Filter handle bowl

Abstract

A filter portafilter holder (1) for coffee extraction includes a portafilter bottom (10) positioned in the filter portafilter during extraction to support coffee grounds, wherein the portafilter bottom includes: an upper surface (2) having an upper opening (20); a lower surface (3) having a lower opening (30); and channels (4) fluidly connecting the upper opening to the corresponding lower opening and thus allowing extracted coffee (93) to flow through the portafilter bottom (10), characterized in that at least one channel in the channels (4) is arranged such that the horizontal position of the cross-section of the channel varies between the corresponding upper opening (20) and the lower opening (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a portafilter basket for a coffee machine, a portafilter with a portafilter basket, and a method for manufacturing a portafilter basket. Background Technology

[0002] The widespread popularity of coffee worldwide has led to significant efforts being made to optimize every step of the coffee preparation process. The goal is to create a perfect cup of coffee.

[0003] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3B Typically, extracting a cup of espresso involves the following steps: grinding roasted coffee beans; filling the portafilter bowl 1 with a certain amount of coffee grounds 95, which is usually included in the portafilter 91; compressing the coffee in the portafilter bowl 1 into a form that can be called a puck; and guiding pressurized hot water through the compressed coffee puck in the portafilter bowl, thereby extracting coffee streams 93 and 94 from the puck.

[0004] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the bottomless filter handle 9 has a portafilter retaining ring 91 with an open bottom, making the bottom 10 of the portafilter 1 visible. The bottomless filter handle can be used to check the quality of coffee extraction. Figure 1 This demonstrates a very good example of extraction. This article focuses on the extracted coffee stream 93 exiting from the bottom of the portafilter basket 1. Figure 2 The example shown is of coffee stream 94, which is a suboptimal example.

[0005] Figure 2 The suboptimal flow 94 shown provides an example of uneven coffee extraction, indicating that an extraction problem is occurring within the portafilter basket 1. Typically, the portafilter basket includes what are called channels. Extraction problems ultimately lead not only to a cluttered worktable but also to poorly extracted espresso.

[0006] The channeling effect discussed in this article refers to the channels within the coffee puck. Water will flow along the path of least resistance, especially when water is under pressure (as during coffee extraction). If the coffee puck in the portafilter has an uneven consistency, the water will not flow evenly across the coffee grounds. This can occur, for example, when the coffee is unevenly ground, improperly distributed, and / or improperly tamped. The channeling effect can be defined as when the extracted coffee seeks out specific narrow paths to flow through in the coffee bed instead of flowing evenly across the entire bed. This is why the channeling effect is so undesirable—it ruins the clarity of the espresso's flavor. The more evenly the coffee grounds are distributed in the portafilter basket and remain as a consistent puck during extraction, the less likely the channeling effect will occur.

[0007] The internal channeling effect of coffee grounds in the portafilter basket can often lead to splashing, which is visible as a stream or spray of liquid ejected from the portafilter basket. For example, see... Figure 2 and Figure 3C After brewing, you may observe pores or cracks in the used coffee powder, which could be a sign of channeling.

[0008] The channeling effect not only causes confusion but also indicates that coffee grounds are extracted unevenly. Areas with higher flow rates (i.e., within the channel) will tend to be over-extracted, while the rest of the coffee grounds will tend to be under-extracted. This results in, for example, inappropriate flavor and an unbalanced espresso taste.

[0009] Conventionally, the filter handle's powder cup is manufactured from a stamped or perforated sheet of metal. However, it has been found that the powder cup may deform unevenly during use due to the relatively high extraction pressure of approximately 9 bar. The bottom 10 of the powder cup may bulge outwards, as... Figure 3C The sidewalls 11 of the bowl, as depicted in the text, can be elliptical in shape. This raises several issues: First, due to deformation, the compressed coffee puck 95 may be improperly supported by the bottom of the portafilter and / or improperly compressed by the side walls of the portafilter during extraction. This can create cracks in the coffee puck and may even cause it to break apart. Figure 3C Individual blocks within the powder. Therefore, the consistency of the powder is reduced and channeling may occur.

