HK1095495B

HK1095495B - Mobile or portable apparatus with pressurized gas supply for preparing beverages or similar products

Info

Publication number: HK1095495B
Application number: HK07100593.4A
Authority: HK
Inventors: Christoph Dworzak; Elmar Mock; André Klopfenstein; Christoph Rusch; Naomi Bitmead; Alfred Yoakim; Matthieu Ozanne
Original assignee: Nestec S.A.
Priority date: 2003-11-22
Filing date: 2004-11-18
Publication date: 2010-04-16

Description

Mobile or portable device with pressurized gas supply for preparing beverages or similar products

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for preparing beverages or other similar products from a food substance. More precisely, the invention relates to a dispensing machine, such as a mobile or portable coffee machine.

Background

Beverage preparation devices of the coffee machine type, using prepackaged or unpackaged portions of food substance, are widely used in private individuals and also within municipalities, shopping centres and companies. The principle of preparation is based on the extraction of a portion of a substance by passing a quantity of cold or hot liquid through the substance at elevated pressure, typically above atmospheric pressure. The prepackaged portion may be a partially rigid capsule, or a flexible bag that is hermetically sealed or partially opened, or a dose filter.

Patent EP 0512468B1 describes an example of a capsule. Patent EP 0602203B1 illustrates an example of a bag.

Such an extraction system has a number of advantages. On the one hand, within the machine, the single package is easy to use and does not require the metering of coffee or other substances. The user places a capsule, a dose of ground coffee or other portion inside the machine and then presses a button to start extraction. On the other hand, individual packages are metered to deliver a beverage, such as coffee, with desired characteristics, such as a sufficient character, aroma, foam, or other important attributes. When the individual packages are impermeable, they will therefore generally better keep the substance fresh until extraction takes place. Finally, the preparation conditions such as temperature, pressure and extraction time can be better controlled, ensuring that the user gets a relatively controlled and constant quality.

Patent EP 0512470B1 describes an example of an extraction method.

In order to extract the beverage under pressure from the capsule or other type of such portions, a powerful water pump, such as an electric compressor, must be used. These pumps use mains power supply. In addition, the pump is noisy during extraction.

It is therefore difficult to move these preparation devices, for example on a trolley or simply by transport. Indeed, it would be advantageous to be able to make these devices more mobile for providing beverages in moving installations such as trains, planes, or at specific locations such as movie theaters, as well as in public places such as beaches, parks, swimming pool sides, or other public or private locations.

Patent application WO 99/02081 proposes a coffee machine, more precisely a mobile machine, in which the pressure required to extract the ground coffee is generated by compressed air. The water for preparing the coffee is held within the thermally insulated container. The water may be heated using an electric heating element. The advantage of this solution is the use of self-contained means installed under the machine, such as a gas cylinder, to generate the extraction pressure. The machine may be mounted on a trolley and the gas cylinder mounted in the compartment of the trolley provided for this purpose.

However, this device has some drawbacks. Indeed, within this invention, the gas of the cylinder is in direct communication with the hot water tank. This means that the total volume of the tank is kept at a constant pressure of a few bar.

Therefore, it is necessary to provide a tank of large capacity that can withstand the pressure; this admittedly leads to design and manufacturing problems as a result of ensuring sufficient safety. If the tank is accidentally broken, the tank may explode and cause damage. In the case of a leak, the jet can be expelled and cause an accident such as a burn. Furthermore, the design of the tank is limited in the choice of materials and it cannot be used with fragile, low specific heat materials such as glass. Finally, prolonged contact of the gas with large quantities of backup water at high pressure can also cause uncontrolled dissolution of the gas in the water; this may alter the taste of the beverage, for example by slightly foaming or acidifying the beverage.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a device for preparing beverages which is suitable for mobile or portable use and which avoids the drawbacks of the solution of patent application WO 99/02081.

WO 02/080743 relates to a baffle operated liquid heating and dispensing system for single beverage brewers. Such systems are not configured to be energy self-sufficient. Thus, the system cannot be portable and/or mobile in nature. In particular, the fluid pressure is provided by an electrically driven air pump which requires the machine to be connected to an external power source during extraction.

