WO2009093202A2

WO2009093202A2 - Machine for infusion drinks with raw material in single-dose packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2009093202A2
Application number: PCT/IB2009/050262
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giorgio Monti
Original assignee: Moka Efti S.P.A.
Priority date: 2008-01-23
Filing date: 2009-01-23
Publication date: 2009-07-30
Also published as: WO2009093202A3

Abstract

A machine for the production of a hot beverage by infusion from a single-dose package is disclosed, comprising a delivery beak (B), an overlying package -holding compartment (Cl, V, 10a), an overlying movable device for locking the package and for injecting pressurised hot water (10, 12, 13), and a hydraulic circuit for drawing water from a tank (A), pressurising it through a pump (P) and supplying it to said locking and injection device, wherein the locking and injection device (1) consists of an upper actuator with a double-effect plunger (12, 13) and a lower heated head (10), which may be mutually coupled/uncoupled, and wherein the actuator is operated by pressurised water supplied by said pump (P) and delivered by two selection electro-valves (Ev1, Ev2), the heated head (10) being interchangeable. The holding compartment of the single-dose package is slidable and integral with a slider displaced by linear actuation members.

Description

MACHINE FOR INFUSION DRINKS WITH RAW MATERIAL IN SINGLE-DOSE PACKAGING

* § * § * § *

The present invention concerns a machine for the produc- tion of beverages from packaged raw material, in particular for coffee packaged in pods and capsules. As known, a variety of electric apparatuses intended for domestic use or for small offices exist on the market, which are designed for producing hot beverages. From a general point of view, these machines can be divided into two types, one capable of working with coarse, loose raw material (for example loose coffee beans) and the other one intended to receive single-dose packages (for example coffee pods) . In the former case, the loose raw material is collected in a specific container, wherefrom it must be taken, pos- sibly ground, dosed, introduced into a filtering chamber where hot water drives though it and then disposed of. In the latter case, the raw material is stored separately in single-dose packages (with paper, plastic or other wrapping) , which are then introduced in the machine as needed, run through by hot water to obtain the drink and then disposed of.

As is evident, the two types of machines provide remarkably different operating devices, since they are designed to treat raw material found in different conditions -. the present disclosure will deal solely with machines for drinks with raw material packaged in single-doses.

The machines of this type universally comprise a support framework, covered by an aesthetic-finish bodywork, within which at least one water tank, one single-dose package receiving and holding device, as well as at least one head for water heating and hot water injection are found. The water heating device is normally thermally adjusted for producing simply hot water or steam also. The holding device of the single-dose package is usually arranged above a drink conveyor system, which drink can hence be correctly guided and delivered into an underlying con- tainer (a glass, cup, or other) .

Each manufacturer has developed their own configuration around the same fundamental elements, but a series of technical problems still remain unsolved.

Firstly, the assembly consisting of the handling and holding device of the single-dose package and of the respective water heating and injection head is typically designed for a spe- cific package shape. The machine is hence designed for a single type of package, which binds the raw material manufacturer to use that package also with changing market requirements.

Other drawbacks in known-art machines derive from the water heating and injection system, which implies a significant bulk (especially in a vertical direction) and sealing problems during the injection of pressurised hot water. These aspects on the one hand impose choice limitations to the shape of the surrounding bodywork and, on the other hand, often cause annoying leaks of hot water and/or steam. Further, in certain cases the specific arrangement of the water-carrying pipes from the respective tank to the injection head is unable to prevent a return of fluid to the tank, which causes contamination of the fresh water intended for the drink.

The object of the present invention is to solve all the above-mentioned drawbacks.

In particular, it is aimed at providing a machine for single-dose-packaged hot drinks having a simple, clean and inexpensive configuration, little bulk and being easily customisable so as to be able to receive, with small and quick changes, various- type packages. Moreover, it is aimed at providing a machine wherein hot water and/or steam delivery occur without significant leaks and without causing undesired liquid returns into the fresh-water tank.

Such objects are achieved by a machine as described in its essential features in the accompanying main claim.

Other inventive aspects of the machine are disclosed in the dependent claims .

