CN1281176C

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: CN1281176C
Application number: CNB018094910A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马克·沙恩·明尼
Original assignee: BARISTA HOLDINGS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: BARISTA HOLDINGS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2000-04-11
Filing date: 2001-04-11
Publication date: 2006-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-11
Also published as: KR20020089447A; AUPQ687700A0; AU2001248149A1; JP2003529430A; CA2405463A1; EP1276409A4; WO2001076429A1; EP1276409A1; CN1443048A; US20030155101A1

Abstract

A brewing apparatus for supplying a hot beverage, said brewing apparatus (1) comprising an inlet (2) for receiving a source of water; at least one boiler that receives water from a water source and is capable of supplying hot water and/or steam; a mixing station (26) for receiving hot water and a predetermined dose of beverage, such as coffee, to be mixed with said hot water and then to be supplied with said beverage from said machine (1); a cooling chamber (10) receiving a portion of said water supply and supplying hot water of a predetermined maximum temperature to said mixing station (26) through an outlet (19); the cooling chamber (10) comprises at least one inlet (12) and at least one outlet (14), wherein the cooling chamber (10) receives cold water from a water source, wherein the cooling chamber (10) receives hot water from a boiler (7) to be supplied to the mixing station (26), wherein the temperature of the hot water supplied to the mixing station (26) inside the cooling chamber (10) is tempered by the cold water.

Description

Translated fromChinese

液体饮料分配机Liquid Beverage Dispenser

技术领域technical field

本发明涉及饮料制造机，更具体来说，涉及对用于分配热饮料如咖啡的机器的改进。咖啡的普遍消费产生了各种用于分配和调制咖啡的机器。这些机器基本可分为两大类，即，自动贩卖机，这种机器由消费者根据需要操作，并按照消费者指示的、一般是触压按钮指示的混合配料来分配咖啡和其它热饮料。这种机器提供的饮料一般标准不高，但是迅速、方便，因而使特定的市场得到满足。第二大类是调制型机器，这种机器调制咖啡豆并产生较高质量的咖啡如热牛奶咖啡。存在着广泛的熟知品质、需求高标准咖啡的咖啡消费者。咖啡调制机已能够满足这个市场。本发明涉及对自动贩卖机和浓咖啡机(expresso machine)，特别是后一类机器的改进。后一类机器已主要用于用咖啡粉末调制咖啡。更具体来说，本发明提供一种咖啡分配机，它能够使用可溶咖啡和用于控制和监视饮料供应温度和装置来分配热饮料如咖啡，包括热牛奶咖啡(cappuccino)。The present invention relates to beverage making machines, and more particularly to improvements to machines for dispensing hot beverages such as coffee. The widespread consumption of coffee has given rise to a variety of machines for dispensing and brewing coffee. These machines generally fall into two broad categories, namely, vending machines, which are operated by the consumer on demand and dispense coffee and other hot beverages according to a mix of ingredients indicated by the consumer, typically at the touch of a button. The beverages provided by such machines are generally not of a high standard, but quickly and conveniently, thus satisfying a specific market. The second largest category is brewing machines, which brew coffee beans and produce higher quality coffee such as cappuccino. There is a wide range of coffee consumers who are aware of the quality and demand a high standard of coffee. Coffee brewers have been able to satisfy this market. This invention relates to improvements to vending machines and expresso machines, particularly the latter class of machines. Machines of the latter type have been mainly used for brewing coffee from coffee powder. More specifically, the present invention provides a coffee dispensing machine capable of dispensing hot beverages such as coffee, including cappuccino, using soluble coffee and means for controlling and monitoring the beverage supply temperature and means.

背景技术Background technique

公知的热饮料分配机采用热水源，热水与饮料如热巧克力或咖啡混合。这种机器包括一个混合工位，在该工位进行饮料的混合。自动贩卖机使消费者可选择饮料，而机器则做其它工作。这种机器供应的饮料通常品质不高，无操作者监视。Known hot beverage dispensers use a source of hot water that is mixed with a beverage such as hot chocolate or coffee. This machine includes a mixing station where mixing of the beverage takes place. Vending machines allow consumers to choose a drink while the machine does the rest. Beverages served by such machines are generally of low quality without operator supervision.

公知的咖啡调制机比自动贩卖机更复杂，通常需要一个操作者。这种机器传统上称为浓咖啡机，并且使用咖啡豆，但是咖啡的品质很大程度上取决于制造咖啡的技术。迄今以来，咖啡业的技术发展一直注重于鲜咖啡(浓咖啡和热牛奶咖啡)而忽视了可溶咖啡部分。但是，鲜咖啡的发展已不再着重于牛奶基和过滤器变型的重大问题。公知的调制机当由技工(skilled barista)操作时可有效地具有高的输出量。美国专利第4,681,028号中公开了一种典型的现有技术的咖啡调制机，这是一种简单的咖啡机，它具有一个壳体，一个装在壳体内的新水供应容器、一个加热元件，用于加热在高压下送至调制腔中的新水。调制腔包括咖啡的入口和出口，并且还包括一个水泵和驱动控制装置。Known coffee brewers are more complex than vending machines and generally require an operator. This machine is traditionally called an espresso machine and uses coffee beans, but the quality of the coffee is largely determined by the technique used to make it. Technological developments in the coffee industry have so far focused on fresh coffee (espresso and cappuccino) while ignoring the soluble coffee segment. However, the evolution of fresh coffee has moved away from the big issues of milk base and filter variants. Known brewing machines effectively have a high output when operated by a skilled barista. A typical prior art coffee maker is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,681,028, which is a simple coffee maker having a housing, a fresh water supply container housed within the housing, a heating element, Used to heat fresh water fed to the brewing chamber under high pressure. The brew chamber includes coffee inlets and outlets, and also includes a water pump and drive controls.

美国专利第4,491,063号公开了一种自动咖啡机，它从一个罐、煮器或类似装置在高压下分配热水，并将其送至一个装有咖啡粉末的腔。该机器包括热水流过咖啡粉末得到的浸液的过滤结构。在这个领域的一些现有技术已经涉及到用于避免热水向咖啡粉末腔的进口孔的堵塞的装置。US Patent No. 4,491,063 discloses an automatic coffee machine which dispenses hot water under high pressure from a tank, boiler or similar device and sends it to a chamber containing coffee grounds. The machine includes a filtering structure for an infusion obtained by passing hot water through coffee grounds. Some of the prior art in this field already relates to means for avoiding clogging of the inlet orifice of the hot water to the coffee powder chamber.

