Dispensing assembly for dispensing hot water and steam, coffee machine, recirculation method and method for dispensing hot water

Abstract

A distribution assembly (1) for distributing hot water and steam, the distribution assembly comprising:-a first fluid conduit (11) comprising a main branch (110) receiving the water and allowing the water to flow towards a hot water distribution opening (31); -first heating means (41) adapted to heat the water flowing into the main branch (110); -a second fluid conduit (12) receiving water and allowing the water to flow towards the steam distribution opening (32); -second heating means (42) adapted to heat the water flowing into the second fluid conduit (22) in order to generate steam. The first fluid line (11) comprises a recirculation branch (115) which is diverted from said main branch (110) and is fluidly reintroduced into said main branch upstream of the first heating means (41), and the first fluid line (11) and the second fluid line (12) are fluidly and thermally separated from each other. A coffee machine comprising a dispensing assembly (1), a recirculation method and a method for dispensing hot water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing assembly for dispensing hot water and steam, for example but not necessarily for a coffee machine.

[0002] In particular, the invention lies in the field of hot beverage dispensing, either at a professional level, such as for use in coffee shops, restaurants and vending machines, or at a domestic level, such as for home use. Background Art

[0003] Integrated hot water and steam distribution systems in the same distribution assembly are known in the art. Typically, the known distribution assemblies consist of a single fluid conduit that supplies two distribution nozzles for alternately distributing hot water and steam.

[0004] In fact, in general, known dispensing assemblies do not allow dispensing hot water or dispensing steam at different times, because they usually have a single fluid conduit supplying both dispensing operations, the water flow rate in the circuit is not sufficient to supply both dispensing operations, and heating and pumping water at two different temperatures in the same fluid conduit is complicated and expensive.

[0005] Furthermore, in the known distribution systems boilers or heat storage boilers are often used, in which large and equal volumes of heated water are stored and remain for a long time in corresponding storage tanks before being distributed.

[0006] It is known that such systems can generate bacterial loads and even if the problem is controlled and the boiler is known to be largely compliant with health and safety standards, such systems require special controls for microbiological risks.

[0007] Furthermore, such drawbacks force the user to perform continuous and frequent cleaning cycles, resulting in a waste of time and resources. Summary of the invention

[0008] Therefore, there is a strong need to provide a hot water and steam distribution assembly that overcomes the typical disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to increase the efficiency of the distribution of steam and water, in particular to allow simultaneous distribution of hot water and steam.

[0010] Such need is met by a dispensing assembly, a coffee machine, a recycling method and a method for dispensing hot water according to the appended claims.The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention, including further advantageous aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] However, the characteristics and advantages of the dispensing assembly, the coffee machine, the recycling method and the dispensing method will become apparent from the following description of some preferred embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] - Figure 1 A fluid circuit diagram of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0013] - Figure 2 A fluid circuit diagram of a first fluid conduit of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0014] - Figure 3 A fluid circuit diagram showing a second fluid conduit of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] - Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] - Figure 5a A side perspective view of a first fluid conduit of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0017] - Figure 5b Shows Figure 5a Another side perspective view of the first fluid conduit in FIG.

[0018] - Figure 5c Shows Figure 5a a view from above of a first fluid conduit in;

[0019] - Figure 6 shows a side perspective view of a second fluid conduit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] - Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a dispensing assembly of the present invention in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] - Figure 8 The embodiment according to the present invention is shown Figure 7 A perspective view of a dispensing assembly in FIG. 1 depicts a collection conduit disposed at a cup holder unit;

[0022] - Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a coffee machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] - Fig.10 A fluid circuit diagram of a dispensing assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] With reference to the aforementioned figures, reference numeral 1 denotes as a whole a dispensing assembly 1 for dispensing hot water and steam.

[0025] According to the present invention, and with reference to Figure 1 In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, the dispensing assembly 1 comprises a first fluid conduit 11 comprising a main branch 110 extending between a first water inlet opening 21 and a hot water dispensing opening 31 . Figure 2 An embodiment of such a first fluid conduit 11 is shown separated from the rest of the dispensing assembly.

[0026] The main branch 110 is suitable for receiving water through said first water inlet opening 21 and for allowing this water to flow towards the hot water dispensing opening 31 .

[0027] Preferably, for example, Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c As shown, the hot water dispensing opening 31 is connected to or obtained in a hot water outlet nozzle which is designed to direct the flow of hot water to a collecting container, such as a cup or a glass.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the invention, the dispensing assembly 1 comprises a first heating device 41 operatively connected to the main branch 110 and suitable for heating the water flowing into this main branch 110 before it reaches the hot water dispensing opening 31 .

