WO2024062327A1

WO2024062327A1 - Device for the preparation of coffee and coffee-based beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2024062327A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/058897
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabrizio Dughiero; Matteo LAZZARIN; Anna Maria CAVAZZINI
Original assignee: Università Degli Studi Di Padova; Itampharma S.R.L.
Priority date: 2022-09-20
Filing date: 2023-09-08
Publication date: 2024-03-28

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a kitchen device (100) configured to produce coffee and/or coffee-based beverages and to be used on induction hobs. The device (100) comprises: - a main body (10) made at least partially from a thermally insulating, non- magnetic, or diamagnetic material, said main body (10) defining a boiler (15) configured, in use, to contain a liquid; the main body (10) further comprising an active portion (16) made of ferromagnetic material that can be heated by electromagnetic induction and configured, in use, to heat said liquid in said boiler (16); - a primary tank (20) configured to be removably associated with said main body (10) to enclose an intermediate vessel (30) designed to contain ground coffee; - a power supply inductor (50) associated with the main body (10) and powered by electromagnetic induction; - an auxiliary device (60) operatively connected to the power supply inductor (50) to be powered by it.

Description

DEVICE FOR THE PREPARATION OF COFFEE AND COFFEE-BASED BEVERAGES

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a kitchen device, specifically a kitchen device configured for producing and/or heating beverages and for use on electromagnetic induction hobs.

More specifically, this disclosure pertains to a kitchen device usable on electromagnetic induction hobs for the production of coffee or coffee-containing beverages, such as cappuccino.

Currently, coffee production devices are known, for example, in the form of a moka pot, configured to operate using an electromagnetic induction hob. However, these devices suffer from various disadvantages.

Firstly, known coffee production devices designed to operate with an electromagnetic induction hob face difficulties in being detected by certain types of induction hobs. These hobs are configured to measure the load impedance and do not supply power if the measured value is below a threshold value. Additionally, they can also interrupt the power supply to the induction coil if a pot is lifted or removed from the induction hob. A traditional moka pot, due to its compact size, often has an impedance value that falls below the threshold value at which the induction hob supplies power to an object placed on it. Consequently, an induction hob may not be configured to operate with a traditional moka pot.

Furthermore, coffee production using electromagnetic induction hobs have specific drawbacks, primarily related to the difficulties in maintaining a constant and relatively low energy input to the boiler over time. While with conventional gas stoves, it is sufficient to lower the flame to ensure a consistent and limited energy supply to the device, this is not possible with electromagnetic induction hobs, characterized by high discontinuities or interruptions in the supply of energy at low power levels. Specifically, through an induction hob, it is not possible to slowly and steadily heat food contained in a kitchen device because at low power levels, induction hobs provide intermittent energy supply to the kitchen device. This is not ideal for the preparation of certain dishes, including coffee or coffee-based beverages, as it compromises the traditional process of beverage preparation and results in a low-quality final product.

Another inconvenience associated with known kitchen devices, especially for coffee production, usable on electromagnetic induction hobs, is that these known devices, in addition to producing beverages, particularly coffee or coffee-based beverages, lack additional functionalities.

For example, with known coffee preparation devices configured to operate with an induction hob, it is not possible to prepare coffee-based beverages, such as cappuccino, without the use of additional devices that, however, need to be powered, for example, through an electrical outlet.

In particular, many kitchen devices for the preparation of coffee or coffee-based beverages include an integrated or removable base containing the electronic components necessary for the device's operation, to which a power cord is connected for plugging into an electrical outlet. These devices, therefore, not only are not configured to operate with an induction hob but also require a connection to an electrical outlet for operation. Additionally, these known devices may include accessories configured for the production of coffee-based beverages, such as cappuccino. However, even these auxiliary accessories, such as a mechanical agitator for frothing milk, also require a connection to an electrical outlet to function.

The present disclosure aims to provide a kitchen device configured for producing coffee or coffee-based beverages and for use on induction hobs, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and/or achieves additional advantages.

