Coffee machine for preparing a coffee beverage

Abstract

The invention relates to a coffee machine (1) containing a machine unit (2) and a filter-support device (50) which can be removed from the machine unit (2). The machine unit (2) contains: a first station (11) comprising a device (30) having a mill (31) for producing and dispensing ground coffee at the first station (11); a second station (12) which is different from the first station and has a holding and guiding device (40, 140) for receiving and holding the filter-support device (50) in a brewing position (BS) for the purpose of brewing a coffee beverage using brewing water at high pressure; a third station (13), which is different from the first station and the second station, for preparing a filtered coffee beverage; and a brewing-water preparation and dispensing device (60) for producing and dispensing pressurised, hot brewing water into the ground coffee receiving chamber (51) of the filter-support device (50) at the second station (12), and for producing and dispensing hot brewing water into the ground coffee receiving chamber (87) of a filter support (84) at the third station (13).

Description

[0001] COFFEE MACHINE FOR PREPARING A COFFEE DRINK

[0002] The invention lies in the field of coffee machines and relates to a coffee machine for preparing a coffee beverage.

[0003] There are various methods for preparing a coffee beverage. A popular method is the espresso method, in which the ground coffee is placed in a brewing chamber, and brewing water is pumped into the closed brewing chamber under high pressure. The brewing water flows through the ground coffee and exits the brewing chamber through sieve openings. The high water pressure in the brewing chamber optimally extracts the coffee aromas.

[0004] For example, fully automatic coffee machines, also known as super-automatic machines, are known in which the coffee grounds flow directly from an integrated grinder into the brewing chamber, and the grounds are automatically ejected into an integrated collection container after the brewing process. The brewing chamber is closed during the brewing process by a movable brewing piston.

[0005] Ground coffee, also known as coffee powder, refers to the coffee ground from roasted coffee beans. Ground coffee refers to the residue left after the brewing process, also known as coffee grounds.

[0006] Also known are so-called capsule machines, in which the coffee grounds are pre-portioned in coffee capsules and placed into a capsule holder in the coffee machine. To prepare the coffee beverage, the coffee capsule is pierced and then flushed with brewing water under high pressure.

[0007] Coffee machines with portafilters, also known as portafilter machines, are also common. Portafilter machines are also widely used alongside fully automatic and capsule machines.

[0008] Portafilter machines operate semi-automatically, with certain operating steps being performed manually. For example, the portafilter unit, which holds the ground coffee, is manually removed from the coffee machine, both for filling with ground coffee before brewing and for removing the ground coffee after brewing.

[0009] With portafilter machines, the ground coffee is poured into the ground coffee chamber of the portafilter unit outside the coffee machine. Some portafilter machines have an attached grinder. The portafilter unit, which is separate from the coffee machine, is held under the grinder's discharge opening to be filled with ground coffee and then manually secured to the coffee machine in the brewing position.

[0010] The portafilter unit is usually attached to the coffee machine using a quick-release fastener. Known portafilter units have a portafilter housing with several radially outward-projecting projections which interact with a guide contour provided on the connection section on the machine side, thereby forming a bayonet lock between the portafilter unit and the connection section. To attach the portafilter unit to the coffee machine, the portafilter unit is placed onto the connection section from below in such a way that the projections on the portafilter unit engage in the guide contour. The portafilter unit is then attached to the coffee machine using the handle by rotating it. The pressing of the coffee grounds into the coffee receiving space of the portafilter unit prior to the brewing process, which e.g.This is particularly important for preparing an espresso with crema. On certain portafilter machines, the portafilter unit is pushed upwards against a fixed plunger when attached to the coffee machine. Such portafilter machines typically use different filter inserts, allowing the amount of ground coffee used for the brewing process to be varied.

[0011] However, there are also portafilter machines that have a movable brewing piston for pressing the coffee grounds, the so-called “tampering”, which can be pushed down to the portafilter device using a hand lever.

[0012] In portafilter machines, the brewing chamber is formed by the portafilter device and a movable brewing piston or a fixed plunger.

[0013] Coffee beverages prepared using the espresso method, as possible with a fully automatic machine, a capsule machine, or a portafilter machine, include black coffee, espresso, espresso lungo, ristretto, etc. Furthermore, by definition, coffee beverages prepared using the espresso method also include beverages prepared with milk, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The coffee machine may also include a milk preparation device, such as a milk frother.

[0014] Another method of preparing a coffee beverage is so-called filter coffee, which is also very popular. Filter coffee consists of a usually funnel-shaped filter holder equipped with a disposable coffee filter, which is then filled with ground coffee. The brewing water is introduced without pressure into the ground coffee accumulated in the filter and flows through it due to gravity. The filter holder has at least one outlet on its underside through which the filter coffee flowing from the coffee filter flows downwards into a collecting container or coffee receptacle, such as a coffee pitcher.

[0015] Since this method of preparation is comparatively slow, the coffee pot is usually placed on a hotplate, which keeps the filter coffee warm as it continuously flows into the collecting pot.

[0016] To meet the diverse needs of coffee consumers, various appliances must be purchased, such as an espresso machine, a filter coffee machine, and, if necessary, an external coffee grinder. Purchasing and maintaining these appliances is expensive and requires a lot of space.

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a coffee machine which eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0018] The coffee machine should also ensure a simple, quick and, above all, reliable supply of freshly ground coffee for the brewing process.

[0019] At least one object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. The dependent claims, the description and the figures contain particular embodiments and developments of the invention.

[0020] The coffee machine according to the invention comprises a machine unit and a portafilter device that can be removed from the machine unit. The portafilter device contains, in particular, a ground coffee receiving chamber and a brewing sieve.

