Avoiding double dosing in a coffee maker

Abstract

In the case of making coffee, a coffee maker is provided which comprises a main unit and a handle filter (20), wherein the handle filter (20) is removably mounted to the main unit and is emptied from the outside by the user as part of the normal operation of the coffee maker. After the handle filter (20) is positioned for the first time at a coffee-receiving position, the handle filter (20) is blocked from reaching the coffee-receiving position again after being moved from the coffee-receiving position to a brewing position. To this end, the coffee maker comprises suitable blocking means (80). Based on the function of the blocking means (80), when a used coffee puck from a previous coffee-making process is still present in the handle filter (20), the coffee maker is operated to minimize the opportunity to supply the handle filter (20) with ground coffee.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coffee machine comprising: a main unit including a main housing housing a ground coffee supply unit including a ground coffee outlet and a brewing water supply unit including a brewing water outlet; and a portafilter configured in a functional state in which the portafilter is removably combined with the main unit. Background Technology

[0002] It is well known that coffee made from freshly ground coffee beans is of higher quality than pre-ground coffee. Fresh coffee beans are typically used when making espresso.

[0003] There are many different types of espresso machines on the market, suitable for homes, bars, restaurants, and hotels. The answer to which type of machine is best suited for a particular environment depends on the expected usage and, of course, the budget.

[0004] In a manually operated espresso machine, the user fills a coffee receiving container called a portafilter with coffee grounds. The user then tampers the coffee grounds in the portafilter with sufficient pressure, such as approximately 200N, to form a puck within the portafilter. The user then typically attaches the portafilter to the main unit of the espresso machine via a bayonet connection. The espresso machine is operated to drive hot water through the puck in the portafilter, and the coffee obtained in this way is dispensed via a nozzle usually integrated into the portafilter. After brewing, the user disconnects the portafilter from the main unit, empties the portafilter, and discards the used coffee grounds. In a bar setting, the manual process is performed by the barista. In a home setting, the manual process makes the user feel involved in the coffee-making process, thus giving them a sense of role-playing as a barista.

[0005] Manually operated espresso machines with integrated grinders are known in the art. In such machines, the user switches the portafilter between a first position relative to the main housing for receiving ground coffee and a second position relative to the main housing for brewing coffee. Tamping can be performed manually or via the machine's manual lever.

[0006] In a fully automatic espresso machine, all the above steps are completed automatically within the same machine. This machine includes a bean container and a grinder for making coffee grounds. The grounds are fed into the brewing chamber and automatically compacted by a piston, which can be hydraulically or mechanically actuated, such as by an electric motor. Next, hot water is forced through the coffee grounds in the brewing chamber, the coffee is brewed and dispensed in the container, and the used coffee grounds are discharged from the brewing chamber into a waste bin inside the machine. Therefore, in the case of a fully automatic espresso machine, the manual steps required by manually operated espresso machines are eliminated, thus saving time. Furthermore, it ensures more consistent results.

[0007] Manual espresso machines can produce coffee at a lower cost than fully automatic espresso machines. Furthermore, manual espresso machines require less maintenance than fully automatic ones, primarily because there is significantly less wastewater in the drip tray and the coffee puck is removed after each brewing cycle. However, the results with a manual espresso machine can be less consistent because the user is involved in filling the portafilter and tamping the coffee grounds into a puck. Fully automatic espresso machines provide more consistent results, but they eliminate the barista feel associated with manual espresso machines. Fully automatic espresso machines are also typically more complex, more expensive, and larger than manual espresso machines.

[0008] A third type of coffee machine has been proposed, specifically one that combines aspects of both manual and fully automatic espresso machines. In this paper, this third type of coffee machine is referred to as a blend coffee machine. For example, US9,125,519B2 relates to a coffee machine equipped with a removable portafilter and also including a grinder located inside the main unit of the machine, configured to load coffee grounds onto the portafilter from the top of the main unit in a functional state. Furthermore, a lid or plunger is present in the main unit to seal the portafilter and compact the coffee grounds within it. The portafilter, sealed by the lid or plunger, functions as a brewing chamber. After brewing, the portafilter needs to be manually emptied again. Therefore, many mechanisms known from fully automatic espresso machines are omitted, and the workload is not significantly increased compared to the need for regularly emptying and cleaning a waste bin for coffee grounds. The coffee machine may specifically include a dispensing filter element that can be moved back and forth between a position where the portafilter is open and can be filled with coffee grounds and a second position where the dispensing filter element closes the portafilter in a pressure-sealed manner. To move the dispensing filter element between the first and second positions, an electrically or hydraulically operated drive unit can be used. The dispensing filter element is configured to introduce pressurized hot water into the portafilter and can also be used to tamp coffee grounds present in the portafilter into the necessary coffee puck.

[0009] As mentioned above, a blend coffee maker combines the advantages of a manual espresso machine and a fully automatic espresso machine. In fact, according to the description of a blend coffee maker known from US 9,125,519B2, the user only needs to connect an empty portafilter to the main unit of the machine. The grinding of coffee beans, the dispensing of ground coffee into the portafilter, and the tamping of the ground coffee are all performed automatically, just as in a fully automatic espresso machine, and the delivery of brewing water and the dispensing of coffee are also fully automatic. After brewing, the user needs to disconnect the portafilter from the main unit and dispose of the coffee waste, similar to the process in a manual espresso machine.

