Coffee machine with automatic filter holder lock

Abstract

A coffee machine (1) comprising a support (6) designed to deliver hot water for preparing a beverage, a filter holder (7) designed to receive brewing materials and to be removably coupled to said support (6) so as to be able to receive hot water therefrom for brewing said brewing materials and preparing a beverage, a first coupling part (24) mounted on said support (6) and a second coupling part (16) carried by said filter holder (7), said coupling device being configured to enable said filter holder (7) to assume a clamping configuration as a result of relative rotation of said first coupling part (24) and said second coupling part (16). the coupling device (17), an automation device (29) configured to at least partially automatically cause relative rotation of the first coupling part (24) and the second coupling part (16), and a user interface (40) configured to detect one or different actions on the filter holder (7) by a user or one or different forces applied by a user to the frame (2) indirectly or directly through the filter holder (7), and to cause the coupling device (17) to tightly couple and uncouple, and / or start and stop the delivery of a beverage in response to the detected actions or forces.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 20181248.4, filed June 19, 2020, and Italian Patent Application No. 102020000024145, filed October 13, 2020, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of machines for preparing coffee or similar drinks, in particular semi-automatic coffee machines for commercial or domestic use in bars. [Background technology]

[0003] As is well known, semi-automatic coffee machines encompass machines in which the coffee drink is mostly prepared manually by an operator, and other operations are automatically controlled by an electronic control unit.

[0004] A typical operation that has to be performed manually is, for example, loading ground coffee, which usually requires the operator to remove a so-called filter holder from the machine, place a predetermined amount of loose ground coffee or a pod or disposable capsule into the filter holder, and then fluid-tightly couple the filter holder to an annular support that forms the outlet of the coffee machine's pouring assembly.

[0005] Another operation that is directly controlled by the operator is the start and stop of the delivery of the beverage, usually using a button. In some types of semi-automatic machines, the delivery of the beverage is stopped automatically based on the setting of the "length" of the coffee to be delivered to the cup.

[0006] Generally speaking, the filter holder is coupled to the annular support using a bayonet coupling device formed from at least two radial fins carried by the filter holder and a corresponding number of slots formed in the annular support.

[0007] Each fin, or alternatively each slot, is partially delimited by an inclined surface which engages with an abutment surface formed on the corresponding slot, or each corresponding fin, such that when the filter holder is coupled to the annular support and the fins are displaced along their respective slots, this results in axial displacement of the filter holder towards the annular support and consequent fluid-tight coupling of the free end of the filter holder to a front seal carried by the annular support.

[0008] From an operator's perspective, coupling the filter holder to the support annulus of the pouring assembly requires two successive operations to bring the filter holder first into an insertion configuration where the filter holder is inserted into the annulus, and then into a tightly coupled configuration where the filter holder is tightly coupled onto the annular support.

[0009] The insertion configuration is generally reached by moving the filter holder vertically from bottom to top while aligning the fins with the corresponding slots so that the filter holder engages the annular support face-on. Typically, in the insertion configuration, the filter holder is angularly offset (facing left) from the face-on configuration with respect to the operator.

[0010] The close-coupled configuration is reached by, instead of vertical movement, rotating the filter holder counterclockwise, typically about 30° to 40°, starting from the insertion configuration, with the fins moving along the slots until the free end of the filter holder presses against the front seal of the annular support. This results in the filter holder being angularly offset from the insertion configuration in the close-coupled configuration, typically placing it directly in front of the operator.

[0011] Patent Document 1 discloses a connection device for connecting a filter holder of an espresso machine to a hot water distribution group to prepare a beverage. The filter holder includes a body having an inner cavity bounded by a cylindrical wall to define a housing for a filter into which ground coffee is placed, and is provided with a handle. The cavity is open at the end facing the distribution group and closed at the opposite end with a bottom wall, in which a beverage distribution opening is formed. The filter holder also includes a pair of fins that protrude radially from the side wall and extend circumferentially, facing diametrically opposite, outside the cavity. The hot water distribution group includes an opening designed to fit the open end of the inner cavity of the filter holder body and a pair of spiral guides extending around an axis perpendicular to the plane where the filter holder connects to the hot water distribution group. The spiral guides are arranged around the openings, each designed to receive a corresponding one of the pair of fins of the filter holder thereon using a bayonet coupling. The connection device includes a plate-like, axially open-ended element fixed to the hot water delivery group, with an opening aligned with the opening of the hot water distribution group and a tubular cavity, and is located distally with respect to the opening of the hot water delivery group and aligned with the axial opening. The connection device further includes an annular element arranged to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis inside the tubular cavity of the plate-like element. The pair of spiral guides are formed on the inner wall of the annular element, and motor means are provided for angularly displacing the annular element to servo-assist the insertion of the filter holder into the hot water delivery group. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application No. 3037023 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The Applicant has noticed that known coffee machines of the type described above have a number of drawbacks well known to operators in this sector.

[0014] In particular, the applicant has noticed that one of these drawbacks is represented by the fact that the mechanical seal between the filter holder and the hot water outlet of the pouring group is entirely dependent on the effectiveness of the tight coupling of the coupling device, which is exclusively dependent on the action of the operator, i.e. to the extent to which the operator is able to press the filter holder against the annular support when rotating it from the inserted configuration to the tightly coupled configuration.

[0015] As is well known, this operation not only requires a particular technique on the part of the operator, but also a considerable effort that can be extremely taxing from a physical point of view, especially when, as in the case of bartenders for example, it is necessary to repeat it hundreds or even thousands of times a day.

[0016] Additionally, tightly coupling the filter holder is not even the only effort required from the operator, as removing the filter holder also requires the operator to apply a non-negligible force, at least in the initial stages of rotation, to move it away from the tightly coupled configuration.

[0017] The Applicant has also noticed that another drawback of known coffee machines of the type described above is represented by the fact that the activation of the various operating functions of the coffee machine requires the operator to perform various interactions with the various elements of the coffee machine.