[0029] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first heating device 41 is installed close to the hot water dispensing opening 31 .

[0030] Preferably, the first heating device 41 is a transient heater, even more preferably, it is a heater of the FTH (flow-through heater) type.

[0031] According to the invention, the distribution assembly 1 further comprises a second fluid conduit 12 extending between the second water inlet opening 22 and the steam distribution opening 32 . Figure 3 An embodiment of such a second fluid conduit 12 is shown isolated from the rest of the dispensing assembly.

[0032] Such a second fluid conduit 12 is adapted to receive water through such a second water inlet opening 22 and to allow such water to flow towards the steam distribution opening 32 .

[0033] Preferably, for example, Figure 6 As shown, the steam distribution opening 32 is connected to or obtained in a steam outlet nozzle which is designed to direct the flow of steam into a fluid contained in a collecting container, such as a cup or glass or a pan containing milk.

[0034] The dispensing assembly 1 further comprises a second heating device 42 operatively connected to the second fluid conduit 12 and adapted to heat the water flowing into said second fluid conduit 22 before it reaches the steam dispensing opening 32 in order to generate steam.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second heating device 42 is installed close to the steam distribution opening 32 .

[0036] Preferably, the second heating device 42 is a transient heater, even more preferably, it is a heater of the FTH (flow-through heater) type.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Fig.10 As shown in the illustrative embodiment of the invention, the first fluid conduit 11 includes a recirculation branch 115, which branches off from the main branch 110 downstream of the first heating device 41 and upstream of the hot water distribution opening 31, and the recirculation branch is fluidically reintroduced into the main branch 110 upstream of the first heating device 41.

[0038] In this context, the expressions “upstream” and “downstream” are always used with reference to the flow direction of water from the first and second water inlet openings 21 , 22 towards the hot water dispensing openings 31 or towards the steam dispensing openings 32 , respectively.

[0039] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the first fluid conduit 11 and the second fluid conduit 12 are fluidically and thermally separated from each other in their paths between the first water inlet opening 21 and the hot water dispensing opening 31 and between the second water inlet opening 22 and the steam dispensing opening 32, respectively.

[0040] In other words, according to the invention, the dispensing assembly 1 comprises two fluid conduits kept fluidically and thermally separated from each other, namely a first fluid conduit 11 for producing and dispensing hot water and a second fluid conduit 12 for producing and dispensing steam.

[0041] Definition "fluid separation" is understood to mean that such first fluid conduit 11 and second fluid conduit 12 have no common fluid nodes along their respective paths. That is, for example, water entering first fluid conduit 11 cannot reach second fluid conduit 12 and vice versa.

[0042] The definition "thermally separated" is understood to mean that such first fluid conduit 11 and second fluid conduit 12 do not directly influence each other, i.e. they do not directly contribute to heating or, more generally, do not directly contribute to changing the temperature of the other conduit or the temperature of the water flowing in the other conduit. In other words, for example, the first heating device 41 only has a thermal influence on the water passing in the first fluid conduit 11. Likewise, the second heating device 42 only has a thermal influence on the water passing in the second fluid conduit 12.

[0043] In one embodiment shown in detail below, the second fluid conduit 12 is only indirectly (passively) influenced along the heating section 120 by the preheated hot water flowing in the first fluid conduit 11 (particularly stored in the collecting conduit 500, which will be described below).

[0044] Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment, the first heating device 41 and the second heating device 42 are completely disconnected from one another in terms of fluid and heat.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment, the first fluid conduit 11 comprises a first pump 61 , preferably a rotary pump, mounted upstream of the heating device 41 and suitable for pushing water into the main branch 110 towards said heating device 41 .

[0046] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the recirculation branch 115 is reintroduced into the main branch 110 upstream of said first pump 61 .

[0047] In other words, according to an advantageous aspect, the invention provides that the first fluid conduit 11 for distributing hot water is equipped with a recirculation device, i.e. it is suitable for recirculating preheated water through the recirculation branch 115 by means of the first heating device 41 and reintroducing this preheated water into the main branch 110, preferably upstream of the first pump 61.

[0048] Advantageously, the dispensing assembly according to the invention makes it possible to significantly reduce the time for dispensing hot water at high temperature, thanks to the presence of a recirculation branch which always provides a certain flow of preheated water for dispensing.

