Brewing unit for machine for preparing coffee and corresponding machine

Abstract

A brewing unit (10, 210) for an automatic machine (100) for preparing coffee drinks, the brewing unit comprising: a brewing chamber (12), the bottom of which is closed by a first piston (13, 213) and the top of which, on the opposite side, is closed by a second piston (14, 214); and an inlet conduit (15; 215) for hot water, which is in communication with the inlet side (12A) of the brewing chamber (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to a brewing unit for an automated machine for preparing coffee beverages that can be prepared under low pressure (without milk foam, as required for preparing "drip" coffee beverages) or under pressure (with milk foam, i.e., beverages with the sensory characteristics of "espresso" coffee beverages). Background Technology

[0002] Automatic coffee machines are known to be able to prepare drip coffee (also known as Americano) and espresso.

[0003] As is well known, both "espresso" and "drip" coffees need to meet certain specific requirements to be considered high-quality, and these requirements are often contradictory. In fact, "espresso" coffee requires a layer of foam (i.e., milk foam) with a certain consistency and color to form on top of the drink, while "drip" coffee requires no bubbles, which is generally consistent with the characteristics of coffee prepared by percolation.

[0004] A typical machine capable of selectively preparing one or another beverage (“espresso” or “drip” beverage) includes a brewing unit equipped with a brewing chamber suitable for receiving and containing a certain amount of coffee powder, a circuit for feeding brewing water (hot water is fed into the brewing chamber through this circuit), and a single beverage outlet circuit.

[0005] The valve unit is connected to the beverage outlet circuit, which is separate from the brewing unit, and the beverage dispensing conduit is connected to the beverage outlet circuit.

[0006] The valve unit includes a so-called "milk foam" valve on the first branch for dispensing "espresso," the purpose of which is to increase the outlet pressure of the coffee beverage, creating turbulence in the flow, thereby forming bubbles and foam, thus creating the milk foam characteristic of premium espresso; and the valve includes a switch valve on a separate second branch, which can be controlled to open or close the second branch, and thus direct the beverage directly to the dispensing conduit or the milk foam valve, respectively.

[0007] One drawback of this machine is that the brewing unit and valve unit together have a large overall size. In addition, the distance between the two units and their misalignment necessitates the formation of an outlet loop and two separate branches through which the beverage flows. These branches have meandering paths that create turbulence in the flow and can therefore affect the quality of the prepared beverage (especially "drip" coffee).

[0008] On the other hand, the distance between the milk frothing valve and the brewing unit has a particularly negative impact on the preparation of "espresso" because the pressure of the beverage in the path to the milk frothing valve may vary or is difficult to control in any way.

[0009] Another drawback of the above-mentioned brewing unit and valve unit configuration is that it is difficult to keep the conduit through which the beverage must flow clean.

[0010] Temporarily dispensing pressurized hot water does not always guarantee sufficient cleanliness of the conduit, and coffee sediment often remains in the conduit, which may result in different tastes in subsequently dispensed beverages.

[0011] Solutions that combine the brewing unit and valve assembly into a single component are also known. However, to date, these solutions have been structurally complex, unreliable, and difficult to clean.

[0012] Documents WO 2014 / 119414 A1, US 2011 / 041697 A1 and WO 2021 / 229622 A1 disclose brewing units of known types.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need to improve the brewing unit of a coffee preparation machine and the corresponding machine to overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0014] One object of the present invention, corresponding to the technical problem that the applicant aims to solve, is to provide a brewing unit that is simple to manufacture and has a limited overall size, allowing for the preparation of low-pressure non-foamed beverages (such as those required for preparing "drip" coffee beverages) and high-pressure milk-foamed beverages (i.e. beverages with the sensory characteristics of "espresso" coffee beverages).

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a brewing unit that can improve the extraction of beverages, especially, but not limited to, the extraction of "espresso" coffee beverages.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic machine for preparing coffee, wherein the brewing unit is easy to clean, whether automatically or manually.

