Brewing unit for automatic coffee machines

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a brewing unit for coffee machines. In particular the invention relates to automatic coffee machines for beverage dispensing, e.g. the so called HoReCa machines. These machines are provided with brewing units including a brewing chamber having a filter element where coffee powder is fed and usually compressed. Hot water is then fed to the chamber for brewing the coffee powder, thereby preparing the coffee beverage which is delivered, through the filter element, to the user.

[0002] EP1532903 discloses a brewing cylinder for a coffee machine having two pistons at either end, which are adjustable in relation to one another. Said two pistons consists of two cylinder parts reciprocally movable along their axis via drive means to allow the filling/ejecting of the coffee powder inside/from the brewing cylinder. In the filling position the two cylinder parts are pressed together for the inserting of the coffee powder trough a filler opening. Following the completation of the brewing process, the two cylinder parts can be separated in the ejecting position, to allow an axial gap for the removing of the used coffee powder by one of said two pistons.

[0003] It is known to provide brewing units with valve assemblies for regulating the outflow of the coffee beverage delivered from the brewing chamber.

[0004] WO 02/091889, in the name of DE LONGHI, discloses a filter-holding cup for a coffee machine. The filter-holding cup coupled to the related machine defines a brewing chamber. The cup comprises a spring biased valve arranged downstream from the filter. Most of the time the valve body is kept in a closing position by the spring. Only during operation of the machine, the coffee beverage exiting the filter impinges the valve body against the bias force of the spring, thereby causing the valve body to move axially in an opening position.

[0005] In the aforesaid or similar solutions, the coffee flow valve, which is arranged downstream from the brewing chamber, is wetted by the coffee beverage exiting the brewing chamber at each dispensing cycle of the machine. Residues of the coffee beverage have adhesive properties and build up on the valve seat and the valve body surfaces, acting as a "glue" and eventually causing jamming of the valve body within its seat.

[0006] This problem occurs in particular in brewing units wherein the valve body is made of (or covered with) a plastic material, for instance silicone or a similar thermoplastic material. Such material, when soiled by the coffee delivered from the brewing chamber, easily adheres to the seat, thereby keeping the valve assembly in a closed position.

[0007] In order to avoid jamming of the valve assembly, the valve body is often removed by the final user of the coffee machine or the maintenance operator. In other words, prior art coffee machines affected by the aforesaid problem are often tampered for removal of the valve body. Therefore, operation of the coffee machines changes with respect to the parameters preset by the manufacturer and the quality of the delivered coffee is lowered. In fact "espresso" coffee is usually prepared by brewing in a chamber substantially closed, while "americano" coffee is prepared by brewing in a chamber having its exit open.

[0008] US 6,382,083, in the name of SCHMED, discloses a brewing unit for coffee machines provided with a valve assembly inserted between the brewing chamber and the beverage outlet in order to control the flow rate of the coffee beverage. The valve assembly comprises a valve body member movable against the force of a spring between a first position, wherein the valve body does not close the seat but leaves a minimum gap, and a second position, wherein the valve body still does not close the seat and leaves the maximum gap. The spring is set to keep the valve body member in the open position. By adjusting the bias force of the spring, the user changes the extension of the gap between the valve body and the related seat, this causing changes in the amount of coffee to be brewed per time unit. Italian patent IT 1142041, in the name of GROSSI, discloses a brewing unit wherein a valve is positioned in a passage provided in the filter element for regulating the outflow of the coffee beverage prepared in the brewing chamber. This valve has a valve body which is axially movable and has size and the shape such that, during preparation of the coffee beverage, it does not close the outlet passage of the filter element but leaves an annular gap. Presence of such annulus gap should prevent malfunctioning of the brewing unit due to clogging of the filter element.

[0009] Brewing units similar to those disclosed in US 6,382,083 and IT 1142041, do not allow for closing the valve and relevant pressure build-up within the brewing chamber to e.g. prepare an espresso coffee.

