DE102022131904A1 - Infusion device for preparing beverages using insoluble material - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an infusion device for preparing beverages using insoluble substances, comprising a container (12) for receiving the beverage and the insoluble material, the container (12) having an open end (26) and a closed end (28) and defining an axis (X), and a piston filter assembly (30) insertable into the container (12) through the open end (26) and movable along the axis (X) towards the closed end (28), the piston filter assembly (30) having a filter element (36) and a sealing portion (38), the sealing portion (38) surrounding the filter element (36) radially outwardly with respect to the axis (X) and sealing the piston filter assembly (30) with respect to the container (12), and having a first seal (46) and a second seal (48) which are arranged at a distance from one another with respect to the axis (X).

Description

The present invention relates to an infusion device for preparing beverages using insoluble material.

Infusion devices for preparing beverages are also known as coffee presses or filter presses. The infusion device has a container with an open end and a closed end, whereby the container is usually cylindrical or prismatic. To prepare a beverage, typically coffee or tea, the desired amount of insoluble material such as coffee powder or tea leaves is poured into the container through the open end and then hot water is poured over it. The powder or tea leaves are then allowed to steep for a certain period of time. A piston filter assembly containing a piston rod and a filter element attached to the piston rod is then placed in the container. Usually the piston rod is slidably mounted in a lid that fits the open end and is used to close the container. The pressure filter has a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the container so that the filter element lies flush against the side of the container. The filter element is pressed towards the closed end of the container by means of the piston rod. As a result, the extracted coffee powder or tea leaves are separated from the coffee or tea and compressed in the area of the closed end. The filtered coffee or tea can now be drunk. After the coffee or tea has been completely drunk, the piston filter assembly is removed from the container and the compressed coffee powder or compressed tea leaves are removed from the container. Publications showing the state of the art include the DE 34 32 289 C1 , the WO 02/067739 A1 , the EP 2 798 985 A1 and the WO96/035360 A1 .

To ensure adequate separation of the insoluble material from the beverage, the piston filter assembly is equipped with a sealing element that seals the piston filter assembly to the inner wall surface of the container. However, it has been found that proper sealing of the piston filter assembly to the container is not easy. As mentioned above, the piston filter assembly is moved downwards towards the closed end. If the contact pressure between the sealing element and the container is too high, this movement may be impaired. If the container is made of glass, there is a risk that the container will be damaged by the contact pressure. The higher the contact pressure, the greater the wear of the sealing element, which can lead to premature loss or deterioration of the sealing function. If the contact pressure is too low, the separation of the insoluble material from the beverage may be inadequate. Tolerance deviations of the container and relaxation of the sealing element can worsen the inadequate separation.

The object of one embodiment of the present invention is to propose an infusion device for preparing beverages using insoluble material, with which the disadvantages described above can be overcome. In particular, the present invention proposes an infusion device with a piston filter arrangement which is easy to move within the container and which provides long-term and sufficient separation of the insoluble material from the beverage.

This object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

• - einen Behälter zur Aufnahme des Getränks und des unlöslichen Materials, wobei der Behälter ein offenes und ein geschlossenes Ende aufweist und eine Achse definiert, und
• - eine durch das offene Ende in den Behälter einsetzbare und entlang der Achse zum geschlossenen Ende hin bewegbare Kolbenfilteranordnung,
• - wobei die Kolbenfilteranordnung ein Filterelement sowie einen Dichtabschnitt aufweist, wobei der Dichtabschnitt
  • ◯ das Filterelement radial nach außen bezüglich der Achse umgibt und die Kolbenfilteranordnung gegenüber dem Behälter abdichtet, und
  • ◯ eine erste Dichtung und eine zweite Dichtung aufweist, die bezüglich der Achse voneinander beanstandet angeordnet sind.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an infusion device for preparing beverages using insoluble material, comprising

• - a container for containing the beverage and the insoluble material, the container having an open end and a closed end and defining an axis, and
• - a piston filter assembly which can be inserted into the container through the open end and moved along the axis towards the closed end,
• - wherein the piston filter arrangement comprises a filter element and a sealing portion, wherein the sealing portion
  • ◯ surrounds the filter element radially outwardly with respect to the axis and seals the piston filter assembly against the container, and
  • ◯ a first seal and a second seal which are spaced apart from each other with respect to the axis.

Although the first and second seals may be formed by a common sealing element, the first and second seals may be individual parts that are separately connected to the piston filter assembly.

Insoluble material that is not separated from the beverage with the second seal can be separated with the first seal. Separation is also improved with reduced contact pressure. Reducing the contact pressure also reduces wear, so that the improved separation is maintained over a longer period of time.

