Coffee beverage dispensing assembly and corresponding dispensing machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses a dispensing assembly for coffee beverages extracted by pressure through a powdered coffee matrix with water, comprising an extractor body (11), the extractor body having a flow loop (13) from a water inlet (24) to a dispensing port (25) for the coffee beverage; along the flow loop (13) there is a first base (16), the first base serving as an extraction chamber for receiving the powdered coffee matrix, the extraction chamber being formed downstream of the inlet (24); and downstream of the first base (16), there is a second base (17), the second base being connected to the dispensing port (25), and the dispensing assembly comprising a proportional diaphragm valve (15), the proportional diaphragm valve being selectively adjustable to control the dispensing flow rate of the coffee beverage flowing out of the first base (16), and being capable of being accommodated in the second base (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to a dispensing assembly for coffee beverages and a corresponding dispensing machine. Specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to a dispensing assembly for coffee beverages that can be used in a coffee preparation machine, and can supply coffee beverages customized according to the specific needs of the user each time. Background Art

[0002] Existing coffee dispensing machines dispense the desired type of coffee beverage by extraction, ie by controlled filtering of hot water under pressure through a layer or mass of coffee grounds.

[0003] This machine is provided with a pump for supplying pressurized water and a heating device for obtaining water and / or water vapor. The pressurized hot water and / or water vapor is introduced into a dispensing assembly in which an extraction chamber is provided, in which coffee powder is stored and in which a pressurized extraction process is carried out, thereby forming the dispensing of a coffee beverage. Downstream of the extraction chamber, there may be a dispensing valve for regulating and controlling the dispensing flow of liquid coffee.

[0004] Some known machines are provided with a control unit configured to drive a pump, heating means, one or more valves connected to the extraction chamber, a pneumatic piston defining the volume of the extraction chamber or other components related to the type of coffee liquid to be dispensed.

[0005] The known control unit provides for detecting a plurality of parameters by means of sensors installed along the path of the water supply in the extraction chamber and downstream thereof.

[0006] The parameters detected by the sensor are stored in the control unit, which compares them with predetermined data to achieve control purposes.

[0007] In order to obtain a final product with satisfactory organoleptic and sensory properties, the main parameters to be considered during the extraction process may generally be the pressure and temperature in the extraction chamber and the output flow rate or dosing rate.

[0008] Therefore, these parameters can also be perfectly controlled by the control system of the coffee extraction machine in order to provide a high quality product, organoleptically and sensorially pleasing, even in the presence of other factors such as type or origin of coffee, degree of grind, type or temperature of water, environmental conditions such as humidity or temperature or other factors.

[0009] However, there are many coffee extraction machines that implement advanced control systems, which are usually based on signals derived from sensors, such as temperature or pressure sensors, and control devices, such as pumps or valves.

[0010] It is also well known that the coffee beverage extracted as described above is a contaminating food liquid and also tends to generate deposits along the circuits, dispensing valves or other devices through which the liquid coffee is present and dispensed.

[0011] Over time, the presence and accumulation of these deposits may cause changes in the hydraulic capacity of the circuits associated with the dosing assembly, in particular of the dosing valve that may be located downstream of the extraction chamber. In this case, the flow clearance of the passage of the dosing valve may gradually narrow, at least partially obstructing the passage of liquid coffee, which may have an unpredictable effect on the control of the dosing, making the efforts made to provide the machine with the above-mentioned perfect control system futile or ineffective.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary to regularly inspect and clean the dispensing assembly to verify that there is no dirt or obstructions in the passages, especially in the passages of the dispensing valves.

[0013] Document EP-A-2.103.235 describes a machine for preparing espresso coffee, comprising an infusion chamber with a base containing ground coffee to be infused. The bottom of the base comprises a perforated disc for the infused coffee to pass through into a collecting chamber below, the collecting chamber comprising an outlet communicating with a nozzle for dispensing the beverage. Between the outlet and the dispensing nozzle there is an overpressure valve which opens when the pressure in the infusion chamber exceeds a preset value.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need to provide a coffee-based beverage dispensing assembly that is easy to clean and allows for easy and quick adjustment of the flow rate of the coffee-based beverage according to the specific individual needs of the user.

[0015] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing assembly for coffee-based beverages that is easy and convenient to maintain.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing assembly for coffee-based beverages that allows dispensing the desired type of coffee quickly and with high precision with the specific characteristics desired.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a coffee-based beverage dispensing machine that is easy to clean, manageable and controllable and that produces a coffee beverage of good quality according to customer demand.