[0010] Thus, there is the need for a brewing unit which allows for closing of the valve assembly downstream from the brewing chamber and, at the same time, prevents jamming of the valve body.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a brewing unit for coffee machines which overcomes the drawbacks of known solutions, being at the same time easy to manufacture and assemble and inexpensive.

[0012] It is still an object of the present invention to provide an easy to operate brewing unit for coffee machines which avoids jamming or clogging of the coffee outlet valve assembly.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a brewing unit for coffee machines which overcomes the drawbacks related to soiling of the valve assembly arranged downstream from the brewing chamber, being at the same time easy to clean.

[0014] These and other objects are achieved by the present invention which relates to a brewing unit according to claim 1.

[0015] Advantageously the brewing unit according to the present invention prevents adhering of the valve to the surfaces of the related seat, in the delivery outlet. The second piston, which supports the first piston and the valve assembly, remains in the first position when the brewing unit is not operating. In other words the first position of the second piston is also its starting position for the operation and corresponds to the valve assembly being spaced and separate from the delivery outlet. In this way the valve assembly, and in particular the valve body, is not subject to adhesion to the delivery outlet surfaces due to the effect of the coffee residues, nor is it affected by building up of residues next to the valve assembly.

[0016] Preferably the second piston and the first piston are arranged coaxially and are moveable along the same axis, for instance sliding within guides. The second piston is actuated by any suitable device, for example a motorized endless screw engaging a guide of the same piston.

[0017] The stroke of the second piston is transmitted to the first piston for pushing its end portion, which comprises the aforesaid wall, against the coffee powder contained into the brewing chamber. The moveable wall compresses the coffee powder to the desired level.

[0018] The first piston and the second piston are coupled by means of one or more resilient elements, such as springs. The resilient elements are designed to resist a preset threshold compression force without deforming and to be themselves compressed if the force exceeds such threshold.

[0019] When the first piston has compressed the coffee powder to the desired level of pressure, and the second piston still forwards toward the first piston, the resilient elements yield, thereby allowing the second piston to bring the valve assembly into contact with the delivery outlet surfaces, so as to close the same. Movement of the second piston backward, toward its first position, causes the resilient elements to return to their initial extension, while the first piston is still, thereby separating the valve assembly from the delivery outlet, so as to open the same. Further backward movement of the second piston is transmitted to the first piston by the extended resilient elements and the same first piston is moved a correspondent distance from the compressed coffee powder.

[0020] The brewing unit according to the present invention permits to prepare both "espresso" coffee beverages and "americano" coffee beverages.

[0021] An "espresso" coffee beverage can be prepared by operating the brewing unit to comprise the following steps:

• providing a dose of coffee powder into the brewing chamber;
• moving the second piston from its starting first position toward the brewing chamber to push the first piston (its moveable wall) against the coffee powder to achieve desired compression of the same;
• moving the second piston toward the first piston, i.e. applying a relative motion of the second piston with respect to the first piston, until the second piston reaches the second position, thereby closing the delivery outlet with by way of the valve assembly;
• supplying water to the brewing chamber; and
• moving the valve away from the delivery outlet, thereby opening the same and allowing the coffee beverage to exit the brewing chamber once a sufficient pressure is reached in the brewing chamber.

[0022] An "americano" coffee beverage can be prepared by operating the brewing unit to comprise the following steps:

• providing a dose of coffee powder into the brewing chamber;
• moving the second piston from its starting first position toward the brewing chamber to push the first piston against the coffee powder to achieve the desired compression of the same;
• moving the second piston back to leave a gap between the valve body and the valve seat and between the compressed coffee and the movable wall;
• supplying water to the brewing chamber while keeping the delivery outlet open, thereby allowing the coffee beverage to exit the brewing chamber.

[0023] The valve assembly always remains in an open configuration when the brewing unit is in stand-by, i.e. when the unit is not operative. In this way the valve body cannot adhere to the surfaces of the delivery outlet, thereby overcoming the adhesion effect of the coffee residues.