美国专利第6,035,762号公开了一种浓咖啡机，它借助过滤舱工作，包括一个调制组件，该调制组件带有两个调制腔部，所述调制腔部连接于一个调制水加热器，并设有一个复式喷嘴。U.S. Patent No. 6,035,762 discloses an espresso machine that operates by means of a filter capsule and includes a brew assembly with two brew chambers connected to a brew water heater and equipped with There is a duplex nozzle.

美国专利第6,003,435号公开了一种咖啡制造机，在调制循环中向支承在一可卸的过滤器组件中的粉碎咖啡供应热水，并包括一个用于水的加热和储存的加热容器，以及一个从该容器向过滤器组件供应加热的水的喷头。所述组件包括一个带阀门的导管，从容器向喷头供应第一数量的热水；以及一个第二带阀门的导管，从容器向喷头供应第二数量的热水。选择开关使操作者能够选择调制的咖啡量。该装置还包括一个与选择开关连通的控制器，并在一个调制循环中控制第一和第二带阀门导管的启动，以便将适量的热水送至喷头，以便送向过滤器组件中的粉碎咖啡，从而调制选择数量的咖啡。U.S. Patent No. 6,003,435 discloses a coffee maker that supplies hot water during a brew cycle to ground coffee supported in a removable filter assembly and includes a heating vessel for heating and storage of the water, and A spray head supplies heated water from the container to the filter assembly. The assembly includes a valved conduit for supplying a first amount of hot water from the container to the spray head, and a second valved conduit for supplying a second amount of hot water from the container to the spray head. A selector switch enables the operator to select the amount of coffee brewed. The apparatus also includes a controller in communication with the selector switch and controlling the actuation of the first and second valved conduits in a modulating cycle to deliver the appropriate amount of hot water to the spray head for delivery to the pulverized water in the filter assembly Coffee to brew the selected amount of coffee.

美国专利第5,388,502号中公开了另一种公知的浓咖啡机，这种浓咖啡机包括一个电热水器和一个过滤器篮架，该过滤器篮架具有一个调制腔，以便在布置在其底部的一个浇注装置中容纳咖啡粉末。这种咖啡机还包括第一导管和具有蒸汽出口的第二导管。第一导管通入过滤器篮杀以便将调制腔连接于热水器，并包括设在其中的一个轴向流动控制阀，当过滤器篮杀未插入时该控制阀总是闭合的。当过滤器篮插入机器后，过滤器篮杀使过滤阀从闭合位置移至打开位置。美国专利第5,063,836号公开了另一种咖啡制造机，其中包括一个容器，该容器连接于主水源，并包括一个控制向容器加水的阀门的水位传感器。该机器还包括一个恒温控制加热元件，其中恒温器和再注阀由一个单一的模制可更换的固态电路板控制。水位传感器的功能是使容器被加注至适当的水位，以便进行其后的咖啡调制，而与主管水压及事前从容器放水的方式无关。电子控制的恒温器使得在运转以再热容器中的水之前，只能有小的温降如3°F。这就使水能够以接近于沸点地储存并送去接触咖啡，以便在不低于200度的温度下进行调制。Another known espresso machine is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,388,502. This espresso machine includes an electric water heater and a filter basket with a brewing chamber for A pouring unit contains coffee powder. The coffee machine also includes a first conduit and a second conduit having a steam outlet. The first conduit leads into the filter basket for connecting the brewing chamber to the water heater and includes an axial flow control valve therein which is always closed when the filter basket is not inserted. When the filter basket is inserted into the machine, the filter basket moves the filter valve from the closed position to the open position. US Patent No. 5,063,836 discloses another coffee maker comprising a container connected to a mains water source and including a water level sensor controlling a valve for adding water to the container. The machine also includes a thermostatically controlled heating element where the thermostat and refill valve are controlled by a single molded replaceable solid state circuit board. The function of the water level sensor is to allow the container to be filled to the proper water level for subsequent coffee brewing, independent of the main water pressure and the way the water was previously released from the container. The electronically controlled thermostat allows only a small drop in temperature, such as 3°F, before running to reheat the water in the vessel. This allows water to be stored close to boiling point and sent to contact coffee for brewing at temperatures no lower than 200 degrees.

传统上，咖啡调制机在调制咖啡时使用咖啡豆或粉末，据申请人所知，在咖啡调制机中尚未采用过速溶咖啡。可溶咖啡以前不能用在浓咖啡机中，这是由于浓咖啡机的操作方法的缘故。咖啡豆或咖啡粉末在业界被认为并不是可溶咖啡，其原因在于粉末不能很快溶解在水中。速溶咖啡被描述为可溶咖啡。传统上，可溶咖啡尚未用在咖啡调制机中，这是由于尚未实现有效的技术，也未研制出适当的设备，通过调制机来生产这种等级的咖啡。假如在传统的浓咖啡机中使用速溶咖啡，那么，就会形成不能使用的不定形咖啡团块。在传统的浓咖啡机中，咖啡粉末在压力下承受蒸汽，从咖啡粉末中榨出滋味。粉末能够承受蒸汽，但是，由于可溶咖啡的物理性质，不能将必须引起实质变化的蒸汽压力用于分配可溶咖啡的公知机器。Traditionally, coffee brewers have used coffee beans or powder in brewing coffee, and to the applicant's knowledge, instant coffee has not been used in coffee brewers. Soluble coffee could not previously be used in espresso machines due to the way espresso machines operate. Coffee beans or coffee powder are not considered soluble coffee in the industry because the powder does not dissolve quickly in water. Instant coffee is described as soluble coffee. Traditionally, soluble coffee has not been used in coffee brewers because effective technology has not been realized nor appropriate equipment developed to produce this grade of coffee from a brewer. If instant coffee is used in a conventional espresso machine, amorphous coffee clumps form which cannot be used. In a traditional espresso machine, the coffee grounds are subjected to steam under pressure, which extracts the flavor from the coffee grounds. The powder is capable of withstanding steam, however, due to the physical properties of soluble coffee, the steam pressure which must cause substantial changes cannot be used with known machines for dispensing soluble coffee.

存在下述需求，即，以比使用传统机器目前所能达到的快得多的方式来提供达到调制咖啡品质的咖啡。传统上，调制咖啡需要好几分钟来制备，但是有些场合中消费者可能需要在不到30秒的时间内得到咖啡。传统机器不能采用可溶咖啡，也是由于咖啡饮料的快速生产，使得从调制机快速生产高品质咖啡的市场尚未得到开拓。There is a need to provide brewed coffee quality coffee in a much faster manner than is currently achievable with conventional machines. Traditionally, brewed coffee takes several minutes to prepare, but there are occasions where consumers may need coffee in less than 30 seconds. Traditional machines cannot use soluble coffee, also due to the rapid production of coffee beverages, the market for rapid production of high-quality coffee from brewing machines has not yet been explored.