[0049] For example, water may be preheated to approximately 60° C. by means of the first heating device 41 and sent to the recirculation device in the recirculation branch 115 , whereupon the water reaches the main branch 110 again.

[0050] Thereby, when hot water (usually boiling water, preferably about 90-95° C.) needs to be dispensed for preparing a hot beverage (such as tea or a herbal beverage), a reduced final heating can be applied to the previously preheated water by means of the first heating device 41 .

[0051] Advantageously, such features of the dispensing assembly also allow for the use of reduced power heating devices compared to typical heaters of the prior art at the same desired dispensing temperature.

[0052] Furthermore, due to the presence of the first pump 61 , advantageously, the hot water dispensing time can be adjusted by the power acting on the first heating device 41 and the power of the first pump 61 .

[0053] refer to Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the recirculation branch 115 branches off from the main branch 110 at the discharge node 300 of the main branch 110 downstream of the first heating device 41 and upstream of the hot water dispensing opening 31 .

[0054] In a structural variant, the first fluid conduit 11 comprises a flow regulating element 71 at said discharge node 300 , which is suitable for regulating the flow of water from the main branch 110 towards the hot water dispensing opening 31 or towards the recirculation branch 115 .

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment, such a flow regulating element 71 is a three-way valve.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing assembly 1 comprises an electronic control unit 75 operatively connected to said flow regulating element 71 and configured to process and send the following signals to said flow regulating element 71:

[0057] a distribution signal for allowing water to flow from the main branch 110 towards the hot water distribution opening 31; or

[0058] A recirculation signal for allowing water to flow from the main branch 110 towards the recirculation branch 115 .

[0059] According to another embodiment, the electronic control unit 75 is connected to a user interface by means of which the user can send hot water dispensing commands to the dispensing assembly and he / she can also manually command the flow regulating element 71 to regulate the flow of water towards the hot water dispensing opening or towards the recirculation branch.

[0060] In one embodiment, the dispensing assembly 1 comprises a water tank 50 , preferably containing water at room temperature or cold water, fluidly connected to the first fluid conduit 11 by means of a first water inlet opening 21 and to the second fluid conduit 12 by means of a second water inlet opening 22 .

[0061] In other words, in such an embodiment, each fluid conduit 11 , 12 is directly connected to the water tank 50 by means of a respective water inlet opening 21 , 22 .

[0062] In one embodiment, for example, Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the dispensing assembly 1 comprises a connecting pipe 9 having a first end 90 and a second end 99, the first end being fluidly connected to a water tank 50 suitable for containing water, and the second end being fluidly connected to a first fluid conduit 11 and a second fluid conduit 12 by means of a first water inlet opening 21 and a second water inlet opening 22, respectively. The connecting pipe 9 is suitable for indirectly connecting the first fluid conduit 11 and the second fluid conduit 12 to the water tank 50.

[0063] Preferably, the first opening 21 and the second water inlet opening 22 are therefore both connected to the same second end 99 of the connecting duct 9 .

[0064] Preferably, a regulating valve is installed at such second end 99 , which is suitable for regulating the flow of water flowing from the water tank 50 toward the first fluid conduit 11 through the first water inlet opening 21 and / or toward the second fluid conduit 12 through the second water inlet opening 22 .

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment, the regulating valve is adapted to allow flow in the first fluid conduit 11 and the second fluid conduit 12 .

[0066] Advantageously, therefore, also due to the separation between the two fluid ducts 11 and 12 and due to the presence of thermally separated first and second heating devices 41 , 42 , hot water is allowed to be dispensed via the hot water dispensing opening 31 and steam simultaneously via the steam dispensing opening 32 .

[0067] In addition, a check valve 73 is preferably installed at the first water inlet opening 21 , adapted to prevent the water entering the first fluid conduit 11 from returning toward the water tank 50 or toward the second fluid conduit 12 .

[0068] In one embodiment, the second fluid conduit 12 comprises a second pump 62 , preferably a positive displacement pump, mounted upstream of the second heating device 42 and adapted to push water into the second fluid conduit towards said second heating device 42 .

[0069] In one embodiment, the dispensing assembly 1 comprises one or more steam temperature sensors 702 mounted on the second fluid conduit 12 and configured to detect the temperature of water in the second fluid conduit 12 upstream of the second heating device 42 and close to the second heating device.

[0070] Preferably, the electronic control unit 75 is connected to the one or more steam temperature sensors 702 and is configured to adjust the flow rate through the second heating device 42 according to the temperature detected by the one or more steam temperature sensors 702 .