[0018] The aim of the present invention is to provide improvements which remedy the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] According to the present invention there is provided a coffee machine as claimed in the accompanying claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a coffee machine according to the invention with parts removed for clarity; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing details of the pouring group of the coffee machine and the filter holder of the coffee machine shown in FIG. 1 in a disengaged configuration in which the filter holder is disengaged from the pouring group; [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing the detail shown in FIG. 2 in an assembled configuration and the filter holder in the previously described disengaged configuration. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of the coffee machine shown in FIG. 1 during the insertion of the filter holder into the pouring group; [Figure 5] 10 is a bottom view showing the engagement of the filter holder and pouring group in an initial uncoupled configuration, and the final tightly coupled configuration of the filter holder and pouring group. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a bottom view showing the engagement of the filter holder and pouring group in an initial uncoupled configuration, and the final tightly coupled configuration of the filter holder and pouring group. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the filter holder and pouring group arranged in the final tightly coupled configuration described above. [Figure 8] 10A-10C show exploded views of details of the pouring group of a different embodiment of the coffee machine of the invention and the filter holder of the coffee machine in a disengaged configuration; [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view showing the detail shown in FIG. 8 in an assembled configuration and the filter holder in the previously described disengaged configuration. [Figure 10]9 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of the coffee machine shown in FIG. 8 during the insertion of the filter holder into the pouring group; [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are perspective and bottom views showing the filter holder shown in FIG. 10 engaged with the pouring group in an initial uncoupled configuration. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are perspective and bottom views showing the filter holder shown in FIG. 10 engaged with the pouring group in an initial uncoupled configuration. [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are perspective and bottom views showing the filter holder shown in FIG. 10 engaged with the pouring group in the final tightly coupled configuration. [Figure 14] 11A and 11B are perspective and bottom views showing the filter holder shown in FIG. 10 engaged with the pouring group in the final tightly coupled configuration. [Figure 15] A cross-sectional view showing a portion of the filter holder and pouring group arranged in the final tightly coupled configuration shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] 10 is an exploded view showing details of the pouring group and the filter holder of a further embodiment of the coffee machine of the invention in a disengaged configuration; FIG. [Figure 17] 9 is a perspective view showing the detail shown in FIG. 8 in an assembled configuration and the filter holder in the previously described disengaged configuration. [Figure 18] 17 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of the coffee machine shown in FIG. 16 during the insertion of the filter holder into the pouring group; [Figure 19] 19A and 19B are perspective and bottom views showing the filter holder shown in FIG. 18 engaged with the pouring group in an initial uncoupled configuration. [Figure 20] 19A and 19B are perspective and bottom views showing the filter holder shown in FIG. 18 engaged with the pouring group in an initial uncoupled configuration. [Figure 21]19A and 19B are perspective and bottom views showing the filter holder shown in FIG. 18 engaged with the pouring group in the final tightly coupled configuration. [Figure 22] 19A and 19B are perspective and bottom views showing the filter holder shown in FIG. 18 engaged with the pouring group in the final tightly coupled configuration. [Figure 23] 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the filter holder and pouring group arranged in the final tightly coupled configuration shown in Figures 21 and 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a variant of the pouring group of a coffee machine according to the invention with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 25] 1A to 1C are front views showing three variants of details of the coffee machine of the invention; [Figure 26] 1A to 1C are front views showing three variants of details of the coffee machine of the invention; [Figure 27] 1A to 1C are front views showing three variants of details of the coffee machine of the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to enable those skilled in the art to embody and use the same. Various modifications to the embodiments shown will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles disclosed herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered limited to the embodiments described and shown, but rather shall be accorded the widest scope of protection consistent with the features described and claimed.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly used by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In case of conflict, this explanation, including the definitions provided, will be binding. Furthermore, the examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes only, and therefore they should not be considered as limiting.

[0023] To facilitate an understanding of the embodiments described herein, reference will be made to certain specific embodiments and specific language will be used to describe them. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a semi-automatic coffee machine, generally designated with the reference number 1, for commercial or domestic use, typically in a bar.

[0025] The coffee machine 1 includes a box-shaped frame 2 whose front side with respect to the operator is bounded by a front wall 3, a plurality of components for making coffee supported by the frame 2, and a boiler 4 for making hot water arranged inside the frame 2.

[0026] In a different embodiment shown in FIG. 24, a boiler 4 for producing hot water is arranged outside the frame 2 .

[0027] The front wall 3 can be either an outer wall of the coffee machine 1 or an inner wall of the coffee machine 1, while the latter is protected by an outer casing (not shown) that completely or partially covers the frame 2.

[0028] The boiler 4 includes a hot water conduit 5 whose end portion extends into a support 6 which is mounted to project from the front wall 3 and has a filter holder 7 removably engaged therein which is designed to receive either loose ground coffee or disposable coffee pods or capsules and to receive hot water from the support 6.

[0029] Projecting from the lower edge of the front wall 3 is a drip tray 8 closed at the top by a grid 9 which, in use, supports one or more cups below the filter holder 7 .

[0030] The filter holder 7 includes an open-topped cup 10 and a handle 11 extending radially from the cup 10 and designed to be grasped by an operator to couple and detach the cup 10 from the support 6.

[0031] The cup 10 is provided at the bottom with a conduit 12 for delivery of the coffee beverage, to which a two-way delivery port 13 can be preferably removably connected, allowing delivery of the coffee beverage to two cups at the same time.

[0032] The cup 10 contains within it a cup-shaped filter 14 designed to receive either loose ground coffee or coffee pods or capsules. The filter 14 is preferably made from a metal material, conveniently stainless steel, and has a perforated bottom wall and side walls that are bent outwardly into a U-shape and terminate in an edge 15 that is arranged to straddle the edge of the free end of the cup 10.

[0033] The cup 10 has, adjacent its open end, several protrusions or fins 16 which project radially outward from the cup 10 and define part of a coupling device 17, of the type commonly called a "bayonet", designed to releasably couple the cup 10, and thus the filter holder 7, to the support 6. In the example shown in the accompanying drawings, the fins 16 are three in number and are equally spaced about the longitudinal axis of the cup 10. In variants not shown, it is possible to have two fins 16 or more than three.

[0034] The fins 16 lie substantially in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cup 10 and are bounded at the bottom by respective slopes 18 which all have the same inclination and orientation relative to the plane in which the fins 16 lie.

[0035] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the support 6 is generally cup-shaped, facing downwards and concave, and includes a tubular side wall 19 substantially coaxial with a vertical axis 20, and a bottom wall through which the end of the hot water conduit 5 described above is formed.

[0036] A hot water shower 21 is mounted in the center of the bottom wall, is in fluid communication with the hot water conduit 5, and is surrounded by an annular cavity 22 coaxial with the axis 20 which houses a front seal 23, which, as will be explained in more detail below, has the function of fluid-tightly connecting the filter holder 7 and the support 6 when the connecting device 17 is tightly connected.

[0037] Furthermore, several lateral protrusions 24 are associated with and arranged on the support 6 so as to cooperate with the fins 16 when the filter holder 7 is coupled to the support 6. The lateral protrusions 24 together with the fins 16 define and form a further part of the aforementioned coupling device 17.