[0018] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages. Summary of the invention

[0019] According to the above purpose, a delivery assembly for a coffee beverage extracted by pressure through a powdered coffee matrix by water according to the present invention comprises an extractor body having a circulation circuit from an inlet for water to a dispensing port for the coffee beverage, along which a first base is present, in which a selectively removable filter is arranged, and an extraction chamber is defined in the selectively removable filter. The extraction chamber is provided for receiving a matrix of powdered coffee and is formed downstream of the inlet. A second base is present downstream of the first base, in communication with the dispensing port.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the dispensing assembly comprises a proportional membrane valve, which is selectively adjustable to control the dispensing flow rate of the coffee beverage flowing out of the extraction chamber provided in the first base and can be accommodated in the second base, the proportional membrane valve comprising:

[0021] - a valve body in which is located the section of the flow circuit which communicates on one side with the extraction chamber and on the other side with the dosing opening;

[0022] - An opening and closing assembly on which a movable membrane is mounted and provided with an actuating element associated with the membrane.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the valve body can be releasably coupled to the opening and closing assembly to selectively present a first installed state, which defines a shut-off chamber between the valve body and the opening and closing assembly, in which the membrane is movable to selectively shut off a segment of the flow circuit of the valve body, keeping the segment separated from the actuating element of the opening and closing assembly, in the first installed state, the valve is located in the second base to control the flow of the extracted coffee beverage dispensed through the extraction chamber, and in the second disassembled state, the opening and closing assembly is disassembled from the valve body to clean the proportional membrane valve.

[0024] Thus, by releasing the coupling between the valve body and the membrane opening and closing assembly, the two elements can be separated and thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining dirt or similar residues that may be deposited in particular on the coupling interface, which if not cleaned may hinder the flow of liquid and negatively affect the flow rate of the liquid coffee-based beverage during the preparation process, thereby ensuring that the overall maintenance of the dispensing assembly is easy and fast. In this way, the dispensing assembly is optimized by requiring less maintenance work and ensuring the correct and precise dispensing of the coffee beverage as specified by the user.

[0025] Advantageously, the dosing assembly can be applied in a machine for producing known types of coffee, thereby obtaining a machine for dosing coffee liquid that is flexible and allows obtaining various types of coffee with the specific characteristics desired by the user in a precise and timely manner with sufficient repeatability, reliability and accuracy.

[0026] The invention also relates to a machine for dispensing a coffee beverage comprising a dispensing assembly as described herein.

[0027] Another aspect described herein relates to a proportional membrane valve that is selectively adjustable to control the dispensing flow rate of the coffee beverage flowing out of an extraction chamber of a dispensing assembly of a machine to dispense a coffee beverage. According to one embodiment, this proportional membrane valve includes a valve body and an opening and closing assembly, on which a movable membrane is mounted, and an actuating element associated with the membrane is provided. The valve body as described above is releasably mated with the opening and closing assembly so as to selectively present a first installed state, which defines a shut-off chamber between the valve body and the opening and closing assembly, in which the membrane is movable, and a second disassembled state, in which the opening and closing assembly is disassembled from the valve body in order to clean the proportional membrane valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dispensing assembly for a coffee beverage according to an embodiment described herein;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a front view of a dispensing assembly;

[0031] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the dispensing assembly along the section line III-III;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a variation of a dispensing assembly;

[0033] Figure 5-6 There are two possible working states Figure 3 Enlarged detail of the dispensing assembly.

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a variation of a dispensing assembly;

[0035] Figure 8 is a top view of a proportional membrane valve according to an embodiment described herein;

[0036] Fig. 9 is along Figure 8 Section of the median line IX-IX;

[0037] Fig.10 is an exploded component view of a valve according to some embodiments described herein;

[0038] Fig.11 is an exploded component view of a dispensing assembly for a coffee beverage according to an embodiment described herein;

[0039] Fig.12 is a top view of a proportional membrane valve according to other embodiments described herein;

[0040] Fig.13 is a front view of a dispensing assembly for a coffee beverage according to some embodiments described herein;

[0041] Fig.14 is along Fig.13 Section along the median line XIV-XIV;

[0042] To facilitate understanding, the same reference numerals have been used, where possible, to identify the same common elements in the drawings. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further elaboration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the present invention, and these examples should not be construed as limiting thereof. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be adopted by or associated with other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It should be understood that the present invention shall include all such modifications and variations.

