GB2380990A

GB2380990A - Drinks machine with capsule piercing spike

Info

Publication number: GB2380990A
Application number: GB0211044A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan John Santillo
Original assignee: DRINKMASTER Ltd
Current assignee: DRINKMASTER Ltd
Priority date: 2001-05-15
Filing date: 2002-05-15
Publication date: 2003-04-23
Also published as: GB0211044D0; GB0111840D0

Abstract

An automated drinks machine for preparing drink from concentrate (e.g. coffee granules) stored in a capsule 43 having upper and lower surfaces includes a capsule support 41 and a capsule piercing spike. The spike is movable between a standby position within a support member and a capsule engaging position in which it pierces the upper and lower capsule surfaces whereupon water 49 is supplied through shaft orifices 29 to flush concentrate into a receptacle 45 via a flannel and filter. The spike may have a conical or pyramidal tip 23, larger than its supporting shaft 25 with cutting edges and fins (24 Fig. 5) extending along the shaft to hold the capsule bottom hole 51 open to ensure flow. After dispensing the spike assembly is pivoted about its upper end until the capsule is above a used capsule box, the spike withdrawn and the capsule released. The capsule may be of plastics.

Description

AUTOMATED DRINKS MACHINE The present invention relates to a new semi-or fully-automated drinks machine and a method for operating it.

Automated drinks machines for dispensing hot or cold drinks are in common use in public places and in the office or factory environment.

They are generally of at least three types depending on how the concentrate for making the drink is stored. In one type, the concentrate is stored in bulk in powder canisters whereas in the others, the concentrate is stored in individual capsules of powder or liquid.

The problem with drinks machines which use bulk storage of the concentrate is that the quality of the concentrate can be degraded in the method of storing the loose ingredients and quality in consistency of the finished drink. This is not a problem with the machines which use individual capsules which generally fall into three categories.

The first uses dry powder capsules of concentrate which the user must first empty into a cup before adding hot water. The second uses capsules of liquid concentrate which, in use, are pierced by the machine and flooded with water. The capsules are designed to burst when flooded with water such that their contents drains into a cup. The third such category of automated drinks machine uses capsules formed from water permeable membranes and filled with filter coffee such that, in use, water is passed through the capsules to make filter coffee.

The problem of the first category of drinks machine is that user intervention is required. The problem with the second and third categories of is that they have a limited application and can only be used

with a limited range of products. For example, milk and/or sugar are normally supplied separately with these categories of drinks machine.

A solution to these problems has been sought.

According to the invention there is provided an automated drinks machine suitable for use in preparing a drink from a concentrate stored in a capsule having an upper and a lower surface which machine includes a support for a capsule, a capsule piercing spike which is moveable between a standby position and a capsule engaging position, and a water dispenser which is arranged to be able, in use, to flush the concentrate from the capsule with water, such that in use the spike pierces through the upper and lower surfaces of the capsule in the capsule engaging position forming a hole in the lower surface of the capsule.

The machine generally further comprises one or more devices such as a motor or actuator to move the spike such that it can pierce a capsule.

Advantages of the machine according to the invention include that it can be operated with a minimal amount of user intervention and that it can be used with powder concentrate capsules. Such powder concentrate capsules can be used to make a wide range of drinks such as coffee, tea, soup, or soft drinks.

The spike preferably has a support. The support is generally arranged to allow movement of the spike from a standby position to a capsule engaging position and back to the standby position. The movement of the spike may be arranged using a motor or actuator, such as is commonly known in the art. The support is preferably moveable between a standby position and a used capsule ejection position. The movement of the support may be arranged using a motor or actuator. More preferably the

machine comprises a used capsule receptacle and the used capsule ejection position of the support is preferably such that the used capsule can be moved from the spike to the used capsule receptacle. Preferably the pierced capsule is removed from the spike by moving the spike from the engaged position to the standby position. The support is preferably in the form of a sleeve or two or more slides such that when the spike is in the disengaged position, it is withdrawn into the sleeve or slides and when the spike is in the engaged position, it is extended from the sleeve or slides.

