CA2718041A1 - Brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule - Google Patents
Brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2718041A1 CA2718041A1 CA 2718041 CA2718041A CA2718041A1 CA 2718041 A1 CA2718041 A1 CA 2718041A1 CA 2718041 CA2718041 CA 2718041 CA 2718041 A CA2718041 A CA 2718041A CA 2718041 A1 CA2718041 A1 CA 2718041A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- base plate
- brewing apparatus
- perforation means
- portion capsule
- abutment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/06—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor
- A47J31/0657—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines
- A47J31/0668—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines specially adapted for cartridges
- A47J31/0673—Means to perforate the cartridge for creating the beverage outlet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
- A47J31/34—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure
- A47J31/36—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
- A47J31/3604—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means with a mechanism arranged to move the brewing chamber between loading, infusing and ejecting stations
- A47J31/3623—Cartridges being employed
- A47J31/3628—Perforating means therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
- A47J31/34—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure
- A47J31/36—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
- A47J31/3666—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means whereby the loading of the brewing chamber with the brewing material is performed by the user
- A47J31/3676—Cartridges being employed
- A47J31/369—Impermeable cartridges being employed
- A47J31/3695—Cartridge perforating means for creating the hot water inlet
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
The invention proposes a brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule, having an accommodation element, which has a cavity for the portion capsule, and a closure element, it being possible for the closure element to move between a loading position, which is at a distance from the accommodation element, and an extraction position, which closes the cavity, and the brewing apparatus having perforation means for perforating the portion capsule, said perforation means comprising a base plate and a plurality of puncturing spikes which are arranged on the base plate, and furthermore the base plate having a groove which extends substantially parallel to the base plate.
Description
Description Brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule The present invention relates to a brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule, having an accommodation element, which has a cavity for the portion capsule, and a closure element, it being possible for the closure element to move between a loading position, which is at a distance from the accommodation element, and an extraction position, which closes the cavity, and the brewing apparatus having perforation means for perforating the portion capsule, said perforation means comprising a base plate and a plurality of puncturing spikes which are arranged on the base plate.
Brewing apparatuses of this kind are generally known.
For example, EP 2 077 087 Al discloses a brewing apparatus for a portion capsule having an automatic ejection mechanism. In that document, this brewing apparatus comprises an accommodation element with a cavity for accommodating the portion capsule and a closure element for closing the cavity. In this case, the closure element comprises an injection arrangement for injecting extraction liquid into the portion capsule, while the accommodation element comprises an extraction arrangement in order to discharge the extraction liquid, which interacts with a beverage substance which is arranged in the portion capsule, from the portion capsule and to supply said extraction liquid to a vessel for the purpose of preparing a beverage. In order to charge the brewing apparatus with the portion capsule, the closure element is moved to a loading position in which it is at a distance from the accommodation element. The portion capsule is then inserted into an intermediate space between the accommodation element and the closure element, the portion capsule being accommodated and held by two side arms, which are arranged on the sides of the closure element, in the process. In this case, two L-shaped end sections of the side arms engage behind a flange of the portion capsule. The closure element is then displaced in the direction of the accommodation element and the portion capsule is inserted into the cavity in the accommodation element. In the process, the side arms are forcibly guided in each case into two linear guide paths, which are arranged on the sides, by means of projecting pins in such a way that the L-shaped end sections pivot away from one another only shortly before the portion capsule is completely inserted into the cavity in the accommodation element and the flange of the portion capsule is released by the L-shaped end sections by virtue of the movement of the closure element in the direction of the accommodation element.
When the closure element returns, the pins are each guided in two bent guide paths, which are arranged at the sides, and therefore the L-shaped end sections remain at a distance from one another and come closer again only shortly before the loading position is reached. This leads, when the closure element returns, to the portion capsule not engaging with the L-shaped end sections and therefore falling into a collection container, which is arranged beneath the brewing chamber, under the action of gravity. The side arms consequently experience a kind of hysteresis as the closure element moves back and forth relative to the accommodation element. A disadvantage of this is that a perforation means, which is easy to install, for automatically perforating the portion capsule when the brewing chamber is closed is not provided.
Therefore, the invention is based on the problem of providing a brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule, which brewing apparatus has a perforation means which perforates the portion capsule when the brewing chamber is closed. Furthermore, the perforation means should be comparatively simple to install in order to reduce the production costs of the brewing assembly.
According to the invention, this problem is solved by a brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule, having an accommodation element, which has a cavity for the portion capsule, and a closure element, it being possible for the closure element to move between a loading position, which is at a distance from the accommodation element, and an extraction position, which closes the cavity, and the brewing apparatus having perforation means for perforating the portion capsule, said perforation means comprising a base plate and a plurality of puncturing spikes which are arranged on the base plate, and furthermore the base plate having a groove which extends substantially parallel to the base plate.
The portion capsule is advantageously pierced by the puncturing spikes of the perforation means when the brewing chamber is closed, and therefore extraction liquid can be introduced into the portion capsule or extraction liquid can be discharged from the portion capsule. In this case, the perforation means is comparatively simple to install since the at least one groove, which is formed in the base plate, allows an installation tool to be received, so that the perforation means can be installed and fixed, for example, by means of a rotary movement which is transmitted from the installation tool to the base plate. By way of example, the perforation means is tightly screwed to the closure element by a slotted screwdriver. As an alternative, in particular two intersecting grooves are formed in the base plate, and therefore the perforation means can be screwed to the closure element or to the accommodation element, for example, by means of a crosshead screwdriver.
Brewing apparatuses of this kind are generally known.
For example, EP 2 077 087 Al discloses a brewing apparatus for a portion capsule having an automatic ejection mechanism. In that document, this brewing apparatus comprises an accommodation element with a cavity for accommodating the portion capsule and a closure element for closing the cavity. In this case, the closure element comprises an injection arrangement for injecting extraction liquid into the portion capsule, while the accommodation element comprises an extraction arrangement in order to discharge the extraction liquid, which interacts with a beverage substance which is arranged in the portion capsule, from the portion capsule and to supply said extraction liquid to a vessel for the purpose of preparing a beverage. In order to charge the brewing apparatus with the portion capsule, the closure element is moved to a loading position in which it is at a distance from the accommodation element. The portion capsule is then inserted into an intermediate space between the accommodation element and the closure element, the portion capsule being accommodated and held by two side arms, which are arranged on the sides of the closure element, in the process. In this case, two L-shaped end sections of the side arms engage behind a flange of the portion capsule. The closure element is then displaced in the direction of the accommodation element and the portion capsule is inserted into the cavity in the accommodation element. In the process, the side arms are forcibly guided in each case into two linear guide paths, which are arranged on the sides, by means of projecting pins in such a way that the L-shaped end sections pivot away from one another only shortly before the portion capsule is completely inserted into the cavity in the accommodation element and the flange of the portion capsule is released by the L-shaped end sections by virtue of the movement of the closure element in the direction of the accommodation element.
