WO2013137728A1 - Préparation d'un produit alimentaire liquide pour la consommation humaine, par exemple d'une boisson à base de café arabe - Google Patents

Préparation d'un produit alimentaire liquide pour la consommation humaine, par exemple d'une boisson à base de café arabe Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013137728A1
WO2013137728A1 PCT/NL2013/050166 NL2013050166W WO2013137728A1 WO 2013137728 A1 WO2013137728 A1 WO 2013137728A1 NL 2013050166 W NL2013050166 W NL 2013050166W WO 2013137728 A1 WO2013137728 A1 WO 2013137728A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
boiling
cartridge
reservoir
water
boiling reservoir
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2013/050166
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Roland Waldemar Verbeek
Original Assignee
Cupsystem Company B.V.
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
Priority claimed from PCT/NL2012/050156 external-priority patent/WO2012125032A2/fr
Application filed by Cupsystem Company B.V. filed Critical Cupsystem Company B.V.
Publication of WO2013137728A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013137728A1/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
    • A47J31/18—Apparatus in which ground coffee or tea-leaves are immersed in the hot liquid in the beverage container
    • 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
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/21—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles
    • A47J27/21008—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles electrically heated
    • A47J27/2105—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles electrically heated of the cordless type, i.e. whereby the water vessel can be plugged into an electrically-powered base element

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the preparation of a liquid food product for human consumption, e.g. soup or coffee.
  • the invention is advantageously applied for the preparation of an Arabic coffee beverage, often indicated with the term Vietnamese coffee beverage.
  • Turkish coffee is known under many names, such as Arabic coffee, and generally refers to similar methods of preparing a coffee beverage. These methods are well known in variants throughout the world, e.g. in Turkey, Greece, the Middle East, North Africa, the Caucasus and the Balkans.
  • an Arabic or Turkish coffee is prepared by boiling finely ground roasted coffee beans in a boiling pot, often with sugar, sometimes with cardamom, and serving the boiled coffee in a cup, where the coffee dregs settle in the cup.
  • the term Turkish coffee does not refer to a particular variety of coffee beans, but to the preparation process.
  • the traditional process may involve bringing the coffee to boil, then removing the pot from the heat source for some time, and then bringing the coffee to boil for a second time and a third time. Then the coffee is poured into a cup. A head of foam is formed in the process and poured into the cup as well.
  • WO2011/007266 discloses a system for the preparation of an Arabic coffee beverage, comprising a single serving disposable cartridge and a preparation device.
  • the cartridge is punched so that the ground roasted coffee is deposited in a boiling reservoir.
  • Hot water and steam are supplied to the boiling reservoir and a boiling process is performed.
  • the boiled product is then allowed to flow in a cup.
  • this document proposes that the ground roasted coffee is deposited from the cartridge directly into the cup, with the hot water and steam then being supplied to the cup.
  • the system proposed in WO201 1/007266 is unsatisfactory, mainly in view of the quality of the beverage that is obtained and the complexity and practical use of the preparation device.
  • the present invention aims to propose measures that allow for an attractive preparation of a liquid food product suitable for human consumption, e.g. soup or coffee, e.g. an Arabic coffee beverage.
  • the present invention proposes systems, methods, preparation devices, and cartridges for preparation of a liquid food product suitable for human consumption, e.g. soup or coffee, e.g. an Arabic coffee beverage.
  • the invention provides a system according to the preamble of claim 1 , which is characterized in that the preparation device includes a main housing and a removable unit that is user removable from the main housing, said removable unit comprising a base, the boiling reservoir, and an electric heater for heating the boiling reservoir so as to subject the water and the ingredient, e.g. ground roasted coffee, held in the boiling reservoir to the boiling process, wherein the boiling reservoir is movable supported on the base of the removable unit between a receiving position to receive the water and the ingredient, e.g. ground roasted coffee, and a dispensing position to pour the boiled mixture, e.g. into a cup.
  • the preparation device includes a main housing and a removable unit that is user removable from the main housing, said removable unit comprising a base, the boiling reservoir, and an electric heater for heating the boiling reservoir so as to subject the water and the ingredient, e.g. ground roasted coffee, held in the boiling reservoir to the boiling process, wherein the boiling reservoir is movable supported on the base of the removable unit
  • the removability of the unit e.g. facilitates cleaning of the boiling reservoir.
  • the removable unit is provided with a tilting mechanism
  • a translator/ motion e.g. a rectilinear motion, e.g. in horizontal, or in vertical direction, or along an inclined path, or along a curved path.
  • a translatory motion e.g. wherein the boiling reservoir is kept in upright orientation
  • a tilting motion the tilting being performed when the heated or boiled mixture is to be dispensed into a cup.
  • the mobility of the boiling reservoir (and preferably integrated electric heater) is limited to a tilting about a horizontal axis as this allows for constructional simplicity of the device.
  • the device is provided with a motor drive, e.g. including an electric motor, that drives the motion of the boiling reservoir - and possibly of an integrated electric heater - between the receiving and the dispensing position.
  • a motor drive e.g. including an electric motor
  • the cartridge requires some opening action to introduce water therein and/or a situation wherein the handling of the cartridge in general requires a motor drive, e.g. an electric motor
  • a common motor drive with a single motor is provided so that said single common motor also handles the motion of the boiling reservoir.
  • the water feed assembly and the cartridge are adapted to introduce the water into the chamber of the cartridge containing the ingredient, e.g. ground roasted coffee, wherein the cartridge is embodied such that the ingredient therein is entrained with the water that is introduced into the cartridge and is dispensed as a mixture with said water from the cartridge via one or more outlets.
