Coffee machine

Abstract

A coffee machine having an apparatus for pressing a dose of ground coffee powder, the apparatus comprising: a frame; a filter holder cup having a filter for depositing a dose of ground coffee powder; the filter holder cup is detachably attached to the attachment support; the coffee bean grinder is provided with a sliding piece; and a pressing piston supported by the rod; the lifting mechanism comprises a driver which converts rotation of the manual rotation control element into vertical translation of the pressing piston; the transmission comprises a vertical rack firmly constrained to the rod and an arch of a cogwheel rotationally supported by a mechanical shaft connected to the manual rotation control element; the apparatus further comprises a pressing force adjusting device comprising an elastic clutch connecting the two elements of the lifting mechanism to each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for compacting a dose of ground coffee powder ready for infusion. BACKGROUND

[0002] Correctly compacting an exact dose of ground coffee before pressure infusion is necessary to obtain espresso coffee with the required organoleptic characteristics.

[0003] For this purpose, various solutions are available on the market, including manual coffee machines or more or less automated systems, which can even calibrate the pressure with adjustable fixed settings a priori and not during the compacting step itself.

[0004] Generally, these systems cannot solve the problem of the scattering of coffee powder from the filter-holder cup, since the compacting process requires the filter-holder cup to be moved from the ground coffee collection area to the compacting area.

[0005] US patent 2016 / 0128507, which involves a motorized screw conveyor with vertical axis, is also known and compacts ground coffee powder. The ramming head of the screw conveyor is positioned below the outlet opening of the chute for delivering the coffee powder into the filter-holder cup. The activation of the screw conveyor is simultaneous with the activation of the grinder, determined by a microswitch which switches as a result of the coupling of the filter-holder cup with its support, and continues for a certain time after the grinder has stopped, to ensure the compression of the coffee powder. More precisely, the screw conveyor is activated when the guide of the female bayonet mechanism provided by the support is engaged by the external lugs of the filter-holder cup. In this solution, it is possible for a portion of ground coffee to accumulate in the interspaces between the threads of the screw conveyor and come out when the filter-holder cup is extracted, and thus to scatter in that area, or for a portion of ground coffee to deposit in the interspaces between the threads of the screw conveyor and be used only in subsequent infusion cycles, however, which can occur even later, causing the deterioration of the characteristics of the ground coffee. SUMMARY

[0006] It is therefore a technical task of the present invention to implement a device for compacting a dose of ground coffee powder ready for infusion, so as to make it possible to eliminate the technical drawbacks of the cited prior art.

[0007] Within the scope of this technical task, one purpose of the present invention is to implement a device of the above type suitable for simplifying and speeding up the process of compacting ground coffee present in the filter-holder cup.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to achieve a device of the type described above, which is adapted to compress ground coffee without having to move the filter holder cup relative to its position for engagement in a support in the machine, and wherein it receives ground coffee from a dispensing slide of a grinder present in the machine.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to achieve a device of the type described above, which is suitable for reducing or eliminating the spillage of ground coffee powder outside the filter holder cup.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to achieve an apparatus of the type described above, which is suitable for uniformly pressing ground coffee to prevent the formation of brewed liquid through the preferred path of the coffee powder.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to achieve a device of the type described above, which is adapted to regulate the pressing process so as to be able to adjust it to a desired type of beverage without having to pre-set the system before performing the pressing process.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to achieve a device of the type described above, which is suitable for pressing coffee without friction / heating so as not to alter its aroma.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to realize an apparatus of the type described above that is suitable for pressing without changing the amount of ground coffee.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to realize a device of the type described above that is incorporated into a coffee machine.

[0015] According to the above-described technical objective and subsequent and other objectives of the present invention, this is achieved by implementing an apparatus for pressing a predetermined dose of ground coffee powder, the apparatus comprising: a filter holder cup having a filter for introducing and collecting the dose of ground coffee powder; an attachment support to which the cup is detachably attached; and a coffee bean grinder including a slider for dispensing ground coffee having an outlet positioned above the filter of the cup, characterized in that the apparatus comprises: a pressing piston for pressing the dose of ground coffee powder present in the cup; and a lifting mechanism for lifting the pressing piston above the outlet of the slider.