When the closure element returns, the pins are each guided in two bent guide paths, which are arranged at the sides, and therefore the L-shaped end sections remain at a distance from one another and come closer again only shortly before the loading position is reached. This leads, when the closure element returns, to the portion capsule not engaging with the L-shaped end sections and therefore falling into a collection container, which is arranged beneath the brewing chamber, under the action of gravity. The side arms consequently experience a kind of hysteresis as the closure element moves back and forth relative to the accommodation element. A disadvantage of this is that a perforation means, which is easy to install, for automatically perforating the portion capsule when the brewing chamber is closed is not provided.
Therefore, the invention is based on the problem of providing a brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule, which brewing apparatus has a perforation means which perforates the portion capsule when the brewing chamber is closed. Furthermore, the perforation means should be comparatively simple to install in order to reduce the production costs of the brewing assembly.
According to the invention, this problem is solved by a brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule, having an accommodation element, which has a cavity for the portion capsule, and a closure element, it being possible for the closure element to move between a loading position, which is at a distance from the accommodation element, and an extraction position, which closes the cavity, and the brewing apparatus having perforation means for perforating the portion capsule, said perforation means comprising a base plate and a plurality of puncturing spikes which are arranged on the base plate, and furthermore the base plate having a groove which extends substantially parallel to the base plate.
The portion capsule is advantageously pierced by the puncturing spikes of the perforation means when the brewing chamber is closed, and therefore extraction liquid can be introduced into the portion capsule or extraction liquid can be discharged from the portion capsule. In this case, the perforation means is comparatively simple to install since the at least one groove, which is formed in the base plate, allows an installation tool to be received, so that the perforation means can be installed and fixed, for example, by means of a rotary movement which is transmitted from the installation tool to the base plate. By way of example, the perforation means is tightly screwed to the closure element by a slotted screwdriver. As an alternative, in particular two intersecting grooves are formed in the base plate, and therefore the perforation means can be screwed to the closure element or to the accommodation element, for example, by means of a crosshead screwdriver.
Furthermore, it is also feasible for the perforation means to be installed with the aid of the installation tool by the latching connection of a detent and/or bayonet closure or the like. The at least one groove also allows rapid removal of the perforation means, as a result of which maintenance and cleaning of the brewing apparatus, and in particular of the perforation means, are considerably simplified and expedited. This is of great economical and technical importance in particular since the perforation means has to be cleaned or replaced comparatively often on account of the continual interaction with extraction liquid and the substance to be extracted which is arranged in the portion capsule, for example coffee powder, chocolate powder and/or milk powder. The puncturing spikes extend, in particular, from the base plate in the direction of the accommodation element, the puncturing spikes tapering in the direction of the accommodation element in this case. The portion capsule preferably comprises a substantially rigid and pot-like truncated cone which, on its open side, has a flange and a covering film or foil which is welded to the flange.
Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be gathered from the dependent claims and also from the description with reference to the drawings.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for the plurality of puncturing spikes to be arranged in a row along an outer circumference of the base plate, so that the portion capsule is advantageously opened in a uniform manner and therefore the flow behaviour of the extraction liquid through the portion capsule is optimized. In particular, this provides the most homogeneous possible extraction of the extraction liquid through the beverage substance in the portion capsule in relation to a plane parallel to the base plate. An arrangement of the puncturing spikes on the outer circumference also has the advantage that, when the perforation means is in a position which is retracted in relation to a holding means or abutment element which surrounds the perforation means parallel to the base plate (for example in the loading position), the puncturing spikes are not freestanding (or are located in the immediate vicinity of the holding means or the abutment element while the holding means or the abutment element project beyond the puncturing spikes in the direction of the accommodation element) and therefore the risk of injury to a person reaching into the open brewing chamber, for example to clean the brewing apparatus, is reduced. Provision is preferably made for the base plate to comprise a substantially circular outer circumference which has a diameter of preferably between 20 and 40 millimetres, particularly preferably between 25 and 35 millimetres, and very particularly preferably of substantially 28 millimetres.
According to a further subject matter or a preferred development of the present invention, provision is made for the puncturing spikes to each be in the form of a pyramid, the cross section of the pyramid substantially comprising an isosceles triangle, a base of the isosceles triangle extending parallel to, and in particular along, the outer circumference. The extraction liquid advantageously flows through the portion capsule in a plane parallel to the base plate in as uniform and homogeneous a manner as possible, and therefore the beverage substance arranged in the portion capsule is extracted in a comparatively efficient and constant manner. In the process, the extraction liquid which flows through an inflow duct, which is preferably arranged centrally in the base plate, in the direction of the portion capsule is, in particular, distributed comparatively uniformly among the perforation holes produced by the puncturing spikes.
According to a further subject matter or a preferred development of the present invention, provision is made for the puncturing spikes to each have two cutting edges and a folding edge, the cutting edges being arranged in the region of the outer circumference and the folding edge being directed in the direction of the centre of the base plate. When the portion capsule is perforated, the material of the portion capsule is advantageously separated only along the cutting edges in the process, while the material of the portion capsule in the region of the folding edge is merely bent or folded into the interior of the portion capsule. Therefore, advantageously no material cuttings are detached from the material of the portion capsule when the portion capsule is perforated, these material cuttings otherwise leading to undesirable contamination of the portion capsule, the beverage to be prepared and/or the brewing apparatus. An outer surface preferably extends between the cutting edges, the main plane of extent of said outer surface running substantially perpendicular to the base plate. In addition, an inner surface particularly preferably extends between the folding edge and the cutting edges in each case, said inner surface being at least partially concave or convex parallel to the base plate.
When the portion capsule is perforated, the material of the portion capsule is advantageously separated in particular along the outer surface in the process, while the material of the portion capsule in the region of the inner surfaces is merely bent or folded into the interior of the portion capsule.
According to a further subject matter or a preferred development of the present invention, provision is made for the perforation means to also comprise a plurality of further puncturing spikes which are arranged on the base plate and preferably each comprise a smaller cross section than the puncturing spikes. Therefore, a particularly uniform flow behaviour is advantageously achieved when the extraction liquid flows through the portion capsule, the smaller distances between the further puncturing spikes compared to the puncturing spikes, which distance preferably results from an arrangement of the further puncturing spikes along a ring with a smaller diameter than the outside diameter, being compensated for by the smaller cross section of the further puncturing spikes. In this case, the plurality of further puncturing spikes are preferably arranged substantially in the form of a ring, the ring diameter preferably being smaller than the diameter of the outer circumference and preferably substantially 2/3 of the diameter of the outer circumference. The further puncturing spikes are preferably arranged in mirror image in the radial direction in relation to the puncturing spikes, so that the further cutting edges and the further outer surfaces of the further puncturing spikes are each directed in the direction of the centre of the base plate, while the further folding edge and the further inner surfaces of the further puncturing spikes are each directed in the direction of the outside diameter. The perforation means preferably comprises eight puncturing spikes and eight further puncturing spikes which are particularly preferably arranged in such a way that precisely one puncturing spike and one further puncturing spike overlap in the radial direction. Therefore, the portion capsule is advantageously perforated over its entire surface which faces the perforation means, and therefore the most homogeneous possible flow behaviour of the extraction liquid through the portion capsule is achieved.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for the perforation means to have a central liquid duct which extends perpendicular to the base plate. In this case, the perforation means is coupled, in particular, to the closure element or to the accommodation element, the liquid duct preferably comprising an inflow duct or an outflow duct.