[0044] Before describing these embodiments, it must also be clarified that the present description is not limited to the details of construction and arrangement of the components described in the following description using the accompanying drawings. The present description is capable of providing other embodiments and can be obtained or performed in a variety of other ways. It must also be clarified that the phrases and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and cannot be regarded as limiting.

[0045] Referring to the drawings, these drawings show a dispensing assembly 10 for coffee beverages extracted by pressure with water through a powdered coffee matrix. For example, the dispensing assembly 10 can be used to prepare espresso, cappuccino or other types of coffee beverages.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, the dispensing assembly 10 comprises an extractor body 11, also known in the art as a filter funnel, having a flow circuit 13 extending from an inlet opening 24 to a dispensing opening 25 for the coffee beverage.

[0047] Along the circulation circuit 13 there is a first base 16 configured to receive the filter 12 defining an extraction chamber to receive the powdered coffee matrix. This first base 16 forms downstream of the inlet opening 24. Downstream of the first base 16, there is also a second base 17 communicating with the dispensing opening 25.

[0048] In particular, refer to Figure 3-4 The dispensing assembly 10 includes at least one sealing ring 16a, such as an O-ring, which is inserted between the inner wall of the first base 16 and the outer wall of the filter 12, so that the liquid does not leak into the first base 16 but only flows from the channel into the filter 12, into the extraction chamber, and thereby flows to the dispensing port 25.

[0049] According to the embodiment described using the figures, the dispensing assembly 10 comprises a proportional membrane valve 15 selectively adjustable to control the dispensing flow of the coffee beverage out of the extraction chamber defined in the filter 12 and capable of being housed in a second seat 17 .

[0050] In terms of food safety, the use of the proportional membrane valve 15 is advantageous because the presence of the membrane as an opening and closing element allows the portion of the proportional membrane valve 15 through which the coffee beverage passes to be separated from the actuating portion of the proportional membrane valve 15, making the proportional membrane valve 15 suitable for food safety, in particular preventing the beverage to be consumed by the end user from coming into contact with the mechanical and / or actuating portions. Furthermore, the presence of the membrane protects the actuating portion from contamination by the coffee beverage, which is known to be a contaminated food liquid and tends to produce sediment.

[0051] According to one aspect of the present invention, the proportional membrane valve 15 comprises:

[0052] - a valve body 18 provided with a section 20 of the flow circuit 13 which communicates on one side with the first seat 16 and on the other side with the dosing opening 25;

[0053] - An opening and closing assembly 19 on which is mounted a movable membrane 21 , acting as a shutter, and provided with an actuating element 22 or an actuating cursor associated with the membrane 21 .

[0054] According to another aspect of the present invention, the valve body 18 can be releasably coupled to the opening and closing assembly 19, selectively presenting:

[0055] - First installed state (e.g. Figure 3-6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.12 , Fig.14 ), which first installed state defines a shut-off chamber 23 present between the valve body 18 and the opening and closing assembly 19, wherein the membrane 21 is movable to selectively shut off a segment 20 of the flow circuit 13 of the valve body 18, keeping the segment 20 separated from the actuating element 22 of the opening and closing assembly 19, in which the proportional membrane valve 15 is located in the second seat 17 to control the flow of the extracted coffee beverage dispensed through the extraction chamber defined in the filter 12;

[0056] - Second disassembled state (e.g. Figure 1 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 ), wherein the opening and closing assembly 19 is disassembled from the valve body 18 in order to clean the proportional diaphragm valve 15.

[0057] Thus, the proportional membrane valve 15 can be easily removed and disassembled from the dispensing assembly 10, thereby separating the valve body 18 from the opening and closing assembly 19, without the need to seek the help of a specialized operator and without the need to use special tools for cleaning operations. Such cleaning operations are very important in order to allow adequate control of the performance of a machine for preparing coffee in which the dispensing assembly 10 is installed, since coffee beverages are well known to be contaminated food liquids that tend to produce deposits that can negatively affect the performance of the proportional membrane valve 15. Advantageously, such cleaning operations using the present invention are easy, quick and effective, since it is possible to disassemble the valve body 18, separate it from the opening and closing assembly 19, and then reassemble the proportional membrane valve 15 once the cleaning is completed.

