Improvements in or relating to a machine for the preparation of beverages

(54) Title: DRINK PREPARATION MACHINE (57) Summary: AND DRINK SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING DRINKS (30) Unionist Priority: 27/02/2007 gb 0703764.1 (73) Holder (s): Kraft Foods R & D, INC .

(72) Inventor (s): Adam Martyn Lloyd, Andrew Charles Bentley (74) Attorney (s): Momsen, Leonardos & Cia.

(86) International Order: pct CB2008000628 of 02/25/2008 (87) International Publication: wo 2008/104751 of 04/09/2008

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201 “DRINK PREPARATION MACHINE AND DRINK SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING DRINKS”

The present invention relates to improvements in a machine for the preparation of drinks or related to it.

Beverage preparation systems for producing drinks such as coffee and tea are known in the art. An example is described in WO 2004/064585, which teaches a beverage preparation system suitable for producing a wide variety of drinks, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, espresso and cappuccino.

Attempts have been made to produce alternative beverage preparation systems capable of dispensing both hot and cold drinks. However, these systems are based on the provision of a custom-made, relatively high-capacity cooler, such as an instant cooler, to cool relatively large volumes of water very quickly to a suitable temperature when a cold drink is to be dispensed. Alternatively, the systems provide high capacity coolers to lower the temperature of the water in the total storage tank to the temperature required for cold drinks. High capacity refrigerators are those capable of quickly cooling both relatively large volumes of water in moderate amounts and producing a relatively large temperature change in smaller volumes of water. These systems have disadvantages, including the problem that high capacity refrigerators are large, noisy and contain a refrigerant gas as part of the refrigeration circuit. This makes the systems bulky, expensive and difficult to recycle. As such, they are unsuitable for use in a home environment.

According to the present invention, a beverage preparation machine is provided for dispensing drinks comprising:

an accommodation;

a first reservoir station;

a first reservoir to contain an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said reservoir station;

an auxiliary module station for receiving an auxiliary module.

An auxiliary module can be provided which is connectable to the mentioned auxiliary module station.

Advantageously, the auxiliary module station is mobile between first and second positions. The auxiliary module station can be movable from a storage position, in which the auxiliary module station is substantially hidden from the outside view, and an operational position, in which the auxiliary module is connectable to the auxiliary module station. The auxiliary module station can be rotated between its first and second positions. Alternatively, the auxiliary module station can be moved between its first and second positions. Alternatively, the auxiliary module station can be formed on an articulated panel that is rotatable between its first and second positions.

Optionally, the auxiliary module station is suitable for receiving a second reservoir to contain an aqueous medium. Optionally, an auxiliary module can be connected to the first reservoir station.

The machine may additionally comprise a second reservoir station and a second reservoir to contain an aqueous medium, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

Preferably, the first and second reservoirs are interchangeable with the first and second reservoir stations.

Optionally, an auxiliary module can be connected to the second reservoir station.

The auxiliary module can be a cooling module. The cooling module can comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) or peltier heat pump. The cooling module may comprise a recirculation mechanism for diverting the aqueous medium cooled by the cooling module back into the reservoir.

The first reservoir preferably contains an aqueous medium at room temperature. Ambient temperature is understood to mean the ambient temperature of the location in which the machine is used and may vary as the temperature of the location changes over time.

The second reservoir preferably contains an aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below room temperature. More preferably, the aqueous medium is at a temperature between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius below room temperature. The second reservoir can contain aqueous medium at an absolute temperature between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius, depending on the local ambient temperature level.

Alternatively, the auxiliary module can be an aqueous medium filtering unit, a preheating module, a telemetry unit, a disinfection module, or a reservoir to contain an aqueous medium.

The machine can comprise two or more auxiliary modules.

Where there are two auxiliary modules, a first auxiliary module can be connected to the auxiliary module station and a second auxiliary module can be connected to the first reservoir station.