传统咖啡调制机具有两个煮器，一个煮器产生制咖啡的热水，另一个煮器用于生产蒸汽。传统的智慧只是认为不可能在与现有机器相同大小的地方或是在更小的地方，从只用一个煮器的机器来生产调制咖啡。因此，传统机器的设计在一定时间上保持停滞状态。咖啡机在大约87℃的出口温度下可理想地供应咖啡，不过，可以接受的咖啡供应温度可高达93℃。在用机器批量生产咖啡的过程中，出口温度必须维持，以便保证咖啡以需要的温度供给消费者。Traditional coffee brewers have two boilers, one for producing hot water for making coffee and one for producing steam. Conventional wisdom simply holds that it is impossible to produce brewed coffee from a machine with only one brewer, in the same size as existing machines, or in a smaller space. Therefore, the design of conventional machines remains stagnant for a certain period of time. Coffee machines ideally serve coffee at an outlet temperature of approximately 87°C, however, coffee serving temperatures as high as 93°C are acceptable. During the mass production of coffee by machine, the outlet temperature must be maintained in order to ensure that the coffee is supplied to the consumer at the desired temperature.

有时在高峰期这一点可能难以做到。在制备咖啡的过程中需要的蒸汽最好在大约100℃的温度下提供。温度控制是借助恒温器实现的，在现有技术的机器中，热交换是通过在出口与环境空气接触进行的，这可能是一种低效的控制温度的手段，可能导致供应的咖啡太热。现有技术的机器的问题之一在于所需排放温度的维持，特别是在大量生产咖啡时。公知的调制机的另一个缺陷是，由于需要两个煮器而被机器占据的空间，以及容纳两个煮器加大了空间。过去认为不可能通过用一个煮器进行所有调制功能来减小机器占地。This can sometimes be difficult to do during peak times. The steam required during the preparation of coffee is preferably provided at a temperature of about 100°C. Temperature control is achieved with the aid of a thermostat, in prior art machines the heat exchange is through contact with ambient air at the outlet, this can be an inefficient means of temperature control and can result in the coffee being served being too hot . One of the problems of the machines of the prior art is the maintenance of the required discharge temperature, especially when producing coffee in large quantities. Another drawback of the known brewing machines is the space occupied by the machine due to the need for two boilers, and the space increased by accommodating two boilers. In the past it was considered impossible to reduce the machine footprint by performing all brewing functions with one boiler.

牛奶基的浓咖啡必须定期清洗和保养以保持输出品质。浓咖啡/热牛奶咖啡生产的标准取决于操作者的技艺和设备的保养，这可能在例如操作者无经验的情形中售出不合格的咖啡。大约每30分钟必须弃置过滤的咖啡，这样导致了低效。在繁忙的餐馆环境中，这项政策往往被忽视，这就使显著不合格的咖啡送至消费者，影响未来的销售。Milk-based espresso must be cleaned and maintained regularly to maintain output quality. The standard of espresso/cappuccino production depends on the skill of the operator and the care of the equipment, which may result in substandard coffee being sold, for example, in situations where the operator is inexperienced. Filtered coffee must be disposed of approximately every 30 minutes, which results in inefficiency. In busy restaurant environments, this policy is often overlooked, allowing significantly substandard coffee to be delivered to consumers, affecting future sales.

发明内容Contents of the invention

本发明涉及可溶、烘烤和粉碎的咖啡技术，以及解决牛奶基和过滤咖啡设备技术中存在的问题。The present invention relates to soluble, roast and ground coffee technology and solves problems in milk-based and filter coffee device technology.

本发明的设备采用可溶咖啡，反复生产浓咖啡的鲜奶咖啡。鉴于咖啡是大宗日用品，以及咖啡销售在浓咖啡和鲜奶咖啡方面的增长，本发明使可溶咖啡供应商能够完善浓咖啡市场。The device of the present invention adopts soluble coffee to repeatedly produce espresso milk coffee. Given that coffee is a commodity commodity and coffee sales are growing in both espresso and cappuccino, the present invention enables soluble coffee suppliers to complete the espresso market.

1999年，美国销售了886,338吨咖啡，当时可溶咖啡占总市场的9.1％，而鲜咖啡占90.1％。从1994年至1999年，鲜咖啡是在产量和产值两方面增长最快的一个分项，分别增加2.4％和32.6％。可溶咖啡在1999年中产值下降1.8％。尽管可能价格较高，可溶咖啡被认为是次于鲜(烘烤和粉末)咖啡。更多的咖啡现在被家庭消费，占总市场的57％。这一点反映在可溶和鲜咖啡下降的超市销售中。In 1999, 886,338 tons of coffee were sold in the United States, when soluble coffee accounted for 9.1% of the total market, while fresh coffee accounted for 90.1%. From 1994 to 1999, fresh coffee was the fastest growing sub-sector in terms of both volume and value, increasing by 2.4% and 32.6%, respectively. Soluble coffee production in 1999 fell by 1.8%. Soluble coffee is considered inferior to fresh (roast and ground) coffee, although it may be more expensive. More coffee is now consumed at home, accounting for 57% of the total market. This was reflected in declining supermarket sales of soluble and fresh coffee.

1994年和1998年咖啡的零售值美元(百万) 新鲜咖啡速溶咖啡总计 1994年 $5,851 $764 $6,615 1998年 $7,761 $779 $8,540Retail value of coffee in 1994 and 1998 US dollars (millions) fresh coffee Instant coffee total 1994 $5,851 $764 $6,615 1998 $7,761 $779 $8,540

1999年按年龄美国每人咖啡消耗量年龄每日杯数 25-29 4.2 30-59 3.8 60+ 2.8US coffee consumption per capita by age in 1999 age Cups per day 25-29 4.2 30-59 3.8 60+ 2.8

这些数据表明，虽然咖啡是一个增长的市场，有持续发展的前景，但是，增长集中在特制咖啡的鲜咖啡分项上，主要由家庭消费，主要是较年轻一代。本发明的目的是提供对用于制备热饮料如咖啡的现有技术的调制机的改进，可提高生产的效率和速度，能够用可溶的和不可溶的咖啡来生产咖啡饮料。本发明还提供用于控制可溶咖啡的供应温度的冷却室。These figures suggest that while coffee is a growth market with continued prospects, growth is concentrated in the fresh coffee sub-category of specialty coffee, which is largely consumed by households, mainly younger generations. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvement to prior art brewers for preparing hot beverages such as coffee, which increases the efficiency and speed of production, enabling the production of coffee beverages from both soluble and insoluble coffee. The present invention also provides a cooling chamber for controlling the supply temperature of soluble coffee.

