Filter handle

Abstract

A filter handle (100) for receiving a filter basket (110) to hold coffee grounds to be extracted into a coffee beverage, the filter handle comprising: a chamber (120) for receiving the filter basket, the chamber having a first outlet (130) for allowing the coffee beverage to flow out of the chamber; a conduit (140) fluidly connected to the first outlet for conveying the extracted coffee beverage from the first outlet towards a second outlet (150), the conduit being made of a resiliently deformable material; a handle (160) attached to the chamber for holding the filter handle, the handle comprising: a shaft (180) disposed within the handle, the shaft having a distal end (182) positioned adjacent the conduit, wherein the shaft is movable relative to the conduit between an open position in which the conduit is substantially unobstructed by the distal end of the shaft and a restricted position in which the distal end of the shaft resiliently deforms the conduit to increase a flow resistance of the conduit.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims Convention priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2025901200 and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024902010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This utility model relates to a filter holder or filter handle with adjustable back pressure. Background Technology

[0004] For relatively inexperienced consumers, espresso brewing is often perceived as difficult or unpredictable. The main reason is the need to "adjust" the grind size and dosage to provide sufficient hydraulic resistance to the pressurized hot water passing through the coffee grounds held in the filter basket, ensuring the flow rate through the grounds and the pressure gradient maintained across the grounds are within acceptable limits. A flow rate that is too fast (meaning insufficient hydraulic resistance) typically results in under-extraction of the coffee beverage due to the shorter contact time between water and coffee grounds, lower peak water pressure, and lower cavitation caused by the reduced pressure gradient. Conversely, a flow rate that is too slow (meaning excessive hydraulic resistance) typically results in over-extraction of the coffee beverage due to the longer contact time between water and coffee grounds, higher peak water pressure, and higher cavitation caused by the larger pressure gradient.

[0005] The “pure” method of adjusting hydraulic resistance usually involves adjusting the amount of dosage and / or grinding the coffee grounds finer or coarser.

[0006] Consumer espresso machines may also offer so-called "double-walled" filter baskets, which include a fixed flow limit within the basket. This fixed flow limit significantly increases hydraulic resistance, making the grind size or dosage of coffee beans relatively unimportant in controlling the flow rate. However, due to the fixed nature of the flow limit, such filter baskets are considered unsuitable for highly customized use and may result in suboptimal extraction results depending on the grind size, dosage, and age of the coffee beans, as well as other parameters that may affect hydraulic resistance.

[0007] Additionally, as coffee beans degas in the coffee machine's hopper, their ability to provide hydraulic resistance may decrease, and consumers may wish to increase hydraulic resistance, but using a double-walled filter basket for this involves replacing the filter basket. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to substantially overcome or at least improve one or more of the disadvantages of the above-described filter handle arrangement, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the above-described filter handle.

[0009] This article discloses a filter handle for receiving a filter basket to hold coffee grounds to be extracted into a coffee beverage, the filter handle comprising:

[0010] A chamber for receiving a filter basket, the chamber having a first outlet for allowing coffee beverage to flow out of the chamber;

[0011] A conduit, fluidly connected to a first outlet for conveying the extracted coffee beverage from the first outlet toward a second outlet, is made of an elastically deformable material;

[0012] A handle, attached to the chamber for retaining the filter handle, the handle comprising:

[0013] A shaft, disposed within the handle, having a distal end positioned adjacent to the catheter.

[0014] The shaft can move relative to the catheter between an open position and a restricted position. In the open position, the catheter is essentially unobstructed by the distal end of the shaft. In the restricted position, the distal end of the shaft causes the catheter to elastically deform to increase the flow resistance of the catheter.

[0015] Preferably, the shaft is movable between an open position and a restricted position along the shaft axis.

[0016] Preferably, the handle also includes a gripping portion that is rotatable relative to the shaft, and wherein the shaft is threadedly connected to the gripping portion such that rotation of the handle portion relative to the shaft moves the shaft between an open position and a restricted position.

[0017] Preferably, the chamber includes a seal positioned adjacent to the filter basket, such that the cavity between the first outlet and the filter basket is substantially sealed.

[0018] Preferably, the seal is positioned adjacent to the lower edge of the filter basket.

[0019] Preferably, the shaft includes a proximal portion with a ramp surface and a distal portion with a follower engaging the ramp surface, the distal portion having a distal end, wherein rotation of the ramp surface about the shaft axis causes the follower to displace along the shaft axis.

[0020] Preferably, the slope surface is spiral-shaped.

[0021] Preferably, the pitch of the spiral ramp surface decreases toward the distal end, thereby reducing the cam ratio between the proximal and distal portions toward the distal end.

[0022] Preferably, the handle includes a gripping portion that is rotatable relative to the handle, wherein the gripping portion engages with a proximal portion of the shaft, such that the proximal portion rotates together with the gripping portion.

[0023] Preferably, the grip portion includes a plurality of position marks, and the filter handle includes a tactile pin located between the handle and the grip cap, the tactile pin being biased toward the grip portion such that the tactile pin applies a varying force on the grip portion as the grip portion is rotated.

[0024] Preferably, the proximal portion of the shaft can be displaced relative to the handle to calibrate the position of the distal end relative to the catheter.

[0025] Preferably, the filter handle further includes a locking pin located between the handle and the proximal portion of the shaft, wherein once the locking pin is inserted between the handle and the proximal portion, the locking pin prevents the shaft from shifting relative to the handle.

[0026] Preferably, the filter handle includes a diverter located between the first outlet and the second outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To gain a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts, and wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a top view of a filter handle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side sectional view of the filter handle.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Details D.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Details C.