[0010] Secondly, before pressurized water is supplied for coffee extraction, coffee grounds are typically distributed onto and / or tamped in the portafilter. These steps are often performed using tools designed for the round shape of the portafilter to function optimally. When the portafilter deviates from its round shape (e.g., due to deformation of the sidewalls 11 and / or bottom wall 10, such as achieving an elliptical shape), the tool may not function properly and the coffee grounds may be unevenly distributed or tamped. In cases of severe deformation, the tool may even fail to fit properly onto / inside the portafilter.

[0011] Another issue is that, as a result of the punching / stamping process, the minimum size of the opening in the bottom 10 of the powder bowl cannot be less than 0.3 mm.

[0012] Similarly, restrictions are imposed on the distance between the corresponding openings, while smaller opening sizes and / or distances may be required for different coffee types and / or recipes.

[0013] Furthermore, the flow of extracted coffee through the filter portafilter and outside the cup can be relatively uncontrolled, especially when combined with channeling effects, as explained above.

[0014] Furthermore, the extracted coffee stream can converge into a single stream relatively quickly or slowly. This will affect the amount of foam and extracted coffee reaching the cup below, as well as the amount of oxygen in contact with the extracted coffee.

[0015] The controllability of flow can further improve the taste, consistency, and appearance of coffee. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The purpose of this invention

[0017] This disclosure aims to provide an improved filter handle bowl, such as a filter handle bowl with improved flavor and / or aesthetics, less prone to deformation and / or less prone to channeling effects, or at least an alternative filter handle bowl, such as a bowl with better control and / or more consistent flow.

[0018] Several aspects of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. This disclosure provides a portafilter holder for coffee extraction according to claim 1. The portafilter holder includes a holder bottom that is positioned within the portafilter during extraction to support coffee grounds.

[0019] The bottom of the portafilter includes: an upper surface with an upper opening; a lower surface with a lower opening; and a channel that fluidly connects the upper opening to the corresponding lower opening and thus allows extracted coffee to flow through the bottom of the portafilter.

[0020] At least one of the channels is arranged such that the horizontal position and / or size of the channel's cross-section varies between a corresponding upper opening and a lower opening. The horizontal position of the upper opening may be defined by the position of its center in the upper surface, and the horizontal position of the lower opening may be defined by the position of its center in the lower surface. The horizontal positions of the corresponding upper and lower openings may be changed such that the upper and lower openings do not completely overlap (e.g., the upper and lower openings partially overlap), for example, in a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the bottom of the bowl (e.g., when viewed from the lower and / or upper surfaces). For example, the size of the upper opening may differ from that of the lower opening, wherein the upper and lower openings are not aligned on the same axis, and for example, the sidewalls of the corresponding channels extending between the lower and upper openings may be partially inclined.

[0021] Alternatively, the dimensions and / or shape of the channel cross-section can be altered, for example, by changing the hydraulic pressure exerted on the extracted coffee flow between the corresponding upper and lower openings. By changing the horizontal position of the cross-section along the channel length, the extracted coffee flow will achieve a horizontal flow velocity in addition to the vertical direct velocity of the prior art. Therefore, the exit direction of the extracted coffee flow can be controlled, offering several advantages: First, due to the presence of a horizontal flow velocity, the outflow direction of the extracted coffee is less random compared to the vertical flow direction, making it easier to predict the outflow direction.

[0022] Secondly, the outflow can converge into a stream earlier. Therefore, splashing is reduced, and the amount of extracted coffee reaching the cup, as well as oxygen contact and / or coffee flavor, can be more consistent in each cup of coffee.

[0023] Furthermore, horizontal flow velocity generally reduces the vertical velocity component of the water flowing through the channel. Therefore, it reduces the risk of channeling effects in the powder compact caused by high vertical velocity.

[0024] Finally, the horizontal flow rate of the extracted coffee stream, especially when it converges into a cohesive stream, is generally aesthetically pleasing. This aesthetic effect is particularly advantageous in so-called bottomless portafilters, where the extracted coffee stream is relatively clearly visible.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention can provide an improved filter handle powder bowl, thereby producing improved taste and aesthetics, reducing the possibility of deformation and / or channeling effects, and achieving better outflow control.

[0026] The center of the upper opening in the upper surface can be offset from the center of the corresponding lower opening in the lower surface. Multiple channels can be arranged such that their respective upper openings are offset relative to their corresponding lower openings; for example, all channels can offset both the upper and lower openings.

[0027] The corresponding centers of the upper and lower openings can be offset in a direction substantially parallel to the upper and / or lower surfaces.