  • the boiling reservoir is arranged in its receiving position to receive said mixture from the cartridge.
  • a mixture of water and ingredient e.g. ground roasted coffee
  • ingredient e.g. ground roasted coffee
  • this mixture is deposited in the boiling reservoir. This allows for an intimate mixing of the water and the ingredient, e.g. ground roasted coffee.
  • the water feed assembly is adapted to feed cold, non-heated water to the cartridge, thereby allowing to dispense with a water heater in the device which reduces costs of the device and technical complexity.
  • a water heater to heat the water prior to introduction into the cartridge. This may e.g. be used to cause some extraction of coffee when hot water is introduced into a coffee cartridge or employed to facilitate the dilution of the ingredient, e.g. when a pasty or gel type ingredient is present in the cartridge. It is preferred that all of the ingredient, e.g. all coffee grounds, preferably at least 80% thereof, is/are emptied from the cartridge by the flushing of the water through the cartridge.
  • the mixture is held for some time in the boiling reservoir and then subjected to a boiling process.
  • This process may involve bringing the mixture to actual boiling, as is preferred, but may also involve bringing the mixture to a near boiling temperature, e.g. above 90°C, e.g. 97°C.
  • the boiling process could be done for a predetermined time period, or possibly for several time periods separated by periods wherein heating is stopped or reduced to take the mixture just below boiling temperature.
  • the boiling processes could also be governed by detection of actual boiling via one or more sensors associated with the boiling reservoir, e.g. a sensor detecting the formation of a foam head on the mixture in the reservoir (as is known for Arabic coffee preparation) and/or a sensor detecting the temperature or change thereof (e.g. as explained in WO201 1002421) of the mixture in the reservoir.
  • the boiled mixture is discharged from the boiling reservoir, e.g. dispensed into a serving cup. It is also envisaged that in an embodiment the boiled mixture is dispensed from the boiling reservoir at intervals in several portions, e.g. a first portion with a significant amount of foam and a second portion with little foam, which second portion can e.g. be boiled some time longer than the first portion.
  • the inventive system, device, and cartridge allow to obtain a beverage that has significant similarity to a traditionally prepared Arabic or Turkish coffee.
  • the boiling reservoir is a receptacle, preferably an open topped receptacle, e.g. a metal cup shape receptacle or a cup shape receptacle having at least one metal wall portion, e.g. the bottom of the receptacle.
  • the boiling vessel e.g. receptacle, has a non-stick coating, e.g. of PTFE.
  • the boiling reservoir is an open topped receptacle having a bottom part that is at least partly made of metal, e.g. steel, and a circumferential wall that is made of a heat resistant plastic. It is possible that the metal bottom part is provided with an electrical heater, e.g. a thick film heater.
  • the preparation device comprises a cup support, e.g. including a drip tray portion, for supporting a drinking cup at a position to receive the prepared beverage from the boiling reservoir.
  • a cup support e.g. including a drip tray portion
  • the boiling reservoir is mounted tiltable in the removable unit, e.g. by a motor drive.
  • a motor drive for driving the motion of the boiling reservoir, e.g. a tilting motion
  • a, preferable electric, motor of said motor drive is not mounted on the removable unit but is mounted in the main housing, wherein a disconnectable transmission is provided between the motor and the boiling reservoir so that the unit can be removed from the main housing.
  • the transmission is embodied so as to automatically disconnect upon removal of the unit from the preparation device and to automatically connect upon placing the unit back into the preparation device.
  • cooperating transmission members on the main housing and on the removable unit are embodied to engage upon one another by sliding one member into or onto the other member, the direction of sliding being parallel to the direction for removal and placing back of the unit, e.g. in horizontal direction.
  • the tilting to the dispensing position causes the boiled mixture to flow over the rim of the receptacle forming the boiling reservoir.
  • the boiling reservoir is provided with a pour spout, most preferably at the rim of the receptacle forming the boiling reservoir.
  • the boiling reservoir may be tilted - as is preferred - in its dispensing position such that also coffee grounds that have settled on the bottom of the receptacle are dispensed from the receptacle, e.g. into a cup positioned underneath or next to the receptacle.
  • the boiling reservoir is tilted gradually at a low speed. This allows the foam or froth layer that may have formed on the surface of the coffee to remain substantially intact when flowing into the drinking cup.
  • the reservoir is tiltable about a horizontal tilting axis which is arranged outside the boiling reservoir receptacle, e.g. directly adjacent or underneath a pour spout of the boiling reservoir.
  • the heater preferably is mounted directly on or in the boiling reservoir, possibly heating the reservoir wall or bottom of the reservoir itself (which then heats the mixture) or directly heating the mixture in the reservoir.
  • the heater is an electric hot-air heater, directing a stream of hot air to the reservoir. It will be appreciated that other heaters can be applied as well to heat the boiling reservoir or the mixture held therein.
  • the removable unit is removable from a front side of the main housing, e.g. the unit can be pulled forward by the user to remove it and pushed back into the main housing to place it back.
  • the boiling reservoir and electric heater are integrated into a subunit that is user detachable from the base when the removable unit has been removed from the main housing. This allows the user to clean the subunit, e.g. under the tap or even in a dishwasher when suitably designed.
  • the base is provided with a first electrical connector part that detachably connects to a corresponding electrical connector part on the main housing, and wherein the base is provided with a second electrical connector part that detachably connects to a corresponding electrical connector part on a removable subunit of boiling reservoir and heater in order to provide electricity to the electric heater.
  • an integrated reservoir and electrical heater are provided with a first electrical connector part that detachably connects to a corresponding electrical connector part on the main housing in order to supply electricity to the electric heater.