[0071] Preferably, the flow rate through the second heating device 42 is regulated by the power applied to the second pump 62 .

[0072] In a structural variant, the dispensing assembly 1 further comprises a flow rate measuring device 8 , for example a flow meter mounted on the first fluid conduit 11 .

[0073] Preferably, such a flow rate meter 8 is installed on the main branch 110 , even more preferably, upstream of the first pump 61 .

[0074] In one embodiment, the recirculation branch 115 is reintroduced into the main branch 110 downstream of the flow rate meter 8 and upstream of the first pump 61 .

[0075] In a construction variant, the dispensing assembly comprises a flow rate meter 8 mounted on a connecting line 9 .

[0076] In an advantageous embodiment, the first fluid conduit 11 and the second fluid conduit 12 are separated at least from a node located downstream of the flow rate meter 8 .

[0077] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the main branch 110 comprises a collecting pipe 500 between the first pump 61 and the first heating device 41 , which collecting pipe is suitable for accumulating water preheated by the heating device 41 and reintroduced into the main branch 110 by means of the recirculation branch 115 .

[0078] The collecting pipe 500 is at least partially heat-conducting to allow heat of the heated hot water stored in the collecting pipe 500 to be transferred towards the surrounding environment.

[0079] In other words, the collecting pipe 500 is at least partially uninsulated, ie it comprises at least one exchange wall 550 suitable for allowing heat exchange between the water heated inside the collecting pipe 500 and the environment via said exchange wall 550 .

[0080] More generally, the expression "towards the environment" is understood to mean "towards the outside of the collecting duct", ie towards any chamber or element arranged outside said duct.

[0081] Preferably, the entire outer wall of the collecting duct is adapted to allow heat exchange, ie the entire collecting duct is not thermally insulated.

[0082] Advantageously, thanks to such a feature, the heated water stored in the collecting pipe 500 can be used for a dual purpose: on the one hand, to provide a certain flow of preheated water to allow hot water to be dispensed more quickly at a high temperature, and on the other hand, to allow the use of the combustion heat of the water heated in the collecting pipe 500 to passively transfer heat to elements that need to be heated and are close to such collecting pipes, such as other fluid pipes or further elements of the dispensing assembly, such as a cup holder unit, as will be better explained below.

[0083] In an advantageous variant, and with reference to Figure 7 The collecting pipe 500 is a tube extending a collecting length L along the main flow direction X and having a cross section defined by a transverse dimension D in a plane transverse to the main flow direction X, wherein the collecting length L is much larger than the transverse dimension D.

[0084] For example, the collecting duct 500 is a tube having a collecting length L along the main flow direction X and having a circular cross section defined by a diameter D, wherein the length L is much larger than the diameter D. In other words, the collecting duct is a long and narrow tube.

[0085] Preferably, the collection length L is at least ten times the transverse dimension D, preferably at least fifty times the transverse dimension D, even more preferably at least one hundred times the transverse dimension D.

[0086] Obviously, the main flow direction X does not only mean a linear direction, but also a meandering direction, for example a curved or disconnected or mixed trajectory, including linear and / or curved and / or disconnected segments, which follows the direction of the water flow in the pipe.

[0087] In a preferred structural variant, reference is made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The collecting pipe 500 has a serpentine extension structure, that is, the collecting pipe forms a fluid serpentine curve, including linear segments 510 alternately distributed with curved segments 512.

[0088] In addition, in e.g. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the particularly advantageous embodiment shown, the dispensing assembly 1 comprises a cup holder unit 600, such as a tray or a cup holder plate, which is positioned close to the collecting duct 500 so as to allow heating of at least one surface of the cup holder unit 600 by means of heat transfer from water contained in the collecting duct 500 towards the cup holder unit 600.

[0089] In one embodiment, such a cup holder unit 600 comprises at least one contact wall in contact with said collecting duct 500 , preferably in contact with the aforementioned exchange wall 550 .

[0090] In one embodiment, such a cup holder unit 600 includes a heating chamber 650 therein, which is adapted to accommodate the collecting duct 500 .

[0091] Preferably, such a heating chamber 650 is closed at the top by means of a cup holder plate 680, thereby hiding the collecting duct 500 from the user's sight. Such a cup holder plate 680 is suitable for placing a mug, cup, or glass to be heated.

[0092] In one embodiment, the collection conduit 500 extends from a first end 501 to a second end 502 .

