Automatic portafilter clamping device for espresso machines
OwnerSpencer Bailey, Olaf Bergesoninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Presented is an automatic portafilter clamping device for clamping a portafilter to a coffee machine. The automatic portafilter clamping device includes a support ring connected to the group head assembly of the coffee machine, and a compression ring configured to rotate relative to the support ring. The compression ring could be rotated relative to the support ring to bring the compression ring in either a locked position or an unlocked position. A rotation assembly is configured to rotate the compression ring relative to the support ring. The automatic portafilter clamping device effectively and efficiently seals a portafilter against the group head gasket with minimal friction related wear.
Claims15
An automatic portafilter clamping device (100) for clamping a portafilter (300) to a coffee machine (200) comprising:
- a support ring (120) connected to a group head assembly (210) of the coffee machine (200);
- wherein the support ring (120) comprises a groove (130) and a plurality of inner cuts (134);
- a compression ring (140) configured to rotate relative to the support ring (120);
- wherein the compression ring (140) is configured to rotate in a groove (130) of the support ring (120);
- wherein the compression ring (140) comprises a plurality of diametrically opposed ribs (142) disposed of in the inner periphery (144) of the compression ring (140);
- wherein the compression ring (140) could be rotated to bring the compression ring (140) into either a locked position or an unlocked position;
- Wherein in the locked position, the plurality of diametrically opposed ribs (142) of the compression ring (140) at least substantially overlies on the plurality of inner cuts (134) of the support ring (120) such that the plurality of diametrically opposed ribs (142) of the compression ring (140) are sandwichingly disposed between a plurality of ears (310) of the portafilter (300) and the plurality of inner cuts (134) of the support ring (120), thereby effectively locking the portafilter (300) to the group head assembly (210) of the coffee machine (200);
- wherein each of the plurality of diametrically opposed ribs (142) comprises a wedge-shaped ramp element (143) configured to engage corresponding ears (310) of the portafilter (300) to urge the portafilter (300) upward;
- Wherein in the unlocked position, the plurality of diametrically opposed ribs (142) of the compression ring (140) are positioned away from the plurality of inner cuts (134) of the support ring (120);
- and
- wherein the rotation of the compression ring (140) engages the plurality of diametrically opposed ribs (142) with the plurality of ears (310) and presses the portafilter (300) upward into sealing engagement with the group head assembly (210);
- and
- a rotation assembly (160) configured to rotate the compression ring (140) in the groove (130) of the support ring (120).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.