[0021] The machine unit comprises: - a first station, comprising a device with a grinder for producing and dispensing ground coffee at the first station,

[0022] - a second station, different from the first, in particular with a brewing unit, and with a holding and guiding device for receiving and holding the portafilter device in a brewing position for the purpose of brewing a coffee beverage with brewing water under high pressure,

[0023] - a third station, different from the first and second, for the preparation of a filter coffee beverage, as well as

[0024] - a brewing water preparation and dispensing device for generating and dispensing hot brewing water under pressure into the coffee grounds receiving space of the portafilter device at the second station and for generating and dispensing hot brewing water into the coffee grounds receiving space of a filter holder at the third station.

[0025] "Removable" specifically means that the portafilter unit can be completely separated from the machine unit without a permanent connection to the machine unit. The portafilter unit can be removed from or attached to the machine unit, particularly via a handle. Attaching and removing the portafilter unit is particularly tool-free.

[0026] The portafilter unit is removable from the machine unit, especially for removing coffee grounds after a brewing process. The portafilter unit can also be removed from the machine unit for filling the portafilter unit with ground coffee.

[0027] According to a further development, the first station is arranged behind the second station when viewed from the front of the coffee machine.

[0028] According to a further development, the second station is arranged behind the first station, viewed from the front of the coffee machine. According to a further development, the third station is arranged behind the first station, viewed from the front of the coffee machine.

[0029] Located next to the second station, viewed from the coffee machine.

[0030] According to a further training, the third station is from a front of the

[0031] Located next to the first station, viewed from the coffee machine.

[0032] The term "front of the coffee machine" means in particular the side of the machine on which the portafilter device is inserted into the machine unit.

[0033] According to a further development, the machine unit forms a first storage area for a first coffee vessel at the second station. The coffee vessel is, in particular, a coffee cup. The first storage area is arranged, in particular, at the front of the coffee machine.

[0034] Furthermore, the machine unit forms a second storage area at the third station, separate from the first station, for a second coffee vessel. The second coffee vessel is, in particular, a coffee jug or coffee pot. The second storage area is, in particular, located at the front of the coffee machine.

[0035] The term "separate" specifically means that the storage areas do not overlap. This means that the storage areas are designed and arranged in such a way that, for simultaneous preparation of a coffee beverage at the second and third stations, a first coffee container can be placed on the first storage area and a second coffee container on the second storage area.

[0036] The two storage areas are arranged next to each other, as viewed from the front of the coffee machine. According to a further development of the invention, the coffee machine comprises a filter holder that can be attached to and removed from the machine unit and accommodates a coffee filter.

[0037] The filter holder, in particular, forms a filter housing for holding the coffee filter. The filter housing is, in particular, funnel-shaped. The coffee filter is, in particular, a disposable filter, e.g., made of paper.

[0038] The filter holder can be attached to and removed from the machine unit, particularly at the third station.

[0039] The filter holder can be attached to the machine unit in particular via a holding and guiding device arranged at the third station and can be moved into a brewing position at the third station.

[0040] The holding and guiding device can be or comprise, for example, a linear guide device by means of which the filter carrier can be attached to or inserted into the machine unit via a linear movement.

[0041] It can be provided that the filter carrier is guided into a filling position at the first station and can be moved out again from this position via a holding and guiding device on the machine unit or at the first station.

[0042] It can be provided that the filter holder is movable between a filling position of the first station and a brewing position of the third station via a holding and guiding device arranged on the machine unit. The holding and guiding device can extend over the first and third stations. In this case, the holding and guiding device can be or comprise, for example, a linear guide device, and the movement of the filter holder between the filling position and the brewing position can be a linear movement.

[0043] The filter holder is movable in the machine unit in particular in one plane, especially in a horizontal plane between the filling position and the brewing position.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the filter carrier attached to the machine unit can be pivotally mounted on the machine unit via a pivoting device arranged on the machine unit or the third station.

[0045] The filter holder attached to the machine unit can be pivotally mounted on the machine unit, in particular via the pivoting device, between a filling position of the first station and a brewing position of the third station.

[0046] The filter holder attached to the machine unit can be pivoted on the machine unit via the pivoting device, particularly between an assembly / disassembly position and a brewing position at the third station. The assembly / disassembly position corresponds to the position in which the filter holder can be attached to or removed from the machine unit.

[0047] The pivoting device may contain a linear guide device via which the filter carrier can be inserted into the pivoting device in a linear movement and attached to it.

[0048] It can also be provided that the filter holder with coffee filter can be manually moved without a guide into a filling position at the first station. It can also be provided that the filter holder with coffee filter can be manually moved without a guide between a filling position at the first station and a brewing position at the second station.

[0049] According to a further development, the coffee machine includes a second coffee container for holding the brewed filter coffee. The coffee container can be placed below the filter holder on the machine unit, at the third station of the machine unit, or on a storage surface. The coffee container and filter holder are structurally coordinated.

[0050] According to a further development of the invention, the machine unit comprises a warming device arranged at the third station for keeping the filter coffee collected in the second coffee container warm. The warming device includes, in particular, a warming plate for placing the second coffee container on. Accordingly, the warming plate forms the second storage surface or at least part of it.

[0051] The coffee machine is specifically designed for simultaneous espresso brewing at the second station and filter coffee at the third station. This means that the brewing water treatment system, in particular, is designed to supply brewing water to the second and third stations simultaneously.

[0052] According to a further development, the grinder of the third station is a conical grinder with an internal, fixed grinding cone and an external, driven grinding ring surrounding the grinding cone. The conical grinder is designed and arranged in the machine unit or the third station in such a way that the ground coffee falls, by gravity, without any guide, from the conical grinder into the coffee receiving chamber located below the portafilter unit or filter holder positioned in the filling position. The ground coffee therefore falls, in particular, vertically downwards.

[0053] The conical grinder comprises, in particular, a housing in which the grinding cone and the grinding ring surrounding the grinding cone are arranged. The housing can be constructed in several parts.

[0054] According to a further development, the grinding cone tapers along the cone axis, starting from the cone base upwards.