Further features and advantages of the beverage machine according to the invention will in any case be more evident from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the same, given by way of example and illustrated in the appended drawings, wherein: fig. 1 is a partly-transparent, perspective view of the top part of the coffee machine according to the invention,- fig. 2 is an elevation side view of the inner components visible in phantom view in fig. 1,- fig. 3 is a top plan view of the components of fig. 2,- fig. 4 is a perspective view of the components of fig. 2,- fig. 5A is a longitudinal cross-section view of the actuation and injection assembly according to the invention,- fig. 5B is a partly-transparent , elevation side view, of the actuation and injection assembly; fig. 5C is a partly-transparent , elevation side view of the rear side of the assembly of fig. 5B,- fig. 5C is a partly-transparent, top plan view of the assembly of fig. 5B,- fig- 6A is a top plan view of the heating and injection head according to the invention,- fig. 6B is a longitudinal, cross-section view taken along the line A-A of fig. 6A,- fig. 6C is a longitudinal cross-section view taken along the line B-B of fig. 6A; fig. 6D is a cross-section view of the head of fig. 6A,- fig. 7 is a hydraulic diagram of the machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; fig. 8 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the package-handling assembly in a loading position; fig. 9 is a perspective view of the assembly of fig. 8 in an infusion position; fig. 10 is a perspective view of the assembly of fig. 9 in an ejection position; figs. 11-13 are elevation side views corresponding to figs. 8-10; fig. 14 is an elevation side view of the assembly of fig. 1 in the position preceding ejection, of which fig. 15 represents a plan view; fig. 16 is a perspective view, with parts removed, of an alternative embodiment of the package-handling assembly; and fig. 17 is a perspective view of only some significant elements of fig. 16.

With reference to fig. 1, a coffee machine is disclosed, of which only the top part is shown - with bodywork C which allows to phantom view the inner devices - wherefrom a lower beak B for hot drink delivery departs. To the right and to the left of delivery beak B, a hot-water dispenser and a steam lance (not shown) are provided in a manner known per se.

In the following, reference will always be made, as an example, to a coffee machine, but this must not be taken as a lim- iting example, it being understood that the machine is capable of dispensing any other infusion beverage, starting from single- dose packages of any desired raw material (including, for example, powder milk, chamomile, tea, etc.) .

In the front part, bodywork C has a drawer portion C₁ which may be pulled out, sliding on suitable sliding rails, in order to allow access to a compartment for the introduction of a single-dose package. The compartment is slidably mounted in the way which will be shown further below.

In figs. 2-4 the inner configuration of the beverage ma- chine is shown, wherefrom the top portion of bodywork C₃ has been removed, while the lower portion C₂ thereof is still shown.

On a support framework T, integral with the remaining framework portion (not shown) of the machine, a water heating and injection assembly 1, a water pump P, a series of electro- valves E_vl-E_v5, an electronic control unit 2 and connection pipes

(not shown) are installed.

The heating and injection assembly 1 is fastened to framework T, in correspondence of a holding seat V of the coffee package (for example a capsule) and comprises a heating and injection head 10 and an overlying actuator in the shape of a pressure piston 12.

In particular, a series of four small supporting posts lla-lld are fastened at the bottom to the base of framework T and carry on the top a connection plate 13. On top of plate 13, four retaining rod links 14a-14d are fastened which, above, retain a closing plate 15 intended to represent the upper closure of a cylindrical chamber 12a. Inside this cylindrical chamber, as clearly shown in fig. 5, a double-effect plunger 16 is provided, integral with a stem 17 extending downwards, running through a hole in plate 13 and protruding with a threaded end.

Plunger 16 preferably consists of a pair of circular plates closing sandwich-like a circular gasket 16a intended to seal against the cylindrical, inner wall of chamber 12a. Alternatively, the plunger is shaped as a disc having proper thickness which, along the circumferential perimeter thereof, has a groove within which a toroidal gasket is intended to be engaged. The plunger is intended to move within chamber 12a, along the axis of stem 17.