[0017] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0019] In accordance with the above objectives and to solve the above-mentioned technical problems in a novel and original manner, while achieving significant advantages over the prior art, the brewing unit of the automatic machine for preparing coffee beverages according to the present invention comprises: a brewing chamber, the bottom of which is closed by a first piston and the top of which is closed by a second piston on the opposite side; and an inlet conduit for hot water, which communicates with the inlet side of the brewing chamber.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the brewing unit includes: a valve housed within a first piston or a second piston; and two distinct outlet conduits communicating with the outlet side of the brewing chamber, wherein the first outlet conduit is fluidly connected to the valve and is specifically designed for delivering an espresso coffee beverage, and the second outlet conduit is fluidly connected to a switch valve outside the brewing chamber and is specifically designed for delivering a drip coffee beverage.

[0021] According to the invention, the valve (referred to in the art as a milk frothing valve) is preferably housed inside a first piston that, together with the brewing chamber, defines a movable component that can engage with a second piston during use.

[0022] This approach achieves at least the following advantages: it creates a particularly compact brewing unit that can directly supply espresso or drip coffee beverages at the outlet without requiring additional downstream circuitry.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the brewing unit includes a decanting chamber formed inside the head portion of a first piston (i.e., the lower piston) and configured to house a base in which a valve is housed.

[0024] The decanting chamber is particularly useful in preparing “drip” beverages because it allows the beverage to accumulate, which helps reduce the bubbles that form as water passes through powdery substances and any filters.

[0025] Furthermore, integrating the valve into the head portion of the first piston significantly simplifies the dispensing circuit for coffee beverages, especially espresso. Additionally, the valve's proximity to the brewing chamber improves the quality of beverage extraction and the formation of foam or milk foam layers.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the outlet conduit communicates with the decanting chamber through corresponding outlet holes, which are formed to pass through one of the walls of the head portion of the first piston and the side wall of the brewing chamber. The first outlet hole communicates with the decanting chamber via a valve, while the second outlet hole communicates directly with the decanting chamber.

[0027] An outlet conduit, or in any case a portion thereof, and an outlet orifice are formed on the first piston and the brewing chamber, forming an integral assembly as described, which facilitates cleaning of the components, especially manual cleaning.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the outlet hole is located at a different distance from the bottom wall of the head portion.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the distance between the first outlet hole and the bottom wall is greater than (or less than) the distance between the second outlet hole and the bottom wall.

[0030] In this way, the entire volume of the decanting chamber can be used for "drip" type beverages.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the outlet holes are manufactured to be offset at an angle relative to each other, preferably between 1-2° and 180°.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the offset angle is between about 5° and about 120°, even more preferably between about 10° and about 90°, and even more preferably between about 10° and about 50°.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, the base is manufactured to protrude from the peripheral region of the bottom wall, wherein the height of the base is only slightly lower than the height of the side wall of the head portion. According to one variation, the base is manufactured to the thickness of the bottom wall of the head portion.

[0034] The present invention also relates to an automatic machine for preparing “espresso” coffee beverages and “drip” coffee beverages, the automatic machine comprising a coffee powder feeding unit, a brewing unit as described above, a water supply source connected to an inlet conduit, and a beverage dispensing nozzle connected to an outlet conduit.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the machine includes a housing configured to removably receive an extraction assembly formed by a brewing chamber and a first piston housing a valve, and generally also formed by all components integral with the brewing chamber and the first piston.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing is provided with a first connecting member, and the brewing unit is provided with a second connecting member associated with the outer wall of the brewing chamber, the first connecting member and the second connecting member being configured to cooperate with each other to ensure releasable positioning of the extraction component in the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0037] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given as a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0038] -Figures 1 to 2 This invention relates to the preparation and dispensing of drip coffee beverages. Figure 1 ) and "espresso" coffee drinks ( Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the brewing unit of the machine; - Figure 3 yes Figures 1 to 2 A variation of the brewing unit; - Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A detached view of the components of the brewing unit, with the first piston section cut out to show the path of an espresso coffee beverage; - Figure 4a It shows Figure 4 The first piston is partially cut according to another cutting plane to show the path of a "drip" coffee drink; - Figures 5 to 6 This is a partially sectional 3D view of the brewing unit, showing the "espresso" coffee beverage. Figure 5 ) and drip coffee drinks ( Figure 6 The path; - Figure 7 This is a top plan view of the first piston; - Figure 8 and Figure 9 They are Figure 7 The first piston along section line VIII-VIII ( Figure 8 ) and IX-IX ( Figure 9 ) sectional view; - Figure 10 This is a side view of the brewing unit; - Figure 11 and Figure 12 They are Figure 10 The brewing unit is along the section line XI-XI ( Figure 11 ) and XII-XII ( Figure 12 ) sectional view; - Figures 13 to 14 This is a three-dimensional view of a coffee-making machine according to the present invention.