[0028] In one embodiment, the upper opening and the corresponding lower opening of at least one channel are offset from each other in a horizontal direction. For example, the horizontal offset can ensure that when the portafilter basket is in use, i.e. during coffee extraction, the extracted coffee flow through the corresponding at least one channel will have a horizontal flow rate.

[0029] The longitudinal axis of the channel can be defined by an axis passing through the center of the upper opening in the upper surface and the center of the lower opening in the lower surface. The corresponding upper and lower openings of the respective channels can be offset horizontally, causing the longitudinal axis of the channel to be inclined. Thus, the extracted coffee can be configured with a horizontal flow rate component. This horizontal flow rate allows the outflow direction of the extracted coffee from at least one channel to be predetermined. The longitudinal axis can be inclined relative to the bottom of the portafilter, for example, when using a portafilter, i.e., when arranged in the portafilter during extraction, relative to the horizontal direction.

[0030] In this implementation, the upper openings and corresponding lower openings of the multiple channels are offset from each other in a horizontal direction. By having multiple inclined channels, the outflow from the multiple inclined channels can have a horizontal velocity component, thus affecting the overall velocity.

[0031] Specifically, the longitudinal axes of the respective channels may not be parallel to each other. Therefore, the direction of the extracted coffee flow may be affected by the position of the respective channel in the filter handle. For example, the channel may be configured with an inclination angle that varies with distance from the center of the filter handle, causing a corresponding change in the horizontal flow rate of the extracted coffee. This can affect the flow rate through the coffee puck to improve the uniformity of coffee extraction.

[0032] In this implementation, the channels are arranged relative to each other at an angle such that their respective longitudinal axes converge toward each other, thus defining the intersection point where the longitudinal axes intersect. Therefore, compared to a conventional portafilter, the extracted coffee stream below the portafilter can converge into a cohesive stream earlier.

[0033] Therefore, the portafilter can be configured to provide a cohesive outflow for coffee extraction and can be referred to as a cohesive flow portafilter. This reduces splashing, and the amount of extracted coffee reaching the cup, as well as oxygen contact and / or coffee flavor, can be more consistent in each cup of coffee.

[0034] In an embodiment, the distance between the lower surface and the defined intersection point is less than 120 mm, such as 20-100 mm, for example 50-70 mm.

[0035] It has been found that these distances offer a favorable combination of improved taste and aesthetics.

[0036] In this implementation, the thickness of the powder bowl bottom varies via the upper surface, for example, such that the length of the channel depends on the position of the channel within the powder bowl bottom. Changing the thickness on the upper surface means that the thickness of the powder bowl bottom depends on the position; that is, the thickness of the powder bowl bottom can vary in the horizontal plane during use. The height of the upper surface and / or the lower surface of the powder bowl bottom can vary on the respective surfaces.

[0037] By having varying thicknesses, the flow resistance and associated pressure drop in the channel can be predetermined and / or adapted based on the location in the bottom of the powder bowl.

[0038] In this embodiment, the thickness of the filter handle's powder bowl is variable. For example, the bottom wall, side walls, support surface, and / or other portions of the filter handle's powder bowl can be provided with varying thicknesses. Thus, the filter handle's powder bowl can be configured to absorb relatively high stresses at locations subjected to such stresses (e.g., near the bottom of the powder bowl and / or at the support surface). Therefore, the shape stability and / or durability of the filter handle's powder bowl can be improved.

[0039] In one embodiment, the channel is defined in the bottom of the powder bowl by an outer wall, which is arranged at least partially at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the upper surface and / or the lower surface. For example, the channel wall may be provided in a funnel shape.

[0040] Thus, the friction experienced by the extracted coffee stream as it enters and / or leaves the channel, as well as the associated extracted coffee flow rate, can be further locally adapted.

[0041] Although each lower opening and / or upper opening may have a different surface area, the total surface area of ​​the lower openings may be the same as the total surface area of ​​the upper openings.

[0042] In this implementation, the surface area of ​​the upper opening of the upper opening is different from the surface area of ​​the lower opening of the lower opening. It has been found that different opening surface areas allow the extracted coffee stream to have a gentle pressure gradient, which can help improve the taste and / or appearance.