[0032] Figure 5 It is in the open position. Figure 1 Detailed side sectional view of the filter handle.

[0033] Figure 6 It is in a restricted position. Figure 1 Detailed side sectional view of the filter handle.

[0034] Figure 7 It is in the open position. Figure 1 Detailed side sectional view of the filter handle.

[0035] Figure 8 It is in a restricted position. Figure 1 Detailed side sectional view of the filter handle.

[0036] Figure 9 yes Figure 1A series of side sectional views of another embodiment of the filter handle.

[0037] Figure 10 This is an isometric view of the filter handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Detailed side sectional view of the filter handle.

[0039] Figure 12 Is with Figure 10 An isometric view of the valve used with the filter handle.

[0040] Figure 13 Is using Figure 10 Extraction flow rate diagram obtained from the filter handle.

[0041] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the valve, and Figure 15 and Figure 16 The deformation of the valve at different flow rates during use is shown.

[0042] Figure 17 This is a side sectional view of the filter handle according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 18 yes Figure 14 Detailed top isometric view of the filter handle.

[0044] Figure 19 yes Figure 14 Detailed bottom isometric view of the filter handle.

[0045] Figure 20 This is a side sectional view of the filter handle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A side sectional view of an alternative to the filter handle.

[0047] Figure 22 Is using Figure 14 A flowchart of the method for using a filter handle.

[0048] Figure 23 This is an isometric sectional view of the filter handle according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 A side sectional view of the filter handle.

[0050] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 Detailed side section view of the filter handle.

[0051] Figure 26 Is with Figure 23 The filter handle is used in a split isometric view of the basket.

[0052] Figure 27 This is a side sectional view of the filter handle according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 Isometric detailed sectional view of the filter handle.

[0054] Figure 29 This is an isometric sectional view of the filter handle according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A cross-sectional view of the filter handle.

[0056] Figure 31 Is with Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the outlet component used with the filter handle.

[0057] Figure 32 for Figure 31 The second embodiment of the export component.

[0058] Figure 33 This is a partial perspective view of the filter handle according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 Details of the filter handle.

[0060] Figure 35 yes Figure 33 Bottom perspective view of the filter handle.

[0061] Figure 36 yes Figure 33 A top view of the axis of the filter handle.

[0062] Figure 37 yes Figure 33 A cross-sectional view of the filter handle.

[0063] Figure 38 yes Figure 33 Detailed perspective view of the grip cap of the filter handle.

[0064] Figure 39 It does not have a grip cover. Figure 33 Detailed perspective view of the filter handle. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Figure 1A filter handle 100 according to a first preferred embodiment is shown. The filter handle 100 may also be referred to as a filter holder because it holds the filter. The filter handle 100 receives a filter 110, preferably a filter basket, to hold ground coffee beans (not shown) that have been extracted into a coffee beverage (not shown) by applying a flow of hot water. The hot water is typically applied by a constant-flow pump (such as a peristaltic pump or a solenoid pump) such that the pressure of the water when it comes into contact with the ground coffee beans in the filter basket 110 is determined by the fluid flow resistance of the ground coffee beans in the filter basket 110. As explained in more detail, further resistance to the fluid flow can be applied to affect the pressure of the water in the filter basket 110.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the filter handle 100 includes a holder 120 for receiving a filter basket 110. The holder may also be referred to as a chamber. The holder 120 has an outlet 130, or a first outlet, for allowing the extracted coffee beverage to flow out of the holder 120. A conduit 140 is fluidly connected to the outlet 130 and typically extends below the outlet 130. The conduit 140 conveys the extracted coffee beverage from the outlet 130 toward a nozzle 150 or a second outlet, from which the extracted coffee beverage may flow under the influence of gravity into a beverage container, such as a cup or glass. The filter handle 120 may include one or more nozzles 150. The conduit 140 is preferably made of a resiliently deformable material, more preferably a resiliently deformable material that is food-safe at temperatures up to 110°C. Examples of such materials are silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, fluoropolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, natural rubber, nitrile rubber, and polyurethane.

[0067] The filter handle 100 also includes a stem 160 attached to the bracket 120. The stem 160 generally extends away from the bracket 120 to allow a user to move and manipulate the filter handle 100. The stem 160 may include a stem body 170. The stem 160 includes a shaft 180 disposed within the stem body 170. The shaft 180 has a distal end 182 positioned adjacent to the conduit 140. The shaft 180 is capable of [operating along a shaft axis 184]. Figure 7 The opening position shown and Figure 8Movement between the indicated restricted positions. Typically, rotation of the shaft 180 relative to the handle 160 is prevented. In the open position, the conduit 140 is substantially unobstructed by the distal end 182 of the shaft 180 and may have an internal channel with a diameter of approximately 2 mm, such that the conduit 140 does not provide additional resistance or hydraulic resistance to fluid flow. In the restricted position, the distal end 182 of the shaft 180 deforms the conduit 140 to increase the flow resistance of the conduit, for example, by reducing the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the conduit 140. In another example, the deformation of the distal end 182 of the conduit 140 may change the fluid flow from laminar to turbulent, thereby increasing the flow resistance of the conduit 140.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, and in Figure 3 As shown in more detail, the handle 160 may further include a gripping portion 162 rotatable relative to the shaft 180, preferably about an axis 184. The gripping portion 162 is threaded to the shaft 180 such that rotation of the gripping portion 162 relative to the shaft 180 causes movement of the shaft 180 relative to the gripping portion 162 between an open position and a restricted position. The shaft 180 may also include a distal shaft portion 186 having a distal end 182 of the shaft 180. The handle 160 may also include a locking pin 164, which is capable of... Figure 3 and Figure 5 The free position shown is as follows Figure 6The movement is between the indicated drive positions. In the free position, the gripping portion 162 is rotatable relative to the shaft 180 without causing sufficient translation of the distal end 182 of the shaft 180 along the axis 184 to reach the restricted position. In the drive position, the locking pin 164 is positioned abutting the distal portion 186 of the shaft 180 at a position further toward the restricted position, such that movement of the gripping portion 162 relative to the shaft 180 causes sufficient translation of the distal end 182 along the axis 184 to reach the restricted position. The locking pin 164 is preferably pushed toward the drive position, for example by using a spring 204, which may be made of metal, plastic, or another elastic material. Movement of the locking pin 164 toward the drive position is preferably resisted by the distal shaft portion 186, such that movement of the distal shaft portion 186 away from the locking pin 164 along the axis 184 causes the locking pin 164 to move toward the drive position. Preferably, the distal shaft portion 186 is in the open position before moving away from the locking pin 164, and in the restricted position after moving away from the locking pin 164. As previously mentioned, the gripping portion 162 forms a threaded connection between the shaft 180 and the handle 160, such that movement of the gripping portion 162 relative to the shaft 180 using the threaded connection causes movement of the distal shaft portion 186, and when the locking pin 164 is in the driven position, this movement occurs between a plurality of restricted positions, each restricting position causing the conduit 140 to deform to a different degree, thereby giving the conduit 140 different flow resistance to the extracted beverage moving through the conduit.