This is achieved through a kitchen device configured for producing coffee or coffee-based beverages and for use on induction hobs as defined in the independent claim. Secondary features and specific embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

In detail, the kitchen device according to the present disclosure is configured to produce coffee and/or coffee-based beverages and to be used on an electromagnetic induction hob. Specifically, the device according to this disclosure includes a main body that defines a boiler configured, in use, to contain a liquid, wherein the main body is made at least partially of thermally insulating, nonmagnetic, or diamagnetic material. Advantageously, the fact that the main body is made of thermally insulating material ensures greater safety of the device, especially after use for coffee or coffee-based beverage production, as it can be touched by a user without the risk of burns and/or placed on any surface without the risk of damaging the surface or the need for using pot stands. Furthermore, this thermal insulation helps minimize heat losses to the external environment, consequently reducing the beverage preparation time.

The main body also includes an active portion made of ferromagnetic material and capable of being heated by electromagnetic induction, configured, in use, to heat a liquid in the boiler. This way, the device can be advantageously used with an induction hob.

The device according to the present disclosure also includes a tank configured to be detachably associated with the main body to lock an intermediate vessel containing coffee powder between them. In this advantageous manner, the overpressure generated by heating the liquid and gas in the boiler pushes the liquid through the intermediate vessel containing the coffee powder, depositing it as coffee in the tank.

Furthermore, the device according to this disclosure includes a power supply inductor associated with the main body and capable of being powered by electromagnetic induction. In other words, this power supply inductor can be or include a receiving coil configured to be powered by the electromagnetic induction hob. This allows for powering an auxiliary device without the need to connect it to an electrical outlet, for example, through a cable, enhancing the convenience of use and the functionality of the kitchen device. Additionally, the device according to this disclosure includes an auxiliary device operatively associated with the power supply inductor, so as to be powered by it. This auxiliary device can advantageously include means for controlling a coffee production process or a coffee-based beverage production process, means for producing a coffee-based beverage from coffee produced by the kitchen device, and/or other means.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the active portion is located within the main body at its support base, which is a portion of the main body configured, in use, to come into contact with an induction hob. In this advantageous manner, the kitchen device can operate with any induction hob.

In another preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the power supply inductor includes a receiving coil. This receiving coil is preferably positioned at the support base of the main body and is configured to absorb energy from the electromagnetic field produced by an induction hob and use that energy to power an auxiliary device. This allows, advantageously, for the use of third-party devices, such as a mechanical agitator or mixer, using the energy absorbed by the power supply inductor, without the need to connect the third-party device to an electrical outlet.

As mentioned, according to a preferred aspect of this disclosure, the auxiliary device can be a mechanical agitator. This mechanical agitator can be advantageously used to froth milk, for example, to make a cappuccino.

For example, according to a preferred aspect of this disclosure, the auxiliary device, such as a mechanical agitator, can be arranged in a secondary tank, preferably associated with the tank configured to contain coffee.

In another preferred aspect of this disclosure, the auxiliary device may include a shutter device, preferably positioned at the support base. According to this aspect, the shutter device is made of non-magnetic conductive material and is configured to at least partially shield the active portion from an induction hob. Preferably, the shutter device is movable, at least between a first position where the active portion is completely exposed to the induction hob and a second position where the active portion is completely shielded from the induction hob. Preferably, the movement of the shutter device is powered by the power supply inductor. Furthermore, according to a preferred aspect, the kitchen device may include at least one sensor, preferably located at the boiler, and configured, for example, to detect a temperature and/or pressure and/or liquid level measurement in the boiler. Preferably, based on this detection, the kitchen device can be configured to move the shutter device between the first position and the second position, or intermediate positions, and vice versa. For this purpose, this at least one sensor is operatively associated with the shutter device. This configuration can also be advantageous to avoid the "strombolian" coffee extraction phase, characterized by the sudden evaporation of the liquid in the boiler and subsequent over-extraction by steam. In combination or alternatively, the shutter can be moved from the first to the second position, and vice versa, by a user or through an automatic action by an actuating device, preferably powered by a power source, such as a backup battery. Consequently, the quality of the final product, i.e., the coffee, can be improved.

In accordance with another preferred aspect of this disclosure, the active portion is made at least partially of material with a low Curie temperature. This type of material advantageously allows for the regulation of the maximum temperature reached, in use, in the liquid present in the boiler. Specifically, when the Curie temperature is reached, the heat transferred to the boiler due to electromagnetic induction decreases, and consequently, the heating rate decreases. The final product, therefore, results advantageously in high quality. In more detail, the ideal temperature for coffee extraction is between 90°C and 95°C. A material with a Curie temperature around these values, preferably between 80°C and 120°C, more preferably between 90°C and 110°C, can be achieved, for example, by adding rare earth elements, preferably Sm, Gd, Dy, Y, preferably in small quantities, and aluminum, to SUS430. For example, the alloy SUS430-AI13.5-Y0.3 has a Curie temperature of 109°C.