In particular, it is an object to propose a device which provides sufficient liquid self-sufficiency, but in which only a small quantity of liquid is pressurized, so as to reduce the risks and drawbacks associated with keeping a large-capacity tank under constant pressure.

Another object is to propose a device in which the tank can be manufactured using a material chosen from more different and thermally insulating materials.

Another object is to be able to better control the gas exchange with the liquid, for example to reduce the risk of gas impairing the taste of the beverage. In some cases, for example in the production of coffee or hot chocolate, actually no gasification is desired.

To this end, the invention relates to a mobile or portable device for preparing beverages. The device may comprise an extraction module adapted to receive a portion of food substance for preparing a beverage by providing a pressurized liquid through said substance. However, in some applications, this module may be replaced by a simple pressurized liquid delivery module. The apparatus includes a self-contained liquid supply tank of sufficient capacity to provide multiple volumes of liquid to the modules for extraction of more than one substance. The apparatus comprises a gas pressurizing means adapted to provide pressurized liquid to the module. Such means are preferably removable gas refilling means which make the gas supply of the device self-sufficient. Such means may be a storage means for compressed gas. The gas may be any gas. The device is characterized in that it comprises a liquid supply chamber having a volume which is several times smaller than the volume of the tank. The chamber is arranged to communicate with the tank in the filling configuration for filling with the liquid. The chamber is also arranged to communicate with a gas pressurisation means in the feeding configuration to pressurise the liquid within the chamber and with an extraction module to inject pressurised liquid into the module to allow extraction of the portion of substance. Communication between the gas (pressurizing) means and the chamber is provided so that the gas is in direct contact with the liquid in the chamber, while the tank is kept isolated from the pressure of the chamber, i.e. the liquid in the tank is not subjected to the gas pressure exerted in the chamber.

The apparatus further comprises valve means movable in at least two positions to function as:

a) in a chamber filling position, the chamber is brought into a filling configuration, an

b) In the position for feeding from the chamber to the module, extraction of the portion substance in the extraction module is allowed.

It can thus be seen from the present invention that the tank no longer has to be pressurized by the gas pressurizing means, but instead there is provided a supply chamber having a capacity smaller than that of the tank, which is subjected to the gas pressure necessary to partially or completely empty the chamber, and which feeds the pressurized liquid to the extraction module. Thus, a smaller volume independent of the tank is pressurized by the gas pressurization means, making the system safer. Furthermore, the smaller volume does not need to be kept at constant pressure due to the valve means, which allow the apparatus to be switched to the filling position at the end of extraction. Thus, the gas pressure acts on the chamber only when the valve means is actuated to bring the chamber into the extraction module supply position. Thus, the pressurization time is shorter, thereby reducing the risks associated with pressurizing the chamber and also reducing gas-liquid contact that could easily alter the taste of the beverage.

In a preferred mode, the chambers are fed by the tank under hydrostatic force. To this end, the chamber may be positioned at least below (the height of) half of the tank, so that the tank provides liquid to the chamber when the valve means is actuated. More preferably, the chamber is positioned near the bottom of the tank, and the opening of the chamber is as close to the bottom of the tank as possible. When actuated, the valve means restores the chamber to atmospheric pressure or substantially equivalent pressure. This return to substantially atmospheric pressure acts to fill the chamber with liquid.

Thus, it is easy to fill the chamber without the need for a pump and without external energy input. During liquid filling, the chamber is at low pressure and thus not hazardous. Once filled, the chamber is kept at the same pressure (low pressure) until the module has to be supplied to extract the beverage. It will therefore be appreciated that the chamber is maintained at a low filling pressure for the majority of the time, thereby reducing the risks associated with high pressures and also reducing the contact time with the gas.

In a preferred embodiment, the chamber is connected to the tank by a liquid inlet actuated by a one-way valve; the valve is therefore opened during filling by the hydrostatic action of the thrust of the liquid from the tank to the chamber and is kept closed by the thrust of the liquid supplied to the chamber under the pressure exerted by the gas. This valve is simple in design and is particularly effective in keeping the chamber and tank separated in the module feed position; that is, the tank does not withstand the internal pressure of the chamber caused by the injection of gas into the chamber when gas is introduced into the chamber. For example, such a valve may comprise a movable needle or ball disposed within the chamber opposite an opening of the chamber in communication with the tank, or any other equivalent device. In one possible variant, the valve may be an electromechanical valve.

