Beverage dispensing machine, especially the type with drip-stop device

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing machine, particularly of the type with a drip-stop device.

[0002] In the field of automatic machines for dispensing beverages and the like, and particularly for coffee dispensing machines, devices for managing dripping on the coffee dispensing circuits are provided in order to avoid soiling the dispensing area and / or avoid soiling the dispensing in the cup.

[0003] All this in order to provide, furthermore, a qualitatively high and clean appearance of the unit constituted by the cup and the dispensing area.

[0004] Generally, these devices comprise a three-way valve installed in the dispensing circuit so as to let air enter it downstream of the infusion chamber. Such beverage dispensing machine is disclosed in WO 2011 / 067264 A1.

[0005] In some beverage dispense machines, at the end of the dispensing, the residue of liquid inside the tube drains completely before the cup is removed.

[0006] However, it is important to consider that if this three-way valve is always left open one will obtain a complete outflow of the liquid residue in the tube but at the same time a generation of air bubbles during infusion will be obtained, thus ruining the appearance in the cup because of splashes.

[0007] In order to achieve proper operation it is necessary to add an automatic system for opening and closing the three-way valve only at the end of the dispensing.

[0008] These solutions of the known type are not free from drawbacks, which include the fact that the addition of the automatic system for the opening and closing of the three-way valve complicates the machine from a structural and functional point of view.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to provide a dispensing machine, particularly but not exclusively for beverages, capable of eliminating dripping on the coffee dispensing circuits in order to avoid soiling the dispensing area, avoid soiling the dispensing in the cup and thus give a qualitatively high in-cup appearance.

[0010] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing machine with extremely compact and simple mechanics.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing machine with extremely compact and simple mechanics that is capable of managing the time required to ensure complete emptying of the dispensing system, even if the length of the tube varies during dispensing.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing machine that is capable of giving the greatest assurances of reliability and safety in use.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing machine that can be provided with per se known technologies and thus has low provision costs.

[0014] This aim and objects mentioned are achieved by a beverage dispensing machine according to claim 1.

[0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a beverage dispensing machine, particularly of the type with a drip-stop device, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing machine according to the present invention with the dispensing assembly in its loading and unloading position; Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the dispensing machine shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional perspective view, taken along a first longitudinal plane, of the dispensing machine shown in the preceding figures; Figure 4 is a sectional view, taken along said first longitudinal plane, of the dispensing machine shown in the preceding figures; Figure 5 is a sectional view, taken along a second longitudinal plane, of the dispensing machine shown in the preceding figures; Figure 6 is an enlarged-scale view of a detail of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a sectional view, taken along said first longitudinal plane, of the dispensing machine shown in the preceding figures with the dispensing assembly in its dispensing position; Figure 8 is a sectional view, taken along said second longitudinal plane, of the dispensing machine shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an enlarged-scale view of a detail of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a sectional view of the dispensing machine shown in the preceding figures with the dispensing assembly in a position that is intermediate between said dispensing position and said loading and unloading position; Figure 11 is a sectional view, taken along said second longitudinal plane, of the dispensing machine shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 is an enlarged-scale view of a detail of Figure 11.

[0016] With reference to the figures, the beverage dispensing machine, particularly of the type with a drip-stop device, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, is composed of a plurality of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical assemblies associated with a supporting frame enclosed in an external body constituted by multiple shells made of plastic material.

[0017] In greater detail, the dispensing machine 1 of the present invention comprises an infusion assembly 2 which forms an infusion chamber 3, which can have a cylindrical shape with a circular base, and in which a food substance 4 from which an infusion is to be obtained is to be arranged.

[0018] In the proposed embodiment, the dispensing machine 1 operates with a food substance 4, for example coffee powder. However, it is not excluded that said machine might perform infusions of another kind, such as tea and herbal teas of various types, as well as any other food substance suitable to obtain infusions and, by means of appropriate modifications to the mechanics of the machine, in other formats, such as pods and capsules.

[0019] The dispensing machine 1 of the present invention further comprises a dispensing assembly 5 which is arranged so as to close the infusion chamber 3 and can move by virtue of first kinematic means 6 between a loading and unloading position, shown in Figures 1 to 6, in which the dispensing assembly 5 is spaced from the infusion chamber 3 in such a manner as to leave free access thereto, and a dispensing position, shown in Figures 7 to 9, in which the dispensing assembly 5 is arranged so as to close the infusion chamber 3.