According to another preferred aspect of this disclosure, the auxiliary device may include at least one pump configured for the upward movement of liquid from the boiler to the main tank. This upward movement of liquid is advantageous, positively impacting the quality of the produced coffee, as the liquid can be made to flow through the coffee powder at the ideal temperature and speed. Preferably, this at least one pump can be a suction pump located in the boiler of the main body. In combination or alternatively, the at least one pump can be a vacuum pump arranged in the primary tank.

Additional advantages, features, and modes of use of the subject matter of this disclosure will become evident from the following detailed description of its embodiments, presented for illustrative purposes and not limiting in nature.

It is, however, evident that each embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure may have one or more of the above-listed advantages; in any case, it is not required for each embodiment to simultaneously exhibit all the listed advantages.

Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 represents a sectional view of a kitchen device for the production of coffee or coffee-based beverages according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

- Figure 2 represents a bottom view of a kitchen device for the production of coffee or coffee-based beverages according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

- Figure 3 represents another sectional view of a kitchen device for the production of coffee or coffee-based beverages according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

With reference to the attached figures, one embodiment of a kitchen device configured to produce coffee and/or coffee-based beverages, such as cappuccino, using an induction hob is indicated by reference number 100.

Preferably, the kitchen device 100 according to the present disclosure can take the form of a moka pot.

The device 100 according to the present disclosure includes a main body 10. This main body 10 is made at least partially of thermally insulating and nonmagnetic or diamagnetic material. Examples of suitable thermally insulating and non-magnetic or diamagnetic materials for constructing the main body 10 can be wood, silicone, or ceramics. This allows the device 100 to be handled by a user with bare hands, without the risk of getting burned. Additionally, it allows the device 100 to be placed on a supporting base without the risk of damaging it and without the need for a pot stand. Furthermore, the thermal insulation minimizes heat loss to the external environment, reducing the time and increasing the overall efficiency of the coffee or coffee-based beverage preparation process.

The main body 10 defines a boiler 15 configured, in use, to contain a liquid. Preferably, in the case of coffee or coffee-based beverage preparation, this liquid is water.

To heat the boiler 15 and, consequently, the liquid contained therein in use, the main body 10 includes an active portion 16. This active portion 16 is configured to interact with an induction hob in such a way as to be heated by the electromagnetic field generated by it. For this purpose, the active portion 16 is made of ferromagnetic material capable of being heated by electromagnetic induction.

Preferably, the active portion 16 is located within the main body 10 at the support base 11 of the main body 10, where this support base is configured, in use, to come into contact with an induction hob.

Preferably, the active portion 16 is also coated with thermally insulating material. Additionally, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to further enhance thermal insulation, an air gap can be provided between the active portion 16 and the support base 11 of the main body 10.

Preferably, at least a portion of the main body 10 is made of material with a low Curie temperature, allowing for the regulation of the maximum temperature reached in the liquid of the boiler 15. In more detail, at least the active portion 16 is made of material with a low Curie temperature, advantageously ensuring temperature selfregulation. Indeed, around the Curie temperature of the material from which at least the active portion 16 is made, this material begins to become paramagnetic, and the induced currents within it decrease. Consequently, the temperature of the material itself also begins to decrease. Once the temperature has decreased sufficiently, the ferromagnetic properties of the material are restored, and the induced currents increase again, consequently raising the temperature.

Preferably, furthermore, the main body 10, and in particular the boiler 15, are appropriately sized so that the device 100 is detected by all, or substantially all, induction hobs. In particular, compared to a traditional moka pot, the main body 10 can have a larger support base. For example, a support base of the main body 10 in the device according to the present disclosure can have a diameter ranging from 10 cm to 15 cm, preferably a diameter of 12 cm. Preferably, such a support base can also be coated, on its surface configured to come into contact with an induction hob, with insulating material, such as wood. Other measurements of the diameter and thickness of the coating can be provided. What is important is that the thicker the insulating layer, the larger the diameter of the support base needs to be for the device to be effectively detected by an induction hob.

