FR3092978A3 - Coffee machine with simplified attachment system for filter holders - Google Patents

Abstract

A coffee machine comprises a filter holder (7) with a container (70) which is coupled into a fixture (2) of the dispensing unit only by means of a non-rotating sliding introduction. The dispensing unit (1) comprises: infusion channels (11), a piston which is mounted in a cylinder (3) with the possibility of sliding vertically, and suitable actuating means for actuating said piston; the cylinder (3) has an infusion channel (31) in communication with the infusion channel (11) of the dispensing unit; the piston has a seal (6) suitable for sealingly coupling with an upper rim of the filter holder container (70), a dispensing nozzle with a plurality of outlet conduits (51) and a d-channel 'infusion (42) in communication with the infusion channel (31) of the cylinder and with said dispensing nozzle. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2.

Description

Coffee machine with simplified fixing system for portafilters

The present invention relates to a coffee machine comprising a simplified attachment system for filter holders.

As is known, a coffee machine comprises a dispensing unit having dispensing nozzles suitable for dispensing hot water under pressure. Said dispensing nozzles are arranged in fittings suitable for receiving filter holders. A portafilter generally comprises a cylindrical container suitable for receiving coffee powder, an actuating lever that protrudes radially from the container and one or two outlet nozzles arranged under the container.

When the filter holder is coupled into the fitting of the dispensing unit, the coffee powder is wetted by the hot water under pressure in order to extract the liquid coffee through the outlet nozzle of the filter holder.

Inserting the portafilter into the attachment of the dispensing unit requires physical effort each time the bartender prepares a cup of coffee.

Generally, bayonet or helical fixing systems are found on the market, in which the fixing has a gasket and an internal thread and the filter holder has tabs or an appropriate external thread to engage the internal thread of the fixation. When the portafilter is rotated in the mount, the threads of the portafilter are screwed into the threads of the mount, thereby compressing the portafilter against the gasket of the mount, creating a watertight chamber. which prevents water from leaking when pressurized water is dispensed.

With said fixing system, the operator must turn and force the filter holder in such a way that the screwing of the thread of the filter holder on the thread of the fixing of the dispensing unit determines a roto-translation towards the top of the portafilter until the gasket of the dispensing unit fixing is compressed.

Said fixing system causes tensions and fatigue for the operator, who has to turn the filter holder clockwise in order to couple the filter holder with the fixing of the dispensing unit and turn the portafilter anti-clockwise to uncouple the portafilter from the dispensing unit attachment. Moreover, such a fixing system is not constant because the fixing force of the filter holder will depend on the rotational force applied by the operator and, also, the efficiency and the wear of the sealing gasket will depend of the operator.

EP0838185 discloses a coffee machine with a bayonet fixing system for the filter holder.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior state of the art by proposing a coffee machine comprising a fixing system for filter holders which is simple, practical, efficient, versatile and reliable.

These objectives are achieved according to the invention by a coffee machine characterized in that it comprises:
- a filter holder comprising a container suitable for containing powdered coffee,
- a dispensing unit comprising a fitting suitable for receiving the container of the filter holder, said dispensing unit comprising suitable infusion channels to supply a flow of hot water under pressure to the coffee powder contained in the filter holder ,
- a water system comprising a supply pump to supply pressurized water to said infusion channels of the distribution unit,
- a heating element disposed in said water system for heating the water to be supplied to the infusion channels,
- a distribution valve arranged in said water system between the heating element and the infusion channels to activate/deactivate the supply of hot water to said infusion channels,
said container of the filter holder being coupled in the attachment of the dispensing unit only by means of sliding insertion without rotation, and
said dispensing unit also comprising a piston which is mounted in a cylinder with the possibility of sliding vertically, and suitable actuating means for actuating said piston;
said cylinder having an infusion channel in communication with said infusion channel of the dispensing unit;
said piston having a seal suitable for being sealingly coupled with an upper rim of said container of the filter holder, a dispensing nozzle having a plurality of outlet ducts and an infusion channel in communication with said infusion from the cylinder and with said dispensing nozzle.

Advantageously, said actuating means can be a pressurizing system of the hydraulic or pneumatic type.