[0058] Advantageously, there is a proportional membrane valve 15 associated with the dispensing opening 25, allowing to properly control the conditions of the water inside the dispensing assembly 10, in particular the pressure, and to adjust the flow rate of the coffee beverage emanating from the dispensing opening 25 as a function of the specifications requested by the user.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the dispensing assembly 10 of the invention is suitable for being inserted in a machine for making coffee of known type. In particular, the dispensing assembly 10 is suitable for being associated with a machine for making coffee that heats the water before allowing it to penetrate a layer or panel of coffee provided in a filter 12 of the dispensing assembly 10.

[0060] The extractor body 11 may have a grip 14 to help the user, for example, use the extractor body 11 in a machine to make a known type of coffee beverage. In fact, the extractor body 11 can be associated with the coffee making machine in different ways, for example, by means of the presence of the grip 14 to achieve a cassette-type connection.

[0061] The filter 12 , of known type, may be generally funnel-shaped and configured to be received within the extractor body 11 .

[0062] In particular, the filter 12 is provided with a receiving compartment 37 into which coffee powder can be inserted in a selected granulometry. The receiving compartment 37 is arranged in fluid communication with the dispensing opening 25 and thus with the extraction chamber defined therein as described above.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the valve body 18 is provided with a first connection portion 40 which is configured to selectively mate with a second connection portion 41 provided in the opening and closing assembly 19 in a stable and releasable manner in a first mounted state.

[0064] According to one embodiment, in the first installed state, the first connection portion 40 of the valve body 18 and the second connection portion 41 of the opening and closing assembly 19 may be connected to each other by a geometric fit that ensures the stability of the fitting itself.

[0065] As a non-limiting example, such first connection portion 40, second connection portion 41 may have a circular shape with matching and complementary shapes.

[0066] In particular, the opening and closing assembly 19 may have a membrane 21 associated with the second connection part 41 , the membrane 21 having a peripheral edge 29 configured to be firmly connected to the second connection part 41 in a sealed manner in order to fluidically isolate the actuating element 22 from the second connection part 41 .

[0067] According to one embodiment, in the first installed state, the first connection portion 40 of the valve body 18 and the second connection portion 41 of the opening and closing assembly 19 can be connected to each other by a joint coupling.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first connection portion 40 of the valve body 18 and the second connection portion 41 of the opening and closing assembly 19 may be connected to each other by screws.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first connection portion 40 of the valve body 18 and the second connection portion 41 of the opening and closing assembly 19 can be connected to each other by a cassette-type fitting.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the first connection portion 40 of the valve body 18 and the second connection portion 41 of the opening and closing assembly 19 may be connected to each other by snap-fitting.

[0071] The mating connection between the first connection portion 40 of the valve body 18 and the second connection portion 41 of the opening and closing assembly 19 may be reinforced by an elastic sealing ring 42 .

[0072] Just for example, reference Figure 3-6If the second connection part 41 is configured to be inserted into the first connection part 40, such an elastic sealing ring 42 can be provided externally associated with the second connection part 41 so as to form a seal on the first connection part 40 in the first installed state.

[0073] Reference Figure 3-4 The first base 16 and the second base 17 are continuous and communicate with each other along a dispensing axis X of the flow of the coffee beverage from the filter to the user.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the filter 12 can be selectively withdrawn or inserted into the first seat 16 along the dispensing axis X.

[0075] In particular, the filter 12 has a dispensing end 12 a which places the extraction chamber in fluid communication with the proportional membrane valve 15 .

[0076] In particular, the filter 12 may provide one or more sealing rings 16a interposed between the first base 16 and the filter 12 , such as one near the inlet port 24 and another near the dispensing end 12a , to fluidly isolate the first base 16 from the flow circuit 13 .

[0077] In particular, the second base 17 is smaller in size than the first base 16 and ends in a dispensing opening 25 from which the coffee-based beverage requested by the user flows.

[0078] The inlet port 24 , the extraction chamber defined in the filter 12 , the proportional membrane valve 15 , and the dispensing port 25 are sequentially in selective fluid communication with one another so as to define a flow circuit 13 .

[0079] According to one embodiment, referring to e.g. Figure 1 The proportional membrane valve 15 can be selectively withdrawn from or inserted into the second base 17 along the dispensing axis X.

[0080] In particular, the valve body 18 has an elliptical extension along its longitudinal axis which, in the first mounted state, coincides with the dispensing axis X, connecting the inlet opening 24 with the dispensing opening 25 .