Alternatively, where there are two auxiliary modules, a first auxiliary module can be connected to a first auxiliary module station and a second auxiliary module can be connected to a second auxiliary module station.

Alternatively, where there are two auxiliary modules, a first auxiliary module can be connected to the auxiliary module station and a second auxiliary module can be connected to a second reservoir station.

In another aspect of the present invention, a beverage preparation machine is provided for dispensing drinks comprising:

an accommodation;

a first reservoir station;

a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station;

an auxiliary module, where the auxiliary module comprises a first interface for connecting the auxiliary module to the first reservoir station and a second interface for connecting the first reservoir to the auxiliary module, so that, when assembling, the auxiliary module is located between the first reservoir and the first reservoir station.

The machine may additionally comprise a second reservoir station and a second reservoir to contain an aqueous medium, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

The auxiliary module can be connected between the second reservoir and the second reservoir station.

The auxiliary module can be selected from a cooling module, a preheating module, an aqueous media filtering unit, a disinfection module and a telemetry unit.

A heater can be provided in fluid communication with the first reservoir station and / or the second reservoir station.

Preferably, the first reservoir contains aqueous medium at room temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below room temperature. More preferably, the aqueous medium is at a temperature between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius below room temperature. The ambient temperature will vary according to the local climate in which the machine is used. Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius.

The cooling module may comprise a recirculation mechanism for diverting the cooled aqueous medium through the cooling module back to the reservoir.

The second reservoir can be thermally insulated.

In another aspect of the present invention, a beverage system is provided for dispensing hot and cold drinks comprising:

a) a beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages formed from one or more beverage ingredients through the use of an aqueous medium, where the beverage preparation machine comprises:

an accommodation;

a first reservoir station; a second reservoir station; and a heater in fluid communication with the first station to heat the aqueous medium;

b) a first reservoir containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station, so that it is in fluid communication with said heater; and

c) a second removable reservoir containing an aqueous medium at a temperature below that environment, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

Preferably, the first reservoir contains aqueous medium at room temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below room temperature. More preferably, the aqueous medium is at a temperature between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius below room temperature. The second reservoir can contain aqueous medium at a temperature between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius.

Preferably, the second reservoir is thermally insulated.

The machine or system of the present invention may further comprise a recirculation mechanism for diverting aqueous medium from the first or second reservoir back to the first or second reservoir or from the auxiliary module back to the auxiliary module , where the recirculation mechanism comprises a UV source to disinfect the aqueous medium as it circulates in the recirculation mechanism. Advantageously, using UV light to disinfect the aqueous medium as it recirculates allows a low-energy UV emitter to be used as the total exposure time increases.

Preferably, the UV source is UV LEDs. Preferably, UV LEDs have a wavelength of light emitted between 250 and 320nm. The extended exposure time of the aqueous medium to UV light, due to the recirculation of the water, as well as the use of a small focus area for the LEDs, allows a low energy output to be used to provide effective disinfection.

The recirculation mechanism can also comprise a cooling mechanism. However, UV disinfection can also be used on any of, or on, all aqueous media supplies that form part of the system.

In one embodiment, a recirculation mechanism and a UV source are provided as part of an auxiliary disinfection module.

In another embodiment, a recirculation mechanism, a cooling mechanism and a UV source are all provided as part of a cooling module.

Filtered UV light can be used to illuminate, or produce fluorescence on, the reservoirs or media contained in them.

The described machine and system are suitable for dispensing a range of hot and cold drinks, extracted / infused or diluted, including, but not limited to, coffee, tea, cappuccino, hot chocolate, iced tea, invigorating fruit drinks, smoothie juices and frappes.