Advantageously, said cylinder may comprise:
- a cylindrical chamber with a vertical axis,
- an annular wall which is arranged coaxially in the chamber so as to define an internal chamber of cylindrical shape and a peripheral chamber of annular shape, said annular wall of the cylinder being suitable for engaging in an annular seat of the piston,
- an infusion channel in communication with the internal chamber and with the infusion channel of the dispensing unit,
- pressurizing channels in communication with the peripheral chamber and with said pressurizing system.

Advantageously, the cylinder may include a vent channel arranged in a vertical position on the annular wall.

Advantageously, said pressurizing system may comprise a pressurizing pump and a pressurizing valve.

Advantageously, said pressurizing system may comprise said hydraulic system supply pump and a pressurizing valve.

Advantageously, said pressurizing valve can be a three-way solenoid valve and be connected to three pipes:
- an inlet duct in communication with the pressurizing system,
- an outlet duct in communication with fittings connected to said cylinder pressurizing channels, and
- a drainage conduit in communication with a drain.

Advantageously, said cylinder may comprise a plurality of pressurizing channels connected to the annular channel.

Advantageously, said piston dispensing nozzle may comprise a collecting chamber in communication with said piston infusion channel and with said dispensing nozzle outlet ducts.

Advantageously, said piston may comprise at least one rod which passes in a sliding manner through said cylinder and said distribution unit, and a spring disposed outside the distribution unit, between the distribution unit and a nut disposed at one end of the rod.

Additional characteristics of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which refers to an embodiment given purely by way of illustration, not limitation, which is presented in the appended figures, in which:

is a perspective view of a fixing of a dispensing unit and a filter holder of a coffee machine according to the invention, with the fixing system in a state of non-operation;

is a sectional view taken along section plane II-II of Figure 1;

is an exploded sectional view of some elements of Figure 2;

is a sectional view taken along section plane III-III of Figure 1;

is an exploded sectional view of certain elements of Figure 3;

is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the coffee machine of the invention with the fixing system in an operating state;

is a view similar to Figure 2, showing the coffee machine of the invention with the fixing system in an operating state;

is a view similar to Figure 3, showing the coffee machine of the invention with the fixing system in an operating state; and

is a block diagram which schematically shows a water system of the coffee machine according to the invention.

The coffee machine according to the invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

Referring to Figure 1, it can be seen that the coffee machine comprises a dispensing unit 1 comprising a plurality of fixings 2 supported by brackets 10. The bracket 10 is the part of the dispensing unit which is attached to the machine and receives a flow of hot water. Therefore, support 10 is the part of the dispensing unit that thermally maintains the temperature of the water. Each attachment 2 of the dispensing unit is suitable for receiving a filter holder 7.

Distribution unit 1 is of a known type and therefore its detailed description is omitted.

Referring to Figures 2 and 7, the dispensing unit comprises a dispensing valve V1 connected to a water system 9. The dispensing valve V1 communicates with an infusion channel 11 obtained in the support 10 of the dispensing unit.

The water system 9 includes a feed pump P1 suitable for pressurized water supply at a pressure of approximately 9-11 bar, which is usually supplied from a tank (not shown in the Figures).

A heating element H is arranged in the water system 9 between the feed pump P1 and the infusion channel 11 of the dispensing unit. The heating element H is suitable for heating water to a temperature of approximately 88-96°C, i.e. to a temperature suitable for extracting the drink.

The distribution valve V1 is arranged in the distribution unit 1 to switch on or off the water supply from the water system 9 to the infusion channel 11 of the distribution unit.

The distribution valve V1 is a three-way solenoid valve and is connected to three pipes:
- an inlet conduit 90 in communication with the water system 9,
- an outlet conduit 91 in communication with the infusion channel 11, and
- a drainage conduit 92 in communication with a drain 93.

While the drink is extracted, the dispensing valve V1 opens the communication between the inlet duct 90 and the outlet duct 91 and closes the communication with the drain duct 92. When the dispensing operation is completed, the valve distribution V1 opens the communication between the outlet pipe 91 and the drainage pipe 92 and closes the communication with the inlet pipe 90. In view of the above, when the extraction is completed, the water which remains between the coffee dose and the dispensing unit 1 is drained, in such a way as to eliminate the pressure in this area of the dispensing unit and to remove the filter holder 7, preventing the high pressure water supplied by the system of water 9 to flee.