[0055] The grinding ring is mounted on a bearing, such as a ball bearing, so that it can rotate around the cone axis of the grinding cone.

[0056] The grinding ring is driven, in particular, by an electric motor. The grinding ring is driven, in particular, by the electric motor via a gear mechanism, and especially via a multi-stage, such as a two-stage, gear mechanism. The grinding ring is driven, in particular, via its outer peripheral surface.

[0057] The outer peripheral surface of the grinding ring and the gear can form a drive connection with each other via external teeth or a mutually meshing engagement.

[0058] The grinding gap is formed between the grinding ring and the grinding cone, into which the coffee beans are fed from above and ground by the grinding ring rotating around the cone axis. The ground coffee leaves the grinding gap at the lower end near the base of the cone and falls downwards due to gravity.

[0059] The grinding cone is particularly rigid, i.e., stationary. The grinding cone is connected to the housing, particularly at both of its conical ends, via several connecting webs. At the upper end of the grinding cone, several passages are formed between the connecting webs for allowing coffee beans to pass downwards in the direction of gravity into the conical grinder. At the lower end of the grinding cone, i.e., at the cone base, several passages are formed between the connecting webs for allowing ground coffee from the conical grinder to pass downwards in the direction of gravity, e.g., into the coffee receiving space of the portafilter device.

[0060] The filling position is formed in the machine unit or the first station, in particular directly below the grinder.

[0061] The brewing water treatment device contains at least one water pump for supplying brewing water under pressure into a brewing chamber at the second station and, if necessary, for supplying brewing water to the filter holder at the third station.

[0062] The brewing water treatment device further contains at least one water tank from which the at least one water pump pumps the water for the brewing process at the second and optionally at the third station.

[0063] The at least one water tank can be a hot water tank or hot water container, as explained below. Alternatively, the at least one water tank can be a cold water tank. A cold water tank means that the brewing water is not actively heated in it.

[0064] The second and third stations can be supplied with water and brewing water, respectively, via separate water tanks. This means that the second station is supplied with brewing water via a first water tank, and the third station via a second water tank. This means that the second station can be supplied with brewing water via a cold water tank and the third station via a hot water tank, or both stations can be supplied with brewing water via a cold water tank.

[0065] It is also conceivable for the second and third stations to be supplied with water or brewing water via a shared water tank. The shared water tank can have a first water outlet for supplying brewing water to the second station and a second water outlet, different from the first, for supplying brewing water to the third station. However, it is also conceivable for the water tank to have a shared water outlet for supplying brewing water to the second and third stations.

[0066] The coffee machine or brewing water treatment system contains, in particular, a flow sensor (flowmeter) for measuring the flow of brewing water through the brewing water line. The flow sensor is used to measure the amount of brewing water for the second station, ensuring the correct amount of coffee is brewed depending on the espresso preparation method.

[0067] If the brewing water is supplied to the filter holder using the displacement principle, flow sensors cannot be used to directly determine the brewing water volume for the third station. This means that direct measurement of the brewing water drawn from the water tank for the third station is not possible. In this case, the water tank is filled with the required amount of brewing water, and the brewing process at the third station continues until the water tank is empty.

[0068] However, if the brewing water for the second and third stations is drawn from a shared water tank, the quantity of brewing water drawn from the water tank for the third station must also be determined quantitatively. Such a quantitative determination can be achieved indirectly, for example, by recording the duration of the brewing process. This indirect measurement is based on the assumption that a specific amount of brewing water is drawn from the water tank per unit of time.

[0069] According to a further development, the brewing water treatment device comprises a first water pump, in particular a high-pressure water pump, for supplying brewing water to the second station and a second water pump for supplying brewing water to the third station.

[0070] However, it is also conceivable that the second and third stations are supplied with brewing water via a common water pump.

[0071] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the third station's brewing water supply is based on the displacement principle. According to the displacement principle, the brewing water boiling in a hot water tank, for example, is displaced through a brewing water line to the outlet opening above the filter holder at the third station.

[0072] The displacement effect of the brewing water occurs due to the expansion of the brewing water heated to boiling temperature. Along with the brewing water, water vapor bubbles rise accordingly. The brewing water therefore flows drop by drop into the filter unit, which is why this type of filter coffee is also called "drip coffee."

[0073] According to an alternative design based on the displacement principle, the water drawn from a water tank is heated in a brewing water line via a heating device, such as a thermoblock or instantaneous water heater. The heated brewing water is displaced through the brewing water line to the outlet opening above the filter holder at the third station. Due to the displacement effect, new water flows in from the water tank.

[0074] In both cases, where the displacement principle is used to brew filter coffee at the third station, no water pump is required.

[0075] The brewing water treatment device contains at least one heating device for heating brewing water for the second and third stations.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the brewing water preparation device, as mentioned, contains a hot water tank with a heating unit for heating brewing water in the hot water tank.

[0077] According to a further development, the brewing water produced in the hot water tank can be pumped from the hot water tank to the second and, if appropriate, to the third station by means of at least one water pump.

[0078] As mentioned above, the third station can also be operated without a water pump, using the displacement principle. The hot water tank with heating unit can be used specifically for making filter coffee.

[0079] According to another embodiment, the at least one water pump is assigned a heating unit, e.g., in the form of a thermoblock or instantaneous water heater for heating brewing water, particularly for the second station. Here, the water is heated as it flows through the pipe.

[0080] It can also be provided that the second and third stations are supplied with brewing water by a shared water pump. Valves can be provided that direct the brewing water from the water pump to the second or third station, or simultaneously to the second and third stations. In particular, a pressure reducing valve can be provided between the water pump and the third station, which reduces the water pressure toward the third station.

[0081] The brewing water for the second and third stations can be heated by a common heating unit or heating device or by separate heating units or heating devices, such as a thermoblock or instantaneous water heater.