[0024] The valve body contacts the surfaces of the delivery outlet when the brewing unit is operated for delivering an "espresso" coffee, but only for a time necessary for the preparation process or for a time pre-set.

[0025] In other words, according to a first embodiment, the valve can remain closed upon action of a spring having a closing force that is less than the force of the beverage pressure within the brewing chamber: once a sufficient pressure is reached, the valve is opened against the spring force.

[0026] According to a second embodiment, the valve is open by moving the second piston - and the valve mounted on it - away from first piston, that remains still, i.e. that does not move with respect to the brewing chamber.

[0027] According to third embodiment, the valve is opened by an actuator known in the art that operates the valve after a pre-set time has lapsed. Suitable actuators are e.g. electromagnets, or similar elements, acting on the valve body.

[0028] When the brewing unit is operated for delivering an "Americano" coffee, the valve body may contact the delivery outlet surfaces for a short time lapse because of the movement of the second piston pushing the first piston for compressing the coffee powder, but the same valve is removed from the outlet when the second piston is withdrawn before brewing of the coffee powder.

[0029] Alternatively, the valve is opened by command of an actuator, that is operated by the machine control unit to provide a brewing chamber with coffee compressed between two pistons and having a brewing chamber open outlet.

[0030] The brewing unit according to the present invention is compatible with common coffee machines. In particular, the brewing unit of the invention can be installed in automatic coffee machines for home or office use, or to be installed in food-service sites or in so called HoReCa (Hotel-Restaurant-Café) sites or, still, in public areas. Since the brewing unit overcomes jamming of the valve assembly at the exit of the brewing chamber, maintenance of the related coffee machines is simpler with respect to machines provided with prior art units, with evident advantages for what concerns the operating costs.

[0031] A further advantage of the presence of an actuator for opening the valve by command, is that the brewing time can be accurately controlled to increase the quality of the beverage.

[0032] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings enclosed as a non-restrictive example, where:

• figure 1 is a perspective view of a brewing unit according to the present invention;
• figure 2 is a cross section view along line A-A of figure 1;
• figure 3 is a cross section view along line B-B of figure 1;
• figure 4 and 5 are enlarged views of the valve assembly in the open and closed conditions;
• figure 6 shows a valve assembly provided with a valve actuator to open or close the valve when required.

[0033] With reference to figure 1, the brewing unit 1 according to the present invention comprises a brewing chamber 2, having a top wall 3 and a bottom wall 16; top wall 3 is moveable to adjust the chamber internal volume. The brewing chamber is intended to house a dose of coffee powder supplied, through the chute 4, by an external unit, for instance a grinding unit of the coffee machine (not shown).

[0034] Moveable wall 3 is normally including a filter (not shown) and is a portion of a first piston 5 which is arranged to move with respect to the brewing chamber 2 so as to press the coffee powder contained therein and close the chamber 2 during the brewing process.

[0035] An outlet 12 for the brewed coffee is provided through the wall 3. The outlet 12 is a through hole usually connected to a plurality of recesses provided on the surface of wall 3, under the filter, to collect the beverage.

[0036] The first piston 5 has a generic cylindrical shape to match the shape of the brewing chamber 2 and moves along the axis X shown in figure 2 to open/close the chamber and press the coffee powder. The first piston 5 is moved along the axis X by a second piston 6 to which piston 5 is coupled by coupling means that allow to move first piston 5 with respect to second piston 6.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in figures 2-3, the coupling means are resilient elements 7, preferably a couple of springs.

[0038] A portion of the second piston 6 is slidingly inserted into first piston 5 so as to leave a gap 15 between the wall 3 of the first piston 5 and the lower external surface of the same second piston 6 when the unit is not in use.

[0039] A valve assembly 13 is provided on second piston 6 and is movable with it along axis X-X and with respect to first piston 5. Valve 13 is positioned at the gap 15 between the first piston 5 and the second piston 6 for opening and closing the delivery outlet 13 of the wall 3.