According to a further subject matter or a preferred development of the present invention, provision is made for the closure element to comprise a base body, an abutment element, which is mounted such that it can move in relation to the base body, being arranged in a central recess in the base body, and the perforation means being fixedly connected to the base body through a central opening in the abutment element. The abutment element is advantageously mounted such that it can move both in relation to the base body and in relation to the perforation means. This has the advantage that the abutment element closes the cavity in the accommodation element independently of the perforation means and the base body, and therefore the brewing chamber is sealed off comparatively effectively in the extraction position. To this end, provision is made for at least one abutment surface of the abutment element to butt against the accommodation element and/or a flange of the portion capsule and for a seal to be produced by virtue of an interlocking and/or force fit.
Furthermore, a relative movement between the perforation means and the abutment element is possible, and therefore, when the closure element moves to the extraction position, the sealing interlocking and/or force fit between the abutment surface and the accommodation element and/or the flange of the portion capsule is preferably initially produced and only then is the portion capsule perforated by the perforation means. This has the advantage that the flange of the portion capsule is, in particular, clamped in between the accommodation element and the abutment element during the perforation process and therefore the portion capsule is fixed during the perforation process. In a preferred embodiment, provision is made for it to be possible for the abutment element to move in relation to the perforation means in such a way that, in a retracted position of the abutment element, the perforation means projects beyond the abutment surface in the direction of the accommodation element and that, in an advanced position of the abutment element, the perforation means does not project beyond the abutment surface in the direction of the accommodation element. Therefore, the risk of injury to a user of the brewing apparatus in the loading position is advantageously reduced. Furthermore, provision is made, in particular, for the perforation means to be mechanically fixed by the base body.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for the abutment element to be elastically prestressed in the direction of the accommodation element, in particular by means of a spring element which is arranged between the sealing element and the base body along a movement direction of the closure element, so that the spring element leads to an interlocking and force-fitting connection between the abutment surface and the accommodation element and therefore the brewing chamber is sealed off comparatively effectively.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for a circumferential first seal to be arranged between the perforation means and the abutment element perpendicular to the movement direction, the first seal preferably being arranged in a circumferential first seal groove in the perforation means. Therefore, the space between the perforation means and the abutment element is advantageously sealed off from the brewing chamber, and therefore no extraction liquid can escape in the direction of the closure element.
-According to a preferred development, provision is made for the abutment element to have an abutment surface which faces the accommodation element and surrounds the perforation means perpendicular to the movement 5 direction and is intended to butt against the accommodation element and/or a flange of the portion capsule in the extraction position, a circumferential second seal preferably being arranged in the region of the abutment surface, said circumferential second seal 10 particularly preferably being arranged in a circumferential second seal groove which is formed in the abutment surface. Therefore, the leaktightness of the brewing chamber and, in particular, between the abutment surface and the flange and/or the accommodation element is advantageously improved.
Furthermore, it is feasible for the accommodation element to have a further second seal which is arranged in an edge region, which faces the closure element, around the cavity in the accommodation element and likewise is intended to butt against the flange of the portion capsule (on that side which faces the accommodation element), the abutment surface and/or the second seal.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for the second seal to extend perpendicular to the movement direction at least over 30%, preferably over 50%, and particularly preferably over 70%, of the abutment surface, and therefore a comparatively good sealing action of the second seal is ensured.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for a circumferential third seal to be arranged between the base body and the abutment element, the third seal preferably being arranged in a circumferential third seal groove in the abutment element, and therefore the mechanism of the closure element advantageously being protected against moisture and/or soiling.
Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be gathered from the dependent claims and also from the description with reference to the drawings.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for the plurality of puncturing spikes to be arranged in a row along an outer circumference of the base plate, so that the portion capsule is advantageously opened in a uniform manner and therefore the flow behaviour of the extraction liquid through the portion capsule is optimized. In particular, this provides the most homogeneous possible extraction of the extraction liquid through the beverage substance in the portion capsule in relation to a plane parallel to the base plate. An arrangement of the puncturing spikes on the outer circumference also has the advantage that, when the perforation means is in a position which is retracted in relation to a holding means or abutment element which surrounds the perforation means parallel to the base plate (for example in the loading position), the puncturing spikes are not freestanding (or are located in the immediate vicinity of the holding means or the abutment element while the holding means or the abutment element project beyond the puncturing spikes in the direction of the accommodation element) and therefore the risk of injury to a person reaching into the open brewing chamber, for example to clean the brewing apparatus, is reduced. Provision is preferably made for the base plate to comprise a substantially circular outer circumference which has a diameter of preferably between 20 and 40 millimetres, particularly preferably between 25 and 35 millimetres, and very particularly preferably of substantially 28 millimetres.
According to a further subject matter or a preferred development of the present invention, provision is made for the puncturing spikes to each be in the form of a pyramid, the cross section of the pyramid substantially comprising an isosceles triangle, a base of the isosceles triangle extending parallel to, and in particular along, the outer circumference. The extraction liquid advantageously flows through the portion capsule in a plane parallel to the base plate in as uniform and homogeneous a manner as possible, and therefore the beverage substance arranged in the portion capsule is extracted in a comparatively efficient and constant manner. In the process, the extraction liquid which flows through an inflow duct, which is preferably arranged centrally in the base plate, in the direction of the portion capsule is, in particular, distributed comparatively uniformly among the perforation holes produced by the puncturing spikes.
According to a further subject matter or a preferred development of the present invention, provision is made for the puncturing spikes to each have two cutting edges and a folding edge, the cutting edges being arranged in the region of the outer circumference and the folding edge being directed in the direction of the centre of the base plate. When the portion capsule is perforated, the material of the portion capsule is advantageously separated only along the cutting edges in the process, while the material of the portion capsule in the region of the folding edge is merely bent or folded into the interior of the portion capsule. Therefore, advantageously no material cuttings are detached from the material of the portion capsule when the portion capsule is perforated, these material cuttings otherwise leading to undesirable contamination of the portion capsule, the beverage to be prepared and/or the brewing apparatus. An outer surface preferably extends between the cutting edges, the main plane of extent of said outer surface running substantially perpendicular to the base plate. In addition, an inner surface particularly preferably extends between the folding edge and the cutting edges in each case, said inner surface being at least partially concave or convex parallel to the base plate.
When the portion capsule is perforated, the material of the portion capsule is advantageously separated in particular along the outer surface in the process, while the material of the portion capsule in the region of the inner surfaces is merely bent or folded into the interior of the portion capsule.