从最广义上讲，本发明提供：一种供应热饮料的调制机，该调制机包括：一个接受水源的进口；至少一个煮器，所述煮器从所述水源接受水，并能够供应热水和/或蒸汽；一个混合工位，该混合工位接受饮料如咖啡，以便与所述热水混合，然后从所述调制机供应所述饮料；一个冷却室，该冷却室部分地接受所述水源，并以预定的最高温度通过一个出口向所述混合工位供应热水；所述冷却室包括至少一个进口和至少一个出口，其中所述冷却室从所述水源接受冷水，所述冷却室从所述煮器接受热水以便供应所述混合工位，在所述冷却室中送向所述混合工位的热水的温度被冷水调合。In its broadest terms, the invention provides: a brewer for serving hot beverages, the brewer comprising: an inlet to receive a source of water; at least one boiler receiving water from said source and capable of supplying hot water and/or steam; a mixing station that accepts a beverage such as coffee to be mixed with said hot water and then supplies said beverage from said brewer; a cooling chamber that partially receives said beverage said water source and supply hot water to said mixing station through an outlet at a predetermined maximum temperature; said cooling chamber comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein said cooling chamber receives cold water from said water source, said cooling A chamber receives hot water from the boiler for supply to the mixing station, the temperature of the hot water sent to the mixing station in the cooling chamber is tempered by cold water.

在一种保护范围宽的形式中，本发明包括：In one broad form, the invention includes:

一种调制机，它用于制备成份的一种或多种热液体饮料如咖啡，其中所述调制机包括：A brewer for preparing ingredients for one or more hot liquid beverages such as coffee, wherein the brewer comprises:

用于控制至少一个煮器的水源装置，所述煮器具有至少一个进口和至少一个出口，water source means for controlling at least one boiler having at least one inlet and at least one outlet,

一个冷却室，该冷却室包括至少一个进口和至少一个出口，该冷却室与所述水源连通并接受所述水源的至少一部分，a cooling chamber comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the cooling chamber being in communication with and receiving at least a portion of said water source,

一个热交换器，它与所述至少一个煮器配合工作，并与所述冷却室流体连通，所述热交换器从所述水源接受水；其中通向所述冷却室的所述至少一个出口与一个咖啡混合室连通并向其供应热水，通向所述至少一个煮器的所述至少一个出口与一个热水阀连通，通向所述至少一个煮器的另一个至少一个出口与一个蒸汽阀连通；a heat exchanger cooperating with said at least one boiler and in fluid communication with said cooling chamber, said heat exchanger receiving water from said water source; wherein said at least one outlet leading to said cooling chamber communicating with and supplying hot water to a coffee mixing chamber, said at least one outlet leading to said at least one boiler communicating with a hot water valve, and another at least one outlet leading to said at least one boiler communicating with a steam valve connection;

所述调制机还包括一个供应所述咖啡混合室的咖啡源，其终止于一个咖啡供应出口。The brewer also includes a coffee source supplying the coffee mixing chamber terminating in a coffee supply outlet.

在另一个宽的形式中，本发明提供：In another broad form, the invention provides:

一种用于制备成份的一种或多种热液体饮料如咖啡的机器，其中所述机器包括：A machine for preparing one or more hot liquid beverages, such as coffee, of ingredients, wherein said machine comprises:

用于控制一煮器的水源的装置，所述煮器具有至少一个进口和至少一个出口，一个冷却室包括至少一个进口和至少一个出口，该冷却室与所述水源连通，该冷却室接受所述水源的至少一部分；其中所述冷却室向一个制备所述饮料的混合工位供应热水；Apparatus for controlling a water supply to a boiler having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a cooling chamber comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the cooling chamber communicating with said water supply, the cooling chamber receiving the at least a portion of said water source; wherein said cooling chamber supplies hot water to a mixing station for preparing said beverage;

一个热交换器，它与所述煮器配合工作，并与所述冷却室连通，所述热交换器向所述冷却室供应水并从上述水源接受水；a heat exchanger cooperating with said boiler and in communication with said cooling chamber, said heat exchanger supplying water to said cooling chamber and receiving water from said water source;

其中通向所述冷却室的至少一个出口与一个咖啡混合室连通并向其供应热水，通向所述煮器的所述至少一个出口与一个热水阀连通，通向所述煮器的另一个至少一个出口与一个蒸汽阀连通并向其供应蒸汽；wherein at least one outlet leading to the cooling chamber communicates with a coffee mixing chamber and supplies hot water thereto, the at least one outlet leading to the boiler communicates with a hot water valve, and the at least one outlet leading to the boiler another at least one outlet communicates with and supplies steam to a steam valve;

所述机器还包括一个供应所述咖啡混合室的咖啡源，其终止于一个咖啡供应出口。The machine also includes a coffee source supplying the coffee mixing chamber, which terminates in a coffee supply outlet.

在另一个宽的形式中，本发明包括：In another broad form, the invention includes:

一个用于分配热液体饮料如咖啡的机器，其中所述机器包括用于控制一个具有至少一个进口和至少一个出口的煮器的水源的装置；一个包括至少一个进口和至少一个出口的冷却室，该冷却室与所述水源连通，并接受所述水源的至少一部分；一个与所述煮器配合工作，且与所述冷却室连通的热交换器，所述热交换器从所述水源接受水；其中通至所述冷却室的至少一个出口与一个咖啡混合室连通；其中所述冷却室调节从其排出、用在所述咖啡混合室中的水的温度。A machine for dispensing hot liquid beverages such as coffee, wherein said machine comprises means for controlling a water supply to a boiler having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a cooling chamber comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the cooling chamber in communication with said water source and receiving at least a portion of said water source; a heat exchanger cooperating with said boiler and in communication with said cooling chamber, said heat exchanger receiving water from said water source ; wherein at least one outlet to said cooling chamber is in communication with a coffee mixing chamber; wherein said cooling chamber regulates the temperature of water discharged therefrom for use in said coffee mixing chamber.

