WO2019035150A1

WO2019035150A1 - Coffee machine comprising a linkage mechanism with an actuating lever

Info

Publication number: WO2019035150A1
Application number: PCT/IT2018/050156
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fernando CARBONELLI
Original assignee: Carbonelli Fernando
Priority date: 2017-08-14
Filing date: 2018-08-14
Publication date: 2019-02-21
Also published as: IT201800006932A1

Abstract

Compact espresso coffee machine (1) or (1') comprising an innovative linkage mechanism with an actuating lever with a reduced number of components and complexity. It's equipped with: a linkage (3) or (3') with a low number of parts for handling of pod-holder body (2) coupling with thermoblock (1) and / or vice versa; the two side uprights (5) are appropriately slotted (1D) to ensure the mechanical programmed movement of the boiler assembly (K) and its hermetic clamp; and four small shafts (4) suitably studied in the sequence of diameters and which are fitted into the open slots (1D) along the lateral uprights (5), generate the motion of the holder (2) relative to the termoblock (1) and / or vice versa.

Description

Coffee machine comprising a linkage mechanism with an actuating lever.

Description

[0001 ] The present invention relates to the field of machines for the production of espresso coffee beverages (coffee, tea, infusions in general), applicable also in the naval field, automotive, aeronautic and railway and in detail, relates an innovative linkage mechanism with an actuating lever with a reduced number of components and complexity for use in the most disparate sectors that small size and its low number of components can be considered unique. The infusion and in particular the coffee can be collected in pods, waffles or loose. The espresso coffee machine for its special lever closing, which reduces considerably the number of components and the complexity and dimensions and for its boiler integrated without coils that reduces considerably the volume can be adapted to small spaces and easily inserted on office desks or in spaces dedicated thereto.

[0002] Known espresso coffee machines are constituted by:

- a thermoblock, which has the function of raising the temperature of the water up to about 90 °;

- a pod holder structural not generally made of plastic material, on which is positioned the pod, cap and/or the infusion system;

- a lever mechanism, which ensures the hermetic closure of the group to high values of pressure and temperature.

[0003] These machines are intended for offices, bar and kitchen and are realized by means of injection of plastic materials and/or metal as (steel, brass, bronze, aluminum, etc. ) , worked CNC, lathe, mill, drills, bending column etc.

[0004] US D755,000S in the name of for example Lavazza teaches that an espresso coffee machine is composed of a plurality of components, some plastic and obtained by injection and which form for the more the aesthetic and/or structural part with the addition of ribs. In it, the closing mechanism is formed of not less than three distinct parts:

- a operating lever;

- a connecting rod;

- a crank;

connected to supporting thermoblock and to the uprights by means of pegs, screws and/or bolts which ensure the handling and hermetic closure with the pod-holder.

[0005] As regards instead the espresso machine, document US 2010132565 A1 , in the name of Spinel SRL, discloses a closure mechanism in which several parts, with minimum three components:

- a lever; - a connecting rod;

- a crank,

connected to each other and to movable thermoblock, convert the rotary motion applied from the outside by means of the lever, in rectilinear motion necessary for the mechanism of the same, thus ensuring the hermetic closure during infusion and at high pressure and temperature.

[0006] Is also known that the assembly of the parts of a machine for expressed must respond to regulations in terms of resistance to the pressure to force sustainable and to thermal increases, especially in the points in which they are accumulated and increase these values and to safety standards in the electrical field.

[0007] In particular, an espresso coffee machine comprises at least 5 distinct parts:

- a thermoblock with resistances and thermostats;

- a drive system consisting of rods, cranks, lever and pins;

- a pod holder on which is inserted a filter;

- a pump of at least 9 bar;

- a tank for the collection of water;

- a series of pipes, fittings and switches;

to which further components may be added in order to optimize and improve the possible adjustments, comfort and the appearance (knobs, valves, drives, adjustment, bodies , representations etc. ).

[0008] In detail, the systems for moving the pod holder or the thermoblock need of many elements prior to being inserted. These elements comprise at least one connecting rod, a crank, an actuation lever and a support structure where then fixed with screws and/or pins the completed assembly. They are necessary for the transformation of the motion from rotary to linear by means of the kinematic mechanism of the assembly for lever system.