[0081] The opening and closing assembly 19 may have an extension that crosses the valve body 18 and may be selectively disengaged relative to the valve body 18 along the mating axis Y in the second disassembled state ( Figure 1 ).

[0082] As indicated above, the mating axis Y may be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve body 18 .

[0083] The detachable engagement between the valve body 18 and the opening and closing assembly 19 allows for better cleaning of the proportional diaphragm valve 15, which is particularly important when using liquids that are easily contaminated, such as liquid food or beverages, especially coffee.

[0084] According to one embodiment, reference Figure 3-4 The section 20 of the circulation circuit 13 in the valve body 18 is provided with an inlet 31 connected to the distribution end 12a of the filter 12; an outlet 32 ​​connected to the distribution port 25; a first channel 33 from the inlet 31 to a first intermediate outlet 34 leading to the cut-off chamber 23; and a second channel 36 extending from a second intermediate inlet 35 in the cut-off chamber 23 to the outlet 32.

[0085] In particular, the outlet 32 ​​is the actual outlet of the coffee beverage and it is coaxial with the dispensing opening 25 .

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first channel 33 , the second channel 36 and the shut-off chamber 23 are offset relative to the dispensing axis X, causing the filtered coffee beverage to flow along a U-shaped path substantially transverse to said dispensing axis X and ending in the dispensing opening 25 .

[0087] Advantageously, the second channel 36 is located flush with the lower edge of the shut-off chamber 23 , ie facing the lower limit of the membrane 21 , to prevent harmful and undesirable retention of coffee liquid; this measure improves the cleanliness of the proportional membrane valve 15 .

[0088] Further, according to the example Figure 3-6 In the first variant shown in FIG. 3 , the second channel 36 extends in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing axis X, ie in a horizontal direction in use.

[0089] According to another variant, as an example in Figure 7 , the second channel 36 is inclined downwards, facilitating the outflow of the coffee beverage. In particular, the second channel 36 extends in a direction Y1 inclined downwards relative to the dispensing axis X, in particular towards the outlet 32. This variant facilitates the outflow of the coffee beverage towards the outlet 32 ​​by the force of gravity, preventing its possible retention and thus ensuring better cleaning of the valve body 18.

[0090] In particular, Figure 7 This inclination is highlighted in order to understand the inclination of the direction Y1 relative to the dispensing axis X. However, this inclination may also be slightly less steep, for example only a few degrees, in order to allow a proper outflow of the coffee beverage towards the outlet 32 ​​and thus facilitate cleaning.

[0091] It should be noted here that, on the other hand, even if the first channel 33 extends in a substantially horizontal direction, the outflow of the liquid is not hindered, since it is located just downstream of the extraction chamber and, due to the operating pressure present in the extraction chamber, the coffee beverage also flows out. In the second channel 36, this pressure is practically no longer applied, so it is advantageous to make the second channel 36 inclined or slightly inclined downwards with respect to the dispensing axis X, thereby facilitating a proper and rapid outflow of the coffee beverage without undesired stagnation. This measure improves the cleanliness and safety properties of the proportional membrane valve 15.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the membrane 21 has at least one inoperative position ( Figure 5 ), in which position it defines a passage gap L for the coffee beverage to flow into the shut-off chamber 23, and also has at least one working shut-off position ( Figure 6 ), in which position the channel gap L is completely closed.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the membrane 21 is selectively moved from the inoperative position to the operative shut-off position by the actuating element 22. In particular, in the operative position, the membrane 21 shuts off the first intermediate outlet 34.

[0094] In particular, the membrane 21 in the inoperative position provides a channel gap L of maximum width for the flow of the coffee beverage.

[0095] Advantageously, since the proportional membrane valve 15 is a proportional type valve, it allows adjusting the passage gap L, ie the transit gap of the coffee-based beverage towards the dispensing opening 25. In this way, the proportional membrane valve 15 also allows adjusting the volume of the shut-off chamber 23 by the movement of the membrane 21.

[0096] According to a possible embodiment, the proportional membrane valve 15 can be a valve with a pulse width modulation or PWM logic function.

[0097] According to a possible embodiment, the proportional membrane valve 15 is commanded to determine the dosing time of the coffee beverage flowing through the channel gap L. This solution can be commanded by a PWM logic.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment, in the operating shut-off position, the membrane 21 shuts off the first intermediate outlet 34, ensuring the production of the coffee beverage flow in an optimal manner.