According to a further subject matter or a preferred development of the present invention, provision is made for the perforation means to also comprise a plurality of further puncturing spikes which are arranged on the base plate and preferably each comprise a smaller cross section than the puncturing spikes. Therefore, a particularly uniform flow behaviour is advantageously achieved when the extraction liquid flows through the portion capsule, the smaller distances between the further puncturing spikes compared to the puncturing spikes, which distance preferably results from an arrangement of the further puncturing spikes along a ring with a smaller diameter than the outside diameter, being compensated for by the smaller cross section of the further puncturing spikes. In this case, the plurality of further puncturing spikes are preferably arranged substantially in the form of a ring, the ring diameter preferably being smaller than the diameter of the outer circumference and preferably substantially 2/3 of the diameter of the outer circumference. The further puncturing spikes are preferably arranged in mirror image in the radial direction in relation to the puncturing spikes, so that the further cutting edges and the further outer surfaces of the further puncturing spikes are each directed in the direction of the centre of the base plate, while the further folding edge and the further inner surfaces of the further puncturing spikes are each directed in the direction of the outside diameter. The perforation means preferably comprises eight puncturing spikes and eight further puncturing spikes which are particularly preferably arranged in such a way that precisely one puncturing spike and one further puncturing spike overlap in the radial direction. Therefore, the portion capsule is advantageously perforated over its entire surface which faces the perforation means, and therefore the most homogeneous possible flow behaviour of the extraction liquid through the portion capsule is achieved.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for the perforation means to have a central liquid duct which extends perpendicular to the base plate. In this case, the perforation means is coupled, in particular, to the closure element or to the accommodation element, the liquid duct preferably comprising an inflow duct or an outflow duct.
According to a further subject matter or a preferred development of the present invention, provision is made for the closure element to comprise a base body, an abutment element, which is mounted such that it can move in relation to the base body, being arranged in a central recess in the base body, and the perforation means being fixedly connected to the base body through a central opening in the abutment element. The abutment element is advantageously mounted such that it can move both in relation to the base body and in relation to the perforation means. This has the advantage that the abutment element closes the cavity in the accommodation element independently of the perforation means and the base body, and therefore the brewing chamber is sealed off comparatively effectively in the extraction position. To this end, provision is made for at least one abutment surface of the abutment element to butt against the accommodation element and/or a flange of the portion capsule and for a seal to be produced by virtue of an interlocking and/or force fit.
Furthermore, a relative movement between the perforation means and the abutment element is possible, and therefore, when the closure element moves to the extraction position, the sealing interlocking and/or force fit between the abutment surface and the accommodation element and/or the flange of the portion capsule is preferably initially produced and only then is the portion capsule perforated by the perforation means. This has the advantage that the flange of the portion capsule is, in particular, clamped in between the accommodation element and the abutment element during the perforation process and therefore the portion capsule is fixed during the perforation process. In a preferred embodiment, provision is made for it to be possible for the abutment element to move in relation to the perforation means in such a way that, in a retracted position of the abutment element, the perforation means projects beyond the abutment surface in the direction of the accommodation element and that, in an advanced position of the abutment element, the perforation means does not project beyond the abutment surface in the direction of the accommodation element. Therefore, the risk of injury to a user of the brewing apparatus in the loading position is advantageously reduced. Furthermore, provision is made, in particular, for the perforation means to be mechanically fixed by the base body.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for the abutment element to be elastically prestressed in the direction of the accommodation element, in particular by means of a spring element which is arranged between the sealing element and the base body along a movement direction of the closure element, so that the spring element leads to an interlocking and force-fitting connection between the abutment surface and the accommodation element and therefore the brewing chamber is sealed off comparatively effectively.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for a circumferential first seal to be arranged between the perforation means and the abutment element perpendicular to the movement direction, the first seal preferably being arranged in a circumferential first seal groove in the perforation means. Therefore, the space between the perforation means and the abutment element is advantageously sealed off from the brewing chamber, and therefore no extraction liquid can escape in the direction of the closure element.
-According to a preferred development, provision is made for the abutment element to have an abutment surface which faces the accommodation element and surrounds the perforation means perpendicular to the movement 5 direction and is intended to butt against the accommodation element and/or a flange of the portion capsule in the extraction position, a circumferential second seal preferably being arranged in the region of the abutment surface, said circumferential second seal 10 particularly preferably being arranged in a circumferential second seal groove which is formed in the abutment surface. Therefore, the leaktightness of the brewing chamber and, in particular, between the abutment surface and the flange and/or the accommodation element is advantageously improved.
Furthermore, it is feasible for the accommodation element to have a further second seal which is arranged in an edge region, which faces the closure element, around the cavity in the accommodation element and likewise is intended to butt against the flange of the portion capsule (on that side which faces the accommodation element), the abutment surface and/or the second seal.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for the second seal to extend perpendicular to the movement direction at least over 30%, preferably over 50%, and particularly preferably over 70%, of the abutment surface, and therefore a comparatively good sealing action of the second seal is ensured.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for a circumferential third seal to be arranged between the base body and the abutment element, the third seal preferably being arranged in a circumferential third seal groove in the abutment element, and therefore the mechanism of the closure element advantageously being protected against moisture and/or soiling.
According to a preferred development, provision is made for the abutment element to have a central depression on a side which faces the accommodation element, the base plate of the perforation means being displaceably.
mounted in said central depression, a shaft of the perforation means extending from the base plate through the central opening, the shaft, at its end which is averted from the base plate, being connected, and in particular screwed, to a retaining element which is connected at least in an interlocking manner to the base body. The perforation means therefore has a comparatively stable mechanical connection to the base body, extraction liquid being supplied to the perforation means in a simple and reliable manner at the same time. Furthermore, the perforation means is installed in a comparatively simple and therefore cost-effective manner.
The invention will be explained in greater detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the drawings. The drawings show only exemplary embodiments which do not limit the general idea of the invention.
Figures la and lb show a schematic perspective view of a brewing apparatus and of a closure element of a brewing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 2a to 2c show schematic views of a closure element of a brewing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
mounted in said central depression, a shaft of the perforation means extending from the base plate through the central opening, the shaft, at its end which is averted from the base plate, being connected, and in particular screwed, to a retaining element which is connected at least in an interlocking manner to the base body. The perforation means therefore has a comparatively stable mechanical connection to the base body, extraction liquid being supplied to the perforation means in a simple and reliable manner at the same time. Furthermore, the perforation means is installed in a comparatively simple and therefore cost-effective manner.
The invention will be explained in greater detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the drawings. The drawings show only exemplary embodiments which do not limit the general idea of the invention.
Figures la and lb show a schematic perspective view of a brewing apparatus and of a closure element of a brewing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 2a to 2c show schematic views of a closure element of a brewing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 3a to 3c show schematic views of a perforation means of a brewing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4a to 4c show schematic views of a perforation means of a brewing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Throughout the various figures, identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore generally specified or mentioned only once in each case.