By this arrangement it is possible to dramatically limit the maximum bulk of the actuator. For example, plunger 16 has a thickness lesser than 15 mm, for example of only 12 mm, and an overall diameter lesser than 80 mm, for example of 76 mm; the stroke of the plunger inside chamber 12a is about 38 mm.

The displacement of plunger 16 occurs due to pressurised water introduced alternately into the upper half-portion or in the lower one of chamber 12a (accordingly, the plunger 16 acting as a double-effect plunger) . For such purpose, connection plate 13 and closing head 15 are equipped with inlet ports which end externally in respective joints 13a and 15a, through which pressurised water may be fed or drawn. In order to promote fluid pressure effectiveness and distribution, the inlet ports commu- nicate with a circular groove obtained on the inner surface of the two plates 13 and 15. In fig. 5A, in particular, groove 15b is shown.

Joints 13a and 15a are connected, through suitable pipes (not shown), made for example of flexible plastic material, to 3 -way electrovalves, E_v2 and E_vi, respectively, in turn connected to pump P. Said pump is designed to draw water from the fresh water tank (not shown) and to send it under pressure to the various electrovalves .

Each electrovalve is controlled according to a logic and a sequence established in central electronic unit 2.

When the operation programme requires a lowering of plunger 16 (and consequently of the head 10 integral therewith) , the main outlet port of electrovalve E_vl is opened, so as to introduce pressure into the upper part of chamber 12a; at the same time, the outlet port of electrovalve E_v2 is opened, so that water in the lower part of the circuit may be released to the wa- ter tank. The opposite action is performed on valves E_vl and E_V2 if lifting of plunger 16a is desired.

The water introduced in this closed circuit may be reintroduced into water tank A, since it does not come in contact with any contaminating agent. Heating and injection head 10 is arranged below piston assembly 12.

Such head consists of a solid cylindrical body (thermal mass) in whose upper part a seat with threaded hole 21 is provided, which is capable of engaging with the threaded end of stem 17.

Thereby, head 10 may be made integral with the movement of plunger 16, which hence acts as an actuator for head 10. As a matter of fact, head 10, during the injection of hot water, must be pushed under pressure towards holding seat V, so as to seal- ingly lock the single-dose package and prevent the pressurised hot water from leaking sideways .

For such purpose, the lower portion of head 10 has a compartment 10a shaped according to the package to be treated, as can be clearly appreciated in figs. 5A, 6B and 6C. In these drawings an embodiment suitable for housing a classic paper pod of paper or of biodegradable material is shown, but it is similarly possible to provide a housing compartment 10a of a different shape .

Accordingly, thanks to the specific arrangement illus- trated, wherein head 10 may be easily coupled with and uncoupled from actuator stem 17, according to the invention, head 10 is interchangeable. Thereby it is possible to arrange a series of mostly identical heads 10, wherein only the shape of compartment 10a changes. In the peripheral portion of compartment 10a a pro- truding lip 10b is provided, intended to cooperate with seat V, which contributes to retain the package and to channel the pressurised hot water to dispensing beak B. In compartment 10a a pe- rimetral sealing gasket 10c, for example an 0-ring, is further arranged.

The choice of the coupling means between the head and stem 17 makes the replacement or any interchangeability of head 10 more or less complex. However, such operation is likely not to be performed independently by the user, since head replacement also implies the reconnection of other hydraulic and electric links which will be illustrated in the following.

However, system modularity makes this replacement opera- tion by skilled operators simple, said operators being able to access the machine during manufacture or maintenance without extra effort.

Moreover, the huge advantage of this solution lies in the possibility of warehouse downsizing, despite being able to offer machines suitable for multiple types of packaging. As a matter of fact, the manufacturer can offer machines for all types of packaging using a single basic arrangement, identical for all machines, and by changing every time only head 10 and seat body V of the package holding and removing mechanism) , as well as possibly the most suitable operation programme in central unit 2.

The various heads 10 may also be obtained from a universal component, wherein the desired compartment 10a is shaped, which here too allows good economies of scale. As a matter of fact, beyond the specific shape of compartment 10a, each head 10 is shaped as a metal, cylindrical body, or in any case a body made of a good thermal conductive material and compatible with drinking water, wherein a heating element (such as an electric resistance with a suitable thermostatic control) and a channelling is arranged, wherein pressurised water flows.