[0010] This invention relates to a coffee machine comprising a main unit and a removable portafilter, as well as a ground coffee supply unit and a brewing water supply unit housed within the main housing of the main unit. This invention belongs to the field of blended coffee machines. One object of this invention is to provide a coffee machine that can be easily and intuitively controlled by a user and has functional features to avoid supplying ground coffee to the portafilter when used coffee pucks are present; in other words, to avoid double dispensing, thereby preventing spillage of coffee beans and inferior coffee. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention provides a coffee machine comprising: a main unit including a main housing housing a ground coffee supply unit including a ground coffee outlet and a brewing water supply unit including a brewing water outlet; and a portafilter configured in a functional state in which the portafilter is removably combined with the main unit; wherein: the portafilter in the functional state is displaceable relative to the main housing; when the portafilter is in a first position relative to the main housing, the portafilter and the ground coffee outlet are in a relative position, at which the portafilter can receive ground coffee from the ground coffee outlet; when the portafilter is in a second position relative to the main housing, the portafilter and the brewing water outlet are in a relative position, at which the portafilter can receive brewing water from the brewing water outlet; and the coffee machine further comprising a blocking device configured to allow the portafilter to be in the first position relative to the main housing only once after being combined with the main unit.

[0012] According to the above-described limitations, in the coffee machine according to the invention, the portafilter in a functional state is displaceable relative to the main housing. One position of the portafilter relative to the main housing is a first position, in which the portafilter and the ground coffee outlet are positioned relative to each other to receive ground coffee. Another position of the portafilter relative to the main housing is a second position, in which the portafilter and the brewing water outlet are positioned relative to each other to receive brewing water. The coffee machine also includes a blocking device configured to allow the portafilter to be in the first position relative to the main housing only once after being combined with the main unit.

[0013] When the portafilter is not in its functional state, it is detached from the main unit. Therefore, the portafilter is also referred to as the external portafilter. The presence of a blocking device in the coffee machine means that each time the portafilter is moved from the removed state to the functional state, there is only one opportunity for it to be in its first position relative to the main housing. This means that the action of supplying ground coffee to the portafilter can only occur once after the portafilter is assembled with the main unit. In this way, it avoids the situation where the user accidentally moves the portafilter to the first position relative to the main housing after the coffee brewing process is complete, thus preventing freshly ground coffee from settling on top of the used coffee puck. Furthermore, this means that if the portafilter is blocked by the blocking device and cannot reach the first position relative to the main housing, this situation can be changed by removing the portafilter from the main unit and restoring it to its functional state. Since handling the portafilter in this way is a user action, it can be expected that the user will be triggered to empty the portafilter during this process. Therefore, based on the presence of the blocking device in the coffee machine, it is possible to trigger the user to empty the portafilter even if they forget to remove it from the main unit after the coffee brewing process is complete. This is much safer than using a warning mechanism configured to issue a warning that the handle filter should be removed from the main unit, because in such cases, the user might ignore the warning.

[0014] This invention covers any suitable embodiment of the blocking device. For example, the path of the port filter can be designed as a unidirectional or one-way path, allowing the port filter to pass in only one direction, while blocking the port filter to pass in the opposite direction. This can be achieved, for example, by a path with a ratchet-type configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the path can be shaped as a closed loop, which allows the handpiece filter to pass in only one direction. For example, the second position relative to the main housing can be the position where the handpiece filter is initially assembled with the main unit, and the position where the handpiece filter is removed from the main unit after the brewing cycle is completed. The closed loop allows the handpiece filter to be moved from the second position to the first position (coffee receiving position) via the first path of the closed loop. After the handpiece filter has been filled with ground coffee at the first position, it can be moved to the second position (brewing position) via the second path of the closed loop to complete the entire cycle. Then, the handpiece filter needs to be removed from the main unit and emptied before it can be moved back to the first position via the first path of the closed loop.

[0015] According to embodiments of the invention, the blocking device may include a blocking mechanism configured to mechanically block the path of the handle filter toward a first position relative to the main housing in an actuated state, and to keep the path open in a default state. In this regard, the invention covers an option in which the blocking device includes a biasing mechanism that biases the blocking mechanism to the default state. Furthermore, the invention covers an option in which the blocking mechanism is configured to mechanically interact with the handle filter to be in an actuated state when the handle filter is in the first position relative to the main housing or during movement of the handle filter away from the first position relative to the main housing. In the context of the invention, both direct mechanical interaction between the blocking mechanism and the handle filter and indirect mechanical interaction between the blocking mechanism and the handle filter are possible. The latter is applicable when a handle filter carrier is used to receive and accommodate a handle filter in a functional state. In any case, it is advantageous if the mechanical interaction between the blocking mechanism and the handle filter is triggered by movement of the handle filter.

[0016] The aforementioned blocking mechanism mechanically interacts with the handle filter to be actuated when the handle filter is in a first position relative to the main housing or during movement of the handle filter away from the first position relative to the main housing. This actuation can be achieved in various ways. In one practical example, the blocking mechanism includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member is fixedly mounted to the main housing. The second and third members are configured to move with the handle filter when it is displaced relative to the main housing. The second member is configured to engage with the first member when the handle filter is displaced from the first position relative to the main housing to a second position relative to the main housing, thereby holding the first member in a position where movement of the third member in a direction related to the handle filter is blocked by the first member. This direction is the direction in which the handle filter moves from the second position relative to the main housing to the first position relative to the main housing. The second member is also movable to release the first member upon removal of the handle filter from the main unit. In this configuration of the blocking mechanism, the second position relative to the main housing can be the position where the handle filter is initially assembled with the main unit and the position where the handle filter is removed from the main unit. Furthermore, this can be practical if the second member is typically located where it cannot engage with the first member, such as under the influence of a biasing device such as a suitable spring mechanism, and is arranged such that the second member is moved away from that location when the handle filter is combined with the main unit.