[0082] According to a special embodiment, the heating unit for the brewing water of the third station is located below the hotplate. The heating unit here has a dual function: firstly, it heats the brewing water for making filter coffee, particularly according to the displacement principle mentioned above. Secondly, it also heats the hotplate to keep the brewed filter coffee warm. Accordingly, the heating unit is also part of the hotplate.

[0083] According to a further development of the invention, the coffee machine includes a hot water and steam generator for generating and dispensing hot water and steam. Steam is required, for example, for frothing milk. The hot water and steam generator comprises a hot water and steam dispensing unit, which is arranged, in particular, on the front of the coffee machine.

[0084] In this case, the water for generating hot water and steam and for generating brewing water for filter coffee can be supplied via a common heating device or heating unit, such as a thermoblock or instantaneous water heater, and possibly also from a common water tank. The brewing water for the second station is supplied in particular via a separate heating device or heating unit, such as a thermoblock or instantaneous water heater, and possibly from a separate water tank. According to a further development, the coffee machine and in particular the first station is designed such that both the portafilter device and the filter holder with coffee filter can be filled with coffee grounds at the first station. This means that the first station is designed such that both the portafilter device and a filter holder can be positioned in a filling position at the first station.

[0085] The holding and guiding device at the second station is designed, in particular, for inserting the portafilter device into the machine unit, in particular into the brewing position at the second station. Insertion occurs, in particular, from the front of the coffee machine. Insertion occurs, in particular, transversely to a brewing piston, if one is provided.

[0086] The holding and guiding device at the second station can comprise or be a linear guiding device for linear, i.e. rectilinear, insertion of the portafilter device into the machine unit, in particular into the brewing position at the second station.

[0087] The portafilter device can be pulled out of the machine unit or out of the brewing position again by means of a corresponding linear, i.e. straight-line, counter-movement via the linear guide device.

[0088] The holding and guiding device, in particular the linear guide device, which can also be used for the filter carrier, contains, in particular, two spaced-apart, parallel guide contours, such as guide rails. The guide contours can form a guide slot or a guide channel.

[0089] The movement executed by the holding and guiding device, such as a linear guide device, is particularly horizontal. It can be provided that the portafilter device can be guided into a filling position at the first station and moved back out of it via a holding and guiding device on the machine unit, in particular at the first station.

[0090] It can be provided that the portafilter device is movable between a filling position at the first station and a brewing position at the second station, guided by a holding and guiding device on the machine unit. The holding and guiding device can, in particular, be arranged or extend over the first and second stations.

[0091] The holding and guiding device can, for example, be a linear guide device and the movement of the portafilter device between the filling position and the brewing position or into the filling position and out of this position can be a linear movement.

[0092] The holding and guiding device, in particular the linear guide device, contains two spaced-apart, parallel guide contours, such as guide rails. The guide contours can form a guide slot or a guide channel.

[0093] The movement between the filling and brewing positions carried out via the holding and guiding device, such as the linear guide device, is particularly horizontal.

[0094] It can also be provided that the portafilter device can be manually moved or brought into a filling position at the first station without a guide. It can also be provided that the portafilter device can be manually moved between a filling position at the first station and a brewing position at the second station without a guide. The movement of the portafilter device between the filling and brewing positions can be done manually or via a drive, such as an electric motor.

[0095] The holding and guiding device for the portafilter device and / or the filter holder can be arranged on a support plate or be part of a support plate. Furthermore, the brewing unit and, if applicable, the device for dispensing ground coffee, in particular for producing and dispensing ground coffee, such as the grinder, can be arranged or attached to the support plate. The brewing unit includes, among other things, the stationary plunger or a movable brewing piston.

[0096] The portafilter device includes, in particular, a portafilter housing, which forms a coffee grounds receiving space. The portafilter housing, or rather the coffee grounds receiving space, is delimited at the bottom by a brewing sieve. Furthermore, a handle is arranged on the portafilter housing for handling the portafilter device.

[0097] Guide bodies, such as at least two opposing guide bodies, are arranged on the sides of the portafilter housing. These guide bodies, in cooperation with the holding and guiding device or linear guide device, form a guide. This can, for example, be a linear guide together with a linear guide device.

[0098] The guide bodies can be designed as lateral guide rails, which run in particular parallel to one another.

[0099] However, the guide bodies mentioned can also be designed for a rotary guide of a bayonet lock.

[0100] The portafilter device can be inserted into the machine unit, particularly along or parallel to an insertion plane, via the holding and guiding device, such as a linear guide. The insertion plane is particularly horizontally aligned.

[0101] The horizontal movement or insertion level is based on the assumption that the coffee machine or machine unit is supported on a horizontal surface.

[0102] The holding and guiding device, such as a linear guide device, forms in particular a sliding guide in which the guide bodies slide in the guide contours of the holding and guiding device, such as a linear guide device.

[0103] The portafilter device can be pushed or moved into a brewing position, in particular in a linear movement, via the linear guide device.

[0104] The brewing position of the portafilter device is located in the machine unit, particularly below the brewing unit. It corresponds specifically to the position the portafilter device assumes during the brewing process.

[0105] The brewing unit, together with the portafilter device, forms a brewing group.

[0106] The filling position is different from the brewing position. In particular, the filling position and the brewing position are located in a common horizontal plane.

[0107] The portafilter device, which is inserted into the machine unit via the holding and guiding device, such as a linear guide device, is movable in the machine unit between the filling position and the brewing position. The portafilter device is movable in the machine unit, particularly in a plane, especially in a horizontal plane, between the filling position and the brewing position. The movement of the portafilter device between the filling position and the brewing position can be a linear movement or, as explained further below, a pivoting movement.

[0108] According to one embodiment variant, the brewing position of the portafilter device at the second station and the filling position of the portafilter device at the first station are arranged one behind the other along an insertion axis of the portafilter device.