一个热液体饮料分配机，用于制备成份的一种或多种热液体饮料如咖啡，其中所述分配机包括：A hot liquid beverage dispenser for preparing ingredients of one or more hot liquid beverages such as coffee, wherein said dispenser comprises:

一个水源；a water source;

一个煮器，它接受所述水源并具有至少一个进口和至少一个出口，一个冷却室包括至少一个进口和至少一个出口，该冷却室与所述水源流体连通，并接受所述水源的至少一部分，a boiler receiving said source of water and having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a cooling chamber comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet in fluid communication with said source of water and receiving at least a portion of said source of water,

一个热交换器，它与所述煮器配合工作，并与所述冷却室连通，并从所述水源接受水；a heat exchanger cooperating with said boiler and communicating with said cooling chamber and receiving water from said water source;

其中通至所述冷却室的所述至少一个出口与一个咖啡混合室连通；wherein said at least one outlet to said cooling chamber communicates with a coffee mixing chamber;

所述分配机还包括一个供应所述咖啡混合室的咖啡源，其终止于一个咖啡供应出口；其中所述咖啡是可溶和即溶的。The dispenser also includes a coffee source supplying the coffee mixing chamber terminating in a coffee supply outlet; wherein the coffee is soluble and instant.

所述热交换器最好装在煮器中，并通过流体供应管线与所述冷却室连通。冷却室最好设置在水源中，且热交换器装在煮器中。通至所述冷却室的所述进口之一最好供应冷却至85℃至93℃的水，通过一个出口从所述冷却室排至所述咖啡混合室。咖啡混合室最好接受储存在一咖啡容器中的可溶咖啡，所述咖啡容器装在机器中。The heat exchanger is preferably housed in the boiler and communicates with the cooling chamber via a fluid supply line. The cooling chamber is preferably located in the water source and the heat exchanger is located in the boiler. One of said inlets to said cooling chamber preferably supplies water cooled to 85°C to 93°C, which is discharged from said cooling chamber to said coffee mixing chamber through an outlet. The coffee mixing chamber preferably receives soluble coffee stored in a coffee container which is housed in the machine.

在另一种宽的形式中，本发明包括：In another broad form, the invention includes:

一个饮料分配机，用于供应热液体饮料如咖啡，其中所述分配机能够分配可溶(速溶)咖啡，所述机器包括一个煮器、一个混合工位和一个冷却室，该冷却室控制咖啡分配的温度。A beverage dispensing machine for serving hot liquid beverages such as coffee, wherein said dispensing machine is capable of dispensing soluble (instant) coffee, said machine comprising a boiler, a mixing station and a cooling chamber which controls the coffee dispensed temperature.

一个用于分配热饮料的机器中的冷却室，所述机器包括：A cooling chamber in a machine for dispensing hot beverages, said machine comprising:

一个用接受水源的进口；至少一个煮器，它接受所述水源，并且其能够供应热水和/或蒸汽；an inlet for receiving a water source; at least one boiler which receives said water source and which is capable of supplying hot water and/or steam;

一个混合工位，它接受热水和一剂饮料以便与所述热水混合，其后从所述混合室供应所述饮料；其中所述冷却室接受所述水源的一部分，并将热水通过一个出口以预定的最高温度送至所述混合室；冷却室包括至少一个进口和至少一个出口，其中所述冷却室从所述水源接受冷水，并且所述冷却室从所述至少一个煮器接受热水，以便送至所述混合室，其中所述冷却室中送至所述混合工位的热水的温度受到控制。a mixing station which receives hot water and a dose of beverage for mixing with said hot water, after which said beverage is supplied from said mixing chamber; wherein said cooling chamber receives a portion of said water source and passes hot water through an outlet to said mixing chamber at a predetermined maximum temperature; a cooling chamber comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein said cooling chamber receives cold water from said water source, and said cooling chamber receives from said at least one boiler Hot water for delivery to the mixing chamber, wherein the temperature of the hot water in the cooling chamber for delivery to the mixing station is controlled.

在上述机器中最好有一个煮器，以便生产热水和蒸汽，所述冷却室设置在所述煮器和所述混合室中间。Preferably in the above machine there is a boiler for the production of hot water and steam, said cooling chamber being arranged intermediate said boiler and said mixing chamber.

冷却室通过一条进入所述室并返回所述煮器的管路接受冷水。所述管路最好设置在所述冷却室中，以便提供一个预定的管面，与从所述煮器送入所述冷却室的沸过的水接触。煮器包括一个热交换器，该热交换器从所述水源通过所述冷却室接受冷水，并且从所述热交换器将加热的水送至所述冷却室，以便送至所述混合室。The cooling chamber receives cold water through a line entering the chamber and returning to the boiler. Said piping is preferably arranged in said cooling chamber so as to provide a predetermined pipe surface in contact with boiled water fed from said boiler into said cooling chamber. The boiler includes a heat exchanger which receives cold water from said water source through said cooling chamber and sends heated water from said heat exchanger to said cooling chamber for delivery to said mixing chamber.

冷却室还包括一个加热件，该加热件当水温降至预定的最低供应温度时，提高水温，以便从所述冷却室送至所述混合室。The cooling chamber also includes a heating element which increases the temperature of the water for delivery from said cooling chamber to said mixing chamber when the temperature of the water drops to a predetermined minimum supply temperature.

冷却室还包括一个恒温器，当所述冷却室中的水达到预定的最高温度值时，该恒温器隔绝所述加热件。冷却室将最好冷却至大约85℃至93℃的水通过一个出口从所述冷却室送至咖啡混合室。The cooling chamber also includes a thermostat that isolates the heating element when the water in the cooling chamber reaches a predetermined maximum temperature value. The cooling chamber delivers water, preferably cooled to about 85°C to 93°C, through an outlet from the cooling chamber to the coffee mixing chamber.

所述管路最好在冷却室中盘绕，以加大与冷却室中热水接触的表面积。The piping is preferably coiled in the cooling chamber to increase the surface area in contact with the hot water in the cooling chamber.

附图说明Description of drawings

现在对照以下附图按照推荐的但并非限定性的实施例详述本发明。The invention will now be described in detail according to suggested but non-limitative embodiments with reference to the following figures.

图1是按照本发明推荐实施例的分配机的立体图(为清楚起见，未画一些特征)。Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention (features not drawn for clarity).

