Brewing device for a beverage maker and beverage maker having such a brewing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a brewing device (10) for a beverage maker, comprising a plurality of process stations (30, 40, 50) each at a different location, and a volume-variable transfer container (20) which can be moved into an upper and a lower extreme position and which can be moved relative to the process station (30, 40, 50), wherein the transfer container (20) can be filled with an extraction powder (34) at a first and / or a second process station (30, 40), can be filled with a fluid at the first and / or the second process station (30, 40), and wherein an ejection device (52) for removing the used extraction powder (34) is arranged at the second and / or a third process station (40, 50). The invention further relates to a beverage maker having such a brewing device (10).

Description

[0001] WMF GmbH

[0002] P150411 PC00

[0003] 1

[0004] Brewing device for a beverage maker and beverage maker with such a brewing device

[0005] The invention relates to a brewing device for a beverage maker according to claim 1 and a beverage maker, in particular a coffee machine, with such a brewing device according to claim 12.

[0006] Various concepts for a brewing device are known from the prior art. For example, reference is made to publication EP 0528758 A1. The brewing device described therein has a single brewing chamber with an upper and a lower piston. To form the brewing chamber, the lower piston, together with a cylinder, is movable in a vertical direction relative to the upper piston. The upper piston is stationary.

[0007] Generally, a brewing device of this type is intended to be able to automatically perform several process steps for carrying out a brewing process. These include:

[0008] 1. Filling the brewing chamber directly with extraction powder, such as ground coffee, and / or indirectly by means of a coffee capsule containing the extraction powder;

[0009] 2. Defined compaction (tamping) of the extraction powder if only the direct route is to be implemented, or, if the indirect route is to be implemented, perforation of the coffee capsule;

[0010] 3. Brewing the extraction powder, in which water (especially cold water at ambient temperature and / or hot water above 90°C) is introduced into the brewing chamber to achieve an extraction of ingredients dissolved in the extraction powder; and

[0011] 4. Ejecting the brewed extraction powder (coffee cake and / or coffee capsule) from the brewing chamber(s) to allow refilling.

[0012] A filling device is required for proper filling of the brewing chamber. An ejection device is required for ejection. This applies to the aforementioned WMF GmbH.

[0013] P150411 PC00

[0014] 2

[0015] In order for the process steps to be carried out using the two devices, the brewing device should have a vertically dimensioned orientation, depending on the filling quantity and geometry of the extraction powder or depending on the capsule size or capsule geometry, which enables the (fully) automatic execution of the process steps.

[0016] The aforementioned vertical orientation, due to the one-dimensional movements within a process step, results in a relatively bulky brewing unit, at least in terms of its vertical extent. However, modern beverage makers incorporate complex technology that requires considerable installation space. Therefore, it is desirable to design the components, including the brewing unit, to be as space-saving and compact as possible.

[0017] One object of the present invention is to provide a compact brewing device and a beverage maker with optimized installation space volume, by means of which the aforementioned process steps can be implemented (fully) automatically.

[0018] This problem is solved by means of the articles according to claims 1 and 12. The dependent subclaims describe advantageous embodiments.

[0019] According to the invention, the brewing device for a beverage maker comprises a plurality of process stations located at different positions, a volume-adjustable transfer container which can be set to an upper and a lower extreme position and which is movable relative to the process stations, wherein the transfer container can be filled with an extraction powder at a first and / or a second process station. At the first and / or a second process station, the transfer container can be filled with a fluid, wherein at the second and / or a third, or – viewed in the process direction – at a last and / or penultimate process station, an ejection device for removing the used extraction powder is arranged.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the fluid is typically a liquid used for brewing. However, it is also possible to use a vapor-containing liquid (so-called pre-infusion) as the fluid before the actual brewing with liquid. This pre-dissolves, for example, the soluble components of the coffee grounds. In this way, it is possible to work at significantly higher temperatures. WMF GmbH

[0021] P150411 PC00

[0022] 3

[0023] A process station is a separate unit of the brewing device where at least one of the aforementioned process steps can be carried out individually or several process steps together. Unlike brewing devices according to the prior art, not all process steps for beverage preparation are carried out in a single process station. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the various functions that characterize an automatic beverage maker are distributed among the different process stations.