• - weist die erste Dichtung eine gegenüber der Achse erste radiale Erweiterung und
• - die zweite Dichtung eine gegenüber der Achse zweite radiale Erweiterung auf,
• - wobei sich die erste radiale Erweiterung von der zweiten radialen Erweiterung unterscheidet.

According to a further embodiment

• - the first seal has a first radial extension relative to the axis and
• - the second seal has a second radial extension relative to the axis,
• - where the first radial extension is different from the second radial extension.

In many cases, the vessel has a circular cross-section. In this case, the first and second radial extensions can be considered as diameters. Since the first radial extension is different from the second radial extension, the first seal can exert a different contact pressure on the vessel than the second seal. Separation can be improved without affecting the mobility of the piston filter assembly within the vessel.

• - weist die erste Dichtung eine erste Dicke und
• - die zweite Dichtung eine zweite Dicke auf,
• - wobei sich die erste Dicke von der zweiten Dicke unterscheidet.

In another embodiment

• - the first seal has a first thickness and
• - the second seal has a second thickness,
• - where the first thickness is different from the second thickness.

The flexibility of the first and second seals can be adjusted by the first and second thicknesses. As mentioned at the beginning, the infusion device can be used in particular for preparing coffee or tea. However, the particle size of the coffee powder is usually smaller than the particle size of tea leaves. Proper separation, regardless of the type of insoluble material used and its concentration, is ensured by using seals with different levels of flexibility.

• - wird von dem offenen Ende und entlang der Achse gesehen die erste Dichtung vor der zweiten Dichtung angeordnet und
• - ist die erste radiale Erweiterung größer als die zweite radiale Erweiterung und ist die erste Dicke geringer als die zweite Dicke.

According to a further embodiment

• - viewed from the open end and along the axis, the first seal is placed in front of the second seal and
• - the first radial extension is greater than the second radial extension and the first thickness is less than the second thickness.

In this embodiment, it has been found that a high degree of separation can be achieved and a stick-slip effect can be avoided.

In a further embodiment, the container has a container extension radial with respect to the axis, wherein the radial container extension changes along the axis.

As mentioned above, in most cases the container has a circular cross-section. Thus, the container radial extension can also be considered as the diameter of the container. The changing container extension can be caused by tolerance deviations, especially if the container is made of glass, or can be desired for design or technical reasons. By comprising two seals, the piston filter assembly can be adapted to the changing container radial extension, thus ensuring proper separation even in the event of a changing container extension.

• - umfasst der Behälter ein miteinander verbundenes erstes Behältnis und zweites Behältnis auf, die einen Zwischenraum bilden,
• - wobei der Dichtabschnitt die Kolbenfilteranordnung gegenüber dem ersten Behältnis abdichtet.

According to a further embodiment

• - the container comprises an interconnected first container and a second container which form an intermediate space,
• - wherein the sealing portion seals the piston filter assembly relative to the first container.

The space between the two is usually hermetically sealed and filled with air, which acts as insulation. As mentioned at the beginning, the infusion device is primarily used to prepare hot drinks such as coffee or tea. Due to the insulating properties of the space between the two, the temperature of the drink is maintained for a longer period of time compared to single-walled containers. The first container is enclosed by the second container and the drink is held in the first container. The sealing section thus works together with the first container.

In a further embodiment, the first container has a first container extension that is radial with respect to the axis, wherein the radial first container extension changes along the axis. For design reasons in particular, it may be desirable to provide the first container in particular with a changing diameter. The first and second seals can in turn be designed in such a way that proper separation of the pourable material from the beverage is possible despite the changing diameter of the first container.

According to a further embodiment, the first container or the second container is made of plastic. The use of plastic offers the possibility of making the first and second containers in in larger quantities and at a reasonable cost, especially when the first and second containers are made by injection molding. To facilitate demolding, a diameter that increases slightly from the closed end to the open end is advantageous. As already explained, variable diameters can be set with the first and second seals to ensure proper separation of the insoluble material.

• - einen Deckel, der in das offene Ende des Behälters einsetzbar ist und der eine parallel zur Achse verlaufende Führungsbohrung aufweist, wobei
• - die Kolbenfilteranordnung eine Kolbenstange umfasst, an der das Filterelement befestigt ist,
• - die Kolbenstange durch die Führungsbohrung durchgeht.

In a further embodiment, the infusion device further comprises

• - a lid which can be inserted into the open end of the container and which has a guide hole running parallel to the axis, wherein
• - the piston filter assembly comprises a piston rod to which the filter element is attached,
• - the piston rod passes through the guide bore.