[0069] The shank 160 may also include an actuator 190, which is movable relative to the shaft 180, preferably along the shaft axis 184. The actuator 190 is configured to push the locking pin 164 toward a free position when the actuator moves toward the distal shaft portion 186. For this purpose, the actuator 190 may include a cam surface 192 to convert the force applied to the actuator 190 along the shaft axis 184 into a force not parallel to the shaft axis 184, to push the locking pin 164 out of contact with the distal shaft portion 186. See more details Figure 3The handle 160 may include a pin retainer 216 having a groove 218 in which a locking pin 164 is located. The groove 218 preferably extends perpendicular to the shaft axis 184. The gripping portion 162 may include a gripping cover 214 having an inner surface 220 perpendicular to the shaft axis 184. The shaft 180 may include a shaft actuator 224 abutting the inner surface 220 such that movement of the gripping portion 162 away from the open position moves the shaft actuator 224 relative to the pin retainer 216. However, the actuator 190 does not abut the inner surface 220; instead, the gripping portion 162 includes an opening 222 through which the actuator 190 protrudes when the gripping portion 162 moves away from the open position. In the open position, the actuator 190 abuts the shaft actuator 224. The channel 218 is positioned substantially adjacent to the contact between the actuator 190 and the shaft driver 224, such that movement of the locking pin 164 into the driven position is resisted by the shaft driver 224. Movement of the shaft driver 224 (without movement of the actuator 190) results in a gap 226 between the actuator 190 and the shaft driver 224. The gap 226 is positioned adjacent to the channel 218 of the pin retainer 216, such that once the gap 226 is formed, the locking pin 164 is no longer prevented from moving to the driven position by the shaft driver 224 and is pushed into the gap 226 by the spring 204. This position of the locking pin 164 prevents the shaft driver 224 from translating back to the open position, thus forming the driven position of the locking pin 164. Figure 6 As shown, the cam surface 192 of the actuator 190 is positioned such that when the actuator 190 is pushed along the shaft axis 184 toward the shaft driver 224, the cam surface 192 pushes the locking pin 164 into the groove 218 of the pin retainer 216, thereby allowing the shaft driver 224 to move toward... Figure 5 The open position is translated back. Shaft 180 can be pushed toward the open position, for example, using a spring. Grip cover 214 may include an internal guide surface 228 with rotational symmetry, which is received by a groove 230 of handle 160 to allow grip portion 162 to rotate relative to handle 160 and to translate grip portion 162 relative to handle 160 between the open position and the restricted position.

[0070] The shaft actuator 224 of the gripping portion 162 is threadedly connected to the shaft 180, thereby forming the aforementioned threaded connection between the gripping portion 162 and the shaft 180, such that translation of the shaft actuator 224 along the shaft axis 184 causes a similar translation of the shaft 180 along the shaft axis 184. Furthermore, rotation of the shaft actuator 224 about the shaft axis 184 causes translation of the shaft 180 along the shaft axis 184, which is proportional to the pitch of the thread between the shaft actuator 224 and the shaft 180. The shaft actuator 224 is preferably rotatably fixed within the gripping cover 214, such that rotation of the gripping cover 214 causes rotation of the shaft actuator 224.

[0071] The gripping portion 162 can be attached to the handle 160 using a magnet 232 held by a gripping cap 214 on the side facing the shaft driver 224. The shaft driver 224 is restricted from moving out of the handle 160 by engaging with a shaft 180, which abuts the inner shoulder 234 of the handle 160 in the open position.

[0072] Go to Figure 4 The bracket 120 may include a seal 122 positioned abutting the filter basket 110, preferably abutting the lower edge 112 of the filter basket 110, such that the cavity 128 between the outlet 130 and the filter 110 is substantially sealed. Preferably, the filter 110 includes the filter basket 110, and the filter basket 110 at least partially defines the cavity 128.

[0073] Figure 9 The text shows the relationship with... Figures 3 to 8 A similar mechanism also includes a gripper 214, a shaft driver 224, a pin retainer 216, and an actuator 190. In this embodiment, the components are not arranged radially symmetrically about the shaft axis 184.

