DE2341186A1 - APPARATUS FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE - Google Patents

Description

Berlin, the. I3. August 1973 25th

BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, 'Carouge / Geneva, Switzerland

Apparatus for making a drink

From the Swiss invention patent no. 506.98 ^ is a cartridge for the rapid preparation of a warm drink, especially coffee, known, the two for Includes holding certain amounts of liquid or coffee serving container, which is held by a tight Membrane are separated from each other.

If you want to prepare a drink with this cartridge, in this case a coffee, you heat it up Liquid in its container until the pressure reaches a given value corresponding to the breaking limit of the membrane. The pressurized liquid then flows through the second container containing the ground coffee and goes out of this again through a filter and a distribution opening.

-1- 409809/0515

The rupture of the membrane under the effect of dBs in the interior the pressure prevailing in the liquid container can be maintained as long as the edge of this membrane is not deformed is held, but this presupposes that the container walls are sufficiently rigid and that the closure the membrane is strong enough to prevent any deformation of the walls and any sliding of the membrane to avoid their restraint. But since it is a cartridge, its manufacturing cost is as low as must be kept possible in order to represent a commercial interest so it is difficult to meet these conditions to make compatible. ■ '"

The object of the present invention is to solve this problem.

For this purpose, the subject matter of the present invention consists of an apparatus for preparing a beverage as a result of the flow of a pressurized liquid through one of a solid, finely divided one Product existing use, said liquid and said product in the corresponding, through a Membrane separate containers are arranged. This apparatus is characterized in that it has the following Parts include: a bell, a removable organ which is provided with an opening, the edge of which is designed in such a way, that it can be attached tightly against the edge of the opening of the bell, means for making this connection, this bell rim and this organ for the inclusion between them of the edge of said membrane are determined so that the liquid container comes to lie inside the bell, means for creating, inside of the container mentioned, an excess pressure sufficient to cause the membrane to burst, and switching means, associated with one of these elements, bell or organ

409809 / 0B1 b

to be at this element one against the other element to apply directed force, the value of which is high enough to hold the edge of the membrane without sliding, than the same, which is between the edge of the bell and the edge of the opening of the said organ, the mentioned overpressure is subjected.

In the accompanying drawings, an embodiment and a variant of the is the subject of the invention forming apparatus shown schematically and for example. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of the apparatus in use position;

FIG. 2 shows a view of the apparatus in the rest position similar to that of FIG. 1; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a different one Execution of the apparatus shown in FIG.

The apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a housing 1 which has a base 2 and a base arranged above it has cylindrical sleeve 3; the sleeve 3 - is through a cap 4 completed in this sleeve, between the wall of the same and one inside the sleeve on an am Fastened the foot of the wall of the sleeve arranged shoulder 3a Tube 5 is slidably mounted. This tube has three pins 6 on its outside (only one of which is shown in the drawing is visible). These pins 6 penetrate into vertical openings 4a provided in the side wall of the cap 4. These pins 6, which are in engagement with the openings 4a, have the task of increasing the axial stroke of the cap 4 to be restricted upwards, as will be explained in the following.

The lower part of the tube 5 is internally threaded 5a provided that for receiving a with a corresponding

4 0 9 8 0 9/0 5 1 p

2341188

Externally threaded ring 7 is used, whereby the axial position of the ring 7 on the tube 5 can be regulated. The ring 7 can be locked in this axial position by means of screws 8 (only one of which is visible in the drawing), which engage in the threads 9 of the ring J and the heads of which are supported against an annular support 3b provided in the lower part of the sleeve 3> are. The ring 7 is provided with seats 7b which open out on its upper surface and only one of which is visible in the drawing. Each seat receives a spring 14, the function of which will be explained later. The inside of this ring 7 has ramps Je (Pig. 2 '), which are accessible from the lower side of the ring in the axial direction. These ramps are intended for a baionett lock-like fastening of a removable shell 10 which is provided with a locking handle 10a. This shell consists of two parts that are firmly connected to one another by means of screws IJ>, only one of which is visible in the drawing. These two parts consist of a spherical base part 11 and a ring 12 which is provided with stops 12a which are intended to work together with the above-mentioned fastening ramps.