The lid can be used to temporarily close the open end in such a way that heat loss can be minimized so that the initial temperature of the beverage is maintained for a longer period of time. In addition, accidental spillage of the beverage is avoided when pouring the beverage into a tea or coffee cup. Also, the guide bore prevents rotation of the piston filter assembly within the container, thereby ensuring proper separation of the insoluble material from the beverage.

• 1A zeigt eine Schnittansicht einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufgussvorrichtung mit einer Kolbenfilteranordnung in einer ersten Stellung,
• 1B ist ein vergrößerter Ausschnitt der in der 1A definierten Fläche A,
• 2A zeigt eine Schnittansicht einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufgussvorrichtung mit einer Kolbenfilteranordnung in einer zweiten Stellung, und
• 2B ist ein vergrößerter Ausschnitt der in der 2A definierten Fläche B.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1A shows a sectional view of an embodiment of an infusion device according to the invention with a piston filter arrangement in a first position,
• 1B is an enlarged section of the 1A defined area A,
• 2A shows a sectional view of an embodiment of an infusion device according to the invention with a piston filter arrangement in a second position, and
• 2 B is an enlarged section of the 2A defined area B.

In the 1A an embodiment of an infusion device 10 according to the invention is shown by means of a sectional view. The infusion device 10 according to the 1A The embodiment shown comprises a container 12 which is formed by a first container 14 and a second container 16. The first container 14 and the second container 16 are cylindrical. The first container 14 is inserted into the second container 16 and arranged concentrically to the second container 16 with respect to an axis X. The first container 14 and the second container 16 are made of plastic and are fastened to one another with a connecting section 18. The first container 14 and the second container 16 can be connected to one another by means of a material bond such as welding or gluing or by other suitable means. When connected, the first container 14 and the second container 16 enclose an intermediate space 20 filled with air. The intermediate space 20 can be sealed with a container seal 21 to prevent air exchange. The first container 14 forms a spout 22. A handle 24 is attached to the second container 16.

The container 12, in this case the first container 14, forms an open end 26 and a closed end 28. A piston filter arrangement 30 can be inserted into the first container 14 through the open end 26. The piston filter arrangement 30 comprises a disk-shaped holding frame 32 fastened to a piston rod 14. A filter element 36 is attached to the holding frame 32. In addition, an angular sealing section 38 is formed around the filter element 36.

A lid 40 is inserted into the open end 26 of the first container 14 and is provided with a guide bore 42 running concentrically to the axis X. The piston rod 34 penetrates the guide bore 43 and is thereby positioned concentrically to the axis X.

As can be seen in particular from the 1B which provides an enlarged view of the 1A defined area, the sealing section 38 is formed by a sealing element 44 which encloses the filter element 36 and has a first 46 and a second seal 48. Viewed from the open end 26 along the axis X, the first seal 46 is arranged in front of the second seal 48. The first seal 46 has a first radial extension ER1 with respect to the axis X and the second seal 48 has a second radial extension ER2 with respect to the axis X. As mentioned, the first container 14 is cylindrical. Since the first seal 46 and the second seal 48 can seal the filter arrangement against the first container 14, the first radial extension ER1 and the second radial extension ER2 can also be viewed as the diameter of the first 46 and the second seal 48 respectively.

Like in the 1A As shown, the container 12 has a radial container extension ERV with respect to the axis X, which in this case is defined by the first container 14 is formed and can also be referred to as the radial first container extension ERC. Both the radial container extension ERV and the radial first container extension ERC refer to the inner extension of the container 12 or the first container 14.

The radial container extension ERV and the radial first container extension ERC change along the axis X. Starting from the open end 26, the radial first container extension ERC1 decreases in a region between the spout 22 and the connecting section 16. Then the radial first container extension ERC decreases only slightly towards the closed end 28.

The first radial extension ER1 of the first seal 46 is larger than the second radial extension ER2 of the second seal 48 (see 1B) . Furthermore, the first seal 46 has a first thickness T1 and the second seal 48 has a second thickness T2. The first thickness T1 is smaller than the second thickness T2.

The infusion device 10 is operated as follows: To prepare coffee or tea, the desired amount of insoluble material such as coffee powder or tea leaves is placed through the open end 26 into the first container 14 and hot water is then poured over it. The powder or tea leaves are then allowed to brew for a certain period of time. The lid 40 is then inserted together with the piston filter assembly 30 into the open end 26 of the first container 14, as best shown in the 1A The holding frame 32 abuts or almost abuts the cover 40 and the piston rod 34 protrudes maximally or almost maximally from the top of the cover 40. As can be seen in particular from the 1B As can be seen, only the first seal 46 rests against the first container 14.

