Coffee machine with steam distribution knob

Abstract

The utility model relates to a coffee machine (200) with a steam distribution knob, which comprises a steam generating system (201) which generates steam and transmits the steam to a steam distribution rod (202), the steam distribution rod (202) is provided with a distribution nozzle (203), and the distribution nozzle (203) is suitable for being immersed in beverage so as to distribute the steam and enable the beverage to foam; and a steam distribution knob (100) configured to control the steam generation system (201); the steam distribution knob can be squeezed and rotated to enable and select various functions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a coffee machine with special steam distribution knob. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a coffee machine, the handling of milk, in addition to the extraction of coffee from a filter holder, plays an increasingly important role, in particular milk frothing, for the preparation of milk-containing beverages. For this purpose, the coffee machine comprises a steam distribution wand for heating and frothing milk. The steam distribution wand is immersed in the milk contained in a jug-shaped milk tank, thereby injecting hot steam which has the function of heating the milk and creating the desired froth.

[0003] Recently, milk frothing recipes have become very popular depending on the desired temperature of the milk (cold, warm or hot). For this purpose, coffee machines are known on the market which are equipped with a steam distribution wand which has a temperature sensor or probe, thereby detecting the temperature of the milk in the milk tank. In this way, the bartender can set the milk frothing recipe depending on the desired temperature of the milk.

[0004] There is an increasing demand for plant-based or other non-animal milk beverages. This leads to the need to use different recipes depending on the milk used, with different temperature control, steam injection and air of the milk, in order to optimize the final quality of the milk product.

[0005] Coffee machines according to the prior art comprise a steam distribution wand which is operated by the operator in order to distribute steam from the wand. However, the operating time of this steam distribution wand depends on the operator's expertise, who can usually obtain some information about the steam temperature from a central display screen of the coffee machine.

[0006] The most advanced coffee machines usually have a central display screen which displays the steam distribution temperature and the distribution time depending on the recipe selected by the operator. However, this central display screen is used to distribute steam or hot water under pressure in a distribution group to which a filter holder containing ground coffee is coupled for the extraction of coffee. Therefore, this central display screen of the coffee machine is not used for recipes related to the steam distributed with the steam distribution wand.

[0007] US2020 / 138233 discloses a coffee machine with a steam distribution wand and a knob for controlling the steam distribution. SUMMARY

[0008] The object of the utility model is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a coffee machine with a steam distribution knob which can control the operation of the steam distribution wand of the coffee machine.

[0009] Another object is to design a coffee machine with a steam distribution knob which can provide information to the operator.

[0010] Another object is to provide a coffee machine with a multi-functional steam dispensing knob that is able to set different steam dispensing recipes.

[0011] Another object is to provide a coffee machine with a steam dispensing knob that is intuitive and easy to use for the operator.

[0012] The utility model provides a coffee machine with a steam dispensing knob, comprising:

[0013] a steam generation system for generating steam and sending the steam to a steam dispensing wand having a dispensing nozzle adapted to be immersed in a beverage so as to dispense steam and froth the beverage; and

[0014] a steam dispensing knob configured to control the steam generation system;

[0015] characterized in that the steam dispensing knob comprises:

[0016] a base,

[0017] a main PCB mounted on a PCB support bracket mounted on the base,

[0018] an intermediate ring rotatably mounted on the base,

[0019] a ring nut coupled with the intermediate ring such that rotation of the ring nut causes rotation of the intermediate ring, and

[0020] an encoder mounted on the main PCB and configured to detect the position of the intermediate ring;

[0021] wherein axial movement of the ring nut causes axial movement of the main PCB, thereby enabling the functions of the knob, and rotation of the ring nut causes rotation of the intermediate ring, thereby enabling selection and / or enabling the functions of the knob based on the position of the intermediate ring detected by the encoder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Further features of the utility model will become more apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coffee machine with a steam dispensing knob according to the utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of all the components of the steam dispensing knob of the coffee machine of Figure 1 in exploded view.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a base of the knob of Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a main PCB of the knob of Figure 2 ;

[0027] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the middle ring of the knob of Figure 2 , mounted on a support frame, and the main PCB;

[0028] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the main PCB mounted on a support frame, shown from a different angle than Figure 5 ;

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a display, a display housing, and a wire assembly forming part of the knob of Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a ring nut of the knob of Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a cover of the knob of Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing assembly of the display housing to the middle ring;

[0033] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the middle ring coupled with the base and the display housing coupled with the middle ring; and

[0034] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the knob of Figure 2 , assembled. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] A coffee maker according to the present utility model is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which as a whole is indicated by reference numeral 200.