[0038] For this purpose, the lateral protrusions 24 are separated at their tops, i.e. towards the bottom wall of the support 6, by respective abutment surfaces 25 which are coplanar with each other and perpendicular to the axis 20 and are configured to slidably engage with the inclined surfaces 18 in response to relative rotation of the lateral protrusions 24 and the fins 16, so as to cause an upward displacement of the filter holder 7 and a pressing of the latter against the support 6 in the manner and manner described below, resulting in a tight coupling of the coupling device 17.

[0039] In particular, as will become more clear in the following description, coupling of the filter holder 7 to the support 6 involves a first completely manual step during which the operator moves the cup 10 of the filter holder 7 closer to the support 6 through an upward vertical movement to arrange the filter holder 7 into an insertion configuration in which the fins 16 are arranged in the free space between the lateral protrusions 24 and the edge 15 of the filter 14 engages with the cavity 22 and faces, and preferably contacts, the front seal 23.

[0040] Advantageously, to facilitate correct positioning of the filter holder 7 in the insertion configuration and to stably maintain this configuration prior to tight coupling of the coupling device 17, a magnetic positioning device 26 is provided which includes several permanent magnets 27 each fixed to a corresponding fin 16 and several permanent magnets 28 mounted along the periphery of the bottom wall of the cup 10, the permanent magnets 28 mounted in positions such that when the filter holder 7 is brought close to the support 6, they face the corresponding permanent magnets 27 of the fins 16. Preferably, the attractive force between pairs of facing permanent magnets 27, 28 is sufficient to hold the filter holder 7 in the insertion configuration even if the operator leaves the filter holder 7 completely alone before the coupling device 17 is tightly coupled.

[0041] The coupling of the filter holder 7 to the support 6 further comprises a second step in which the coupling device 17 is tightly coupled. In this step, the fins 16 and the protrusions 24 are rotated relative to one another, and the engagement between the ramps 18 and the abutment surfaces 25 moves the filter holder 7 from the insertion configuration to the tightly coupled configuration, in which the filter holder 7 is arranged at a higher level than the insertion configuration, and the edge 15 of the filter 14 is pressed against the front seal 23 so as to achieve a fluid-tight coupling with the latter.

[0042] The coffee machine 1 further comprises an automation device 29 configured to perform the coupling and uncoupling of the coupling device 17 automatically, so that the physical effort of the operator associated with such operations is reduced.

[0043] In this regard, it should be noted that since the relative rotation of the fins 16 and the lateral protrusions 24 causes the coupling device 17 to be tightly coupled and decoupled, there is no conceptual difference whatsoever between the type of operation of the coupling device 17 in which the lateral protrusions 24 rotate relative to the fins 16, which will be referred to below for convenience of explanation as a first type of operation, and the type of operation of the coupling device 17 in which the fins 16 rotate relative to the lateral protrusions 24, which will be referred to below for convenience of explanation as a second type of operation, and there is only a difference in implementation.

[0044] The automation device 29 includes a toothed ring nut 30 carried by the support 6 and mounted for rotation about the axis 20, and a drive device 31 operatively coupled to the toothed ring nut 30 to rotate it about the axis 20 and move the toothed ring nut 30 between a rest configuration in which an operator can couple the filter holder 7 to the support 6 and arrange it in an insertion configuration, and an actuated configuration in which the filter holder 7 is in a tightly coupled configuration.

[0045] Depending on the type of actuation of the coupling device 17, the toothed ring nut 30 rotates the lateral projections 24 relative to the fins 16 or vice versa, rotating the fins 16 relative to the lateral projections 24 to tightly couple and uncouple the coupling device 17.

[0046] In particular, in the first operating type shown in Figures 2 to 7, the toothed ring nut 30 is integrally mounted with the lateral projections 24, which rotate relative to the fins 16, while in the second operating type (Figures 8 to 15 and 16 to 23), the toothed ring nut 30 is angularly coupled to the fins 16, which rotate relative to the lateral projections 24.

[0047] The toothed ring nut 30 includes external teeth 32 coaxial with the axis 20 formed on an annular body 33 that is rotatably mounted relative to the tubular side wall 19 .

[0048] Preferably, the drive device 31 includes an electric motor 34 arranged within the frame 2 and a gear transmission 35 designed to receive rotational motion from an output shaft of the electric motor 34, appropriately reduce the speed and transmit it to the ring nut 30. Preferably, the output shaft of the electric motor 34 extends through the front wall 3, and the gear transmission 35 is arranged outside the frame 2.

[0049] In an embodiment not shown, the drive device 31 comprises a gear motor that is housed entirely within the frame 2 .

[0050] In the following, the automation device 29 will be described in more detail with explicit reference to each of the two operating types of the coupling device 17 described above.

[0051] First actuation type of coupling device Figures 2 to 7 show an embodiment of the coffee machine 1 operating according to a first type of operation of the coupling device 17, i.e. the type in which the lateral projection 24 is rotated around the axis 20 by means of the toothed ring nut 30 and rotates relative to the fins 16.

[0052] In this embodiment, a toothed ring nut 30 rotatably mounted on the tubular side wall 19 essentially forms an extension of the tubular side wall 19 and has integral lateral projections 24 near its free end edge.

[0053] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lateral projections 24 extend from the inner surface of the toothed ring nut 30 towards the axis 20, are arranged with their respective abutment surfaces 25 facing the bottom wall of the support 6 and are evenly distributed around the axis 20 so as to define free spaces 36 in the circumferential direction between them of sufficient angular width to allow the fins 16 to pass through the free spaces 36 in a direction parallel to the axis 20.

[0054] The support 6 has a plurality of seats 37 distributed around the seal 23 so as to be axially aligned with corresponding free spaces 36 when the toothed ring nut 30 is in the rest configuration, each of which is sized to accommodate a corresponding fin 16 when the filter holder 7 is in the insertion configuration (FIG. 4).

[0055] Each seat 37 is provided with one of the permanent magnets 28 of the positioning device 26 described above, so as to cooperate with the permanent magnet 27 of the corresponding fin 16 when the filter holder 7 approaches the support 6 in order to attract the filter holder 7 and subsequently keep it stable in the inserted configuration.

[0056] Preferably, the seat 37, and consequently the toothed ring nut 30, are arranged about the axis 20 such that when the filter holder 7 is in the insertion configuration, the handle 11 of the filter holder 7 is arranged in front of the operator and generally vertically with respect to the front wall 3 of the casing 2. In the first actuation type of the coupling device 17, the filter holder 7 remains in the same front configuration with respect to the operator even when it is in the tightly coupled configuration, since the fins 16 of the filter holder do not rotate but are only subjected to an axial upward displacement during tight coupling of the coupling device 17.

[0057] 5 and 6 show how the coupling device 17 is tightly coupled by rotating the toothed ring nut 30 from the rest configuration shown in FIG. 5 to the actuated configuration shown in FIG. 6.