[0043] In this implementation, the surface area of ​​the upper opening is smaller than that of the lower opening. When extracting coffee, since the pressure in the filter portafilter is typically higher than ambient pressure, the smaller upper opening surface area allows the pressure experienced by the extracted coffee to decrease gradually.

[0044] In this embodiment, at least one channel has a diameter of less than 0.3 mm, for example less than 0.2 mm, such as less than 0.1 mm. It has been found that a relatively small diameter can further improve the flavor and / or appearance of the extracted coffee, for example by providing an improved layer of oil foam.

[0045] In this implementation, the cross-sectional shapes of the upper opening and the lower opening are different from each other.

[0046] The shape of the opening can affect the flow through the channel. This shape can be, for example, circular, elliptical, polygonal (e.g., rectangular), or any other desired shape.

[0047] The present invention further relates to a filter handle provided with a filter handle portafilter according to any embodiment disclosed herein. The present invention further relates to a coffee machine provided with a filter handle according to any embodiment disclosed herein.

[0048] The various embodiments of the filter portafilter bowls disclosed herein can be provided in filter portafilters and / or coffee machines, thereby offering similar advantages.

[0049] According to another aspect, this disclosure provides a method for manufacturing, for example, a filter handle bowl according to any embodiment disclosed herein, using metal injection molding, the method comprising the steps of: providing a metal bowl material; and molding the metal bowl material into a filter handle bowl by metal injection molding.

[0050] It has been found that, compared with existing technologies, the use of metal injection molding allows for a wider range of positions, sizes and / or shapes for filter handles (especially their channels).

[0051] Metal injection molding technology can also provide advantages for manufacturing filter handles and powder bowls that are not based on this disclosure.

[0052] Furthermore, the various aspects and features of the filter handle bowl described in this application can be applied to filter handles and / or methods of manufacturing filter handle bowls that are not based on the present invention. These aspects or features, for example, methods of manufacturing filter handle bowls using metal injection molding, can be the subject of divisional patent applications.

[0053] In one embodiment of the method, the step of shaping the metal coffee bowl material includes: forming a bottom of the coffee bowl having at least one channel, the at least one channel being arranged such that the horizontal position and / or size of the channel's cross-section varies between a corresponding upper opening and a lower opening of the channel. Alternatively or alternatively, the shape of the cross-section is varied such that the hydraulic pressure experienced by the extracted coffee flow changes between the corresponding upper and lower openings, for example, wherein the size and / or position of the cross-section remains constant.

[0054] In this embodiment, the method is performed to manufacture a filter handle bowl according to any embodiment disclosed herein. Therefore, similar advantages as described for filter handle bowls can be achieved.

[0055] According to another aspect, this disclosure provides a method of using a filter portafilter, filter portafilter, and / or coffee machine according to any embodiment disclosed herein, comprising the steps of: providing a filter portafilter disposed in a filter portafilter; disposing of ground coffee in the filter portafilter; and extracting coffee by allowing fluid to flow through the ground coffee. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Refer to the figures in the accompanying drawings. These figures are schematic in nature and need not be drawn to scale. Similar reference numerals indicate similar parts or parts with corresponding functions. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 A 3D diagram of a bottomless filter handle and filter handle bowl is shown, demonstrating optimal coffee extraction. Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of a bottomless filter handle and filter handle bowl is shown, demonstrating the second-best coffee extraction. Figure 3A A schematic top view of a bottomless filter handle is shown; Figure 3B The diagram schematically shows a cross-section of the portafilter basket, demonstrating optimal coffee extraction; Figure 3C A cross-section of a modified prior art filter portafilter bowl is schematically shown, demonstrating suboptimal coffee extraction; Figure 4A A top view of the filter handle powder bowl according to an embodiment is shown schematically; Figure 4B Schematic illustration based on Figure 4A Side view of the filter handle and powder bowl; Figure 4C schematically shows Figure 4A The cross section along line (AA) of the filter handle powder bowl; Figure 5A A side view of a cross-section of the bottom of the powder bowl of a filter handle according to one embodiment is shown schematically. Figure 5B A schematic side view of a cross-section of the bottom of the powder bowl of a filter handle according to another embodiment is shown; Figure 5C A schematic side view of a cross-section of the bottom of the powder bowl of a filter handle according to another embodiment is shown; Figure 5D A schematic side view of a cross-section of the bottom of the powder bowl of a filter handle according to another embodiment is shown; Figure 6A A cross-section of the filter handle's powder bowl according to one embodiment is schematically shown; and Figure 6B A cross-section of the filter handle powder bowl according to another embodiment is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The invention will be further illustrated below in its exemplary embodiments.

