manual mode. With the manual mode, the pressure of the mini boiler (5) can be adjusted manually. In the automatic option, the system automatically determines its position according to the previously entered profile values, and the desired pressure value is reached by means of the electronic control unit and PID algorithm. It can also be operated at low pressures by means of the OBAS (6). The OBAS allows pre-brewing at low pressures because it sends the over pressured water to the reservoir boiler (4) to adjust the mini boiler (5) pressure. Being able to take water at low pressures allows brewing with fine ground coffee. The surface area of the fine ground coffee expands. In this way, more aromatic compounds are extracted and the flavor of the coffee is increased. Thus, coffee is much more intense, bodied and aromatic.

OBAS (6) is comprised of constant pressure pump (61), regulator (62), actuator (64) and gear group (63). The hot water from the reservoir (4) is first pumped by the constant pressure pump (61) to the regulator (62) at a pressure of 16 bars. There is a spring provided inside the regulator (62), and the said spring is tightened with a screw system. The regulator (62), which enables the water coming from the reservoir boiler (4) to be transferred the mini boiler (5) at 0 to 16 bars, transfers 0 bar when its spring is not compressed, while it transfers 16 bars when the spring is completely compressed. The compression of the spring is preferably carried out by moving the gear group (63) manufactured from plastic material by means of the actuator (64). The gear group (63) converts the annular movement from the actuator (64) into linear movement, and enables the spring to be compressed linearly. The pressure of the water at the pressure of 16 bars sent to the regulator (62) from the pressurized pump (61) is changed by means of the spring provided inside the regulator (62) before it reaches the mini boiler (5), and the waste water discharged from the regulator (62) in order to adjust the pressure is sent back to the reservoir boiler (4) from the regulator (62). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a check valve is connected to the water pipe coming out of the regulator (62) and going to the mini boiler (5). By means of the check valve, undesirable changes in the system pressure are controlled. OBAS (6) is adapted by the control unit.

The OBAS (6) performs the pressure control of the water entering the mini boiler (5) by compressing the spring by the gear group (63). The movement of the gear group (63) is provided by the step actuator (64). Each time the system is switched on, the actuator (64) moves to the limit switch and determines the zero position. Then it moves to the preset pressure positions to allow pressure adjustment. If the pressure is not in the desired position, it enables the pressure to reach the desired value by means of the PID control algorithm by adjusting the spring in OBAS (6).

Claims

1. An espresso machine (1), which provides efficiency and energy saving, essentially comprising at least one main pump (2), at least one steam boiler (3) in which the water and steam are present in a stable way and which is fed by the main pump (2), and characterized by

at least one reservoir boiler (4) in which the main pump (2) carries water by means of the pipes and which heats the water by means of the resistances therein,

at least one hot water valve (41) which is positioned on the reservoir boiler

(4),

at least one mini boiler (5) in which the water in the reservoir boiler (4) is transferred and wherein only the water is present,

at least one temperature sensor which is adapted to measure the

temperature inside the mini boiler (5),

at least one resistance which is positioned inside the mini boiler (5) and used for heating the water,

at least one automatic pressure adjustment system (6) which

at least one gear group (63) which is connected to the spring,

2. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one vacuum breaking valve which is for preventing the vacuum pressure generated during cooling inside the steam boiler (3).

3. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one steam valve (31) which is positioned on the steam boiler (3) and allows steam discharge.

4. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least two level electrodes which are provided inside the reservoir boiler (4) and determine the water level inside the reservoir boiler (4).

5. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one temperature sensor inside the reservoir boiler (4).

6. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 5, comprising a control unit which performs the measurement of the sensors inside the reservoir boiler (4) and evaluates the data acquired by the temperature sensor.

7. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one waste water drain which is connected to the upper part of the reservoir boiler (4) relative to the ground plane in order to drain the excessive water inside the reservoir boiler (4).

8. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one temperature sensor which is provided inside the mini boiler (5).

9. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 8, comprising a control unit which performs the measurement of the temperature and pressure values inside the mini boiler (5) and evaluates the data acquired by the temperature sensor.

10. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one solenoid valve (51) which is connected on the mini boiler (5) and one surface of which contacts the mini boiler (5) and through which the hot water passes.

11. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 12, comprising at least one head group (52) which the other surface of the solenoid valve (51) contacts.

12. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one hole (53) which is positioned on the mini boiler (5) for air and steam discharge.

13. An espresso machine (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one mini boiler (5) which has a rectangular outer surface and a cylindrical inner structure.