[0058] In the rest configuration of the toothed ring nut 30, the filter holder 7 is in an insertion configuration in which the fins 16 engage with corresponding seats 37 and the edge 15 of the filter 14 engages with or at least abuts the seal 23 towards the front.

[0059] 6, in order to move the toothed ring nut 30 from the rest configuration to the working configuration, the drive device 31 is actuated to rotate the toothed ring nut 30 to such an extent that the lateral projections 24 and the fins 16 at least partially overlap. During this rotation, the abutment surfaces 25 of the lateral projections 24 slide along the inclined surfaces 18 of the fins 16, exerting an upward thrust on the latter and therefore on the entire filter holder 7.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, at the end of rotation of the toothed ring nut 30, the filter holder 7 is in a tightly coupled configuration in which the edge 15 of the filter 14 is pressed against the seal 23 so that the filter holder 7 is fluid-tightly coupled with the support 6.

[0061] Second actuation type of coupling device Figures 8 to 15 and 16 to 23 respectively show embodiments of the coffee machine 1 operating according to the second operating type of the coupling device 17, i.e. in which the toothed ring nut 30 is angularly coupled to the fins 16 and rotates them about the axis 20, causing the fins 16 to be rotated relative to the lateral projections 24.

[0062] In this embodiment, the lateral projections 24 are not carried by the toothed ring nut 30 but rather are integral with the tubular side wall 19. In particular, the lateral projections 24 are arranged along the edge of the free end of the tubular side wall 19 and extend towards the axis 20, with their respective abutment surfaces 25 facing the bottom wall of the support 6.

[0063] Also, in this embodiment, the lateral protrusions 24 are evenly distributed around the axis 20 to define free spaces 36 between them of sufficient angular width in the circumferential direction to allow the fins 16 to pass through the free spaces 36 in a direction parallel to the axis 20.

[0064] In the section corresponding to the free space 36, the bottom wall of the support 6 carries permanent magnets 28 around the seal 23, which are designed to cooperate with permanent magnets 27 carried by the corresponding fins 16 to attract and hold or assist in holding the filter holder 7 in the insertion configuration as it approaches the support 6, as in the previous embodiment.

[0065] As mentioned above, in the second operating type of the coupling device 17, the toothed ring nut 30 can be angularly coupled to the fin 16 and thus to the filter holder 7 so that when actuated by the drive device 31, the filter holder 7 rotates around the axis 20.

[0066] The angular coupling between the toothed ring nut 30 and the filter holder 7 is achieved when the filter holder 7 is in the insert configuration. Two examples of how this angular coupling can be achieved are given by the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 15 and 16 to 23, respectively.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 15, the toothed ring nut 30 is provided with a fork 38 which is arranged to straddle the handle 11 of the filter holder 7 when the filter holder 7 is in the insertion configuration, thereby angularly integrating the filter holder 7 and the toothed ring nut 30.

[0068] 10, 11 and 13, the toothed ring nut 30 is conveniently mounted on the support 6 such that when the toothed ring nut 30 is in its rest configuration the forks 38 are angularly offset from a central configuration facing the operator, preferably to the left of the operator (FIGS. 10 and 11). Preferably, in addition, the rest configuration of the toothed ring nut 30 is selected such that after rotation of the toothed ring nut 30 from the rest configuration to the working configuration the forks 38, and thus the handle 11 of the filter holder 7, are substantially in said central configuration in front of the operator (FIG. 13).

[0069] 12 and 14 show how the coupling device 17 is tightly coupled by rotating the toothed ring nut 30 from a rest configuration (FIG. 12) to an actuated configuration (FIG. 14) and the corresponding filter holder 7 from an inserted configuration (FIG. 12) to a tightly coupled configuration (FIG. 14).

[0070] In the insertion configuration of the filter holder 7, the handle 11 is inserted into the fork 38, the fins 16 are arranged in the corresponding free spaces 36 between the lateral protrusions 24, and the edge 15 of the filter 14 is engaged with or at least adjacent to the front of the seal 23.

[0071] Actuation of the drive device 31 rotates the toothed ring nut 30 and pulls the filter holder 7 with it, causing the fins 16 to slide on the lateral projections 24 and therefore the filter holder 7 to move upwards.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 15, at the end of rotation of the toothed ring nut 30 and the filter holder 7, the latter are in a tightly coupled configuration in which the edge 15 of the filter 14 is pressed against the seal 23 so that the filter holder 7 is fluid-tightly coupled with the support 6.

[0073] In the embodiment of Figures 16 to 23, the angular connection between the toothed ring nut 30 and the filter holder 7 is achieved by means of a seat or pocket 39 integral with the toothed ring nut 30 that is configured to be engaged by one of the fins 16 of the filter holder 7 when the toothed ring nut 30 is in the rest configuration and the filter holder 7 is brought into the insertion configuration.

[0074] In particular, as shown in FIG. 17, the pocket 39 is defined by two walls protruding from the inner surface of the toothed ring 30 that span one of the free spaces 36 between the lateral protrusions 24 and is sized to accommodate the fin 16 with relative precision.

[0075] When the toothed ring nut 30 is in the rest configuration, and the filter holder 7 is inserted into the support 6, one of the fins 16 is inserted into the pocket 39 (FIG. 20), restraining the filter holder 7 to rotate with the toothed ring nut 30 as it moves to the working configuration. Rotation of the filter holder 7 engages the respective lateral protrusion 24 with the fin 16, resulting in a tight coupling of the coupling device 17 (FIG. 22). In this regard, it should be noted that in the example shown here, the size of the pocket 39 is such that, during rotation of the filter holder 7, it interferes with the lateral protrusion 24 intended to cooperate with the fin 16 inserted therein. Therefore, said lateral protrusion 24 is not present, and the tight coupling of the coupling device 17 is effectively achieved by engaging the remaining fins with the corresponding lateral protrusion 24. In a variant not shown, the pocket 39 is sized and shaped to allow rotation despite the presence of lateral protrusions 24 intended to cooperate with fins 16 inserted within the pocket 39.

[0076] As shown in Figures 18, 19 and 21, advantageously, the toothed ring nut 30 is mounted on the support 6 so that when the toothed ring nut 30 is in the rest configuration, it is possible to insert the fin 16 into the pocket 39 while the handle 11 of the filter holder 7 is maintained in a configuration that is angularly offset to the left relative to a central configuration in which it is directly in front of the operator, so that after the toothed ring nut 30 is rotated from the rest configuration to the working configuration, it is in a central configuration in which the handle 11 is substantially directly in front of the operator.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 23, at the end of rotation of the toothed ring nut 30 and the filter holder 7, the latter are in a tightly coupled configuration in which the edge 15 of the filter 14 is pressed against the seal 23 so that the filter holder 7 is fluid-tightly coupled with the support 6.

[0078] Irrespective of whether the coupling device 17 belongs to the first or second operating type described above, the automation device 29 of the coffee machine 1 is configured to automatically perform the tight coupling and uncoupling of the coupling device 17 as described above, instead of or to assist an operator in performing such operations.

[0079] The implementation of such automation requires, from a practical standpoint, the actuation of the drive device 31 to rotate the toothed ring nut 30, for which purpose the automation device 29 includes a user interface 40 that is functionally coupled to the drive device 31 and configured to enable an operator to rotate the toothed ring nut 30 in both rotational directions for tight coupling and uncoupling of the coupling device 17.

[0080] In a basic embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, the user interface 40 may include a simple button or a rocker switch with two or more switch positions, or one or more touch keys, or a touch-sensitive panel capable of detecting simple touches or more complex gestures made by an operator.

[0081] According to different independent aspects of the present invention, in an advanced embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the user interface 40 is configured to convert manual actions on the filter holder 7 performed by an operator into corresponding electrical commands for the drive device 31 such that the toothed ring nut 30 is rotated in a forward or reverse rotational direction and for a predetermined number of times.

[0082] In particular, the user interface 40: - an electronic sensor system 41 configured to detect movement of the handle 11 of the filter holder 7 by an operator and to provide an electrical output indicative of the movement of the handle 11 of the filter holder 7 by the operator; an electronic control unit 42 communicatively coupled, in particular electrically connected, to the electronic sensor system 41 and the drive device 31, for receiving the electrical output of the electronic sensor system 41 and for generating, based on the received electrical output, corresponding electrical commands for the drive device 31 to cause the toothed ring nut 30 to rotate in a forward or reverse direction of rotation in response to an action performed by an operator on the filter holder 7, thereby bringing about tight coupling and uncoupling of the coupling device 17; Includes.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic sensor system 41 includes a panel or plate 43 mounted on the front wall 3 and supporting the support 6, and one or more sensors 44 coupled to the plate 43 to detect forces applied to the plate 43 directly or indirectly through the filter holder 7.

[0084] Advantageously, a movement sensor 44 coupled to the plate 43 can be used as the sensor 44 to detect (micro)movements of the plate 43 caused by either direct action of an operator on the plate 43 or indirectly through the filter holder 7.

[0085] The number, technology and arrangement of the movement sensors 44 are selected so that they allow the detection of (micro)movements of the plate 43 caused either by direct action of an operator on the plate 43 that is desired to be detected or indirectly through the filter holder 7.

[0086] Advantageously, it is possible to use a load cell 44 as the displacement sensor 44, and in this description we will refer to it explicitly without loss of generality.

[0087] Furthermore, since, according to convention, the filter holder of a coffee machine is rotated by the operator counterclockwise (towards the right in relation to the operator) to lock it to the support and clockwise (towards the left in relation to the operator) to unlock it, the number, technology and arrangement of movement sensors are advantageously selected to make it possible to detect (micro)movements of plate 43 caused by the forces applied to it by the operator to rotate the filter holder 7 counterclockwise and clockwise.

[0088] In this embodiment, the electronic control unit 42 is programmed to: - determining, based on the electrical output of the load cell 44, the displacement of the plate 43 caused by a manual movement of the handle 11 of the filter holder 7 made by an operator; - generating electrical commands for the drive device 31 to cause the toothed ring 30 to rotate from the rest configuration to the working configuration when the load cell 44 detects a movement of the plate 43 caused by a rightward (counterclockwise) pushing force applied to the filter holder 7 by the operator, and vice versa when the load cell 44 detects a movement of the plate 43 caused by a leftward (clockwise) pushing force applied to the filter holder 7 by the operator.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the plate 43 has a rectangular shape and is bounded by substantially horizontal lower and upper edges and by two substantially vertical lateral edges, each of which has an extension 43a projecting outward from the front wall 3 at a right angle to the plate 43, and which are contiguous with respective brackets 45 arranged opposite each other and projecting from the lower and upper sides of the window in the front wall 3 into which the plate 43 is inserted.

[0090] Preferably, each extension 43a is connected to a respective bracket 45 using coaxial pins 46 arranged substantially in the center of the bracket 45, with the pins 46 defining a vertical rotation axis 47, so that when an operator applies a rightward or leftward thrust force to the support group 6 through the filter holder 7, the plate 43 can swing forward and backward around the vertical rotation axis 47.

[0091] To detect the movement or oscillation of the plate 43 , a load cell 44 is arranged between the plate 43 and the front wall 3 at the lateral edge of the plate 43 outside the front wall 3 .

[0092] 1-23 are merely examples of how many load cells 44 may be required and how they should be arranged with respect to the plate 43 and front wall 3 to detect movement of the plate 43 in response to rightward and leftward shoving forces applied by an operator to a filter holder 7 inserted within the support 6. In practice, the number, configuration, and orientation of the load cells 44 will depend on the type of load cell used.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, the presence of pins 46 is also optional, as the number and arrangement of load cells 44 may be sufficient to provide sufficient stability to plate 43 and its movement.

[0094] Finally, the shape of plate 43 shown in the accompanying drawings is also purely for illustrative purposes and can be replaced by a mounting element of any shape and size, as long as it is suitable for firm support of support 6 and allows a load cell 44 to be applied to detect (micro)movements of plate 43 in response to right and left thrusts applied by an operator to filter holder 7 inserted in support 6.

[0095] Depending on whether the coupling device 17 operates according to the first or second operating type, the tight coupling thereof brought about by the rotation of the toothed ring nut 30 is brought about either in a fully automatic mode, in which the rotation of the toothed ring nut 30 is exclusively controlled by the electronic control unit 42 through the drive device 31, as described above, or in a partially automatic mode, in which the rotation of the toothed ring nut 30 is performed to some extent manually by the operator and to some extent automatically by the drive device 31, respectively.

[0096] In fact, in the first type of actuation, in which the filter holder 7 is not rotated between the insertion configuration and the tightly coupled configuration, but is moved relative to the fins 16 by the lateral protrusions 24 carried by the toothed ring nut 30, when the operator places the filter holder 7 in the insertion configuration and applies a rightward (or, if conventional, leftward) thrust force as if he wanted to rotate and lock it, thus causing a movement (rocking) of the plate 43, a corresponding electrical output of the load cell 44 and an actuation of the drive device 31 in response to an electrical command from the electronic control unit 42, with the resulting rotation of the toothed ring nut 30 in the actuated configuration, causes the tight coupling of the coupling device 17 to occur in a fully automatic manner.

[0097] Conversely, a thrust force in the opposite direction, in this case to the left, applied by an operator to the filter holder 7 as if wanting to unlock and remove it will cause the plate 43 to move in the opposite direction and consequently cause the toothed ring nut 30 to rotate from the working configuration to the resting configuration.

[0098] In contrast, in the second type of operation in which the filter holder 7 is integral with the toothed ring nut 30, when the filter holder 7 is in an insertion configuration and is rotated to move between the insertion configuration and the tightly coupled configuration so as to engage or disengage the fins 16 and the lateral protrusions 24, the tight coupling of the coupling device 17 occurs in a partly automatic manner, in other words in a manual 'servo-assisted' manner.

[0099] In particular, when the operator places the filter holder 7 in the insertion configuration and applies a rightward (or, if conventional, leftward) pushing force, the filter holder 7 actually starts to rotate towards the tightly coupled configuration, but at the same time the resulting pushing force on the plate 43 is detected by the load cell 44, which in turn causes the electronic control unit 42 to energize the drive device 31, which rotates the toothed ring nut 30 to the actuated configuration, thus completing the tight coupling of the coupling device 17 without the operator being forced to apply any further force to the filter holder 7.

[0100] Uncoupling of the coupling device 17 is largely automatic, since the thrust applied by the operator to the filter holder 7 in the opposite direction, in this case to the left, does not have to be sufficient to overcome the tight coupling force, but rather it is sufficient that it is suitable for detection by the load cell 44 through the movement of the plate 43, resulting in the rotation of the toothed ring nut 30 from the operating configuration to the rest configuration, and therefore the return of the filter holder 7 to the insertion configuration.

[0101] It goes without saying that tight coupling and decoupling of the coupling device 17 can be achieved by direct action on the plate 43, in particular by applying a thrust force directly to the plate 43 on opposite sides of the support 6.

[0102] Finally, in a preferred embodiment, the automation device 29 is configured to control not only the tight coupling and uncoupling of the coupling device 17, but also the start and stop of the delivery of the beverage in response to appropriate actions manually performed by an operator on the handle 11 of the filter holder 7.

[0103] Preferably, the delivery of the beverage is carried out similarly to the control for the tight coupling of the coupling device 17 described above, in particular by means of a load cell 44 mounted between the plate 43 and the front wall 3 and detecting movement of the plate 43 in a direction different from the movement into and out of the tight coupling configuration caused by the pushing force exerted on the filter holder 7.

[0104] The load cell 44 provided for this purpose may be the same as that intended to detect movement of the plate 43 upon tight coupling and uncoupling of the coupling device 17, or may be entirely separate from that intended to detect movement of the plate 43 upon tight coupling and uncoupling of the coupling device 17 and arranged in a suitable position relative to the plate 34. For simplicity, the accompanying drawings all refer to the load cells 44 with the same reference numeral, regardless of the type of movement they are intended to detect.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, commands to start and stop the delivery of beverage are given by the operator exerting upward and downward thrusts, respectively, on the handle 11 of the filter holder 7 when it is arranged in a tightly coupled configuration. As the filter holder 7 is integrally coupled to the support 6, the thrust exerted on the filter holder 7 is transmitted to the plate 43 and detected by the load cell 44, the electrical output of which causes the electronic control unit 42 to control the start or stop of a pump (not shown) that supplies water to the boiler 4.

[0106] In a different embodiment, commands to start and stop the delivery of beverage can be given by the operator applying torque to the handle 11 of the filter holder 7 when it is arranged in a tightly coupled configuration, tending to rotate the handle clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively.

[0107] 25, 26 and 27 show examples of possible load cell 44 arrangements for detecting the movement of plate 43 caused by rightward / leftward and / or upward / downward pushing forces on filter holder 7.

[0108] In particular, FIG. 25 shows a situation in which rightward / leftward and / or upward / downward pushing forces on the filter holder 7 are detected by identical pairs of load cells 44 arranged on the short sides of the plate 43 .

[0109] Figure 26 shows both a situation in which right / left and / or upward / downward pushing forces on the filter holder 7 are detected by identical pairs of load cells 44 (shown in solid lines) arranged on the long sides of the plate 43, and a situation in which right / left pushing forces on the filter holder 7 are detected by a first pair of load cells 44 (shown in dashed lines) arranged on the short sides of the plate 43, while upward / downward pushing forces on the filter holder 7 are detected by a second pair of load cells 44 (shown in solid lines) arranged on the long sides of the plate 43.

[0110] Finally, FIG. 27 shows a situation in which rightward / leftward and / or upward / downward thrust forces on the filter holder 7 are detected by four load cells 44 arranged near the four vertices of the plate 43.

[0111] Similar to what is described in the basic embodiment for tight coupling and uncoupling of coupling device 17, for commands to start and stop the delivery of beverages, user interface 40 can include a simple button or a rocker switch with two or more switching positions, or a pair of touch keys, or even a touch-sensitive panel capable of detecting simple touches or more complex gestures made by the operator.

[0112] From the above, it can be seen that the user interface 40 according to an advanced embodiment can be of a type capable of controlling both the tight coupling / uncoupling of the coupling device 17 and the start / stop of the delivery of the beverage in response to an action on the filter holder 7 made by an operator, or of a type capable of controlling only one of the tight coupling / uncoupling of the coupling device 17 and the start / stop of the delivery of the beverage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 coffee machine 2 Frame, casing 3 Front wall 4 boilers 5 Hot Water Conduit 6 Supporters, Support Groups 7 Filter Holder 8 drip trays 9. Grid 10 cups 11 Handle 12 Conduit 14 Filters 15 Edge 16 Finn 17 Coupling Devices 18 Slope 19 Sidewall, tubular sidewall 20 vertical axis, axis 21 Hot water shower 22 Annular cavity, cavity 23 Front seal, seal 24 Lateral protrusion, protrusion 25 Contact surface 26 Magnetic positioning device, positioning device 27 Permanent Magnets 28 Permanent Magnets 29 Automation Devices 30 Toothed Ring Nuts, Ring Nuts, Toothed Rings 31 Driving Device 32 outer teeth 33 Annular 34 Electric Motor 35 gear transmission 36 Free space 37 seats 38 Fork 39 Seat or pocket, pocket 40 User Interface 41 Electronic Sensor Systems 42 Electronic Control Unit 43 Panel or plate, plate 43a Extension 44 Sensors, movement sensors, load cells 45 bracket 46 pins 47 Vertical Rotation Axis

Claims

1. Frame (2), a support (6) mounted on the frame (2) and designed to deliver hot water for preparing a beverage; a filter holder (7) capable of containing brewing ingredients and designed to be removably coupled to said support (6) and to receive hot water therefrom for brewing said brewing ingredients to produce a beverage; a user interface (40) that allows a user to control the operation of the coffee machine (1); A coffee machine (1) comprising: the user interface (40) is configured to detect one or different actions made by a user on the filter holder (7) or one or different forces applied by a user to the frame (2) directly or indirectly through the filter holder (7), and to cause the start and stop of beverage delivery in response to the detected actions or forces; A coffee machine (1) characterized by:

2. 2. The coffee machine (1) of claim 1, wherein the user interface (40) is further configured to cause the delivery of hot water to the filter holder (7) to start and stop in response to a detected movement or force.

3. 3. The coffee machine (1) of claim 2, wherein the user interface (40) is further configured to detect either one or more of the following movements made by a user to the filter holder (7): rightward, leftward, upward, and downward; or one or more forces applied by a user directly to one or different areas of the frame (2).

4. 4. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the user interface (40) is further configured to detect either rightward and leftward or upward and downward movements made by a user to the filter holder (7), or a force applied by a user directly to an area of ​​the frame (2) on the opposite side of the support (6).

5. The user interface (40) an electronic sensor system (41) configured to detect one or different actions performed by a user on said filter holder (7) or one or different forces applied by a user to said frame (2) directly or indirectly through said filter holder (7), and in response thereto to provide an electrical output indicative of the detected actions or forces; 5. The coffee machine (1) of claim 1, further comprising: an electronic control unit (42) communicatively coupled to the electronic sensor system (41) to receive the electrical output of the electronic sensor system (41), and to generate electrical commands for an automated device (29) based on the electrical output of the electronic sensor system (41) to cause the start and stop of beverage delivery in response to detected movements or forces.

6. moreover, a coupling device (17) including a first coupling part (24) mounted on the support (6) and a second coupling part (16) carried by the filter holder (7); the coupling device (17) configured to cause the filter holder (7) to assume a tightly coupled configuration in which the filter holder (7) is tightly coupled to the support (6) as a result of relative movement of the first coupling part (24) and the second coupling part (16); 6. A coffee machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an automation device (29) configured to at least partly automatically cause the relative movement of the first connecting part (24) and the second connecting part (16).

7. 7. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 6, wherein the coupling device (17) is configured to cause the filter holder (7) to adopt the tightly coupled configuration as a result of relative rotation of the first coupling part (24) and the second coupling part (16).

8. 8. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein the support (6) has an axis (20), and the automation device (29) comprises a motorised member (30) operable to rotate the first coupling part (24) and the second coupling part (16) relative to each other in forward and reverse rotational directions about the axis (20) of the support (6).

9. 9. The coffee machine (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the user interface (40) is further configured to operate the automation device (29) to cause the coupling device (17) to tightly couple and uncouple in response to a detected movement or force.

10. 10. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 9, wherein the user interface (40) is further configured to detect either rightward, leftward, upward and downward movements made by a user on the filter holder (7) or forces applied by a user directly to areas of the frame (2) to the right, left, above and below the support (16), to cause the coupling device (17) to tightly couple and uncouple in response to either the detected rightward and leftward movements or the detected right and left forces on the support (16), and to start and stop delivery of the beverage in response to either the detected upward and downward movements or the detected above and below forces on the support (16), or vice versa.

11. Coffee machine (1) according to claim 9 or 10, when dependent on claim 5, wherein the electronic control unit (42) is further configured to output electrical commands for the automated device (29) based on the electrical output of the electronic sensor system (41) and to cause the coupling device (17) to tightly couple and uncouple in response to detected movements or forces.

12. 6. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 5, wherein the electronic sensor system (41) comprises one or more sensors (44) coupled to the frame (2) for detecting forces applied to the frame (2) directly or indirectly through the filter holder (7).

13. Coffee machine (1) according to claim 12, wherein the one or more sensors (44) comprise one or more movement sensors (44) coupled to the frame (2) to detect movement of the frame (2) caused by forces applied to the frame (2) directly or indirectly through the filter holder (7).

14. Coffee machine (1) according to claim 13, wherein the one or more movement sensors (44) comprise one or more load cells (44).

15. the automation device (29) includes a motorized member (30) operable to rotate the first coupling portion (24) and the second coupling portion (16) relative to each other in opposite rotational directions about the axis (20) of the support (6); the first coupling portion (24) is integral with the support (6) and is rotatably mounted on the support (6) to rotate about the axis (20), and the motorized member (30) includes a ring nut (30) designed to enable coupling with the filter holder (7) so as to be angularly integral with the filter holder (7) when the filter holder (7) is in the insertion configuration; 7. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 6, wherein the ring nut (30) is operable to rotate the second coupling part (16) relative to the first coupling part (24) so ​​as to move the filter holder (7) from the insertion configuration to the close coupled configuration and vice versa.

16. 16. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 15, wherein the ring nut (30) comprises a seat (38; 39) configured to allow engagement by a portion of the filter holder (7) such that the filter holder (7) and the ring nut (30) are angularly united when the filter holder (7) is in the inserted configuration.

17. Coffee machine (1) according to claim 16, wherein the seat (38) is defined by a fork (38) integral with the ring nut (30) and configured to allow the filter holder (7) to be arranged to straddle the handle (11) such that, when the filter holder (7) is in the insertion configuration, the filter holder (7) and the ring nut (30) are angularly united.

18. 17. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 16, wherein the seat (39) is defined by a pocket (39) integral with the ring nut (30) and configured to allow engagement by the second connecting part (16) of the filter holder (7) such that the filter holder (7) and the ring nut (30) are angularly united when the filter holder (7) is in the inserted configuration.

19. the automation device (29) includes a motorized member (30) operable to rotate the first coupling portion (24) and the second coupling portion (16) relative to each other in opposite rotational directions about the axis (20) of the support (6); the motorized member (30) is rotatably mounted on the support (6) for rotation about the axis (20) and includes a ring nut (30) carrying the first coupling portion (24); 7. The coffee machine (1) according to claim 6, wherein the ring nut (30) is angularly oriented about the axis (20) so as to enable the filter holder (7) to be manually arrangeable into the insertion configuration exclusively by moving the filter holder (7) upwards along the axis (20) towards the support (6).

20. 20. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 19, wherein the support (6) is shaped to cooperate with the second coupling part (16) such that, when the filter holder (7) is in the inserted configuration, the filter holder (7) is substantially prevented from rotating about the axis (20) during rotation of the ring nut (30) and presents one and the same configuration to an operator in both the inserted configuration and the tightly coupled configuration.

21. 21. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the ring nut (30) is angularly oriented about the axis (20) such that, in both the insertion configuration and the close coupling configuration, the filter holder (7) presents to an operator a frontal configuration in which a handle (11) of the filter holder (7) is arranged frontally to the operator.

22. further comprising a magnetic positioning device (26) designed to facilitate positioning of the filter holder (7) in the insertion configuration when the filter holder (7) approaches the support (6); the positioning device (26) includes one or more first magnetic elements (28) associated with the support (6) and one or more second magnetic elements (27) associated with the second coupling portion (16); 22. A coffee machine (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the first magnetic element (28) is arranged to magnetically cooperate with the second magnetic element (27) when the filter holder (7) is in or substantially in the inserted configuration.

23. The filter holder (7) comprises a cup-shaped body (10) having a bottom wall and an open end bounded by an edge (15), and the support (6) comprises a brewing hot water outlet and a seal (23) surrounding the brewing hot water outlet; the first coupling portion (24) includes several first projections (24), and the second coupling portion (16) includes several second projections (16); the second protrusion (16) is arranged on the filter holder (7) to avoid interference with the first protrusion (24) when the filter holder (7) is in the insertion configuration, and to slidably cooperate with the first protrusion (24) during relative rotation of the first coupling portion (24) and the second coupling portion (16); the first protrusion (24) and the second protrusion (16) are shaped such that during the relative rotation, one of the filter holder (7) and the support (6) moves towards the other, and in the tightly coupled configuration, the edge (15) of the filter holder (7) presses fluid-tight against the seal (23); 23. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 22, wherein the first magnetic elements (28) are arranged on the bottom wall of the cup-shaped body (10) between the first protrusions (24), and the second magnetic elements (27) are carried by corresponding second protrusions (16) in a position such that the first magnetic elements (28) face the corresponding second magnetic elements (27) when the filter holder (7) approaches the support (6).

24. further comprising a positioning device (26) designed to facilitate positioning of said filter holder (7) in said insertion configuration; 7. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 6, wherein the positioning device (26) is a magnetic positioning device (26) comprising one or more first magnetic elements (28) associated with the support (6) and one or more second magnetic elements (27) associated with the second coupling part (16), the first magnetic elements (28) being arranged to magnetically cooperate with the second magnetic elements (27) when the filter holder (7) is in or substantially in the inserted configuration.

25. The filter holder (7) comprises a cup-shaped body (10) having a bottom wall and an open end bounded by an edge (15), and the support (6) comprises a brewing hot water outlet and a seal (23) surrounding the brewing hot water outlet; the first coupling portion (24) includes several first projections (24), and the second coupling portion (16) includes several second projections (16); the second protrusion (16) is arranged on the filter holder (7) to avoid interference with the first protrusion (24) when the filter holder (7) is in the insertion configuration, and to slidably cooperate with the first protrusion (24) during the relative rotation of the first coupling portion (24) and the second coupling portion (16); the first protrusion (24) and the second protrusion (16) are shaped such that during the relative rotation, one of the filter holder (7) and the support (6) moves towards the other, and in the tightly coupled configuration, the edge (15) of the filter holder (7) presses fluid-tight against the seal (23); 25. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 24, wherein the first magnetic elements (28) are arranged on the bottom wall of the cup-shaped body (10) between the first protrusions (24), and the second magnetic elements (27) are carried by corresponding second protrusions (16) in a position such that the first magnetic elements (28) face the corresponding second magnetic elements (27) when the filter holder (7) approaches the support (6).

26. the automation device (29) includes a motorized member (30) operable to rotate the first coupling portion (24) and the second coupling portion (16) relative to each other in opposite rotational directions about the axis (20) of the support (6); the first coupling portion (24) is integral with the support (6) and is rotatably mounted on the support (6) to rotate about the axis (20), and the motorized member (30) includes a ring nut (30) designed to enable coupling with the filter holder (7) so as to be angularly integral with the filter holder (7) when the filter holder (7) is in the insertion configuration; 26. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the ring nut (30) is operable to rotate the second coupling part (16) relative to the first coupling part (24) so ​​as to move the filter holder (7) from the insertion configuration to the close coupled configuration and vice versa.

27. 27. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 26, wherein the ring nut (30) comprises a seat (38; 39) configured to allow engagement by a portion of the filter holder (7) such that the filter holder (7) and the ring nut (30) are angularly united when the filter holder (7) is in the inserted configuration.

28. 28. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 27, wherein the seat (38) is defined by a fork (38) integral with the ring nut (30) and configured to allow the filter holder (7) to be arranged to straddle the handle (11) such that, when the filter holder (7) is in the insertion configuration, the filter holder (7) and the ring nut (30) are angularly united.

29. 28. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 27, wherein the seat (39) is defined by a pocket (39) integral with the ring nut (30) and configured to allow engagement by the second connecting portion (16) of the filter holder (7) such that the filter holder (7) and the ring nut (30) are angularly united when the filter holder (7) is in the inserted configuration.

30. the automation device (29) includes a motorized member (30) operable to rotate the first coupling portion (24) and the second coupling portion (16) relative to each other in opposite rotational directions about the axis (20) of the support (6); the motorized member (30) is rotatably mounted on the support (6) for rotation about the axis (20) and includes a ring nut (30) carrying the first coupling portion (24); said ring nut (30) being operable to rotate said first coupling part (24) relative to said second coupling part (16) to cause said filter holder (7) to fully automatically start from said insertion configuration to said close coupled configuration, and vice versa; Coffee machine (1) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the ring nut (30) is angularly oriented about the axis (20) to enable the filter holder (7) to be manually arrangeable into the insertion configuration exclusively by moving the filter holder (7) upwards along the axis (20) towards the support (6).

31. 31. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 30, wherein the support (6) is shaped to cooperate with the second coupling part (16) such that, when the filter holder (7) is in the inserted configuration, the filter holder (7) is substantially prevented from rotating about the axis (20) during rotation of the ring nut (30) and presents one and the same configuration to an operator in both the inserted configuration and the tightly coupled configuration.

32. 32. A coffee machine (1) according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the ring nut (30) is angularly oriented about the axis (20) such that, in both the insertion configuration and the close coupling configuration, the filter holder (7) presents to an operator a frontal configuration in which a handle (11) of the filter holder (7) is arranged frontally to the operator.

33. A coffee machine (1) as described in any of claims 15 to 23 and claims 26 to 32, wherein the ring nut (30) has a toothed portion (32), and the automation device (29) includes an electric actuator (34) and a gear transmission (35) kinematically connecting the electric actuator (34) and the ring nut (30).

34. Coffee machine (1) according to any of claims 15 to 33, wherein in the tightly coupled configuration, the filter holder (7) and the support (6) are coupled in a fluid-tight manner.

Images