The present invention also provides a beverage system for dispensing hot and cold drinks comprising:

a) a beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages formed from one or more beverage ingredients through the use of an aqueous medium, where the beverage preparation machine comprises:

a first reservoir station; and a heater in fluid communication with the first station to heat the aqueous medium;

b) a first reservoir containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station, so that it is in fluid communication with said heater; and

c) a second removable reservoir containing an aqueous medium at a temperature below that environment, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

Using a single reservoir station and swapping interchangeable reservoirs containing aqueous medium, such as water, of different temperatures in and out, a compact system is achieved that can efficiently dispense both hot and cold drinks.

Preferably, the first reservoir contains aqueous medium at room temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below room temperature.

Optionally, the aqueous medium is between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius below room temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir is thermally insulated. Advantageously, the second reservoir can be stored in a refrigerator before attachment to the reservoir station to maintain the aqueous medium, such as water, at the required cooled temperature.

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention;

fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the machine of fig · i;

fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the machine of fig. 1; fig. 4 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention;

fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of the machine of fig · 4;

fig. 6 shows a series of perspective views of the machine of fig. 4 illustrating the fit of the two auxiliary modules;

fig. 7 is a schematic representation of the machine of fig. 4; fig. 8 shows a series of perspective views of a third embodiment of the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention illustrating the fitting of the water tanks and an auxiliary module;

fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a disinfection system for use with the previous embodiments; and fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the beverage preparation system according to the present invention.

Figs. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention. The beverage preparation machine is of the general type described and shown in WO 2004/064585, except for the modifications described below relating to the present invention as defined by the appended claims. WO 2004/064585 completely describes the basic design and function of the beverage preparation machine and the design and function of the beverage cartridges used with the machine. These aspects will not be described in detail here, except where they are relevant to the present invention. The contents of WO 2004/064585 are incorporated here by reference.

It will be appreciated that the invention can find application with other types of beverage preparation machines and for the purposes of the present invention there is no requirement that the beverage ingredients be derived from cartridges or shipped in a single dose format.

As shown in figs. 1 and 2, the beverage preparation machine 201 generally comprises a housing 210 containing a water heater 225, a water pump 230, a dispensing valve 235 with an air inlet 236, a control processor, a user interface 240 and a cartridge head 250. The cartridge head 250, in turn, generally comprises a cartridge holder for holding the beverage cartridge in use, cartridge recognition means and inlet and outlet perforators, to form, in use, an inlet and an outlet in the drink cartridge.

The front half 211 of the housing 210 comprises a dispensing station 270 where the beverage dispensing takes place.

The machine user interface 240 is located on the front of housing 210 and comprises a start / stop button 241. The start / stop button 241 controls the start of the operating cycle and is a manually operated push button, switch or similar. Button 241 can also be used to manually stop the operating cycle.

A rear half 212 of housing 210 provides a recess 214 for attaching the first and second water tanks 220, 280.

The first water tank 220 can be made of a transparent or translucent material to allow a consumer to see the amount of water remaining in the tank. Alternatively, the first water tank 220 may be made of an opaque material, but have a viewing window provided therein. In addition, or in place of the one mentioned above, the first water tank 220 can be provided with a low level sensor that prevents the operation of the water pump 230 and, optionally, triggers an alert indicator, such as an LED, when the water level in the tank drops to a pre-selected level. The first water tank 220 preferably has an internal capacity of approximately 1.5 liters.

The first water tank 220 is connected, in use, to a first water tank station 120. The first water tank 220 comprises a generally cylindrical body 221 which can be straight circular or a trunk, as desired for aesthetic reasons. The tank comprises an open upper end forming an entrance to fill the tank with water which is closed, in use, by means of a manually removable cover 222. An outlet is provided towards a lower end of the tank. The outlet contains a valve that is predisposed to a closed position when the first water tank is removed from the first water tank station 120. The outlet can also be provided with a filter to prevent the ingress of solid particles into the internal parts of the machine. The first water tank station 120 comprises a base plate 121 formed to receive a lower end of the first water tank 220. The base plate 121 is provided with a valve connector 122 that connects in a married manner with the outlet valve of the first water tank 220 when the tank is placed on the base plate. Connecting tank 220 to station 120 opens the valve and allows the flow of water to pass through it.