Figure la illustrates a schematic perspective view of a brewing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure lb illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closure element 5 of a brewing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the brewing apparatus 1 substantially resembles the brewing apparatus 1 disclosed in EP 2 077 087 Al for a portion capsule having an automatic ejection mechanism. In that document, the brewing apparatus 1 comprises an accommodation element 4 with a cavity 3 for accommodating a portion capsule (not depicted) and a closure element 5 for closing the cavity 3 in order to create a closed brewing chamber. In said document, the closure element 5 comprises an injection arrangement for injecting extraction liquid into the portion capsule, while the accommodation element 4 comprises an extraction arrangement in order to discharge the extraction liquid, which interacts with a beverage substance which is arranged in the portion capsule, from the portion capsule and to supply said extraction liquid to a vessel for the purpose of providing a beverage. In order to manually (or alternatively automatically) charge the brewing apparatus 1 with the portion capsule, the closure element 5 is moved to a loading position 10 (illustrated in Figure la) in which it is at a distance from the accommodation element 4.
The portion capsule is then inserted into the intermediate space between the accommodation element 4 and the closure element 5, the portion capsule optionally being accommodated by two side arms 80, which are arranged on the sides of the closure element 5, in the process. In this case, two L-shaped end sections 90 of the side arms 80 engage behind a flange of the portion capsule. The closure element 5 is then displaced in the direction of the accommodation element 4 and the portion capsule is inserted into the cavity 3 in the accommodation element 4. In the process, the side arms 80 are forcibly guided in each case into two linear inner guide paths 170, which are arranged on the sides, by means of projecting pins 80' in such a way that the L-shaped end sections 90 pivot away from one another only shortly before the brewing apparatus 1 reaches its extraction position, that is to say the portion capsule is virtually completely arranged in the cavity 3 in the accommodation element 4, and the flange of the portion capsule is released by the L-shaped end sections 90 by virtue of the movement of the closure element 5 in the direction of the accommodation element 4. When the closure element 5 returns to the loading position 10, the pins 80' are at least partially guided in two bent outer guide paths 170', which are arranged at the sides and are arranged offset towards the outside, analogously to the inner guide paths 170, and therefore the L-shaped end sections 90 remain at a distance from one another when the closure element 5 returns and come closer to one another again only shortly before the loading position 10 is finally reached. This leads, when the closure element 5 returns, to the used portion capsule not re-engaging with the L-shaped end sections 90 and therefore falling into a collection container (not depicted), which is arranged beneath the brewing chamber, under the action of gravity. The side arms 80 consequently experience a kind of hysteresis as the closure element 5 moves back and forth relative to the accommodation element 4. The closure element 5 further comprises a perforation means 6 which is intended to perforate the portion capsule.
The perforation means 6 comprises a base plate 7 on which a plurality of puncturing spikes 8 are arranged, the puncturing spikes 8 being arranged, in particular, along a circumference of the base plate 7. The puncturing spikes 8 each extend perpendicular to the base plate 7 in the direction of the accommodation element 4. At least one outlet of a liquid duct 13 for introducing the extraction liquid into the brewing chamber is arranged in the centre of the base plate 7 as part of the injection device. In this case, the extraction liquid passes through the perforation openings, which are produced in a cover or base of the portion capsule by the puncturing spikes 8, into the portion capsule. The base plate 7 also has a groove 30 which extends parallel to the base plate 7 over the entire diameter of the base plate 7. Figure lb illustrates an enlarged schematic perspective view of the closure element 5. The side arms 80 each have an elongate hole 210 into which a bolt 220 of the closure element 5 engages in each case, said bolt extending perpendicular to the movement direction 18 of the closure element 5, and therefore the side arms 80 are at least partially moved along the movement direction 18 by the closure element 5. Furthermore, in accordance with the extension of the elongate hole 210 parallel to the movement direction 18, a relative movement between the closure element 5 and the side arms 80 is possible, and therefore the end sections 90 are at a maximum distance from the closure element 5 in the direction of the accommodation element 4 in the loading position 10 in order to allow the portion capsule to be inserted in a simple manner and, when the closure element 5 is moved to the extraction position, to allow the end sections 90 to be displaced in the direction of the closure element 5. The puncturing spikes 8 have a substantially pyramidal shape with a triangular base area parallel to the base plate 7, the pyramidal shape tapering in the direction of the accommodation element 4.
Figures 2a to 2c show schematic views of a closure element 5 of a brewing apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the second embodiment being substantially identical to the first embodiment which is illustrated in Figures la and lb, but the closure element 5 comprising a partially cylindrical base body 14 with a central recess 15 which is directed in the direction of the accommodation element 4. An abutment element 16 which is mounted such that it can be displaced in relation to the base body 14 along the movement direction 18 is arranged in the central recess 15. The abutment element 16 has, for its part, a central recess 16' on a side which faces the accommodation element 4, the perforation means 6 being arranged in said central recess, the perforation means 6 likewise being arranged such that it can be displaced relative to the abutment element 16 parallel to the movement direction 18. The abutment element 16 also comprises a central passage opening 17 through which a shaft 23 of the perforation means 6 extends in the direction of the base body 14. The shaft 23 is integrally connected to the base plate 7 on its side which faces the accommodation element 4 and is screwed to a retaining element 24 on a side which is averted from the accommodation element 4, said retaining element being connected to the base body 14 in an interlocking manner. Therefore, the perforation means 6 is rigidly connected to the base body 14 through the central passage opening 17. The abutment element 16 is arranged in the region of the base plate 7 in the radial direction, that is to say perpendicular to the movement direction 18 between the base plate 7 and the base body 14, and can be displaced along the movement direction 18 relative to the base body 14 and the perforation means 6. Elastic spring elements (not depicted) are preferably arranged between the base body 14 and the abutment element 16 in such a way that the abutment element 16 is prestressed in the direction of the accommodation element 4. The perforation means 6 also comprises a circumferential first seal groove 20' which is formed in the radial direction in a side of the base plate 7 which faces the base body 14. A first seal 20 which fully surrounds the base plate 7 is arranged in the first seal groove 20', said seal sealing off the gap between the perforation means 6 and the abutment element 16 in the region of the outer circumference of the base plate 7 from an extraction liquid which is located in the brewing chamber. The abutment element 16 also comprises an abutment surface 19, which faces the accommodation element 4 and is intended to butt against the flange of the portion capsule and/or against an edge of the accommodation element 4 which surrounds the cavity 3 in the extraction position, in order to seal off the brewing chamber from the outside area. A circumferential second seal groove 21' which faces the accommodation element 4 is formed in the abutment surface 19, a circumferential second seal 21 being arranged in said second seal groove in order to improve the leaktightness of the brewing chamber in the extraction position. To this end, the second seal 21 extends, in particular, at least over 70% of the abutment surface 19 in the radial direction. Furthermore, a circumferential third seal 22 is preferably arranged between the base body 14 and the abutment element 16, said third seal particularly preferably being arranged in a circumferential third seal groove 22' in the abutment element 16. In this case, the third seal groove 22' is arranged in the region of the base plate 7 on a side of the abutment element 16 which faces the base body 14 along the radial direction. The maximum diameter of the base plate 7 perpendicular to the movement direction 18 comprises substantially 28 millimetres and has a total of eight puncturing spikes 8 on the base plate 7. In figure 2b, the perforation means 6 is in a retracted position in relation to the abutment element 16, and therefore the puncturing spikes 8 do not project beyond the abutment surface 19 in the direction of the accommodation element 4. This position comprises, in particular, the loading position of the closure element 5. In Figure 2c, the perforation means 6 is, in contrast, in a position which is advanced in relation to the abutment element 16, and therefore the puncturing spikes 8 project beyond the abutment surface 19 in the direction of the accommodation element 4 and therefore the portion capsule is perforated. Therefore, this position comprises, in particular, the extraction position of the closure element 5.