In use, the machine is generally arranged so that the dispensed drink is collected in a receptacle such as a cup, mug or jug. The machine is optionally either adapted to be used in association with a horizontal surface such that a receptacle can be placed on the surface and the drink produced by the machine can collect in it ; or the machine further comprises (d) a receptacle support. The receptacle support is generally arranged such that, in use, the dispensed drink collects in it. Optionally the machine further comprises (e) storage for the receptacles and an automated mechanism for transferring a receptacle from the storage receptacle to the receptacle support.

The spike generally has a piercing tip. The piercing tip is optionally either of a conical or pyramidal shape. More preferably the piercing tip is of a pyramidal shape having a base, an apex and a plurality of edges connecting the base to the apex. Where the piercing tip is of pyramidal shape, the edges of the tip which connect the apex of the pyramidal shape to the base are preferably cutting edges. The pyramid shape optionally has a base with from 3 to 6 (preferably four) sides, such that the piercing tip has from 3 to 6 (preferably four) cutting edges. One advantage of the pyramidal shaped piercing tip is that the hole is formed more neatly in the capsule. This is because material used to form a wall of the capsule is neatly cut by the cutting edges and then rolled back by the pyramidal

surfaces between the cutting edges. As a result there is no risk of parts of the walls of the capsule becoming detached from the capsule and falling into the drink. The machine optionally includes a filter arranged to prevent such parts from falling into the drink.

The machine is preferably arranged so that, in use, liquid is dispensed by the water dispenser into the capsule once it has been pierced by the spike.

Such design of the spike and the water dispenser facilitates a complete water flush of the capsule which ensures that all of the contents of the capsule are used.

More preferably, the spike comprises the water dispenser. One advantage of this is that the machine is more efficient in that the capsule can be pierced and the water dispensed as consecutive operations such that the machine takes less time to produce a drink.

Most preferably the spike comprises a hollow shaft which has two ends.

The first end is preferably adapted to be connected to a water source and the second end comprises the water dispenser. The water dispenser preferably comprises one or more orifices defined by the spike which connect the surface of the spike with the hollow shaft such that water can flow through them. The water source is generally a source of hot and/or cold water. The second end optionally also comprises a seal such that, in use, there is a seal between the capsule and the second end of the shaft in order that dispensed water cannot leak. The seal is preferably in the form of an O-ring.

The diameter of the shaft is preferably less than the maximum diameter of the piercing tip. One advantage of this is that in use, when the piercing tip has passed through the capsule, dispensed water can pass through the

gap between the shaft and the hole formed in the capsule by the piercing tip.

Where the capsules to be used in the invention are made from plastic or other material which has a retentive memory such that when it is cut, it tends to return to its original shape, the shaft preferably has one or more fins (preferably from 3 to 5 fins, more preferably four fins). An advantage of including fins on the shaft is that they prevent the material of the capsule walls from returning to their original position and substantially closing the hole formed by the spike.

Preferably the machine of the invention further comprises a mechanism for the automatic supply of a capsule to the capsule support (a). The capsule supply mechanism is optionally controlled by an input device. Such an input device may comprise pictures or labels indicating the available drinks and, optionally, their cost with associated buttons or functional equivalents such that the user can choose what drink is to be dispensed by the machine. Where the user has to pay for the drink, the machine comprises a payment device for handling payment electronically or by a card, coin or bank note.

According to the invention there is also provided a method of dispensing a drink automatically which method comprises: (i) providing a capsule of drink concentrate; (ii) piercing the capsule such that liquid can flow through the capsule ; (iii) dispensing water into the capsule; (iv) collecting the water from the capsule in a receptacle.

Preferably the method of the invention further comprises the step (v) discarding the capsule. Preferably step (i) of the method of the invention

further comprises providing a receptacle. The receptacle used in the invention is generally a cup, mug or jug.

According to the invention there is further provided a capsule for use in the machine and/or the method of the invention. The capsule is generally formed from walls which are preferably made from a plastics material.