As shown in fig. 3, a conduit 123 extending internally from valve connector 122 communicates with water heater 225.

The beverage preparation machine 201 is provided with a second water tank station 180. The second water tank station 180 comprises a base plate 181 having a valve connector 182 in the same way as the first water tank station. 120. The second water tank 280 is located on the second water tank station 180. The second water tank 280 is provided with an outlet valve of the same type as that of the first water tank and connects to the valve connector in the same manner as that described above. The construction and materials of the second water tank 280 are preferably the same as those of the first water tank 220.

The base plates 121 and 181 are preferably formed as a unitary piece having recesses marking the locations of the first and second water tanks 220, 280.

A conduit 183 extends internally from valve connector 182 of the second water tank station to dispensing valve 235.

The water pump 230 is a volumetric displacement pump that creates enough suction head to draw water from the tanks through the heater and the dispensing valve 250. Preferably, a peristaltic pump is used, so that each revolution dispatches a known volume of water. The 230 water pump provides a maximum flow rate of 900ml / minute of water at a maximum pressure of 0.25MPa. Preferably, in normal use, the pressure will be limited to 0.2MPa. The flow of water through the machine can be controlled by the control processor to be a percentage of the maximum flow of the pump through speed control. Preferably, the pump can be operated at any of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the maximum established flow. The accuracy of the volume of water pumped is preferably + or - 5% leading to an accuracy of + or - 5% in the final volume of the dispensed drink. Where a peristaltic pump is used, the volume delivered can be determined by the number of revolutions. Alternatively, for example, where a peristaltic pump is not used, a volumetric flow sensor (not shown) can be provided in the flow line, both upstream and downstream of the water pump 230. Preferably, the volumetric flow sensor it would be a rotating sensor.

The dispensing valve 235 preferably comprises a set of two electrically operated solenoid conversion valves with associated non-return valves, as shown schematically in fig. 3. In order to correctly rotate the water through the machine, from the first and second water tanks to the cartridge head, the respective dispensing valve 250 solenoid valve is selected by the control processor before the flow begins.

The water heater 225 has an energy rating of 1550W and is capable of heating the water received from the water pump 230 from a temperature of approximately 20 ° C to an operating temperature in the range of about 88 to 94 ° C in less than 1 minute. Preferably, the contact time between the end of an operating cycle and the heater 225 being able to start a subsequent operating cycle is less than 10 seconds. The heater maintains the selected temperature within + or - 2 ° C during the operating cycle. Preferably, water for the operating cycle can be delivered to the cartridge head 250 at 88 ° C, 91 ° C or 94 ° C. The heater 225 is capable of quickly adjusting the dispatch temperature within the range of 88 ° C or 94 ° C. The heater 225 comprises an overtemperature cut that shuts off the heater if the temperature exceeds 98 ° C.

The dispensing valve 235 receives water supply inlets from the water heater 225 and the second water tank 280, as shown in fig. 3. In addition, air inlet 236 allows air to be pumped to cartridge head 250. If required, a separate air compressor can be incorporated into the air supply route. The water / air outlet 237 from the dispensing valve 235 connects to the water pump 230. In turn, the water pump 230 connects to the cartridge head 250.

The control processor of the beverage preparation machine comprises a processing module and a memory. The control processor is operationally connected to and controls the operation of the water heater 225, water pump 230, dispensing valve 235 and user interface 240.

In use, the first water tank 220 is used to provide water for hot drinks and the water passes through the water heater 225 over the path of the cartridge head 250. The second water tank 280 is used to provide water for cold drinks or drinks served at room temperature and the water does not pass through the water heater 225. The water in the second water tank 280 can be cooled before being poured into the tank. However, preferably, the tank containing the water can be cooled in a refrigerator. Preferably, the water in the second water tank 280, when connected to the secondary water tank station, is between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature, more preferably, between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius below ambient. The shape and size of the tank allows the tank to be fitted inside the door of a household refrigerator when disconnected from the beverage preparation machine.