[0099] In particular, the membrane 21 may have a series of intermediate working positions between the inoperative position and the working position, which determine the channel gap L that varies according to the specifications requested by the user, thereby diverting the first intermediate outlet 34 .

[0100] Advantageously, the proportional membrane valve 15 is manufactured in two disassembled parts, namely the valve body 18 and the opening and closing assembly 19, thus allowing the segment 20 of the flow circuit 13, the membrane 21 and the shut-off chamber 23 to be easily cleaned and sterilized regularly and / or when necessary, thus always ensuring optimal performance of the dosing assembly 10. In fact, if frequent maintenance is not performed, the geometry of the channel gap L may be altered due to the presence of coffee residues on the membrane 21 of the opening and closing assembly 19 and / or on the wall of a segment 20 of the flow circuit 13 of the valve body 18.

[0101] According to one embodiment, in the first mounted state, the movement of the membrane 21 is moved along an adjustment axis that coincides with the mating axis Y of the second disassembled state.

[0102] In particular, such a channel gap L makes it possible to selectively connect the first channel 33 with the second channel 36 of the segment 20 of the circulation circuit 13 , thereby defining a substantially U-shaped path of the coffee-based beverage transverse to the dispensing axis X.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the membrane 21, when in the operating shut-off position, completely blocks the flow of the coffee-based beverage towards the dispensing opening 25, thereby allowing the amount of time that the water remains in the dispensing assembly 10 to be adjusted in order to perform a desired pre-infusion of the water in the ground coffee before extracting the coffee beverage.

[0104] Advantageously, the membrane 21 is in contact with the coffee beverage only on one side, which allows to separate the "contaminating" liquid, i.e. the coffee beverage, from the actuating element 22 of the opening and closing assembly 19. In this way, the actuating part, i.e. the part in contact with the actuating element 22 and possibly with the circuit, is completely separated and remains "dry" and clean.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the opening and closing assembly 19 comprises at least one housing and support element 26 inside which the membrane 21 and the actuating element 22 are housed.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the membrane 21 may be formed integrally with the actuating element 22 .

[0107] In particular, such a receiving and supporting element 26 is configured to be stably received in the second base 17 .

[0108] According to one embodiment, the dispensing assembly 10 may comprise drive means 39 configured to selectively activate the actuating element 22 in order to move the membrane 21 from the inoperative position to the operative shut-off position and vice versa.

[0109] The drive device 39 may be electric, mechanical or magnetic, or a combination thereof.

[0110] The driving device 39 may, for example, include a feeler 39 a capable of cooperating with the actuating element 22 .

[0111] According to one embodiment, the actuating element 22 can be configured to selectively protrude outside the extractor body 11 through a through hole 38 in the wall of the second base 17. In this case, the driving device 39 can selectively drive the actuating element 22 outside the extractor body 11, for example, push it through the through hole 38 toward the inside of the second base 17.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the opening and closing assembly 19 comprises an opening and closing element 27 which is arranged to protrude relative to the face of the membrane 21 facing the coffee beverage and is configured to block the first intermediate outlet 34 when the membrane 21 is in the operating shut-off position.

[0113] The opening and closing element 27 may have, for example, a truncated cone or spherical surface suitable for intercepting and blocking the first intermediate outlet 34 in a controlled manner.

[0114] Thus, when the membrane 21 is transferred from the non-operating position to the operating cut-off position, the opening and closing element 27 is driven gradually close to the first intermediate outlet 34 and / or the second intermediate inlet 35 until it is blocked.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the membrane 21 and the opening and closing element 27 are formed in a single body. In this way, it is ensured that the membrane 21 is cleaned more easily and more quickly and that a complete separation is ensured between the environment in which the so-called "contaminated" liquid is present and the environment that must remain dry.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the membrane 21 may be made of a compliant material, such as rubber, silicone, etc. In this way, the membrane 21 is easily deformed under the thrust of the actuating element 22 , thereby reducing the channel gap L.

[0117] According to the use Figure 11-14 In one embodiment described, the membrane 21 itself can be made of an elastic recovery material, such as a polymer with suitable elastic and mechanical properties. In this way, when the thrust of the actuating element 22 stops, the membrane returns to its original position. Therefore, in this embodiment, due to the inherent characteristics of the material of the membrane 21, no specific return means are provided.