[0009] A mechanism for espresso coffee machines of the known type (Lavazza to my way) is illustrated in US D755,0005S and US 2016150907 (A1 ); the document shows a handle made of shaped steel connected to a connecting rod in plastic, reinforced by ribs and obtained for injection and in turn connected to a crank also made of plastic and together form the actuation. This crank mechanism is attached to the chassis in plastic, reinforced by ribs.

[0010] Espresso coffee machines of the known type have some disadvantages. In particular, for the realization of the different components of the body of the boiler and of the crank mechanism not only for fixing the electrical and hydraulic elements, it is necessary to provide several mold and only in a subsequent step in the process is to provide the final assembled, with considerable effort for the several parts.

[001 1 ] Not last, to the load bearing framework of, must then be fixed, in addition to those parts which allow to carry out the mechanism and the heating also the external bodies which ensure the aesthetics. Typically, they consist in plastic or folded metal sheets, anchored to the base and/or to the uprights by means of suitable fixing elements, often for rapid coupling.

[0012] These processes are onerous from the point of view of time and inefficient from the economic point of view. The presence of numerous parts or other equivalent fixing means (bolts and nuts) creates critical points, in which accidental events may occur loosening or detachment of the fixing means, with consequent malfunctions or even worse breakage of the machine.

[0014] Object of the present invention is to describe an linkage mechanism, can also be used in other sectors different from the current one, with a reduction in the number of components and complexity, free from the drawbacks described above.

[0015] According to the present invention there is provided an innovative linkage mechanism applicable to any espresso coffee machine or other that in the specific case will consist of:

- a thermoblock 1 formed by two main parts 1 ^Λ1 and 1 ^Λ2, screwed by threaded coupling and brought flush with each other so as to

considerably reduce them clutter;

- a pod holder 2;

- a lever handle 3 or 3 ';

- two side uprights 5 appropriately slotted;

- a rear guide plate 6 or 6 ';

- a base plate 7;

- an helix torpedo 8;

- case-tank 9 or 9 ';

- top-case 10.

[0021 ] As regards the lever system S=K+5 (fig.27) adopted for moving the pod-holder 2 and/or the thermoblock 1 , it consists of:

- a lever handle 3 or 3 ', with or without internal integrated drive lever for transferring motion to the opposite side and on which are inserted, in suitable holes formed on the lateral faces, four shafts 4 with different diameters that guarantees coupling and programmed movements of pod- holder body 2 on thermoblock 1 by semiopen-slots 1 D formed along the lateral uprights 5. In this manner it is exceeds the use of screws and/or bolts for the movement of the assembly K (fig.26).

[0022] Therefore the assembly S=K+5 (fig.27) consisting of:

- a lever 3 or 3 ';

- four shafts 4;

- two side uprights appropriately slotted 5 by programmed guide 1 D;

The subgroup K (fig.26) is mounted from above and before fixing the thermoblock 1 to the side walls of the uprights 5 through the holes 2D and without the addition of additional fixing elements such as screws and/or bolts, but exclusively using the four shafts 4 (Figure 20), inserted and guided in the programmed 1 D path obtained in the side uprights 5.

[0023] This system coupled hermetically to the thermoblock 1 the pod holder 2 and transforms the rotary motion of the lever 3 or 3' in translation of the pod holder 2 and/or thermoblock 1 .

[0024] This configuration avoids the insertion of uprights to C for the support of the whole group K, thus providing a significant saving in working processes and weight, and on fastening systems.

[0026] In more, speeds up the assembly process with a remarkable economic return. The introduction from the above of the entire movable unit K, guided through the slotted path 1 D, suitably designed, further increases the invention, saving on the procedures in the assembly phase.

[0027] The invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment example of the invention , in which:

Figure 1 shows a thermoblock 1 of a coffee machine according to the present invention , in a first embodiment;

- Figure 2 illustrates a pod holder 2 of a coffee machine according to the present invention , in a first embodiment;

- Figure 3 illustrates the operating lever 3 or 3' of a coffee machine according to the present invention, in a first or second embodiment;

- Figure 4 illustrates the shafts 4 of connection between the actuation lever 3 or 3' and the uprights 5 of a machine Coffee according to the present invention , in a first embodiment.