[0039] We must clarify that the wording and terminology used in this specification, as well as the figures in the accompanying drawings, also serve the sole purpose of better illustrating and explaining the invention, with the aim of providing a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0040] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0041] refer to Figures 1 to 2 The diagram schematically shows a brewing unit 10 configured to selectively provide low-pressure (no milk foam) coffee beverages (as required for preparing "drip" coffee beverages) and high-pressure (with milk foam) coffee beverages (i.e. beverages with the sensory characteristics of "espresso" coffee beverages).

[0042] The brewing unit 10 includes an open brewing chamber 12, which is suitable for holding a certain amount of coffee powder to be brewed.

[0043] The brewing chamber 12 is typically open, and its bottom is closed by the first piston 13.

[0044] The brewing chamber 12 may be defined by a body that is tubular, preferably cylindrical with a circular cross-section, although it may also be configured with different structures such as elliptical or polygonal cross-sections.

[0045] The first piston 13 is preferably slidably disposed inside the brewing chamber 12 along its longitudinal axis X.

[0046] The first piston 13 includes: a head portion 23 disposed inside the brewing chamber 12; and a rod 35 that is slidably guided in a through hole 11A in the bottom wall 11 of the brewing chamber 12 and extends from the outside of the bottom wall 11.

[0047] The head portion 23 is provided with peripheral seals 21, which are adapted to mate with the sidewall 17 of the brewing chamber 12 to achieve a hydraulic seal.

[0048] The brewing unit 10 further includes a second piston 14, which is configured to engage the brewing chamber 12 on the side opposite to the first piston 13 and close its top.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the brewing chamber 12, together with the first piston 13, defines a movable extraction assembly and engages with the second piston 14 at a corresponding location in the brewing area of ​​the machine 100 for preparing coffee beverages.

[0050] The brewing chamber 12 and the first piston 13 are integrated together and can move together as a single unit.

[0051] The second piston 14 includes a head portion 24 which is disposed inside the brewing chamber 12 during use and slides along the longitudinal axis X.

[0052] The head portion 24 is provided with peripheral seals 21, which are adapted to mate with the sidewall 17 of the brewing chamber 12 to achieve a hydraulic seal.

[0053] The brewing unit 10 includes an inlet conduit 15 for hot water, which communicates with the inlet end 12A of the brewing chamber 12. During use, the inlet conduit 15 is connected to a water tank or other water supply source, not shown.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the brewing unit 10 further includes a valve 19 (referred to by those skilled in the art as a "milk frothing valve"), which is housed in a base 22 disposed in the head portion 23 of the first piston 13. Thus, the valve 19 is an integral part of the brewing unit 10, and particularly of the first piston 13.

[0055] Valve 19 may include a spring 19A, with a first gate element 19B and a second gate element 19C associated with the spring, such as Figure 4 As shown.

[0056] Valve 19 is configured to allow the beverage to pass through only when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, in order to obtain a beverage with sensory characteristics similar to "espresso".

[0057] For example, valve 19 can be configured to withstand a maximum pressure of about 4 bar, preferably between 1 bar and 4 bar.

[0058] refer to Figures 1 to 2 Valve 19 is in fluid communication with brewing chamber 12 (which receives coffee beverages) and first outlet conduit 16A (which delivers coffee beverages downstream). In other words, valve 19 is inserted between brewing chamber 12 and first outlet conduit 16A. First outlet conduit 16A is dedicated solely to delivering "espresso" coffee beverages.

[0059] A separate second outlet conduit 16B is in fluid communication with the brewing chamber 12, and along this second outlet conduit are components associated with the switching valve 34 outside the brewing unit 10. The second outlet conduit 16B is dedicated solely to delivering drip coffee beverages.

[0060] The switching valve 34 may be, for example, a solenoid valve configured to be controlled to open and close the second outlet conduit 16B, thereby determining the preferred path for the coffee beverage.