The chamber is preferably made of a pressure and impact resistant material such as metal and/or plastic. The chamber is thus a more protected part and is more easily protected in the device due to the smaller volume compared to the volume of the tank.

In a preferred embodiment, the tank is an assembly comprising thermally insulating walls. The tank also includes a removable lid or plug for easy filling. This allows the liquid to be maintained at the temperature necessary for extracting the beverage for a certain time interval. So that the liquid can be kept at a temperature between 60 c and 95 c for several minutes. The liquid may be poured into the tank while hot or boiling, and/or heated by heating means within the tank. The insulating wall preferably comprises at least one inner wall made of a low specific heat material, and at least one insulating layer surrounding the inner wall. The insulating wall may be, for example, a wall of the "thermos" type, generally comprising at least one inner wall made of glass or metal and at least one insulating layer. More preferably, the walls are double walls made of glass or metal, with or without foam, separated by insulating layers formed by gas or partial or complete vacuum.

In a preferred configuration, the chamber is actually located within the tank. In this case, the chamber is protected by the tank, and the pressure of the liquid surrounding the chamber inside the tank is less than the pressure of the chamber. This configuration will simplify the apparatus, since the chamber can communicate with the tank through a single opening.

Preferably, the chamber is placed at the bottom of the tank with its filling opening at a position as low as possible in the tank.

This configuration also makes the device more compact. Finally, when the tank contains a hot liquid and is therefore thermally insulated, there is less energy loss in the tank and/or the chamber because heat transfer can take place between the tank and the chamber.

When the chamber is located within the tank, the chamber preferably does not collide with the tank walls. To this end, the chamber may be connected to the lid or plug of the tank by one or more members. The chamber may be made of a tough and durable material such as plastic or metal. The chamber may also be connected to the tank wall by a damping means such as an elastomer or other damper. The advantage of having the chamber collision free is that the risk of bursting when the chamber is pressurised can be reduced and the wall of the tank can be made of any suitable material, including brittle materials such as frangible, breakable and/or puncturable materials.

In another configuration, the chamber is positioned outside the tank. An advantage of this configuration is that the liquid can be heated outside the tank, i.e. for example inside the chamber, or between the chamber and the extraction module. Thus, the tank does not require insulation and may contain unheated liquid. The apparatus may not require the use of electricity by providing non-electrical heating means, such as combustion heating means, for example burners, which are arranged so that the chamber and/or a portion of the conduit between the chamber and the extraction module can be heated. Thus, the device can operate without power supply.

Preferably, the valve means comprises a two-way valve which may be manually or electrically actuated. Such a valve may be, for example, a three-way solenoid valve or a rotary valve, or any equivalent device. Typically, the valve may be actuated manually or by an electrical signal.

The lid or plug of the tank may be integral with a load-bearing structure that supports the main components of the apparatus, including the conduits communicating with the supply chamber. The main lines are the gas supply line, the pipe for opening the chamber to atmospheric pressure, and the feed line from the chamber to the extraction module. An air intake line in the tank is also useful.

For example, the carrier structure may receive an extraction module. The load bearing structure is further configured to receive the connection device to a gas storage device. The carrying structure may house the valve device and its manual control means (e.g. a lever) or electrical control means (push buttons). The load bearing structure may also include various electrical connections and/or monitoring and control elements.

The load bearing structure may be integral with or associated with a conveyance means, such as a handle, strap, harness and/or optional castors, swivel trays or extension carts, etc., to make it easier to carry and/or move the equipment.

Preferably, the gas pressurizing means must be capable of delivering a gas supply pressure of between 2 and 25 bar, preferably between 5 and 20 bar. This pressure is the pressure necessary to partially or completely empty the chamber, convey the liquid through the feed line to the extraction module, and extract the beverage through the food substance at a sufficient extraction pressure, taking into account the pressure drop in the circuit.