[0036] The coffee maker 200 comprises a steam generating system 201 which generates steam and delivers the steam to a steam dispensing wand 202 having a dispensing nozzle 203 adapted to dispense the steam. The dispensing nozzle 203 is used to be immersed in milk liquid in a milk jug, so as to dispense the steam into the milk liquid, thereby heating the milk liquid and frothing the milk liquid. The milk jug can be supported by a tray 204 located below the steam dispensing wand 202.

[0037] The steam generating system 201 is known per se and therefore will not be described in detail. In any case, this steam generating system 201 generally comprises a boiler which introduces boiling water, a pipe to which it is connected, and a mechanical or electronic system for delivering the steam obtained by boiling water to the wand 202. The steam generating system 201 has a regulating valve 210 which consists of an electromagnetic valve, which can be of the proportional type and which regulates the flow of steam delivered to the wand 202, and an electromagnetic valve, which can be of the proportional type and which regulates the flow of air injected into the milk liquid so as to create a milk foam.

[0038] The steam dispensing knob, generally indicated with the reference 100, controls the steam generating system 201 and in particular the regulating valve 210.

[0039] As with all traditional coffee machines, the coffee machine 200 comprises a dispensing group 205 which is adapted to house a filter holder 206 containing ground coffee.

[0040] The coffee machine 200 can comprise a central display 207 arranged on the machine frame so as to display information to the user.

[0041] With reference to Figure 2 , the knob 100 comprises:

[0042] - a base 1,

[0043] - a main PCB 2 which is mounted on a PCB support 3 inside the base 1,

[0044] - an intermediate ring 4 which is rotatably mounted on the base 1,

[0045] - a display 6 which is mounted on a housing 5 on the intermediate ring 4,

[0046] - a cable assembly 7 which connects the display PCB 60 to the main PCB 2,

[0047] - a ring nut 8 which is mounted on the display 6 and which is coupled with the intermediate ring 4, and

[0048] - a cover 9 which is mounted on the base 1 for locking the components of the knob.

[0049] With reference to Figure 3 , the base 1 comprises a bottom plate 10 which is square or rectangular, the corners 11 of which have a concave-arch profile.

[0050] On the bottom plate 10 there is erected a cylindrical side wall 12 which defines a main PCB cylindrical seat 13. The bottom plate 10 has a substantially rectangular slot 14 which is located in a central position. The slot 14 is surrounded by a peripheral edge 15.

[0051] The pins 16 protrude perpendicularly from the bottom plate 10 into the main PCB cylindrical seat 13, located peripherally with respect to the slot 14. For example, three pins 16 are provided, arranged equidistant from the centre of the main PCB cylindrical seat 13 and equiangular to each other. A respective spring 17 is arranged around the pins 16.

[0052] With reference to Figure 4 , the main PCB 2 has a rear face 20 facing the base 1.

[0053] A first main PCB electrical connector 21 is mounted on the rear face 20 of the main PCB 2, for placement in the slot 14 of the bottom plate 10, so as to be connected by means of an electrical cable to the control unit of the coffee machine.

[0054] A hole 22 is made in the main PCB 2, for sliding engagement with the pins 16 of the base 1, so that the springs 17 of the base 1 bear against the rear face 20 of the main PCB.

[0055] The main PCB 2 comprises a main PCB pin 23, which protrudes rearward from the rear face 2 of the main PCB so as to bear against the bottom plate 10.

[0056] The main PCB 2 is disc-shaped, so as to be mountable in the main PCB cylindrical seat 13 of the base and to slide axially in the cylindrical seat of the base. The springs 17 located between the base 1 and the main PCB 2 act as shock absorbers for the axial movement of the main PCB 2.

[0057] With reference to Figure 6 , the main PCB 2 has a front face 24, in which a second main PCB connector 25 is mounted.

[0058] With reference to Figure 5 , Figure 6 The PCB support frame 3 of the main PCB comprises an annular frame 30, which peripherally supports the main PCB, and a cylindrical handle 31, which protrudes forward from the annular frame 30, the outer diameter of the cylindrical handle 31 of the PCB support frame being smaller than the outer diameter of the annular frame, so as to form a PCB support frame annular step surface 32.

[0059] The intermediate ring 4 has a sleeve shape, with a rear cylindrical wall 40 and a front cylindrical wall 41, the diameter of the front cylindrical wall 41 being smaller than the diameter of the rear cylindrical wall 40, so as to define an intermediate ring annular step surface 42.