[0074] Figures 10 to 16 A second preferred embodiment of the filter handle 100 is shown, wherein similar features will not be discussed further and can be implemented as discussed above. Different features will be discussed, and these different features can be combined with the features discussed with reference to the first embodiment in any number of variations. Figure 11 As shown, the filter handle 100 includes a valve 200 disposed in the conduit 140 to affect the flow resistance to the extracted beverage flowing through the conduit 140. Figure 12 As shown in more detail, the valve has an orifice 202 to allow the extracted beverage to flow from outlet 130 through valve 200 to nozzle 150. Orifice 202 may have a diameter of about 0.3 mm to 2 mm, preferably about 0.8 mm. Valve 200 is adapted to deflect due to fluid pressure applied to valve 200, such that when a higher fluid pressure is applied to valve 200, the size of orifice 202 decreases to increase flow resistance in conduit 140. For this purpose, valve 200 may have a height between 2 mm and 6 mm, preferably about 2.85 mm, and valve 200 may have an overall diameter between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 7 mm and 12 mm, most preferably about 7.6 mm. Figure 14 As shown, orifice 202 leads to recess 203, which has a larger diameter than orifice 202. For example, recess 203 may have a diameter of approximately 7.6 mm. The interface between orifice 202 and recess 203 may include a 45° chamfer. Orifice 202 may be defined by sidewall 205. Figure 15As shown, under normal flow conditions, with a flow rate below approximately 3 ml s⁻¹, valve 200 remains dimensionally stable, and the flow rate is unaffected by valve 200. At flow rates faster than the nominal flow rate (which can be higher than 3 ml s⁻¹), the decrease in hydrostatic pressure of the extracted beverage in orifice 202 caused by the acceleration of the beverage through orifice 202 leads to inward deformation of the sidewall 205, such as... Figure 16 As shown, this increases the flow resistance of valve 200. Therefore, when there is a first fluid pressure drop across the ground coffee beans held in filter basket 110 and a second fluid pressure drop across valve 200, valve 200 is adapted to increase the flow resistance of conduit 140 in response to the fluid pressure applied to valve 200, such that the sum of the first and second fluid pressure drops is within the permissible fluid pressure drop range. Figure 13 As shown, this allows the fluid flow rate through conduit 140 and therefore through filter basket 110 to remain substantially constant. Valve 200 may be made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, preferably having a Shore hardness between 30 and 90.

[0075] Figures 17 to 19 A third preferred embodiment relating to the filter handle 100, wherein similar features will not be discussed further and can be implemented as discussed above. Different features will be discussed, and these different features can be combined with the features discussed with reference to the first and second embodiments in any number of variations.

[0076] like Figure 17 As shown, the handle 160 may include a solenoid actuator 166 to move the shaft between an open position and a restricted position. The solenoid actuator 166 may include a solenoid coil 206 wound around a shaft axis 184, and the shaft 180 includes a conductive member 208 such that current flowing through the coil 206 induces a force on the conductive member 208 along the shaft axis 184 and thus on the shaft 180. Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the bracket 120 may include two or more bayonet lugs 124 for engaging with the assembly head 20 of the coffee machine 10 to mount the filter handle 100 in the assembly head 20 for extracting coffee beverages. Each bayonet lug 124 may include an electrical contact pad 126 or two electrical contact pads 126, such as... Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown. In a preferred embodiment, contact pads 126 are respectively mounted on the upper surface 210 and the lower surface 212 of the lug 124. Preferably, each lug 124 includes a pair of contacts 126 for redundancy in cases where contact between the assembly head 20 and the contacts 126 is poor for any lug 124. The solenoid actuator 166 can then be driven by circuitry using the contact pads 126.

[0077] Coffee machine 10 may include a controller 30 adapted to operate coffee machine 10 to extract coffee beverages, such as by controlling a pump (not shown) of coffee machine 10 to pump water through a filter basket 110 held by a filter handle 100 in assembly head 20. Controller 30 may also operate to control circuitry driving a solenoid actuator 166. For this purpose, a pressure transducer 22 in fluid communication with assembly head 20 may be provided to provide the controller 30 with a pressure signal indicating the pressure in an extraction chamber (not shown) formed between filter basket 110 and assembly head 20. In one embodiment, pressure transducer 22 may be located close to assembly head 20; in other embodiments, pressure transducer 22 may be located in other parts of the hydraulic system of coffee machine 10 hydraulically coupled to assembly head 20. In some embodiments, pressure transducer 22 may be replaced by or supplemented by flow transducer 22. The controller 30 is adapted to operate the solenoid actuator 166 to regulate the pressure in the filter basket 110 by moving the shaft 180 to a limiting position that increases the flow resistance of the conduit 140, thereby increasing the pressure in the extraction chamber and reducing the flow rate through the filter basket 110.

[0078] Figure 20 and Figure 21 A fourth preferred embodiment relating to the filter handle 100, wherein similar features will not be discussed further and can be implemented as discussed above. Different features will be discussed, and these different features can be combined with the features discussed with reference to the first and second embodiments in any number of variations.

[0079] The fourth implementation plan is similar to Figures 17 to 19 In this embodiment, however, the conduit 140 does not include an elastic material. Alternatively, in the restricted position, the shaft 180 protrudes into the conduit 140, and blockage of the conduit 140 results in increased resistance to the flow of the extracted beverage. To prevent the extracted beverage from entering the handle 160, the filter handle 100 includes one or more seals 161 located between the shaft 180 and the handle 160. Figure 20 In one embodiment, shaft 180 is moved between an open position and a restricted position by motor 166. Motor 166 rotates motor shaft 168, which is threadedly engaged with shaft 180, such rotation of motor shaft 168 causes displacement of shaft 180 along shaft axis 184. Figure 21 In the relevant implementation plan, shaft 180 is similar to Figures 17 to 19 The solenoid actuator 166 moves in the implementation scheme. It should be noted that shaft 180 can also be used. Figures 1 to 9 The implementation plan uses a manually operated mechanical device for movement.