The device 100 according to the present disclosure also includes a primary tank 20. This primary tank 20 is detachably attachable to the main body 10 in such a way as to block an intermediate vessel 30 between them, configured, in use, to contain coffee powder. In particular, the primary tank 20 can be attached to the main body 10 at a portion opposite to said support base 11 and is configured, in use, to receive coffee. In detail, heating of the liquid and air contained, in use, in the boiler 15 generates an increase in pressure inside the boiler 15 itself, causing the liquid present in it to rise, which then rises in the intermediate vessel containing coffee powder. Once this liquid has passed through the coffee powder, it finishes its ascent in the primary tank 20. Preferably, the device 100 is configured to produce hot beverages, especially coffee, while avoiding the evaporation of the liquid contained in the boiler 15 during use. This advantageous production method results in a high- quality beverage, avoiding the so-called strombolian phase.

According to one embodiment, a filter 40 can be provided between the main body

10 and the primary tank 20, especially between the primary tank and the intermediate vessel 30.

The device 100 according to the present disclosure further comprises a power supply inductor 50. This power supply inductor 50 is positioned, along a main development direction of the device 100, where the main development direction is a vertical or substantially vertical direction, below or preferably at the same level as the active portion 16, so as to be able to link a magnetic flux. Preferably, the power supply inductor 16 can be a ring-shaped element, preferably arranged around or so as to surround the active portion 16. Additionally, the active portion 16 and the power supply inductor 50 are configured, in use, to be separated from an induction hob by an insulating base, made of insulating material, preferably wood.

In detail, the power supply inductor 50 is configured to be powered by electromagnetic induction, preferably by the induction hob on which the device 100 is placed during use. To this end, the power supply inductor 50 may comprise a metal winding or receiving coil, preferably located in proximity to the support base

11 of the device 100, for example, in proximity to the active portion 16 of the main body 10, which is configured to absorb energy derived from the induction hob. In more detail, the support base 11 comprises a first layer of insulating material, preferably wood, configured, in use, to come into contact with an induction hob. The support base 11 further includes the power supply inductor 50, associated with the first layer of insulating material on a surface opposite to the surface configured for contact with the induction hob. At the same level as this power supply inductor 50, or in proximity to it, the support base finally includes the active portion 16.

Furthermore, the power supply inductor 50 is configured, in use, to power an auxiliary device through the electromagnetic energy received from the induction hob. This allows, through the device 100, in addition to preparing coffee or a coffeebased beverage, to provide power to another device without the need to connect the latter to a power outlet, for example, via a cable, thereby improving overall convenience of use.

To this end, the device 100 according to the present disclosure further includes an auxiliary device 60, operatively associated with the power supply inductor 50 and configured to be powered by it following appropriate static energy conversion through an appropriate electronic circuit. In other words, the auxiliary device 60 is directly powered by the power supply inductor 50, without any need for a connection to the power grid.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, with particular reference to Figure 3, the auxiliary device 60 is a mechanical agitator or mixer. For example, such a mechanical agitator can be configured to mix milk, especially to froth milk. In this aspect, the auxiliary device 60, in the form of a mechanical agitator, can be arranged in a secondary tank 70 of the device 100, where such a secondary tank 70 can be operatively associated with the primary tank 20. In this regard, along with coffee, the device 100 can be configured to froth milk and produce cappuccino, without the need for external devices connected to a power outlet.

According to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure, with particular reference to Figure 2, the auxiliary device 60 may include a shutter device 61 located at the support base 11 of the main body. This shutter device 61 is made of non-magnetic, conductive material and configured to partially shield at least the active portion from an electromagnetic field generated by an induction hob. This allows reducing the exposure of the active portion 16 of the device 100 to the electromagnetic field produced by the induction hob.

In particular, according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to adjust the exposure of the active portion 16 to the electromagnetic field of the induction hob. In detail, the shutter device 61 can be configured to be movable at least between a first position, or minimum shielding position, in which the active portion 16 is completely or substantially completely exposed to the induction hob (as shown in Figure 2), and a second position, or maximum shielding position, in which the active portion 16 is completely or substantially completely shielded from the induction hob, and in particular from the magnetic field generated by the latter. Such movement of the shutter device 61 can, for example, occur along a sliding guide 62, in a direction of movement A.