- Figure 5 shows a support structure formed by two lateral uprights 5 of a coffee machine according to the present invention, in a first

embodiment.

- Figure 6 shows the rear guide plate 6 or 6' of a coffee machine

according to the present invention, in a first or second embodiment.

- Figure 7 shows the base 7 of a coffee machine according to the present invention , in a first embodiment.

- Figure 8 shows the torpedo to helix 8 of a coffee machine according to the present invention , in a first embodiment.

Figure 9 is a view of the case-tank 9 or 9' of a coffee machine according to the present invention, in a first or second embodiment.

- Figure 10 shows the top-case 10 of a coffee machine according to the present invention , in a first embodiment.

[0028] With reference to Figures 3 provides for the cutting of the same according to the required shape 1 C of a metal plate, which subsequently perforated 2C is bent with the embodiment 3C, will form the

handle 3 having a single external actuation lever 4C (right or left) and with connection to the opposite side by means of guiding bar inside 5C; since it can in any case provide in a second form of embodiment 3' (Figure 3) with handle formed by two outer levers 6C connected to each other by outer central part 7C to avoid the return inside 5C as for the handle 3; the levers 3 or 3' receive in the appropriate side holes 2C and 8C the shafts 4 that grafted to the uprights 5, constitute the actuation and the support for the parts described above (fig.14 ; 20).

[0029] The next step, shown in Figure 5 provides for the creation of symmetrical slots 1 D on the two side uprights 5 formed by a metal plate of defined thickness; the profile 1 D can be of any shape is adapted to likewise ensure the functionality and correct closure mechanism between thermoblock 1 and pod holder 2.

[0030] In a second knitting step, the plates 5 are perforated according to scheme 2D fixed and insulated to thermoblock 1 by means of pins and bushes in teflon Q (Figure 21 ); the uprights 5 on the short side facing the base 7 have of the inserts 3D needed to the centering and to the fastening of the base 7 (Figure 14).

[0031 ] On Examining leverage system S (fig.27 ), which is formed by:

- lever 3 or 3 ';

- four shafts 4; and

- two side uprights appropriately slotted 5.

it regulates the closing and the movement of the pod holder 2 with respect to thermoblock 1 and vice versa. The system S=K+5 by the rotation of the external handle imparts the correct kinematic following the program path from the slots 1 D formed on the lateral uprights 5 (fig.20).

[0032] During the installation step, the subgroup K is inserted from the top through the slots 1 D formed on the lateral uprights 5 and before it is attached the thermoblock 1 through the four lateral threaded screw and isolated with bushes in teflon Q (fig.20) to form the complete mechanism of lerverism S.

[0033] With this assembly system, which makes use of shafts 4 suitably studied in the sequence of diameters are avoided, screws, bolts and threads thus ensuring a reduction in the assembly costs and times.

[0034] A second embodiment of the coffee machine 1 ' according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 12 and 14.

[0035] In detail the handle 3' of the second embodiment of the coffee machine 1 ' differs from the one described above 3, for the shape of the side walls 6C (Figure 3), which are connected without inner linking plate 5C but through the external handle 7C to form a C and in such a way as to enable the gripping in the manner of cloche, necessary for the operation of the closing system (see Figure 13).

[0035] In addition the arrangement the thermoblock 1 and the pod holder 2, that in the first embodiment were placed one above the other in the sequence pod holder 2 below and thermoblock 1 above with respect to the direction of the axis Z+ positive (FIG.1 1 ) , are now arranged on the contrary that is inverted according to the same axis positive Z+, encountering from below first the thermoblock 1 and then the pod holder 2 as in Figure 12.

[0036] In this way if reduces the overall dimensions and optimizes the infusion.