[0061] Therefore, when the switch valve 34 is opened, the drip coffee beverage flows through the second outlet conduit 16B because the pressure generated inside the brewing chamber 12 is insufficient to open the valve 19.

[0062] If the switch valve 34 is closed, the pressure of the coffee beverage will increase until the valve 19 is opened, through which the beverage flows into the first outlet conduit 16A.

[0063] The outlet conduit 16 is connected to a beverage dispensing nozzle (not shown) during use.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the outlet conduits 16A, 16B advantageously include corresponding flange portions 16A', 16B' extending from the sidewall 17 of the brewing chamber, and corresponding elongated portions 16A', 16B', one side of the elongated portion being connected to the delivery nozzle and the other side (preferably removably) being connected to the corresponding flange portion 16A', 16B'. Figure 4 ).

[0065] According to the reference Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figures 4 to 4a In the described embodiment, the inlet conduit 15 is at least partially formed to pass through the second piston 14. The outlet conduits 16A and 16B are at least partially formed to pass through both the first piston 13 and the sidewall 17 of the brewing chamber 12.

[0066] In this configuration, the water flows from top to bottom as indicated by arrow F1, while the coffee beverage flows in a generally radial direction F2 (“espresso”) and F2’ (“drip”), and possibly partially tangentially, through the first piston 13 and the side wall 17 of the brewing chamber 12, and through one or the other outlet conduit 16A, 16B.

[0067] At least one water inlet channel 46 is formed in the second piston 14, the at least one water inlet channel defining the end portion of the inlet conduit 15 upstream of the brewing chamber 12.

[0068] According to some embodiments, a perforated element 44 is provided at one end 24A of the head portion 24 of the second piston 14. Water from the feed pipe 46 diffuses through this perforated element to the top of the coffee powder, so as to make the coffee powder evenly distributed. Figures 1 to 2 and Figure 4 As shown.

[0069] The brewing unit 10 includes a filter element 18, which is disposed in the brewing chamber 12 during use, corresponding to one end facing the outlet conduit 16A, 16B, and is provided with a plurality of through holes 18B, such as... Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figures 4 to 9 As shown. The diameter of these through-holes 18B is suitable for allowing coffee beverages to pass through while preventing wet or dry coffee grounds from passing through.

[0070] The brewing unit 10 includes a decanting chamber 20 disposed between the filter element 18 and the outlet conduits 16A and 16B, and configured to allow coffee beverage to accumulate therein and slow its flow towards the outlet conduits 16A and 16B, such as... Figures 1 to 2 , Figures 5 to 6 , Figures 8 to 9 As shown.

[0071] Especially for drip coffee preparation, any bubbles in the coffee beverage (which may result in foam in the dispensed beverage) have time to disperse and dissolve, so the coffee beverage flowing from the dispensing nozzle has characteristics comparable to that obtained by percolation in a traditional drip coffee machine. If any bubbles are present, they may also create local pressure changes in the coffee beverage, which may alter the proper operation of valve 19 when dispensing espresso.

[0072] According to some embodiments, reference Figures 1 to 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 4a , Figures 8 to 9 The decanting chamber 20 is formed inside the head portion 23 of the first piston 13, and therefore the head portion is at least partially hollow.

[0073] Specifically, the head portion 23 has an opening at the top and is closed by the filter element 18.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the head portion 23 has a cup shape defined by a bottom wall 25 and one or more side walls 26, which define a decanting chamber 20, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 4a As shown. The top of the decanting chamber 20 is defined by the filter element 18, as... Figures 8 to 9 As shown.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the filter element 18 is positioned on the upper edge of the sidewall 26, such as... Figures 5 to 8 As shown.

[0076] The head portion 23 may include a support portion 27 protruding from the central region of the bottom wall 25, the support portion having a height consistent with that of the side wall 26.

[0077] The support portion 27 is configured to support the filter element 18 in the central region to prevent any deformation of it during the operation of compression and subsequent discharge of used coffee powder.

[0078] In fact, to fully compress the used coffee grounds and allow residual moisture to drain out, approximately 0.2-0.5 kg / cm³ is required. 2 The high compressive force, and therefore, if not properly supported, the filter element 18 may deform due to the resistance with the coffee powder because of the distance between it and the bottom wall 25.

