ITMO20010100A1

ITMO20010100A1 - MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES

Info

Publication number: ITMO20010100A1
Application number: IT2001MO000100A
Authority: IT
Inventors: Ruggero Cera; Domenico Baffioni
Original assignee: Smile Coffee Srl
Priority date: 2001-05-18
Filing date: 2001-05-18
Publication date: 2002-11-18
Also published as: ITMO20010100A0

Description

Descrizione di invenzione industriale Description of industrial invention

Macchina per la preparazione di bevande Machine for preparing drinks

L'invenzione concerne una macchina per la preparazione di bevande, quali caffè, particolarmente una macchina disposta per utilizzare quantità predosate di prodotto solido sfuso costituente base della bevanda, tali quantità essendo contenute in opportuni involucri permeabili all'acqua in modo da costituire unità di confezionamento solitamente denominate "cialde". The invention relates to a machine for the preparation of beverages, such as coffee, particularly a machine arranged to use pre-measured quantities of bulk solid product constituting the base of the beverage, these quantities being contained in suitable water-permeable casings so as to constitute packaging units. usually called "pods".

Sono note macchine per la preparazione di caffè espresso provviste di caricatori comprendenti un cassetto incernierato ad un corpo di base ed idoneo a ricevere una cialda di caffè in polvere. Machines for preparing espresso coffee are known which are provided with loaders comprising a drawer hinged to a base body and suitable for receiving a pod of ground coffee.

Il cassetto è provvisto di un contenitore conformato a tazza in corrispondenza dell'estremità superiore del quale sono disposti mezzi di supporto idonei a ricevere la cialda ed a sostenerla durante il passaggio dell'acqua attraverso di essa. The drawer is provided with a cup-shaped container at the upper end of which support means suitable for receiving the pod and supporting it during the passage of water through it are arranged.

Il contenitore è provvisto inoltre di un vano disposto per ricevere il caffè espresso così preparato e, nella sua estremità inferiore, di un'apertura di scarico idonea a trasferire il suddetto caffè espresso all'interno di un sottostante bicchiere per renderlo disponibile ad un consumatore. Tale cassetto è mobile attorno ad un perno verticale, che lo fissa al suddetto corpo di base, tra una posizione di carico nella quale il contenitore è disposto esternamente rispetto al corpo di base per consentire all'utilizzatore di rimuovere una cialda già utilizzata e/o di inserire una nuova cialda ed una posizione operativa di lavoro in cui il contenitore è inserito all'interno del corpo di base in modo da portare la cialda in corrispondenza di mezzi erogatori di acqua calda. The container is also provided with a compartment arranged to receive the espresso coffee thus prepared and, in its lower end, with a discharge opening suitable for transferring the aforementioned espresso coffee into an underlying cup to make it available to a consumer. This drawer is movable around a vertical pin, which fixes it to the aforementioned base body, between a loading position in which the container is arranged externally with respect to the base body to allow the user to remove a pod that has already been used and / or to insert a new pod and an operative working position in which the container is inserted inside the base body so as to bring the pod in correspondence with hot water dispensing means.

Al summenzionato cassetto è associato un dispositivo di bloccaggio noto che consente, in seguito ad una pressione su di esso esercitata da parte dell'utilizzatore, di mantenere il cassetto nella posizione operativa durante la preparazione del caffè espresso, e successivamente, in seguito ad un'ulteriore pressione su di esso esercitata dall'utilizzatore, di permettere l'estrazione del cassetto per trasferirlo nella sua posizione di carico. Associated with the aforementioned drawer is a known locking device which allows, following a pressure exerted on it by the user, to keep the drawer in the operative position during the preparation of espresso coffee, and subsequently, following a further pressure exerted on it by the user, to allow the extraction of the drawer to transfer it to its loading position.