[0017] As an alternative to the above option, according to this option, the blocking mechanism is configured to mechanically interact with the handle filter to be actuated when the handle filter is in a first position relative to the main housing or during movement of the handle filter away from the first position relative to the main housing. It is possible that the blocking device includes a setting mechanism configured to set the actuation state of the blocking mechanism only when the handle filter is in the first position relative to the main housing or during movement of the handle filter away from the first position relative to the main housing. Such a setting mechanism includes an electronic detection circuit configured to detect whether the handle filter is in the first position relative to the main housing. For example, the electronic detection circuit may include components such as a Hall sensor, an optical sensor, and / or a microswitch. If this is the case, the electronic detection circuit may also be configured to detect the presence of the handle filter at the main unit, and the setting mechanism is configured to set a default state of the blocking mechanism if the handle filter is not detected.

[0018] In the context of this invention, it can be practical if the main unit is configured to receive the handle filter at a position relative to the main housing when the handle filter is in a functional state different from a first position relative to the main housing. For example, it is possible for the main unit to be configured to receive the handle filter at a second position relative to the main housing when the handle filter is in a functional state, as previously described. The movement of the handle filter relative to the main housing towards the first position is preferably done manually. Enabling manual movement helps to provide the user with a barista experience and a sense of control over the coffee machine operation. Furthermore, if the movement of the handle filter from the second position relative to the main housing to the first position relative to the main housing is done manually, the user will feel the actuation of the blocking mechanism, and then, as a natural reaction, the user will tend to remove the handle filter from the main unit.

[0019] In an embodiment of the coffee machine according to the invention, the path of the portafilter between a first position relative to the main housing and a second position relative to the main housing is shaped like an arc segment. For example, the coffee machine is equipped with a curved guide rail for the portafilter.

[0020] As previously explained, it is possible that the coffee machine according to the invention includes a portafilter carrier configured to receive and accommodate a portafilter in a functional state. Such a portafilter carrier can function as a guide for the portafilter when it is displaced relative to the main housing. An advantage of having a portafilter carrier as described above is that it can be designed with all the necessary features to implement all positioning options and any other functions of the portafilter as needed, thus eliminating the need to provide these features for the portafilter itself. Therefore, the portafilter can have a simple, robust design without fragile or sensitive components (one or more) that might otherwise hinder the use and manipulation of the portafilter, especially when it is in a removed state. Optionally, a releasable locking mechanism can be provided, configured to lock the portafilter in place on the portafilter carrier. The locking mechanism can, for example, include a snap-fit ​​finger or a locking spring. Such a locking mechanism provides tactile feedback to the user, helping them to know when the portafilter has been correctly placed in the portafilter carrier. The locking mechanism also contributes to stability and security.

[0021] During the operation of a coffee machine used to perform the coffee-making process, when the portafilter is in a first position relative to the main housing, the action of supplying ground coffee to the portafilter can be performed. In this regard, it is possible that the user is required to activate the coffee machine in a separate step to perform this action, such as by pressing a button or interacting with a touchscreen. Alternatively, it is possible that the coffee machine includes a device that can be actuated under the influence of the portafilter being in the first position relative to the main housing to initiate the supply of ground coffee to the portafilter through the ground coffee outlet; in other words, it is possible that the action of supplying ground coffee to the portafilter is automatically initiated when the portafilter is in or near the appropriate position, i.e., the first position relative to the main housing. For this purpose, the coffee machine can be equipped with suitable sensor devices, such as Hall effect sensors or optical sensors. Purely mechanical devices, such as mechanical switches, are also feasible.

[0022] After the action of supplying ground coffee to the portafilter occurs, the portafilter is prepared to be moved from a first position relative to the main housing to a second position relative to the main housing. The coffee machine can be configured to allow only manual movement of the portafilter, but it is also possible that the coffee machine includes a drive mechanism configured to cause at least partial movement of the portafilter. In either case, once the portafilter is in the second position relative to the main housing, the action of making a coffee puck by tamping the ground coffee in the portafilter and supplying brewing water to the puck can be performed. In this regard, it is possible that the user is required to activate the coffee machine in at least one separate step to perform the action, such as by pressing a button or interacting with a touchscreen. Alternatively, it is possible that the coffee machine includes a device that can be actuated under the influence of the portafilter being in the second position relative to the main housing to initiate the supply of brewing water to the portafilter through the brewing water outlet, and may also initiate the previous tamping action. In other words, it is possible that, with the portafilter in or near the appropriate position, i.e., the second position relative to the main housing, the action of brewing coffee is automatically initiated, at least in the position of the portafilter. Therefore, coffee machines can be equipped with suitable sensor devices, such as the aforementioned Hall effect sensors or optical sensors. Purely mechanical devices, such as mechanical switches, are also feasible.

[0023] The coffee machine is not configured to automatically dispose of used coffee puck from the portafilter. As previously stated, the user should remove the portafilter from the main housing and empty it. Embodiments of portafilters are known, wherein the portafilter includes a filter basket and a handle extending outward from the filter basket. By holding the portafilter in the handle position, the user can manipulate the portafilter in a convenient and easy manner. This also applies to any user action that may be required to move the portafilter relative to the main housing in a functional state.

[0024] This invention covers any suitable design of the main unit for implementing the combination of the handle filter and the main unit, and allows displacement of the handle filter relative to the main housing. The main housing may include a mating area, which may be practical if the mating area includes space for at least partially accommodating a filter basket for the handle filter in a functional state.