[0040] Preferably the valve assembly 13 comprises a spring biased valve body 14. Such valve body 14 is shaped to match with the surfaces defining the delivery outlet 12. In the embodiment shown in the figures, valve body 14 is made of or comprises a covering of silicone or other similar material. The valve body 14 is intended to be able to close delivery outlet 12 by abutting the facing internal surface of wall 13. The valve body can be more or less deformable under pressure; in one embodiment, valve body 14 can be deformed by the brewed coffee pressure within chamber 2 and let out coffee upon being deformed. Preferably, the valve body will withstand the pressure in the brewing chamber without deforming; opening the outlet is obtained by compression of spring 20 (see fig.4 and 5).

[0041] The second piston 6 is arranged coaxial with the first piston 5 and is coupled to an actuating device controlled by the related coffee machine. It is understood that the actuating device can be any suitable known device for imparting the movement to the second piston 6 along the axis X-X.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating device comprises an endless screw 8, engaging an element 9 jointed to the second piston 6, and a guide 10 also engaging in a slidable way the element 9. The endless screw 8 is rotated by a gear 11 controlled by the coffee machine control unit. Rotation of the endless screw 8 causes the rotation of a plurality of gears 8' that rotates a second endless screw 8" so that second piston 6 is translated a correspondent stroke along the axis X.

[0043] Bottom wall 16 can be moved within chamber 2 in a similar way by corresponding gears and screws (fig.2).

[0044] In figures 1-3 the second piston 6 is shown in its first position, which corresponds to piston 6 being raised upon the brewing chamber 2 a sufficient distance to keep the wall 3 of the first piston 5 far from the brewing chamber 2, so as not to close the same chamber. When the second piston 6 is in this first position a dose of coffee powder can be dropped into the brewing chamber 2.

[0045] Operation of the brewing unit 1 will be explained in the following with reference to the preparation of an "espresso" coffee beverage.

[0046] Once the coffee powder is supplied into the brewing chamber 2, the second piston 6 is moved, by endless screws 8, 8" and gears 8', from its initial first position along the axis X, toward the same brewing chamber 2. The first piston 5 moves with the second piston 6 so as to bring the wall 3 against the coffee powder and achieve the desired pressing of the same powder.

[0047] The first piston 5 is pressed against the coffee powder until the resilient elements, i.e. the springs 7, are compressed between the first piston 5 and the second piston 6. When the springs 7 yield, the first piston 5 remains still, while abutting the pressed coffee pastille within the chamber 2, and the second piston 6 moves forward, toward the chamber, thereby reducing the gap 15. This position is shown in fig. 4.

[0048] Further movement downwards of the second piston 6 against the first piston 5 causes the valve assembly 13 to operate, i.e. the second piston 6 moves into a second position at which the valve body 14 closes the delivery outlet 12, as shown in fig. 5.

[0049] In this configuration, the coffee powder is pressed within the brewing chamber 2 and the valve body 14 of valve assembly 13 closes the outlet 12. Water is fed to the brewing chamber through a suitable channel (not shown) provided on the wall 16 opposite to the wall 3.

[0050] Delivery of the brewed coffee from the brewing chamber 2 by opening of the outlet 12, can be obtained in different possible ways. In one embodiment, opening 12 is opened because the pressure of the liquid in chamber 2 is greater than the force of spring 20 that biases valve body 14 away from valve assembly 13.

[0051] In another embodiment, valve assembly is operated by an actuator such as an electromagnet.

[0052] In other embodiments, outlet 12 is opened by moving piston 6 upwards, i.e. away from piston 5.

[0053] In one of these further embodiments, once brewing of the coffee has been carried out, this usually occurring in a preset time lapse, the second piston 6 is moved backward by a counter-rotation of the endless screws 8, 8', thereby releasing springs 7 from compression and maximizing gap 15. This causes the valve assembly 13 to open the delivery outlet 12. The coffee beverage exits the brewing chamber 2 and is channelled toward the spout 17 for delivering to the user.