In particular, with reference to figs. 6A-6D, it is shown that head 10 consists of the metal, cylindrical body 10 provided below with compartment 10a and above with a threaded hole 21 for coupling with stem 17.

A crosswise hole 22 is intended to house an electric heating resistance. On the two sides of hole 22, two longitudinal cylindrical cavities 23a and 23b (i.e. having axis parallel to the head displacement axis) are provided, mutually connected by a crosswise channel line 24. One of the two cavities, 23a, is further connected with an outlet channel 25 which opens out be- low in the bottom central part of head 10. The other cavity 23b is connected with an inlet pipe 26, through which pressurised water is conveyed through intervention of a drink delivery elec- trovalve E_v3.

Cylindrical cavities 23a and 23b each house a cylindrical, auxiliary core (not shown) provided with a peripheral helicoidal groove. This cylindrical core determines a winding and artificially long path for incoming and outgoing water from such cavities. In substance, the water arrives from pipe 26, crosses the first grooved core, channel 24, the second grooved core and then goes out through channel 25, having the opportunity of exchanging heat with head 10 much more efficiently than what would occur through a simple rectilinear line between an inlet in the head and an outlet from channel 25.

In order to ease the manufacture and mounting of the aux- iliary cores, cavities 23a and 23b are advantageously open at the upper end: the cores can hence be introduced from above and then retained there by a top cover 27, shaped as a circular crown, fastened to the head by a pair of screws 28.

Outlet channel line 25 preferably opens onto a small cen- tral hole of the head, wherein coupling means (for example a threaded hole) for an outlet nozzle 29 are provided, said nozzle being capable of determining the rate of the hot water flow close to the coffee package.

The specific configuration of the invention allows to have efficient, very quick water heating, despite reducing to a minimum the bulk of the heating head. As a matter of fact, head 10 may be for example about 80 mm tall and have a diameter of 130 mm.

At the same time, also the double-effect hydraulic actua- tor 12 is extremely effective and inexpensive (moreover it does not require additional controls or motors, exploiting the same pump P which is used for pressurising the infusion water) , even though with overall smaller dimensions, which allows to limit the overall height bulk of head plus actuator to only about 180 mm.

The handling of the single-dose package, once introduced into compartment V by the user, is achieved by means of an introduction/removal mechanism which is described in the following.

Frame T, whereon mobile injection head 10 is installed by means of hydraulic plunger assembly 12, comprises two support walls T₁ and T₂.

Between the two support walls T₁ and T₂ there is slidably mounted a fork slider 3, guided sideways in suitable grooves or rails T₁' and T₂' obtained in walls T₁ and T₂, respectively.

Fork slider 30, as can be appreciated in fig. 8, has a substantially H-shaped plan shape. In the front part of a cross- member 30a there is provided a front fork portion, which supports the housing seat for a single-dose package C (be it a plastic capsule or a paper pod) and simultaneously acts as a sliding guide in grooves T₁' and T₂' . In the rear part of cross- member 30a, there is defined another rear fork portion which acts as further guiding element.

In order to ensure an excellent guiding of slider 30, preferably the longitudinal arms of the H-shaped slider have a crosswise section in the shape of an upturned L, as can be ap- preciated in fig. 8: the horizontal portion engages within the groove T₁' or T₂' , mainly to provide a guiding in a vertical direction, while the vertical portion flows in abutment on the inner surface of walls T₁ and T₂, so as to provide a guiding in a horizontal direction. According to a first embodiment, on the rear fork portion there is defined a central hinging point for a pushing arm 40. Said arm consists of two parts, both rotatable about respective axes orthogonal to the movement of slider 30. A first front part 40a of the arm is hinged, at a bottom end thereof, behind cross- member 30a. A rear part of arm 40b is keyed at the bottom thereof on a shaft M₁ of an electric motor M.

The two parts of pushing arm 40a and 40b are mutually ar- ticulated, through respective connection ends, on a pin 50.