[0118] According to other embodiments, the membrane 21 may be associated with specific return means 28 configured to maintain the membrane 21 in the inoperative position ( Figure 3-10 ).

[0119] Specifically, once the actuating thrust stops, the return device 28 automatically returns the membrane 21 to the original state, ie, the inoperative position.

[0120] The return means 28 may be, for example, an elastic return ( Figure 4 , Figure 7 ) or magnetic return ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8-10 )type.

[0121] Specifically, the elastic type return device 28 may include a spring, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 shown.

[0122] According to one possible embodiment, the return means 28 may be formed integrally with the membrane 21 , protruding from the side of the membrane not in contact with the coffee-like beverage and associated with the actuating element 22 .

[0123] The return device 28 may be arranged in alignment with the opening and closing element 27 in order to maximize the actuation thrust towards the operative shutoff position, and the return thrust towards the inoperative position.

[0124] According to the example in Figure 3 , Figure 8-10 An embodiment shown. For example, the magnetic return device 28 can be provided with a first magnet 28a formed integrally with the opening and closing assembly 19 and a second magnet 28b formed integrally with the actuating element 22 that cooperate with each other. In this case, the first magnet 28a and the second magnet 28b can be configured to produce a strong magnetic connection, thereby forming a single body between the opening and closing assembly 19 and the actuating element 22 so as to move integrally through the through hole 38, thereby moving the membrane 21 from the working cut-off position to the non-working position and vice versa.

[0125] For example, the first magnet 28a and the second magnet 28b, once mated, can be moved by a drive device 39 of the magnetic type.

[0126] Advantageously, magnetic actuation allows obtaining very short response times and very high regulation precision. In fact, once magnetically connected, the opening and closing assembly 19 moves in unison with the actuating element 22 , thus ensuring a more accurate control of the movement of the membrane 21 .

[0127] According to the use Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8-14 In the embodiment described, the opening and closing assembly 19 may be provided with a transmission slide 19a coupled to the membrane 21. The actuating element 22 can act on such a transmission slide 19a.

[0128] In use Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8-10In the described embodiment, a first magnet 28a may be present on such a transmission slide 19a, while a second magnet 28b is associated with the actuating element 22 as described above. In some embodiments, a third magnet 28c may also be present, which is arranged on the probe 39a of the drive device 39.

[0129] According to the use Figure 8-14 In the described embodiment, the opening and closing assembly 19 can be provided with a snap-fit ​​connection fin 19b, which can cooperate with the corresponding connection portion 18a of the valve body 18, so as to selectively determine the releasable snap-fit ​​connection between the opening and closing assembly 19 and the valve body 18, so as to make it detachable, as described above. Specifically, in order to achieve the snap-fit ​​attachment with the valve body 18, the opening and closing assembly 19 can thus be configured as a clip. The valve body 18 can have a corresponding insertion groove 18b, which can receive and guide the snap-fit ​​connection fin 19b of the opening and closing assembly 19.

[0130] According to the invention, a machine for dispensing a coffee beverage comprises a dispensing assembly 10 as described herein.

[0131] According to one embodiment, such a machine comprises a control and command unit 30 configured to selectively move the membrane 21 at least from the inoperative position to the operative shut-off position, so as to proportionally adjust the channel gap L as a function of the specifications requested by the customer each time.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the size of the channel gap L is proportionally adjusted, controlled and determined by the control and command unit 30 as a function of the specifications requested by the customer. For example, by adjusting the channel gap L, more or less cream and / or a stronger or weaker espresso beverage can be obtained.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the actuating element 22 and / or the drive device 39 may be commanded and controlled by the control and command unit 30 as a function of a specific request of a user.

[0134] Obviously, modifications and / or additional components may be made to the coffee beverage dispensing assembly 10 described above without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

[0135] It is also clear that although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will certainly be able to realize many other equivalent forms of coffee beverage dispensing assembly 10, which have the characteristics as set out in the claims and are therefore all encompassed within the protection field defined thereby.

[0136] In the accompanying claims, reference numerals in parentheses are provided for reading convenience only: they must not be construed as limiting factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in a particular claim.