[0054] Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment wherein in lieu of springs 7 a rotating gear 21, operated by screw 22, is provided on piston 5 and is meshing with teeth provided on piston 6. In this embodiment, the volume of brewing chamber 2 can be kept constant because the screws 8, 8" are not operated while screw 22 is rotated to operate gear 21. In this way, wall 3 will not move while piston 6 is moved away from it to open outlet 12. Accordingly, piston 5 can thus remain in a position of "coffee compressed" and valve 13 can be opened to give a coffee as resulting from a mix of espresso and americano steps (i.e. compressed coffee and open outlet).

[0055] After the coffee has been delivered, second piston 6 is further withdrawn toward its first position (fig.3), so that the brewing unit is ready for another preparation cycle. The springs 7 are now completely extended and the first piston 5 has been lifted together with the second piston 6.

[0056] Discharge of the residual coffee pastille is achieved by raising the wall 16, which is also moveable in a manner known per se, to be flush with the surface 18. A motorized arm 19 is operated and pushes the residual pastille toward a discharge. The wall 16 is lowered in position for another preparation cycle.

[0057] The skilled person will, appreciate that when the brewing unit 1 is not operating, the valve body 14 is not in contact with the delivery outlet surfaces. Adhering of the valve body 14 to such surfaces is thus prevented, and maintenance of the brewing unit 1 results simpler with respect to prior art units.

[0058] Operation of the brewing unit 1 will be explained in the following with reference to the preparation of an "americano" coffee beverage.

[0059] Once the coffee powder is supplied into the brewing chamber 2, the second piston 6 is moved with the first piston 5, by the rotating endless screws 8, 8" from its initial first position to the brewing chamber 2. The wall 3 of the first piston 5 can either close the brewing chamber 2 without pressing the coffee powder, thereby stopping a distance from the powder, or press the powder and being moved back a length sufficient to leave a gap between the powder and the same wall 3. In both cases the internal volume of the brewing chamber 2 is adjusted to be greater than the volume of the same chamber 2 when an espresso coffee is prepared. It is understood that the valve body 14 does not close the delivery outlet 12 during the brewing process, i.e. when water is supplied into the chamber 2. The coffee exits the chamber through the open outlet 12 and is channelled to the spout 17 for delivery to the user. The residual coffee powder is discharged as previously mentioned.

[0060] The first position of the second piston 6 is such that the valve assembly 13, coupled to the first piston 5, stands separate from the delivery outlet surfaces during the stand-by of the brewing unit. This allows for minimizing the build up of hard residues at the outlet 12 and the valve body 14. The coffee beverages exiting the chamber 2 provide cleaning of the outlet 12 and the valve body 14 from soft residues.

[0061] The brewing unit 1 is simple to manufacture and inexpensive. The pistons 5 and 6 can be made of a thermoplastic material, for instance ABS plastic. The same pistons 5 and 6 are shaped so as to allow easy coupling and disassembly, thereby promoting easy cleaning of such components from residues.

Claims

1. A brewing unit (1) for a beverage preparing machine comprising: a brewing chamber (2), a first piston (5) providing a mobile wall (3) of said chamber, said mobile wall (3) having an outlet (12) for delivering the coffee beverage from said brewing chamber (2), and a valve assembly (13) for opening/closing said delivery outlet, characterized in that it further comprises means (6) for supporting said piston (5) and said valve assembly (13), said supporting means (6) being movable with said first piston (5) with respect to said brewing chamber (2) and being also movable with said valve assembly (13) with respect to said first piston (5), for actuating said valve assembly (13) to respectively open or close said delivery outlet (12) on said piston (5).

2. The brewing unit according to claim 1, wherein said supporting means is a second piston (6) coaxial with and partially housed in said first piston (5).

3. The brewing unit according to claim 2, wherein said valve assembly (13) is mounted on an end wall of said second piston (6) overlying said moveable wall (3) of the first piston.