[0037] In general, for the embodiment of the lever system S=K+5 of the coffee machine (1 ) 0 (1 ') according to the present invention there is provided the use of any type of metal, plastic, fiber-resin, composites, workable through chip removal, cold molding and/or hot, printing 3D, sintering, injection and stratification. In detail, it is preferable steel, aluminum, alloy,titanium, bronze or brass, ensuring these optimum response in terms of resistance.

[0038] The slots, the grooves, the holes of the uprights and of the levers 3 or 3' being performed with different shapes and number, with a different arrangement of the same on the structure and are suitable to ensure the lightening and the desired functionality.

[0039] The advantages of a coffee machine with reduced linkage S (fig.27} are known in the light of the foregoing description . In particular, it allows to reduce its overall weight, since the components required for its completion are less than what is known.

[0040] In the second place, a coffee machine according to the present invention allows to simplify the construction process, since the components are in a smaller number and each without welds are made on a single production process.

[0041 ] A coffee machine according to the present invention does not therefore need of structural components welded or painted and allows a remarkable reduction of production costs. In fact the use of a single production process allows to reduce with respect to the prior art is the number of machines or robots used for the production of the same and the optimization of production steps.

[0042] A coffee machine made according to the present invention is also safer. In fact, through the elimination of screws and without the addition of accessories, allows to better control leaks in the production giving rise to a product without critical points, since no welding or fixing means is present both on the uprights 5 on the handle 3 and 3'.

[0043] The single connecting element between the handle 3 or 3', the pod holder 2 and the uprights 5 are the four shafts 4 (Figure 20).

[0044] Finally, the coffee machine according to the present invention:

- permits to obtain a greater yield aesthetic;

- occupies less space;

- of numerous elements turning down the number of complexity;

- and more compact.

[0045] To the coffee machine as described heretofore and in particular for the ieverism group S, can be applied some variants. More in detail the shapes of the parts described so far can vary, and their location the dimensions of the holes of lightening, preparation and assembly. This solution is particularly convenient for those seats where it is necessary to space and aesthetic value for example: desks of offices, boats, either aeriform, car, trains etc.

[0046] This project is be innovative in terms of design, innovation and compactness.

[0047] Engineer Fernando Carbonelli, Naples.

Claims

1) Coffee machine (1) (1') consisting of linkage mechanism 1' ' named S=K+5 (fig.27), assembled by three separate elements, consisting of:

- an actuating lever 3 or 3';

- two side uprights appropriately slotted 5; and

- four shafts with different diameters 4;

actuating mechanism 1' ' is joint to the slotted uprights 5 and to the pod-holder body 2 with four shafts 4. This linkage mechanism assures the correct translation and rotation of the pod-holder 2, necessary to guarantee watertight closure between thermoblock 1 and pod-holder body 2; coffee machine (1) (1') is characterized by actuating lever 3 or 3' that is obtained with a single metal or other materials plate folded and cutted.

2) Coffee machine (1) (1'), according to claim one (1) , has on actuation lever 3 four symmetrical holes 2C, integrated drive lever for transferring motion to the opposite side 5C, integrated hand actuated right or left lever 4C. Lever 3 is obtained from a single strip of metal or any other material, by cutting and folding without welds or other parts.

3) Coffee machine (1) (1'), according to claim one (1) , has on actuation lever 3' four symmetrical holes 8C, integrated drive lever for transferring motion to the opposite side 7C like a cloche and two side levers 6C to actuate the group. Lever 3' is obtained from a single strip of metal or any other material, by cutting and folding without welds or other parts.

4) Coffee machine (1) (1'), according to claim one (1) , in which shafts 4 have different diameters that guarantees coupling and programmed movements of pod- holder body 2 on thermoblock 1 by semiopen-slots ID. Semiopen-slots ID allow the installation of assembly K without screws and before mounting thermoblock 1. The shaft zone 4' inhibits left-right movements of pod- holder body 2 by contact-constrains with uprights 5. The shaft zone 4'' is inserted in the slots ID guiding sliding and rotation of group K. The shaft zone 4''' is inserted in the pod-holder body 2 structurally supporting and constraining it, also permitting rotation and translation during the closure by slots ID. The shaft zone 4^{, , ,}' is inserted in side lever 3 or 3' holes and transfers movements to group K and loads to uprights 5.