A metallic distribution pipe 21 is attached to the spherical bottom 11 of the shell 10 and its cut off at an angle The end protrudes into the shell.

The edge of this shell 10 takes on the edge of a bell 15, from a radiator connected to an external power source (not shown) by means of lines 17 is surrounded. Two switches I, and I are between the heating

t m

body l6 and the power source connected in series. These switches are controlled by a thermostat or the sliding switch Cap 4 controlled. An annular outer rim 15a

409809/0 5 15

extends near the edge of the bell 15 and covers the seats 7b of the ring 7 containing the springs 14 The periphery of the edge strip 15a is, for example, an inside polished metal foil wrapped around the skirt 15a existing heat shield l8, arranged.

The bell 15 is with the sliding cap 4 by means of a The clamping device described in more detail below is kinematically connected.

For this purpose, a conical seat 15b is provided in the middle of the outside of the bottom of the bell 15, which is opposite a conical seat 20b, which is located below the underside of a disk 20 located above the bottom of the bell 15. One between the Disc 20 and the bottom of the bell 15 located steel ball

19 is arranged in these two diametrically opposed recesses 15b and 20b. An annular stop surface is formed above the periphery of the disc 20 by an annular washer 26 which is located below an inner, on Upper end of the tube 5 located edge strip 5b arranged and the puncture will be explained later.

Two crossed clamping levers 24 and 25 are between the disc

20 and a second disc 31 arranged between two against the upper end of the tube 5 or the bottom of the cap 4 supported springs 35 and 36 is elastically mounted.

The two lower ends of the levers 24 and 25 are each held between two rollers 22, 27 and 23, 28, respectively. The one below the Corresponding levers attached rollers 22 and 23 are in the two seats 20c and 20d mounted, while the rollers 27 and 28 arranged above the corresponding levers are below the annular washer 26 is supported.

A09809 / UB1 5

The two corresponding upper ends of these levers 24 and 25 are slidably mounted along two guides 29 and 30, which are attached below the second disc.

These two levers are held laterally by pairs of vertical guide pins, some of which 32a, 32b, 32c are visible in the drawing. These bolts are attached to the upper surface of the disc 20.

A locking device is also provided between the disk 20 and the cap 4. This locking device comprises a rod 33 fastened in the middle of the disc 20, which is provided at its free end with .Kupplungsnasen 33a. The cap 4 in turn carries a locking element 34, d;, s with an opening opposite the end of the rod 33 is provided. This locking element includes a mechanism for locking and unlocking sequentially Depression, the kind of mechanisms commonly used in retractable pens will. This well-known mechanism is not described in detail here. It can simply be mentioned that one such mechanism is described in detail in American Invention Patent No. 3-152,822, which is further developed Can look up versions.

The apparatus described is for use, for example, with cartridges such as that in the above-mentioned Swiss patent No. 506,984 determines which cartridges are in Figures 1 and 2 are shown and are intended for the preparation of warm drinks, especially coffee. This cartridge consists of two containers E, E, which are hermetically sealed and by means of the periphery of a common, the two containers mutually insulating membrane

409809 / above "1 5

2341188

M are united. The lower container E contains ground coffee, while the upper container E contains water. Of the The bottom of the container E is covered with a filter F. the The entire cartridge is made of thin aluminum foil and the membrane that rests on the two containers has a e.g. circular notch, which localizes the weakening of the The membrane to initiate its rupture is determined as it is afterwards is explained.

Use of the apparatus with this type of cartridge involves the following operations:

The lower container E of the cartridge C is inserted into the shell 10, which is held by means of its locking handle 10a. One can exert a slight pressure on the cartridge towards the bottom of the shell in order to tilt the cartridge by means of the To drill the end of the distribution pipe 21. However, this drilling process is not essential for the operation of the apparatus necessary as it can be performed automatically later, as explained below.

