WO2006066624A1 - Appareil de preparation d'une boisson - Google Patents

Appareil de preparation d'une boisson Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006066624A1
WO2006066624A1 PCT/EP2004/053645 EP2004053645W WO2006066624A1 WO 2006066624 A1 WO2006066624 A1 WO 2006066624A1 EP 2004053645 W EP2004053645 W EP 2004053645W WO 2006066624 A1 WO2006066624 A1 WO 2006066624A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
holder
closed position
access opening
cover member
closing means
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2004/053645
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Marcel Hendrikus Simon Weijers
Original Assignee
Martex Holland B.V.
Electrical & Electronics Ltd.
Coval Art Tec Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Martex Holland B.V., Electrical & Electronics Ltd., Coval Art Tec Limited filed Critical Martex Holland B.V.
Priority to PCT/EP2004/053645 priority Critical patent/WO2006066624A1/fr
Publication of WO2006066624A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006066624A1/fr

Links

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
    • A47J31/24—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
    • 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
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/4403—Constructional details
    • A47J31/446—Filter holding means; Attachment of filters to beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/4467—Filter holding means; Attachment of filters to beverage-making apparatus by means of linear guides, e.g. drawer-type engagement

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a beverage fit for consumption, such as coffee , tea, chocolate and cappuccino . More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a beverage, preferably with a froth layer, comprising a holder with an access opening adapted to receive a container with a soluble or extractable product for preparing said beverage and a cover member for closing said access opening.
  • WO 2004/028318 discloses an apparatus for preparing coffee, comprising a first housing part in which a holder is mounted and a second housing part in which a cover is mounted.
  • the holder is provided with an access opening for placing a pouch filled with a product to be extracted into the holder.
  • the second housing part is adj acent one end connected to the first housing part for rotation about a rotation axis between a first position, in which the access opening is closed off by the cover and a second position in which the access opening of the holder is cleared.
  • the apparatus has clamping means for pressing the holder and cover towards each other when the cover closes off the access opening of the holder and closing means for retaining the cover and the clamping means in position when the cover closes off the access opening of the holder .
  • a disadvantage of the prior art apparatus is that while closing the access opening by the cover, a sliding force on the interface between the holder and the cover exists . This sliding force may result in a displacement of the container with a soluble or extractable product provided in the holder. Alternatively or in addition a shear stresses may develop on the interface between the holder and the cover when closing the access opening. The effects result in a degraded performance of the prior art apparatus, e .g. leakage of the brewing chamber.
  • This obj ect is accomplished by an apparatus for preparing a beverage, preferably with a froth layer, comprising a holder with an access opening adapted to receive a container with a soluble or extractable product for preparing said beverage and a cover member for closing said access opening, wherein said apparatus comprises closing means for substantially closing said access opening and wherein said closing means is adapted to move said holder and said cover member with respect to each other substantially by translation from a non-closed position to a closed position for said access opening .
  • the apparatus provides for a closing means that allows the cover member and the holder move with respect to each other substantially by translation. Accordingly displacement of the container and shear stresses exerted on the seal between the cover member and the holder are substantially omitted and chances of leakage are reduced. It should be appreciated that the opposite translation results in clearing the access opening of the holder which accordingly constitutes an aspect of the invention. Further, it should be appreciated that the motion by translation in the approach of the cover member and the holder may be preceded by another type of motion, such as rotation, since in that phase no interaction between the cover member and the holder takes place .
  • the embodiment of the invention as defined in claims 2 and 3 and 14 has the advantage that access to said holder, e .g. for placing or removing the container with soluble or extract- able product for preparing the beverage, is facilitated. Moreover, such an apparatus presents a larger freedom in positioning the various components of the apparatus .
  • the embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 4 has the advantage that the translation of the holder and the cover member with respect to each other runs smoothly.
  • the embodiment of the invention as defined in claims 5, 6 and 7 has the advantage that the apparatus is able to cope with the internal pressure in the brewing chamber, involving the volume available for the container with the soluble or extract- able product , during operation .
  • the embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 8 has the advantage that the load on the holder during operation, resulting from the internal pressure in the brewing chamber, can be effectively transferred via the clamping arms to a rigid part of the apparatus, e .g. the heating device, that holds the ro- tatable shafts or another part of the apparatus received in the recess .
  • the embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 9 allows the shafts to rotate with an equal angle in the opposite directions with respect to each other .