The first and second water tanks 220, 280 can be interchangeable over the first and second water tank stations 120, 180. In other words, a tank design can be used to fit the first and second water tank stations 120, 180.

Figs. 4 to 7 show a second embodiment of the beverage preparation machine 201 according to the present invention. As with the first embodiment, the machine comprises first and second water tanks 220, 280 and first and second water tank stations 120, 180. As shown in fig. 4, the design of housing 210 is of a different form, but the function of the machine components is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, except where noted differently below.

As shown in fig. 6, the beverage preparation machine is provided with one or more auxiliary modules. In the illustrated embodiment, two auxiliary modules are shown mounted to the first and second water tank stations 120, 180. A preheat module 320 is mounted on the first water tank station 120 between the first water tank 220 and the base plate 121. A cooling module 380 is mounted on the second water tank station 180 between the second water tank 280 and the base plate 180. It should also be noted that fig. 6 shows an optional arrangement, where the beverage preparation machine is provided with a single double-capacity water tank 290 which is located over both the first and second water tank stations.

Auxiliary modules 320, 380 are mounted in line with the first and second water tanks. A lower face of each auxiliary module matches the interface of the water tank stations, while an upper face of the auxiliary modules is formed to receive the first and second water tanks. Both the upper and lower sides of the auxiliary module are provided with valve connectors suitable for matching the valve connectors of the water tank stations and water tanks. This arrangement is particularly suitable where the auxiliary module comprises a cooling unit or a preheating unit. A filter unit can also be used in this configuration.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates the internal configuration of the second embodiment. The arrangements for the pump, water heater and dispensing valve are the same as in the first embodiment. As shown, the preheat module 320 comprises a heater 321. The cooling module 380 comprises a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) 381 that receives water from the second tank 280 via a tank outlet 383, cools the water and then recirculates the water back to the second tank 280 via a water inlet. tank 384. The driving force for recirculation is provided by a dedicated pump 382 inside the cooling module 380. When required, water exits the cooling module 380 via valve 385. Other types of peltier heat pump or similar device can be used instead of TEC 381.

In use, when a cold drink is required, water is pumped from the second water tank 280 by pump 230 to cartridge head 250. Due to the presence of cooling module 380, the water in the second tank 280 is kept in a cold state.

The cooling module 380 can be used to cool the water in the second tank 280, which is initially at room temperature, or it can be used to maintain the water temperature in the second tank 280 that was previously cooled in a refrigerator.

The preheat module 320 can be used to heat the water received from the first tank 220 to room temperature for an adjusted amount before passing the water to the main heater 225 in the machine housing.

As an alternative, the second tank can itself comprise a cooling mechanism, like a TEC, as an integral part of the tank.

Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, where the beverage preparation machine 201 is provided with an auxiliary module station 300, as well as with the first and second water tank stations 120, 180. The auxiliary module station 300 is used to mount the auxiliary modules in parallel to the first and second water tanks instead of in line with the tanks.

Auxiliary module station 300 comprises power and fluid connections. The auxiliary module station 300 can be rotated between a storage position, in which the station is hidden from view below the first and second water tank stations, and an operational position, as shown in fig. 8, in which the station is accessible and is positioned behind the first and second tank stations. In alternative, non-illustrated versions, the auxiliary module station 300 can be moved between the storage and operational positions by means of a translational movement, such as a sliding movement, or by being located on a downward folding panel that is lowered when the auxiliary module has to be used.

Auxiliary module 300 can be any one of a cooling module, a preheating module, a water filtration unit, a disinfection module, a telemetry device or the like, as described above.

