WO2020182461A1

WO2020182461A1 - A hot beverage preparation machine

Info

Publication number: WO2020182461A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/054880
Authority: WO
Inventors: Omer Burak Coban; Ersin Donmez; Celal Vatansever
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2019-03-14
Filing date: 2020-02-25
Publication date: 2020-09-17
Also published as: EP3937737A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a body (2); a water reservoir (3) wherein water is filled; a water heater (4) enabling the water in the water reservoir (3) to be heated; a brewing chamber (5) whereto the water heated in the water reservoir (3) is transferred and wherein the brewing process is performed as a result of the interaction between the raw beverage material and water; a lid (6) for isolating the brewing chamber (5) from the outer environment; and a filter (7) which is detachably mounted onto the lid (6) and wherein the raw beverage material is put.

Description

A HOT BEVERAGE PREPARATION MACHINE

The present invention relates to a hot beverage preparation machine for automatically preparing beverages.

In hot beverage preparation machines, the water filled into the water reservoir is heated by a water heater and is transferred to the brewing chamber containing raw beverage material to be prepared. The brewing process is performed in the brewing chamber as a result of the interaction between the raw beverage material and water. Separating the raw beverage material from the water after the brewing process of the desired hardness is completed is an important step for the beverage to maintain its freshness and taste for a long time. Therefore, the beverage is generally transferred from the brewing chamber to a different receptacle and made ready for consumption. Since this type of machines require more than one receptacle, said machines have large dimensions. Since said machines occupy much space, they are not preferred by the users. Today, there are also hot beverage preparation machines where the filter in which the raw beverage material is placed is removed from the brewing chamber after the brewing process is completed. Thus, the brewing process can be completed with a single receptacle. However, the steps of removing the filter in which the raw beverage material is placed from the brewing chamber on time, keeping the filter in the brewing chamber for a sufficient period of time and sufficiently moving the filter in the brewing chamber so as to make the raw beverage material contact the water are performed by the user or the desired quality cannot be achieved. This situation causes user dissatisfaction.

In the state of the art United States of America Patent Application No. US3665841, a hot beverage preparation machine is disclosed, comprising a movable pot.

The aim of the present invention is the realization of a hot beverage preparation machine which provides ease of utilization.

The hot beverage preparation machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention and explicated in the claims, comprises a body; a water reservoir wherein water is put; a water heater which heats the water filled in the water reservoir by the user; a brewing chamber wherein the heated water and the raw beverage material interact; a lid which isolates the brewing chamber from the outer environment; and a filter which is attached onto the lid and wherein the raw beverage material is put. The filter can be attached to/detached from the lid by the user. By means of the lid, the heated water is transferred into the brewing chamber. The raw beverage material in the filter and the hot water interact in the brewing chamber, thus preparing the hot beverage.

The hot beverage preparation machine of the present invention comprises a movement mechanism having a movement member which is disposed on the lid; an actuation member which can contact the movement member; and a scissor mechanism with one end connected to the filter and the other end to the movement member. The actuation member moves in the vertical plane, thus moving the movement member. The movement member which can move upwards/downwards in the vertical plane moves the scissor mechanism, thus enabling the filter to move towards the base of the brewing chamber or towards the lid. Thus, when the brewing process is completed, the filter is pulled towards the lid and the raw beverage material is moved away from the beverage. Consequently, the hot beverage is kept fresh for a long time and is prevented from losing its taste.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine comprises a motor which is disposed on the body; the actuation member which moves in the vertical plane with the energy generated by the motor and contacts the movement member; and the scissor mechanism having an open position wherein the scissor mechanism enables the filter to move towards the base of the brewing chamber when the movement member moves downwards and a closed position wherein the scissor mechanism enables the filter to be pulled towards the lid. The actuation member moves downwards and pushes the movement member downwards. By means of the scissor mechanism connected to the movement member, the motion is transmitted to the filter. Thus, the filter is enabled to advance towards the brewing chamber. After the brewing process is completed, the filter moves towards the lid by means of the scissor mechanism.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine comprises two movement arms which are connected to each other almost at the center. The movement arms are parallel to each other in the horizontal plane when the scissor mechanism is in the closed position and symmetrical to each other in the vertical plane when the scissor mechanism is in the open position. One end of the movement arms is connected to the movement member and the other end to the filter. By means of the movement arms, the filter is moved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine comprises a balancing member which is provided on the movement arm and a first movement path wherein the balancing member slides and moves. The first movement path is provided on the movement member. While the scissor mechanism shifts between the open position and the closed position, the balancing member slides and moves in the first movement path. Thus, the scissor mechanism moves in a balanced manner while shifting between the open position and the closed position.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine comprises a second movement path wherein the end of the movement arm connected to the filter slides and moves. While the scissor mechanism shifts between the open position and the closed position, one end of the movement arm slides and moves in the second movement path provided on the filter.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine comprises a slot which extends from the actuation member towards the filter. By means of the slot, the water heated by the water heater is transferred into the brewing chamber via the lid.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine comprises a spring which is disposed on the movement member and which pulls the filter towards the lid when the scissor mechanism shifts to the closed position. By means of the spring, when the brewing process is completed, the filter moves towards the lid and is moved away from the beverage. Consequently, the is kept fresh for a long time.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine comprises a control unit which operates the motor according to the hardness level selected by the user and which moves the filter towards the lid at the end of the determined period of time. According to the beverage hardness selected by the user, the filter is enabled to move towards the lid and to be moved away from the hot beverage at the end of the predetermined period of time on the control unit. Thus, the hardness level selected by the user is achieved and the taste of the beverage is maintained.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine comprises the control unit which enables the filter to move into the brewing chamber or to remain on the lid depending on the type of beverage selected by the user. While brewing coffee, the water wetting the raw coffee material and trickling down affects the taste and aroma of the coffee. While brewing coffee, the filter is enabled to remain on the lid and the water is enabled to trickle down through the filter into the brewing chamber. On the other hand, while brewing tea, the raw tea material is infused in the hot water, thus completing the brewing process. While brewing tea, the filter is moved into the brewing chamber.