[0020] According to the present invention, the dispensing assembly 5 comprises a dispensing nozzle 7 which is provided with a three-way valve 8, in which the first way 9 communicates with the infusion chamber 3, with the dispensing assembly 5 arranged in the dispensing position, a second way 10 communicates with the dispensing nozzle 7 and a third way 11 communicates with the air of the external environment.

[0021] According to the present invention, the third way 11 is provided with a drip-stop closure 12, which can have an abutment portion 13 with a substantially frustum-like shape, which can move by virtue of second kinematic means 14 between an open position, in which the third way 11 is free for the entry of air into the dispensing circuit, and a closure position, in which the third way 11 is obstructed by the drip-stop closure 12.

[0022] According to the invention, the second kinematic means 14 are kinematically associated with the first kinematic means 6 for the synchronous movement of the drip-stop closure 12 with the dispensing assembly 5 between their respective positions.

[0023] According to the present invention, an actuation wheel 15 is provided which is functionally associated with the first and second kinematic means 6 and 14.

[0024] Such actuation wheel 15 has an axis of rotation 16 that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 17 of the infusion chamber 3 and is associated with first motor means 18 by means of a toothed profile 19 formed on a portion of its perimetric edge.

[0025] The dispensing assembly 5 comprises a primary frame 20 which can be provided with a substantially fork-like shape, which is rotatably connected with the infusion chamber 3 about the rotation axis 16 of the actuation wheel for the movement of the dispensing assembly 5 from the loading and unloading position to the dispensing position and vice versa.

[0026] According to the present invention, the first kinematic means 6 comprise at least one first actuation pin 21 which is integrally associated with the primary frame 20, for example at a lateral stem thereof, and is shaped for its engagement in a first cam-like profile 22 formed on the actuation wheel 15.

[0027] According to the present invention, the first cam-like profile 22 has a shape that is radially and circumferentially variable with respect to the rotation axis 16 of the actuation wheel 15, with a first portion that is responsible for the movement of the dispensing assembly 5 between the loading and unloading position and an intermediate position, shown in Figures 10 to 12, in which the dispensing assembly 5 is arranged above and stationary in the infusion chamber 3, and with a second portion that is responsible for the movement of the dispensing assembly 5 between said intermediate position and the dispensing position.

[0028] Furthermore, the dispensing assembly 5 comprises a secondary frame 23, also having a fork-like shape, which is slidingly associated with the primary frame 20 along a direction that is radial with respect to the rotation axis 16 and supports the drip-stop closure 12 for its movement from the open position to the closed position and vice versa.

[0029] Advantageously, the second kinematic means 14 comprise at least one second actuation pin 24 which is integrally associated with the secondary frame 23, at a lateral stem thereof, and is shaped for its engagement in a second cam-like profile 25 formed on the actuation wheel 15.

[0030] Conveniently, the second cam-like profile 25 also has a shape that is radially and circumferentially variable with respect to the rotation axis 16 of the actuation wheel 15 for the movement of the drip-stop closure 12 from the open position to the closed position and vice versa.

[0031] Furthermore, the dispensing machine 1 comprises a hydraulic assembly, not shown for the sake of graphic simplicity and not described in detail since it is per se known, which is hydraulically connected to the infusion chamber 3 to send water into it and to consequently obtain the infusion by means of the passage of the dispensed water through the food substance 4.

[0032] However, considering the nature of the proposed embodiment regarding the dispensing machine 1 according to the invention, the hydraulic assembly comprises at least one high-pressure pump and a heater for sending hot water into the infusion chamber 3.

[0033] To complete the dispensing machine 1, in the proposed embodiment such machine also comprises a presser assembly 26 adapted to compress the food substance 4 contained in the infusion chamber 3.

[0034] More specifically, the presser assembly 26 comprises a presser body 27 which is slidingly associated with the infusion chamber 3 along its longitudinal axis 17 so as to define the bottom of the infusion chamber 3.

[0035] Conveniently, the presser body 27 can slide in the infusion chamber 3 so as to form a seal with the side walls 28 of the infusion chamber 3 between a top dead center and a bottom dead center by virtue of lifting and lowering means 29 and forms inside it a distribution chamber 30 which communicates hydraulically with the hydraulic assembly and is closed on the side directed toward the internal volume of the infusion chamber 3 by a perforated plate 31 for the outflow of the water in the infusion chamber 3 through the holes of the perforated plate 31.