Fig. 9 illustrates a modification in the system that can be used in any of the above embodiments. An ultraviolet (UV) 501 chamber is provided as part of a water recirculation system. As shown, water is recirculated from second tank 280 via pump 382 and three-way valve 500 back to tank 280 via UV chamber 501. This recirculation continues when water is not required to be transferred to the cartridge head 250. When water is required to dispense a drink, it is then diverted to the cartridge head 250 through the use of the three-way valve 500.

The UV chamber 501 comprises a housing 503 and a plurality of UV emitting elements 502 that are focused to illuminate the water passing through the chamber 501 with light in the UV range. Preferably, the tubing used to transport water through chamber 501 is formed from fluorine-ethylene polymer (FEP) to allow good UV transmission through the tubing. The UV-emitting elements 502 comprise UV-emitting light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs emit UV at a wavelength chosen between 250 and 320 nanometers (nm). LEDs can have a relatively low energy output compared to low pressure mercury discharge UV lamps, since the recirculation of water through the 501 chamber often increases the time of total UV exposure of the water. In addition, LEDs can be arranged to have a small area of ​​focus through the use of a suitable lens arrangement to enhance the disinfection effect. This allows less expensive and smaller UV LEDs to be used.

Preferably, the tank 280, or the water contained therein, can be illuminated by a portion of the UV output of the LEDs that has been filtered. Tank 280 can be formed, or contain, a material that produces fluorescence when exposed to UV light.

The use of UV light to disinfect the water used in the system can be used for the recirculation of water in the first tank 220 and / or the second water tank 280, regardless of whether the water is also subjected to cooling, heating or discharging at temperature environment. The UV 501 chamber can be formed as part of the recirculation piping of a cooling module formed as part of the machine, or as part of another auxiliary module connectable to one of the auxiliary or water module stations. Each reservoir station can be provided with an in-line 501 UV chamber, if required.

The UV chamber 501 can be formed as part of the main housing of the machine or as part of a separate pluggable auxiliary module. The UV 501 chamber and the recirculation mechanism can be formed as part of a disinfection module by itself, or as part of a cooling module.

Fig. 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the system. In this system, the beverage preparation machine 201 comprises a single reservoir station and two water tanks. The first water tank 220 contains water at room temperature and is used to prepare hot drinks. Second tank 280 contains water 400 below room temperature and is used to prepare cold drinks. Tanks 220, 280 are interchangeable and connected and disconnected from the reservoir station, if required. Advantageously, the second tank, when not mounted to the beverage preparation machine 201, is preferably stored in a refrigerator in order to create and maintain a cooled volume of water. In this way, the system can be used quickly to make both hot and cold drinks without the need for a cooling device inside the beverage preparation machine housing.

Preferably, the second water tank 280 is thermally insulated and can be provided with a transport cable. It can also be properly formed to fit into standard refrigerator compartments, such as a door pouch.

In using any of the first and third embodiments described above, an auxiliary module as required is mounted to the auxiliary module station, or to the first or second water tank station, as appropriate. In addition, either or both of the first and second water tanks are positioned over the respective first and second water tank stations, as appropriate.

The water for the drink originates from the first or second water tank, depending on the type of drink to be dispensed. For example, where a chilled drink is required, the water comes from the second tank, which can contain pre-chilled water in a refrigerator, or contain chilled water through an integrated TEC or cooling module. Where a hot drink is required, water is sourced from the first tank and water is passed to heater 225, optionally via a preheating module.

The basic operating behavior of machine 201, thereafter, for any of the embodiments shown above, is fully described in WO 2004/064585.

From the above, it will be understood that in the present invention the auxiliary modules, where present, can be positioned in line with, or, parallel to one or more tanks containing water first to form drinks. One, two or more auxiliary modules can be used in combination with one, two or more water tanks, depending on the desired combination of functions. It will also be understood that the various types of auxiliary module described are given as examples only and can be used with one or more embodiments of the beverage machine described above. The auxiliary modules and water tanks of the above embodiments can be used with beverage preparation machines having one, two or more reservoir stations.