[0024] The transfer container can also be described as a link between the individual process stations, playing a central role in the execution of the automated brewing process. The extraction powder is transported to the various process stations via the transfer container.

[0025] The extraction powder is, for example, ground coffee powder, tea and / or additives such as (milk) powder.

[0026] According to the invention, the brewing device can, for example, be designed such that a first process station is provided for filling via the direct and / or indirect route, optionally a further process station which has a so-called WDT tool (Weiss Distribution Technique), i.e., a type of rake for distributing the coffee powder in the brewing chamber, optionally another process station for filling via the direct and / or indirect route, etc. It is therefore conceivable that the brewing chamber can be operated via the direct and / or the indirect route, for each of which a special process station can be provided.

[0027] Accordingly, it is conceivable that the respective process stations, which are also designed as brewing chamber(s), have special features to optimally brew varying fill quantities. These include, for example, features by which a sieve diameter can be adjusted for single or double brewing (in terms of the number of cups that can be filled in one brewing process), a hole size on a brewing sieve, and / or an aperture located after the brewing sieve. WMF GmbH

[0028] P150411 PCOO

[0029] 4

[0030] Unlike conventional brewing devices, this system is designed so that the individual process steps for an automated brewing process are implemented, at least predominantly, at different stations. This allows for a significant reduction in the required installation space, particularly in the vertical direction.

[0031] An advantageous embodiment provides that the transfer container comprises a preferably cylindrical shell and a first piston movable along a longitudinal axis of the transfer container, wherein the first piston is adjustable to an upper and a lower extreme position, as well as to intermediate positions.

[0032] The transfer container thus has a cavity defined by the dimensions of its shell. The volume of this cavity is variable, allowing, for example, the compression of extraction powder (direct filling) or the preparation of indirect filling (e.g., coffee capsules) for brewing, such as by perforating a capsule at various points. This is achieved, in particular, by a movable piston within the transfer container or by a movable transfer container mounted on a stationary piston.

[0033] Another highly advantageous design concerns the arrangement of the individual process stations relative to one another and the movement patterns with which the transfer container can approach them. The process stations can be aligned along their longitudinal axes or arranged on a common arc, for example, in a (semi-)circle. Depending on the respective arrangement of the process stations, the transfer container can move linearly or along the arc to the individual process stations.

[0034] Depending on the planned installation space, it can be advantageous to choose an aligned arrangement of the process stations, resulting in an overall elongated brewing unit. In contrast, arranging the process stations on a curved track allows for a more compact, cube-like brewing unit compared to the aligned arrangement.

[0035] Another embodiment provides that the second process station, or a process station forming a brewing chamber, preferably has a stationary second WMF GmbH

[0036] P150411 PC00

[0037] 5

[0038] It has a piston which, when the transfer container is in an engagement position, forms a brewing chamber together with the second piston.

[0039] The cavity of the transfer container can thus be closed at an opening opposite the first piston. Due to the possible movements of the transfer container, the brewing chamber is formed when its cavity runs against the second piston and is thereby sealed. This makes it possible to carry out a brewing process at a fluid pressure, for example, in the range of 4 to 19 bar.

[0040] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second piston could serve as a receptacle for a coffee capsule (or a capsule for flavoring the coffee-ground processing station) for brewing via the indirect route. In this configuration, the second piston can be considered a separate brewing chamber attached to the processing station. This allows for beverage dispensing via the direct and / or indirect route. With suitable controls, the user can thus decide which method they prefer, and a combined beverage preparation using both the direct and indirect routes is also possible.

[0041] The second piston features a closable filling opening for the capsule, which can be moved into a fluid-conducting position along with the brewing chamber. Using the receptacle attached to the second piston, it is possible to create a separate pressure chamber, distinct from the actual brewing chamber, which can be connected to the brewing chamber to connect the capsule or its contents to the beverage dispensing system.

[0042] A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the ejection device includes a scraping edge which essentially forms a plane with an upper end face of the jacket or essentially forms a plane with a bearing surface of the first piston in the upper extreme position of the first piston.