[0058] General reference Figure 3A The bottomless filter handle 9 typically includes a handle portion 90, a container holding portion 91, and a mounting cam 92 for mounting the filter handle 9 in a coffee machine. The container holding portion 91 may be provided with the filter handle container 1, as described in different embodiments herein.

[0059] exist Figure 3B An example of a filter portafilter 1 is provided. The portafilter 1 has a bottom wall 10, side walls 11, and a support surface 12 that can be arranged on a portafilter retaining portion. The bottom 10 is provided with channels 4, for example, stamped therein. Thus, the channels extend such that their respective longitudinal axes L are perpendicular to the bottom 10. When installed in a coffee machine, the channels 4 extend substantially vertically through the bottom 10. When pressure is applied, it is possible to... Figure 3C The coffee bowl 1' deforms, causing cracks 96 to form in the coffee 95. The sidewalls 11 bend, and due to the deformation of the bottom 10, the longitudinal axes L' of the channels 4 extend away from each other, thus resisting the accumulation of the coffee flow 94.

[0060] Figure 4A The portafilter holder 1 shown in Figure 4C includes a portafilter bottom 10, which is positioned in the portafilter during extraction to support coffee grounds. The portafilter bottom includes an upper surface 2 with an upper opening 20, a lower surface 3 with a lower opening 30, and a channel 4 that fluidly connects the upper opening and the corresponding lower opening, thereby allowing extracted coffee 93 to flow through the portafilter bottom 10. Not all upper openings 20, lower openings 30, and corresponding channels 4 are labeled with reference numerals in the figure.

[0061] At least one of the channels 4 (in this embodiment, all channels except the central channel 4') is arranged such that the horizontal position and / or size of the channel's cross-section varies between the corresponding upper opening 20 and lower opening 30. In this embodiment, both the size and the horizontal position change; however, the channel may change only its size while its position in length remains constant, or vice versa.

[0062] The upper opening 20 and the corresponding lower opening 30 of each of at least one channel 4 are offset from each other in a horizontal direction. In other words, the centers of the upper opening 20 and the lower opening 30 are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the thickness t of the bottom 10.

[0063] The horizontal positions of the upper opening 20 and the corresponding lower opening 30 (except for the upper opening 20' and lower opening 30' of the central channel 4') vary, such that the corresponding upper opening 20 and lower opening 30 do not completely overlap, for example, they partially overlap in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the bottom of the bowl, for example, when viewed from the lower surface 2 and / or the upper surface 3. In particular, the size of the upper opening 20 is different from the size of the corresponding lower opening 30, and the upper opening 20 and lower opening 30 are not aligned on the same axis; for example, the sidewalls of the corresponding channels extending between the corresponding lower opening and the corresponding upper opening are partially inclined.

[0064] Except for the longitudinal axis L that passes through the upper opening 20' and lower opening 30' of the central channel 4' located in the center of the bowl, the longitudinal axis L of the channel 4 passing through the corresponding center point of the opening is inclined.

[0065] The upper openings 20 and corresponding lower openings 30 of the multiple channels are offset from each other in the horizontal direction, and the longitudinal axes L of the corresponding channels 4 are not parallel to each other.

[0066] Each longitudinal axis defines an angle α with respect to the bottom 10 of the powder bowl. In this embodiment, the angle α varies with the distance between the channel 4 and the central channel 4'.

[0067] Specifically, the channels 4 are arranged such that their respective longitudinal axes L converge toward each other at an angle, thereby defining the intersection point F where the longitudinal axes L intersect.

[0068] The distance d between the lower surface 3 and the defined intersection point F is less than 120 mm, such as 20-100 mm, for example 50-70 mm. Other distances may also be provided.

[0069] In Figure 4C, the bottom 10 is shown as having a constant thickness t. Overall reference... Figure 5A The thickness t of the bottom 10 of the coffee bowl can also be varied by the upper surface 2. The length of the channel 4 can be varied such that it depends on the position of the channel in the bottom of the coffee bowl. This allows for changes in the flow resistance in the channel 4. For example, a channel 4 with a larger angle of inclination α can have greater flow resistance than a channel 4 with a smaller angle of inclination α (e.g., the central channel 4' in this embodiment). Furthermore, a channel 4 positioned towards the outer periphery of the filter handle coffee bowl 1 (i.e., at a greater distance from the central channel 4') can be at a greater distance from the coffee machine outlet. By varying the thickness t of the bottom, the flow can be more evenly distributed between the channels.