Now the piston filter assembly 30 is moved towards the closed end 28 of the container 12 by pressing down the piston rod 34. As a result, the extracted coffee powder or tea leaves are separated from the coffee or tea and compressed in the area of the closed end 28 (see 2A and 2 B) .

As mentioned, the radial first container extension ERC decreases along the axis A towards the closed end 28. As a result, not only the first seal 46 but also the second seal 48 rest against the first container 14. Due to the respective larger first radial extension ER1 and the smaller first thickness T1 compared to the second radial extension ER2 and the second thickness T2, the first seal 46 is bent more strongly compared to the second seal 48 ( 2 B) . Therefore, the contact area between the first seal 46 and the first container 14 is larger than the contact area between the second seal 48 and the first container 14. The further the sealing portion 38 moves toward the closed end 28, the higher the concentration of the insoluble material. The second seal 48 can remain in contact with the first container 14 even when the pressure exerted on the second seal 48 by the insoluble material is quite high.

The coffee or tea filtered in this way can now be drunk. To do this, the infusion device 10 can be gripped by the handle 24 and tilted so that the beverage can flow out of the first container 14 via the spout 22. After the coffee or tea has been completely drunk, the piston filter arrangement 39 is removed from the container 12 and the compressed coffee powder or the compressed tea leaves are removed from the container 12.

List of reference symbols

10

Infusion device

12

container

14

first container

16

second container

18

Connecting section

20

Space

21

Container seal

22

spout

24

Handle

26

open end

28

closed end

30

Piston filter arrangement

32

Holding frame

34

Piston rod

36

Filter element

38

Sealing section

40

Lid

42

Guide hole

44

Sealing element

46

first seal

48

second seal

A

axis

ERC

radial first container extension

ERV

radial container extension

ER1

first radial expansion

ER2

second radial extension

T1

first thickness

T2

second thickness

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3432289 C1 [0002]
• WO 02067739 A1 [0002]
• EP 2798985 A1 [0002]
• WO 96035360 A1 [0002]

Claims (9)

Infusion device (10) for preparing beverages using insoluble material, comprising - a container (12) for holding the beverage and the insoluble material, the container (12) having an open end (26) and a closed end (28) and defining an axis (X), and - a piston filter assembly (30) insertable into the container (12) through the open end (26) and movable along the axis (X) towards the closed end (28), - the piston filter assembly (30) having a filter element (36) and a sealing portion (38), the sealing portion (38) o surrounding the filter element (36) radially outwardly with respect to the axis (X) and sealing the piston filter assembly (30) with respect to the container (12), and o having a first seal (46) and a second seal (48) which are arranged at a distance from one another with respect to the axis (X). Infusion device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that - the first seal (46) has a first radial extension (ER1) relative to the axis (X) and - the second seal (48) has a second radial extension (ER2) relative to the axis (X), - wherein the first radial extension (ER1) differs from the second radial extension (ER2). Infusion device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that - the first seal (46) has a first thickness (T1) and - the second seal (48) has a second thickness (T2), - wherein the first thickness (T1) differs from the second thickness (T2). Infusion device (10) according to one of the Claims 2 or 3 , characterized in that - viewed from the open end (26) and along the axis (X), the first seal (46) is arranged in front of the second seal (48) and - the first radial extension (ER1) is greater than the second radial extension (ER2) and the first thickness (T1) is less than the second thickness (T2). Infusion device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (12) has a radial container extension (ERV) with respect to the axis (1), wherein the radial container extension (ERV) changes along the axis (X). Infusion device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the container (12) has an interconnected first (14) and second container (16) which form an intermediate space (20), - wherein the sealing section (38) seals the piston filter arrangement (30) with respect to the first container (14). Infusion device (10) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the first container (14) has a radial container extension (ERC) with respect to the axis (X), wherein the radial first container extension (ERC) changes along the axis (X). Infusion device (10) according to one of the Claims 6 or 7 , characterized in that the first container (14) and the second container (16) are made of plastic. Infusion device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the infusion device (10) further comprises: - a lid (40) which can be inserted into the open end (26) of the container (12) and has a guide bore (42) running parallel to the axis (X), wherein - the piston filter arrangement (30) comprises a piston rod (34) to which the filter element (36) is attached, - wherein the piston rod (34) passes through the guide bore (42).