The upper container E of the cartridge is then inserted into the bell 15, the stops 12a of the ring 12 firmly connected to the dome bottom 11 of the shell 10 being coupled to the ramps Jc arranged on the inside of the ring 7 Shifting of the shell ίο and subsequent angular shifting of the same carried out for fastening the Sehale to the ring 7.

The periphery of the membrane M of the cartridge is then between the edge of the bell 15 and the ring 12, the The stops 12a rest on the ramps 7c of the ring 7. Thus, the bell stressed by the three springs 14 becomes 15

409809/0515

pushed up. In this way the springs 14 equal the play between the various parts of the clamping device consistently out.

To put the apparatus into operation, it is sufficient simply to press the cap 4 down until the stops y ^) &, which are located at the free end of the rod j5j5 firmly connected to the disk, come into engagement with the locking member J> k . At the same time, the switch I is activated by a with

the cap 4 kinematically firmly connected (not shown) Actuating element closed. During the downward movement of the cap, levers 24 and 25 rotate on their respective ones lower ends between the rollers 22, 27 and 23, 28, respectively and thereby drive these rollers apart axially. Since the rollers are below the under the skirting 5a of the upper Support the washer 26 attached to the end of the tube 5, so the axial separation of the roles has a corresponding one axial displacement of the disc 20 and the bell 15 against the action of the springs l4 result, and after compensation this game causes this shift a pressure of the edge of the bell 15 against the ring 12. This Pressure is applied by the disc 20, which is sufficiently rigid to withstand the pressure, the ball 19 and the Walls of the bell 15 transferred to the latter. It is therefore necessary that these walls are also sufficiently rigid in order to be able to transfer practically all of the pressure to the edge of the bell.

The periphery of the membrane M is therefore firmly gripped between the edge of the bell 15 and the ring 12. The levers 24 and 25 are chosen so that the ratio of the forces in is of the order of 4o to 50, so that one on the Cap 4 exerted pressure of 5 kg a pressure of the order of magnitude of 200 to 250 kg on the edge of the bell. Thanks to this exerted on the periphery of the membrane

409809 / ObIb

Clamping force can be seen in the diaphragm as practically clamped regard. This is extremely important for the process to run smoothly because it causes the membrane to slide Increasing the pressure in the container E containing the water is avoided. On the other hand, the other walls of the Container E designed according to the shape of the bell 15, to ensure effective contact between the shell and the walls of the container, which on the one hand ensures good heat exchange and on the other hand, the avoidance of deformation of the container walls can be ensured.

As already mentioned, switch I is activated when m ...

the cap 4 is closed, while the thermostat-controlled switch I remains closed as long as the Temperature does not exceed a certain value. The resistance forming the radiator is therefore from the power source fed.

As the temperature of the water increases, so does the pressure inside the container E-Die The membrane deforms mainly as a result of its elongation. The diaphragm, as noted, is notched around hers Initiate breakage in a specific zone of their surface. As the internal pressure of the container E one through the breaking point If the membrane reaches a certain value, the membrane will tear along the notch and the water will penetrate Pressure into the container E containing the ground coffee. Preferably, the bottom of the container E, as already mentioned, by the obliquely cut end of the manifold 21 during the introduction of the cartridge C into the shell 10 perforated. If, however, this perforation has not been carried out, the bottom of the container E is perforated as the pressure causes the membrane M to burst. In fact, this pressure is then distributed throughout the cartridge and pushes the bottom of the container E, flat against the bottom of the bowl

409809/0515

-40-

10, on the surface of which the obliquely cut end of the Distribution pipe 21 protrudes. The coffee can then flow out through the line 21 and in a on the base 2 of the Apparatus standing cup can be added.

The thermostat then interrupts the supply to the heating element 16.