  • This embodiment allows for a reliable electric circuit to power the heater and can readily be combined with a removable unit.
  • the first electrical connector part and the corresponding electrical connector part on the main housing are embodied such as to disconnect when an integrated boiling reservoir and electrical heater are moved to the dispensing position, e.g. tilted to the dispensing position, so that no electricity is supplied to the electric heater in the dispensing position. This guarantees the shutdown of the heater during dispensing of the product.
  • the main housing comprises an electrical connector housing part that is located underneath the integrated boiling reservoir and electrical heater when in receiving position, said housing part comprising said electrical connector part, e.g. including one or more electrical connector elements.
  • a movable cover is provided, e.g. a slidable cover, which in a covering position covers the electrical connector part on the main housing and which is moved to a retracted position exposing or at least making accessible the electric connector part so as to allow connection to the first electrical connector.
  • said movable cover is adapted to be moved into its retracted position by engagement thereon of a portion, e.g. the base, of the removable unit upon introduction thereof into the main housing.
  • the cover is spring biased to its covering position so that upon removal of the unit the cover moves automatically into its covering position.
  • the water is preferably introduced into the cartridge and the cartridge is embodied preferably such that a swirling motion of the ingredient in the chamber is caused when water or another liquid is introduced into the cartridge.
  • the cartridge has an inlet for water and one or more nozzles in communication with said inlet, said nozzles each directing a jet of water into the chamber so as to cause said swirling motion.
  • the cartridge has multiple, e.g. two to six, nozzles causing in the chamber simultaneously swirls in different directions, e.g. a clock-wise as well as a counterclockwise swirl. Due to the provision of swirls in different directions that also collide with one another in the chamber of the cartridge, a very turbulent flow is caused, which results in a very good mixing as well as entraining of the ingredient, e.g. ground coffee, with the water.
  • the ingredient e.g. ground coffee
  • the cartridge has a bottom and a circumferential wall delimiting the chamber, in which the body furthermore has a column which is connected to a portion of the bottom and which column is preferably situated centrally in the chamber, which column projects upwards from the bottom to an upper side of the column, through which column a water channel extends from an inlet on the upper side of the column to one or more nozzles in the column.
  • the nozzles are formed by apertures in the wall of the column, which apertures provide fluid communication between the water channel in the column and the chamber of the cartridge.
  • the water feed assembly of the preparation device comprise a water feed lance that can be brought into engagement with a column of the cartridge when present, through which feed lance the water can be fed into a channel in the column and then via the one or more nozzles in the column fed into the chamber containing the ingredient, e.g. the ground roasted coffee.
  • the cartridge has a bottom with one or more openings therein for the passage of the mixture of water and ingredient, e.g. ground coffee, from the chamber. These one or more openings are dimensioned such that no filtering effect is obtained, as it is desired that the ingredient, e.g. coffee grounds, are discharged from the cartridge with the water.
  • the cartridge comprises one or more integrally formed tubes, each tube extending downward below opening in the bottom of the cartridge.
  • the tubes help to direct the flow of the mixture of water and ingredient from the cartridge into the boiling reservoir of the preparation device.
  • the cartridge comprises a water flow diverter member, which is arranged with respect to the one or more nozzles such that the jet or jets of water emerging from one or more nozzles is diverted so as to cause a swirling motion of the ingredient, e.g. ground roasted coffee, when water is fed into the channel.
  • the diverter element could include one or more vanes positioned in the chamber to divert the jet or jets of water, e.g. formed by a diverter member made as a separate part and placed in the chamber (e.g. as an annular member over the column).
  • a water flow diverter member is formed by a portion of the circumferential wall delimiting the chamber.
  • the circumferential wall has two semi-circular portions and two diverter portions, each interpositioned between said semi-circular portions and each projecting inwardly, the one diverter portion diverting a jet of water into a clockwise swirl and the other diverter portion diverting a jet of water into a counter-clockwise swirl.
  • the cartridge has a bottom and a bottom sealing film which is placed along the underside of the bottom to cover one or more discharge openings in the bottom. The sealing film could be removed by the user prior to placement in the preparation device, or the device could be provided with means to break said film and create an outlet for discharge of mixture from the cartridge, e.g. a mobile cutter member.
  • the device is provided with a piercing member, e.g. a mobile piercing member, in order to create one or more outlets for the mixture.
  • a piercing member e.g. a mobile piercing member
  • the piercing member is a hollow piercing member, the mixture flowing through said piercing member.
  • a motor drive may be provided, e.g. with an electric motor, to drive the piercing member.
  • the cartridge has a column that is raised from a bottom of the cartridge and engageable by a water feed lance of the preparation device.
  • a portion of the bottom, preferably annular around the column, is flexible, so that the column is movable upon engagement by the water feed lance.
  • a bottom sealing film underneath the bottom is then breakable by movement of said column and bottom, e.g. by moving the column downwards from a higher initial position to a lower dispensing position.
  • the cartridge is held by the holder of the preparation device directly above the boiling reservoir.
  • the device is then adapted such that said mixture is discharged from said cartridge so as to stream directly, without intermediate duct, from the cartridge into the boiling reservoir.
  • this arrangement is provided in combination with the cartridge having a column and flexible bottom portion as above.
  • the device is adapted to perform a cleaning process to clean at least the boiling reservoir, preferably said cleaning process comprising the introduction of water into the boiling reservoir in absence of a cartridge in the device or via a cartridge that has been previously emptied in a preparation process, or via a separate duct so as to not entrain any ingredient from a cartridge, and discharge thereof taking along contaminants present in the boiling reservoir.