By means of the present invention, a hot beverage preparation machine for automatically performing the brewing process is realized, wherein the brewing process is carried out with a single receptacle and the taste is maintained for a long time by moving the raw beverage material away from the brewing chamber.

The hot beverage preparation machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the hot beverage preparation machine.

Figure 2 - is the exploded view of the brewing chamber and the filter.

Figure 3 - is the schematic view of the brewing chamber when the scissor mechanism is in the closed position.

Figure 4 - is the schematic view of the brewing chamber when the scissor mechanism is in the open position.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Hot beverage preparation machine
Body
Water reservoir
Water heater
Brewing chamber
Lid
Filter
Movement member
Actuation member
Scissor mechanism
Motor
Movement arm
Balancing member
First movement path
Second movement path
Slot
Spring
Control unit

The hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a body (2); a water reservoir (3) wherein water is filled; a water heater (4) enabling the water in the water reservoir (3) to be heated; a brewing chamber (5) whereto the water heated in the water reservoir (3) is transferred and wherein the brewing process is performed as a result of the interaction between the raw beverage material and water; a lid (6) for isolating the brewing chamber (5) from the outer environment; and a filter (7) which is detachably mounted onto the lid (6) and wherein the raw beverage material is put. The filter (7) is positioned in the brewing chamber (5) during the brewing process. Thus, the raw beverage material in the filter (7) interacts with the hot water, and the beverage is prepared.

The hot beverage preparation machine (1) of the present invention comprises a movement mechanism having a movement member (8) which is disposed on the lid (6); an actuation member (9) which can move in the vertical plane and contact the movement member (8); and a scissor mechanism (10) with one end connected to the filter (7) and the other end to the movement member (8). The actuation member (9) moves in the vertical plane and actuates the movement member (8). Thus, the movement member (8) can move downwards or upwards. The scissor mechanism (10) is disposed between the movement member (8) and the filter (7). By means of the movement mechanism, the filter (7) is enabled to move into the brewing chamber (5) or towards the lid (6).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a motor (11) which is disposed on the body (2); the actuation member (9) which moves in the vertical plane with the energy received from the motor (11) and contacts the movement member (8); and the scissor mechanism (10) having an open position wherein the scissor mechanism (10) enables the filter (7) to move towards the base of the brewing chamber (5) when the movement member (8) moves downwards and a closed position wherein the scissor mechanism (10) enables the filter (7) to move towards the lid (6) when the movement member (8) moves upwards. When the scissor mechanism (10) is in the open position, the filter (7) moves towards the base of the brewing chamber (5). When the scissor mechanism (10) is in the closed position, the filter (7) moves away from the beverage and towards the lid (6). By means of the scissor mechanism (10), the mobility of the filter (7) is improved. The filter (7) can move in the vertical plane for a distance up to four times its height. Thus, the highest mobility is provided with the least triggering.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprises the scissor mechanism (10) having two movement arms (12) with one end connected to the movement member (8) and the other end to the filter (7), which are connected to the each other and which are parallel to each other in the horizontal plane in the closed position and symmetrical to each other in the vertical plane in the open position. The movement arms (12) move as connected to each other at a single point almost at the center. When the scissor mechanism (10) is in the open position, the movement arms (12) are symmetrical to each other in the vertical plane. When the scissor mechanism (10) is in the closed position, the movement arms (12) are parallel to each other in the horizontal plane.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a balancing member (13) which is provided on the movement arm (12) and a first movement path (14) which is provided on the movement member (8) and wherein the balancing member (13) slides and moves as the scissor mechanism (10) shifts between the open position and the closed position. The balancing member (13) is a protrusion extending from the movement arm (12) into the first movement path (14). While the scissor mechanism (10) shifts between the open position and the closed position, the balancing member (13) slides and moves in the first movement path (14).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a second movement path (15) which is provided on the filter (7) and wherein the end of the movement arm (12) connected to the filter (7) slides and moves as the scissor mechanism (10) shifts between the open position and the closed position. The end of the movement arm (12) connected to the filter (7) slides and moves in the second movement path (15). Thus, a movement area is formed for the movement arms (12).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a slot (16) which extends from the actuation member (9) towards the filter (7) and which enables the water heated by the water heater (4) to be transferred into the brewing chamber (5). The slot (16) opens into the brewing chamber (5) from the lid (6). The water heated by the water heater (4) passes over the actuation member (9) to be transferred into the brewing chamber (5) via the lid (6).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a spring (17) which is disposed on the movement member (8) and which pulls the filter (7) towards the lid (6) when the scissor mechanism (10) shifts to the closed position. When the scissor mechanism (10) shifts to the closed position, the filter (7) is pulled towards the lid (6) by means of the spring (17). Thus, the raw beverage material is moved away from the beverage.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a control unit (18) which operates the motor (11) according to the hardness level selected by the user and which moves the filter (7) towards the lid (6) with the actuation of the movement mechanism. The brewing times depending on the beverage hardness are predefined on the control unit (18). Thus, at the end of the period of time corresponding to the hardness level selected by the user, the control unti (18) moves the filter (7) towards the lid (6) and completes the brewing process.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprises the control unit (18) which enables the filter (7) to move towards the base of the brewing chamber (5) or to remain on the lid (6) depending on the type of beverage selected by the user. While brewing coffee, the water wetting the raw coffee material and trickling down affects the taste and aroma of the coffee. While brewing coffee, the filter (7) is enabled to remain on the lid (6) and the water is enabled to trickle down through the filter (7) into the brewing chamber (5). On the other hand, while brewing tea, the raw tea material is infused in the hot water, thus completing the brewing process. While brewing tea, the filter (7) is moved into the brewing chamber (5).