[0043] The extraction powder, or for example a capsule containing the extraction powder, can be removed from the transfer container without leaving any residue by positioning the first cylinder in the upper extreme position and by moving the transfer container relative to the ejection device, particularly against the intended process direction, i.e., for example, against the linear direction of WMF GmbH

[0044] P150411 PC00

[0045] 6

[0046] Movement or, contrary to the actual rotational movement, to control the process stations.

[0047] Another embodiment provides that the first and / or second process station has a filling device, whereby, with a horizontally overlapping arrangement of the transfer container to the filling device, the extraction powder can be filled into the transfer container without spillage.

[0048] Proper filling requires an overlapping arrangement. This results in reduced waste and time-saving filling of the transfer container with extraction powder. The filling device can, for example, be designed as a funnel, meaning it has a larger cross-section at the top than at the bottom or at the transition to the transfer container.

[0049] A drive for the brewing device can advantageously be designed in such a way that the process stations and / or the transfer container are at least indirectly connected to a drive shaft in a force-conducting manner, wherein the process stations and / or the transfer container are arranged concentrically to a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.

[0050] This design corresponds to the arrangement of the process stations along the arc path. The advantage of this is that all necessary movements for the automatic brewing process can be initiated by means of a single shaft, which serves as the central component; this includes, in particular, the transfer of the container to the individual process stations and its adjustment to the upper and lower extreme positions.

[0051] A further advantageous embodiment provides that a first positioning device, connected to the drive shaft, exerts a force on the first piston to position the first piston in its vertical orientation along the longitudinal axis between its upper and lower extreme positions. Additionally or instead, a second positioning device, connected to the drive shaft, can exert a force on the transfer container to position the transfer container in its vertical orientation between its upper and lower extreme positions and / or horizontally.

[0052] P150411 PCOO

[0053] 7

[0054] to position the first, second and / or third process station or the further process stations.

[0055] This design has the advantage that all movements intended for the (fully) automatic control of the individual process stations by the transfer container can be carried out by means of a single or more drives.

[0056] Advantageously, the first positioning device includes a gearbox which connects the drive shaft to the first piston in a force-conducting manner in order to carry out the vertical alignment.

[0057] In addition, or alternatively, it may be advantageously provided that the second positioning device comprises vertical and horizontal guide devices, wherein the horizontal guide device moves the transfer container in a horizontal plane by means of the drive shaft when the transfer container is in its lower extreme position. With the vertical guide device, the transfer container can be moved along its longitudinal axis by means of the drive shaft whenever the corresponding part of the drive shaft is driven.

[0058] The two guide units must be coordinated in such a way as to ensure a smooth transfer of the transfer container from the horizontal plane to the vertical guide unit. This can be achieved, in particular, by the horizontal guide unit having helical gearing and / or by ensuring that a transfer to the vertical guide unit occurs as soon as the transfer container leaves its lowest position. The vertical guide unit guides the transfer container vertically and, in the engaged position, prevents the transfer container from rotating around the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.

[0059] Preferably, the drive shaft is split into two parts, with an upper drive section of the split drive shaft being force-conductingly connected to the transfer container and / or a lower drive section of the split drive shaft being force-conductingly connected to the first piston or the gearbox. This embodiment can be configured with respect to the number of drives such that a first drive controls the upper drive section and a second drive controls the lower drive section of the split drive shaft.

[0060] P150411 PC00

[0061] 8

[0062] The drive shaft is driven. The first and second drives can be driven separately and independently of each other.

[0063] In contrast, an embodiment with only a single drive is conceivable. However, this requires a load-dependent transmission that acts on the two drive sections and drives the upper, lower, and / or a combination of both drive sections according to the desired load distribution. Suitable transmissions here include, for example, planetary gears, implemented as differential gears.

[0064] The force-conducting connection can be implemented in particular by means of appropriate threads or gears.

[0065] Preferably, the brewing device according to the invention is a main component of a beverage maker or is used in one. The beverage maker or the brewing device according to the invention is particularly intended for the preparation of coffee beverages, which can be brewed hot (>90°C) or cold (<55°C).