  • the embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 10 allows for a less expensive apparatus of less weight, compared to an apparatus wherein these parts are of metal .
  • the embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 11 allows the holder to be firmly held by the clamping arms , while the holder can be released from the clamping arms for the purpose of cleaning or replacing the container with soluble or extractable product . Moreover, this type of fixation of the holder allows release of the holder for further motion, e .g . as defined in claims 2 and 3. This may be particularly relevant to limit the translation between the closed and open position while still having a convenient apparatus to refill the holder .
  • the embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 12 has the advantage that it allows brewing of the beverage only to start if the holder and the cover member are in a closed position.
  • the invention also relates to a method for preparing a beverage, preferably with a froth layer, with an apparatus comprising a holder with an access opening adapted to receive a container with a soluble or extractable product for preparing said beverage and a cover member for closing said access opening, comprising the step of moving said cover member and said holder with respect to each other substantially by translation from a non-closed position to a closed position for said access opening.
  • the translation avoids or reduces the displacement of the container and the development of shear stresses on the seal between the cover member and the holder and therefore the chance of leakage .
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig . 2 represents a three-dimensional image of the clo- sing means according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig . 3 represents a three-dimensional image of the closing means of Fig. 2 from a different perspective
  • Fig . 4 is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the closing means of Figs . 2 and 3 combined with an arrange- ment to position the holder in the non-closed position;
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B present detailed illustrations of the translation of the holder from the non-closed position to the closed position
  • Figs . 6A and 6B present detailed illustrations of a clamping arm of the closing means of Figs . 2 and 3 and its operation, and
  • Fig. 7 illustrates the operation of the closing means in cooperation with a switch for detecting the closed position.
  • Fig . 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus 1 for preparing a beverage 2 suitable for consumption in a cup 3 with a fine-bubble froth layer 4.
  • the apparatus 1 is capable of producing beverages 2 , such as coffee, tea, chocolate or cappuccino, in a predetermined volume, typically one or two cups .
  • the apparatus comprises a liquid inlet 5 , a water container 6 for fresh water for the preparation of the beverage 2 , a pump 7, a valve system 8 and a heating chamber 9 from which heated water is provided into a brew chamber 10.
  • the brew chamber 10 involves the volume available for a container 11 with a filter, also referred to as pad, pod or pouch, pre-packed with a soluble or extractable product to obtain the brewed beverage 2 after the pressurized liquid has passed through the product .
  • the brew chamber 10 has or is defined by a brew chamber lid or cover member 12 , a closing seal 13 attached to the cover member 12 and a holder 14 with an access opening A (see Figs . 2 and 3) for receiving the container 11.
  • the cover member 12 may be a flexible cover member, such as a silicon piston, provided with a valve system, as described in more detail in the co-pending applica- tion ( "Apparatus for preparing a beverage” ) of the applicants filed at the same date as the present application.
  • This co- pending patent application is incorporated in the present application by reference with respect to the structure and function of the cover member 12.
  • the holder 14 may have a first part 14A and a second part 14B (shown in Fig . I) 1 e .g. an internal part
  • the apparatus 1 has a frothing device 15 for providing the fine-bubble froth layer 4 for the beverage 2.
  • valve system 8 In operation, water from the water container 6 is fed to the pump 7 to inject the water under pressure via the valve system 8 into the heating chamber 9.
  • the valve system 8 is the subject of a co-pending patent application ( "Apparatus for preparing a beverage” ) of the applicants filed on the same date as the present application and is herewith incorporated in this ap- plication by reference with respect to the structure and function of the valve system 8.
  • the pressure from the pump for the liquid is in the range of 1.2 - 3 bar, preferably 1.4 - 2.5 bar.
  • the heating chamber 9 the water is heated till it has a temperature just below the boiling point . Expansion water during heating may be guided through the valve system 8 back into the water container 6.
  • the heated and pressurized water is provided via the inlet 5 into the brew chamber 10 where it passes through the container 11.
  • the internal pressure in the brewing chamber 10 should be counterbalanced by a closing force for the holder 14. This closing force may be as high as 1500 Newton.
  • the flow passes the frothing device 15 that adds the fine-bubble froth layer 4 to the beverage 2 in the cup 3.
  • the frothing device 15 is the subject of a co-pending patent application ( "Apparatus for preparing a beverage” ) of the applicant filed on the same date as the present application and is herewith incorporated in this application by reference with respect to the structure and function of the frothing device 15.
  • Figs . 2 and 3 represent three-dimensional images of the closing means 20 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the closing means 20 allows the holder 14 , shown without the container 11 , to move to the cover member 12 , substantially by- translation T, to close the access opening A.