By means of the present invention, a hot beverage preparation machine (1) for automatically performing the brewing process with a single receptacle is realized. The raw beverage material is moved into the brewing chamber (5) after being put in a filter (7). The filter (7) can move towards the base of the brewing chamber (5) or towards the lid (6) by means of a movement mechanism. Thus, the raw beverage material is moved away from the beverage at the end of the brewing time, and the taste of the hot beverage is kept the same and the hot beverage is kept fresh for a long time.

Claims

A hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprising

- a body (2);

- a water reservoir (3) wherein water is filled;

- a water heater (4) enabling the water in the water reservoir (3) to be heated;

- a brewing chamber (5) whereto the water heated in the water reservoir (3) is transferred and wherein the brewing process is performed as a result of the interaction between the raw beverage material and water;

- a lid (6) for isolating the brewing chamber (5) from the outer environment; and

- a filter (7) which is detachably mounted onto the lid (6) and wherein the raw beverage material is put,

characterized by a movement mechanism having

- a movement member (8) which is disposed on the lid (6);

- an actuation member (9) which can move in the vertical plane and contact the movement member (8); and

- a scissor mechanism (10) with one end connected to the filter (7) and the other end to the movement member (8).
A hot beverage preparation machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a motor (11) which is disposed on the body (2); the actuation member (9) which moves in the vertical plane with the energy received from the motor (11) and contacts the movement member (8); and the scissor mechanism (10) having an open position wherein the scissor mechanism (10) enables the filter (7) to move towards the base of the brewing chamber (5) when the movement member (8) moves downwards and a closed position wherein the scissor mechanism (10) enables the filter (7) to move towards the lid (6) when the movement member (8) moves upwards.
A hot beverage preparation machine (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the scissor mechanism (10) having two movement arms (12) with one end connected to the movement member (8) and the other end to the filter (7), which are connected to the each other and which are parallel to each other in the vertical plane in the closed position and symmetrical to each other in the vertical plane in the open position.
A hot beverage preparation machine (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by a balancing member (13) which is provided on the movement arm (12) and a first movement path (14) which is provided on the movement member (8) and wherein the balancing member (13) slides and moves as the scissor mechanism (10) shifts between the open position and the closed position.
A hot beverage preparation machine (1) as in any one of Claim 3 or Claim 4, characterized by a second movement path (15) which is provided on the filter (7) and wherein the end of the movement arm (12) connected to the filter (7) slides and moves as the scissor mechanism (10) shifts between the open position and the closed position.
A hot beverage preparation machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a slot (16) which extends from the actuation member (9) towards the filter (7) and which enables the water heated by the water heater (4) to be transferred into the brewing chamber (5).
A hot beverage preparation machine (1) as in any one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized by a spring (17) which is disposed on the movement member (8) and which pulls the filter (7) towards the lid (6) when the scissor mechanism (10) shifts to the closed position.
A hot beverage preparation machine (1) as in any one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized by a control unit (18) which operates the motor (11) according to the hardness level selected by the user and which moves the filter (7) towards the lid (6) with the actuation of the movement mechanism.
A hot beverage preparation machine (1) as in Claim 8, characterized by the control unit (18) which enables the filter (7) to move towards the base of the brewing chamber (5) or to remain on the lid (6) depending on the type of beverage selected by the user.