A cylinder 3 is arranged between the support 10 and the fixing 2. Bolts B are passed through the fixing 2 and the cylinder 3 to tighten the fixing 2 against the cylinder and the cylinder 3 against the support 10 of the distribution unit .

A piston 4 is mounted in the cylinder 3 with the possibility of sliding vertically. Piston 4 is moved by actuating means A (Figure 7).

Referring to Figure 2A, it can be seen that cylinder 3 has a cylindrical chamber 30 with a vertical axis. An annular wall 35 is arranged coaxially in the chamber 30 so as to define an internal chamber 30a with a cylindrical shape and a peripheral chamber 30b with an annular shape.

Cylinder 3 has an infusion channel 31 communicating with the internal chamber 30a and suitable to communicate with the infusion channel 11 of the dispensing unit support. The infusion channel 31 of the cylinder is vertical and is arranged close to the axis of the cylinder.

The piston 4 comprises an annular seat 45 which is open at the top and is suitable to receive the annular wall 35 of the cylinder. The piston 4 has an outer sealing ring 40 disposed in a lateral edge of the piston and internal sealing rings 41 disposed in the annular seat 45 of the piston, so as to separate in a sealed manner the internal chamber 30a and the peripheral chamber 30b.

The piston 4 has an infusion channel 42 arranged in alignment with the infusion channel 31 of the cylinder. The infusion channel 42 of the piston is vertical.

The piston 4 comprises a dispensing nozzle 5 comprising a collection chamber 50 in communication with the infusion channel 42 of the piston and outlet ducts 51, 52 in communication with the collection chamber 50. By way of illustration, the ducts of outlet from the dispensing nozzle include a central outlet duct 51 and a plurality of peripheral outlet ducts 52.

A seal 6 is arranged peripherally around the dispensing nozzle 5 of the piston.

At least one rod 8 protrudes from above piston 4. Two rods are shown in Figures 3 and 3A. Each rod 8 passes slidably through the cylinder 3 and the support 10 of the distribution unit so as to protrude from the top of the support 10 of the distribution unit. In view of the above, the cylinder 3 and the support 10 include holes 38, 18 in which the piston rods 8 are slidably mounted.

A spring M is placed around each rod 8 above the support 10. The spring M is placed between the support 10 and a nut 80 mounted on an upper part of the rod 8 so as to push the piston 4 upwards, in contact with the cylinder 3, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The filter holder 7 has a container 70 which is essentially shaped like a cylindrical cup, which is suitable for containing coffee powder. The container 70 has a bottom with an outlet pipe 71 connected to an outlet nozzle 72 for the extraction of liquid coffee. A handle 73 projects radially from the container 70.

Referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that the portafilter container 70 has side projections 74 which project radially outward in a direction orthogonal to the handle 73.

The attachment 2 comprises a seat 20 suitable for receiving the container 70 of the filter holder. The seat 20 is open on the top for the introduction of the piston 4, on the bottom for the introduction of the dispensing nozzle 72 of the filter holder and on the front for the introduction of the filter holder 7 only by means of a translation, without any rotation.

The seat 20 of the attachment comprises two linear guides 21 with a C-shaped section, in which the side projections 74 of the filter holder slide. Position detection means (not shown in the Figures) can be arranged in the seat 20 of the attachment to detect when the filter holder reaches an end-of-travel position, in which the piston 4 is above the container 70 of the filter holder. The position sensing means are optional.

Advantageously, the actuating means A can be a pressurizing system 100 of the hydraulic or pneumatic type. Of course, the actuating means A can also be electric or electromagnetic actuators.

If the actuating means A are a pressurizing system 100, the cylinder 3 comprises pressurizing channels 32 arranged vertically and peripherally with respect to the infusion channel 31. The pressurizing channels 32 are in communication with the peripheral chamber 30b.

The cylinder 3 includes a vent channel 36 arranged in a vertical position on the annular wall 35.

If we refer to Figures 3 and 3A, we can see that at least one connector C1, C2 for the fluid inlet / outlet is mounted on the support 10 and is in communication with the pressurizing channels 32 by means of pipes obtained in the support 10 and in the cylinder.

As shown in the Figures, two connectors C1, C2 are provided, in communication with two channels 13, 14 obtained in the support 10 and in communication with an annular duct 34 of the cylinder which communicates with the pressurizing channels 32 of the cylinder.