[0060] In this way, the cylindrical handle 31 of the PCB support frame is inserted into the front cylindrical wall 41 of the intermediate ring, and the PCB support frame annular step surface 32 of the PCB support frame bears against the intermediate ring annular step surface 42 of the intermediate ring, so that the annular frame 30 of the PCB support frame is contained within the rear cylindrical wall 40 of the intermediate ring. The intermediate ring 4 must be able to rotate freely with respect to the PCB support frame 3.

[0061] The intermediate ring 4 has a locking device 43 which can be a protrusion protruding forward from the rear cylindrical wall 40 of the intermediate ring.

[0062] Referring to Figure 7 , the display 6 has a circular disc shaped screen 61. The display PCB 60 is mounted behind the screen 61. The display PCB 60 is connected to an electrical connector 62 protruding rearwardly from the screen 61.

[0063] The cable assembly 7 has a first cable assembly electrical connector 70 for connection with the second main PCB electrical connector 25 of the main PCB 2 and a second cable assembly electrical connector 71 for connection with the electrical connector 62 of the display 6. A plurality of electrical cables 72 connect the first cable assembly electrical connector 70 of the cable assembly to the second cable assembly electrical connector 71.

[0064] The housing 5 of the display comprises a cylindrical body 50 in the form of an inner hollow sleeve and an annular flange 51 protruding radially outwardly from the front edge of the cylindrical body 50, the cylindrical body 50 of the display housing defining a body cylindrical seat 52.

[0065] The screen 61 is mounted within the housing 5 so as to be flush with the flange 51 of the housing. The display PCB 60 and the electrical connector 62 of the display are housed within the body cylindrical seat 52 of the housing 5.

[0066] The housing 5 has an anti-rotation device 53 which engages with the anti-rotation device of the PCB support frame 3 so as to prevent rotation of the display screen 61 during rotation of the annular nut 8 and the intermediate ring 4 integral with the rotating annular nut.

[0067] The anti-rotation device 53 of the display housing can comprise a fin 54 protruding rearwardly from the rear edge of the cylindrical body 50 of the display housing. The fin 54 can be a spring fin with retaining teeth 55. In this case, the fin 54 of the display housing engages in a snap-on relationship to the anti-rotation device 33 of the PCB support frame, which can be a slot.

[0068] Referring to Figure 8 , the annular nut 8 has a cylindrical side wall 80 and a front wall 81, the front wall 81 having a transparent window 85 so as to enable viewing of the display screen 61.

[0069] The annular nut 8 has a plurality of notches 82 located on the outer surface of the side wall 80 of the annular nut and extending to the front wall 81.

[0070] The side wall 80 has a rear edge 83 in the form of a collar protruding outwardly from the side wall of the annular nut.

[0071] The ring nut 8 has locking means 84 which engage with the locking means 43 of the intermediate ring, so as to make the ring nut 8 rotate integrally with the intermediate ring 4.

[0072] If the locking means 43 of the intermediate ring are protrusions, the locking means 84 of the ring nut are grooves formed in the rear edge 83 of the side wall of the ring nut, in which the protrusions of the locking means 43 of the intermediate ring engage.

[0073] With reference to Figure 9 , the cover has a square or circular side wall 90 so as to surround the side wall 80 of the ring nut. The cover 9 has a front wall 91 having an opening 92 which forms a collar 93. The side wall 80 of the ring nut passes through the opening 92 of the cover, while the rear edge 83 of the ring nut, which has the shape of a collar projecting outwards, is still blocked by the collar 93 of the cover, so that the ring nut 8 cannot be pulled out of the cover. The cover 9 thus acts as a terminal stroke of the pull-out stroke of the ring nut 8.

[0074] The cover 9 has a flange 94 which is arranged at the corner of the cover, corresponding to the corner 11 of the base 1. The flange 94 has a corresponding hole 95 so as to accommodate a screw means V( Figure 2 ) for fixing the cover 9 to the frame of the coffee machine, for example corresponding to the wall 208( Figure 1 ) of the coffee machine arranged in front and above.

[0075] The cover 9 fixes the base 1 to the frame of the coffee machine. To this end, with reference to Figure 2 , the cover 9 can have locking means 96 which engage with the locking means 18 of the base 1 so as to lock the base. The locking means 18 of the base can be spring tabs, while the locking means 96 of the cover can be slots. In this case, the spring tabs of the locking means 18 of the base engage in a snap relationship in the slots of the locking means 96 of the cover.

[0076] The ring nut 8 can rotate and translate axially with respect to the cover 9.