[0079] The support portion 27 may have a cavity 27A, which may be threaded, into which an attachment member 29 (e.g., a screw) may be inserted to attach the filter element 18 through a through hole 18A made in the filter element.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the base 22 is positioned in the periphery of the decanting chamber 20 corresponding to the bottom wall 25, and the shape of the base is adapted to accommodate the valve 19, such as... Figure 4 , Figure 4a , Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 11 As shown.

[0081] The base 22 is open in at least two directions to allow coffee beverage to flow from the decanting chamber 20 through the valve 19 to the first outlet conduit 16A. The base 22 is open at the top toward the filter element 18.

[0082] According to possible embodiments, the base 22 may have a substantially hollow cylindrical or truncated conical shape. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the shape of the base 22 substantially matches the shape of the valve 19, and therefore may also differ from a hollow cylindrical or truncated conical shape.

[0083] The base 22 is preferably manufactured as an integral part of the head portion 23, that is, formed as a single main body.

[0084] According to a variant not shown, the base 22 can be manufactured as a separate component and associated with the head portion 23 by press-fit connection, interlocking connection or the use of mechanical attachment components (such as screws).

[0085] According to some embodiments, the base 22 is manufactured within the main body of the head portion 23, flush with the bottom wall 25 of the decanting chamber 20, such as... Figures 1 to 2 As shown. In other words, the base 22 is lower than the bottom wall 25 and is manufactured to the thickness of the bottom wall.

[0086] According to other embodiments, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 4a The base 22 can be manufactured to protrude from the periphery of the bottom wall 25, wherein the height of the base is only slightly lower than the height of the side wall 26. The height of the base 22 is also only slightly lower than the height of the support portion 27.

[0087] refer to Figure 8 The bottom of the base 22 may be defined by the bottom wall 25 of the decanting chamber 20, and the sides may be defined by the receiving wall 28. The receiving wall 28 may be at least partially integrated into the side wall 26 of the decanting chamber 20, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 4a As shown.

[0088] According to other embodiments, the receiving wall 28 may completely define the base 22 and may be spaced apart from the side wall 26 of the decanting chamber 20.

[0089] According to some embodiments, two outlet conduits 16A, 16B communicate with the decanting chamber 20 through corresponding outlet holes 31A, 31B. These outlet holes are formed to pass through one of the walls 25, 26 of the head portion 23 of the first piston 13 and the side wall 17 of the brewing chamber 12, such as... Figures 8 to 9 , Figures 11 to 12 As shown.

[0090] The outlet holes 31A and 31B are preferably manufactured to pass through the sidewall 26 of the head portion 23 of the first piston 13.

[0091] The first outlet conduit 16A communicates with the decanting chamber 20 through the first outlet port 31A, which opens toward the base 22 housing the valve 19. Figure 8 As shown.

[0092] The second outlet conduit 16B is directly connected to the decanting chamber 20 through a second outlet port 31B, which is different from the first outlet port 31A. Figure 8 As shown.

[0093] The outlet holes 31A and 31B are manufactured to be offset in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X, for example, at different distances from the bottom wall 25 or the filter element 18. In other words, the outlet holes 31A and 31B are arranged in a staggered manner in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0094] according to Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment, the first outlet hole 31A is located at a lower height than the second outlet hole 31B. In this case, the holes 31A and 31B are essentially manufactured to "span" the base wall 25 and are located on the base surface between them. The first outlet hole 31A is at least partially recessed, i.e., manufactured in the base wall 25.

[0095] according to Figures 8 to 9 In other embodiments, two holes 31A and 31B are disposed between the bottom wall 25 and the filter element 18. The distance between the first outlet hole 31A and the bottom wall 25 is greater than the distance between the second outlet hole 13B and the bottom wall.

[0096] Specifically, the first outlet hole 31A is located substantially at the midpoint between the bottom wall 25 and the filter element 18, while the second outlet hole 31B is located substantially at the same height as the bottom wall 25 or slightly lower relative to the bottom wall.

[0097] The outlet holes 31A and 31B are preferably manufactured with an angle offset α, which is between about 1-2° and about 180° (relative positioning).

[0098] According to possible embodiments, the offset angle α can be between about 5° and about 120°, or even more preferably between about 10° and about 90°.

[0099] refer to Figures 11 to 12 The offset angle α is between approximately 10° and approximately 50°, for example, approximately 30°.