The supply pressure is preferably controlled by a pressure control member, such as a pressure reducer regulated to the supply pressure. The gas flow may also be independently controlled by a restriction to allow a gradually increasing pressure to build up within the extraction module. In some cases, this restriction is necessary to prevent an excessively sudden pressure rise when the valve device is open. An excessively sudden pressure rise can prematurely open, wear or damage the packaging of the portion substance.

The gas used may be compressed air, CO₂、N₂O、N₂、O₂Argon or mixtures thereof, and/or any other type of suitable gas. The gas storage means is preferably a gas cylinder or reinforced tank having a capacity of between 0.1 and 20 litres, preferably between 0.5 and 5 litres.

The device according to the invention preferably also comprises means for heating the liquid before introducing it into the extraction module. These means may be provided as a heating cabinet and/or heating chamber and/or a feed line between the heating chamber and the extraction module. However, such a device is not indispensable, but may prove important for the heat loss of the liquid when it is heated starting from a given temperature or introduced into the tank only for compensation of the hot or boiling liquid.

The heating device may be an electrical resistance type device, or a thermal block or device using solid and/or gaseous and/or liquid fuels. For example, the heating means may be a resistor or resistive element arranged inside, in close proximity to or even partially or completely surrounding the feeding chamber, and/or inside, in close proximity to or even partially or completely surrounding the feeding duct conveying the liquid to the extraction module. The resistive elements may be of any type such as metallic resistive elements, ceramic cartridge heaters, or even resistive circuits printed on an electrically insulating structure.

If the apparatus is provided with electrical heating means, the apparatus preferably comprises built-in power supply means for supplying power to the electrical heating means. These power supply means may comprise at least one battery. Such a battery may be an electric or solar rechargeable type battery or a combined electric/solar rechargeable type battery. The battery may also be, for example, a replaceable but non-rechargeable battery. If the battery is rechargeable, the battery may be mounted to be removable or non-removable from the device. If the battery is not detachable, the battery may preferably be recharged by connecting to a recharging station, which includes a transformer connected to a power source, via a suitable connection. Such a recharging station may be provided as a base on which the device rests to recharge the batteries during periods outside service.

According to another embodiment, the electrical connection means are arranged to periodically supply power to the heating means during connection of the electrical connection means to an external power source. These electrical connection means comprise, for example, a mains AC plug and/or a power connector for connection to a mobile or fixed power supply of the cigarette lighter type and/or to an electrical terminal or substation delivering low-voltage power.

In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus of the invention comprises:

-a module for delivering a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid,

a liquid supply tank of sufficient capacity for supplying a plurality of volumes of liquid to the module for repeated supply of more than one beverage,

-pressurizing means adapted to provide pressurized liquid to the module,

a liquid supply chamber whose volume is several times smaller than the volume of the tank,

the chamber being arranged to communicate with the tank in the filling configuration for filling with liquid, and

the chamber being arranged to communicate with the pressurizing means in the supply configuration to pressurize the liquid within the chamber and to inject the pressurized liquid into the module, thereby allowing the liquid to be transported through the module,

characterised in that the device is configured to be removably or portably serviced by not requiring electrical connection to the power supply outlet during servicing,

wherein the pressurizing means is non-electrical and comprises at least one self-contained storage means for pressurized gas, an

Wherein the tank comprises a thermally insulating wall to reduce heat loss from the liquid during transport.

The invention also relates to a method for delivering a pressurized liquid in a mobile or portable beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: providing a liquid supply chamber, the chamber being filled under the influence of a pressure differential between the chamber and a supply tank of the appliance, the supply tank having a volume greater than the volume of the chamber, the chamber being emptied after filling of the chamber under the pressure of gas supplied by the self-contained gas storage means of the appliance; the gas enters the chamber to pressurize the chamber, and the chamber is sealed from the supply tank so that the supply tank is not pressurized by the gas.

Preferably, the liquid supply chamber is filled by the action of hydrostatic forces between the liquid supply chamber and the tank. A one-way valve may be used to supply liquid from the tank to the chamber.

In the method of the invention, the tank is filled with a liquid having a temperature above ambient temperature before transport, or the liquid is heated to a temperature above ambient temperature in the tank, and the tank is thermally insulated to compensate for heat loss during transport. The liquid must be filled into the tank or heated to a temperature of at least 90 c in order to provide a sufficient temperature for extracting the (beverage) ingredients to form the beverage.