[0025] Further practical options associated with the coffee machine according to the invention include: 1) the coffee machine includes a sealing and tamping system configured to seal the portafilter and provide tamping of the ground coffee contained in the portafilter, and arranged to interact with the portafilter when or after the portafilter is displaced from a first position relative to the main housing to a second position relative to the main housing; the sealing and tamping system may include a piston. The piston may include a brewing water outlet. The piston may be hydraulically or mechanically actuated; and 2) the ground coffee supply unit includes a grinder. The ground coffee supply unit may also include a coffee bean reservoir.

[0026] The above and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a practical embodiment of a coffee machine, which includes a main unit and a portafilter, the portafilter being combined with the main unit for carrying out a coffee making process (also referred to in this specification as a brewing cycle) by means of the coffee machine, and being removed from the main unit after the coffee making process (brewing cycle) has occurred. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a coffee machine (including a main unit and a portafilter) according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown, wherein the functional state of the portafilter is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 2 The illustration shows how the handle filter is in a functional state and how the handle filter in a functional state is displaced relative to the main housing of the main unit.

[0030] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the hydraulic layout of the coffee machine;

[0031] Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of a coffee machine, including the handle filter carrier and curved guide rails, is shown schematically.

[0032] Figure 5 schematically shown Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of the coffee machine shown, with the portafilter in the inserted position relative to the main housing;

[0033] Figure 6 schematically shown Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram shows a perspective view of a portion of a coffee machine, with the portafilter positioned relative to the main housing for receiving ground coffee from the coffee supply unit of the coffee machine.

[0034] Figure 7 A perspective view of the components of a coffee machine, including curved guide rails, is shown schematically.

[0035] Figure 8 A perspective view of the handle filter carrier is shown schematically;

[0036] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A perspective view and a partial sectional view of a portion of a coffee machine are schematically shown. The coffee machine includes a component of a blocking device that can be actuated to prevent the handle filter from reaching a position relative to the main housing to receive ground coffee from the coffee supply unit.

[0037] Figures 11 to 17 The working principle of the blocking device is illustrated by showing the sequential steps of using the handle filter in a functional state and shifting the handle filter relative to the main housing. Detailed Implementation

[0038] This invention relates to a coffee machine 100, and the accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of the coffee machine 100, as well as parts and components of the coffee machine 100 according to this embodiment, and also illustrate the operating principle of the coffee machine 100. The coffee machine 100 includes a main unit 10 and a portafilter 20. The main unit 10 includes a main housing 11 that houses a ground coffee supply unit 30 including a ground coffee outlet 31 and a brewing water supply unit 40 including a brewing water outlet 41. In this embodiment of the coffee machine 100, the ground coffee supply unit 30 further includes a coffee bean reservoir 32 and a grinder 33, and the brewing water supply unit 40 includes a heater 42 and a fluid connector 43 between the heater 42 and the brewing water outlet 41, which will be referred to hereinafter as a delivery fluid connector 43. The heater 42 can be of any suitable type, such as a flow-through heater, a hot block, a thick film heater, etc., and the delivery fluid connector 43 can include a conduit system. The boiling water outlet 41 can be in the form of a suitable water delivery head arranged at the end of the conduit of the delivery fluid connector 43, for example, the water delivery head may include a water distribution plate, etc.

[0039] The handle filter 20 is used in two states: a functional state in which the handle filter 20 is removably combined with the main unit 10, and a removed state in which the handle filter 20 is detached from the main unit 10. If a user of the coffee machine 100 intends to operate the coffee machine 100 to make a coffee beverage, and finds that the handle filter 20 is in the removed state, the user must take measures aimed at putting the handle filter 20 into the functional state. The handle filter 20 includes a filter basket 21 and a handle 22 extending outward from the filter basket 21.

[0040] In this embodiment, the coffee machine 100 further includes a water reservoir 50, a flow meter 51, a pump 52, a fluid connector 53 between the water reservoir 50 and the flow meter 51, a fluid connector 54 between the flow meter 51 and the pump 52, and a fluid connector 55 between the pump 52 and the heater 42. Furthermore, the coffee machine 100 includes a controller 60 configured to control the operation of the coffee machine 100.

[0041] Pump 52 can be of any suitable type. The function of flow meter 51 is to provide flow measurement to controller 60, and controller 60 is configured to control heater 42 and pump 52 based on input from flow meter 51 to achieve the coffee-making process in an appropriate manner. Alternatively, flow meter 51 is omitted, and dosing and flow rate control are accomplished through appropriate control of pump 52, such as by setting power levels and pump time. Figure 3 In the diagram, the control signals between the controller 60 and various components of the coffee machine 100 are represented by dashed lines.