[0036] In greater detail, the lifting and lowering means 29 comprise a worm screw 32 which is associated, at one of its ends, with the presser body 27 and is associated with a motorized female thread 33 which is integral in translation with the infusion chamber 3.

[0037] The motorized female thread 33 is kinematically associated with second motor means 34.

[0038] The operation of the dispensing machine 1 according to the invention is described hereinafter.

[0039] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 6, the dispensing assembly 5 is arranged in its loading and unloading position and the infusion chamber 3 has an open top with the presser body 27 arranged in its bottom dead center position.

[0040] In this configuration it is possible to proceed with the loading of the food substance 4 into the infusion chamber 3.

[0041] Once loading has occurred, the dispensing machine 1 is started automatically and, by means of the first motor means 18, the actuation wheel 15 is turned.

[0042] During this rotation, the cam-like profiles 22 and 25 engage the actuation pins 21 and 24, respectively.

[0043] More specifically, the progressive engagement of the first cam-like profile 22 with the first actuation pin 21 initially leads to the rotation of the dispensing assembly 5 until it is positioned above the infusion chamber 3 and, subsequently, to the lowering thereof so as to close the infusion chamber 3, arranging it in its dispensing position.

[0044] At the same time, the progressive engagement of the second cam-like profile 25 with the second actuation pin 24 leads to the switching of the drip-stop closure 12 to its closed position.

[0045] Once this configuration, shown in Figures 7 to 9, has been reached, one can proceed with the dispensing of the infusion.

[0046] More specifically, initially the presser assembly 26 acts on the food substance 4 that is present in the infusion chamber 3 by means of the presser body 27 moved by the worm screw 32 and subsequently the hydraulic assembly heats and pressurizes the water which, filtering through the infusion chamber 3, exits from the dispensing nozzle 7.

[0047] During all this, the drip-stop closure 12 remains arranged in its closed position.

[0048] Once dispensing has been completed, the actuation wheel 15 is moved in the direction opposite to the preceding one.

[0049] With particular reference to Figures 10 to 12, this rotation of the actuation wheel 15 initially entails only the opening of the drip-stop closure 12.

[0050] In this manner, air enters the dispensing circuit by means of the three-way valve 8, emptying said circuit of the amount of infusion present therein.

[0051] At this point, the actuation wheel 15 continues in its rotation, positioning the dispensing assembly in the initial position.

[0052] With the infusion chamber 3 open, the presser assembly 26 can slide its presser body 27 to the top dead center position, entailing the discharge of the food substance 4 by means of the chute 35.

[0053] In practice it has been found that the beverage dispensing machine, particularly of the type with anti-drip device according to the present invention, achieves the intended aim and objects, since it allows to eliminate dripping on coffee dispensing systems in order to avoid soiling the dispensing area, avoid soiling the dispensing in the cup and thus give a qualitatively high in-cup appearance.

[0054] All this by means of a series of automatic movements of the components involved, integrated in the normal movement of the infusion system.

[0055] Another advantage of the dispensing machine according to the present invention is that it automatically manages the time needed to guarantee complete emptying, even if the length of the dispensing tube varies, this being irrelevant to its operation.

[0056] The beverage dispensing machine, particularly of the type with a drip-stop device, thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the accompanying claims.

[0057] In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements.