The connections C1, C2 are connected to the pressurizing system 100 of the hydraulic or pneumatic type so as to pressurize the peripheral chamber 30b of the cylinder.

Referring to Figure 7, it can be seen that pressurizing system 100 may include pressurizing pump P2 and pressurizing valve V2.

The pressurization valve V2 is a three-way solenoid valve and is connected to three pipes:
- an inlet duct 94 in communication with the pressurizing system 100,
- an outlet duct 95 in communication with the connections C1, C2, and
- a drainage conduit 96 in communication with a drain 93.

When the peripheral chamber 30b must be pressurized, the communication between the inlet duct 94 and the outlet duct 95 of the pressurizing valve is open. When the peripheral chamber 30b must be depressurized, the communication between the outlet conduit 95 and the drainage conduit 96 of the pressurizing valve is open.

Advantageously, the pressurizing pump P2 is connected to a reservoir of the machine and supplies cold water at a pressure of approximately 10-11 bars.

The machine program can be set so that when the operator presses the dispense button, the P2 pressurizing pump is actuated before the P1 supply pump. In view of the above, piston 4 is moved down and pressurized hot water is dispensed.

Of course, the machine can include two separate buttons: a first button to activate the pressurizing pump P2 and a second button to activate the feed pump P1. In such a case, the operator sequentially presses the first button and the second button.

Alternatively, the pressurizing system 100 can use the feed pump P1. In such a case, the inlet conduit 94 of the pressurizing valve V2 is connected downstream of the supply pump P1 and upstream of the heating element H. Thus, when the user presses a button coffee dispensing valve, feed pump P1 delivers pressurized water to pressurizing valve V2 and dispensing valve V1. However, the water directed to the distribution valve V1 is delayed due to the passage through the heating element H. Therefore, first of all, the pressurized water passes through the pressurization valve V2, displacing the piston 4 down, then passes through the distribution valve V1, supplying hot water under pressure from the distribution nozzle 5 of the piston. In view of the above, the operator uses only one button, which is the dispense button.

The operation of the coffee machine according to the invention is described below.

Initially, the piston 4 is in a retracted position of non-operation, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. The operator introduces the filter holder 7 into the seat 20 of the attachment only by means of a translation towards forward, without any rotation. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the piston seal 6 is spaced from the upper edge of the container 70 of the filter holder.

Next, the operator presses a coffee dispensing button. If the position sensor detects that the filter holder has reached an end position, the position sensor sends a confirmation instruction to the pressurizing system 100 in order to pressurize the peripheral chamber 30b of the cylinder.

Then, a pressurizing fluid passes through the pressurizing valve V2, enters the connections C1, C2 and reaches the peripheral chamber 30b of the cylinder, pushing the piston 4 downwards, in such a way that the seal d The piston seal 6 is sealingly coupled with the upper rim of the filter holder container 70, creating a watertight chamber between the filter holder container and the piston dispensing nozzle 5, as shown in the figures. Figures 4, 5 and 6. The springs M are compressed and loaded during the downward movement of the piston 4.

Pressurized hot water is now dispensed to extract the coffee. Hot water under pressure passes through the distribution valve V1, passes through the infusion channels 11, 31 of the support 10 and the cylinder 3 and reaches the internal chamber 30a between the piston and the cylinder.

From the internal chamber 30a, hot water under pressure enters the infusion channel 42 of the piston, reaches the dispensing nozzle 5 of the piston and is ejected from the holes 51, 52 of the dispensing nozzle, from in such a way as to wet the coffee powder in the receptacle 70 of the filter holder. Then, the liquid coffee is extracted from the outlet nozzle 72 of the filter holder.

When coffee extraction is complete, dispensing valve V1 closes the inlet duct and opens the drain duct to depressurize the chamber between the filter holder container and the piston.

The pressurizing valve V2 closes the inlet conduit and opens the drainage conduit in order to depressurize the peripheral chamber 30b of the cylinder. In view of the above, the filter holder 7 can be extracted from the seat 20 of the binding.