4. The brewing unit according to claim 3, wherein said first piston (5) and said second piston (6) are moveable along a common axis (X) and a portion of said second piston comprising said end wall is movable, along said axis, in a portion of said first piston comprising said moveable wall.

5. The brewing unit according to any previous claim 2 to 4, wherein said first piston (5) and said second piston (6) are biased in a spaced position by means of resilient means.

6. The brewing unit according to any previous claim 2 to 5, wherein said valve assembly (13) comprises a spring (20) biased valve body (14) arranged parallel to said axis (X) of movement of said pistons.

7. The brewing unit according to any previous claim 2 to 6, wherein when said valve is provided with actuating means (21,22) located on said first piston (5).

8. The brewing unit according to claim 7, wherein said actuating means comprises gear means (21) connected to teeth provided on said second piston (6) to move said second piston with respect to said first piston (5).

9. The brewing unit according to any previous claim 2 to 8, wherein said second piston is moved along said axis by an actuating device.

10. A method for preparing a beverage by means of a machine having a brewing unit according to any previous claim 2 to 9, the method comprising the steps of:

- providing a dose of coffee powder into said brewing chamber (2);

- moving said second piston (6) into said brewing chamber to push said moveable wall (3) of said first piston against the product to be brewed to achieve desired compression of the same;

- moving said second piston (6) toward said first piston (5), into said second position, to close said delivery outlet (12) with said valve assembly;

- supplying water to the brewing chamber; and

- moving said second piston (6) in a different position to open or close said delivery outlet (12) by said valve (13) according to the type of beverage required.

11. A method for preparing an "americano" coffee beverage by way of operating the brewing unit according to any previous claim 2 to 9, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a dose of coffee powder into said brewing chamber;

b. moving said second piston into said brewing chamber to push said moveable wall (3) of said first piston (5) against said coffee powder to achieve desired compression of the same;

c. moving said second piston to leave a gap between the coffee powder and said moveable wall (3) and open said outlet (12);

d. supplying water to the brewing chamber while keeping said delivery outlet open, thereby allowing the coffee beverage to exit the brewing chamber.

12. A beverage dispensing machine for preparing a brewed beverage, characterized in that it comprises the brewing unit according to any of claims 1 to 9.

Ansprüche

1. Eine Aufbrüheinheit (1) für eine Getränkeausgabemaschine enthaltend: eine Aufbrühkammer (2), einen ersten Kolben (5), der eine erste bewegliche Wand (3) der Kammer darstellt, wobei die bewegliche Wand (3) eine Öffnung (12) zur Ausgabe des Kaffeegetränkes aus der Aufbrühkammer (2) aufweist, und einen Ventilaufbau (13) zum Öffnen/Schließen der Ausgabeöffnung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie weiter Mittel (6) zum Tragen des Kolbens (5) und des Ventilaufbaus (13) umfasst, wobei die Trägermittel (6) mit dem ersten Kolben (5) gegenüber der Aufbrühkammer (2) beweglich sind und ebenfalls mit dem Ventilaufbau (13) gegenüber dem ersten Kolben (5) beweglich sind, zur Betätigung des Ventilaufbaus (13) zum Öffnen beziehungsweise zum Schließen der Ausgabeöffnung (12) des Kolbens (5).

2. Die Aufbrüheinheit gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die Trägermittel durch einen zweiten Kolben (6) dargestellt werden, der koaxial mit dem ersten Kolben (5) und teilweise in diesem angeordnet ist.

3. Die Aufbrüheinheit gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei der Ventilaufbau (13) an einer endständigen Wand des zweiten Kolbens (6) angebracht ist, die über der beweglichen Wand (3) des ersten Kolbens liegt.

4. Die Aufbrüheinheit gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei der erste Kolben (5) und der zweite Kolben (6) entlang einer gemeinsamen Achse (X) beweglich sind, und ein Abschnitt des zweiten Kolbens enthaltend die endständige Wand entlang dieser Achse innerhalb eines Abschnittes des ersten Kolbens enthaltend die bewegliche Wand beweglich ist.