  • the preparation device is adapted to receive multiple cartridges simultaneously. Preferably then the preparation device is adapted to prepare multiple servings of the beverage simultaneously.
  • the preparation device is adapted to receive a single cartridge at a time, such that one cup, e.g. of Arabic coffee, at a time is prepared.
  • the preparation device could be adapted to receive two or more cartridges at the same time, allowing two or more cups of coffee to be prepared at the same time, or allowing a "double" cup of coffee to be prepared in one go.
  • the preparation device may have a compartment for receiving used cartridges.
  • the preparation device may have a compartment for unused cartridges, that supplies a cartridge to the cartridge chamber prior to the preparation of the coffee beverage or other liquid food product.
  • the water feed assembly may be adapted to provide a substantially constant flow rate during the introduction of water into the cartridge, or e.g. several distinct flow rates, e.g. a low flow rate at the start, followed by a greater flow rate.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for preparation of a liquid food product, e.g. an Arabic coffee beverage, wherein use is made of a system and/or device as described herein.
  • Figs. 1a -d show an embodiment of a preparation device and the removable unit thereof
  • Fig. 2 shows in a perspective view from above the body of the cartridge of figure 1 ,
  • Fig. 3 shows in a perspective view from below the body of the cartridge of figure 2
  • Fig. 4a shows another example of a preparation device and the removable unit thereof, as well as an example of a cup,
  • Fig. 4b shows the view of figure 4a with external covers of the device removed
  • Fig. 5 shows the device of fig. 4 with the unit removed
  • Fig. 6 shows the unit removed from the device of fig. 5
  • Fig. 7 shows the unit removed from the device of figure 5
  • Fig. 8a shows an illustration of the device of fig. 4 showing parts of the main housing including a connector housing part and the removable unit,
  • Fig. 8b a vertical cross section of the preparation device in the area that receives the removable unit, said unit being absent,
  • Fig. 8c a vertical cross section of the preparation device in the area that receives the removable unit, said unit being present,
  • Fig. 8d shows a part of the device with the unit removed to illustrate the cover of the connector part of the main housing
  • Fig. 9 shows the removable unit and a cup
  • Fig. 10 shows the removable unit of fig. 9.
  • the cartridge shown in figures 2 and 3 is equally applicable in the device of figures 4 - 1 1 when desired.
  • the system generally includes a disposable single serving cartridge 1 and a preparation device 100.
  • the cartridge 1 has a chamber that, as in this example the preparation of coffee, in particular Arabic coffee is illustrated, contains ground roasted coffee (not shown) and possibly also contains a sweetener, e.g. sugar. Further preferred and/or optional details of the cartridge 1 will be discussed further below with reference to the example in figures 2 and 3. As indicated above the cartridge 1 may alternatively be filled with another ingredient, e.g. to make a soup or the like.
  • the preparation device 100 includes a main housing 104 and a removable boiling reservoir unit 200 that is user removable from the main housing, e.g. for cleaning the boiling reservoir 120.
  • the device 100 further comprises - in the main housing as is preferred - water feed assembly adapted to provide water, possibly heated water, yet preferably cold, non-heated water.
  • a water feed lance 1 10, and - as is preferred - an associated displacement device 11 1 are shown.
  • the water feed assembly may further include a pump 113, e.g. an electric pump, to supply water to the lance 110, e.g. between a water tank 1 12 and the lance 110.
  • the water feed assembly may - but preferably does not - include a water heating assembly for heating the water prior to introduction into the cartridge 1 , e.g. an electric heating assembly (e.g. a boiler or a flow-through heater) for supplying hot, not boiling water, preferably hotter than 70°C.
  • an electric heating assembly e.g. a boiler or a flow-through heater
  • the unit 200 is removable at the front of the device 100, which front has an opening 101 a to allow the unit to be pulled from the main housing and be slid back into the main housing.
  • the removable unit 200 comprises a base 160, the boiling reservoir 120, and an electric heater 130 (integrated here in the bottom of the reservoir 120) for heating the boiling reservoir and the mixture of water and ground roast coffee therein.
  • the boiling reservoir 120 is movable supported on the base 160.
  • the base is provided with a tiltable carrier mechanism 140 with a carrier 141 to support the boiling reservoir 120 and integrated heater 130 in tiltable manner about a horizontal axis 143.
  • the drive for providing the tilting force is in this example mounted on the main housing, schematically indicate at 138, e.g. with an electric tilt drive motor.
  • the mechanism 140 here comprises a transmission including a tilt drive connector 142 that connects to the drive 138 when the unit 200 is slid into the main housing 104, e.g. into a rotary drive slot that receives the connector 142 therein.
  • a similar automatically connecting transmission arrangement is shown in the embodiment of figures 4 - 10. If desired a single drive motor can be employed for motion of the lance 1 10 and for tilting the reservoir 120 and heater 130.
  • the boiling reservoir 120 and electric heater 130 are integrated into a subunit that is user detachable from the base, here from the tilting mechanism 140, when the removable unit 200 has been removed from the main housing 104.
  • the base 160 is provided with a first electrical connector part 145, here with four connector elements embodied as pins, that detachably connects to a corresponding electrical connector part 145a on the main housing when the unit 200 is slid into the main housing 104.
  • the base here the mechanism 140, is provided with a second electrical connector part 148 that detachably connects to a corresponding electrical connector part on the subunit, here said subunit having four connector pins (not shown).
  • the cup 150 into which the drink is to be poured is positioned basically on the base 160 a portion thereof acting as cup support next to the boiling reservoir 120 in its boiling position.
  • the boiling reservoir 120 is retained on the carrier 141 by one or more locking members 144 that are user operable to retain and release the reservoir 120.