The springs M are discharged, lifting the piston 4 such that the piston 4 returns to the retracted non-operating position shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

The coffee machine of the invention can also be used without the position sensor. The receptacle 70 of the filter holder is introduced into the seat 20 of the attachment. Then, by pressing the coffee dispensing button, the pressurization of the peripheral chamber 30b of the cylinder is launched, and the piston 4 is moved downwards. If the filter holder is not inserted or if it is inserted incorrectly, the pressurizing system moves the piston 4 downwards, without causing any damage to the dispensing unit or the operator. If the portafilter is missing, water is ejected from the plunger 5 dispensing nozzle and flows into a drip tray under the dispensing unit. If the filter holder 7 is incorrectly inserted into the attachment 2, the water is ejected from the seal 6 of the piston and flows into the drip tray.

Many equivalent variations and modifications, which are within the reach of an expert in the field and which in any event are within the scope of the invention, can be made to the present embodiment of the invention.

Claims (10)

Coffee machine, characterized in that it comprises:
- a filter holder (7) comprising a container (70) suitable for containing coffee powder,
- a dispensing unit (1) comprising a fitting (2) suitable for receiving the container (70) of the filter holder (7), said dispensing unit (1) comprising infusion channels (11) suitable for supplying a flow of pressurized hot water onto the coffee powder contained in the filter holder (7),
- a water system (9) comprising a supply pump (P1) for supplying pressurized water to said infusion channels (11) of the dispensing unit (1),
- a heating element (H) arranged in said water system (9) for heating the water to be supplied to the infusion channels (11),
- a distribution valve (V1) arranged in said water system (9) between the heating element (H) and the infusion channels (11) for activating/deactivating the hot water supply to said infusion channels infusion (11),
said container (70) of the filter holder (7) being coupled in the attachment (2) of the dispensing unit (1) only by means of sliding insertion without rotation, and
said distribution unit also comprising a piston (4) which is mounted in a cylinder (3) with the possibility of sliding vertically, and actuating means (A) suitable for actuating said piston (4);
said cylinder (3) comprising an infusion channel (31) in communication with said infusion channel (11) of the dispensing unit (1);
said piston (4) having a gasket (6) suitable for sealingly coupled with an upper edge of said container (70) of the filter holder (7), a dispensing nozzle (5) having a plurality of ducts outlet (51, 52) and an infusion channel (42) in communication with said infusion channel (31) of the cylinder (3) and with said dispensing nozzle (5). Coffee machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said actuating means (A) are a pressurizing system (100) of the hydraulic or pneumatic type. Coffee machine according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said cylinder (3) comprises:
- a cylindrical chamber (30) with a vertical axis,
- an annular wall (35) which is arranged coaxially in the chamber (30) so as to define an internal chamber (30a) of cylindrical shape and a peripheral chamber (30b) of annular shape, said annular wall (35) of the cylinder ( 3) being suitable to engage in an annular seat (45) of the piston (4),
- an infusion channel (31) in communication with the internal chamber (30a) and with the infusion channel (11) of the dispensing unit (1),
- pressurizing channels (32) in communication with the peripheral chamber (30b) and with said pressurizing system (100). Coffee machine according to Claim 3, characterized in that the cylinder (3) comprises a vent channel (36) arranged in a vertical position on the annular wall (35). Coffee machine according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the said pressurizing system (100) comprises a pressurizing pump (P2) and a pressurizing valve (V2). Coffee machine according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the said pressurizing system (100) comprises the said supply pump (P1) of the hydraulic system and a pressurizing valve (V2) . Coffee machine according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the said pressurizing valve (V2) is a three-way solenoid valve and is connected to three pipes:
- an inlet duct (94) in communication with the pressurizing system (100),
- an outlet duct (95) in communication with connectors (C1, C2) connected to said pressurizing channels (32) of the cylinder (3), and
- a drainage conduit (96) in communication with a drain (93). Coffee machine according to any one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the said cylinder (3) comprises a plurality of pressurizing channels (32) connected to the annular channel (34). Coffee machine according to any one of Claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the said dispensing nozzle (5) of the piston (4) comprises a collecting chamber (50) in communication with the said infusion channel (42) of the piston (4) and with said outlet ducts (51, 52) of the dispensing nozzle (5). Coffee machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the said piston (4) comprises at least one rod (8) which passes in a sliding manner through the said cylinder (3) and the said dispensing unit ( 1), and a spring (M) disposed outside the distribution unit (1), between the distribution unit (1) and a nut (80) disposed at one end of the rod (8).