[0016] Advantageously, the lifting mechanism reversibly activates the piston between the pressing position and the position above the outlet of the slider, wherein the piston is located inside the filter retainer cup.

[0017] Advantageously, a guide is provided for the vertical translation of the piston.

[0018] Advantageously, a pressure regulating device is also provided.

[0019] Advantageously, the lifting device also includes a rotation control element and a drive, which converts the rotation of the control element during the vertical translation of the piston.

[0020] Advantageously, the adjusting device also includes a spring clutch that connects two elements of the pressing mechanism.

[0021] The selectable amount of ground coffee in the device is independent of the pressure that can be selected to personalize the flavor.

[0022] Advantageously, the device can be a standalone unit or can be integrated into a coffee machine.

[0023] Advantageously, it is conceivable to have a modular coffee machine composed of structurally independent modules, one of which is formed by the device.

[0024] Other features of the invention are also defined in the following claims. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention, used for pressing a specific dose of ground coffee powder, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of approximate and non-limiting example, wherein:

[0026] Figures 1-3 A coffee machine including a device according to one embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the manual control element is shown in three different operating positions;

[0027] Figure 4 The device shown depicts a piston raised above the outlet of a slider.

[0028] Figure 5 The device for inserting a piston into a cup is shown;

[0029] Figure 6 An exploded view of the manually controlled components;

[0030] Figure 7 The manual control element in its assembled form is shown;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the manual control element installed in the equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a coffee machine 1 is shown, which is coupled with a device 2 for pressing a certain amount of ground coffee powder.

[0033] Coffee machine 1 can be a modular construction consisting of structurally independent modules, one of which is formed by device 2.

[0034] Specifically, the frame of coffee machine 1 can be modularly constructed, with one module formed by the frame of device 2.

[0035] However, it should be noted that, unlike what is shown, device 2 can also be a structurally and functionally independent unit that is completely separate from coffee machine 1.

[0036] Device 2 includes a filter holder cup 3, which has a filter 4 for introducing the dose of ground coffee powder.

[0037] The cup 3 is detachably attached to the attachment support 7 and installed in the frame 6 of the device 2.

[0038] A grinder 8 for coffee beans is also mounted in the frame 6, and it includes a slider 9 for dispensing ground coffee, the slider having an outlet 10 positioned above a filter 4 mounted in the cup 3.

[0039] Specifically, the cup 3 has a bayonet attachment system for attaching to the support 7.

[0040] The bayonet attachment system includes an external protrusion 11 that can be fixed to a cup 3 in a specific guide 12 included in the support 7.

[0041] Finally, the cup 2 has an external clamp 13 and a nozzle 14 located in the lower region for dispensing brewed coffee.

[0042] Advantageously, the frame 6 supports the pressing piston 15 for pressing the dose of ground coffee powder dispensed into the cup 3 by the slider 9 of the grinder 8.

[0043] Therefore, when the cup 3 is attached to the support 7, the piston 15 is able to perform the process of pressing the dose of ground coffee powder.

[0044] Therefore, in order to perform the pressing process, cup 3 does not need to be moved from the location used to load the dose of ground coffee powder.

[0045] Advantageously, the frame 6 supports a lifting mechanism for raising the pressing piston 15 to a position above the outlet 10 of the slider 9.

[0046] During implementation, the lifting mechanism reversibly activates the piston 15 between the pressing position of the piston 15 inside the cup 3 and the position above the outlet 10 of the slider 9.

[0047] The frame 6 includes a specific guide 16 for the vertical translation of the piston 15.

[0048] The piston 15 has a circular shape conjugate to the filter 4 of the cup 3, such that in the pressed position, the piston 15 enters the filter 4 of the cup 3.

[0049] The dispersion of coffee powder and the cleaning of line 16 are ensured by a scraper seal 17 installed around the periphery of piston 15.

[0050] The translation guide 16 then has a shape conjugate to the piston 15, consisting of a cylindrical tube having a vertical axis and being coaxially positioned above the cup 3.

[0051] Finally, piston 15 is rigidly supported by rod 18 that extends vertically above piston 15.