  • Figures 1 a and 1 c show one lock 144, the other lock 144 is arranged on the opposite side of the boiling reservoir 120 (in figure 8d the locks are left out for clarity).
  • the locks 144 depicted as example are rotatable around a vertical axis between a retaining position and a release position. In the retaining position, the locks 144 retain the boiling reservoir subunit on the carrier 141. In the release position, the boiling reservoir subunit can be removed, e.g. for cleaning purposes.
  • the locks 144 can be easily operated by the user of the preparation device.
  • the tilting carrier mechanism further comprises a tilt axis 143.
  • This tilt axis 143 is - as is preferred - arranged such that extends substantially horizontally, here generally between the boiling reservoir 120 and the position for the drinking cup 150.
  • the tilt axis 143 is arranged near the upper part of the boiling reservoir 120.
  • the boiling 120 reservoir has a pour spout 121 at its upper rim, and the tilt axis 143 is arranged just below the spout 121.
  • the tip of the spout 121 extends over the tilt axis 143.
  • Figure 1 a shows the boiling reservoir 120 in its receiving position, in which it is substantially level.
  • the boiling reservoir assumes this position when the device is idle, when water is introduced in the cartridge 1 , when the mixture of water and coffee is received from the cartridge 1 and when the mixture of water and coffee is boiled in the boiling reservoir 120.
  • the holder 141 with the boiling reservoir subunit 120 is tilted about tilt axis 143 upward into its dispensing position, and the mixture of water and coffee, including coffee grounds, is poured into a drinking cup 150 that is arranged on the cup support of base 160.
  • any foam or froth that is formed on the mixture of water can coffee is left substantially intact when pouring the mixture of water and coffee into the drinking cup 150.
  • the tilting mechanism 140 can be actuated in various ways.
  • a lever 142 can be present in the tilting mechanism 140.
  • the lever 142 could be operated manually, for example by a knob or lever on the outside of the housing of the preparation device.
  • the lever 142 can be operated by an electric motor to which it automatically connects upon placing the unit 200 in the main housing.
  • a shielding wall 146 is present between the boiling reservoir 120 and the position of the drinking cup 150.
  • this shielding wall 146 is shown partly in cross section, because otherwise the drinking cup 150 would not be visible.
  • the shielding wall 146 reduces soiling of the inner parts of the preparation device and can provide a reference for the user where to place the drinking cup 150 on the cup support portion of the base 160.
  • the boiling reservoir 120 comprises a wall 122 and a bottom part 123.
  • the wall 122 is for example made of a heat resistant plastic, while the bottom part 123 is for example made of metal.
  • a heater 130 may be incorporated in the bottom part 123 and/or in the wall 122. The heater here is an electric heater.
  • the device 100 further comprises a cartridge holder 102, here embodied as a drawer type holder as is preferred.
  • the cartridge holder 102 comprises a cartridge chamber 103 for receiving the cartridge 1 in the cartridge holder 102.
  • there is only one chamber 103 for receiving a cartridge 1 but in an alternative embodiment there could be two or even more than two cartridge chambers 103 in the holder 102, or there could be multiple holders 102, each having a single cartridge chamber 103.
  • the preparation device 100 comprises more than one cartridge chamber 103
  • the preparation device preferably also comprises more than one boiling reservoir 102 or a reservoir with a dividing wall to form two adjacent reservoir portions.
  • the preparation device 100 comprises a moveable water feed lance 1 10 for feeding water to the cartridge 1.
  • the water feed lance 110 is actuated by drive assembly 11 1 , which could be operated manually, or for example by means of an electric motor as is preferred.
  • the preparation device 100 of fig. 1 further preferably comprises a water reservoir 1 12 which is adapted to contain enough water for multiple beverages.
  • this water reservoir 1 12 is connected to the water feed lance 1 10 via a pump 113.
  • the preparation device 100 comprises a separate compartment in the housing 104 for the electronic components, e.g. the pump and the control unit for the heater and one or more electric drive motors.
  • This compartment of the main housing 104 is hermetically separated by a wall 104b from the compartment of the housing where the boiling is performed in order to avoid that the electronics are exposed to any water or vapour that is formed when boiling the mixture of water and coffee in the boiling reservoir 120.
  • the cartridge 1 - as is preferred - has an injection monolithic moulded plastic body with a bottom 2 and a circumferential wall 3, an upper edge 4 (here formed as a flange) of the circumferential wall 3 bounding an aperture which is hermetically sealed by a top sealing film 5 (see figure 1) fixed on its circumference to the upper edge.
  • the plastic body - as is preferred - has a central column 8 which is at its lower end integral with the centre of the bottom 2, which column 8 projects upwards from the bottom to an upper end of the column, the chamber 7 surrounding said column 8.
  • a channel extends in the column 8 from an inlet 9a at the upper end of the column to a blind end, preferably near the bottom 2.
  • a top sealing film 5 of the cartridge 1 is breakable, preferably pierceable, so that water feed lance 1 10 can be passed through the top sealing film 5, be engaged with the upper end of column 8, and introduce water into the channel via inlet 9a.
  • the column 8 is provided with one or more nozzles 12 that are in
  • each nozzle is formed as a small diameter hole in the wall of the column 8, e.g. with a diameter between 0.3 and 1.0 millimetre.
  • the nozzles 12 are arranged at an elevated position along the height of the column, so closer to the top end than to the bottom end of the column.
  • two nozzles 12 are provided at diametrically opposed positions.
  • Each nozzle 12 emits a jet in substantially radial direction away from the column 8.
  • the bottom 2 is embodied as a closed bottom with a number of discharge openings 13 being present therein for the water and the ground roasted coffee entrained by said water.