[0077] Figure 10 A first assembly phase of the knob 100 is shown, in which the connectors 70, 71 of the electrical cable 7 are connected to the second main PCB electrical connector 25 of the main PCB 2 and to the electrical connector 62 of the display 6, respectively, so as to pass the electrical cable through the intermediate ring 4.

[0078] Figure 11 A second assembly phase of the knob 100 is shown, in which the display housing 5 is mounted on the intermediate ring 4 so that the anti-rotation means 53 of the display housing pass through the intermediate ring 4 and engage with the anti-rotation means 33 of the PCB support 3, and the PCB support 3 is mounted inside the base 1.

[0079] Figure 12 The final assembly stage of the knob 100 is shown, in which the ring 8 has been mounted on the display 6 so as to engage the intermediate ring 4, and the cover 9 has been mounted on the base 1 so as to block the base 1 and prevent the extraction of the ring 8.

[0080] In normal conditions, the ring 8 is in the extracted rest position, and the operator can press it axially towards the retracted working position. The axial movement of the ring 8 causes an axial movement of the display housing 5, and therefore of the PCB support 3 and of the main PCB 2, pushing the spring 17 of the base. As a result, the pin 16 of the base closes the contacts on the main PCB 3, which is interpreted by the user as an enable command.

[0081] Therefore, the axial pressing of the ring nut 8 causes an enable command to be sent to the machine control unit so as to control the steam dispensing system 201.

[0082] The rotation of the ring nut 8 causes the rotation of the intermediate ring 4 with respect to the PCB support 3 that supports the PCB.

[0083] The encoder 26 is mounted on the main PCB 2 so as to detect the position of the intermediate ring 4. In this way, various functions of the knob 100 can be selected and / or enabled depending on the position of the intermediate ring 4.

[0084] The encoder 26 can for example be a magnetic encoder. In this case, the encoder 26 comprises a magnetic sensor that couples with one or more magnets provided in the intermediate ring 4.

[0085] In a first embodiment, the pressing of the ring nut 8 can cause the steam to be dispensed for a preset time so as to froth the beverage, and a countdown of the steam dispensing time is displayed on the display screen 6. Conversely, the rotation of the ring 8 can cause the steam to be delivered so as to perform a cleaning cycle of the delivery wand 202.

[0086] At this point, both the pressing and the rotation of the ring 8 act on the regulating valve 210 of the steam delivery system 201 of the machine. In this embodiment, it is even possible not to display.

[0087] In a second embodiment, by rotating the ring 8 of the knob, various functions of the knob are displayed on the display screen 6, and the various functions can be selected by pressing the ring 8.

[0088] For example, various recipes for frothing the beverage appear on the display screen 6. Once the desired recipe has been selected, the steam is delivered from the delivery wand 202, heating the milk to the temperature and air quantity indicated by the recipe.

[0089] In this case, the rotating ring can select a recipe stored in the memory of the machine control unit, and the pressing ring can deliver steam from the wand for the temperature and time indicated by the selected recipe.

[0090] Equivalent changes and modifications can be made to the current embodiments of the present application, however, these changes and modifications all fall within the scope of the present application expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Coffee machine (200) with steam dispensing knob, comprising: - a steam generation system (201) for generating steam and sending it to a steam dispensing wand (202) having a dispensing nozzle (203) adapted to be immersed in a beverage so as to dispense steam and froth the beverage; and - a steam dispensing knob (100) configured to control said steam generation system (201); characterized in that said steam dispensing knob (100) comprises: - a base (1), - a main PCB (2) mounted on a PCB support frame (3) mounted on the base (1), - an intermediate ring (4) rotatably mounted on the base (1), - a ring nut (8) coupled with the intermediate ring (4) so that rotation of the ring nut (8) causes rotation of the intermediate ring (4), and - an encoder (26) mounted on the main PCB (2) and configured to detect the position of the intermediate ring (4); wherein axial movement of the ring nut (8) causes axial movement of the main PCB (2) so as to enable the functions of the knob; and rotation of the ring nut (8) causes rotation of the intermediate ring (4) so as to enable selection and / or enabling of the functions of the knob (100) based on the position of the intermediate ring (4) detected by said encoder (26).

2. Coffee maker (200) with steam distribution knob according to claim 1, characterized in that comprising: - a display (6) mounted on a housing (5); said display (6) having a display PCB (60); said housing (5) being mounted on the intermediate ring (4) so that the intermediate ring is rotatable relative to the housing; and said housing (5) being fixedly mounted so as to be rotatable and axially translatable relative to said base (1), and - a cable assembly (7) connecting the display PCB (60) to the main PCB (2); said ring nut (8) being disposed around the display (6) and having a transparent window (85) so as to view said display (6).