"serving" of a food substance refers to a prepackaged or unpackaged serving. The prepackaged serving may be a dose of food substance in a container such as a box, bag or other suitable packaging form. The unpackaged portion may be a dose of a food substance, such as ground coffee, introduced directly into the chamber of the extraction module.

By "liquid" is meant water or food liquid, depending on the application.

"Power outlet" refers to a household or industrial power source that typically provides 110 volt, 220 volt, 230 volt, or 380 volt power.

Drawings

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are described in detail in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the device according to the invention in a gas pressurization configuration of the chamber and thus of the extraction module;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a chamber-filling configuration;

figure 3 shows a variant of the device in which the chamber is placed outside the tank;

fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the power supply of the device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The device according to the invention is a device 1 capable of delivering hot or cold beverages by extracting under pressure the substance contained in a prepackaged portion 5 of the capsule or bag type. A pressurized liquid, usually water, is delivered through the substance, whereby the extracted beverage is collected in a container, such as a cup 2. The apparatus of the invention therefore comprises an extraction module 10 arranged to receive one or more portions 5 of a particular type. The module generally comprises: a capsule support 11; possible means 12 for opening the capsule, which means 12 act under the effect of the pressure inside the capsule to release the extract at a given extraction pressure; means 13 for spraying or injecting a liquid into the capsule, for example a capsule holder comprising a needle or blade for opening the capsule and incorporating one or more holes for injecting the liquid.

The module typically comprises closing means for firmly holding the capsule. These closing means comprise hinge means 11, 12 in the form of clamps which can be opened/closed by means of a lever (not shown) via an actuator.

The module may be part of a load-bearing structural body 4 that holds together the main components of the device, forming a compact and easily movable and/or portable assembly with the rest of the device.

In a preferred construction, the liquid tank 7 may be part of the carrying structure 4. The capacity of the tank 7 is adapted to the needs of the apparatus and its use; the principle is that the device can deliver a sufficient amount of beverage during service. The tank 7 is therefore designed to feed the extraction module 10 in a self-contained manner, i.e. without the need for continuous input of water from a source external to the plant. The tank comprises a body defining a container 6, the container 6 being closed by a lid or plug 70 fitted to the tank body by any removable connection, for example by clipping, screwing or other means.

Preferably, the tank container is insulated from the external environment by an insulating wall 71. These walls may form a virtually insulated insulation assembly commonly referred to as a "thermos. This designation may include a large number of possible insulation configurations. Most commonly, there is a combination of at least one internal layer 72 made of a low specific heat material such as glass or metal (copper, aluminum, steel, etc.) and at least one thermal insulation layer 73 surrounding the internal layer. The insulating layer may be a gas such as air or argon, vacuum, or a foam-based or fiber-based material. An effective thermal insulation assembly may more preferably comprise at least two layers 72, 74 formed of glass or metal separated by an insulating layer 73, preferably formed of vacuum or gas.

The cabinet 7 of the apparatus also includes an impact resistant enclosure 75 such as a plastic molded part surrounding the cabinet insulation assembly. This portion 75 may constitute an integral part of the tank portion or a portion added to other components to form the exterior of the tank 7.

According to a main aspect of the invention, a supply chamber 8 is provided, which separates the tank 7 from the module 10. The chamber 8 is connected to the module 10 via a supply line 92. This conduit is free to communicate within the supply chamber. In the example of fig. 1, the supply chamber 8 is located within the tank 7. The chamber is located in the lower half of the tank, preferably at the bottom of the tank, and includes an opening 80 that can communicate with the tank. The opening is oriented towards the bottom of the chamber, preferably the opening is located at the very bottom of the chamber 8. The opening 80 is selectively restricted by a one-way valve 81, the valve 81 comprising a ball or needle and a ball seat and retaining means. The ball or needle is positioned within the chamber so as to close the chamber from the inside under the action of the internal pressure within the chamber and to open the chamber under the action of the pressure outside the chamber.

The tightness between the ball or needle (and the opening) may be improved by an annular seal or other equivalent cooperating with the member surrounding the opening.