[0070] See in general Figure 5B In addition to or alternatively changing the length of channel 4, the width of the corresponding channel 4 can be changed, for example, according to the tilt angle α and / or the distance to the center of the powder bowl 1.

[0071] Furthermore, any combination of horizontal position offsets between the upper opening 20 and the lower opening 30 is possible, as are combinations of opening dimensions, tilt angles in the channel, channel length, and channel width, such as... Figure 5C and Figure 5D As shown.

[0072] For example, the channel may be defined in the bottom of the mixing bowl by an outer wall 40 extending between an upper opening 20 and a lower opening 30. In one embodiment, an upper opening may be fluidly connected to a plurality of lower openings, or vice versa.

[0073] In some implementations, such as Figure 5C and Figure 5D As shown, the outer wall 40 is arranged at least partially at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the upper surface 2 and / or the lower surface 3. It has been found that, in this manner, the water flow entering and / or leaving the channel may be less turbulent.

[0074] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In this embodiment, the surface area of ​​the upper opening 20 is equal to the surface area of ​​the lower opening 30. In other embodiments, the upper opening surface area of ​​the upper opening 20 and the lower opening surface area of ​​the lower opening 30 are different from each other. At least one of the channels may have a diameter of less than 0.3 mm, for example less than 0.2 mm, and particularly less than 0.1 mm.

[0075] In Figure 4C, the surface area of ​​the upper opening is smaller than that of the lower opening. In other embodiments, the surface area of ​​the upper opening may be larger than that of the lower opening. Moreover, the dimensions of each opening can be varied so that some upper openings are larger than some lower openings, but the surface area of ​​the upper opening is still smaller than that of the lower opening, and vice versa.

[0076] Although both the upper opening 20 and the lower opening 30 can be circular, their cross-sectional shapes can also differ. The openings can be, for example, polygonal. Furthermore, some openings on the upper and / or lower surfaces can have shapes different from other openings on the same surface.

[0077] like Figures 5A to 5D As shown, the center 21 of the upper opening 20 in the upper surface 2 is offset from the center 31 of the corresponding lower opening 30 in the lower surface 3. A plurality of channels 4 are arranged such that their respective upper openings 20 are offset from their respective lower openings 20 in a direction substantially parallel to the upper surface 2 and the lower surface 3 (particularly in the horizontal direction), such that when the portafilter basket is in use, i.e. during coffee extraction, the extracted coffee flow through at least one of the respective channels 4 will achieve a horizontal flow rate.

[0078] The longitudinal axis L of channel 4 is defined by the axis L passing through the center 21 of the upper opening 20 in the upper surface 2 and the center 31 of the lower opening 30 in the lower surface 3. The corresponding upper opening 20 and the corresponding lower opening 30 of the corresponding channel 4 are offset in the horizontal direction. The longitudinal axis L is inclined relative to the bottom 10 of the powder bowl, for example, when using a filter handle powder bowl, especially when arranged in the filter handle during extraction, it is inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0079] Overall reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B The wall thickness t of the filter handle bowl 1 can vary on the filter handle bowl 1. The thickness t can vary, for example, on the bottom 10, the sidewall 11, and / or the support surface 12. In this way, reinforcing sections 11', 12' can be provided to counteract deformation of the filter handle bowl 1. The reinforcing sections 11', 12' can be provided, for example, near the edge or corner of the filter handle bowl 1, such as at the edge between the sidewall 11 and the support surface 12 and / or at the edge between the sidewall and the bottom 10.

[0080] The filter handle's powder bowl 1 can be manufactured using metal injection molding. Metal injection molding (MIM) has been found to offer a high degree of freedom in positioning the channel within the powder bowl and in varying the wall thickness of the powder bowl. Specifically, using MIM, the horizontal position and / or cross-sectional dimensions of the channel between the upper opening 20 and the lower opening 30 can be effectively changed. For manufacturing, a metal powder bowl material, such as stainless steel or another metal material, can be provided. This metal powder bowl material can then be subsequently formed into the filter handle's powder bowl 1 using metal injection molding.