[0109] The filling position is located after the brewing position in the insertion direction. The filling and brewing positions are located one behind the other along the insertion axis.

[0110] To initiate a brewing process, the portafilter unit is inserted into the machine unit in a particularly linear movement, e.g., via a linear guide device, until it reaches the filling position. After the portafilter unit has been filled with ground coffee, it is retracted into the brewing position in a particularly linear countermovement. After the brewing process is complete, the portafilter unit is completely withdrawn from the machine unit in a continuation of the particularly linear countermovement.

[0111] Alternatively, the filling position can also be located in front of the brewing position in the insertion direction. Here, too, the filling and brewing positions are arranged one behind the other along the insertion axis.

[0112] To initiate a brewing process, the portafilter unit is inserted into the machine unit in a particularly linear movement, e.g., via a linear guide device, until it reaches the filling position. After filling the portafilter unit with ground coffee, the portafilter unit is pushed further into the brewing position in a continuation of the particularly linear insertion movement. After the brewing process is complete, the portafilter unit is pulled completely out of the machine unit in a particularly linear countermovement past the filling position.

[0113] According to this design variant, the first station is located next to the third station and the second station is located behind the first station when viewed from the front of the coffee machine.

[0114] It is conceivable that the holding and guiding device is movably mounted on the machine unit such that the portafilter device inserted into the machine unit via the holding and guiding device can be moved together with the holding and guiding device between a filling position and the brewing position.

[0115] According to a further embodiment, the holding and guiding device, such as a linear guide device, is pivotably mounted on the machine unit via a pivot axis arranged perpendicular to the insertion plane. The portafilter unit, which is inserted into the machine unit via the holding and guiding device, such as a linear guide device, is pivotably mounted together with the holding and guiding device, such as a linear guide device, between a filling position and the brewing position.

[0116] In this case, the portafilter device can be inserted into a working position relative to the holding and guiding device, such as a linear guide device, in which the portafilter device can be pivoted between the filling position and the brewing position relative to the device for dispensing or producing and dispensing ground coffee and to the brewing unit. The working position can be outside the filling position when the portafilter device is inserted into the machine unit, so that after being inserted into the machine unit, the portafilter device must first be pivoted into the filling position and then into the brewing position. The filling position and the brewing position are thus defined by the combination of the working position of the portafilter device and the pivoting position of the holding and guiding device, such as a linear guide device.

[0117] When inserting the portafilter device into the machine unit, the working position can also coincide with the filling position if the swivel position is appropriate, so that after filling the portafilter device with ground coffee, it only needs to be swiveled into the brewing position.

[0118] This design variant can also be applied analogously to the filter holder, which can be pivoted between the filling position at the first station and the brewing position at the third station.

[0119] The coffee machine may be provided with an access located laterally of the machine unit, as viewed from the front, for the lateral insertion, in particular manual insertion, of a ground coffee receptacle into the filling position. Thus, it may be provided that the ground coffee receptacle can be inserted, e.g., pushed into the filling position, either without a guide or with a guide. The guide may be a holding and guiding device as described above in connection with the portafilter device.

[0120] The ground coffee receptacle can be the portafilter unit, the filter holder, or a separate receptacle for the ground coffee, such as a cup or spoon. The ground coffee receptacle can also be a ground coffee drawer, which can be moved or slid into the filling position via the side access. The access can be closed with a flap.

[0121] The access can be an additional access through which a ground coffee receptacle can be filled with ground coffee for the third station. This allows the ground coffee receptacle to be filled with ground coffee via the aforementioned side access in the filling position at the first station. The ground coffee receptacle with the ground coffee is then moved manually and, in particular, without a guide to the filter holder, and the ground coffee is emptied into the filter holder.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the brewing unit comprises a movable, mounted brewing piston. The brewing piston is advanced into the coffee receiving chamber of the portafilter device to tamp the ground coffee and close the brewing chamber.

[0123] The brewing piston is, in particular, part of a brewing unit formed in the machine unit and has a piston plunger. The piston plunger is arranged on the brewing side. The piston plunger is, in particular, connected to a piston shaft, which is guided in a piston shaft housing. The brewing piston and piston shaft housing are, in particular, part of the brewing unit in the machine unit.

[0124] The brewing piston is, in particular, driven. The drive can be manual, e.g., via a lever mechanism, or via a control device using a piston drive.

[0125] The piston drive can comprise an electric motor. Thus, the brewing piston can be driven by the electric motor via a drive spindle. The piston drive can also comprise a hydraulic drive, by means of which hydraulic pressure is built up in a pressure chamber via a hydraulic fluid, such as water, which pushes the brewing piston into the brewing position.

[0126] The hydraulic drive can be the water pump of a brewing water treatment unit on the machine unit. The hydraulic fluid is water from the brewing water treatment unit's water tank. The drive is provided by hydraulic pressure generated by the water pump, which acts on the brewing piston.

[0127] A brewing unit with a movable brewing piston is described, for example, in WO 2024 / 003364.

[0128] The coffee machine may include an input device, e.g., with a display, for initiating a brewing process and, in particular, for selecting the coffee preparation method.

[0129] The display can be designed as a touch screen for entering commands via the display.

[0130] The input device can be located on the front of the coffee machine between the second and third stations.

[0131] The machine unit also contains a control device for operating the individual stations or units or devices, such as water pump, heating unit or heating device, valves, if applicable piston drive, grinder or input device, etc.

[0132] The coffee machine is designed, in particular, as a stand-alone device, e.g., for private households or offices. The coffee machine features, in particular, a self-sufficient water supply via at least one water tank.

[0133] In particular, the coffee machine must be connected exclusively to a power supply for regular operation.