Depending on the positioning of the chamber 8 and the positioning of the chamber opening 80 below the normal chamber filling position, the chamber will be filled only by the hydrostatic forces in the tank container 6. This filling is achieved by the pushing of the non-return valve 81 by the fluid present in the tank.

The volume of the chamber 8 can be varied as desired. This volume can be used for extracting at least one dose of substance (a capsule or bag or a certain unpackaged quantity). This volume can be up to (extracted) several parts, for example two, three or even four consecutive parts (desired volume). For example, the volume of the chamber may be between 40ml and 500 ml. Preferably, the volume of the chamber is about 110 ml; this corresponds to the capacity of a large cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

The supply chamber 8 is selectively in communication with the gas pressurizing means 65 via the gas transfer means 90, 901. These means preferably comprise a gas cylinder or other form of gas refill device 650 which is coupled at its outlet with a pressure regulator 651, e.g. a pressure reducer. A gas flow regulating device, such as a restrictor 652, is also preferably provided on the supply (line) between the pressure reducer and the chamber, in order to regulate the increasing pressure of the liquid in the extraction module 10. The transfer device 90 ends at any suitable location of the chamber, such as on the chamber top 82.

Main line 90 is separated by a valve 15, which may be positioned between chamber 8 and gas pressurization device 65.

The tank is connected to the outside via an air inlet line 910, which allows air to be used to replace the volume loss in the tank due to filling the chamber with liquid.

The valve 15 functions according to the principle of bi-directional movement. In the first position according to fig. 2, the valve connects the supply chamber 8 to a line 900 leading to atmospheric pressure. In the second position, the valve 15 connects the chamber 8 to the supply line 901.

Such a valve 15 may be actuated manually, for example using a lever, a button or other equivalent means. The valve can also be actuated by an electrical pulse (solenoid valve). In this case, in the absence of the pulse, the valve 15 remains in an equilibrium or "rest position" inside the chamber at atmospheric pressure (fig. 2). During the electrical pulse acting on the valve, the solenoid valve switches to a position for supplying gas to the chamber (fig. 1). The solenoid valve is then actuated back to the filling position (fig. 2) by a timer or by measuring the pressure drop in the circuit below a certain threshold or by any other suitable measuring and monitoring means.

A heating device 45 may be provided to heat the water before it enters the extraction module 10. Such heating means may be, for example, at least one resistive heating element surrounding the chamber for heating the chamber. These heating means may also surround the feed line 92 or be placed within the line. The electrical resistance may be replaced by any equivalent heating means. These devices are connected to a power source 46.

The device according to the invention operates according to the following principle:

in the filling position, corresponding to fig. 2, the valve 15 is in the open position. The chamber 8 is then always in equilibrium at atmospheric pressure. When the chamber is partially or completely emptied after extraction, the hydrostatic force of the liquid in the tank pushes the movable part of the non-return valve 81 into the chamber, provided that the tank contains a sufficiently high level of water. This allows water from the tank to completely fill the chamber. When the water level in the tank is lower than above the chamber, filling will partially take place until (the water level of the chamber equals) the water level of the tank. However, when the water in the tank reaches a lower level, the container of the tank 7 can be subjected to a slight overpressure by adding pressurized gas in order to continue to feed the chamber. The gas may be added by gas from available gas refilling means, by spill gas vented when the chamber is filled, or by pumping air into the tank using a manual or electric pump.

When the supply chamber 8 is full, the device can be used again for extracting a beverage.

To prepare a beverage, such as coffee, a user places a dose of coffee 5 into the extraction module 10. The module is closed around the portion.

The user then actuates a control (not shown) to move the valve to the supply position. The main line 90 then communicates with the inlet line 901, which puts the chamber under pressure and then closes the non-return valve (fig. 1).

As gas continues to enter under the control of the restrictor 652, the pressure of the chamber gradually increases and the liquid in the chamber is drained into the supply line 92 and discharged into the extraction module. Pressurized water is then forced through the coffee portion to extract the coffee. The capsule opens under the effect of the extraction pressure and the liquid extract then flows through and into the cup.

When the chamber is completely emptied, allowing only gas to escape, or when the valve 15 returns to the closed position corresponding to fig. 1, the flow of liquid extract stops. The closing may be performed manually or automatically.