[0100] refer to Figures 11 to 12 The outlet holes 31A and 31B preferably have an extending direction, including a first basic radial section and a second basic tangential section. The second basic tangential section extends through the side wall 17 of the brewing chamber 12 toward the corresponding outlet conduits 16A and 16B.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the bottom wall 25 may have a flat shape, substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, or may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane at least toward the second outlet hole 31B in order to deliver coffee beverages to the hole.

[0102] Depending on possible variations, such as reference Figures 4 to 6 The brewing unit 10 may include an insert 30 configured to be positioned within the decanting chamber 20 during use, with the purpose of directing the coffee beverage flow so that it follows an indirect path, at least toward the second outlet orifice 31B. This allows time for the coffee beverage, if it contains bubbles, to dissolve and disperse before it leaves the brewing unit 10.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the insert 30 has a planar shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the decanting chamber 20, and includes an upper wall 32 (preferably inclined toward the outlet holes 31A, 31B, particularly toward the second outlet hole 31B) and a support wall 33 configured to cooperate with the bottom wall 25.

[0104] According to some embodiments, the upper wall 32 is provided with a central through groove 41A suitable for allowing the support portion 27 to pass through and a peripheral through groove 41B suitable for allowing the base 22 to pass through.

[0105] The insert 30 may include a deflector 40 extending from the upper surface 32, which is configured to redirect the flow path of the beverage, preventing it from flowing directly into the outlet orifice 31B. This allows for a further reduction in the likelihood of residual bubbles in the coffee beverage.

[0106] The steering member 40 may include at least one annular protrusion 42 that opens toward the second outlet hole 31B and the base 22 during use.

[0107] refer to Figures 13 to 14 The image shows an automated machine 100 for preparing drip and espresso coffee beverages. The machine 100 includes a coffee powder feeding unit, a brewing unit 10, a water supply source connected to an inlet conduit of the brewing unit 10, and beverage dispensing nozzles connected to outlet conduits 16A and 16B.

[0108] The machine 100 includes a housing 111 configured to removably receive an extraction assembly 110 formed by a brewing chamber 12 and a first piston 13 containing a valve 19.

[0109] The housing 111 is provided with a first connecting member 112, and the extraction assembly 110 is provided with a second connecting member 113 associated with the outer wall of the brewing chamber 12. The first and second connecting members are configured to cooperate with each other to ensure the releasable positioning of the extraction assembly.

[0110] The housing 111 is composed of a U-shaped structure with an open front. The housing has two opposing side arms 114 and 115 and a connecting wall 116 located between the side arms 114 and 115. A first connecting member 112 is provided on the two opposing side arms. An accessory for the flange portions 16A' and 16B' of the outlet conduits 16A and 16B is provided in the connecting wall.

[0111] The integration of the extraction components (including valve 19, filter element 18, decanting chamber 20, outlet orifices 31A, 31B and flange portions of outlet conduits 16A, 16B) into the first piston 13 and the brewing chamber 12 makes it possible to completely remove the extraction assembly 110 for cleaning.

[0112] The connecting members 112 and 113 may include resilient fins that form a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0113] Release member 117 may be associated with the body or housing 111 of brewing chamber 12 to disengage the second coupling member 113 from the first coupling member 112 and allow removal of extraction assembly 110. According to a variant, release member 117 may be associated with housing 111 or another fixed part of machine 100.

[0114] The release component 117 can be, for example, a button that is manually activated.

[0115] The release member 117 can be configured to act directly on the first coupling device 112 or through an intermediate mechanism to disengage the first coupling device 112 from the second coupling device 113.

[0116] It is obvious that modifications and / or additions can be made to the brewing unit of the coffee preparation machine and the corresponding machine as described above without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0117] refer to Figure 3 The brewing unit 210 according to the second embodiment is described. Figures 1 to 2 Common elements in the first embodiment shown are represented by the same numbers; while corresponding but different elements are represented by... Figures 1 to 2 The number used is represented by adding 200.

[0118] The brewing unit 210 includes: a brewing chamber 12, the bottom of which is closed by a first piston 213 and the top of which, on the opposite side, is closed by a second piston 214; and an inlet conduit 215 for hot water, which communicates with the inlet side 12A of the brewing chamber 12. The inlet conduit 215 is formed on the first piston 213, specifically passing through the head portion 223.