图2的立体图表示按照本发明推荐实施例的机器的外观。Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

具体实施方式Detailed ways

现在参阅图1，该图是按照本发明推荐实施例的热液体饮料分配机的简化立体图。分配机1在下述方面与公知的分配机相同。它包括一个水源；一个加热装置；用于调制饮料如咖啡的装置；以及用于排放饮料的装置。公知的分配机如自动贩卖机包括一个煮器；一个煮器的水源；用于与煮器产生的热水混合的饮料；以及一个分配工位。公知的浓咖啡机通常包括至少两个煮器；一个蒸汽室，它使加压蒸汽能够注入并穿过咖啡豆；以及一个用于分配饮料的分配工位。本发明提供了一种替代的饮料分配机，它能够提供用可溶(速溶)咖啡制成的咖啡，它包括一个冷却室，该冷却室控制饮料分配的温度。这种机器能够分配饮料，包括通常用浓咖啡机分配的那些饮料而无可以看出的区别。Referring now to FIG. 1, this figure is a simplified perspective view of a hot liquid beverage dispenser in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The dispensingmachine 1 is identical to known dispensing machines in the following respects. It includes a water source; a heating device; a device for brewing a beverage, such as coffee; and a device for discharging the beverage. Known dispensing machines, such as vending machines, include a boiler; a water source for the boiler; beverages for mixing with the hot water produced by the boiler; and a dispensing station. Known espresso machines generally include at least two boilers; a steam chamber that enables pressurized steam to be injected through the coffee beans; and a dispensing station for dispensing the beverage. The present invention provides an alternative beverage dispenser capable of serving coffee made from soluble (instant) coffee which includes a cooling chamber which controls the temperature at which the beverage is dispensed. Such machines are capable of dispensing beverages, including those normally dispensed with espresso machines, without perceptible difference.

按照图示实施例，饮料分配机1包括一个水源进口2，该进口由一个电机4驱动的压力泵3控制。压力泵3和电机4可装在机器内，也可放在外面。加压水被供应至机器内的各部位。压力泵3具有一个出口5，该出口供应煮器。According to the illustrated embodiment, thebeverage dispenser 1 comprises awater supply inlet 2 controlled by apressure pump 3 driven by an electric motor 4 .Pressure pump 3 and motor 4 can be contained in the machine, also can be placed on the outside. Pressurized water is supplied to various parts in the machine. Thepressure pump 3 has anoutlet 5 which supplies the boiler.

螺线管6控制蒸汽和水的煮器7的过度注入(overfilling)。如果出现过压，过压阀11可放出过多的水，过多的水是通过溢流管路8排放的。进水管9将水送至冷却室10，进水管中设有一个水的过压阀11。进水管9通过进口12进入冷却室10，形成返回回路13，连续供应冷水，以便降低冷却室10中的水温。回路13最好为铜管，可以盘绕以增加在冷却室10中管和水之间的接触表面积。暴露于冷却室10中热水的表面积越大，回路13中供水和冷却室10中热水之间的热交换越大。回路13通过出口14引出冷却室10，形成供应煮器17内的热交换器16的进水管路15。在热交换器16中通过与煮器7中被加热件17加热的水的热交换而被加热，并通过进水管路18供应至冷却室10，因而与回路13中的冷却水接触以降低最后通过出口19流出冷却室10的水的温度。Solenoid 6controls boiler 7 overfilling of steam and water. If an overpressure occurs, theoverpressure valve 11 can release excess water, which is discharged through theoverflow line 8 . Thewater inlet pipe 9 sends water to the coolingchamber 10, and awater overpressure valve 11 is provided in the water inlet pipe. Thewater inlet pipe 9 enters the coolingchamber 10 through theinlet 12 to form areturn circuit 13 for continuously supplying cold water so as to lower the temperature of the water in the coolingchamber 10 . Theloop 13 is preferably copper tubing, which may be coiled to increase the contact surface area between the tubing and the water in the coolingchamber 10. The greater the surface area exposed to the hot water in the coolingchamber 10 , the greater the heat exchange between the supply water in thecircuit 13 and the hot water in the coolingchamber 10 . Thecircuit 13 leads out of the coolingchamber 10 through anoutlet 14 forming aninlet line 15 for aheat exchanger 16 in aboiler 17 . In theheat exchanger 16, it is heated by heat exchange with the water heated by theheating element 17 in theboiler 7, and is supplied to the coolingchamber 10 through thewater inlet line 18, thereby contacting the cooling water in thecircuit 13 to reduce the final The temperature of the water flowing out of the coolingchamber 10 through theoutlet 19 .

煮器7通过进水管路20接受冷水，水的进入通过螺线管6调控以避免过度加注。煮器7中的水位是借助煮器水位探针21控制的，所述探针根据煮器中所需最大的水深度从煮器7的顶部延伸至预定的高度。通过加热件17的加热而在煮器7内产生的蒸汽由过压安全阀22控制。煮器7也包括恒压器(pressurestat)23，该恒压器控制煮器7中的压力。分配机还包括一个容器或咖啡罐24，按照一个实施例，咖啡罐容纳颗粒状咖啡。咖啡罐24终止于出口25，当咖啡罐24内的咖啡被电机28驱动的旋转螺旋27压向出口25，从而向咖啡混合室26供应咖啡。螺旋27的进料动作通过一个操作者操纵分配机上的控制板来调控。Theboiler 7 receives cold water through thewater inlet line 20, the water inlet being regulated by thesolenoid 6 to avoid overfilling. The water level in theboiler 7 is controlled by means of aboiler level probe 21 which extends from the top of theboiler 7 to a predetermined height according to the desired maximum water depth in the boiler. The steam generated in theboiler 7 by the heating of theheating element 17 is controlled by anoverpressure safety valve 22 . Theboiler 7 also includes a pressurestat 23 which controls the pressure in theboiler 7 . The dispenser also includes a container orcoffee canister 24 which, according to one embodiment, contains ground coffee. Thecoffee canister 24 terminates at anoutlet 25 , and when the coffee in thecoffee canister 24 is pressed towards theoutlet 25 by arotating screw 27 driven by amotor 28 , thecoffee mixing chamber 26 is supplied with coffee. The feed action of thescrew 27 is regulated by an operator operating a control panel on the dispenser.

在使用中，分配机以下述方式工作。当煮器7从进水管路20加水至预定的最大水位时，由加热件17进行加热。供水通过管路9、返回回路13、管路15、煮中7内的热交换器16循环。在煮器7内被加热的水最后在煮器内产生蒸汽，但是，这是由安全阀22调控的，以便保证不超过许可的压力。水位探针21设定最高水位，因而总是从煮器7得到可供使用的热水和蒸汽。加热通过U形热交换器16调和，该热交换器通过进入管路15接受冷水，并将加热的水送回冷却室10。In use, the dispensing machine works in the following manner. When theboiler 7 is filled with water from thewater inlet pipeline 20 to a predetermined maximum water level, it will be heated by theheating element 17 . The supply water is circulated through thepipeline 9, thereturn circuit 13, thepipeline 15, theheat exchanger 16 in theboiler 7. The water heated in theboiler 7 finally produces steam in the boiler, but this is regulated by thesafety valve 22 so as to ensure that the permissible pressure is not exceeded. Thewater level probe 21 sets the maximum water level so that hot water and steam are always available from theboiler 7 . The heating is mediated by aU-shaped heat exchanger 16 which receives cold water throughinlet line 15 and returns heated water to the coolingchamber 10 .