Figures 3a to 3c show schematic views of a perforation means 6 of a brewing apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the third embodiment substantially corresponding to the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 2a to 2c. The puncturing spikes 8 are each in the form of a pyramid, the cross section of the pyramid in each case comprising a substantially isosceles triangle, the base of the isosceles triangle extending along the outer circumference 11 and being bent parallel to the base plate 7 along the outer circumference 11. The puncturing spikes 8 each have two cutting edges 9, which adjoin the outer circumference 11, and a folding edge 10 which is directed in the direction of the centre of the base plate 7. An outer surface 11 of the puncturing spike 8 in each case extends between the cutting edges 9 along the outer circumference 11, the main plane of extent of said outer surface running substantially perpendicular to the base plate 7. An inner surface 12 in each case extends between the folding edge 10 and the cutting edges 9 on the inside of the puncturing spikes 8, said inner surface being at least partially concave parallel to the base plate 7.
When the portion capsule is perforated, the material of the portion capsule is separated or cut along the cutting edges and therefore also along the cutting surface in the process, while the material at the folding edge and at the inner surfaces of the puncturing spikes is merely folded in the direction of the interior of the portion capsule. As an alternative, it would be feasible for the material to be cut at the folding edge too.
Figures 4a to 4c show schematic views of a perforation means 6 of a brewing apparatus 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the fourth embodiment substantially corresponding to the third embodiment illustrated in Figures 3a to 3c, but with the perforation means 6 also comprising a plurality of further puncturing spikes 8' which are arranged on the base plate 7, the further puncturing spikes 8' each being of substantially identical design to the puncturing spikes 8, the cross section of the further puncturing spikes 8' in each case being smaller than the cross section of the puncturing spikes 8. The plurality of further puncturing spikes 8' are arranged substantially in the form of a ring, the ring diameter being smaller than the diameter of the outer circumference 11 and, in particular, substantially 2/3 of the diameter of the outer circumference 11. The further puncturing spikes 8' are arranged in mirror image in the radial direction in relation to the puncturing spikes 8, so that the further cutting edges 9' and the further outer surfaces 19' are each directed in the direction of the centre of the base plate 7, while the further folding edge 10' and the further inner surfaces 12' are each directed in the direction of the outside diameter 11. The perforation means 6 comprises a total of eight puncturing spikes 8 and eight further puncturing spikes 8' which are arranged in such a way that in each case always precisely one puncturing spike 8 and one further puncturing spike overlap in the radial direction.
Figures 4a to 4c show schematic views of a perforation means of a brewing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Throughout the various figures, identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore generally specified or mentioned only once in each case.
Figure la illustrates a schematic perspective view of a brewing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure lb illustrates a schematic perspective view of a closure element 5 of a brewing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the brewing apparatus 1 substantially resembles the brewing apparatus 1 disclosed in EP 2 077 087 Al for a portion capsule having an automatic ejection mechanism. In that document, the brewing apparatus 1 comprises an accommodation element 4 with a cavity 3 for accommodating a portion capsule (not depicted) and a closure element 5 for closing the cavity 3 in order to create a closed brewing chamber. In said document, the closure element 5 comprises an injection arrangement for injecting extraction liquid into the portion capsule, while the accommodation element 4 comprises an extraction arrangement in order to discharge the extraction liquid, which interacts with a beverage substance which is arranged in the portion capsule, from the portion capsule and to supply said extraction liquid to a vessel for the purpose of providing a beverage. In order to manually (or alternatively automatically) charge the brewing apparatus 1 with the portion capsule, the closure element 5 is moved to a loading position 10 (illustrated in Figure la) in which it is at a distance from the accommodation element 4.
The portion capsule is then inserted into the intermediate space between the accommodation element 4 and the closure element 5, the portion capsule optionally being accommodated by two side arms 80, which are arranged on the sides of the closure element 5, in the process. In this case, two L-shaped end sections 90 of the side arms 80 engage behind a flange of the portion capsule. The closure element 5 is then displaced in the direction of the accommodation element 4 and the portion capsule is inserted into the cavity 3 in the accommodation element 4. In the process, the side arms 80 are forcibly guided in each case into two linear inner guide paths 170, which are arranged on the sides, by means of projecting pins 80' in such a way that the L-shaped end sections 90 pivot away from one another only shortly before the brewing apparatus 1 reaches its extraction position, that is to say the portion capsule is virtually completely arranged in the cavity 3 in the accommodation element 4, and the flange of the portion capsule is released by the L-shaped end sections 90 by virtue of the movement of the closure element 5 in the direction of the accommodation element 4. When the closure element 5 returns to the loading position 10, the pins 80' are at least partially guided in two bent outer guide paths 170', which are arranged at the sides and are arranged offset towards the outside, analogously to the inner guide paths 170, and therefore the L-shaped end sections 90 remain at a distance from one another when the closure element 5 returns and come closer to one another again only shortly before the loading position 10 is finally reached. This leads, when the closure element 5 returns, to the used portion capsule not re-engaging with the L-shaped end sections 90 and therefore falling into a collection container (not depicted), which is arranged beneath the brewing chamber, under the action of gravity. The side arms 80 consequently experience a kind of hysteresis as the closure element 5 moves back and forth relative to the accommodation element 4. The closure element 5 further comprises a perforation means 6 which is intended to perforate the portion capsule.
The perforation means 6 comprises a base plate 7 on which a plurality of puncturing spikes 8 are arranged, the puncturing spikes 8 being arranged, in particular, along a circumference of the base plate 7. The puncturing spikes 8 each extend perpendicular to the base plate 7 in the direction of the accommodation element 4. At least one outlet of a liquid duct 13 for introducing the extraction liquid into the brewing chamber is arranged in the centre of the base plate 7 as part of the injection device. In this case, the extraction liquid passes through the perforation openings, which are produced in a cover or base of the portion capsule by the puncturing spikes 8, into the portion capsule. The base plate 7 also has a groove 30 which extends parallel to the base plate 7 over the entire diameter of the base plate 7. Figure lb illustrates an enlarged schematic perspective view of the closure element 5. The side arms 80 each have an elongate hole 210 into which a bolt 220 of the closure element 5 engages in each case, said bolt extending perpendicular to the movement direction 18 of the closure element 5, and therefore the side arms 80 are at least partially moved along the movement direction 18 by the closure element 5. Furthermore, in accordance with the extension of the elongate hole 210 parallel to the movement direction 18, a relative movement between the closure element 5 and the side arms 80 is possible, and therefore the end sections 90 are at a maximum distance from the closure element 5 in the direction of the accommodation element 4 in the loading position 10 in order to allow the portion capsule to be inserted in a simple manner and, when the closure element 5 is moved to the extraction position, to allow the end sections 90 to be displaced in the direction of the closure element 5. The puncturing spikes 8 have a substantially pyramidal shape with a triangular base area parallel to the base plate 7, the pyramidal shape tapering in the direction of the accommodation element 4.