[0119] Valve 19 is housed in base 22 disposed within decanting chamber 20, which is formed in the head portion 224 of second piston 214. Outlet ports 231A and 231B are formed through the second piston 214 and the side wall 17 of brewing chamber 12. In this configuration, water and coffee beverage flow upwards from the bottom through one or the other outlet conduit 16A or 16B connected to the respective outlet ports 231A and 231B.

[0120] It is equally apparent that, although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art will be able to implement brewing units for coffee preparation machines and other equivalent forms of corresponding machines, which have the features set forth in the claims, and therefore all fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0121] In the following claims, the references in parentheses are for ease of reading only and should not be considered as limiting factors of the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A brewing unit (10; 210) of an automatic machine (100) for preparing coffee beverages, the brewing unit comprising a brewing chamber (12) and an inlet conduit (15; 215) for hot water, the bottom of the brewing chamber being closed by a first piston (13; 213) and the top of the brewing chamber on the opposite side being closed by a second piston (14; 214), the inlet conduit communicating with the inlet side (12A) of the brewing chamber (12), characterized in that, The brewing unit (10) includes a valve (19) and two separate outlet conduits (16A, 16B). The valve is housed inside the first piston (13) or the second piston (214). The two separate outlet conduits communicate with the outlet side (12B) of the brewing chamber (12). The first outlet conduit (16A) is fluidly connected to the valve (19), and the second outlet conduit (16B) is fluidly connected to a switch valve (34) outside the brewing chamber (12).

2. The brewing unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brewing unit includes a decanting chamber (20) formed inside the head portion (23) of the first piston (13) and configured to house a base (22) in which the valve (19) is housed.

3. The brewing unit (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outlet conduits (16A, 16B) are connected to the decanting chamber (20) through corresponding outlet holes (31A, 31B), the outlet holes being formed to pass through one of the walls (25, 26) of the head portion (23) of the first piston (13) and the side wall of the brewing chamber (12), wherein the first outlet hole (31A) is connected to the decanting chamber (20) through the valve (19), wherein the second outlet hole (31B) is directly connected to the decanting chamber (20).

4. The brewing unit (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outlet holes (31A, 31B) are located at different distances from the bottom wall (25) of the head portion (23).

5. The brewing unit (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distance between the first outlet hole (31A) and the bottom wall (25) is greater than the distance between the second outlet hole (31B) and the bottom wall (25).

6. The brewing unit (10) according to any one of claims 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that, The outlet holes (31A, 31B) are manufactured to be offset from each other at an angle (α), the offset angle being between 1-2° and 180°, more preferably between 5° and 120°.

7. The brewing unit (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The base (22) is manufactured to protrude from the peripheral area of ​​the bottom wall (25), wherein the height of the base is only slightly lower than the height of the side wall (26) of the head portion (23).

8. The brewing unit (210) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brewing unit includes a decanting chamber (20) manufactured in the head portion (224) of the second piston (214), and the valve (19) is housed in a base (22) disposed in the decanting chamber (20).

9. The brewing unit (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outlet conduits (16A, 16B) are connected to the decanting chamber (20) through corresponding outlet holes (231A, 231B), the outlet holes being made to pass through the second piston (214) and the sidewall (17) of the brewing chamber (12), wherein the first outlet hole (231A) is connected to the decanting chamber (20) through the valve (19), and the second outlet hole (231B) is directly connected to the decanting chamber (20).

10. An automatic machine (100) for preparing coffee beverages, the automatic machine comprising a coffee powder feeding unit, a brewing unit (10; 210) as described in any of the preceding claims, a water supply source connected to the inlet conduit (15; 215), and a beverage dispensing nozzle connected to the outlet conduit (16A, 16B).

11. The machine (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The machine (100) includes a housing (111) configured to removably receive an extraction assembly (110) formed by the brewing chamber (12) and a first piston (13) that houses the valve (19).

12. The machine (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The housing (111) is provided with a first connecting member (112), and the extraction assembly (110) is provided with a second connecting member (113) associated with the outer wall of the brewing chamber (12). The first connecting member and the second connecting member are configured to cooperate with each other to ensure the releasable positioning of the extraction assembly (110).

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