US 2021/0274964 A1 · ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH DOSING MECHANISM

Abstract

An espresso machine is provided that utilizes a mechanical valve in addition to a flow meter. This results in a low-cost espresso machine while delivering a measured volume of water for the espresso pour. The mechanical valve facilitates a machine with both selectable espresso pour and steam and/or hot water outlets. In this embodiment, the espresso machine utilizes a shared pump and water heater (e.g., a thermoblock, boiler or similar) for multiple functions and/or through different outlets. For example, water from the reservoir may be sent through the flow meter to the pump, then to the water heater, and eventually to either the grouphead or steam wand, or to a pressure release.

Claims22

Dependent claims

An espresso machine comprising:

a user interface for selecting a mode of operation;
a pump;
a water heater in fluid communication with the pump;
a flow meter for monitoring a volume of water;
and
a mechanical valve assembly in fluid communication with the water heater, said mechanical valve assembly including at least two of the following mechanical valves for routing fluid from the water heater:
(a) a first valve for selectively opening and closing fluid communication to a brewing mechanism;
(b) a second valve for selectively opening and closing fluid communication to atmosphere;
and
(c) a third valve for selectively opening and closing fluid communication to a steam wand or hot water outlet.

7 more elements

An espresso machine comprising:

a user interface for allowing a user to select a mode of operation from at least one of a standby/ready mode and a coffee brew mode;
a pump;
a thermoblock in fluid communication with the pump for supplying heated water to a grouphead;
a flow meter for monitoring a flow rate of water flowing into the thermoblock;
a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the thermoblock;
and
a controller configured to control power supplied to the thermoblock such that:
when the espresso machine is in the standby/ready mode, the power supplied to the thermoblock is controlled based on the temperature of the thermoblock;
and
when the espresso machine is in the coffee brew mode, the power supplied to the thermoblock is controlled at least partly dependent on a flow rate measured by the flow meter.

7 more elements

A steam wand assembly for an espresso machine, the steam wand assembly comprising:

a steam wand tube;
and
an over-moulded ball moulded over the steam wand tube at a location proximate an upper end of the steam wand tube, and
a ball receiving assembly defining a socket for receiving the ball, the ball receiving assembly being mountable to an espresso machine to movably secure the steam wand tube to the espresso machine.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Espresso machine with dosing mechanism

Life of this patent

Espresso machine with dosing mechanism

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22