[0042] The coffee machine 100 is designed such that, when the portafilter 20 is in a functional state, the portafilter 20 can be displaced between different positions relative to the main housing 11, including a position relating to the portafilter 20 and the ground coffee outlet 31, where the portafilter 20 can receive ground coffee from the ground coffee outlet 31, and a position relating to the portafilter 20 and the brewing water outlet 41, where the portafilter 20 can receive brewing water from the brewing water outlet 41. For completeness, note that in the above-described practical application of the portafilter 20 including the filter basket 21 and the portafilter 22, the filter basket 21 is the relevant component of the portafilter 20 in this respect. Hereinafter, the first position of the portafilter 20 / filter basket 21 relative to the main housing 11 will be referred to as the coffee receiving position of the portafilter 20, and the second position of the portafilter 20 / filter basket 21 relative to the main housing 11 will be referred to as the brewing position of the portafilter 20. The coffee machine 100 of the illustrated embodiment is of the type that includes a sealing and compaction system 70 for sealing the portafilter 20 / filter basket 21 when the portafilter is in the brewing position, and for compacting the ground coffee in the portafilter 20 / filter basket 21 by means of a piston 71 arranged in a bracket 72 for vertical movement and sized to fit within the filter basket 21. In the illustrated example, the piston 71 is hydraulically connected to the pump 52 via a fluid coupling 73 and a valve 74, which can normally be closed and can be opened when compaction is required. The valve 74 can be actively controlled by a controller 60 or can be a passive valve that responds to pressure. Furthermore, a drain fluid coupling 75 can be present between the valve 74 and the water reservoir 50 so that water can return to the water reservoir 50 when the piston 71 is about to retract. The downward movement of the piston 71... Figure 3 The arrow indicates the direction of travel. Piston 71 does not necessarily need to be hydraulically driven by pump 52, which is used for the coffee-making function of coffee machine 100, although this is practical considering cost and the compactness of coffee machine 100. Alternatively, another method of driving piston 71 can be applied, such as via a motor or manual lever. Embodiments of coffee machine 100 are also feasible, in which piston 71 is also hydraulically driven, but by means of a second pump.

[0043] As described above, the handle filter 20 can be displaced between different positions relative to the main housing 11. Figure 2 In the diagram, the coffee receiving position of the portafilter 20 is shown in the center, while the brewing position of the portafilter 20 is shown on the right side. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 On the left, the brewing position is shown; it can also be the position where the user initially places the handle filter 20 in / on the main unit 10. It can also be the position where the handle filter 20 is removed from the main unit 10. Figure 2 On the left side, the placement direction of the handle filter 20 is indicated by an arrow. Figure 2 In the center, the arrow indicates the direction of displacement from the brewing position to the coffee receiving position, and... Figure 2 On the right side, the arrow indicates the direction of movement from the coffee receiving position to the brewing position. Figure 1 In the diagram, the direction of displacement of the portafilter 20 from the brewing position to the coffee receiving position and the opposite direction of displacement of the portafilter 20 from the coffee receiving position to the brewing position are indicated by arrows. For clarity, in Figure 1 The mating area of ​​the main housing 11 for receiving and accommodating the handle filter 20 in its functional state is not shown so that the handle filter 20 can be seen. Only the outline of the mating area is indicated by dashed lines.

[0044] In view of the foregoing, making coffee using coffee machine 100 includes the following actions:

[0045] The user action is designed to ensure that there are sufficient coffee beans in the coffee bean reservoir 32, sufficient water in the water reservoir 50, and that the portafilter 20 is clean and free of coffee grounds.

[0046] The user action is designed to ensure that the handle filter 20 is in a functional state and in the brewing position.

[0047] This is a user-operated or automatic action designed to move the portafilter 20 from the brewing position to the coffee receiving position. It should be noted that, where a user-operated action is applicable, this simply requires holding and manipulating the handle 22 of the portafilter 20 to move it toward the coffee receiving position.

[0048] A user action or automatic action activates the coffee grinding and supply unit 30 to grind a certain amount of coffee beans and supply the resulting ground coffee through the ground coffee outlet 31 to the portafilter 20 / filter basket 21.

[0049] This is a user-operated or automatic action designed to move the portafilter 20, filled with ground coffee, from the coffee receiving position to the brewing position. It should be noted that, where a user-operated action is applicable, this simply requires holding and manipulating the handle 22 of the portafilter 20 to move it toward the brewing position.

[0050] A user action or automatic action activates the sealing and compaction system 70 to seal the portafilter 20 / filter basket 21, thereby forming the brewing chamber and compacting the ground coffee in the portafilter 20.

[0051] A user action or automatic action activates pump 52 and optional heater 42, so that water is supplied to the brewing chamber through brewing water outlet 41 under pressurized and possibly heated conditions, thereby carrying out the coffee brewing action in the brewing chamber.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, it is practical if the portafilter 20 is equipped with a downspout 23 at the position of the filter basket 21, so that freshly brewed coffee can be dispensed directly from the portafilter into a container 200, such as a cup or glass, placed below the portafilter 20.

[0053] The coffee machine 100 is not configured to automatically discharge used coffee puck from the portafilter 20. This means that after the coffee brewing process is complete, the user should remove the portafilter 20 from the main unit 10 and empty and preferably clean it. The portafilter 20 may be provided with a discharge device to facilitate the removal of used coffee puck from the filter basket 21. Such discharge devices are known in themselves.

[0054] If most or all of the aforementioned actions are indeed automated, then the ease of use of the coffee machine 100 can be achieved. The controller 60 can be programmed to execute algorithms designed to perform those actions appropriately without user intervention. On the other hand, the user can be highly involved in the operation of the coffee machine 100 if needed. In this regard, it is possible to note that the coffee machine 100 is designed to allow the user to set one of various operating modes, each involving a different degree of user involvement. To enable user interaction with the controller 60, if it is practical for the coffee machine 100 to include a user interface, that user interface can be any suitable form, such as one or more buttons on the main unit 10, a touchscreen on the main unit 10, an application (app) on a smartphone for wireless communication with the controller 60, etc. User interaction with the controller 60 can be used not only to initiate actions during the operation of the coffee machine 100 to achieve the coffee-making process, but also to indicate the characteristics of the coffee, thereby allowing the controller 60 to set appropriate operating values ​​for, for example, the pump 52 and / or the heater 42.