5. Die Aufbrüheinheit gemäß irgend einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 4, wobei der erste Kolben (5) und der zweite Kolben (6) in einer beabstandeten Position durch federnde Mittel vorgespannt sind.

6. Die Aufbrüheinheit gemäß irgend einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 5, wobei der Ventilaufbau (13) einen durch eine Feder (20) vorgespannten Ventilkörper (14) enthält, der parallel zu der Bewegungsachse (X) der Kolben angeordnet ist.

7. Die Aufbrüheinheit gemäß irgend einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 6, wobei das Ventil an dem ersten Kolben (5) angebracht ist, wenn das Ventil mit Betätigungsmitteln (21, 22) versehen ist.

8. Die Aufbrüheinheit gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die Betätigungsmittel Getriebemittel (21) enthalten, die mit auf dem zweiten Kolben (6) bereit gestellten Zähnen verbunden sind, um den zweiten Kolben gegenüber dem ersten Kolben (5) zu bewegen.

9. Die Aufbrüheinheit gemäß irgend einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 8, wobei der zweite Kolben entlang der Achse durch eine Betätigungseinrichtung bewegt wird.

10. Ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Getränkes mittels einer Maschine, die eine Aufbrüheinheit gemäß irgend einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 9 aufweist, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte umfasst:

- Bereitstellung einer Dosis Kaffeepulver in der Aufbrühkammer (2);

- Bewegen des zweiten Kolbens (6) in die Aufbrühkammer, um die bewegliche Wand (3) des ersten Kolbens gegen das aufzubrühende Produkt zu drücken, um die gewünschte Verdichtung desselben zu erreichen;

- Bewegen des zweiten Kolbens (6) in Richtung des ersten Kolbens (5) in die zweite Position, um die Ausgabeöffnung (12) mittels des Ventilaufbaus zu verschließen;

- Zuführen von Wasser in die Aufbrühkammer; und

- Bewegen des zweiten Kolbens (6) in eine andere Position, um die Ausgabeöffnung (12) mittels des Ventilaufbaus (13) entsprechend des angeforderten Typs des Getränkes zu öffnen oder zu verschließen.

11. Ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Kaffeegetränkes des Typs "americano" durch Betreiben der Aufbrüheinheit gemäß irgend einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 9, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte umfasst:

a. Bereitstellung einer Dosis Kaffeepulver in der Aufbrühkammer;

b. Bewegen des zweiten Kolbens in die Aufbrühkammer, um die bewegliche Wand (3) des ersten Kolbens (5) gegen das Kaffeepulver zu drücken, um die gewünschte Verdichtung desselben zu erreichen;

c. Bewegen des zweiten Kolbens, um eine Lücke zwischen dem Kaffeepulver und der beweglichen Wand (3) zu erzeugen und Öffnen der Ausgabeöffnung (12);

d. Zuführen von Wasser in die Aufbrühkammer während die Ausgabeöffnung offen gelassen wird, wobei es dem Kaffeegetränk ermöglicht wird, aus der Aufbrühkammer auszutreten.

12. Eine Getränkeausgabemaschine zur Herstellung eines aufgebrühten Getränkes, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es die Aufbrüheinheit gemäß irgend einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9 enthält.

Revendications

1. Unité de percolation (1) destinée à une machine de préparation automatique de boissons, comprenant : une chambre de percolation (2), un premier piston (5) constituant une paroi mobile (3) de ladite chambre, ladite paroi mobile (3) présentant un orifice de sortie (12) pour la distribution de la boisson de café en provenance de ladite chambre de percolation (2), et un ensemble de soupape (13) pour l'ouverture et la fermeture dudit orifice de distribution, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte en outre un moyen (6) de support dudit premier piston (5) et dudit ensemble de soupape (13), ledit moyen de support (6) étant déplaçable avec ledit premier piston (5) par rapport à ladite chambre de percolation (2) et étant également déplaçable avec ledit ensemble de soupape (13) par rapport audit premier piston (5), de façon à actionner ledit ensemble de soupape (13) pour respectivement ouvrir et fermer ledit orifice de distribution (12) sur ledit premier piston (5).