In order to reduce to a minimum the longitudinal size of pushing arm 40, the displacement of slider 30 being equal, preferably the two front and rear parts 40a and 40b, respectively, have a curved shape - as visible in the drawings - and are both curved with the same curvature. Moreover, in order to be able to close one on the other even with a very small angle and, at the same time, to offer adequate rigidity and sturdiness, advantageously the two parts 40a and 40b are shaped so as to be able to partly overlap or penetrate each other. For such purpose, one of the two parts, for example the front one 40a, consists of a pair of small frames or planar plates between which the only frame or plate of the rear part is inserted.

As can be guessed, the rotation of shaft H₁ of motor M causes the rotation of the part of rear arm 40b and, consequently, the displacement of front part 40a and of the slider 30 connected thereto.

In particular, a rotation of drive shaft M₁ in the direction shown by arrow R causes a reversion of slider 30, in the direction of arrow F, and viceversa.

The housing seat 60 of package C has a shape matching package C, so as to retain the package without excessive play. This is particularly important to ensure that injection head 10 descends on the package accurately and achieves optimal seal during pressure injection of hot water.

The seat 60 is substantially cup-shaped, open on top to allow the introduction and ejection of the package, and provided below with openings or small holes to let flow down the drink obtained by infusion. Cup-shaped seat 60, preferably made of metal material, is pivotingly mounted at the front ends of the fork. The oscillation axis a-a' is transversal to the sliding movement of the slider.

Between cup-shaped seat 60 and fork 30 there are provided spring means (not shown) which are preloaded to maintain an elastic torsional push apt to upturn backwards seat 60, i.e. in the direction of arrow S of fig. 8. In all the positions in which a support plane is provided below seat 60, the upturning is prevented by the contrast with the plane. Only in the fully backward position of slider 30, seat 60 does not find a lower support plane and is hence free to upturn as shown in figs. 10 and 13: the upturning of seat 60, which can occur with a rotation up to 90°, causes the ejection of package C.

Cup-shaped seat 60 has a different shape depending on the type of package which it must support (pod or capsule) , but the operation principle thereof does not change. Finally, as already mentioned, in the front part of the mechanism a pivoting door Ci is provided, which is elastically hinged, in the lower part thereof, to the front ends of walls T₁ and T₂. Door Ci joins to the remaining portion of outer bodywork

(not shown) and represents the only access for the user to the package loading and ejection mechanism.

According to an alternative embodiment, the displacement mechanism of slider 30 is different.

As visible in figs. 16 and 17, slider 30' in this case has simply a front U-shaped fork, apt to support seat body V and the housing cup for the package. On a side flank, fork 30' comprises a connection bush 31', integral therewith, which has an inner profile apt to cooperate with a thread of a worm screw 70 housed on frame T, adjacent to the same flank of slider 30' . Worm screw 70 is rotatably mounted along the longitudinal axis thereof by the actuation of a motor (not shown) which drives in rotation a train of gears 71 integral with worm screw 70.

The rotation of screw 70 in one direction or the other, through the coupling with bush 31', causes the forward or backward translation of slider 30'. Fig. 7 shows instead a diagram of the hydraulic connections of the machine. With reference to such diagram, machine operation is as follows.

In the illustrated embodiment, control unit 2 (not shown in fig. 7) provides to control substantially four operations: drink delivery, hot water delivery, steam delivery and movement of actuator 12.

In general terms, upon starting the machine, head 10 is kept heated at a temperature of about 100°C, while a further exchanger S, installed in another position in the machine, is maintained at about 95⁰C.

Coffee Delivery Function At the time when the user pushes a start button, electric motor M is driven into rotation and pushes slider 30 into the fully forward position, shown in figs. 8 and 11. Slider 30, progressing ahead, pushes and brings down door C₁ which thereby arranges itself in an open position. The user can introduce from above the desired package into seat 60, after which he pushes again the start button.

The control unit (not shown) after the second pressure of the button drives motor M into reverse rotation, causing slide 3 to move backwards (door Ci closes automatically) until package C finds itself below injection head 1 (figs. 9 and 12) . In this position motor M halts and the unit activates pump P and opens electrovalve E_vl, so that actuator 12 is fed with pressurised water and plunger 16 performs a downward movement. After a preset time ti, electrovalve E_v3 is opened and pressurised water is introduced into pipe 26, which thus flows out of pipe 25 after having been heated up properly along the path through head 10.