来自冷却室10的水用于调制从分配机分配的咖啡，因而该水的温度必须处于可以接受的水平，最好约为87-93℃。The water from the coolingchamber 10 is used to brew the coffee dispensed from the dispenser, so the temperature of this water must be at an acceptable level, preferably around 87-93°C.

为了协助调控从冷却室10排放的水的温度，装有一个干燥加热件29，如果冷却室10中的温度降至供应饮料可接受的预定最低温度以下，加热件29用于提高冷却室10中的温度。在高输出期，对冷却期的需求可能引起维持在最佳温度97℃左右的能力的降低，此期间加热件29的辅助加热是有助益的。To assist in regulating the temperature of the water discharged from the coolingchamber 10, adry heating element 29 is provided for raising the temperature in the coolingchamber 10 if the temperature in the coolingchamber 10 drops below a predetermined minimum temperature acceptable for serving beverages. temperature. During periods of high output, the need for cooling periods may cause a reduction in the ability to maintain an optimum temperature of around 97°C, during which supplemental heating of theheating element 29 is helpful.

在咖啡的制备中，操作者需要能由操作者直接得到的供水、用于与咖啡混合的供水和蒸汽供应。水和蒸汽是从煮器7供应的，但是，在水与来自咖啡罐24的咖啡混合的情形中，这将从冷却室10抽取，在冷却室10中的水温被保持在一个可能为87℃至100℃的预定温度范围内。该水温最好接近于97℃，但是，在高、低需求时期也可能是浮动的。In the preparation of coffee, the operator needs a water supply directly available to the operator, a water supply for mixing with the coffee and a steam supply. Water and steam are supplied from theboiler 7, however, in the case of water mixed with coffee from thecoffee tank 24, this will be drawn from the coolingchamber 10 where the water temperature is maintained at a temperature of perhaps 87°C to a predetermined temperature range of 100°C. The water temperature is preferably close to 97°C, but may also fluctuate during periods of high and low demand.

操作者直接进行的蒸汽供应是通过出口30(为清楚起见被简化)进行，该出口是通过阀34连通的，阀34控制通过出口35的蒸汽流。Steam supply directly to the operator is through outlet 30 (simplified for clarity) which is communicated throughvalve 34 which controls steam flow throughoutlet 35 .

操作者直接进行的热水供应通过出口33进行，该出口借助热水阀31连通，热水阀31控制通过出口32的热水流。用于与咖啡混合的水是通过热水剂量螺线管36从冷却室10抽取的，并送至混合室26。混合室26与一个咖啡罐24连通，按照推荐实施例，咖啡罐24容纳速溶或可溶咖啡，在混合前通过出口25送入混合室26。咖啡罐24内咖啡通过操纵驱动螺旋27的配料电机28而被送向混合室26。来自螺线管36的水由水控制流量阀40控制，然后，在循环运动中引入混合室26，以便促进与从罐24供应的可溶咖啡的混合。然后将混合的咖啡通过供应出口38送至杯37。操作者按照配方决定咖啡的混合。因此，分配机能够制备任何形式的咖啡如浓咖啡、热牛奶咖啡、短黑咖啡(shot black)等。图示实施例具有一个混合室，但是，本专业技术人员显然懂得，在一台机器中可以包括多个咖啡供应工位，以便同时供应多种饮料。对于多种饮料制备来说，必须设置附加出口或与剂量螺线管36并列或串列的附加剂量螺线管。在分配机有多个加注工位的情形中，必须设有附加的供应出口38，可能需要从煮器7及从冷却室10的附加输出分支。The hot water supply directly by the operator takes place through theoutlet 33 which is communicated by means of ahot water valve 31 which controls the flow of hot water through theoutlet 32 . Water for mixing with the coffee is drawn from the coolingchamber 10 via the hotwater dosing solenoid 36 and sent to the mixingchamber 26 . The mixingchamber 26 communicates with acoffee canister 24 which, according to the preferred embodiment, contains instant or soluble coffee which is fed into the mixingchamber 26 through anoutlet 25 prior to mixing. The coffee in thecoffee canister 24 is sent to the mixingchamber 26 by operating thedosing motor 28 which drives thescrew 27 . Water fromsolenoid 36 is controlled by watercontrol flow valve 40 and then introduced into mixingchamber 26 in a cyclic motion to facilitate mixing with the soluble coffee supplied fromtank 24 . The blended coffee is then sent tocup 37 throughsupply outlet 38 . The operator determines the blend of coffee according to the recipe. Thus, the dispensing machine is capable of preparing any form of coffee such as espresso, cappuccino, shot black and the like. The illustrated embodiment has one mixing chamber, however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that multiple coffee serving stations may be included in one machine to serve multiple beverages simultaneously. For many beverage preparations, additional outlets or additional dosage solenoids in parallel or in series with thedosage solenoid 36 must be provided. In the case of a dispensing machine with several filling stations, anadditional supply outlet 38 must be provided, possibly requiring an additional output branch from theboiler 7 and from the coolingchamber 10 .

按照一个推荐实施例，机器操纵是通过一个控制板控制的。According to a preferred embodiment, machine operation is controlled through a control panel.