  • the one or more discharge openings are arranged in the bottom adjacent the column 8, here, as an optional feature, the column having recessed regions to form discharge openings close to the centre of the cartridge.
  • the bottom 2 has an annular flexible portion 2a around the column 8 such that the column is movable, preferably elastically movable, downwards from an initial position to a lower operative position through engagement with feed lance 1 10 and suitable relative displacement of the feed lance and the cartridge 1.
  • the upper end of the column 8 extends up to the top sealing film 5.
  • the cartridge 1 is provided with a bottom sealing film 20 that is fixed at is circumference to the plastic body and extends underneath the bottom, at least covering the one or more discharge openings 13.
  • the bottom sealing film 20 is adapted to break upon relative motion of the column 8 and of the bottom to the lower operative position, said breakage creating one or more outlets in the bottom sealing film allowing for outflow of the obtained mixture from the cartridge.
  • the bottom is provide with an integrally moulded cutter member 18, here in the region below the column, here embodied as two intersecting cutting blade portions.
  • the cartridge 1 is, as is preferred, embodied such that a swirling motion of the ground roasted coffee in the chamber 7 is caused when water is introduced into the cartridge.
  • the nozzles 12 each direct a jet of water into the chamber 7 so as to cause said swirling motion.
  • the nozzles 12 cause the simultaneous occurrence of a clock-wise as well as a counter-clockwise swirl in the cartridge.
  • these swirls having different direction also collide with one another in the chamber, thereby creating a very turbulent flow of water and entrained ground coffee in the chamber.
  • the mixture thus obtained, flows out unfiltered via the one or more discharge openings 13.
  • the cartridge 1 comprises one or more water flow diverter members, which are each arranged with respect to the one or more nozzles 12 such that the jet or jets of water emerging from one or more nozzles 12 is diverted so as to cause or enhance the swirling motion of the ground roasted coffee when water is fed into the channel 9.
  • a water flow diverter member is formed by a portion 3a of the circumferential wall 3.
  • the circumferential wall 3 has two semi-circular portions 3b and two diverter portions 3a. Each portion 3a is positioned between the semicircular portions 3b.
  • the portion 3a projects inwardly with respect to the imaginary circumscribing circle of the portions 3a; one end adjoining the semi-circular portion 3b and the other end being inwardly offset from the neighbouring end of the other semi-circular portion 3a.
  • a transition portion 3c of the circumferential wall interconnects the latter mentioned ends, and also forms with the adjoining semi-circular portion 3b a further diverter for the flow of water and entrained ground coffee, generally towards the column and then in the direction of the diverter portion 3a where the flow originated from.
  • the lance 110 and the inlet 9a of the channel 9 of the column 8 are such that a front portion of the lance projects into the inlet of the channel.
  • the device comprises a boiling reservoir 120 which is arranged to receive therein the mixture of water and ground roasted coffee that has been discharged from the cartridge 1.
  • the preparation device is adapted to subject the water and the ground roasted coffee or other ingredient held in the boiling reservoir to a boiling process, wherein it is brought to a boiling or near-boiling temperature.
  • the device is further adapted to discharge boiled mixture from said boiling reservoir, e.g. into a drinking cup 150 that has been placed by the user on a cup support portion of the base 160 of the device.
  • the water feed assembly and the cartridge are adapted to introduce the water into the chamber 7 of the cartridge 1 containing the ground roasted coffee.
  • the cartridge 1 is embodied such that the ground roasted coffee therein is entrained with the water that is introduced into the cartridge and is dispensed as a mixture with said water from the cartridge via one or more outlets 13 and the broken film 20.
  • no duct is present to receive the mixture from the cartridge and guide it to the reservoir 120.
  • the stream emanating from the cartridge is directly received in the reservoir positioned below the cartridge, without contact between said flow and other parts of the device.
  • the boiling process for preparation of an Arabic coffee product may, or preferably does, entail the formation of a foamy head on the mixture in the receptacle as a result of the boiling.
  • the duration and/or performance (e.g. heat input into the mixture) of the boiling process can be controlled in various manners, e.g. using a sensor (e.g. an infrared sensor) detecting the formation of the foamy head and using said detection as a control parameter for the heater 130.
  • Other approaches e.g. using a timer to control the duration and/or temperature sensor, can also be employed.
  • the device may comprises one or more user-operable setting members allowing the user to adjust one or more predetermined setting of the device, e.g. volume of water for preparation of a single serving, one or more aspects of the boiling process, etc.
  • the boiling reservoir is an open topped receptacle 120, e.g. of metal, preferably coated with a non-stick coating on faces contacted by the coffee product.
  • the receptacle 120 is movably supported in the device so as to be movable between a receiving position (see figure 1a), wherein the mixture is received from the cartridge 1 , and a dispensing position, wherein boiled mixture is dispensed from the boiling reservoir.
  • the reservoir 120 is tiltable about a horizontal axis 143 in order to pour the boiled mixture into the cup 150.
  • the motion of the reservoir 120 is performed by a motorized drive 138, here performing tilting about a horizontal axis, e.g. with an electric motor, preferably the pouring motion being performed on the basis of a suitable control signal issued by an electronic controller of the preparation device.
  • the pouring motion of the receptacle 120 is preferably performed such that all coffee grounds are entrained with the mixture that is poured into the cup.
  • the device can be adapted to perform a cleaning process to clean at least the boiling reservoir 120.
  • said cleaning process comprises the introduction of clean water into the boiling reservoir 120 (e.g. directly from the lance 110), and discharge thereof (e.g. by pouring into a cup arranged to receive said water) taking along contaminants from the boiling reservoir.
  • the device is embodied such that the lance 110 is mounted stationary in the device, and displacement assembly are provided with are embodied to move a holder supporting the cartridge 1 towards the lance and away from it, in such a way that in the process the lance 1 10 connects to the channel 9.
  • the device may comprise an assembly to add a sweetener to the mixture in the boiling reservoir, e.g. from a storage compartment in the device, e.g. with a controlled feed mechanism (e.g. an auger) for the sweetener (e.g. sugar).
  • the sweetener could also be packaged as in a disposable container, e.g. as a liquid sweetener in a collapsible pouch.
  • the sweetener could be another ingredient in the cartridge 1 along with the ground roast coffee.
  • a device may comprises multiple stations for preparation of an Arabic coffee product, e.g. allowing to increase the speed of preparation of multiple cups of coffee, e.g. in a restaurant, bar, etc.
  • the water feed assembly comprise a supply storage tank 1 12 for storage of a supply of the water, e.g. a tank that can be disconnected from the device and be refilled under the tap.
  • the ingredient or ingredients in the cartridge is/are brought into contact with the water while they are still inside the cartridge 1.
  • the ingredient(s) are discharged from the cartridge together with the water as an intimate mixture. This allows the ingredient(s) to be wetted well, even in the cases where the ingredient(s) is or contains a fine powder.
  • the discharge opening or discharge openings in the cartridge 1 are of such a size that ingredients can be discharged from the cartridge together with the water.
  • no filter or filter openings will be present so that outflow from the cartridge is unfiltered.
  • the cartridge e.g. milk
  • a different type of liquid is used for introduction into the cartridge, e.g. milk.
  • This may require some changes in the device, e.g. in relation to the temperature and/or boiling time setting of the boiling reservoir.
  • the ingredient in the cartridge is a milk containing ingredient, e.g. to make baby formula or the like.
  • the device comprises a user interface that allows the user to select a certain temperature or temperature range for the boiling reservoir, e.g. by turning a knob.
  • the boiling reservoir could be set to heat the mixture of water (or other liquid e.g. milk) to a temperature significantly below 100°C, e.g.
  • the cartridge could contain milk powder or the like, if desired with additives such as vitamins or other additives that are presumed to be healthy for babies, infants or small children, and/or flavourings.
  • additives such as vitamins or other additives that are presumed to be healthy for babies, infants or small children, and/or flavourings.
  • the preparation device 300 includes a main housing 304 and a removable boiling reservoir unit 400 that is user removable from the main housing, e.g. for cleaning boiling reservoir 420.
  • the unit 400 is removable at the front of the device 300, which front has an opening 301a to allow the unit to be pulled from the main housing 304 and be slid back into the main housing.
  • the removable unit 400 comprises a base 460, the boiling reservoir 420, and an electric heater 430 (integrated here in the bottom of the reservoir 420) for heating the boiling reservoir and the mixture of water and ingredient, e.g. ground roast coffee, therein.
  • an electric heater 430 integrated here in the bottom of the reservoir 420 for heating the boiling reservoir and the mixture of water and ingredient, e.g. ground roast coffee, therein.
  • the boiling reservoir 420 is movable supported on the base 460, here tiltable about axis 443.
  • the reservoir 420 has a pour spout 421 and in this example also an upper inward flange 422 with a central opening 423 therein.
  • the flange 422 avoids heat loss and enhances the pouring of the boiled mixture via the spout 421.
  • the mixture is introduced via the non-valved opening 423.
  • the base 460 is provided with a tiltable carrier mechanism 440 with a carrier 441 to support the boiling reservoir 420 in tiltable manner about an axis 443.
  • the drive for providing the tilting force is in this example mounted on the main housing, e.g. with an electric tilt drive motor 370.
  • the mechanism 440 here comprises a transmission including a tilt drive connector 442, here embodied as a lever relative to axis 443, that connects to a cooperating transmission member 350 of an electric motor drive when the unit 400 is slid into the main housing 104, e.g. into a slot 351 of the member 350 that receives the connector 442 therein.
  • an electric drive motor 370 which is common for the lance drive assembly 1 11 and for the tilting of the boiling reservoir is provided.
  • a linkage rod 371 is part of the transmission from said motor 370 to member 350.
  • the boiling reservoir 420 and electric heater 430 are integrated into a unit that here is fixedly attached to the carrier 441 , and is not user detachable from the base 460. Cleaning can e.g. be done by rinsing the unit 400 under the tap.
  • each connector part contains multiple connector elements 451 (see best figure 10) and connector elements 456 (see best figure 8c), here embodied as vertical arranged blades and resilient connector strips respectively, to form an electric circuit, preferably including a ground wire.
  • the connector parts 450 and 455 may, as here, also include one or more signal line connector elements in addition to electrical power line connection elements, e.g. a signal line interconnecting a temperature sensor associated with the heater 430 and/or boiling reservoir to control electronics of the device.
  • signal line connector elements in addition to electrical power line connection elements, e.g. a signal line interconnecting a temperature sensor associated with the heater 430 and/or boiling reservoir to control electronics of the device.
  • the electrical connector part 450 and the corresponding electrical connector part 455 on the main housing are embodied such as to disconnect when the integrated boiling reservoir 420 and electrical heater 430 are moved to the dispensing position, here tilted to the dispensing position, so that no electricity is supplied to the electric heater 430 in the dispensing position.
  • Figure 8c illustrates that when the carrier 441 is tilted, the connector elements, here blades 451 , move upward and disconnect from the associated elements on the main housing, here the resilient strips 456.