At supply end, 3 -way electrovalve E_v3 closes the supply to head 10 and toggles to the unloading position, so as to discharge the water remaining in the circuit into a suitable scrap tray. After that, electrovalve E_vl toggles into the release position and electrovalve E_v2 is opened: pressurised water brings plunger 16 back upwards, while the water in the upper part of chamber 12a is brought back - through electrovalve E_vl, - into water tank A. At the end, pump P is deactivated. In the meantime, motor M is again driven into rotation to cause slider 30 to go further backwards, until seat 60 lies above an opening A of the lower plane (figs. 10 and 13) and is hence free to upturn (under the elastic torsion of the upturn spring) and eject below the depleted package (which ends up in an underlying container) .

The halt positions of electric motor M can be determined either by an electronic control or by a series of microswitches which release a signal to the control unit upon seat 60 passing in front of predetermined positions. Hot Water Delivery Function

Upon pressing a suitable button, pump P is activated and electrovalve E_v6 is opened, for delivering pressurised water in heat exchanger S. Upon the controlled opening of valve E_v5, hot water is delivered to the respective delivery device. By pushing again the button, valves E_v4 and E_v6 and pump P are deactivated.

Steam Delivery Function Upon pressing a suitable button, the resistance of heat exchanger S increases the temperature to 115⁰C. Cyclically, for example every 3 seconds, both pump P and electrovalve E_v6 are actuated, so as to intermittently supply small water volumes to heat exchanger S, this guaranteeing continuity in steam genera- tion. Furthermore, by opening valve E_v5, actual release of steam is allowed. By pushing again on the button, valves E_v5, E_v6 and pump P, as well as the overheating cycle of exchanger S, are deactivated.

The operations just described are to be understood as an example, since by simple actions on the programming of central unit 2 it is possible to change the action times and sequences, also according to the specific components installed and to the infusion package actually used.

In general terms, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated above, which represent only non-limiting examples of the scope of the invention, but that a number of variants are possible, all within the reach of a person skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

For example, although a nut-screw coupling between stem 17 and head 10 has been shown, different means can be provided. In particular, by providing a snap-engagement ball joint, it could be possible to better accommodate for any misalignment clear- ances of the heating and injection assembly with respect to package-retaining compartment V.

Further, the push mechanism of the fork slider might also be configured differently. As a matter of fact, it can be envisaged to install a linear motor, or a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. Nor is it ruled out that the slider mechanism can be actuated by a suitable manual lever protruding from the machine bodywork, in such case, the lever mechanism can act on a push arm of a suitable shape and there are provided predetermined halt positions (for example in the shape of elastic ratchet gears or of notches visible by the user) , to cause seat 60 of the package to rest at the provided (loading, infusion, ejec- tion) positions.

Moreover, although it has not been shown explicitly, walls T₁ and T₂ are preferably made of a material having good thermal conductivity, such as a metal (for example of aluminium alloy) , and are heated. For example, in the thickness of the walls a seat for a thermostat-equipped electric resistance is obtained. The heating of walls T₁ and T₂ advantageously comprises heat transfer also to slider 30 and to the other components in the proximity of injection head 10 and of package C: this ensures that the hot water injected by head 10 does not meet temperature wells (i.e. cold masses) which would subtract heat and would make for a poor quality drink.

Claims

1) Machine for the production of a hot beverage by infusion from a single-dose package, of the type comprising a delivery beak (B) , an overlying holding compartment (Cl, V, 10a, 60) intended to sealingly hold said package, an overlying movable device for locking the package and injecting pressurised hot water (10, 12, 13), comprising a heating element, and a hydraulic circuit for drawing water from a tank (A) , pressurising said water through a pump (P) and supplying it to said locking and in- jection device, characterised in that said locking and injection device (1) consists of an upper actuator with double-effect plunger (12, 13) and of a lower, heated head (10) , which may be mutually coupled/uncoupled, and in that said actuator is operated by pressurised water supplied by said pump (P) and delivered by means of two selection electro- valves (E_vl, E_v2) , and said heated head (10) is interchangeable and defines at least part (10a) of said holding compartment for the package. 2) Machine as claimed in claim 1), wherein said head (10) can be coupled/uncoupled with a stem (17) integral with said plunger (16) which runs through a connection plate (13) of said actuator.