[0093] Preferably, the first fluid conduit 11 comprises a check valve 74 at the first end 501 and the second end 502, which is suitable for opening and closing to allow or prevent the preheated water from flowing from the recirculation branch towards the collecting conduit 500 and from the collecting conduit 500 towards the first heating device 41, respectively.

[0094] In an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.10 As shown in the embodiment example in , the second fluid pipeline 12 designed for generating steam includes a preheating section 120 passing near the collecting pipeline 500.

[0095] In such an embodiment, the collecting conduit 500 is adapted to allow heat transfer from the water preheated therein to the preheating section 120 , thereby also allowing minimal preheating of the water flowing into the second fluid conduit 12 .

[0096] Thereby, the distribution of the steam is also facilitated and it allows the use of a heater of reduced power if compared with heaters used to generate the steam in the prior art, at the same final distribution temperature.

[0097] In one embodiment, the dispensing assembly 1 further comprises an overpressure safety valve 72 installed on the first fluid conduit 11 , preferably installed downstream of the first pump 61 , and even more preferably installed downstream of the collecting conduit 500 .

[0098] In one embodiment, the dispensing assembly comprises a discharge branch 200 which can be fluidly connected to the first fluid conduit 11 and / or the second fluid conduit 12 for allowing the release of water and / or steam when necessary.

[0099] Preferably, such an overpressure safety valve 72 is suitable for regulating the flow of hot water from the main branch 110 towards the hot water dispensing opening 31 or towards the recirculation branch 115 or towards the discharge branch 200 , if necessary.

[0100] In one embodiment, the dispensing assembly 1 comprises a steam regulating element 77 mounted on the second fluid conduit 12 , preferably downstream of the second pump 62 .

[0101] Preferably, such a steam regulating element 77 is adapted to regulate the flow of water towards the steam distribution opening 32 , preferably from the second heating device 42 or towards the discharge branch 200 .

[0102] Obviously, the claimed dispensing assembly is suitable for operation as a stand-alone unit or for integration into a domestic appliance having other functions, for example into a domestic or professional coffee machine.

[0103] refer to Fig. 9 The invention also relates to a coffee machine 1000 comprising a coffee dispensing unit and a dispensing assembly 1 according to the invention for dispensing hot water and steam.

[0104] The present invention further relates to a recycling method comprising the following steps:

[0105] a) providing a dispensing assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0106] b) allowing water to flow from the first water inlet opening 21 toward the hot water distribution opening 31 into the main branch 110;

[0107] c) heating the water flowing into the main branch 110 by means of the first heating device 41 to generate a certain amount of water preheated at a predetermined preheating temperature;

[0108] d) preventing the certain amount of preheated water from flowing toward the hot water dispensing opening 31 and allowing the certain amount of preheated water to flow from the main branch 110 to the recirculation branch 115 downstream of the first heating device 41;

[0109] e) reintroducing said amount of preheated water from the recirculation branch 115 into the main branch 110 upstream of said first heating device 41 .

[0110] The invention also relates to a method for dispensing hot water, the method comprising the following steps:

[0111] f) performing the method for recirculating preheated water according to the present invention;

[0112] g) providing an electronic control unit 75 operatively connected to the dispensing assembly 1;

[0113] h) sending, by means of the electronic control unit 75, preferably in response to a hot water dispensing command sent by a user, preferably by means of a user interface, a hot water dispensing signal to the dispensing assembly 1;

[0114] i) performing final heating on a certain volume of water to be dispensed by means of the first heating device 41 according to the hot water dispensing signal, so as to make it reach a predetermined dispensing temperature, wherein the certain volume of water to be dispensed comprises a certain amount of preheated water reintroduced into the main branch 110 and / or a certain amount of unheated water entering the main branch 110 from the first water inlet opening 21;

[0115] j) Allowing water heated at a predetermined dispensing temperature to pass through the hot water dispensing opening 31 .

[0116] Obviously, depending on the volume of water required for dispensing, this amount of preheated water may or may not be sufficient to ensure dispensing of such volume. Obviously, the method provides that, while dispensing, the main branch 110 continues to receive water entering through the first water inlet opening 21 .

[0117] Thus, on the one hand, a constant filling of the main branch 110 is advantageously ensured, avoiding the formation of air bubbles which are detrimental to the operation of the heating device. At the same time, advantageously, such a system theoretically allows the dispensing assembly to dispense any volume of hot water without interruption.