In order to detach the cartridge from the apparatus, brief pressure is exerted on the cap 4. This pressure causes an unlocking the rod 53 of the locking member ^ 4. Under the action of the spring 35 moves the cap upwards pushed and the corresponding lower. Ends of the breakthroughs 4a are based on their corresponding pegs 6.

The switch I is open. At the moment when the pressure m

the levers 24 and 25 on the bell 15 by means of the rollers 22, 27, 23, 28, 19 and the disc 20 comes to a stop the shell pushed up by the springs l4, which on the one hand balances the differences between these Share resulting game and on the other hand, a detachment of the bell 15 from the upper container E of the cartridge result Has.

The shell 10 is then unlocked by means of its locking handle 10a through a limited angular adjustment of the same, after which the shell comes out of the ring 7 by itself. You can then easily detach the container E from the tray 10, by turning back the shell. This means that the machine is ready to prepare a second cup of coffee by pressing repeat the process described with a new cartridge. The preparation of the second cup and the following cups Coffee will also happen faster because bell 15 is still warm.

409809/0515

234118p

Of course, the apparatus is not limited to use with the cartridge described. Apparently it is it is possible to use a cartridge consisting only of the container E containing the ground coffee, as in FIG different embodiment of Figure 3 is shown.

In this case the upper part of the cartridge is closed off directly by the membrane M.

The water tank then consists of a spherical cap 37, which has a filling opening 38 and with fastening clips 39 is provided, which to engage with the stops 12'a of the ring 12 'firmly connected to the shell 10'. These The spherical cap is in turn provided with a locking handle (not shown) which, however, is shorter than the locking handle 10'a, related to an angular displacement of the cupelle on the shell 10 'for the purpose of coupling or decoupling the clamps 39 from the stops 12'a.

In order to be able to prepare a coffee by means of this modified embodiment, the cartridge leads from the Container E alone existing cartridge in the shell, after which the cap is attached to the shell by means of the fastening clips 39 and the stops 12'a attached. One fills then the spherical cap with water through the filling opening 38. The locking mechanism, which rests on the stops 12'a Ramps the fastening brackets is effected is sufficient to create an at least temporary seal between the lower part of the dome and the membrane M to be obtained. This seal is definitely sufficient to initiate of the water through the filling opening 38 and the subsequent arrangement of the whole on the apparatus, as it is with reference to FIG the complete cartridge has been described without

A09809 / 0B1 b

-42-

to allow any leakage losses.

The further processing of the processes is then completely identical to that described above. The seal on the lower part of the dome 37 is then produced as a result of the pressure exerted by the locking device between the shell 10 ′ and the bell 15. Indeed, the pressure M developed between these two parts to clamp the diaphragm also serves, in this modified embodiment, to create the seal between the diaphragm M and the dome yj, so that a loss at the moment when the pressure is due to the heating of the water increases, is completely avoided.

Of course, the dome can be recovered and form part of the accessories of the apparatus.

Other embodiments of the apparatus can also be found in To be taken into account: e.g. the dome could be connected to a source of pressurized liquid will. In this case the heating element 16 could be eliminated, since the pressure required to burst the membrane created directly by the source of the pressurized liquid.

The locking device described could also be replaced, for example, by a screw locking device, but which has the disadvantage that the clamping force depends on the force of the user and also the time to lock is longer than with the device described.

In a modified embodiment, not shown one can provide means for changing the volume of the water tank in order to change the amount of coffee produced. This can be advantageous, for example, if the device is designed for the preparation of several cups of coffee at the same time and the user has fewer cups of coffee with constant concentration or one coffee with more or

409809/05 1 5

wants to prepare less strong concentration.