During the return to atmospheric pressure, the chamber is refilled with water (fig. 2). The device is then ready for the next beverage to be taken.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment in which the chamber is located outside the tank and the heating means are positioned between the chamber and the extraction module.

More precisely, the apparatus in fig. 3 comprises a tank 7b containing unheated water. The tank communicates with a supply chamber 8b located outside the tank and preferably at a lower level than the tank, so that the chamber is filled by gravity until the tank is completely emptied.

The chambers communicate with the gas pressurizing means 65b via lines 90b, 901b separated by a valve 15 b. The valve 15b may be a three-way valve. Rotation of valve 15b by manual or electric actuation may place lines 90b, 901b in communication with each other in the chamber pressurization position and lines 90b, 900b in communication with each other in the chamber fill and pressure rebalance positions.

The effect of pressurizing the chamber is to empty the chamber 8b and to deliver pressurized liquid to the extraction module 10b through the supply line 92 b. A heating device 45b, which may be a burner, is arranged, for example, to be mounted along the conduit 92b in order to heat the liquid to the extraction temperature. The burner includes a solid, liquid or gas fired device 450. Depending on the type of gas of the gas (pressurizing) device, this gas can be supplied to the burner through a bypass supply device and via a specific pressure reducer.

The advantage of such a device is that its energy is self-sufficient, i.e. the device is mobile without the need to be connected to an external energy source.

Fig. 4 schematically shows an example of the power supply of the device according to the invention in a portable or mobile configuration.

For example, the apparatus may include a built-in power supply, such as a battery 20, within the load-bearing structure. The battery is electrically connected to the liquid heating means 45. The battery may also power complex circuitry including the solenoid valve 15, a controller 28 associated with a control panel 29, a monitor diode, a timer, etc.

The energy required to heat several cups of beverage in succession may vary depending on the heating method, the volume of water to be heated and the insulation conditions. On average, however, the battery is selected to have an electrical energy storage capacity of at least 50000 joules, preferably between 100000 joules and 1000000 joules.

The power supply of the battery may be provided by solar power or by periodic or permanent connection to a power source.

In a solar configuration, a solar panel assembly 21 is positioned on the device that converts solar energy to electrical energy for provision to the battery 20. This component 21 may be a secondary or primary component, depending on the use. In the mains power configuration, the battery is connected to a low voltage transformer 22 which may be connected to the mains via a connector 23. Preferably, a recharging station or base 24 is provided to receive the device in a recharging configuration, during which the battery 20 is directly connected to the transformer 22 by suitable connection means 25. Other power supply means such as a cigarette lighter style power supply cable 27 or any other standard or proprietary electrical connection means may be provided as secondary or primary means as desired or used.

The invention is applicable to other beverage dispensing devices, such as those that use unpackaged food servings, such as those used in conventional espresso (espresso) machines. The principles may also be extended to other types of beverage dispensing apparatus such as beer taps. In this case, the extraction module can be replaced by a simple pressurized liquid dispensing module, such as a dispensing nozzle or spray head with a manually or electrically controlled valve. The number of modules is not critical, and the device may be equipped with a plurality of modules, especially if it is desired to dispense more than one beverage at the same time.

Claims

1. Mobile or portable apparatus for preparing a beverage, the apparatus comprising:

-a module for delivering a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid,

-pressurizing means adapted to provide pressurized liquid to the module,

-a liquid supply chamber having a volume several times smaller than the volume of the supply tank;

the supply chamber being arranged to communicate with a supply tank for filling with liquid in a filling configuration, and

the supply chamber being arranged to communicate with the pressurising means in the module supply configuration to pressurise liquid within the supply chamber and inject the pressurised liquid into the module, thereby allowing liquid to be transported through the module,

characterized in that the pressurizing means comprise at least one self-contained storage means of pressurized gas, and

in the module supply configuration, gas enters the supply chamber and is in direct contact with liquid in the supply chamber, while the supply tank is kept isolated from the pressure of the supply chamber, i.e. the liquid in the supply tank is not subjected to the action of the gas pressure exerted in the supply chamber, an