[0081] In use, the coffee bowl 1 can be positioned on the filter handle 9. Subsequently, the assembly of the filter handle 9 with the coffee bowl 1 can be filled with ground coffee powder and installed in the coffee machine so that coffee 93 can be extracted by allowing a fluid (such as water) to flow through the coffee powder.

[0082] The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Many modifications are conceived without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Specifically, combinations of features from various embodiments or aspects of this disclosure are possible. Aspects of the invention may be further advantageously enhanced by adding features described with respect to other aspects of the invention. Although the invention has been shown and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, such showing and description are merely illustrative or exemplary.

[0083] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and "an" or "a" does not exclude multiple. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A portafilter holder (1) for coffee extraction, comprising a portafilter base (10) positioned within the portafilter during extraction to support coffee grounds, wherein, The bottom of the powder bowl includes: The upper surface (2) is provided with an upper opening (20); The lower surface (3) is provided with a lower opening (30); and The channel (4) fluidly connects the upper opening to the corresponding lower opening and thus allows the extracted coffee (93) to flow through the bottom (10) of the portafilter. The characteristic feature is that at least one of the channels (4) is arranged such that the horizontal position of the cross section of the channel varies between the corresponding upper opening (20) and lower opening (30).

2. The filter handle powder bowl according to claim 1, wherein, The upper opening and the corresponding lower opening of the at least one channel are offset from each other in a horizontal direction, such that the longitudinal axis (L) of the channel is inclined.

3. The filter handle powder bowl according to the preceding claim, wherein, The upper openings (20) and corresponding lower openings (30) of the multiple channels are offset from each other in the horizontal direction, and the longitudinal axes (L) of the corresponding channels are not parallel to each other.

4. The filter handle powder bowl according to the preceding claim, wherein, The plurality of channels are arranged relative to each other at an angle such that the respective longitudinal axes (L) converge toward each other, and thus define the intersection point (F) where the longitudinal axes intersect.

5. The filter handle powder bowl according to the preceding claim, wherein, The distance between the lower surface and the defined intersection (F) is less than 120 mm, such as between 20 and 100 mm, for example between 50 and 70 mm.

6. The filter handle powder bowl according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The thickness (t) of the bottom (10) of the powder bowl varies through the upper surface, for example, such that the length of the channel depends on the position of the channel in the bottom of the powder bowl.

7. The filter handle powder bowl according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one channel is arranged such that the size and / or shape of the channel's cross-section varies between the corresponding upper opening (20) and lower opening (30).

8. The filter handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The wall thickness of the powder bowl in the filter handle is variable.

9. The filter handle powder bowl according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The channel is defined in the bottom of the powder bowl by an outer wall (40) that is arranged at least partially at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the upper surface (2) and / or the lower surface (3).

10. The filter handle powder bowl according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The surface area of ​​the upper opening (20) and the surface area of ​​the lower opening (30) are different from each other.

11. The filter handle powder bowl according to the preceding claim, wherein, The surface area of ​​the upper opening is smaller than the surface area of ​​the lower opening.

12. The filter handle powder bowl according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the channels has a diameter of less than 0.3 mm, for example, less than 0.2 mm.

13. The filter handle powder bowl according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cross-sectional shapes of the upper opening and the lower opening are different from each other.

14. A filter handle (9) provided with a filter handle powder bowl (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A coffee machine provided with a filter handle (9) according to the preceding claim.

16. A method for manufacturing a filter handle powder bowl according to any one of claims 1 to 13 using metal injection molding, the method comprising the steps of: - Provide metal powder bowl material; as well as - The metal powder bowl material is formed into the filter handle powder bowl (1) by metal injection molding.

17. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein, The step of forming the metal powder bowl material includes: forming a powder bowl bottom (10) having at least one channel (4), the at least one channel being arranged such that the size and / or shape of the channel cross-section varies between a corresponding upper opening (20) and a lower opening (30) of the channel.

18. A method of using the filter handle powder bowl (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the following steps: - Provide the filter handle powder bowl (1) arranged in the filter handle (9); - Arrange coffee powder (95) in the filter handle bowl (1); as well as - Coffee is extracted by allowing fluid to flow through the coffee powder (93).

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