  • Other embodiments that automatically disconnect upon tilting of the reservoir 420 are also possible, e.g. pins on the carrier 441 engaging into holes provided with connector elements on the main housing.
  • the main housing comprises an electrical connector housing part 457 that is located underneath the integrated boiling reservoir and electrical heater, here underneath the carrier 441 , when in receiving position.
  • This housing part 457 here is embodied as a cantilevered part where the base 460 slides under the part 457 and the carrier 441 above the part 457.
  • the part 457 is fitted with the electrical connector part 455, e.g. including one or more electrical connector elements 456.
  • a movable cover 470 is provided, here a slidable cover 470, which in a covering position (shown here) covers the electrical connector part 455 on the main housing and which is moved to a retracted position exposing or at least making accessible the electric connector part so as to allow connection to the electrical connector 450 on the carrier 441.
  • This movable cover 470 is adapted to move into its retracted position by engagement thereon of a portion, here the base 460, of the removable unit upon introduction thereof into the main housing 104.
  • Figure 8b illustrates the provision of an abutment 471 on the cover that is contacted by a rib 461 of the base 460 upon introduction of the unit 400 into the main housing.
  • a spring 472 is provided to urged the cover 470 into its covering position.
  • the cup 150 is placed on drip tray 462 of the base 460.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système pour la préparation d'une boisson à base de café arabe, ledit système comprenant une cartouche jetable à usage unique (1) et un dispositif de préparation (100). Le dispositif comprend un support (102) destiné à recevoir la cartouche, un moyen d'alimentation en eau (10) conçu pour fournir de l'eau et un réservoir d'ébullition (120) conçu pour recevoir l'eau et du café torréfié moulu qui a été déversé de la cartouche. Un procédé d'ébullition est réalisé dans le réservoir d'ébullition, le mélange bouilli étant déversé du réservoir dans une tasse. Le dispositif de préparation comprend un logement principal (104) et une unité amovible (200) pouvant être ôtée du logement principal, ladite unité amovible comprenant une base (160), le réservoir d'ébullition (120) et un corps de chauffe électrique (130) destiné à chauffer le réservoir d'ébullition de manière à soumettre l'eau et le café torréfié moulu, contenus dans le réservoir d'ébullition (120), au processus d'ébullition, le réservoir d'ébullition étant supporté sur la base de l'unité amovible de manière mobile entre une position de réception, dans laquelle l'eau et le café torréfié moulu sont reçus, et une position de distribution, dans laquelle le mélange bouilli est versé p. ex. dans une tasse.
PCT/NL2013/050166 2012-03-13 2013-03-13 Préparation d'un produit alimentaire liquide pour la consommation humaine, par exemple d'une boisson à base de café arabe WO2013137728A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/NL2012/050156 WO2012125032A2 (fr) 2011-03-14 2012-03-13 Préparation de boisson à base de café arabica
NLPCT/NL2012/050156 2012-03-13
NL2009455 2012-09-13
NL2009455 2012-09-13

Publications (1)

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WO2013137728A1 true WO2013137728A1 (fr) 2013-09-19

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PCT/NL2013/050166 WO2013137728A1 (fr) 2012-03-13 2013-03-13 Préparation d'un produit alimentaire liquide pour la consommation humaine, par exemple d'une boisson à base de café arabe

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017061966A1 (fr) * 2015-10-09 2017-04-13 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Machine à café utilisant une capsule
WO2017222487A1 (fr) * 2016-06-22 2017-12-28 Serkan Metal Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi Machine à café turc
US11524268B2 (en) 2016-11-09 2022-12-13 Pepsico, Inc. Carbonated beverage makers, methods, and systems
US12048905B2 (en) 2022-11-01 2024-07-30 Pepsico, Inc. Carbonation cup for carbonated beverage maker

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19722320A1 (de) * 1997-05-28 1998-12-03 Imam Cubuk Vorrichtung für die Zubereitung von Brühgetränken insbesondere für türkischen Tee
DE202009008447U1 (de) * 2009-06-17 2009-09-10 Demir, Nuran Vorrichtung zum Zubereiten von Mokka
WO2011002421A2 (fr) 2009-06-01 2011-01-06 Yenel Yenilikci Ve Buluscu Elektronik Sistemler Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi Machine à café turc et procédé pour faire du café turc
WO2011007266A1 (fr) 2009-07-17 2011-01-20 Haremlik Gida, Dekorasyon Ve Ekipmanlari Ticaret Sanayi Limited Sirketi Machine à café turc

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19722320A1 (de) * 1997-05-28 1998-12-03 Imam Cubuk Vorrichtung für die Zubereitung von Brühgetränken insbesondere für türkischen Tee
WO2011002421A2 (fr) 2009-06-01 2011-01-06 Yenel Yenilikci Ve Buluscu Elektronik Sistemler Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi Machine à café turc et procédé pour faire du café turc
DE202009008447U1 (de) * 2009-06-17 2009-09-10 Demir, Nuran Vorrichtung zum Zubereiten von Mokka
WO2011007266A1 (fr) 2009-07-17 2011-01-20 Haremlik Gida, Dekorasyon Ve Ekipmanlari Ticaret Sanayi Limited Sirketi Machine à café turc

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017061966A1 (fr) * 2015-10-09 2017-04-13 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Machine à café utilisant une capsule
WO2017222487A1 (fr) * 2016-06-22 2017-12-28 Serkan Metal Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi Machine à café turc
US11524268B2 (en) 2016-11-09 2022-12-13 Pepsico, Inc. Carbonated beverage makers, methods, and systems
US12048905B2 (en) 2022-11-01 2024-07-30 Pepsico, Inc. Carbonation cup for carbonated beverage maker

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