[0118] Therefore, in one embodiment, the first heating device 41 must be suitable for performing final heating on a certain amount of water at a preheating temperature (e.g. 60°C) and a certain amount of water at a reduced temperature (e.g. at room temperature), and bringing both amounts of water to a predetermined dispensing temperature (e.g. 90°C).

[0119] In one embodiment, step i) comprises the following sub-steps:

[0120] i1) providing a temperature sensor 700 adapted to detect the temperature of the water at the first heating device 41, the temperature sensor being operatively connected to the electronic control unit 75;

[0121] i2) by means of the electronic control unit 75, a comparison is made between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the minimum preheating temperature;

[0122] i3) performing one of the following actions based on the comparison:

[0123] i31) if the detected temperature is greater than or equal to the minimum preheating temperature, heating the water by means of the first heating device 41 at a maximum water flow rate so that the water reaches the dispensing temperature;

[0124] i32) If the detected temperature is below the minimum preheating temperature, the water is heated by means of the first heating device 41 at a water flow rate below the maximum flow rate so that the water reaches the dispensing temperature.

[0125] In other words, under the same power, when the temperature of the water to be heated is lower than the minimum preheating temperature, the first heating device 41 is suitable for heating water with a reduced flow rate, and thereby producing a hot water flow that flows out more slowly. Conversely, when the temperature of the water to be heated is at least at the minimum preheating temperature, the first heating device is suitable for heating water with a larger flow rate, and thereby producing a hot water flow that flows out more quickly.

[0126] Obviously, this is due to the fact that, with the same power and working with previously preheated water, the first heating device 41 has to perform reduced heating thereof and is therefore advantageously able to treat more flow at the distribution temperature in a shorter time.

[0127] Preferably, after step j), the method for dispensing hot water comprises again performing the recirculation method in order to immediately provide a quantity of preheated water for subsequent dispensing.

[0128] Furthermore, preferably, recirculation is also initiated after a period of non-use of the dispensing assembly in order to prevent bacterial agents or pathogens from depositing and growing in the pipes.

[0129] Obviously, the recirculation is preferably started during a non-operating step of the dispensing assembly, ie when no hot water and steam need to be dispensed.

[0130] It is also obvious that the method of dispensing hot water can be carried out simultaneously with the method of dispensing steam, comprising the following steps:

[0131] a) providing a hot water and steam distribution assembly 1 according to the invention;

[0132] m) distributing water into the second fluid conduit 12 through the second water inlet opening 22;

[0133] n) heating the water in the second fluid conduit 12 at the steam distribution temperature by means of the second heating device 42 in order to generate steam;

[0134] o) Distributing the steam by means of the steam distribution openings 32 .

[0135] Innovatively, the present invention addresses the shortcomings of typical dispensing assemblies of the prior art.

[0136] Advantageously, thanks to the technical features described herein, the dispensing assembly according to the invention in fact allows a significant improvement in the efficiency of the dispensing system for dispensing water and steam.

[0137] Advantageously, the dispensing assembly according to the invention allows simultaneous dispensing of hot water and steam at a standard dispensing flow rate, due to the presence of two fluid branches that are completely fluidically and thermally separated.

[0138] According to another advantage, the two fluid branches providing fluid and thermal separation allow completely independent manipulation of the parameters for dispensing hot water and steam (eg flow rate, temperature, pressure, dispensing speed).

[0139] Obviously, this allows to adjust each allocation according to the specific needs of the user, without affecting the parameters of the allocations carried out in parallel.

[0140] According to another advantage, due to the presence of a recirculation branch in the fluid conduit for dispensing hot water, the hot water dispensing time is reduced. In other words, the possibility of always providing a certain amount of preheated water allows only a minimum final heating to be applied to bring such water to the dispensing temperature and, therefore, with the same power of the heating device, the present dispensing assembly allows a greater flow of water to be dispensed at the dispensing temperature in a shorter time.

[0141] Thereby, the delay (waiting time) between the allocation command and the effective allocation is delayed.

[0142] Furthermore, with regard to such advantages, the convenience of being able to use a heater of reduced power relative to heaters used in the prior art to provide hot water of the same dispensing temperature is noted.

[0143] Finally, advantageously, the use of a fluid collecting conduit suitable for transferring heat by conduction in the fluid hot water dispensing branch allows to exploit the combustion heat of the preheated water stored in such collecting conduit to heat the dispensing assembly or other parts of the coffee machine, such as the cup holder plate, thus providing preheated mugs and cups, ready to receive hot beverages.