[0066] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the figures. The figures show:

[0067] Figure 1 shows the brewing device according to the invention in a perspective view and in a position for carrying out the first process step (filling);

[0068] Figure 2 shows the object according to the invention in a perspective view and in a position for carrying out the second and third process steps (tamping and brewing);

[0069] Figure 3 shows the object according to the invention in the position shown in Figure 2, wherein the transfer container has an upper extreme position; WMF GmbH

[0070] P150411 PC00

[0071] 9

[0072] Figure 4 shows the object according to the invention in the position shown in Figure 2, wherein the transfer container has a lower extreme position;

[0073] Figure 5 shows the object according to the invention in a perspective view and in a position of the transfer container for carrying out the fourth process step (ejection);

[0074] Figure 6 shows the object according to the invention in a perspective view and in a position for carrying out the fourth process step (ejection), wherein the transfer container is in a movement back to the position as shown in Figure 1;

[0075] Figure 7 shows a perspective detail view of the object according to the invention, in which the transfer container is in the lower extreme position; and

[0076] Figure 8 shows a perspective detail view of the object according to the invention, in which the transfer container is in a position between the upper and lower extreme positions.

[0077] Figure 1 shows the brewing device 10 according to the invention, which comprises a transfer container 20 and a plurality of process stations 30, 40, 50. The first process station 30 is configured to carry out a first process step in which the transfer container 20 can be filled with an extraction powder 34. The second process station 40 is configured to carry out a second process step in which the extraction powder 34 is tamped and brewed in the transfer container 20. The third process station 50 is configured to carry out a third process step in which the brewed extraction powder 34 is ejected from the transfer container 20. The transfer container 20 can be moved to the respective process stations 30, 40, 50 by means of a drive shaft 60, in that the transfer container 20 is movable, in particular rotatable, about a longitudinal axis 62 of the drive shaft 60 with its longitudinal axis 22.

[0078] The drive shaft 60 is in particular divided into two parts, i.e., an upper drive section 64 and a lower drive section 66 are provided on the drive shaft 60, WMF GmbH

[0079] P150411 PC00

[0080] 10

[0081] which are mounted concentrically to each other. The upper drive section 64 is thus movable either dependently or independently of the lower drive section 66. The two drive sections 64, 66 can also have different geometries. In particular, it is provided that the upper drive section 64 has a thread, in particular an external thread. The lower drive section 66 is in particular designed as a gear with external teeth. The height of the external teeth in the direction of the longitudinal axis 62 preferably corresponds to at least one intended distance between the upper and lower extreme positions of the transfer container 20, added by the height of the external teeth of a first gear 72.

[0082] The upper 64 and lower drive area 66 each have a separate drive assigned to them, meaning that the two areas 64, 66 can be driven independently of each other.

[0083] Process stations 30, 40, and 50 are stationary and arranged concentrically at a distance from the longitudinal axis 62 of the drive shaft 60. If the longitudinal axis 22 of the transfer container 20 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first process station 30, i.e., if they are congruent in a side view, then the brewing device 10 is in a position to carry out the first process step.

[0084] If the longitudinal axis 22 of the transfer container 20 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second process station 40 as shown in Figure 2, the brewing device 10 is in a position to carry out the second process step. For this purpose, a stationary second piston 44 is arranged above the first piston 26, with which the transfer container 20 forms a closed brewing chamber 42 in an engagement position. A comparison of Figures 2 and 3 illustrates this: In the position of the transfer container 20 as shown in Figure 2, an opening is visible between the second piston 44 and an end face 28 of the transfer container 20, meaning that the brewing chamber 42 is not closed. Figure 3 shows the transfer container 20 in its upper extreme position, meaning that a casing 24 of the transfer container 20 overlaps with a surface of the second piston 44 in the axial direction. The brewing chamber 42 is thus closed.

[0085] If the longitudinal axis 22 of the transfer container 20 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the third process station 50 (see Figure 5), the brewing device 10 is in a position WMF GmbH

[0086] P150411 PC00

[0087] 11

[0088] to carry out the third process step, in which the brewed extraction powder 34 or the coffee cake can be removed from the transfer container 20.