[0058] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing machine (1), particularly of the type with a drip-stop device, comprising: - an infusion assembly (2) which forms an infusion chamber (3), in which a food substance (4) from which an infusion is to be obtained is to be arranged; - a dispensing assembly (5) which is arranged so as to close said infusion chamber (3) and can move by virtue of first kinematic means (6) between a loading and unloading position, in which said dispensing assembly (5) is spaced from said infusion chamber (3) in such a manner as to leave free access to said infusion chamber (3), and a dispensing position, in which said dispensing assembly (5) is arranged so as to close said infusion chamber (3); - a hydraulic assembly, which is hydraulically connected to said infusion chamber (3) to send water into said infusion chamber (3) in order to obtain said infusion by means of the passage of said water through said food substance; said dispensing assembly (5) comprising a dispensing nozzle (7) said beverage dispensing machine (1) being characterized in that the dispensing nozzle (7) is provided with a three-way valve (8), in which a first way (9) communicates with said infusion chamber (3), with said dispensing assembly (5) arranged in said dispensing position, a second way (10) communicates with said dispensing nozzle (7) and a third way (11) communicates with the air of the external environment; said third way (11) being provided with a drip-stop closure (12) which can move by virtue of second kinematic means (14) between an open position, in which said third way (11) is free for the entry of air into the dispensing circuit, and a closure position, in which said third way (11) is obstructed by said drip-stop closure (12); said second kinematic means (14) are kinematically associated with said first kinematic means (6) in a manner to provide a synchronous movement of said drip-stop closure (12) with said dispensing assembly (5) between their respective said positions, said dispensing machine (1) comprising an actuation wheel (15) which is functionally associated with said first and second kinematic means (14); said actuation wheel (15) having an axis of rotation (16) that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (17) of said infusion chamber (3) and being associated with first motor means (18), said dispensing assembly (5) comprising a primary frame (20) which is rotatably connected with said infusion chamber (3) about said rotation axis (16) of said actuation wheel for the movement of said dispensing assembly (5) from said loading and unloading position to said dispensing position and vice versa, said first kinematic means (6) comprise at least one first actuation pin (21) which is integrally associated with said primary frame (20) and is shaped for its engagement in a first cam-like profile (22) formed on said actuation wheel (15); said first cam-like profile (22) having a shape that is radially and circumferentially variable with respect to said rotation axis (16) of said actuation wheel (15), with a first portion that is responsible for the movement of said dispensing assembly (5) between said loading and unloading position and an intermediate position, in which said dispensing assembly (5) is arranged above and inside said infusion chamber, and with a second portion that is responsible for the movement of said dispensing assembly (5) between said intermediate position and said dispensing position.

2. The beverage dispensing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said dispensing machine (1) further comprises a presser assembly (26) adapted to compress said food substance (4) contained in said infusion chamber (3), said presser assembly (26) comprising a presser body (27) which is slidingly associated with said infusion chamber (3) along said longitudinal axis (17) so as to define the bottom of said infusion chamber (3); said presser body (27) being able to slide in said infusion chamber (3) so as to form a seal with the side walls (28) of said infusion chamber (3) between a top dead center and a bottom dead center by virtue of lifting and lowering means (29); said presser body (27) forming a distribution chamber (30) which communicates hydraulically with said hydraulic assembly and is closed on a side directed toward the internal volume of said infusion chamber (3) by a perforated plate (31) for the outflow of said water in said infusion chamber (3) through the holes of said perforated plate (31), said lifting and lowering means (29) comprising a worm screw (32) which is associated, at one of its ends, with said presser body (27) and is associated with a motorized female thread (33) which is integral in translation with said infusion chamber (3); said motorized female thread (33) being kinematically associated with second motor means (34).

3. The dispensing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a presser assembly (26) adapted to compress said food substance (4) contained in said infusion chamber (3), said presser assembly (26) comprising a presser body (27) which is slidingly associated with said infusion chamber (3) along said longitudinal axis (17) so as to define the bottom of said infusion chamber (3); said presser body (27) being able to slide in said infusion chamber (3) so as to form a seal with the side walls (28) of said infusion chamber (3) between a top dead center and a bottom dead center by virtue of lifting and lowering means (29); said presser body (27) forming a distribution chamber (30) which communicates hydraulically with said hydraulic assembly and is closed on the side directed toward the internal volume of said infusion chamber (3) by a perforated plate (31) for the outflow of said water in said infusion chamber (3) through the holes of said perforated plate (31), said lifting and lowering means (29) comprising a worm screw (32) which is associated, at one of its ends, with said presser body (27) and is associated with a motorized female thread (33) which is integral in translation with said infusion chamber (3); said motorized female thread (33) being kinematically associated with second motor means (34).

4. The dispensing machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said dispensing assembly (5) comprises a secondary frame (23) which is slidingly associated with said primary frame (20), along a direction that is radial with respect to said rotation axis (16), and supports said drip-stop closure (12) for its movement from said open position to said closed position and vice versa.

5. The dispensing machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second kinematic means (14) comprise at least one second actuation pin (24) which is integrally associated with said secondary frame (23) and is shaped for its engagement in a second cam-like profile (25) formed on said actuation wheel (15); said second cam-like profile (25) having a shape that is radially and circumferentially variable with respect to said rotation axis (16) of said actuation wheel (15) for the movement of said drip-stop closure (12) from said open position to said closed position and vice versa.

6. The dispensing machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hydraulic assembly comprises a high-pressure pump and a heater for sending hot water into said infusion chamber (3).