[0144] Obviously, in order to meet specific requirements, those skilled in the art can make changes to the above-mentioned dispensing assembly and the above-mentioned coffee machine embodiments, or replace the components with other components with equivalent functions.

[0145] Such variations are also included within the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented independently of the other variants described.

[0146] Reference numerals list

[0147] 1 Distribution components

[0148] 11. First fluid pipeline

[0149] 12 Second fluid pipeline

[0150] 110 Main branch

[0151] 115 Recirculation Branch

[0152] 120 Preheating section

[0153] 21 First water inlet opening

[0154] 22 Second water inlet opening

[0155] 200 Discharge branch

[0156] 31 Hot water distribution opening

[0157] 32 Steam distribution opening

[0158] 300 Discharge node

[0159] 41 First heating device

[0160] 42 Second heating device

[0161] 50 Water tank

[0162] 500 Collection pipe

[0163] 501 First end

[0164] 502 Second end

[0165] 510 Linear section

[0166] 512 Curved section

[0167] 550 Exchange wall

[0168] 61 First pump

[0169] 62 Second pump

[0170] 600 Cup holder unit

[0171] 650 Heating chamber

[0172] 680 Cup holder plate

[0173] 71 Flow regulating element

[0174] 72 Overpressure safety valve

[0175] 73 Control valve

[0176] 74 Check valve

[0177] 75 Electronic control unit

[0178] 78 Steam regulating element

[0179] 700 Hot water temperature sensor

[0180] 702 Steam temperature sensor

[0181] 8 Flow rate measurer

[0182] 9 Connecting pipe

[0183] 90 First end

[0184] 99 Second end

[0185] 1000 Coffee Machine

[0186] L Storage length

[0187] X Main flow direction

[0188] D Horizontal size

Claims

1. A dispensing assembly (1) for dispensing hot water and steam, include: - a first fluid conduit (11) comprising a main branch (110) extending between a first water inlet opening (21) and a hot water dispensing opening (31), said main branch being suitable for receiving water through said first water inlet opening (21) and allowing said water to flow towards said hot water dispensing opening (31); - a first heating device (41) operatively connected to said main branch (110) and adapted to heat the water flowing into said main branch (110) before said water reaches said hot water dispensing opening (31); a second fluid conduit (12) extending between the second water inlet opening (22) and the steam distribution opening (32), the second fluid conduit (12) being adapted to receive water through the second water inlet opening (22) and to allow the water to flow towards the steam distribution opening (32); - a second heating device (42) operatively connected to the second fluid conduit (12) and adapted to heat the water flowing into the second fluid conduit (22) before the water reaches the steam distribution opening (32) to generate steam; wherein the first fluid conduit (11) comprises a recirculation branch (115) which branches off from the main branch (110) downstream of the first heating device (41) and upstream of the hot water dispensing opening (31), and the recirculation branch is fluidically reintroduced into the main branch (110) upstream of the first heating device (41), And wherein the first fluid conduit (11) and the second fluid conduit (12) are fluidically and thermally separated from each other in their paths between the first water inlet opening (21) and the hot water distribution opening (31) and between the second water inlet opening (22) and the steam distribution opening (32), respectively.

2. Dispensing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first fluid conduit (11) comprises a first pump (61), preferably a rotary pump, mounted upstream of the first heating device (41) and adapted to push water into the main branch (110) towards the first heating device (41).

3. Dispensing assembly (1) according to claim 2, in, The recirculation branch (115) is reintroduced into the main branch (110) upstream of the first pump (61).

4. Dispensing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The main branch (110) comprises a discharge node (300) downstream of the first heating device (41) and upstream of the hot water dispensing opening (31), wherein the recirculation branch (115) branches off from the main branch (110) at the discharge node (300), and wherein the first fluid conduit (11) comprises a flow regulating element (71) corresponding to the discharge node (300), the flow regulating element being suitable for regulating the flow of water flowing from the main branch (110) toward the hot water dispensing opening (31) or toward the recirculation branch (115).

5. Dispensing assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising an electronic control unit (75) operatively connected to the flow regulating element (71) and configured to process and send the following signals to the flow regulating element (71): - a distribution signal for allowing water to flow from the main branch (110) towards the hot water distribution opening (31); or - a recirculation signal for allowing water to flow from the main branch (110) towards the recirculation branch (115).

6. A distribution assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connecting pipe (9), the connecting pipe having a first end (90) and a second end (99), the first end being fluidly connected to a water tank (50) suitable for containing water, the second end being fluidly connected to the first fluid pipe (11) and the second fluid pipe (12) by means of a first water inlet opening (21) and a second water inlet opening (22), respectively, the connecting pipe (9) being suitable for indirectly connecting the first fluid pipe (11) and the second fluid pipe (12) to the water tank (50).