[0089] During a filling process, as depicted in Figure 1, the piston 26 is preferably in its lower extreme position. A position of the piston 26 in its upper extreme position is particularly necessary for carrying out the third process step (see Figures 5 and 6). Figure 6 shows the transfer container 20 pivoting back, against the actual process direction. Here, the coffee cake 34 is scraped off by means of the ejection device 52. The transfer container 20 is thus emptied and can be conveyed back to the first process station 30.

[0090] Figures 7 and 8 show in detail the interaction between the drive shaft 60 and the two positioning devices 70 and 80. The two-part drive shaft 60 comprises a threaded shaft 64 and a gear shaft 66, whose axes are arranged concentrically and are rotatable independently of each other, in particular by means of the two drives, which each exert force on the upper 64 and lower drive sections 66. By selectively controlling and moving the transfer container 20 and the first piston 26 differently, positioning for carrying out the process steps is thus possible.

[0091] The transfer container 20 comprises the lower (brewing) piston 26, the gear 72, and a sleeve 24, which can perform various movements. The entire transfer container 20 is vertically adjustable by rotating the threaded shaft 64. Over its entire vertical travel range in the direction of the longitudinal axis 62, the transfer container 20 is at least indirectly engaged with the gear teeth of the second positioning device 80 with a rear wall 12, thus preventing rotation about the threaded shaft 64. This does not apply to positioning in the lower extreme position. In the lower extreme position, the gear engagement with the second positioning device 80 ends, achieved here by the absence of engagement with the vertical guide device 82. Rotation about the longitudinal axis 62 is therefore permitted (see Figure 7).In parallel, in the lower extreme position, a positive-locking coupling of the transfer container 20 and the gear shaft 66 takes place. A positive-locking coupling with the horizontal guide device 84 (WMF GmbH) also takes place.

[0092] P150411 PC00

[0093] 12

[0094] By rotating the gear shaft 66, 20 different movements can be achieved depending on the position of the transfer container:

[0095] When the transfer container 20 is in its lower extreme position, rotation about the longitudinal axis 62 is permitted, meaning there is no engagement with the vertical guide device 82. The gear shaft 66 is therefore coupled to the transfer container 20. When the gear shaft 66 is driven, the entire transfer container 20 rotates synchronously about the longitudinal axis 62. This is primarily due to the engagement or coupling with the horizontal guide device 84.

[0096] Apart from the lower extreme position, the rotation of the transfer container 20 is blocked, and there is no positive engagement between the gear shaft 66 and the transfer container 20. This is achieved in particular by the coupling with the vertical guide device 82. When the gear shaft 66 is driven, the gear 72 rotates, and a vertical stroke movement of the first piston 26 within the transfer container 20 is executed by means of the threaded coupling between the gear 72 and the first piston 26.

[0097] Due to the adjustability of the first piston 26, no retention unit is required – compared to conventional brewing units – to release the volume of the transfer container 20. This allows for a significant reduction in the overall height. Similarly, the second piston 44 can be made considerably shorter compared to conventional brewing units because of the adjustability of the first piston 26, as the height of the transfer container 20 can be adapted to the quantity of extraction powder 34 used.

[0098] The gear shaft 66 is dimensioned along the longitudinal axis 62 such that continuous engagement of the gear 72 is possible during a vertical movement of the transfer container 20 along the longitudinal axis 62, the length of which corresponds at least to a minimum overlap of an upper edge region of the end face of the transfer container 28 to a radial contact surface of the second piston 44, which is necessary for sealing during the brewing process.

[0099] Reference symbol list

[0100] 10 Brewing device WMF GmbH

[0101] P150411 PCOO

[0102] 13

[0103] 12 Housing part / back panel

[0104] 20 T transfer container / brewing unit

[0105] 22 Longitudinal axis of the transfer container

[0106] 24. Transfer container jacket

[0107] 26 first piston / lower brewing piston

[0108] 28 Front side of the transfer container

[0109] 29 Threaded shaft of the first piston

[0110] 30 first process station / filling station

[0111] 32 Filling device / filling funnel

[0112] 34 Extraction powder / coffee grounds / coffee cake 40 Second processing station / brewing station