2. Unité de percolation selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ledit moyen de support est constitué par un second piston (6), coaxial avec, et partiellement logé dans ledit premier piston (5).

3. Unité de percolation selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle ledit ensemble de soupape (13) est monté sur une paroi terminale dudit second piston (6) en reposant sur ladite paroi mobile (3) du premier piston.

4. Unité de percolation selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle ledit premier piston (5) et ledit second piston (6) sont mobiles le long d'un axe commun (X) et où une partie dudit second piston comportant ladite paroi terminale est mobile, le long dudit axe, dans une partie dudit premier piston comportant ladite paroi mobile.

5. Unité de percolation selon l'une quelconque des précédentes revendications 2 à 4, dans laquelle ledit premier piston (5) et ledit second piston (6) sont sollicités à s'écarter l'un de l'autre grâce à un moyen élastique.

6. Unité de percolation selon l'une quelconque des précédentes revendications 2 à 5, dans laquelle ledit ensemble de soupape (13) comprend un corps de soupape (14) sollicité par un ressort (20), disposé parallèlement audit axe (X) de déplacement desdits pistons.

7. Unité de percolation selon l'une quelconque des précédentes revendications 2 à 6, dans laquelle ladite soupape est équipée d'un moyen d'actionnement (21, 22) placé sur ledit premier piston (5).

8. Unité de percolation selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle ledit moyen d'actionnement comprend un moyen d'engrenage (21) connecté à une denture disposée sur ledit second piston (6) pour déplacer ledit second piston (6) par rapport audit premier piston (5).

9. Unité de percolation selon l'une quelconque des précédentes revendications 2 à 8, dans laquelle ledit second piston est déplacé le long dudit axe par un dispositif d'actionnement.

10. Procédé de préparation d'une boisson au moyen d'une machine possédant une unité de percolation selon l'une quelconque des précédentes revendications 2 à 9, le procédé comportant les étapes de :

- disposition d'une dose de poudre de café à l'intérieur de ladite chambre de percolation (2) ;

- déplacement dudit second piston (6) à l'intérieur de ladite chambre de percolation pour pousser ladite paroi mobile (3) dudit premier piston contre le produit à percoler afin de réaliser la compression souhaitée pour celui-ci ;

- déplacement dudit second piston (6) en direction dudit premier piston (5), dans ladite seconde position, de façon à fermer ladite ouverture de distribution (12) par ledit ensemble de soupape ;

- alimentation en eau de la chambre de percolation ; et

- déplacement dudit second piston (6) dans une position différente pour ouvrir ou fermer ladite ouverture de distribution (12) au moyen de ladite soupape (13) selon le type de boisson désiré.

11. Procédé de préparation d'une boisson de café dite « americano » par la mise en oeuvre d'une unité de percolation selon l'une quelconque des précédentes revendications 2 à 9, le procédé comportant les étapes de :

a) disposition d'une dose de poudre de café à l'intérieur de ladite chambre de percolation ;

b) déplacement dudit second piston à l'intérieur de ladite chambre de percolation pour pousser ladite paroi mobile (3) dudit premier piston (5) contre le produit à percoler afin de réaliser la compression souhaitée pour celui-ci ;

c) déplacement dudit second piston de façon à laisser un espace entre la poudre de café et ladite paroi mobile (3) puis ouverture dudit orifice de distribution (12) ;

d) alimentation en eau de la chambre de percolation tout en maintenant ouvert l'orifice de distribution, permettant de la sorte à la boisson de café de sortir de la chambre de percolation.

12. Machine automatique de préparation d'une boisson par percolation, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte l'unité de percolation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9.

Drawing