Figures 2a to 2c show schematic views of a closure element 5 of a brewing apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the second embodiment being substantially identical to the first embodiment which is illustrated in Figures la and lb, but the closure element 5 comprising a partially cylindrical base body 14 with a central recess 15 which is directed in the direction of the accommodation element 4. An abutment element 16 which is mounted such that it can be displaced in relation to the base body 14 along the movement direction 18 is arranged in the central recess 15. The abutment element 16 has, for its part, a central recess 16' on a side which faces the accommodation element 4, the perforation means 6 being arranged in said central recess, the perforation means 6 likewise being arranged such that it can be displaced relative to the abutment element 16 parallel to the movement direction 18. The abutment element 16 also comprises a central passage opening 17 through which a shaft 23 of the perforation means 6 extends in the direction of the base body 14. The shaft 23 is integrally connected to the base plate 7 on its side which faces the accommodation element 4 and is screwed to a retaining element 24 on a side which is averted from the accommodation element 4, said retaining element being connected to the base body 14 in an interlocking manner. Therefore, the perforation means 6 is rigidly connected to the base body 14 through the central passage opening 17. The abutment element 16 is arranged in the region of the base plate 7 in the radial direction, that is to say perpendicular to the movement direction 18 between the base plate 7 and the base body 14, and can be displaced along the movement direction 18 relative to the base body 14 and the perforation means 6. Elastic spring elements (not depicted) are preferably arranged between the base body 14 and the abutment element 16 in such a way that the abutment element 16 is prestressed in the direction of the accommodation element 4. The perforation means 6 also comprises a circumferential first seal groove 20' which is formed in the radial direction in a side of the base plate 7 which faces the base body 14. A first seal 20 which fully surrounds the base plate 7 is arranged in the first seal groove 20', said seal sealing off the gap between the perforation means 6 and the abutment element 16 in the region of the outer circumference of the base plate 7 from an extraction liquid which is located in the brewing chamber. The abutment element 16 also comprises an abutment surface 19, which faces the accommodation element 4 and is intended to butt against the flange of the portion capsule and/or against an edge of the accommodation element 4 which surrounds the cavity 3 in the extraction position, in order to seal off the brewing chamber from the outside area. A circumferential second seal groove 21' which faces the accommodation element 4 is formed in the abutment surface 19, a circumferential second seal 21 being arranged in said second seal groove in order to improve the leaktightness of the brewing chamber in the extraction position. To this end, the second seal 21 extends, in particular, at least over 70% of the abutment surface 19 in the radial direction. Furthermore, a circumferential third seal 22 is preferably arranged between the base body 14 and the abutment element 16, said third seal particularly preferably being arranged in a circumferential third seal groove 22' in the abutment element 16. In this case, the third seal groove 22' is arranged in the region of the base plate 7 on a side of the abutment element 16 which faces the base body 14 along the radial direction. The maximum diameter of the base plate 7 perpendicular to the movement direction 18 comprises substantially 28 millimetres and has a total of eight puncturing spikes 8 on the base plate 7. In figure 2b, the perforation means 6 is in a retracted position in relation to the abutment element 16, and therefore the puncturing spikes 8 do not project beyond the abutment surface 19 in the direction of the accommodation element 4. This position comprises, in particular, the loading position of the closure element 5. In Figure 2c, the perforation means 6 is, in contrast, in a position which is advanced in relation to the abutment element 16, and therefore the puncturing spikes 8 project beyond the abutment surface 19 in the direction of the accommodation element 4 and therefore the portion capsule is perforated. Therefore, this position comprises, in particular, the extraction position of the closure element 5.
Figures 3a to 3c show schematic views of a perforation means 6 of a brewing apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the third embodiment substantially corresponding to the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 2a to 2c. The puncturing spikes 8 are each in the form of a pyramid, the cross section of the pyramid in each case comprising a substantially isosceles triangle, the base of the isosceles triangle extending along the outer circumference 11 and being bent parallel to the base plate 7 along the outer circumference 11. The puncturing spikes 8 each have two cutting edges 9, which adjoin the outer circumference 11, and a folding edge 10 which is directed in the direction of the centre of the base plate 7. An outer surface 11 of the puncturing spike 8 in each case extends between the cutting edges 9 along the outer circumference 11, the main plane of extent of said outer surface running substantially perpendicular to the base plate 7. An inner surface 12 in each case extends between the folding edge 10 and the cutting edges 9 on the inside of the puncturing spikes 8, said inner surface being at least partially concave parallel to the base plate 7.
When the portion capsule is perforated, the material of the portion capsule is separated or cut along the cutting edges and therefore also along the cutting surface in the process, while the material at the folding edge and at the inner surfaces of the puncturing spikes is merely folded in the direction of the interior of the portion capsule. As an alternative, it would be feasible for the material to be cut at the folding edge too.
Figures 4a to 4c show schematic views of a perforation means 6 of a brewing apparatus 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the fourth embodiment substantially corresponding to the third embodiment illustrated in Figures 3a to 3c, but with the perforation means 6 also comprising a plurality of further puncturing spikes 8' which are arranged on the base plate 7, the further puncturing spikes 8' each being of substantially identical design to the puncturing spikes 8, the cross section of the further puncturing spikes 8' in each case being smaller than the cross section of the puncturing spikes 8. The plurality of further puncturing spikes 8' are arranged substantially in the form of a ring, the ring diameter being smaller than the diameter of the outer circumference 11 and, in particular, substantially 2/3 of the diameter of the outer circumference 11. The further puncturing spikes 8' are arranged in mirror image in the radial direction in relation to the puncturing spikes 8, so that the further cutting edges 9' and the further outer surfaces 19' are each directed in the direction of the centre of the base plate 7, while the further folding edge 10' and the further inner surfaces 12' are each directed in the direction of the outside diameter 11. The perforation means 6 comprises a total of eight puncturing spikes 8 and eight further puncturing spikes 8' which are arranged in such a way that in each case always precisely one puncturing spike 8 and one further puncturing spike overlap in the radial direction.
Claims (16)
1. Brewing apparatus (1) for extracting a portion capsule, having an accommodation element (4), which has a cavity (3) for the portion capsule, and a closure element (5), it being possible for the closure element (5) to move between a loading position (10), which is at a distance from the accommodation element (4), and an extraction position, which closes the cavity (3), and the brewing apparatus (1) having perforation means (6) for perforating the portion capsule, said perforation means comprising a base plate (7) and a plurality of puncturing spikes (8) which are arranged on the base plate (7), characterized in that the base plate (7) has at least one groove (30) which extends substantially parallel to the base plate (7).