[0113] 42 Brewing chamber

[0114] 44 second piston / upper brewing piston

[0115] 50 third process station / ejection station

[0116] 52 Ejection device / scraper element

[0117] 54 Wiper edge

[0118] 60 Drive shaft

[0119] 62 Longitudinal axis of the drive shaft

[0120] 64 upper drive area / threaded shaft

[0121] 66 lower drive area / gear shaft

[0122] 70 first positioning device

[0123] 72 first gear / gear

[0124] 80 second positioning device

[0125] 82 vertical guide devices

[0126] 84 horizontal guide devices

Claims

WMF GmbH P150411 PC00 14 Patent claims 1. Brewing device (10) for a beverage maker, comprising a plurality of process stations (30, 40, 50) located at different positions and a volume-variable transfer container (20) which is adjustable to an upper and a lower extreme position and which is movable relative to the process stations (30, 40, 50), wherein the transfer container (20) can be filled with an extraction powder (34) at a first and / or a second process station (30, 40), can be filled with a fluid at the first and / or the second process station (30, 40) and wherein an ejection device (52) for removing the used extraction powder (34) is arranged at the second and / or a third process station (40, 50).

2. Brewing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer container (20) comprises a preferably cylindrical shell (24) and a first piston (26) movable along a longitudinal axis (22) of the transfer container (20), wherein the first piston (26) is adjustable to an upper and a lower extreme position.

3. Brewing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the process stations (30, 40, 50) are aligned with their longitudinal axes or are arranged on a common arc path, wherein, according to the respective arrangement of the process stations (30, 40, 50), the transfer container (20) to the individual process stations (30, 40, 50) is movable linearly or along the arc path.

4. Brewing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second process station (40) has a preferably stationary second piston (44) which, when the transfer container (20) is in an engagement position, forms a brewing chamber (42) together with the second piston (44).

5. Brewing device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the ejection device (52) comprises a scraping edge (54) which essentially forms a plane with an upper end face (28) of the jacket (24) or WMF GmbH P150411 PCOO 15 essentially forms a plane with a bearing surface of the first piston (26) in the upper extreme position of the first piston (26).

6. Brewing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first and / or second process station (30, 40) has a filling device (32), wherein, in the case of a horizontally overlapping arrangement of the transfer container (20) to the filling device (32), the extraction powder (34) can be filled into the transfer container (20).

7. Brewing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the process stations (30, 40, 50) and / or the transfer container (20) are at least indirectly connected to a drive shaft (60) in a force-conducting manner, wherein the process stations (30, 40, 50) and / or the transfer container (20) are arranged concentrically to a longitudinal axis (62) of the drive shaft (60).

8. Brewing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a first positioning device (70) with a drive shaft (60) acts forcefully on the first piston (26) to position the first piston (26) in its vertical orientation along the longitudinal axis (22) between the upper and the lower extreme position and / or a second positioning device (80) with a drive shaft (60) acts forcefully on the transfer container (20) to position the transfer container (20) in its vertical orientation between the upper and the lower extreme position and / or horizontally at the first, second and / or third process station (30, 40, 50).

9. Brewing device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first positioning device (70) comprises a gear unit (72) which connects the drive shaft (60) to the first piston (26) in a force-conducting manner in order to carry out the vertical alignment.

10. Brewing device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the second positioning device (80) comprises vertical (82) and horizontal guide devices (84), wherein the horizontal guide device (84) moves the transfer container (20) by means of the drive shaft (60) in a horizontal plane when the transfer container (20) is in the lower extreme position, WMF GmbH P150411 PCOO 16 and / or in which the vertical guide device (82) moves the transfer container along the longitudinal axis (62) by means of the drive shaft (60) when the transfer container (20) is not in the lower extreme position.

11. Brewing device (10) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the drive shaft (60) is divided into two parts, wherein an upper drive section (64) of the divided drive shaft (60) is connected to the transfer container (20) in a force-conducting manner and / or a lower drive section (66) of the divided drive shaft (60) is connected to the first piston (26) or the gearbox (72) in a force-conducting manner.

12. Beverage maker comprising a brewing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and / or use of a brewing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for a beverage maker.

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