In particular, the movement of the shutter device 61 can be powered directly by the power supply inductor 50.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the auxiliary device 60 may also include one or more sensors 62. These sensor(s) can, for example, include a temperature and/or pressure and/or level sensor. In detail, the at least one sensor 62 can be located in the boiler 15, and can be configured, for example, to detect a measurement of temperature and/or pressure and/or level of a liquid present, in use, in such boiler 15.

Furthermore, this at least one sensor 62 can be operatively associated with the shutter device 61 , for example, through a control unit. In this way, it is possible to create a device characterized by active control of the energy that reaches the boiler 15 through the active portion 16. It is also possible to configure the device 100 so that the energy arriving at the boiler is, as much as possible, constant, regardless of the intermittency of energy supplied by the induction hob at low power levels.

According to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the auxiliary device 60 may include at least one pump configured for the liquid to rise from the boiler 15 to the primary tank 20.

This at least one pump can be a suction pump, for example, located in the boiler 15 for the water to rise from the latter. In combination or alternatively, the at least one pump can be a vacuum pump, located in an upper portion of the device 100, thus maintaining the boiler at atmospheric pressure. This vacuum pump is configured to raise liquid from the boiler 15 by generating a negative pressure in the primary tank 20.

The at least one pump can be powered by the auxiliary device 60 and can be operatively associated, for example, through a control unit, with the at least one sensor, so that the device 100 can be configured for liquid to rise from the boiler 15 to the primary tank 20, for example, at an optimal temperature for extracting coffee from the intermediate vessel 30, and/or so that the device 100 is configured to regulate the contact time between the coffee powder present in the intermediate vessel 30 and the liquid coming from the boiler 15, thus regulating the intensity and quantity of aromatic elements extracted.

The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described so far with reference to its embodiments. It should be understood that other embodiments falling within the scope of protection of the claims set forth below may exist.

Claims

1. Kitchen device (100) configured to produce coffee and/or coffee-based beverages and to be used on induction hobs, said device (100) comprising: a main body (10) made at least in part of a thermally insulating non-magnetic or diamagnetic material, said main body (10) defining a boiler (15) configured, in use, to contain a liquid; the main body (10) further comprising an active portion (16) made of ferromagnetic material heatable by electromagnetic induction and configured, in use, to heat said liquid in said boiler (15); a primary tank (20) configured to be removably associated with said main body (10) to lock between them an intermediate vessel (30) intended to contain coffee powder; a power supply inductor (50) associated with the main body (10) and powerable by electromagnetic induction; an auxiliary device (60) operably associated with the power supply inductor (50) to be powered by it.

2. Device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said active portion (16) is arranged in said main body (10) at a support base (11) of said main body (10), said support base (11) being configured, in use, to contact an induction hob.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said power supply inductor (50) comprises a receiving coil configured to absorb energy derived from an induction hob to power said auxiliary device (60).

4. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said auxiliary device (60) is a mechanical agitator.

5. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said auxiliary device (60) is arranged in a secondary tank (70) operationally associated with said primary tank (20).

6. Device (100) according to claim 4 or 5 in combination with claim 2, wherein said auxiliary device (60) comprises a shutter device (61) arranged at said support base (11 ), said shutter device (61 ) being made of a non-magnetic conductive material and configured to at least partially shield said active portion (16) from an electromagnetic field generated by an induction hob.

7. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said shutter device (61) is movable at least between a first position, or position of minimum shielding, wherein said active portion (16) is completely, or substantially completely, exposed to an electromagnetic field generated by an induction hub, to a second position, or position of maximum shielding, wherein said active portion (16) is completely, or substantially completely, shielded with respect to an electromagnetic field generated by an induction hob.

8. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said auxiliary device (60) comprises a temperature and/or pressure and/or level sensor configured to detect a temperature and/or pressure and/or level of a liquid in said boiler (15), said temperature and/or pressure and/or level sensor being operatively associated with said shutter device (61 ).

9. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said boiler (15) is made of a material having low Curie temperatures.

10. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said auxiliary device (60) comprises a pump configured for an upward flow of liquid from said boiler (15) to said primary tank (20).