3) Machine as claimed in claim 2), wherein said connection plate (13) is attached to a frame (T) of the machine by pe- rimetral supporting posts (lla-lld) .

4) Machine as claimed in claims 1) , 2) or 3) , wherein said plunger (16) is movable within a cylindrical wall (12a) , which defines a double pressure chamber, sandwiched, between said con- nection plate (13) and a closing head (15), by means of a series of retaining rod links (14a-14d) .

5) Machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said selection valves (E_vl, E_v2) are of the three-way type and comprise an outlet port towards said water tank (A) . 6) Machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said head (10) is of a substantially cylindrical shape and of a material having high thermal conductivity, incorporat- ing at least one electric resistance capable of thermally adjusting the temperature thereof.

7) Machine as claimed in claim 6) , wherein said head (10) houses a pressurised water supply channel inside which also de- fines at least one cavity (23a, 23b) wherein there is housed a core shaped so as to artificially lengthen the extension of said channel inside the head (10) .

8) Machine as claimed in claim 7) , wherein said cavities (23a, 23b) and cores are two, mutually connected by a connecting channel (24) .

9) Machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a further thermoregulated heat exchanger (S) is provided, run through by a water supply pipe to a hot water dispenser and/or a steam dispenser, provided with respective supply valves (E_v4, E_v5) .

10) Machine as claimed in claim 9) , wherein there are provided five electrovalves (E_vi, E_v2/ E_v3, E_v4, E_v5) , controlled by an electronic central unit (2) and supplied by the same pump (P) to control, respectively, the movement in the two directions of the plunger actuator (12) , the delivery of hot water to the head (10) for the drink infusion, the supply to the hot water dispenser and the supply to the steam dispenser.

11) Machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a displacement path for said package (C) from an introduction opening, to an infusion station and to an ejection position, wherein an actuation member is provided, apt to determine the sliding movement of a slider (30, 30a, 30') which carries, at its front end, a cup-shaped seat (60) , part of said retaining compartment for said package (C) , said cup-shaped seat (60) being pivotingly mounted and driven into rotation by torsion spring means.

12) Machine as claimed in claim 11), wherein said slider (30, 30') has a front fork portion between the tines of which said cup-shaped seat (60) is pivotingly mounted, said torsion spring means being preloaded to cause said seat (60) to pivot when it is not opposed by a lower plane.

13) Machine as claimed in claim 12) , wherein said slider (30) is substantially H-shaped, the two longitudinal portions of the slider acting as a guide and the crosswise portion (30a) acting as a member for articulating a push arm (40) actuated by said actuation member (M) . 14) Machine as claimed in claim 13), wherein said push arm

(40) is divided into two parts (40a, 40b) , joined at one connection end thereof by a rotation pin (50) , articulated at the bottom thereof with said slider (30) and with a drive shaft (M₁) of a rotation motor (M) , respectively, said drive shaft (M₁) being able to rotate in a controlled way according to a rotation axis orthogonal to the sliding direction of said slider (30) .

15) Machine as claimed in any one of claims 11) to 12), wherein said slider (30 ') is integral with a rack bush (31') with which a worm screw (70) engages, driven into rotation by a train of gears (71) of a rotation motor.

16) System for the introduction and ejection of single- dose packages (C) in a hot drink machine, of the type wherein a displacement path is provided for said package (C) from an introduction opening, to an infusion station and to an ejection position, characterised in that it comprises an actuation member apt to determine the sliding movement of a slider (30, 30a) which carries, at the front end thereof, a cup-shaped seat (60) for the introduction of said package (C) , said cup-shaped seat (60) being mounted pivoting and driven into rotation by torsion spring means .