[0055] It is particularly desirable that the action of placing the portafilter 20 from the brewing position to the coffee receiving position is a user action. Furthermore, this provides the user with a barista's feel, as well as a sense of control over initiating the coffee-making process. In fact, if the action is a user action, the portafilter 20 can effectively function as a user interface, i.e., when the action is used to automatically activate the grinder coffee supply unit 30. The same applies to the action of placing the portafilter 20, filled with ground coffee, from the coffee receiving position to the brewing position, i.e., when the action is used to automatically activate the closure and tamping system 70, the pump 52, and optionally the heater 42. If the action of placing the portafilter 20, filled with ground coffee, from the coffee receiving position to the brewing position is a user action, it can be practical if the coffee machine 100 includes an indicator (e.g., a light) operated by the controller 60 to indicate that the operation of the grinder coffee supply unit 30 has ended. It is also possible that the fact that the grinder stops making a sound when the operation of the grinder coffee supply unit 30 has ended is considered an indication.

[0056] The action of shifting the handle filter 20, which is in a functional state, relative to the main housing 11 can be easily performed by the user, allowing for intuitive control of the coffee machine 100. The design complexity of the coffee machine 100 can be minimized, and the main unit 10 can be compact. In this embodiment of the coffee machine 100, the handle filter 20 remains at the same height relative to the main housing 11 during shifting. (See reference...) Figure 4-6 Note the use of a handle filter carrier 24, which is configured to receive and guide the handle filter 20 during displacement. The handle filter carrier 24 is slidably arranged on a guide rail 12, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is curved. Component 13 of the coffee machine 100, including the curved guide rail 12, is... Figure 7 It is shown separately, while the handle filter carrier 24 is in Figure 8 It is shown separately. In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 7 The component 13 shown includes a support 72 for the piston 71 of the enclosed and compacted system 70, and a coffee grinder outlet 31 in the form of a chute.

[0057] exist Figure 4 The image shows the handle filter carrier 24 positioned at the receiving position of the handle filter 20, i.e., the position associated with the brewing position of the handle filter 20. Figure 5 The image shows a handle filter carrier 24 in the same position, and also shows a handle filter 20 housed within the handle filter carrier 24. Figure 6In the illustration, the handle filter 20 is shown at the coffee receiving position, while the handle filter carrier 24 is shown at a position associated with the specific position of the handle filter 20. As previously described, the handle filter carrier 24 is slidably arranged on the guide rail 12, and when the displacement of the handle filter 20 relative to the main housing 11 is done manually, the user only needs to apply a small force to the handle filter 20 at the position of the handle 22 to move both the handle filter 20 and the handle filter carrier 24 in the desired direction. The exact path followed by the handle filter 20 and the handle filter carrier 24 is determined by the shape of the guide rail 12, which is curved in the illustrated embodiment. Different shapes of guide rails are feasible.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the handle filter carrier 24 is configured to allow the handle filter 20 to move linearly and take a proper position within the handle filter carrier 24. To hold the handle filter 20 in the desired position, the handle filter carrier 24 includes a locking mechanism in the form of a locking spring 25, which is arranged to engage with the handle filter 20. This is useful if the handle filter is provided with a recess in which the end of the locking spring 25 is fitted. Furthermore, the handle filter carrier 24 is provided with opposing suspension ribs 26. Therefore, it is useful if the handle filter 20 is provided with a groove for receiving the suspension ribs 26 when the handle filter 20 is in the proper position within the handle filter carrier 24. When the handle filter 20 is installed in the handle filter carrier 24, the handle filter 20 is suspended on the handle filter carrier 24 at a height below the curved guide rail 12. This achieves a very stable positioning of the handle filter 20. The curved guide rail 12 is provided with openings, one of which allows ground coffee to pass through the portafilter 20, and the other of which allows the portafilter 20 to interact with various components, including sealing the portafilter 20 to form a brewing chamber, compacting the ground coffee in the portafilter 20, and supplying brewing water to the portafilter 20.

[0059] The coffee machine 100 includes a blocking device 80 configured to allow the portafilter 20 to be in the coffee receiving position only once after being combined with the main unit 10. This prevents the user from accidentally moving the portafilter 20 to the coffee receiving position after the coffee brewing process is complete. This also helps prevent freshly ground coffee from settling on top of the used coffee puck. The blocking device 80 also helps the user recognize that the portafilter 20 needs to be removed from the main unit 10 and emptied.

[0060] Figures 9 to 17An embodiment of the blocking device 80 is shown. In this example, the blocking device 80 includes a blocking mechanism 81. The blocking mechanism 81 includes three main components: a first component in the form of a leaf spring 82 fixedly mounted at its end to the main housing 11; a second component in the form of a retaining member 83 arranged on the handle filter carrier 24; and a third component in the form of a guide cam member 84, which is disposed as an integral part of the handle filter carrier 24 near the retaining member 83. Figure 10 As shown, the retaining member 83 is arranged on the handle filter carrier 24 at the location of the hole in the handle filter carrier 24. A torsion spring 85 is used as a biasing device to push the retaining member 83 inward on the handle filter carrier 24. Therefore, the default position of the retaining member 83 is the retracted position.

[0061] Figures 11 to 17 The working of the blocking device 80 is illustrated by showing the sequential steps of using the portafilter 20 in a functional state and displacing the portafilter 20 relative to the main housing 11. The sequence of these steps is the sequence typically associated with the coffee-making process. In each figure, the combined position of the portafilter 20 and portafilter carrier 24 is shown at the top, as is the associated configuration of the blocking device 80, and an enlarged perspective view is shown at the bottom.

[0062] Figure 11 The illustration shows the handle filter 20 within the handle filter carrier 24. The insertion direction of the handle filter 20 is indicated by an arrow. As the handle filter 20 enters the handle filter carrier 24, the retaining member 83 is pushed from its default position to a more outward position, resisting the action of the torsion spring 85. During this process, the bottom protrusion 86 of the retaining member 83 slides beneath the free end of the leaf spring 82.