[0052] The lifting device includes a rotation control element and a transmission that converts the rotation of the control element during the vertical translation of the piston 15.

[0053] The control element is specifically a manual lever 19 or a knob, but in an alternative embodiment, it may be a rotary electric motor actuated by an electric controller of device 2.

[0054] A device for regulating the pressure applied by piston 15 is also present in device 2.

[0055] The adjusting device may also include a resilient clutch that connects two elements of the lifting mechanism.

[0056] Specifically, the flexible clutch connects the control element to the transmission.

[0057] The elastic clutch includes a torsion spring 23.

[0058] In this specific case, the transmission includes a gear consisting of a vertical rack 20 and an arched portion of a gear 21 rotatably supported by a horizontal mechanical shaft 22.

[0059] The rack 20 is securely bound to the lever 18, while the shaft 22 is connected to the control lever 19.

[0060] More specifically, the control lever 19 has a hollow body 24 in which a bearing 25 is fastened, the bearing 25 having a horizontal shaft and being rotatably connected to a coaxial bearing sleeve 26, and having an axially axially seat 27 for fastening a shaft 22.

[0061] A torsion spring 23 (in the form of a helical coil) is inserted through a horizontal axis between a bearing 25 and a bearing sleeve 26, and has one end 23a fastened to the bearing 25 and one end 23b fastened to the bearing sleeve 26.

[0062] The bearing sleeve 26 is arranged to pass through a horizontal hole 28, which passes through the thickness of the outer wall of the frame.

[0063] Therefore, the bearing sleeve 26 has a portion disposed on the inner side of the frame to which the shaft 22 is connected and a portion disposed on the outer side of the frame to which the bearing 25 and the control lever 19 are connected.

[0064] Finally, device 2 includes an indicator for identifying the pressure of the current configuration of the clutch.

[0065] In this specific case, the indicator consists of a pointer 29, which is securely constrained to the bearing sleeve 26 and protrudes to the outside of the hollow body 24, and a scale 30 applied to the outside of the hollow body 24 of the lever 19.

[0066] Device 2 has an electronic controller that coordinates its operation.

[0067] The device 2 performs a working cycle, which includes a first step of raising the piston 15 above the outlet 10 of the slider 11, a second step of loading a certain amount of coffee powder into the cup 3, and a third step of lowering the piston 15 and pressing.

[0068] In the first step of the work cycle, the user follows... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The arched portion of the gear 21 shown rotates clockwise to control the lever 19. Due to engagement with the rack 20, the rotation of the arched portion of the gear 21 causes the lever 18 (and together with the piston 15) to be pulled upwards into a vertical translation. This step can also be advantageously automated, for example, by automatic return with a return spring, to ensure that the system itself returns to the high-grind position at the end of the pressing process.

[0069] When the piston 15 reaches the end of the upstroke, a micro switch (not shown) is activated by one of the moving parts to send an event signal to the electronic controller, which is able to activate the grinder 8 by acquiring the signal.

[0070] Once the required amount of ground coffee has been dispensed into the cup 3 attached to the support 7, the user can rotate the control lever 19 in this direction, at which point this direction causes... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The arched portion of the gear 21 shown rotates counterclockwise. Due to its engagement with the rack 20, the rotation of the arched portion of the gear 21 causes the rod 18 (and together with the piston 15) to be pulled downwards into a vertical translation.

[0071] During the rotation of the control lever 19 and upward until the piston 15 rests on the upper surface of a certain amount of ground coffee present in the cup 3, the control lever 19 and the arched portion of the gear 21 rotate in a substantially common manner.

[0072] However, from the moment the piston 15 begins to compress a certain amount of ground coffee present in the cup 3 as it is lowered, further rotation of the control lever 19 can no longer cause the piston 15 to lower further due to the resistance provided by compressing the certain amount of ground coffee. In this case, further rotation of the control lever 19 deforms the torsion spring 23, which transmits pressure to the piston 15, which gradually increases proportionally with its deformation.

[0073] The user stops controlling lever 19 at the position where the indicator identifies the required pressure level.

[0074] At this point, the cup 3 containing a certain amount of ground coffee powder is separated from the support 7, enters the area of ​​the coffee machine 1, and is attached to the end of the brewing unit of the coffee machine 1 for the purpose of preparing beverages.