La macchina comprende inoltre un interruttore elettrico, azionato dal cassetto quando esso si trova in posizione operativa, che funge da sicurezza ed è preposto ad abilitare l'iniezione attraverso la cialda di acqua calda da parte dei mezzi erogatori. Un difetto delle macchine di questo tipo consiste in una considerevole difficoltà di pulizia: in particolare il cassetto, ossia la parte di macchina che si sporca con maggiore facilità, risulta difficilmente pulibile in quanto è fissato al corpo di base in modo permanente. The machine also comprises an electric switch, activated by the drawer when it is in the operating position, which acts as a safety device and is designed to enable the injection through the wafer of hot water by the dispensing means. A defect of machines of this type consists in a considerable difficulty in cleaning: in particular the drawer, that is the part of the machine that gets dirty more easily, is difficult to clean as it is permanently fixed to the base body.

Tale cassetto, infatti, può essere separato dal corpo di base soltanto provvedendo a smontarlo dalla macchina, tale operazione risultando scomoda e non realizzabile da parte di utilizzatori che non siano dotati di utensili idonei ad effettuare le operazioni di smontaggio. In fact, this drawer can be separated from the base body only by disassembling it from the machine, this operation being inconvenient and not feasible by users who are not equipped with suitable tools for carrying out the disassembly operations.

Un altro difetto delle macchine note consiste in una certa difficoltà di montaggio in quanto i dispositivi di bloccaggio e gli interruttori elettrici devono essere assemblati sul corpo di base in modo tale da evitare errori di posizionamento reciproco che pregiudicherebbero la possibilità di un corretto azionamento delle macchine stesse. Another defect of the known machines consists in a certain difficulty of assembly since the locking devices and the electric switches must be assembled on the base body in such a way as to avoid mutual positioning errors which would jeopardize the possibility of correct operation of the machines themselves. .

Un difetto ancora ulteriore della macchine dello stato della tecnica consiste nella loro scarsa versatilità: il cassetto di cui sono dotate, infatti, è predisposto a ricevere soltanto cialde aventi prefissato diametro, corrispondente ad una predeterminata quantità di polvere di caffè, il che impedisce di selezionare la quantità di caffè espresso che deve essere preparato. A still further defect of the state-of-the-art machines consists of their scarce versatility: the drawer with which they are equipped, in fact, is designed to receive only pods having a predetermined diameter, corresponding to a predetermined quantity of coffee powder, which prevents selection the amount of espresso that needs to be brewed.

Uno scopo della presente invenzione è di migliorare le macchine per la preparazione di caffè espresso note. An object of the present invention is to improve known espresso coffee machines.

Un altro scopo è di ottenere una macchina per la preparazione di caffè espresso provvista di un caricatore di cialde facilmente pulibile. Another object is to obtain an espresso coffee preparation machine equipped with an easily cleanable pod loader.

Uno scopo ancora ulteriore è di ottenere una macchina per la preparazione di caffè che possa essere assemblata con facilità. A still further object is to obtain a coffee preparation machine which can be easily assembled.

Ancora un altro scopo dell'invenzione è di ottenere una macchina per la preparazione di caffè espresso che sia particolarmente versatile potendo essere alimentata con cialde di vari formati e pertanto contenenti diverse quantità di caffè. Yet another object of the invention is to obtain a machine for preparing espresso coffee which is particularly versatile as it can be fed with pods of various formats and therefore containing different quantities of coffee.

In un primo aspetto dell'invenzione, è prevista una macchina per la preparazione di bevande, comprendente mezzi recettori atti a ricevere mezzi a cialda contenenti una sostanza di base della bevanda da preparare e mobili tra una posizione di carico in cui detti mezzi recettori sono disposti esternamente ad un corpo di base di detta macchina per ricevere detti mezzi a cialda ed una posizione operativa in cui detti mezzi recettori sono disposti internamente a detto corpo di base per portare detti mezzi a cialda ad interagire con mezzi erogatori di acqua calda, caratterizzato dal fatto che detti mezzi recettori sono fissati in modo amovibile a detto corpo di base. In una versione vantaggiosa, detti mezzi recettori sono associati a detto corpo di base tramite mezzi a cerniera disposti in modo tale che una parte operativa di essi solidale a detti mezzi recettori possa essere facilmente disconnessa da un'altra parte dei mezzi a cardine solidale a detto corpo di base. In una versione preferita, la parte operativa comprende mezzi a perno e l'altra parte operativa comprende mezzi a sede cooperanti con detti mezzi a perno. In a first aspect of the invention, a machine for preparing beverages is provided, comprising receptor means adapted to receive pod means containing a basic substance of the beverage to be prepared and movable between a loading position in which said receptor means are arranged externally to a base body of said machine for receiving said pod means and an operating position in which said receptor means are arranged inside said base body to bring said pod means to interact with hot water dispensing means, characterized by the fact that said receptor means are detachably fixed to said base body. In an advantageous version, said receptor means are associated with said base body by means of hinge means arranged in such a way that an operative part thereof integral with said receptor means can be easily disconnected from another part of the hinge means integral with said basic body. In a preferred embodiment, the operative part comprises pin means and the other operative part comprises seat means cooperating with said pin means.