[0080] Figures 23 to 26A fifth preferred embodiment relating to the filter handle 100, wherein similar features will not be discussed further and can be implemented as discussed above. Different features will be discussed, and these different features can be combined with the features discussed with reference to the first and second embodiments in any number of variations.

[0081] When combined, the filter handle 100 and the filter basket 110 can be described as a filter retainer assembly 102. For example... Figure 23 As shown, valve 200 may be located in basket 110, rather than in filter holder 100 as shown in the third embodiment. Basket 110 can be described as having a first base plate 114 having sidewalls 116 extending from the first base plate 114 to define a cavity 118 for holding beverage ingredients. Therefore, valve 200 is typically located between cavity 118 of filter basket 110 and second outlet or nozzle 150 of filter holder 100. Basket 110 may also include a second base plate 115 located offset 117 from the first base plate away from cavity 118.

[0082] like Figure 25 As shown, this creates a bottom plate space 121 between the first bottom plate 114 and the second bottom plate 115. The first bottom plate 114 may include a plurality of holes forming a filter screen 134, such that beverage ingredients are held in the chamber 118 while fluid flows through the screen 134 into the bottom plate 121. The second bottom plate 115 may include an orifice 119 leading to a conduit 140, or otherwise generally leading from the basket 110 into the chamber 128. A valve 200 may be located adjacent to the orifice 119 in the bottom plate 121. For this purpose, the second bottom plate 115 may include a well recess 123 for receiving the valve 200. In addition to the orifice 119 and the screen 134, the bottom plate 121 may be otherwise sealed such that when the chamber 118 is pressurized, the bottom plate 121 can be at a pressure other than ambient pressure, depending on the behavior of the valve 200 controlling the flow through the orifice 119.

[0083] The filter basket 110 may have a radial axis of symmetry 127. The first outlet 130 of the chamber 128 may be on the radial axis of symmetry 127. For example... Figure 24 As shown, the opening 119 of the second base plate 115 can also be on the radial axis of symmetry.

[0084] Figure 27 and Figure 28 A sixth preferred embodiment relating to the filter handle 100, wherein similar features will not be discussed further and can be implemented as discussed above. Different features will be discussed, and these different features can be combined with the features discussed with reference to the first and second embodiments in any number of variations.

[0085] The sixth implementation plan is essentially similar to the fifth implementation plan. However, as Figure 27 As shown, the orifice 119 can be located at a second offset 129 from the first outlet 130, such that the fluid flowing through the orifice 119 impacts the wall 131 of the chamber 128 before flowing through the first outlet 130. Therefore, the orifice 119 is located at a second offset 129 from the radial axis of symmetry 127.

[0086] In addition, such as Figure 28 As shown, the well recess 123 may include one or more, preferably three, retaining lugs 125 that extend from the second base plate 115 at a distance 132 from the orifice 119 to retain the valve 200 within the well recess 123. Each lug 125 may be part of the second base plate 115, extending from it for securing the valve 200 in place. The second base plate 115 may be formed using a molding or stamping process and then welded to the first base plate 114, as well as... Figure 26 As shown. The retaining lug 125 can be formed by stamping the second base plate 115 into the well recess 123 at a point location. The distance 132 can be less than the height of the valve 200, so that the fit of the valve 200 in the well recess 123 is slightly compressed.

[0087] Figure 29 and Figure 30 A seventh preferred embodiment relating to the filter handle 100 is shown, wherein similar features will not be discussed further and can be implemented as discussed above. Different features will be discussed, and these different features can be combined in any number of variations with the features discussed with reference to the first and second embodiments.

[0088] In this embodiment, the bottom plate space 121 extends into the channel 135. A valve 200 is located within the channel 135, hydraulically positioned between the first bottom plate 114 and the second outlet 150. The valve 200 can be vertically oriented and is held within the channel 135 by a valve chamber 136.

[0089] Figure 31 and Figure 32 Two embodiments of the export component 240 are shown, primarily designed for use in Figures 1 to 9 The filter handle 100 is shown. The outlet assembly 240 may be formed of one or more components to define a first outlet 130 and a conduit 140. Figure 31 In one embodiment, the outlet component 240 is integrally formed from a single part. Figure 32In one embodiment, the outlet assembly 240 includes a plate 242 threadedly attached to the bracket 120 using threads 244. The outlet assembly 240 also includes a resilient conduit 140 attached to the plate 242 and extending through the threads 244. The outlet assembly 240 also includes a sealing ring 246 extending around the plate 242 and forming a seal between the lower edge 112 of the filter basket 110 and the bracket 120.

[0090] Figures 33 to 39 An eighth preferred embodiment of the filter handle 100 is shown, wherein similar features will not be discussed further and can be implemented as described above. Different features will be discussed, and these different features can be combined with the features discussed with reference to the previously disclosed embodiments in any number of variations.