  • the holder 14 and the cover member 12 here shown in the non- closed position wherein the access opening A is cleared, are al- lowed by the closing means 20 of the invention to move with respect to each other substantially in a direction along an imaginary straight line, i .e . here in a vertical direction, to close the access opening A, i . e . the closed position.
  • the holder 14 may move upward and downward with respect to the cover member 12. In the closed position, the holder 14 abuts against the heating device 9.
  • the heating device 9 e .g . a boiler, comprises a water inlet 21 for supplying cold water from the water container 6 , an expansion fluid outlet 22 and terminals 23 for electrical heat- ing signals .
  • the cover member 12 is rigidly fixated to the heating device 9, e .g. a boiler.
  • the cover member allows the heated and pressurized water to' pass towards the container 11 as described in a co-pending patent application ( "Apparatus for preparing a beverage” ) of the applicant filed on the same date as the present application that is herewith incorporated in this application by reference .
  • the closing means 20 comprises components adapted to rotate to perform the above-mentioned translation of the cover member 12 and the holder 14 with respect to each other.
  • the boiler 9 is arranged as a load bearing component of the closing means 20 by supporting rotatable shafts 24 on the upper surface U of the cover member 12 , while the latter is itself rigidly fixated to the boiler 9.
  • the interaction between the boiler 9 and the cover member 12 is further de- scribed in a co-pending application ( "Apparatus for preparing a beverage” ) of the applicants filed on the same date that is incorporated in the present application herewith by reference with respect to the structure and function of the attachment of the boiler 9 and cover member 12.
  • the rotatable shafts 24 are each on one side rigidly connected to cranks 25.
  • the cranks 25 each have a rotating connection with a clamping arm 26 adapted to snap fit with the holder 14.
  • the clamping arms 26 comprise a re- cess 27 that will be described in further detail with reference to Figs . 6A and 6B .
  • the clamping arms comprise plates 28 to effectively clamp the holder 14 during the translation T .
  • the external part 14B of the holder 14 is shaped to perform allow the plates 28 to abut to walls of the part 14B .
  • the rotatable shafts 24 are further each fixated to gear wheel segments 29A, 29B arranged to interact with each other during the translation T.
  • the gear wheel segments 29A, 29B each receive a clamping arm 26 as well such that the clamping arm 26 and gear wheel segments 29A, 29B may rotate with respect to each other. It should be appreciated that the gears wheel segments may as well be full gear wheels .
  • the gear wheel segment 28A may be driven via a driving wheel 30.
  • Fig . 4 is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the closing means 20 of Figs . 2 and 3 combined with an ar- rangement 40 to position the holder 14 in the non-closed position.
  • the holder 14 is in a loading position wherein the holder 14 is conveniently available to receive or remove a container 11. Afterwards , the holder 14 may return automatically to the non-closed position shown in Figs . 2 and 3 , preferably by translation Tl .
  • FIGs . 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B and 7 illustrate several aspects of the operation of the closing means 20 of the apparatus 1 for preparing a beverage fit for consumption.
  • Fig. 5A illustrates the orientation of various compo- nents of the closing means 20 in the non-closed, position.
  • Fig . 5B does the same for the closed position.
  • the distance d achieved by the translation T of the holder 14 may e . g . amount to a range between 0 , 5 cm and 5 cm, such as 1 cm or 3 cm.
  • the driving wheel 30 is activated that causes the gear wheel segments 29A and 29B to interact which in turn initiates rotation of the rotatable shafts 24.
  • the cranks 25 make the clamping arms 26 rotate around the shafts 24 at a certain distance from the axis of these shafts 24 such that the clamping arms are moved in a vertical direction resulting in translation of the holder 14.
  • the access opening is hermetically- closed along the edges of the cover member 12 assisted by the closing seal 13.
  • cranks 25 and gear wheel segments 29A, 29B are virtually unloaded allowing these parts to be made at least partially of plastic material . It should however be appreciated that other arrangements, wherein the clamping arms 26 or other components are arranged to slide and/or rotate and rests on a mating component are envisaged as well .
  • Fig . 7 schematically illustrates an electronic compo- nent 31 , e .g. a switch such as a microswitch, arranged to detect the closed position.
  • the switch 31 interacts with the gear wheel segment 29A, the orientation thereof being an indirect indication of the closed position.
  • other types of detec- tion, both direct and indirect for the respective position the holder 14 and the cover member 12 , fall under the scope of the present invention as well .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil (1) de préparation d'une boisson (2) avec, de préférence, une couche de mousse (4), comprenant un support (14) présentant une ouverture d'accès (A) conçue pour recevoir un contenant (11) renfermant un produit soluble ou pouvant être extrait, aux fins de préparation de la boisson, et un élément couvrant (12) permettant de fermer l'ouverture d'accès. L'appareil comprend des moyens de fermeture (20) permettant de fermer sensiblement l'ouverture d'accès. Les moyens de fermeture sont conçus pour déplacer le support et l'élément couvrant l'un par rapport à l'autre sensiblement par translation (T) d'une position non fermée à une position fermée pour l'ouverture d'accès. L'invention concerne également un procédé de préparation d'une boisson.
PCT/EP2004/053645 2004-12-21 2004-12-21 Appareil de preparation d'une boisson WO2006066624A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2004/053645 WO2006066624A1 (fr) 2004-12-21 2004-12-21 Appareil de preparation d'une boisson