3. Coffee maker (200) with steam distribution knob according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The base (1) comprises a bottom plate (10) and a cylindrical side wall (12) rising from the bottom plate (10) so as to define a main PCB cylindrical seat (13) housing said main PCB (2); said bottom plate (10) having a slot (14) through which a first main PCB electrical connector (21) of the main PCB is adapted to be connected by a cable to a control unit of the coffee machine.

4. Coffee maker (200) with steam distribution knob according to claim 3, characterized in that A pin (16) protrudes perpendicularly from the bottom plate (10) into the main PCB cylindrical seat (13) in a peripheral position with respect to the slot (14) and a spring (17) is disposed around the pin (16); wherein said main PCB (2) has a hole (22) adapted to in sliding engagement with the pin (16) of the base (1) so that the spring (17) of the base (1) rests against the rear face (20) of the main PCB (2) and the main PCB (2) comprises a main PCB pin (23) protruding rearwardly from the rear face (20) of the main PCB and resting against the rear face (20) of the base plate (10).

5. Coffee maker (200) with steam dispensing knob according to claim 4, characterized in that The PCB support cage (3) of the main PCB comprises an annular frame (30) perimetrically supporting the main PCB and a cylindrical stem (31) protruding forwardly from the annular frame (30); the outer diameter of the cylindrical stem (31) of the PCB support cage is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular frame so as to form a PCB support cage annular stepped surface (32); and wherein the intermediate ring (4) is sleeve-shaped, having a rear cylindrical wall (40) and a front cylindrical wall (41); the diameter of the front cylindrical wall (41) is smaller than the diameter of the rear cylindrical wall (40) so as to define an intermediate ring annular stepped surface (42); wherein the cylindrical stem (31) of the PCB support cage is inserted within the front cylindrical wall (41) of the intermediate ring and the PCB support cage annular stepped surface (32) of the PCB support cage rests against the intermediate ring annular stepped surface (42) of the intermediate ring so that the annular frame (30) of the PCB support cage is housed within the rear cylindrical wall (40) of the intermediate ring and the intermediate ring (4) is free to rotate with respect to the PCB support cage (3).

6. Coffee maker (200) with steam distribution knob according to claim 5, characterized in that The intermediate ring (4) has locking means (43) adapted to engage with locking means (84) of the annular nut (8) so that the annular nut rotates integrally with the intermediate ring.

7. Coffee maker (200) with steam dispensing knob according to claim 6, characterized in that The locking means (43) of the intermediate ring (4) are protrusions / grooves engaging with protrusions / grooves of the annular nut (8).

8. Coffee maker (200) with steam distribution knob according to claim 2, characterized in that The display (6) has a screen (61); the display PCB (60) is mounted rearwardly of the screen (61) and is connected with an electrical connector (62) protruding rearwardly from the screen (61); the main PCB has a second main PCB electrical connector (25) facing the display PCB (60); and the cable assembly (7) has a first cable assembly electrical connector (70) connected with the second main PCB electrical connector (25) of the main PCB (2), a second cable assembly electrical connector (71) connected with the electrical connector (62) of the display (6), and a plurality of electrical cables (72) connecting the first cable assembly electrical connector (70) to the second cable assembly electrical connector (71) of the cable assembly.

9. Coffee maker (200) with steam distribution knob according to claim 2, characterized in that The housing (5) of the display comprises a cylindrical body (50) shaped as an internally hollow sleeve, and wherein the cylindrical body (50) of the housing of the display is inserted within the front cylindrical wall (41) of the intermediate ring and the intermediate ring annular stepped surface (42) of the intermediate ring rests against the rear face (20) of the cylindrical body (50) of the housing of the display so that the rear cylindrical wall (40) of the intermediate ring is housed within the front face (21) of the cylindrical body (50) of the housing of the display and the intermediate ring (4) is free to rotate with respect to the housing (5) of the display (6). An annular flange (51) protrudes radially outward from the front edge of the cylindrical body (50); the cylindrical body (50) of the housing of the display defines a body cylindrical seat (52); the display (6) has a screen (61) mounted in the housing (5) so as to be flush with the flange (51) of the housing, the display PCB (60) being housed in the body cylindrical seat (52) of the housing (5).

10. Coffee maker (200) with steam dispensing knob according to claim 8, characterized in that The housing (5) of the display has anti-rotation means (53) which engage with the anti-rotation means of the PCB support frame (3) so as to prevent rotation of the screen during rotation of the annular nut (8) and of the intermediate ring (4).

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