[0075] Preferably, but not necessarily, before activating the brewing process, the controller of coffee machine 1 (which incorporates the electronic controller of device 2) checks whether the user has completed the pressing operation to compress the dose of ground coffee.

[0076] Therefore, by utilizing the technical solution of the present invention, the amount of coffee ground is advantageously independent of the pressing process that occurs later by means of the vertical movement of the piston, which is lifted during the grinding process so as not to hinder the ground coffee from falling into the cup.

[0077] The flexible clutch and indicator allow users to control the degree of coffee compression within certain limits as needed, so as to obtain more or less flavor while maintaining the same amount and particle size of ground coffee.

[0078] The device conceived in this way is easily modified and varied within the scope of the inventive concept. Furthermore, all details can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0079] Depending on the needs and the current state of technology, the materials and dimensions used can be virtually any type.

Claims

1. A coffee machine (1) having a brewing unit with an end for preparing a beverage, and a device (2) for pressing a measured amount of ground coffee powder, the device (2) comprising: Framework (6); The device (2) comprises: a filter holder cup (3) having a filter (4) for introducing and collecting the dose of ground coffee powder; an attachment support (7) mounted in the frame (6) and the filter holder cup (3) being detachably attached to the attachment support (7); and a coffee bean grinder (8) including a slider (9) having an outlet (10) positioned above the filter (4) of the filter holder cup (3) for dispensing ground coffee; the device (2) comprising: a pressing piston (15) for the dose of ground coffee powder present in the filter holder cup (3), the pressing piston (15) being supported by a rod (18) extending vertically above the pressing piston (15); and a lifting mechanism for the pressing piston (15) located above the outlet (10) of the slider (9); The lifting mechanism includes a manual rotation control element (19) and a transmission device. The manual rotation control element (19) is a lever or a knob, and the transmission device converts the rotation of the manual rotation control element (19) into the vertical translation of the pressing piston (15). The transmission includes a gear comprising a vertical rack (20) securely bound to the rod (18) and an arched portion of a gear (21) rotatably supported by a horizontal mechanical shaft (22) connected to the manual rotation control element (19); and The device (2) further includes a pressure adjustment device, which includes an elastic clutch that connects two components of the lifting mechanism to each other.

2. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic clutch connects the manual rotation control element (19) to the arch of the gear (21).

3. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The manual rotation control element (19) has a hollow body (24) in which a bearing (25) is fastened, the bearing (25) having a horizontal axis and being rotatably connected to a coaxial bearing sleeve (26).

4. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bearing sleeve (26) is arranged to pass through a horizontal hole (28) that extends through the thickness of the outer wall of the frame (6).

5. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bearing sleeve (26) has a portion arranged inside the frame (6) for connection to the mechanical shaft (22), and a portion arranged outside the frame (6) for connection to the bearing (25) and the manual rotation control element (19) which is a lever.

6. The coffee machine (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The elastic clutch includes a torsion spring (23) in a helical form, which is inserted between the bearing (25) and the bearing sleeve (26) with a horizontal axis, and has one end (23a) fastened to the bearing (25) and one end (23b) fastened to the bearing sleeve (26).

7. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The coffee machine (1) includes a pressure indicator for identifying the current configuration of the elastic clutch. From the moment the pressure piston (15) begins to be lowered to compact the amount of ground coffee present in the filter holder cup (3), the resistance provided by the compacted amount of ground coffee causes further rotation of the lever-type manual rotation control element (19) to deform the torsion spring (23), which transmits the pressure force to the pressure piston (15), which gradually increases proportionally with its deformation; and the user stops controlling the manual rotation control element (19) at the position where the pressure indicator identifies the desired level of pressure.

8. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (6) includes a guide (16) for vertical translation of the pressing piston (15), the guide (16) having a shape conjugate to the pressing piston (15) and being composed of a cylindrical tube having a vertical axis and being coaxially positioned above the filter holder cup (3).

9. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter holder cup (3) containing the dose of compressed ground coffee powder is separated from the attachment support (7) and attached to the end of the brewing unit for preparing the beverage.

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