上述机器的优点之一在于，没有象现在技术的机器中那样的废粉末的浪费。另外，触按钮就可制成咖啡，并且可以使用速溶或可溶咖啡。所有的可溶咖啡都被用掉。上述机器的另一优点在于，可以使用一个煮器来供应蒸汽和热水，且占地少。另外，与传统机器相比，制备饮料可缩短时间。例如，本发明的机器可用速溶咖啡在10秒内制成咖啡而不会影响可从现有技术的机器得到的那种饮料品质。由于采用上述按照各实施例的分配机，业主可以高效、快速制备咖啡，这种咖啡品尝起来就像专家制备的少量产品那样，且制备成本低廉。通过使用可溶咖啡，按照本发明的机器可生产每份品质一致的咖啡。通过四个不同的料斗，同时可销售高达四种不同混合物的咖啡。这种机器可以制成所有常见的牛奶基咖啡和浓咖啡。象传统的烘烤和研磨咖啡机所生产的咖啡一样好的或更好的品质一致的极好口味可以在4秒钟内产生。专业品质的咖啡饮料可以制成，而不必花费培训专业操作者的开支。在操作者为消费者制备其它产品时就能够以极小的关注制出咖啡。One of the advantages of the above machine is that there is no waste of waste powder as in machines of the prior art. Plus, coffee is made at the touch of a button, and instant or soluble coffee is available. All soluble coffee is used up. Another advantage of the above machine is that one boiler can be used for supplying steam and hot water, and it takes up less space. Plus, preparing drinks takes less time compared to traditional machines. For example, the machine of the present invention can make coffee from instant coffee in 10 seconds without affecting the beverage quality that can be obtained from prior art machines. Thanks to the above-described dispensing machine according to the various embodiments, the owner can efficiently and quickly prepare coffee that tastes like a small quantity prepared by an expert and is inexpensive to prepare. By using soluble coffee, the machine according to the invention can produce coffee of consistent quality per serving. Through four different hoppers, up to four different blends of coffee can be sold at the same time. This machine can make all common milk-based coffees and espressos. Consistent great taste as good or better than coffee produced by conventional roast and grind coffee machines can be produced in 4 seconds. Professional quality coffee beverages can be prepared without the expense of training professional operators. Coffee can be made with minimal attention by the operator while preparing other products for the consumer.

与本发明的机器不同，烘烤和研磨咖啡机需要持续的关注和校准。以研磨为基础的机器需要大量的清洁工作，这是由于粉末和操纵方法的缘故，咖啡研磨机需要由经过培训的操作者定期磨刀片和不断校准。与本发明的机器相比，研磨机也较慢，还要求保养和经过培训的操作者，产品也不一致，操作成本也高。按照本发明的机器能够在四秒钟内生产浓咖啡或牛奶基咖啡的咖啡成分，而传统的烘烤和研磨浓咖啡机则需要20至40秒。另外，咖啡也不必研磨、捣制或其它方法制备。因此，显著缩短了等待时间。本发明在澳大利亚的多个零售点，在27个月的试验中，没有一个人注意到它的咖啡是使用可溶咖啡而非研磨咖啡制成的。在机器测试的每个零售点，现在是永久性的了，咖啡销售持续增长。机器也具有传统烘烤和研磨浓咖啡机的外观。未经培训的操作者可以快速、高效地制成品质良好一致的咖啡。Unlike the machines of the present invention, roast and grind coffee machines require constant attention and calibration. Grind-based machines require a lot of cleaning due to the powder and handling methods, and coffee grinders require regular blade sharpening and constant calibration by trained operators. Grinding machines are also slower than the machines of the present invention, require maintenance and trained operators, produce inconsistent products, and are expensive to operate. The machine according to the invention is capable of producing the coffee component of espresso or milk-based coffee in four seconds, compared to the 20 to 40 seconds required by conventional roast and ground espresso machines. In addition, the coffee does not have to be ground, pounded, or otherwise prepared. Therefore, the waiting time is significantly reduced. In a 27-month trial of the invention at multiple retail outlets in Australia, not one person noticed that its coffee was made with soluble coffee rather than ground coffee. In every retail location the machine tested, now permanently, coffee sales continued to grow. The machine also has the look of a traditional roast and grind espresso machine. Untrained operators can quickly and efficiently produce good and consistent coffee.

除了适用于前面详述的那种分配机以外，控制饮料供给温度的冷却室也可适用于自动贩卖机类型的公知的热饮料分配机，它也可适用于浓咖啡机和自动贩卖机。Besides being suitable for dispensing machines of the kind detailed above, the cooling chamber for controlling the temperature of the beverage supply is also applicable to known hot beverage dispensing machines of the vending machine type, it is also suitable for espresso machines and vending machines.

分配机1还包括一个蒸汽表41和一个水温表42，以便监测煮器7中的蒸汽压力。也可装有一个泵来保持压力不低于预定的最低值。Thedispenser 1 also includes asteam gauge 41 and awater temperature gauge 42 for monitoring the steam pressure in theboiler 7 . A pump may also be provided to maintain the pressure not below a predetermined minimum.

图2表示按照本发明推荐实施例的饮料分配机43的外观立体图。分配机43能够分配咖啡饮料如长黑咖啡(long black)、短黑咖啡(short balck)、牛奶咖啡、晚咖啡(late)和浓咖啡，分配机43只有一个煮器，在煮器内有一个热交换器。机器43具有一个容纳煮器7、热交换器16和冷却室10的外壳44，所容纳的这些构件在图中却不能看到。热水阀45在操作者指令时通过杆47提供热水。蒸汽阀46在操作者指令时通过杆48提供蒸汽。一个第二蒸汽供应阀49在操作者指令时通过杆50提供蒸汽。杯(未画出)放置在托盘51上，与供应出口52-55对准，以便同时可制备多种饮料。饮料的供应是通过控制板56-59控制的，这些控制板分别控制供应出口52-55。在每个控制板上的单独的按钮按照图2所示实施例可以分配饮料如短黑咖啡、长黑咖啡、浓咖啡、热巧克力、热水、latte或牛奶咖啡。Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the appearance of a beverage dispenser 43 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing machine 43 is capable of dispensing coffee beverages such as long black coffee, short black coffee (short black), milk coffee, late coffee (late) and espresso, the dispensing machine 43 has only one boiler with a heat exchanger. The machine 43 has a housing 44 which accommodates theboiler 7, theheat exchanger 16 and the coolingchamber 10, but these components are not visible in the figure. A hot water valve 45 provides hot water through a lever 47 at the command of the operator. Steam valve 46 provides steam through stem 48 at the command of the operator. A second steam supply valve 49 provides steam through the lever 50 at the command of the operator. Cups (not shown) are placed on tray 51 in alignment with supply outlets 52-55 so that multiple beverages can be prepared simultaneously. The supply of beverage is controlled via control panels 56-59 which control supply outlets 52-55 respectively. A separate button on each control panel can dispense beverages such as short black coffee, long black coffee, espresso, hot chocolate, hot water, latte or milk coffee according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

机器中没有象现有技术的机器中的那种能够使蒸汽注入咖啡粉末的封闭的加压蒸汽系统。那种系统通常会引起咖啡粉末的浪费，而上面描述的机器的布置可消除饮料的浪费。There is no closed pressurized steam system in the machine that enables steam to be injected into the coffee powder as in prior art machines. That system would normally result in wastage of coffee grounds, whereas the arrangement of the machine described above eliminates wastage of beverages.

本专业技术人员懂得可对本说明书中所述的本发明作出许多修改和变化而并不超出本发明的总体精神和范围。Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications and variations can be made to the invention described in this specification without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention.