Removable filter holder for espresso machine

Abstract

FIELD: coffee dispensing machine.SUBSTANCE: filter holder (20) for an espresso coffee making and dispensing machine (10), comprising a handle (21), a housing (22) connected to the handle (21) and configured to receive a filter (23) for ground coffee, and a main cup (30), wherein the main cup (30) is a component that is separate and / or separable from the housing, wherein the housing (22) comprises a first front flange (27) with a first internal groove (271) and a second rear flange (28) with a second internal groove (281) and two opposite open recesses (27, 28) between the first flange (27) and the second flange (28), wherein the first internal groove (271) and the second internal groove (281) are open into the open recesses, wherein the main cup (30) comprises a first front tooth (37) configured to engage with the first internal groove (271), and a second rear a tooth (38) configured to engage with the second internal groove (281) for connecting the main cup (30) to the body (20).EFFECT: creating a filter holder, the body of which can be separated from the lower part, for example, to carry out operations of thorough cleaning and replacement of the lower part.15 cl, 7 dwg

Description

[0001] Field of technology

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of espresso coffee machines. In particular, it relates to a removable filter holder that is particularly practical in various respects.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] There are many machines for preparing beverages. In particular, there are many machines for making espresso coffee from coffee powder, pods, capsules, and the like.

[0005] Typically, an espresso machine forces a stream of water through a shot of ground coffee at high pressure and temperature. Some popular machines allow for precise control of the pressure and / or temperature of the water passing through the shot. Some popular machines allow for the pressure and / or temperature of the water to be adjusted during dispensing.

[0006] Typically, an espresso machine contains at least one spout on which a filter holder bracket, also simply called a "filter holder", is mounted.

[0007] A filter holder typically consists of a housing and a handle. The housing is essentially cylindrical in cross-section and open at the top. Inside the housing is a filter, a cup-shaped container with a bottom containing numerous small holes. A predetermined amount of ground coffee is poured into the filter and typically pressed by the barista manually or using special tools.

[0008] The filter holder body typically has a lower section designed to direct the brewed coffee toward the outlet spout, which creates a stream of espresso and directs it toward the coffee cup. The outlet spout can be single or double.

[0009] The filter holder body is usually made of metal material such as steel or brass.

[0010] Filter holders are described in publications US 2021 / 219768 A1, DE 212016000160 U1, CN 105326393 A and EP 2087818 A1.

[0011] The essence of the invention

[0012] The filter holder body is typically made of a metal material, such as steel or brass. The filter holder body is typically made of one piece with the bottom.

[0013] The applicant found that the fact that the filter holder body is made of one piece leads to disadvantages and is in any case not very practical.

[0014] For example, the applicant found that it was not always possible to properly clean the filter holder because the bottom of the filter holder housing was difficult to access.

[0015] Furthermore, the applicant has established that there must be two filter holders: one with a single spout (for one cup of coffee) and one with a double spout (for two cups of coffee).

[0016] Furthermore, the applicant found that in some cases it would be desirable to be able to remove the bottom of the filter holder so that the espresso coffee flowing from the bottom of the filter could be seen and checked, for example, that the espresso coffee flows evenly and not along certain paths.

[0017] The applicant has defined the purpose of creating a filter holder, the body of which can be separated from the lower part, for example, to carry out operations for thorough cleaning and replacement of the lower part.

[0018] According to the applicant, the problem could be solved by creating a filter holder with a housing, perhaps made of metal, that can be separated from the bottom. The two parts could be separated or reattached.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, a filter holder is provided for a machine for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee, wherein the filter holder comprises a handle, a housing connected to the handle and configured to accommodate a filter for ground coffee, and a main cup, wherein the main cup is a component that is separate and / or detachable from the housing.

[0020] The housing may include a support member for supporting the filter holder to facilitate pressing the ground coffee inside the filter.

[0021] The support member may comprise a tooth protruding radially outward from the housing, preferably in a direction substantially opposite to the handle.

[0022] According to embodiments, the housing comprises a first front flange with a first internal groove, a second rear flange with a second internal groove and two opposite open grooves between the first front flange and the second front flange, wherein the first internal groove and the second internal groove are open into open recesses, and the main cup comprises a first front tooth configured to engage with the first internal groove, and a second rear tooth configured to engage with the second internal groove for detachable connection of the main cup with the housing.

[0023] This dual-indentation design is particularly advantageous. The dual indentations allow the user to grasp the main cup with one hand and twist it to lock (or unlock) it relative to the filter holder housing. This design eliminates the need to touch the filter holder housing, which becomes extremely hot immediately after use and should not be touched. Without the indentations, the user would have to remove the main cup by pressing on the spouts, an operation that should obviously be avoided (to avoid damaging or even breaking the spouts). This design is also advantageous because the filter holder housing is lighter without losing its rigidity. Furthermore, the user can better see the grooves and immediately understand how to connect the main cup to the filter holder housing.

[0024] According to embodiments, the first internal groove and the second internal groove are located in a horizontal plane parallel to the plane of the upper edge of the housing. This solution is particularly advantageous since the user only needs to perform a rotary motion in one plane, rather than a screwing motion.

[0025] According to embodiments, the first front tooth comprises an inlet slope, a substantially flat section, and an outlet slope. According to embodiments, the second rear tooth comprises an inlet slope, a substantially flat section, and an outlet slope. This solution is preferable because the main cup can be connected to the filter holder body by a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. Furthermore, the main cup and the filter holder body can be equally well separated from each other by a counterclockwise or clockwise rotation.

[0026] The filter holder may also include a retaining member to provide additional retaining action between the main cup and the body.

[0027] According to embodiments, the retaining element comprises a ball clamp, wherein the substantially flat portion of the rear tooth is interrupted by a cylindrical seat, which is configured to engage the ball clamp.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the ball clamp is located in the second groove, and the pre-tensioning mechanism is located in the protruding portion of the handle. In this embodiment, the seat for the ball clamp spring does not increase the thickness of the filter holder housing.

[0029] The filter holder may also comprise a protruding tab configured to engage with the free edge of the second rear flange.

[0030] The filter holder may also comprise opposing elements configured to determine the correct angular position of the main cup on the filter holder body.

[0031] According to embodiments, the filter holder body comprises a first material having a first thermal conductivity, and the main cup comprises a second material having a second thermal conductivity, wherein the second thermal conductivity is less than the first thermal conductivity.

[0032] The second thermal conductivity is preferably less than 5 W m -1 ·TO -1 , preferably less than 1 W m -1 ·TO -1 and is preferably in the range of 0.1 W m -1 ·TO -1 up to 0.5 W m -1 ·TO -1 .

[0033] The second material may include a material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, methacrylate and acetal or glass, ceramic, porcelain or any combination thereof.

[0034] The second material can be selected from polysulfides, polyesters, polyaryletherketones, polyphenylsulfones, polysulfones, etc.

[0035] According to embodiments, the second material may be polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). For example, a material that has been tested and found suitable is Ryton R-4-244 NA from Solvay, which is a high-modulus polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0036] According to embodiments, the second material may be polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0037] According to embodiments, the second material may be polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). For example, a polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) material known as Radel 5100, manufactured by Solvay, has been tested and found suitable. It has optimal mechanical and thermal properties and is also food-grade certified.

[0038] According to embodiments, the filter holder body is substantially made of a metallic material having a thermal conductivity of less than 150 W m -1 ·TO -1 .

[0039] Brief description of the drawings

[0040] The following is a detailed description of the present invention, given solely as a non-limiting example, which should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Fig. 1 is an axonometric view of an example of an espresso coffee machine in which a filter holder according to the present invention can be used;

[0042] Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C are various axonometric views of the filter holder housing according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Fig. 3A and 3B are two axonometric views of the main cup configured to be connected together with the filter holder body shown in Fig. 2;

[0044] Fig. 4 - view of the body and the main cup according to Fig. 2 and 3 in a disassembled state, namely before connecting to each other;

[0045] Fig. 5 - view of the body and the main cup during the first phase of their joining together; and

[0046] Fig. 6 and 7 are two axonometric views at different angles of the filter holder body and the main cup connected together in the final position.

[0047] Detailed description of the invention

[0048] Figure 1 shows, by way of example only, an espresso coffee machine, generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Machine 10 comprises a substantially closed housing 11, within which the main components of the machine are located, some of which will be described below. Preferably, machine 10 comprises a surface 12 on top for placing coffee cups. An electrical resistance (not shown) or other heating system may also be provided for heating cups on surface 12. Machine 10 comprises a dosing unit 13 for dispensing espresso coffee. A drip tray 14 is preferably located beneath the dosing unit 13, which is preferably partially covered at the top by a grill 15. Coffee cups are typically placed on the grill 15 during espresso dispensing.

[0050] The filter holder 20, which in turn accommodates and supports a filter for a portion of coffee powder, can be detachably connected to the dosing unit 13.

[0051] The machine 10 may comprise one or more displays and / or buttons and / or round handles 16, for example, for turning the machine on / off and / or for starting / stopping the dispensing operation.

[0052] The machine 10 shown in Fig. 1 also comprises a lever 17 for starting / stopping the dispensing of espresso coffee and / or for changing the dispensing pressure during the dispensing of espresso coffee.

[0053] Figure 2 shows a bottomless filter holder 20 on which a main cup 30 according to the present invention can be installed.

[0054] Preferably, the filter holder 20 comprises a handle 21 and a substantially cylindrical body 22, which is adapted to hold a filter 23 (see Fig. 4) filled with coffee powder.

[0055] Preferably, the filter 23 is cup-shaped, open at the top and closed at the bottom, but with many micro holes at the bottom.

[0056] Preferably, a spring clip is provided to hold the filter 23 in place. The spring clip may be positioned within a groove in the inner wall of the housing 22 of the filter holder 20.

[0057] Preferably, the outer surface of the filter holder body 22 has two diametrically opposite ribs 25 protruding therefrom, configured to engage the filter holder 20 with the metering unit 13. The engagement between the filter holder and the metering unit can also be performed by means of a rotary motion, a translational motion, or a combined rotary and translational motion.

[0058] The embodiment of the filter holder shown in Figs. 2-7 is particularly advantageous because the engagement between the filter holder body and the main cup is particularly simple, effective, and durable. In fact, the applicant has found that the removal and reassembly process is dependent on the need for frequent cleaning. Furthermore, since the main cup can be easily replaced, the filter holder with a double spout can be easily converted to a single spout filter holder.

[0059] The main cup 30 can be made of any material, such as metal, thermoplastic, glass, ceramic, composite material or a combination of these.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C, the shape of the body 22 of the filter holder 20 is such that it has a first front flange 27 and a second rear flange 28. Thus, between the two flanges 27 and 28, two open recesses are formed opposite each other. The first front flange 27 is preferably diametrically opposite the handle 21. The second rear flange is preferably substantially connected to the protruding portion 211 of the handle 21.

[0061] According to embodiments, two flanges 27, 28 repeat the essentially cylindrical profile of the housing 22 of the filter holder 20.

[0062] According to embodiments, the first front flange 27 extends downward by a greater amount than the second rear flange 28. The reason for this difference will be explained below. The free edge of the second rear flange 28 is preferably rounded.

[0063] The first front flange 27 comprises a first internal groove 271. The first internal groove 271 extends across the entire width of the first front flange 27 and exits into open recesses.

[0064] The second rear flange 28 comprises a second internal groove 281. The second internal groove 281 extends across the entire width of the second flange 28 and exits into open recesses.

[0065] Preferably, the first inner groove 271 and the second inner groove 281 are located in a horizontal plane parallel to the plane of the upper edge of the body 22.

[0066] According to one embodiment, at least one of the grooves comprises a retaining element 282 for holding the main cup 30 in the position when it is connected to the housing 22.

[0067] For example, the retaining element 282 may be a ball-type clamp that is elastically pre-stressed (e.g., by a spring). The ball-type clamp 282 may be located within the second groove 28, for example, in its center. The pre-stressing mechanism, which typically comprises a spring, may be housed in the protruding portion 211 of the handle 21.

[0068] The filter holder body further comprises ribs 25 configured to connect the filter holder 20 together with the dosing unit of the espresso coffee machine.

[0069] The main cup 30, which is configured to engage with the body 22 of the filter holder 20, is shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. The main cup 30 has a cup-shaped form, open at the top and substantially closed at the bottom. The spout 35, which can be single or double, as shown in Fig. 10 and the following drawings, protrudes from the lower part.

[0070] The main cup 30 comprises a side surface with two protruding teeth: a first front tooth 37 and a second rear tooth 38. The two teeth 37, 38 are substantially diametrically opposed to each other. The first front tooth 37 is configured to engage with the first front groove 271. The second rear tooth 38 is configured to engage with the second rear groove 281.

[0071] The first front tooth 37 may comprise an input slope 371, a substantially flat portion 372 and an output slope 373.

[0072] Similarly, the second rear tooth 38 may comprise an input slope 381, a substantially flat portion 382 and an output slope 383. The substantially flat portion 382 is interrupted by a cylindrical seat 384. The cylindrical seat 384 is configured to engage with a retaining element 382 (ball clamp).

[0073] According to embodiments, the main cup 30 may also include a protruding tab 33 that projects radially outward from the bottom of the main cup. Tab 33 is preferably located substantially under the second rear tooth.

[0074] According to embodiments, the outer surface of the main cup 30 also comprises two oppositely located protruding elements 32. The two oppositely located protruding elements 32 are designed as shown in Fig. 6 and 7, to determine the correct angular position of the abutment of the main cup 30 on the body 22 of the filter holder 20.

[0075] To connect the main cup 30 to the filter holder body 22, the main cup 30 is inserted vertically (movement from Fig. 4 to Fig. 5) into the filter holder socket, and then rotated so that the first front tooth 37 enters the first front groove 27, and the second rear tooth 38 enters the second rear groove 28. At the end of the rotation, the cup is in the position shown in Fig. 6 and 7.

[0076] Preferably, during the rotating movement, the ball of the ball presser 382 elastically penetrates into the cylindrical seat 384 of the second tooth 38 and accurately determines the relative position of the main cup 30 and the filter holder body 22. The inlet and outlet slopes facilitate the retraction of the ball of the ball presser into the seat.

[0077] Furthermore, during the rotating movement, tab 33 engages the lower edge of the second rear flange 28. As mentioned above, the second flange 28 protrudes downward less than the first flange 27. This effectively determines a unique relative position between the filter holder housing and the main cup, preventing these components from being installed in any other position. In other words, if someone attempts to rotate the main cup relative to the housing in the opposite direction, this rotation will be prevented, as the protrusion will rest against the front flange 27.

[0078] To remove the main cup 30, simply rotate the main cup relative to the filter holder body 22, causing the ball of the ball presser to come out of the cylindrical seat.

[0079] It is clear that the embodiment shown in Figs. 2-7 is also particularly advantageous, since the removal and reassembly operations do not lead to any uncertainty in positioning. The user installing and removing the main cup can easily determine the correct installation position.

[0080] The advantage is that the engagement / disengagement force required to insert / remove the main cup is extremely limited, allowing virtually anyone to engage / disengage the main cup. This aspect is especially advantageous when the espresso machine is intended for home use.

[0081] Preferably, according to the invention, the hookable main cup is firmly held by the filter holder and becomes essentially an integral part of it. Its accidental removal is prevented even during more intensive operations, including striking the filter holder against the coffee grounds container to remove used coffee.

[0082] The filter holder body may comprise (or be substantially made of) a first material that has a first thermal conductivity, and the main cup may comprise (or be substantially made of) a second material that has a second thermal conductivity, wherein the second thermal conductivity is less than the first thermal conductivity.

[0083] According to embodiments, the second thermal conductivity is less than 5 W m -1 ·TO -1 , preferably less than 1 W m -1 ·TO -1 and is preferably within 0.1 W m -1 ·TO -1 and 0.5 W m -1 ·TO -1 .

[0084] According to embodiments, the second material includes a material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, methacrylate and acetal, namely thermoplastic polymers obtained by polymerization of aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, etc.) through a carbonyl group.

[0085] The applicant investigated the use of various materials for the base cup. Specifically, the applicant tested several materials selected from polysulfides, polyesters, polyaryletherketones, polyphenylsulfones, polysulfones, and the like.

[0086] According to embodiments, the base cup is substantially made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). For example, a material that has been tested and found suitable is Ryton R-4-244 NA from Solvay, which is a high-modulus polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0087] According to embodiments, the main cup is substantially made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0088] According to embodiments, the main cup is substantially made of polyphenylene sulfone (PPS). For example, Radel 5100, manufactured by Solvay, a material with optimal mechanical and thermal properties and food-grade certification, has been tested and found suitable.

[0089] This material is polyphenylsulfone (PPSF or PPSU), a polymer consisting of aromatic rings linked by sulfonyl groups (SO2).

[0090] On the other hand, PBT is a polyester, namely containing repeating ester units (-COOR).

[0091] PPSU is amorphous, while PBT is semi-crystalline.

[0092] According to embodiments, the main cup is at least partially transparent. The filter holder according to the invention can also be used without the main cup.

[0093] When the main cup contains (or is made of) a material with low thermal conductivity, the main cup can be removed or reassembled at any time, even in the case of high temperatures of the filter holder.

Claims

1. A filter holder (20) for an espresso coffee making and dispensing machine (10), comprising a handle (21), a housing (22) connected to the handle (21) and configured to receive a filter (23) for ground coffee, and a main cup (30), wherein the main cup (30) is a component that is separate and / or separable from the housing, wherein the housing (22) comprises a first front flange (27) with a first internal groove (271) and a second rear flange (28) with a second internal groove (281) and two opposite open recesses (27, 28) between the first flange (27) and the second flange (28), wherein the first internal groove (271) and the second internal groove (281) are open into the open recesses, wherein the main cup (30) comprises a first front tooth (37) configured to engage with the first internal groove (271), and a second rear tooth (38) configured to engage with a second internal groove (281) for connecting the main cup (30) to the body (20).

2. The filter holder (20) according to claim 1, in which the housing (22) comprises a support element (26, 27) for supporting the filter holder to facilitate pressing of ground coffee inside the filter.

3. The filter holder (20) according to claim 2, in which the support element (26, 27) comprises a tooth protruding radially outward from the housing (22).

4. The filter holder (20) according to claim 2, in which the support element (26, 27) comprises a tooth protruding radially outward from the housing (22) in a direction opposite to the handle (21).

5. The filter holder (20) according to claim 1, in which the first internal groove (271) and the second internal groove (281) are located in a horizontal plane parallel to the plane of the upper edge of the housing (22).

6. The filter holder (20) according to claim 5, in which the first front tooth (37) comprises an input slope (371), a flat section (372) and an output slope (373).

7. The filter holder (20) according to claim 5 or 6, in which the second rear tooth (38) comprises an input slope (381), a flat section (382) and an output slope (383).

8. A filter holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a retaining element (282) for providing an additional retaining action between the main cup (30) and the housing (20).

9. The filter holder (20) according to claim 8, in which the holding element comprises a ball clamp, wherein the flat section (382) of the rear tooth is interrupted by a cylindrical seat (384), which is designed to engage with the ball clamp.

10. The filter holder (20) according to claim 9, in which the ball clamp (282) is located in the second groove (28), and the pre-stressing mechanism is located in the protruding part (211) of the handle (21).

11. The filter holder (20) according to claim 1, additionally comprising a protruding tab (33) configured to engage with the free edge of the second rear flange (28).

12. The filter holder (20) according to paragraphs 1, 8 or 11, additionally comprising oppositely located elements (32) configured to determine the correct angular position of the main cup (30) on the body (22) of the filter holder (20).

13. The filter holder (20) according to claim 1, in which the body (22) of the filter holder contains a first material having a first thermal conductivity, and the lower cup (30) contains a second material having a second thermal conductivity, wherein the second thermal conductivity is less than the first thermal conductivity.

14. The filter holder (20) according to claim 13, wherein the second thermal conductivity is less than 5 W m-1 K-1.

15. The filter holder (20) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the second material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, methacrylate and acetal or glass, ceramic, porcelain or any combination thereof.

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