According to the invention there is also provided a spike assembly for use in an automated drinks machine which assembly comprises a capsule piercing spike and a support which is arranged to allow movement of the spike from a standby position to a capsule engaging position and back to the standby position. The assembly optionally further comprises one or more devices to control the movement of the spike and/or the support.

Such devices may be a motor or an actuator.

The invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention: Figure 1 shows an automated drinks machine according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the spike assembly according to the invention; Figure 3 shows in projection the spike assembly; Figure 4 shows the piercing tip from below; Figure 5 shows a spike in cross-section;

Figure 6 shows schematically the first step in the method of operating the automated drinks machine; Figure 7 shows schematically the second and fourth steps in the method of operating the automated drinks machine; Figure 8 shows schematically the third step in the method of operating the automated drinks machine; Figure 9 shows schematically the final step in the method of operating the automated drinks machine; The automated drinks machine 100 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a spike assembly 1 which is connected to hot and/or cold water supply 102 by pipe 104. The spike assembly 1 is arranged to be substantially vertically above capsule support 41 which, in turn, is substantially vertically above funnel 47 and filter 49. A cup 45 is placed below filter 49. The machine also comprises used capsule box 106. The machine further comprises motors for moving spike assembly 1 (not shown). As an alternative to a motor, an actuator could be used.

In Figures 2 and 3 the spike assembly 1 according to the invention is illustrated. The spike assembly 1 comprises a spike 3, a tube 5 and a sleeve 7. The tube 5 and sleeve 7 act as a support for spike 3.

The tube 5 is disposed substantially vertically and has an upper end 9 and a lower end 11. Tube 5 defines a slot 13. The length of slot 13 is parallel to the length of tube 5. Spike 3 is slidably mounted inside tube 5. Sleeve 7 is slidably mounted outside tube 5 and is connected to spike 3 by bolts 15 which pass through slot 13 of tube 5. Thus the movement of

spike 3 in tube 5 is guided by slot 13 and sleeve 7. Tube 5 is rotatably mounted about bolt 6.

Spike 3 has a spike base 21 connected to piercing tip 23 by shaft 25.

Spike base 21 has an O-ring seal 8 between its lower end and the tube 5.

The spike base is disposed towards the upper end 9 of the tube 5 and the piercing tip 23 is disposed towards the lower end 11. The spike 3 defines at its centre a channel 27 which runs through the spike base 21 and shaft 25. Shaft 25 defines orifices 29 which connect to channel 27. The piercing tip 23 is in the form of a square based pyramid. The edges 31 of the pyramid which connect the apex 33 to the base are sharp and welldefined. The width of the base of the pyramid is greater than the diameter of the shaft 25.

The piercing tip is shown in more detail in Figure 3 to be of a four-sided pyramidal shape.

The spike 3 is shown in greater detail in Figure 4. The piercing tip 23 and shaft 25 are connected to the spike base 21 by means of threading 35.

The shaft 25 has a flange 37 which is provided with a rubber seal 39 to ensure a liquid-tight seal to the spike base 21. Shaft 25 is fitted with fins 24 which enable the machine to be used with capsules made from plastic materials. The problem with using a machine where the shaft 25 does not have fins 24 with such capsules is that the plastic walls of the capsule have a tendency to return to their original shape after being cut and pushed out by piercing tip 23. This causes the holes formed in the capsule walls to close. The advantage of the fins 24 is that they ensure that the lower hole in the capsule is kept open so that, in use, water can flow through it.

The spike assembly 1 is arranged so that movement of the sleeve 7 and spike 3 downwards towards the lower end 11 of tube 5 results in the spike base and shaft extending below the lower end 11 of tube 5.

In use, channel 27 is connected to source 102 such that the channel 27 and orifices 29 act as a liquid dispenser.

A method of operating the automated drinks machine 100 will now be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 9.

A capsule 43 containing drink concentrate, e. g. instant coffee granules optionally mixed with powdered milk and/or sugar, is placed on capsule support 41. The capsule 43 has an upper surface 44. The capsule support 41 is moved into position below spike assembly 1 (see Figure 6).