In the case of the modified embodiment according to FIG can use the means for changing the volume of the water tank can be obtained simply by using domes 37 of different heights attached to different Volumes are adjusted. In this case, of course, the filling opening 38 is omitted and the bottom of the The dome then has to be dimensioned in such a way that it develops within the dome for the rupture of the membrane M can withstand the required pressure.

each apparatus is then provided with a number of domes provided, which corresponds to the different numbers of cups of coffee that can be produced. The user then selects the dome that corresponds to the desired number of cups of coffee and pour the water into them. He then leads the cartridge E into the shell 10 ', brings the shell 10' back on the spherical cap 37 to allow the stops 12'a to come into engagement with the fastening clamps 39 and tension the shell on by the stops on the bottom of the ramps formed by the mounting brackets 39 by means of the Locking handles 4a and 10a locked in order to produce the seal between the cap 37 and the cartridge E.

The user then brings the parts assembled in this way into the position shown in FIG. 2 and normally leaves them hook on the ring 7. The remaining processes are then identical to those previously described, since the conditions within the calotte 37 have been made independent of the volume of the bell 15.

The change in volume is also possible with the cartridges used in the embodiment according to FIGS. In this case will be the height of the container E of the cartridges

409809 / Ob 15

-U-

Change C depending on the desired volume. In order to prevent the bottom of the container E, the height of which is less than the depth of the bell 15, from bending, the apparatus according to FIGS. 1 and 2 can be provided with frustoconical wedges which can be inserted into the bottom of the bell 15 and their heights correspond to the differences between the corresponding heights of the various containers E which can be used in the bell 15 and the depth of this bell, so that the respective bottoms of these different containers E _p rest entirely on a rigid base preventing their deformation.

Claims

409809/0515

Claims (8)

7341186 Claims Apparatus for making a beverage as a result of the flow of a pressurized liquid by an insert consisting of a solid, finely divided product, said liquid and the named product in the corresponding containers (E. E) separated from one another by a membrane (M) are arranged, characterized in that it comprises the following parts: a bell (15), a removable member, which is provided with an opening, the edge of which is designed in such a way that it is against the edge of the opening Bell can be attached tightly, means (7c ,, 12a) to make this connection, this 'bell rim and this organ for the inclusion between them' of the rim the said membrane are intended so that the liquid container comes to lie inside the bell, means (Ί6Ί for creating, inside the said container (E Y, an overpressure sufficient to cause the membrane to burst, and circuit means (4) connected to one of these Elements, bell or organ, are connected in order to apply a force directed against the other element to this element, whose value is sufficiently high. to hold the edge of the membrane in place without sliding, as the same that is is located between the edge of the bell and the edge of the opening of the said organ, subjected to the aforementioned pressure will. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that sealing means between the edge of the bell and the edge the opening of the said organ are formed, so that in this bell when it is closed by the said membrane a hermetically sealed chamber is created. 9 / Ob ', 5 7341186 3 · Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said sealing means by connecting the contact between the edge of the bell and the edge of the Opening of the organ on the one hand and the force developed by the drive of said circuit means on the other hand are formed. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said control means (4) are constituted by a displaceable member mounted concentrically with the axis of the bell, this member being connected to the bell by means of two clamping levers (24, 25), two of which corresponding ends are each clamped between two rollers (22, 27; 23, 28) supported on the frame of the apparatus or on the bottom of the bell, and the other two ends of which are mounted and attached to below a roller coaxially with the bell (15) the slidable member (4) connected disc) are slidably mounted. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by a Locking device comprising a first coupling element (34) fixedly connected to said displaceable member and a second coupling element (33) fixedly connected to the frame of the apparatus. 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening complementary to one of the opening of the bell provided organ is designed as a shell (11) which communicates with the outside through a drainage line (21), which is firmly connected to the bottom of the shell and whose inner end is designed as a tube cut at an angle that protrudes in this cup. 7. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that a dome (37) with removable, for coupling with said 409809 / Ü51Ü 7341185 Organ-serving means (59) is provided and designed such that they are inserted into the interior of the bell can. 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the bottom of the dome (37) has an opening (38). A09b.J 1 / Blank page