[0134] The coffee machine according to the invention is characterized by the following advantages:

[0135] - Compact, space-saving design for brewing both espresso coffee and filter coffee with freshly ground coffee;

[0136] - Compact, space-saving design of the grinder;

[0137] - guided movement of the portafilter device between filling and brewing position;

[0138] - simultaneous brewing of both an espresso coffee and filter coffee;

[0139] - Residue-free change of coffee type (for espresso or filter coffee) thanks to the guideless dispensing of coffee grounds from the conical grinder into the coffee receiving chamber of the portafilter device.

[0140] The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures. Each of these figures schematically shows:

[0141] Figure 1 : Top view of a coffee machine;

[0142] Figure 2a: Front view of a coffee machine

[0143] Figure 2b: Cross-section through the coffee machine according to Figure 2a in the area of ​​the third station; Figure 3a: Perspective view of a first embodiment of an arrangement of the brewing unit and grinder as well as the linear guide device and portafilter device of a coffee machine, viewed diagonally from the front;

[0144] Figure 3b: Cross section through the arrangement according to Figure 3a;

[0145] Figure 3c: further perspective view of the arrangement according to Figure 3a from the rear;

[0146] Figure 4: perspective view of the portafilter device from above;

[0147] Figure 5: perspective view of the linear guide device according to Figure 3a without portafilter device, obliquely from below;

[0148] Figure 6a: perspective view of a second embodiment of an arrangement of brewing unit and grinder as well as of linear guide device and portafilter device of a coffee machine, viewed obliquely from below;

[0149] Figure 6b: perspective view of the arrangement according to Figure 6a from the front;

[0150] Figure 6c: further perspective view of the arrangement according to Figure 6a from the front;

[0151] Figure 7: Wiring and control diagram of a coffee machine with an arrangement according to Figure 1a to 1c;

[0152] Figure 8: Perspective view of the grinding mechanism according to Figures 1a to 1c, obliquely from below.

[0153] Figure 1 shows an example of the arrangement of the first, second, and third stations 11, 12, 13 in a coffee machine 1 according to the invention from above. The coffee machine 1 forms a first station 11 with a device for producing and dispensing ground coffee, which, viewed from the front VS of the coffee machine 1, is arranged behind a second station 12 with a brewing unit for brewing a coffee beverage using a portafilter device 50.

[0154] Viewed from the front VS of the coffee machine 1, next to the second station 12, there is a third station 13 for preparing a filter coffee beverage. Viewed from the front VS of the coffee machine 1, behind the third station 13, there is a water tank 61 for storing water for the brewing process at the second station 12 and a hot water container 81 for providing brewing water for the third station 13.

[0155] Figure 2a shows a front view (view from the front VS) of a coffee machine 1 according to the invention according to one embodiment. The second station 12 with the portafilter device 50 is arranged on the left side. The second station 12 comprises a portafilter device 50 and a storage surface 14 for placing a coffee cup 82 for filling the coffee cup 82 with a brewed coffee beverage.

[0156] On the right side is the third station 13 with the filter holder 84. The filter holder 84 is inserted into the machine unit 2 or the third station 13 via a sliding guide 45. The third station 13 also forms a storage surface 15 for placing a coffee jug 83 below the filter holder 84 for receiving brewed filter coffee 86. The storage surface 15 includes a heating plate 87 for keeping the filter coffee 86 warm in the coffee jug 83.

[0157] Between the second and third stations 12, 13, a hot water and steam dispensing unit 9 is also provided for dispensing hot water and / or steam. However, the hot water and steam dispensing unit 9 is an optional feature of the present invention.

[0158] The coffee machine 1 further comprises an input device 8 with a control panel which has control buttons for operating the coffee machine 1.

[0159] As shown in Figure 2b, the filter unit 84 or the filter holder is supplied with brewing water from a hot water tank 81 according to the displacement principle, i.e., without a pump. A heating device 88, e.g., an immersion heater, heats the water in the hot water tank 81 to boiling temperature. The water displaced by the boiling process flows through a brewing water line 89 to the filter unit 84 and from there, by gravity, into the coffee filter.

[0160] However, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, other concepts for brewing water preparation can also be used. For example, the second and third stations can be supplied with brewing water from a shared water tank. The heating device for the third station can also be a thermoblock, possibly a shared thermoblock with the second station. Instead of the displacement principle, a water pump can also be provided, possibly a shared water pump with the second station.

[0161] According to an embodiment according to Figures 3a to 3c, the coffee machine 1 contains a brewing unit 10 (second station 12) and a device for producing and dispensing ground coffee 30 with a conical grinder 31 (first station 11). A holding and guiding device 40 with a linear guide device 41 is arranged below the brewing unit 10 and the device 30. The linear guide device 41 contains two spaced-apart, parallel guide rails 42a, 42b, each of which contains a guide slot 44 for the sliding reception of guide rails 55 on a portafilter device 50.

[0162] Furthermore, the coffee machine 1 comprises a portafilter device 50 with a portafilter housing 54 and a handle body 53 for holding the portafilter device 50. On the outside of the portafilter housing 54, two guide rails 55 are arranged, extending laterally and parallel to one another on both sides of a receiving opening 56, for insertion into the guide slots 44 of the guide rails 42a, 42b.

[0163] The brewing unit 10 and the device 30 with conical grinder 31 are arranged one behind the other along the insertion axis EA, with the device 30 with conical grinder 31 being arranged after the brewing unit 10 in the insertion direction ER. The portafilter device 50 can be inserted into the machine unit 2 of the coffee machine 1 via the guide rails 55 that engage laterally in the guide slots 44 of the guide rails 42a, 42b and can be moved between a filling position FS for filling the portafilter device 50 with ground coffee 22 and a brewing position BS for brewing a coffee beverage. In the brewing position BS, the portafilter device 50 is located below the brewing unit 10. The machine unit 2 corresponds to the coffee machine 1 without the portafilter device 50.