The apparatus further comprises a valve device (15), which valve device (15) is movable in at least two positions to function as,

a) in a supply chamber filling position, the supply chamber is brought into a filling configuration, an

b) In a position for feeding the module through a feed chamber (8) connected to a gas feed line (901) of a self-contained storage means (650) of pressurized gas, allows extraction of the fraction of substance within the extraction module.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said module is an extraction module adapted to receive a portion of food substance for the preparation of a beverage by providing a pressurized liquid from a supply chamber and through said substance.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the supply chamber is located below half the height of the supply tank, such that when the valve means is actuated to restore the supply chamber to a pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure, the supply chamber is supplied with liquid under the influence of the hydrostatic pressure of the supply tank.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply chamber is connected to a supply tank by a liquid inlet actuated by a one-way valve; the one-way valve is opened by the hydrostatic action of the thrust of the liquid from the supply tank to the supply chamber during filling and is kept closed by the thrust of the liquid in the supply chamber under the pressure exerted by the gas.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the feed chamber is made of a pressure and impact resistant material.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the supply tank comprises a thermally insulating wall.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the insulating wall comprises at least one inner wall made of a low specific heat material and at least one insulating layer surrounding the inner wall.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the inner wall is made of glass or metal.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the feed chamber is located in a feed tank.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the supply chamber does not collide with an inner surface of an insulating wall of the supply tank.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the supply chamber is located outside the supply tank.

12. A device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterised in that the valve means (15) comprises a manually or electrically actuated two-way valve.

13. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the gas supply pressure is between 2 and 25 bar.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the gas is compressed air, CO₂、N₂、N₂O、O₂Or argon or mixtures thereof.

15. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the apparatus comprises heating means for heating the liquid before it is introduced into the extraction module.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the heating device is an electrical resistance heating device, or a burner-type thermal block or device using solid, gaseous, and/or liquid fuel.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that a built-in power supply means is provided to supply the electric heating means; these power supply means comprise at least one battery.

18. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the electrical connection means is arranged to periodically supply power to the electrical heating means during connection of the electrical connection means to the external power source.

19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that said electrical connection means comprise a mains AC plug and/or power connector for temporary connection to a cigar lighter type mobile or fixed power supply or to an electrical terminal or substation delivering low-voltage power.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the module is a pressurized liquid delivery module.

21. Apparatus for preparing a beverage, the apparatus comprising:

-a module for delivering a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid,

-pressurizing means adapted to provide pressurized liquid to the module,

characterised in that the apparatus is configured to be removably or portably serviced by not requiring electrical connection to the power supply outlet during servicing,

wherein the pressurizing means is non-electrical and comprises at least one self-contained storage means of pressurized gas,

wherein the supply tank comprises a thermally insulating wall to reduce heat loss from the liquid during transport, an

The device comprises valve means (15) for connecting the supply chamber (8) to atmospheric pressure in a first position of the valve means (15) and for connecting the supply chamber (8) to a pressurized gas in a second position of the valve means (15).

22. A method for delivering a pressurised liquid within a mobile or portable beverage dispensing apparatus, the method comprising: -providing a valve means (15) and a liquid supply chamber which function in at least two positions, the supply chamber being filled in a first position of the valve means (15) under the influence of a pressure difference between the supply chamber and a supply tank of the apparatus, the liquid capacity of the supply tank being greater than the liquid capacity of the supply chamber, the supply chamber being emptied in a second position of the valve means (15) after filling thereof under the pressure of gas supplied by a self-contained gas storage means of the apparatus; the gas enters the supply chamber to pressurize the supply chamber, and the supply chamber is sealed from the supply tank so that the supply tank is not pressurized by the gas.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the liquid supply chamber is filled by the action of hydrostatic forces between the liquid supply chamber and the supply tank.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the supply tank is filled with a liquid at a temperature above ambient temperature prior to shipping, and the supply tank is thermally insulated.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the supply tank is heated prior to transport so that the liquid is at a temperature above ambient temperature, and the supply tank is thermally insulated.

26. A method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the liquid is filled or heated to a temperature of at least 90 ℃ before being transported.

27. A method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the liquid in the supply tank is heated to at least partly compensate for heat loss during service.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the liquid is heated within the device using a heater that is powered by a battery or a burner.