2. Brewing apparatus (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of puncturing spikes (8) are arranged in a row along an outer circumference (11) of the base plate (7), and/or in that the base plate (7) comprises a substantially circular outer circumference (11) which has a diameter of preferably between 20 and 40 millimetres, particularly preferably between 25 and 35 millimetres, and very particularly preferably of substantially 28 millimetres.
3. Brewing apparatus (1) according to either of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of Claim 1, characterized in that the puncturing spikes (8) are each in the form of a pyramid, a cross section of the pyramid which is parallel to the base plate (7) comprising a substantially isosceles triangle, and a base of the isosceles triangle extending substantially parallel to an outer circumference (11) of the base plate (7).
4. Brewing apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of Claim 1, characterized in that the puncturing spikes (8) each have two cutting edges (9) and a folding edge (10), the cutting edges (9) being arranged in the region of the outer circumference (11) and the folding edge (10) being directed in the direction of a centre of the base plate (7).
5. Brewing apparatus (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that an outer surface (11) extends between the cutting edges (9), the main plane of extent of said outer surface running substantially perpendicular to the base plate (7), and/or in that an inner surface (12) extends between the folding edge (10) and the cutting edges (9) in each case, said inner surface being at least partially concave or convex parallel to the base plate (7).
6. Brewing apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of Claim 1, characterized in that the perforation means (6) also comprises a plurality of further puncturing spikes (8') which are arranged on the base plate (7) and preferably each comprise a smaller cross section than the puncturing spikes (8).
7. Brewing apparatus (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the plurality of further puncturing spikes (8') are arranged substantially in the form of a ring, the ring diameter preferably being smaller than the diameter of the outer circumference (11) and preferably substantially 2/3 of the diameter of the outer circumference (11).
8. Brewing apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the perforation means (6) comprises eight puncturing spikes (8) and preferably eight further puncturing spikes (8'), and/or in that the perforation means (6) has a central liquid duct (13) which extends perpendicular to the base plate (7).
9. Brewing apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the perforation means (6) is coupled to the closure element (5) or to the accommodation element (4), the liquid duct (13) preferably comprising an inflow duct or an outflow duct.
10. Brewing apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of Claim 1, characterized in that the closure element (5) comprises a base body (14), an abutment element (16), which is mounted such that that it can move in relation to the base body (14), being arranged in a central recess (15) in the base body (14), and the perforation means (6) being fixedly connected to the base body (14) through a central opening (17) in the abutment element (16).
11. Brewing apparatus (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the abutment element (16) is elastically prestressed in the direction of the accommodation element (4), in particular by means of a spring element which is arranged between the sealing element (16) and the base body (14) along a movement direction (18) of the closure element (5).
12. Brewing apparatus (1) according to either of Claims 10 and 11, characterized in that a circumferential first seal (20) is arranged between the perforation means (6) and the abutment element (16) perpendicular to the movement direction (18), the first seal (20) preferably being arranged in a circumferential first seal groove (20') in the perforation means (6).
13. Brewing apparatus (1) according to one of Claims to 12, characterized in that the abutment element (16) has an abutment surface (19) which faces the accommodation element (4) and surrounds the perforation means (6) perpendicular the movement direction (18) and is intended to butt against the accommodation element (4) and/or a flange of the portion capsule in the extraction position, a circumferential second seal (21) preferably being arranged in the region of the abutment surface (19), said circumferential second seal particularly preferably being arranged in a circumferential second seal groove (21') which is formed in the abutment surface (19).
14. Brewing apparatus (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the second seal (21) extends perpendicular to the movement direction (18) at least over 30%, preferably over 50%, and particularly preferably over 70%, of the abutment surface (19).
15. Brewing apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 14, characterized in that a circumferential third seal (22) is arranged between the base body (14) and the abutment element (16), the third seal (20) preferably being arranged in a circumferential third seal groove (22') in the abutment element (16).
16. Brewing apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the abutment element (16) has a central depression (16') on a side which faces the accommodation element (4), the base plate (7) being displaceably mounted in said central depression, a shaft (23) of the perforation means (6) extending from the base pate (7) through the central opening (17), the shaft (23), at its end which is averted from the base plate (7), being connected, and in particular screwed, to a retaining element (24) which is connected at least in an interlocking manner to the base body (14).
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
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| US25290309P | 2009-10-19 | 2009-10-19 | |
| DE102009049943.1 | 2009-10-19 | ||
| US61/252,903 | 2009-10-19 | ||
| DE200910049943 DE102009049943A1 (en) | 2009-10-19 | 2009-10-19 | Brewing device for extracting a portion capsule |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2718041A1 true CA2718041A1 (en) | 2011-04-19 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2718041 Abandoned CA2718041A1 (en) | 2009-10-19 | 2010-10-19 | Brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule |
Country Status (3)
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|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2718041A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102009049943A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2011047816A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20190174949A1 (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2019-06-13 | Bedford Systems Llc | Mixing chamber for beverage machine |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| ITTO20120061A1 (en) * | 2012-01-25 | 2013-07-26 | Lavazza Luigi Spa | SYSTEM AND MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF DRINKS WITH THE USE OF CAPSULES |
| IT202100012563A1 (en) * | 2021-05-14 | 2022-11-14 | Cma Macch Per Caffe Srl | Dispensing unit for a beverage preparation machine comprising a capsule piercing element. |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE890571A (en) | 1981-10-01 | 1982-04-01 | Picanol Nv | DRIVE DEVICE FOR A BELT GRAPH IN A WEAVING MACHINE |
| SI1510160T2 (en) * | 2003-08-25 | 2014-12-31 | Nestec S.A. | Method and apparatus for making a beverage from a cartridge containing a substance |
| BRPI0509166A (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2007-09-11 | Illycaffe Spa | cartridge for extracting a beverage from a particulate substance contained therein by pressurized water, and extraction assembly for mounting on a beverage extraction machine |
| KR20090060295A (en) * | 2006-08-25 | 2009-06-11 | 델리카 아게 | Means for penetrating portion packaging containing extractable material, device for extracting the extractable material contained in the portion packaging, and method for the production of said means |
| ITMO20070241A1 (en) * | 2007-07-20 | 2009-01-21 | Saeco Ipr Ltd | DEVICE FOR DRILLING PORTIONED CAPS |
-
2009
- 2009-10-19 DE DE200910049943 patent/DE102009049943A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2010
- 2010-10-19 WO PCT/EP2010/006350 patent/WO2011047816A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-10-19 CA CA 2718041 patent/CA2718041A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20190174949A1 (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2019-06-13 | Bedford Systems Llc | Mixing chamber for beverage machine |
| US10849454B2 (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2020-12-01 | Bedford Systems Llc | Mixing chamber for beverage machine |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2011047816A1 (en) | 2011-04-28 |
| DE102009049943A1 (en) | 2011-04-21 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20131021 |