[0164] The conical grinder 31 contains a multi-part housing 35 in which the grinding cone 32 and the grinding ring 33, which surrounds the grinding cone 32, are arranged. The grinding cone 32 tapers upwards along the cone axis, starting from the cone base. The grinding ring 33 is mounted in the housing 35 via bearings, such as ball bearings, for rotation about the cone axis of the grinding cone 32 and is driven by an electric motor 34. The grinding gap is formed between the grinding ring 33 and the grinding cone 32, into which the coffee beans are fed from above and ground by the grinding ring 33 rotating about the cone axis. The ground coffee 22 leaves the grinding gap at the lower end in the area of ​​the cone base and falls downwards due to gravity.

[0165] The grinding cone 32 is rigid, ie, stationary, and is connected to the housing 35 at each of its two cone ends via a plurality of connecting webs 36a, 36b. At the upper end of the grinding cone 32, a plurality of passage openings are formed between the connecting webs 36a for the passage of coffee beans downwards in the direction of gravity G into the conical grinder 31 (see Figure 3c).

[0166] At the lower end of the grinding cone 32, i.e., at the cone base, several passage openings are formed between the connecting webs 36b for the passage of ground coffee 22 from the conical grinder 31 in the direction of gravity G downwards into the coffee receiving chamber 51 of the portafilter device 50 (see Figure 8). The portafilter device 50 contains a sieve insert 49 embedded in the portafilter housing 54 with a brewing sieve 52 forming the base of the sieve insert 49. The sieve insert 49 forms the coffee receiving chamber 51 for receiving the ground coffee 22. This is open at the top. Accordingly, the sieve insert 49 has a receiving opening 56 at the top. This opening is located opposite the brewing sieve 52.

[0167] The brewing unit 10 contains a brewing piston 4 with a piston shaft 5, which is guided in a piston shaft housing 7, and a piston plunger 6 arranged at the lower end, i.e., toward the portafilter device 50, which is guided in a piston plunger guide housing 19. The piston plunger guide housing 19 comprises a piston shaft guide tube 15, through which the piston shaft 5 is guided from the piston shaft housing 7 into the piston plunger guide housing 19. The piston axis KA is perpendicular to the insertion direction ER or insertion plane EE of the portafilter device 50 and accordingly also runs perpendicular to the receiving opening 56 of the portafilter device 50.

[0168] To carry out a brewing process, the brewing piston 4 is moved by a piston drive 21 from its starting position AK in the direction of gravity G downwards toward the coffee receiving chamber 51 of the portafilter device 50. The piston plunger 6 is thereby moved into the coffee receiving chamber 51 and presses or compresses the ground coffee 22. In other words, the so-called "tamping" is carried out with the brewing piston 4. Upon reaching the brewing position BK, the advance of the brewing piston 4 is terminated. The coffee receiving chamber 51, closed by the piston plunger 6, now forms a brewing chamber 3.

[0169] The piston drive 21 and thus also the piston pressure, which in turn is a measure of the coffee pressure, is controlled by the control device 20. The piston drive 21 can be an electric drive or a hydraulic drive. In the latter case, a hydraulic fluid, such as water, is introduced into a pressure chamber via an inlet 25. The brewing piston 4 can be hydraulically driven via the water pump 62 of the brewing water treatment device 60.

[0170] Since the piston drive is not an essential aspect of the present invention, it will not be explained in detail. Rather, it is also conceivable that the portafilter device is pressed vertically upward against a stationary brewing plunger in a single movement, such as a rotating movement, via a bayonet lock.

[0171] The coffee machine or machine unit 2 further includes a brewing water treatment device 60, described in more detail below, comprising a water tank 61, a water pump 62, and a heating unit 63 for supplying hot brewing water under pressure to the brewing chamber 3 (see also Figure 7). The hot brewing water is fed under pressure into the brewing chamber 3 via a brewing water feed 18 guided by the piston plunger 6.

[0172] The portafilter device 50 contains a coffee outlet opening 58 arranged below the brewing sieve 52. The coffee brewed in the brewing chamber 3 and pressed through the brewing sieve 52 flows downwards through this outlet opening, e.g., into a coffee cup (see Figure 2).

[0173] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the line and control diagram for the brewing water preparation and dispensing device 60 of a coffee machine 1 according to the invention. A water pump 62 of the brewing water preparation and dispensing device 60 draws water for the brewing process from a water tank 61 via a supply water line 64. The common water pump 62 conveys brewing water from the common water tank 61 to both the second and third stations 12, 13 via a pressurized water line 65. This is in contrast to the embodiment according to Figure 2, according to which the brewing water for the third station is prepared in a separate hot water tank. A heating unit 63, e.g., a thermoblock or continuous-flow heater, is arranged along the pressurized water line 65 to heat the water flowing through the pressurized water line 65.The brewing water is heated by the heating unit 63 on its way through the pressurized water line 65 following the water pump 62.

[0174] The pressurized water line 65 branches off from the heating unit 63 into a first brewing water line 66, which is connected to a brewing water inlet 18 at the second station 12, and a second brewing water line 67, which is connected to a brewing water inlet at the third station 13.

[0175] A pressure reducing valve 71 is arranged on the second brewing water line 67, which reduces the water pressure built up by the water pump 62 for the brewing water feed at the third station 13. The pressure reducing valve 71 is switched in particular by the control device 20. Furthermore, a flow valve 70 is provided on the second brewing water line 67, by means of which the flow of brewing water to the brewing water feed at the third station 13 is controlled. The flow valve 70 is switched by the control device 20. The flow valve 70 and pressure reducing valve 71 can be integrated into a common fitting.

[0176] A 3 / 2-way valve 72 is connected to the first brewing water line 66 to control the flow of brewing water to the second station 12. The 3 / 2-way valve 72 includes a connection for draining residual water into a collecting container, such as a drip tray, following the brewing process. The 3 / 2-way valve 72 is switched via the control device 20.