[0091] like Figure 33 As shown, shaft 180 includes a proximal portion 185 and a distal portion 186. The proximal portion 185 includes a drive nut 252 to drive shaft 180 to move about shaft axis 184. Figure 36 The proximal portion 185 is shown in more detail, and in particular, the proximal portion 185 may include a ramp surface 254. This ramp surface 254 is engaged by a follower 255 located on the distal axial portion 186. Preferably, the ramp surface 254 varies in height along the axial axis 184 at an azimuth angle, such that rotational movement of the proximal portion 185 about the axial axis 184 causes displacement of the distal portion 186 along the axial axis 184. Preferably, the ramp surface 254 has a helical shape. More preferably, the helix of the ramp surface has a first gradient at the proximal end 256 and a second gradient at the distal end 258, preferably the second gradient being gentler than the first gradient, such that the cam ratio between the proximal portion 185 and the distal portion 186 decreases as the distal axial portion 186 further advances to impinge on the guide 140. In short, the pitch of the helical ramp surface 254 decreases towards the distal end 258. Figure 34 As shown, the distal portion 186 includes a key surface 260 that engages a shaped hole 137 in the bracket 120 to allow the distal portion 186 to move about the axis 184, such that the movement of the distal portion 186 is primarily or exclusively along the axis 184.

[0092] Go to Figure 35 This illustrates a diverter 270 attached downstream of conduit 140, preferably located between conduit 140 and the second outlet 150. Reducing the available flow area in conduit 140 by the distal end 182 of shaft 180 to lower the flow velocity through filter basket 110 results in very high flow velocities in a small flow area, leading to undesirable jetting and splashing. Diverter 270 acts as a barrier to very high-velocity flows and disperses the flow over a larger area at one or more diverter outlets 272.

[0093] like Figure 38 As shown, the gripper cap or gripping portion 214 may include a drive recess 274 on the inner surface 276 to engage a drive nut 252 of the proximal portion 185 of the shaft 180, such that rotation of the gripper cap 214 about the shaft axis 184 causes rotation of the proximal portion 185 about the shaft axis 184. The inner surface 276 of the gripper cap 214 may also include a first end stop 278 and a second end stop 280, which are positioned radially away from the shaft axis 184 and adapted to engage an end stop 282 located at the rear surface 284 of the handle 160 to define minimum and maximum radial positions of the gripper cap 214, respectively. The inner surface 276 may also include a plurality of position marks 284 located between the first and second end stops 278, 280. The filter handle 100 may include a tactile pin 286 located between the handle 160 and the grip cover 214, biased toward the grip cover 214 such that when the grip cover 214 is rotated, the tactile pin 286 applies a varying force on the grip cover 214, thereby providing a tactile sensation to the user rotating the grip cover 214.

[0094] like Figure 37 As shown, there are numerous components connected between the gripping cap 214 and the distal end 182 of the shaft. Specifically, there is the connection between the drive recess 274 of the gripping cap 214 and the drive nut 252 of the proximal portion 185, the engagement of the ramp surface 254 of the proximal portion 185 with the follower 255 of the distal portion 186, and the engagement of the handle 160 of the shaft 180 therein with the bracket 120 of the conduit 140 therein. To facilitate the manufacture of the filter handle 100, a means for calibrating the position of the shaft 180 relative to the conduit 140 is provided. The proximal portion 185 includes a thread 276 that engages with a thread 278 in the handle 160, allowing the proximal portion 185 to shift relative to the handle 160 along the shaft axis 184. After assembly, as described above, the grip cap 214 is rotated to its maximum rotation position, and then the proximal portion 185 is rotated relative to the handle 160 about the axis 184 to move the axis 180 until the distal end 182 completely closes the conduit 140. This action now calibrates the axis 180 relative to the handle 160 such that the maximum position of the grip cap 214 corresponds to the complete closure of the conduit 140. The ramp surface 254 is configured such that displacement along the axis 184 from the maximum position to the minimum position of the grip cap corresponds to the movement of the conduit 140 from completely closed to fully open. The filter handle 100 also includes a locking pin 288, which may be located in a recess 290 of the handle 160 and is configured to engage one of a plurality of recesses 292 in the proximal portion 185 of the axis 180. When inserted, the locking pin 288 prevents rotation between the proximal portion 185 and the handle 160, so that the position of the proximal portion 185 relative to the handle 160 along the axis 184 remains fixed until the locking pin 288 is inserted.

[0095] The use of the filter handle 100 will now be discussed.

[0096] exist Figures 1 to 9 In one embodiment, the filter basket 110 is mounted in the bracket 120 of the filter handle 100 such that the lower edge 112 of the filter basket 110 seals the cavity 128 using the seal 122 of the bracket 120. Ground coffee is deposited in the filter basket 110, and the filter handle 100 is received by the assembly head 20 using the bayonet lug 124 of the bracket 120. Beverage extraction is initiated, for example, by pressing a button (not shown), causing the pump to begin pumping water through the filter basket 110. If the user wishes to reduce the flow rate of the extracted coffee beverage, the user guides the grip cap 214 from the open position along the axis 184 toward the restricted position via the groove 230. The movement of the grip cap 214 causes the shaft drive 224 and the shaft 180 to move along the axis 184, thereby causing the distal end 182 to deform the conduit 140. The actuator 190 is not moved by the gripper cap 214, thus causing the gap 226 to appear near the end face 236 of the shaft 180 or the shaft driver 224. The locking pin 164 is pushed into the gap 226 by the spring 204, thereby preventing the shaft 180 from returning to the open position. The threaded connection between the shaft driver 224 and the shaft 180 can now be used to move the shaft 180 between various restricted positions by rotating the gripper cap 214 about the shaft axis 184, thereby translating the shaft 180 along the shaft axis 184, thus causing the distal end 182 to more or less restrict the flow through the conduit 140 depending on the direction of rotation of the gripper cap 214 about the shaft axis 184. If flow restriction in conduit 140 is no longer desired, actuator 190 can be pressed along shaft axis 184 toward shaft driver 224, such that cam surface 192 pushes locking pin 164 from clearance 226 back into the groove 218 of pin retainer 216, thereby allowing shaft driver 224 and shaft 180 to return to the open position. Shaft 180 can be pushed to return to the open position. Preferably, shaft 180, shaft driver 224, actuator 190, pin retainer 216, and gripping cap 214 are all arranged radially symmetrically about shaft axis 184.