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2004/053645 WO2006066624A1 (fr) 2004-12-21 2004-12-21 Appareil de preparation d'une boisson

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006066624A1 true WO2006066624A1 (fr) 2006-06-29

Family

ID=34959883

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2004/053645 WO2006066624A1 (fr) 2004-12-21 2004-12-21 Appareil de preparation d'une boisson

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006066624A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1859713A1 (fr) * 2006-05-24 2007-11-28 Nestec S.A. Dispositif d'infusion pour capsule avec mécanisme de fermeture à rapport de transmission variable
GB2487069A (en) * 2011-01-06 2012-07-11 Strix Ltd Infusion Beverage Making Apparatus
US10098494B2 (en) 2007-03-06 2018-10-16 Nestec S.A. Device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5776527A (en) * 1993-09-06 1998-07-07 Compagnie Mediterraneene Des Cafes S.A. Package of ground coffee of the prefilled tablet type and espresso coffee machine using such a package
US6505544B1 (en) * 1999-01-28 2003-01-14 Compagnie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes Coffee extracting device
WO2003056987A1 (fr) * 2002-01-10 2003-07-17 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Dispositif automatique d'extraction d'une substance
FR2836625A1 (fr) * 2002-03-01 2003-09-05 Cie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes Dispositif de production de boisson par infusion
EP1477092A2 (fr) * 2000-11-07 2004-11-17 Smile Coffee S.R.L. Distributeur de boissons

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5776527A (en) * 1993-09-06 1998-07-07 Compagnie Mediterraneene Des Cafes S.A. Package of ground coffee of the prefilled tablet type and espresso coffee machine using such a package
US6505544B1 (en) * 1999-01-28 2003-01-14 Compagnie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes Coffee extracting device
EP1477092A2 (fr) * 2000-11-07 2004-11-17 Smile Coffee S.R.L. Distributeur de boissons
WO2003056987A1 (fr) * 2002-01-10 2003-07-17 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Dispositif automatique d'extraction d'une substance
FR2836625A1 (fr) * 2002-03-01 2003-09-05 Cie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes Dispositif de production de boisson par infusion

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1859713A1 (fr) * 2006-05-24 2007-11-28 Nestec S.A. Dispositif d'infusion pour capsule avec mécanisme de fermeture à rapport de transmission variable
WO2007135136A1 (fr) * 2006-05-24 2007-11-29 Nestec S.A. Dispositif d'infusion pour capsule avec mécanisme de fermeture à rapport de transmission variable
EP2119385A1 (fr) * 2006-05-24 2009-11-18 Nestec S.A. Dispositif d'infusion pour capsule avec mécanisme de fermeture à rapport de transmission variable
RU2443384C2 (ru) * 2006-05-24 2012-02-27 Нестек С.А. Варочное устройство для капсулы с закрывающим механизмом с изменяющимся передаточным отношением
US8210098B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2012-07-03 Nestec S.A. Brewing device for capsule with closure mechanism of variable transmission ratio
US10098494B2 (en) 2007-03-06 2018-10-16 Nestec S.A. Device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge
US10624489B2 (en) 2007-03-06 2020-04-21 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge
GB2487069A (en) * 2011-01-06 2012-07-11 Strix Ltd Infusion Beverage Making Apparatus

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2645914B1 (fr) Machine de préparation de boisson ayant collecteur de gouttes
EP3200661B1 (fr) Machine de préparation de boisson avec butée de gouttes souple
EP2661200B1 (fr) Machine motorisée de préparation de boissons ayant une transmission mécanique
EP1845826B1 (fr) Appareil destine a la preparation d'une boisson
EP2906089B1 (fr) Machine pour préparer des boissons
RU2525068C2 (ru) Устройство экстракции картриджа
EP2688449B1 (fr) Machine à boisson ayant un couvercle pour un dispositif d'admission des ingrédients
EP3223668B1 (fr) Machine de distribution de liquide avec butée de gouttes compacte
EP2633789A1 (fr) Machine de préparation de boissons avec gestion de résidus liquids
EP3223669B1 (fr) Machine de distribution de liquide avec butée de gouttes manuelle
CA2819385A1 (fr) Machine a boisson avec indicateur fiable pour utilisateur
WO2006066626A1 (fr) Appareil destine a la preparation d'une boisson
WO2006066624A1 (fr) Appareil de preparation d'une boisson
WO2023198821A1 (fr) Chambre de boisson centrifuge avec élément de fixation de fermeture

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SM SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 04804979

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 4804979

Country of ref document: EP