7. Dispensing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a flow rate meter (8) mounted on the first fluid conduit (11).

8. Dispensing assembly (1) according to claim 2, in, The main branch (110) comprises a collecting pipe (500) between the first pump (61) and the first heating device (41), the collecting pipe being suitable for accumulating hot water heated by the heating device (41) and reintroduced into the main branch (110) by means of the recirculation branch (115), The collecting pipe (500) is at least partially heat-conducting to allow heat of the heated hot water accumulated in the collecting pipe (500) to be transferred towards the surrounding environment.

9. Dispensing assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in, The collecting pipe (500) is a tube extending a collecting length (L) along a main flow direction (X) and having a cross-section defined by a transverse dimension (D) in a plane transverse to the main flow direction (X), wherein the collecting length (L) is much larger than the transverse dimension (D).

10. Dispensing assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in, The collection length (L) is at least ten times, preferably at least fifty times, even more preferably at least one hundred times, the transverse dimension (D).

11. Dispensing assembly (1) according to claim 8 or claim 9 or claim 10, in, The collecting pipe (500) has a serpentine extension structure, that is, the collecting pipe forms a fluid serpentine curve, including linear segments (510) alternately distributed with curved segments (520).

12. The dispensing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, comprising a cup holder unit (600) positioned proximate the collecting duct (500) so as to allow heating of at least one surface of the cup holder unit (600) by means of heat transfer from water contained in the collecting duct (500) towards the cup holder unit (600).

13. Dispensing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, in, The second fluid pipeline (12) includes a preheating section (120) passing near the collecting pipeline (500), and wherein the collecting pipeline (500) allows heat to be transferred from the preheated water in the collecting pipeline to the preheating section (120), thereby also preheating the water flowing into the second fluid pipeline (12) to a certain extent.

14. A coffee machine (1000) comprising a coffee dispensing unit and a hot water and steam dispensing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A method for recirculating preheated water, the method The following steps are involved: a) Providing a dispensing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; b) allowing water to flow from the first water inlet opening (21) toward the hot water dispensing opening (31) into the main branch (110); c) preheating the water flowing into the main branch (110) by means of the first heating device (41) to produce a certain amount of water preheated at a predetermined preheating temperature; d) preventing the amount of preheated water from flowing toward the hot water dispensing opening (31) and allowing the amount of preheated water to flow from the main branch (110) into the recirculation branch (115) downstream of the first heating device (41); e) reintroducing said amount of preheated water from said recirculation branch (115) into said main branch (110) upstream of said first heating device (41).

16. A method for dispensing hot water, the method The following steps are involved: f) performing the method for recirculating preheated water according to claim 15; g) providing an electronic control unit (75) operatively connected to said dispensing assembly (1); h) sending a hot water dispensing signal to the dispensing assembly (1) by means of the electronic control unit (75), preferably in response to a hot water dispensing command sent by a user, preferably by means of a user interface; i) performing final heating on a certain volume of water to be dispensed by means of the first heating device (41) according to the hot water dispensing signal so as to make it reach a predetermined dispensing temperature, the certain volume of water to be dispensed comprising a certain amount of preheated water reintroduced into the main branch (110) and / or a certain amount of unheated water entering the main branch (110) from the first water inlet opening (21); j) allowing water heated to a predetermined dispensing temperature to flow through the hot water dispensing opening (31).

17. Method for dispensing hot water according to the preceding claim, in, Step i) comprises the following sub-steps: i1) providing a temperature sensor (700) adapted to detect the temperature of water at the first heating device (41) and operatively connected to the electronic control unit (75); i2) performing a comparison, by means of the electronic control unit (75), between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and a minimum preheating temperature; i3) performing one of the following actions based on the comparison: i31) if the detected temperature is greater than or equal to the minimum preheating temperature, heating the water by means of the first heating device (41) at a maximum water flow rate so that the water reaches the dispensing temperature; i32) If the detected temperature is lower than the minimum preheating temperature, heating the water by means of the first heating device (41) at a water flow rate lower than the maximum flow rate so that the water reaches the dispensing temperature.

18. A method of dispensing hot water according to claim 16 or claim 17, preferably comprising, after step j), again activating the recirculation method according to claim 15 in order to immediately provide a quantity of pre-heated water for continued dispensing.

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