[0097] exist Figures 10 to 16 and Figures 23 to 28In one embodiment, the filter basket 110 is mounted in the bracket 120 of the filter handle 100 such that the lower edge 112 of the filter basket 110 seals the cavity 128 using the seal 122 of the bracket 120. Ground coffee is deposited in the filter basket 110, and the filter handle 100 is received by the assembly head 20 using the bayonet lug 124 of the bracket 120. Beverage extraction is initiated, for example, by pressing a button (not shown), causing the pump to begin pumping water through the filter basket 110. Unlike the first embodiment, the valve 200 does not require user action to function. If the pressure drop across the coffee grounds held by the filter basket 110 is insufficient, and the flow rate through the conduit 140 is higher than the desired flow rate, the valve 200 deforms due to the flow rate to close the orifice 202, thereby limiting the flow rate and creating a second pressure drop across the valve 200.

[0098] exist Figures 17 to 19 In one embodiment, the filter basket 110 is mounted in the holder 120 of the filter handle 100 such that the lower edge 112 of the filter basket 110 seals the cavity 128 using the seal 122 of the holder 120. Ground coffee is deposited in the filter basket 110, and the filter handle 100 is received by the assembly head 20 using the bayonet lug 124 of the holder 120. Beverage extraction is initiated, for example, by pressing a button (not shown), causing the pump to begin pumping water through the filter basket 110. In a user-controlled version, if the user desires a reduced flow rate, the user can operate the solenoid actuator 166 to push the shaft 180 to a limiting position. Different currents flowing through the solenoid coil 206 will result in different positions of the shaft 180, thereby creating different amounts of flow restriction through the conduit 140. In one example, the user can operate the solenoid actuator 166 via a controller 30. For example, the coffee machine 10 may include a user interface 40 through which the user can indicate to the controller that a different flow rate is desired. The controller 30 can then operate the solenoid actuator 166 to achieve the desired level of flow restriction.

[0099] In automated implementation solutions, the method can be as follows: Figure 22The process proceeds as described in detail. In step S101, shaft 180 is in the open position. In step S103, controller 30 operates the coffee machine to begin the extraction of the coffee beverage. In step S105, pressure transducer 22 measures the pressure in the extraction chamber and provides a pressure signal to controller 30. In step S107, controller 30 operates solenoid actuator 166 based on the pressure signal. In step S108, the solenoid actuator moves shaft 180 to the corresponding open or closed position, thereby affecting the cross-section of conduit 140 and changing the flow rate through conduit 140, which in turn changes the pressure in the extraction chamber. In step S109, controller 30 stops operating the coffee machine to extract the beverage. In step S111, after extraction is complete, controller 30 stops operating solenoid actuator 166, thereby allowing shaft 180 to return to the open position.

[0100] The various types of filter handles 100 described above may have one or more of the following advantages.

[0101] The movement of shaft 180 between the open and restricted positions allows for selective flow restriction of conduit 140, enabling the same filter handle 100 to be used for both “assisted” and “normal” extraction, in which flow restriction is applied to conduit 140 and in which flow is almost entirely controlled by the characteristics of the ground coffee in “normal” extraction.

[0102] The threaded connection between the gripper portion 162 and the shaft 180 allows for fine control of the shaft 180's position via rotation of the gripper portion 162. The use of a locking pin 164 allows for selective engagement of the shaft 180 with the conduit 140, ensuring that rotation (without translation) of the gripper portion 162 in the open position does not cause the shaft 180 to reach any restricted position. The use of an actuator 190 (specifically, the cam surface 192) allows the shaft 180 to return to the open position via movement of the locking pin 164 toward the free position. The use of the actuator 190 allows the user to quickly return the shaft 180 to the open position, thereby allowing the conduit 140 to become unobstructed and thus allowing the cavity below the filter basket 110 to return to atmospheric pressure. This is beneficial for removing the coffee puck from the filter basket 110 after beverage extraction, as the restricted conduit 140 would prevent air from moving through it into the filter basket 110, thus inhibiting puck removal. The use of seal 122 ensures that cavity 128 remains sealed, making the fluid system substantially sealed between head 20 and nozzle 150. In this way, the flow rate through conduit 140 is equal to the flow rate through filter basket 110. The use of solenoid actuator 166 allows shaft 180 to be moved by controller 30. The use of electrical contact pad 126 on lug 124 allows a reliable electrical connection between filter handle 100 and coffee machine 10.

[0103] The position of orifice 119 causes the fluid to impinge on the wall 131 of chamber 128 before flowing through the first outlet 130. This reduces the jet-like nature of the liquid released from the pressurization valve, which is typically ejected at high pressure and high flow rate, to a flow rate more typically associated with premium beverages, at medium to low pressure and driven by gravity rather than pressure. Ejecting a high-pressure flow through the first outlet 130 and / or the second outlet 150 can adversely affect the quality of the beverage due to excessive foaming and / or splashing or overflow. The second offset 129 between orifice 119 and the first outlet 130 creates a recirculating flow in chamber 128, allowing for depressurization of the flow in chamber 128 before it exits from the first outlet 130.

[0104] It should also be understood that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “having,” and any variations thereof are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e., non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, apparatus, device, or system described herein is not limited to those features, components, elements, or steps listed, but may include other elements, features, components, or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or device. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms “a” and “an” as used herein should be understood as one or more. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used merely as designations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on the importance of their objects or to establish a specific hierarchy.