[0063] Figure 12 The illustration shows the portafilter 20 moving from the insertion position toward the coffee receiving position, which in the illustrated embodiment is the brewing position as previously described, as indicated by the arrow. During this process, the bottom protrusion 86 of the retaining member 83 is moved away from the free end of the leaf spring 82 and followed by the guide cam member 84. Therefore, the guide cam member 84 slides below the free end of the leaf spring 82. Because the top surface of the guide cam member 84 has an upward inclination when viewed toward the coffee receiving position, the free end of the leaf spring 82 is pushed upward as the guide cam member 84 advances below it. Figure 12 In the diagram, the previous position of the leaf spring 82 is indicated by a dashed line, and the upward movement of the free end of the leaf spring 82 relative to that previous position is indicated by an arrow.

[0064] Figure 13The illustration shows the handle filter 20 moving further and reaching the coffee receiving position. During this process, the guide cam member 84 is moved away from the free end of the leaf spring 82, resulting in the free end of the leaf spring 82 springing back in a downward direction. Figure 13 In the diagram, the previous position of the leaf spring 82 is indicated by a dashed line, and the downward movement of the free end of the leaf spring 82 relative to that previous position is indicated by an arrow.

[0065] Figure 14 The illustration shows the portafilter 20 moving from the coffee receiving position to the brewing position, as indicated by the arrow. During this process, the guide cam member 84 slides past the free end of the leaf spring 82. Because the bottom surface of the guide cam member 84 has a downward inclination when viewed towards the brewing position, the free end of the leaf spring 82 is pushed downward as the guide cam member 84 advances below it. Figure 14 In the diagram, the previous position of the leaf spring 82 is indicated by a dashed line, and the downward movement of the free end of the leaf spring 82 relative to that previous position is indicated by an arrow.

[0066] Figure 15 The illustration shows the handle filter 20 moving further and reaching the brewing position. During this process, the guide cam member 84 is moved away from the free end of the leaf spring 82 and is followed by the bottom protrusion 86 of the retaining member 83. As a result of interaction with the bottom surface of the guide cam member 84, the free end of the leaf spring 82 is pushed downwards to such an extent that the bottom protrusion 86 of the retaining member 83 slides past the free end of the leaf spring 82. Therefore, as... Figure 11 Compared to the first case of the portafilter 20 in the brewing position, the difference lies in that the bottom protrusion 86 of the retaining member 83 is positioned above the free end of the leaf spring 82, rather than below it. This means that the actuation state of the blocking device 80 has been set. In fact, since the free end of the leaf spring 82 blocks the guide cam member 84 in the direction shown, the movement of the portafilter 20 in the coffee receiving position direction is blocked. Attempts to move the portafilter 20 in the coffee receiving position direction fail because this causes the guide cam member 84 to be pressed against the free end of the leaf spring 82. This is a way to ensure that the portafilter 20 is removed from the main unit 10 after being combined with the main unit 10 in the brewing position, and after being moved to the coffee receiving position and returned. It is expected that during the removal of the portafilter 20 from the main unit 10, the user will take the action of emptying the portafilter 20 due to noticing the used coffee puck in the portafilter 20.

[0067] Figure 16The illustration depicts a scenario where the handle filter 20 is removed from the main unit 10, and consequently from the handle filter carrier 24. The direction of removal of the handle filter 20 is indicated by an arrow. As the handle filter 20 exits the handle filter carrier 24, the retaining member 83 retracts to its default position under the action of the torsion spring 85. During this process, the free end of the leaf spring 82 is released and springs upward, at which point the blocking mechanism 81 is reset to its default position. Figure 16 In the middle, the position of leaf spring 82 during this process is indicated by the dashed line.

[0068] Figure 17 The end configuration of the blocking device 80 is shown, which is also the starting configuration for the new process of inserting the handle filter 20, moving the handle filter 20 to the coffee receiving position, and returning. In this configuration, the retaining member 83 is held in the default position by the leaf spring 82, and the free end of the leaf spring 82 is in a position where the following can occur as previously referenced. Figure 11 The described process refers to the process in which the bottom protrusion 86 of the retaining member 83 slides below the free end of the leaf spring 82 when the retaining member 83 is pushed to a more outward position.

[0069] As can be seen from the above, a hybrid type of coffee machine 100 is provided, namely, a brewing chamber comprising an internal grinder 33 and a portafilter 20, which is removably mounted to the main unit 10 and emptied by the user from the outside after each brewing cycle as part of the normal operation of the coffee machine 100. According to one aspect of the coffee machine 100, after the portafilter 20 is first positioned at the coffee receiving position, it is prevented from reaching the coffee receiving position again after being moved from the coffee receiving position to the brewing position. For this purpose, the coffee machine 100 includes a blocking device 80. According to a feasible option, the blocking device 80 includes a blocking mechanism 81 configured to mechanically block the path of the portafilter 20 toward the coffee receiving position in an actuated state, and to keep the path open in a default state. By allowing the portafilter 20 to be positioned at the coffee receiving position only once after being combined with the main unit 10, the opportunity for the coffee machine 100 to supply ground coffee to the portafilter 20 while coffee grounds used in previous coffee brewing processes are still in the portafilter 20 is minimized.