Spike 3 and sleeve 7 are moved vertically downwards along slot 13 of tube 5 to the lower end 11 of the tube 5 such that the piercing tip 23 of spike 3 goes all the way through capsule 43 and O-ring 8 abuts the upper surface 44 of capsule 43. Any of the contents of capsule 43 which is pushed out by the piercing tip 23 is guided into the cup 45 placed beneath by funnel 47 (see Figure 7).

Hot water 49 is then dispensed from orifices 29 into the capsule 43 such that the remaining contents of the capsule 43 are washed into cup 45.

The hot water 49 is able to pass out of the capsule 43 because the diameter of the hole 51 in the capsule made by the piercing tip 23 is less than the diameter of shaft 25. The hot water cannot pass out of the capsule 43 upwards because of O-ring 8 (see Figure 8).

After the hot water 49 has been dispensed, the spike assembly is rotated about bolt 6 until capsule 43 is above used capsule box 106. Spike 3 and

sleeve 7 are then moved along slot 13 of tube 5 to the upper end 9 of the tube 5 such that the piercing tip 23 of spike 3 is withdrawn from capsule 43. Capsule 43, thus released, falls into used capsule box 106. The spike assembly is then rotated about bolt 6 back into its original position (see Figures 7 and 9).

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An automated drinks machine suitable for use in preparing a drink from a concentrate stored in a capsule having an upper and a lower surface which machine includes a support for a capsule, a capsule piercing spike which is moveable between a standby position and a capsule engaging position, and a water dispenser which is arranged to be able, in use, to flush the concentrate from the capsule with water, such that in use the spike pierces through the upper and lower surfaces of the capsule in the capsule engaging position forming a hole in the lower surface of the capsule.
2. A machine according to claim 1 which includes a used capsule receptacle.
3. A machine according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the spike has a support which is arranged to allow movement of the spike between the standby position and the capsule engaging position.
4. A machine according to claim 3 wherein the support is moveable between a standby position and a used capsule ejection position.
5. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support is in the form of a hollow member such that when the spike is in the disengaged position, it is withdrawn into the hollow member and when the spike is in the capsule engaging position, it is extended from the hollow member.
6. A machine according to claim 5 wherein the hollow member is a sleeve or is formed by two or more slides

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7. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims which includes a receptacle support.
8. A machine according to claim 7 which includes a storage for a receptacle and an automated mechanism for transferring a receptacle from the storage to the receptacle support.
9. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spike has a piercing tip of a pyramidal shape having a base, an apex and a plurality of edges connecting the base to the apex.
10. A machine according to claim 9 wherein the edges of the piercing tip which connect the apex of the pyramidal shape to its base are cutting edges.
11. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims which further includes a filter arranged to prevent parts from a pierced capsule from falling into a receptacle.
12. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spike includes the water dispenser.
13. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spike has a hollow shaft which has two ends wherein the first end is adapted to be connected to a water source and the second end comprises the water dispenser.
14. A machine according to claim 13 wherein the water dispenser includes one or more orifices defined by the spike which connect the surface of the spike with the hollow shaft such that water can flow through them.

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15. A machine according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the second end has a seal such that, in use, there is a seal between the capsule and the second end of the shaft in order that dispensed water cannot leak.
16. A machine according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the diameter of the shaft is less than the maximum diameter of the piercing tip such that in the capsule engaging position dispensed water can flow out of the hole in the lower surface of the capsule.
17. A machine according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the shaft has one or more fins to substantially prevent closure of the hole formed in the lower surface of the capsule.
18. A machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 of the drawings.
19. A method of dispensing a drink automatically which method includes the steps of: (v) providing a capsule of drink concentrate; (vi) piercing the capsule such that liquid can flow through the capsule; (vii) dispensing water into the capsule; (viii) collecting the water from the capsule in a receptacle.
20. A method according to claim 19 which further includes the step of (v) discarding the capsule.
21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20 wherein step (i) further includes providing a receptacle.

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22. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 of the drawings.