[0105] Integer

[0106] 10 coffee machines

[0107] 20 sets of heads

[0108] 22 Pressure Transducer

[0109] 30 controllers

[0110] 40 User Interfaces

[0111] 100 filter handle

[0112] 102 Filter Handle Assembly

[0113] 110 filter basket

[0114] 112 lower edge

[0115] 114 First base plate

[0116] 115 Second Base Plate

[0117] 116 sidewalls

[0118] 117 offset

[0119] 118 chambers

[0120] 119 orifice

[0121] 120 bracket

[0122] 121 Bottom Floor Space

[0123] 122 seal

[0124] 123 Well Depression

[0125] 124 bayonet lugs

[0126] 125 Maintain protruding ears

[0127] 126 electrical contact pad

[0128] 127 radial symmetry axis

[0129] 128 chambers

[0130] 129 orifices

[0131] Exit 130

[0132] The wall of chamber 131

[0133] 132 distance

[0134] 134 sieve

[0135] 135 Ditch

[0136] 136 valve chamber

[0137] 137 forming hole

[0138] 140 catheters

[0139] 150 Second Exit

[0140] 160 handle

[0141] 161 seal

[0142] 162 gripping part

[0143] 164 locking pin

[0144] 166 solenoid actuator

[0145] 168 motor shaft

[0146] 170 Handle Body

[0147] 180 axis

[0148] 182 distal end

[0149] 184 axis

[0150] 185 proximal portion

[0151] 186 distal portion

[0152] 190 actuator

[0153] 192 Cam Surface

[0154] 200 valve

[0155] 202 orifice

[0156] 203 concave part

[0157] 204 spring

[0158] 205 sidewall

[0159] 206 solenoid coil

[0160] 208 conductive components

[0161] 210 upper surface

[0162] 212 lower surface

[0163] 214 Grip Cover

[0164] 216 pin retainer

[0165] 218 Ditch

[0166] 220 inner surface

[0167] 222 opening

[0168] 224-axis drive

[0169] 226 gap

[0170] 228 Internal Guide Surface

[0171] 230 groove

[0172] 232 magnet

[0173] 234 Inner shoulder

[0174] 236 end face

[0175] 240 Export Components

[0176] 242 boards

[0177] 244 thread

[0178] 246 sealing ring

[0179] 252 drive nut

[0180] 254 slope surface

[0181] 255 follower

[0182] 256 proximal end

[0183] 258 distal end

[0184] 260-bonded surface

[0185] 270 shunt

[0186] 272 Diversion Exit

[0187] 274 drive recess

[0188] 276 inner surface

[0189] 278 First end stop

[0190] 280 Second end stop

[0191] 282 end stop

[0192] 284 location markers

[0193] 286 tactile pins

[0194] 288 Locking Pin

[0195] 290 recess in handle

[0196] 292Recesses in the shaft.

Claims

1. A filter handle for receiving a filter basket to hold coffee grounds to be extracted into a coffee beverage, characterized in that, The filter handle includes: A chamber for receiving a filter basket, the chamber having a first outlet for allowing coffee beverage to flow out of the chamber; A conduit, fluidly connected to the first outlet for conveying the extracted coffee beverage from the first outlet toward a second outlet, the conduit being made of an elastically deformable material; A handle, attached to the chamber for retaining the filter handle, the handle comprising: A shaft, disposed within the handle, having a distal end positioned adjacent to the conduit. The shaft is movable relative to the conduit between an open position and a restricted position. In the open position, the conduit is not obstructed by the distal end of the shaft. In the restricted position, the distal end of the shaft elastically deforms the conduit to increase the flow resistance of the conduit.

2. The filter handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shaft is movable along its axis between the open position and the restricted position.

3. The filter handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle also includes a gripping portion that is rotatable relative to the shaft, wherein the shaft is threadedly connected to the gripping portion such that rotation of the handle portion relative to the shaft causes the shaft to move between the open position and the restricted position.

4. The filter handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chamber includes a seal positioned adjacent to the filter basket, such that the cavity between the first outlet and the filter basket is sealed.

5. The filter handle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The seal is positioned to be adjacent to the lower edge of the filter basket.

6. The filter handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shaft includes a proximal portion with a ramp surface and a distal portion with a follower engaging the ramp surface, the distal portion having a distal end, wherein rotation of the ramp surface about the shaft axis causes the follower to shift along the shaft axis.

7. The filter handle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The slope surface is spiral-shaped.

8. The filter handle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pitch of the spiral ramp surface decreases toward the distal end, causing the cam ratio between the proximal and distal portions to decrease toward the distal end.

9. The filter handle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The handle includes a gripping portion that is rotatable relative to the handle, wherein the gripping portion engages with a proximal portion of the shaft, causing the proximal portion to rotate together with the gripping portion.

10. The filter handle according to claim 9, characterized in that, The grip portion includes multiple position marks, and the filter handle includes a tactile pin located between the handle and the grip cap, the tactile pin being biased toward the grip portion such that when the grip portion is rotated, the tactile pin applies a varying force on the grip portion.

11. The filter handle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The proximal portion of the shaft can be displaced relative to the handle to calibrate the position of the distal end relative to the catheter.

12. The filter handle according to claim 11, characterized in that, The filter handle also includes a locking pin located between the handle and the proximal portion of the shaft, wherein once the locking pin is inserted between the handle and the proximal portion, the locking pin prevents the shaft from shifting relative to the handle.

13. The filter handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter handle includes a splitter located between the first outlet and the second outlet.

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