[0070] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of this invention is not limited to the examples discussed above, but that various modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. This invention is intended to be construed as including all such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. While the invention has been detailed and described in the accompanying drawings and specification, such descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, in which details not necessary for understanding the invention have been omitted, and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0071] Based on a study of the accompanying drawings, description, and appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0072] Unless otherwise expressly stated, elements and aspects discussed with respect to a particular embodiment or with respect to a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments. Therefore, the fact that certain measures are referenced only in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0073] The aspects of the present invention are summarized below. A coffee machine 100 is provided, comprising a main unit 10 and a portafilter 20, wherein the portafilter 20 is removably mounted to the main unit 10 and is emptied externally by the user as part of normal operation of the coffee machine 100. After the portafilter 20 is first positioned at the coffee receiving position, it is prevented from returning to the coffee receiving position after being moved from the coffee receiving position to the brewing position. For this purpose, the coffee machine 100 includes a suitable blocking device 80. Based on the function of the blocking device 80, the possibility of the coffee machine 100 supplying ground coffee to the portafilter 20 while coffee grounds used in previous coffee preparations are still present in the portafilter 20 is minimized.

Claims

1. A coffee machine (100), said coffee machine comprising: Main unit (10), the main unit including a main housing (11) housing a ground coffee supply unit (30) including a ground coffee outlet (31) and a brewing water supply unit (40) including a brewing water outlet (41); and Handle filter (20), the handle filter is configured to be in a functional state, in which the handle filter (20) is removably combined with the main unit (10); in: The handle filter (20) in the aforementioned functional state is capable of displacement relative to the main housing (11); When the handle filter (20) is in a first position relative to the main housing (11), the handle filter (20) and the ground coffee outlet (31) are in a relative position, such that the handle filter (20) can receive ground coffee from the ground coffee outlet (31). With the handle filter (20) in the second position relative to the main housing (11), the handle filter (20) and the boiling water outlet (41) are in a relative position, such that the handle filter (20) can receive boiling water from the boiling water outlet (41); and The coffee machine (100) also includes a blocking device (80) configured to allow the handle filter (20) to be in the first position only once relative to the main housing (11) after being combined with the main unit (10).

2. The coffee machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the blocking device (80) includes a blocking mechanism (81) configured to: mechanically block the path of the handle filter (20) relative to the main housing (11) toward the first position in an actuated state, and keep the path open in a default state.

3. The coffee machine (100) according to claim 2, wherein the blocking device (80) includes a biasing mechanism (85) that biases the blocking mechanism (81) to the default state.

4. The coffee machine (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the blocking mechanism (81) is configured to mechanically interact with the handle filter (20) to present the actuated state when the handle filter (20) is in the first position relative to the main housing (11) or during the movement of the handle filter (20) away from the first position relative to the main housing (11).

5. The coffee machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein the blocking mechanism (81) comprises a first member (82), a second member (83), and a third member (84), the first member (82) being fixedly mounted to the main housing (11), the second member and the third member being configured to move with the handle filter (20) when the handle filter (20) is displaced relative to the main housing (11), wherein the second member (83) is configured to move with the handle filter (20) when the handle filter (20) is displaced from the first position relative to the main housing (11) to the position relative to the main housing (11). In the second position, the third member (84) engages with the first member (82) and thereby holds the first member (82) in a position in which the movement of the third member (84) in a direction associated with the handle filter (20) is blocked by the first member (82), the direction in which the handle filter is moved from the second position relative to the main housing (11) to the first position relative to the main housing (11), and wherein the second member (83) is able to move to release the first member (82) under the influence of the removal of the handle filter (20) from the main unit (10).

6. The coffee machine (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the blocking device (80) includes a setting mechanism configured to set the actuated state of the blocking mechanism (81) only when the handle filter (20) is in the first position relative to the main housing (11) or during movement of the handle filter (20) away from the first position relative to the main housing (11).

7. The coffee machine (100) according to claim 6, wherein the setting mechanism includes an electronic detection circuit configured to detect whether the handle filter (20) is in the first position relative to the main housing (11).

8. The coffee machine (100) according to claim 7, wherein the electronic detection circuit is further configured to detect whether the handle filter (20) is present at the main unit (10), and wherein the setting mechanism is configured to set the default state of the blocking mechanism (81) if the handle filter (20) is found to be absent.

9. The coffee machine (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 7, 8, wherein the main unit (10) is configured to receive the handle filter (20) at a position relative to the main housing (11) when the handle filter (20) is in a functional state different from the first position relative to the main housing (11).

10. The coffee machine (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 7, 8, wherein the path of the handle filter (20) between the first position relative to the main housing (11) and the second position relative to the main housing (11) is shaped like an arc.

11. The coffee machine (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 7, 8, includes a handle filter carrier (24) configured to receive and accommodate the handle filter (20) in the said functional state.

12. The coffee machine (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 7, 8, comprising at least one of the following means: means actuated under the influence of the portafilter (20) being positioned relative to the main housing (11) in the first position to initiate the supply of ground coffee to the portafilter (20) through the ground coffee outlet (31); and means actuated under the influence of the portafilter (20) being positioned relative to the main housing (11) in the second position to initiate the supply of brewing water to the portafilter (20) through the brewing water outlet (41).

13. The coffee machine (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 7, 8, includes a drive mechanism configured to displace the handle filter (20) from a first position relative to the main housing (11) to a second position relative to the main housing (11).

14. The coffee machine (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 7, 8, comprising a sealing and compaction system (70) configured to seal the portafilter (20) and provide compaction of the ground coffee contained in the portafilter (20), and arranged to interact with the portafilter (20) when the portafilter (20) is displaced from a first position relative to the main housing (11) to a second position relative to the main housing (11).

15. The coffee machine (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, 5, 7, 8, wherein the coffee grinding unit (30) comprises a grinder (33).

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