Claims

1. A dispensing assembly for a coffee beverage extracted by pressure through a powdered coffee matrix with water, the assembly comprising: - an extractor body (11) having a flow circuit (13) from an inlet opening (24) for water to a dispensing opening (25) for the coffee beverage; along said flow circuit (13) there is a first base (16) in which a selectively removable filter (12) is arranged, said filter defining an extraction chamber for receiving the powdered coffee matrix, said extraction chamber being formed downstream of said inlet opening (24); and downstream of said first base (16) there is a second base (17) which communicates with said dispensing opening (25), - a proportional membrane valve (15) which is selectively adjustable to control the dispensing flow of the coffee beverage out of the extraction chamber and which can be accommodated in the second seat (17), the proportional membrane valve comprising: - a valve body (18) in which is located a section (20) of the flow circuit (13) which communicates on one side with the extraction chamber defined in the filter (12) and on the other side with the dosing opening (25); - an opening and closing assembly (19) on which a movable membrane (21) is mounted and an actuating element (22) associated with the membrane (21); The valve body (18) is releasably coupled to the opening and closing assembly (19) so as to selectively present a first installed state, which defines a shutoff chamber (23) between the valve body (18) and the opening and closing assembly (19); in the shutoff chamber, the membrane (21) is movable to selectively shut off the segment (20) of the flow circuit (13) of the valve body (18), keeping the segment (20) separated from the actuating element (22) of the opening and closing assembly (19); in the first installed state, the proportional membrane valve (15) is located in the second base (17) to control the flow of the extracted coffee beverage dispensed through the extraction chamber; and presents a second disassembled state, in which the opening and closing assembly (19) is disassembled from the valve body (18) to clean the proportional membrane valve (15).

2. The dispensing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The valve body (18) is provided with a first connection portion (40), and the first connection portion (40) is configured to be stably and releasably selectively mated with a second connection portion (41) in the first installed state, and the second connection portion (41) is provided in the opening and closing assembly (19).

3. The dispensing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that The first connection part (40) and the second connection part (41) are connectable to each other by a geometric fit in the first installed state.

4. The dispensing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The section (20) of the flow circuit (13) present in the valve body (18) is provided with an inlet (31) communicating with the dispensing end (12a) of the filter (12); an outlet (32) communicating with the dispensing port (25); a first passage (33) from the inlet (31) to a first intermediate outlet (34) leading to the cut-off chamber (23); and a second passage (36) extending from a second intermediate inlet (35) present in the cut-off chamber (23) to the outlet (32).

5. The dispensing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that The valve body (18) has an elliptical extension along its own longitudinal axis; in the first installed state, the longitudinal axis coincides with a dispensing axis (X) connecting the inlet opening (24) with the dispensing opening (25), wherein the second channel (36) extends in a direction (Y1) inclined downwardly relative to the dispensing axis (X).

6. The dispensing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that In the first installed state, the membrane (21) has at least one inoperative position, in which it defines a passage gap (L) for the coffee beverage to flow into the shut-off chamber (23), and also has at least one operative shut-off position, in which it completely closes the passage gap (L).

7. The dispensing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The membrane (21) has a series of intermediate operating positions between the inoperative position and the operating cut-off position, which define a variable channel gap (L) for diverting the coffee beverage.

8. The dispensing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The opening and closing assembly (19) comprises an opening and closing element (27) which is arranged to protrude relative to a side of the membrane (21) facing the coffee beverage and is configured to block a first intermediate outlet (34) leading to the shut-off chamber (23) when the membrane (21) is in the working shut-off position.

9. The dispensing assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that The film (21) and the opening and closing element (27) are formed integrally.

10. Dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that The membrane (21) is associated with return means (28) configured to maintain the membrane (21) in the inoperative position, and the actuating element (22) is configured to selectively move the membrane (21) at least from the inoperative position to the operative shut-off position.

11. The dispensing assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that The return means (28) are of elastic or magnetic type.

12. A dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that The membrane (21) is made of an elastic return material so as to return to the inoperative position when the thrust of the actuating element (22) ends.

13. A dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that The dispensing assembly comprises a drive device (39) configured to selectively activate the actuating element (22) to move the membrane (21) from the inoperative position to the operative shut-off position and, when the thrust of the actuating element (22) ends, to return the membrane (21) from the operative shut-off position to the inoperative position.

14. A machine for dispensing coffee beverages, said machine comprising a dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The machine according to claim 14, characterized in that The machine comprises a control and command unit (30) configured to selectively move the membrane (21) at least from an inoperative position to an operative shut-off position by adjusting in a proportional manner the channel gap (L) for the flow of the coffee beverage.

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