[0177] The brewing water preparation and dispensing device 60 is now designed such that the water pump 62 can pump water from the water tank 61 via the pressurized water line 65 and the brewing water lines 66, 67 branching off from it, optionally to the second or third station 12, 13, or to both stations 12, 13 simultaneously. Figures 6a to 6c show a second embodiment of a machine unit or a holding and guiding device 140. The holding and guiding device 140 comprises a support plate 143 on which a linear guide device 141 is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis S.

[0178] The linear guide device 141 also includes two spaced-apart, parallel guide rails 142a, 142b, each of which includes a guide slot 144 for slidingly receiving guide rails 55 of a portafilter device 50. The portafilter device 50 corresponds to the portafilter device 50 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 3a to 3c, 4, and 5.

[0179] Likewise, the device for producing and dispensing ground coffee 30 and the brewing unit 10 correspond in particular to those of the first embodiment according to Figures 3a to 3c.

[0180] However, in the second embodiment, the device 30 and the brewing unit 10, and accordingly also the filling position FS and the brewing position BS of the portafilter device 50, are not arranged one behind the other in the insertion direction ER. Rather, the device 30 and the brewing unit 10, and accordingly the filling position FS and the brewing position BS, are arranged along a (geometric) circular line, the center of which is formed by the pivot axis S.

[0181] The portafilter device 50 can now be inserted into the linear guide device 141 in a linear movement into a working position. The working position can be defined by an insertion limit, such as a stop. The working position is located on the same circular line on which the filling position FS and the brewing position BS are located. By pivoting the portafilter device 50 in the pivot direction SR about the pivot axis S, the portafilter device 50 can now be pivoted alternately into the filling position FS and the brewing position BS.

[0182] Since this design variant provides only one insertion position, namely the working position, this position can be defined by a stop. Locking devices, such as those provided in the case of two consecutively arranged insertion positions according to the first design, are not necessary here.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Coffee machine (1) comprising a machine unit (2) and a portafilter device (50) removable from the machine unit (2), wherein the machine unit (2): - a first station (11) comprising a device (30) with a grinder (31) for producing and dispensing ground coffee at the first station (11), - a second station (12) different from the first, with a holding and guiding device (40, 140) for receiving and holding the portafilter device (50) in a brewing position (BS) for the purpose of brewing a coffee beverage with brewing water under high pressure, - a third station (13) different from the first and second for producing a filter coffee beverage, - a brewing water preparation and dispensing device (60) for generating and dispensing hot brewing water under pressure into the ground coffee receiving space (51) of the portafilter device (50) at the second station (12) and for generating and dispensing hot brewing water into the ground coffee receiving space (87) of a filter holder (84) at the third station (13).

2. Coffee machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the machine unit (2) forms a first storage surface (14) for a first coffee vessel (82) at the second station (12) and a second storage surface (15) for a second coffee vessel (83) at the third station (13), separate from the first storage surface.

3. Coffee machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coffee machine (1) has a, in particular on the machine unit (2) attachable and removable filter holder (84) for receiving a coffee filter (85).

4. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filter holder (84) at the third station (12) on the machine unit (2) can be attached, in particular inserted, into a brewing position.

5. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coffee machine (1) contains a second coffee vessel (83) for receiving filter coffee (86), wherein the second coffee vessel (83) can be placed below the filter holder (85) on the machine unit (2).

6. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the machine unit (2) contains a warming device (90) arranged at the third station (13), in particular with a warming plate (91), for placing the second coffee vessel (83) and keeping warm the filter coffee (86) retained therein.

7. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coffee machine (1) is designed for the simultaneous brewing of coffee according to the espresso method at the second station (12) as well as filter coffee (86) at the third station (13).

8. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first station (11) is arranged behind the second station (12) when viewed from a front side (VS) of the coffee machine (1).

9. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the third station (13) is arranged next to the second station (12) when viewed from a front side (VS) of the coffee machine (1).

10. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the coffee machine (1) and in particular the first station (11) is designed so that both the portafilter device (50) and the filter holder (84) with coffee filter (85) at the first station (11) can be filled with ground coffee (22).

11. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the portafilter device (50) is guided by a holding and guiding device (40, 140) arranged on the machine unit (2) between a brewing position at the second station (12) and a filling position at the first station (11) is movable or displaceable, in particular from the brewing position at the second station (12) into a filling position at the first station (11) and vice versa.

12. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the filter carrier (84) with the coffee filter (85) is guided by a holding and guiding device arranged on the machine unit (2) and is movable or displaceable between a brewing position at the third station (13) and a filling position at the first station (11).

13. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the brewing water treatment device (60) contains a first water pump (62), in particular a high-pressure water pump, for supplying brewing water under pressure into a brewing chamber (3) at the second station (12) and optionally a second water pump (68) for supplying brewing water to the filter carrier (84) at the third station (13).

14. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the brewing water preparation device (60) comprises a heating device for Heating and transporting the brewing water into the filter holder (84) of the third station (13) according to the displacement principle.

15. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the brewing position (BS) of the portafilter device (50) at the second station (12) and the filling position (FS) of the portafilter device (50) at the first station (13) are arranged one behind the other along an insertion axis (EA) of the portafilter device (50).

16. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the grinder is a conical grinder (31) with an internal, fixed grinding cone (32) and an external, driven grinding ring (33) which surrounds the grinding cone (32), wherein the conical grinder (32) is designed and arranged in the machine unit (2) in such a way that the coffee grounds fall by means of gravity (G) without any guide from the conical grinder (31) downwards into the coffee receiving space (51, 87) arranged below of the portafilter device (50) or the filter holder (84) positioned in the filling position (FS).

17. Coffee machine according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the second station (12) contains a brewing unit (10) with a movable mounted brewing piston (4) which can be driven into the coffee receiving space (51, 87) of the portafilter device (50) to press the ground coffee and to close the brewing chamber (3).

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