L'aver previsto che i mezzi a sede siano ricavati nel corpo di base consente un'agevole rimozione dei mezzi recettori per la pulizia degli stessi. The provision that the seat means are formed in the base body allows easy removal of the receiving means for cleaning them.

In un'altra versione vantaggiosa, i mezzi recettori sono scorrevoli su mezzi di guida associati al corpo di base e pertanto risultano facilmente asportabili dalle rispettive macchine e possono essere sottoposti ad adeguate operazioni di pulizia. In another advantageous version, the receiving means slide on guide means associated with the base body and therefore are easily removable from the respective machines and can be subjected to adequate cleaning operations.

Grazie a questo aspetto dell'invenzione, è possibile ottenere una macchina per la produzione di caffè espresso particolarmente igienica in quanto idonea ad essere sottoposta con facilità ad operazioni di pulizia e manutenzione. Thanks to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a machine for the production of espresso coffee which is particularly hygienic as it is suitable for being easily subjected to cleaning and maintenance operations.

In un secondo aspetto dell'invenzione, è prevista una macchina per la preparazione di bevande, comprendente mezzi recettori provvisti di mezzi a bicchiere atti a ricevere mezzi a cialda di una sostanza di base della bevanda da preparare, caratterizzato dal fatto che detti mezzi a bicchiere sono estraibili da detti mezzi recettori. In a second aspect of the invention, a machine for preparing beverages is provided, comprising receptor means provided with cup means suitable for receiving pod means of a basic substance of the beverage to be prepared, characterized in that said cup means they are extractable from said receptor means.

In una versione vantaggiosa i mezzi a bicchiere comprendono elementi portafiltro di varie dimensioni i quali risultano, pertanto, atti a ricevere cialde costituite da diverse quantità di polvere, ad esempio di caffè, e quindi aventi diametri differenti. In an advantageous version, the cup means comprise filter holder elements of various sizes which are therefore suitable for receiving pods consisting of different quantities of powder, for example of coffee, and therefore having different diameters.

Grazie a questo aspetto dell'invenzione, è possibile ottenere una macchina da caffè idonea a produrre prefissate quantità di caffè espresso senza variare il rapporto tra acqua e polvere di caffè. Thanks to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a coffee machine suitable for producing predetermined quantities of espresso coffee without varying the ratio between water and coffee powder.

In un terzo aspetto dell'invenzione, è prevista una macchina per la preparazione di bevande, comprendente mezzi recettori atti a ricevere mezzi a cialda contenenti una sostanza di base di una bevanda da preparare e mezzi ad interruttore elettrico atti a consentire l'azionamento di detta macchina, caratterizzato dal fatto che a detti mezzi recettori sono solidali mezzi a pulsante deformabili atti ad interagire con detti mezzi ad interruttore elettrico per comandarli. In a third aspect of the invention, a machine for preparing beverages is provided, comprising receptor means suitable for receiving pod means containing a basic substance of a beverage to be prepared and electrical switch means suitable for allowing the operation of said machine, characterized in that the deformable pushbutton means are integral with said receptor means and are adapted to interact with said electrical switch means to control them.

Grazie a questo aspetto dell'invenzione, è possibile ottenere una macchina per la preparazione di caffè espresso dotata di mezzi a pulsante che consentono di compensare eventuali giochi, o errori di posizionamento, presenti tra i mezzi recettori ed un corpo di base della macchina stessa. Thanks to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a machine for preparing espresso coffee equipped with push-button means which allow to compensate for any play, or positioning errors, present between the receiving means and a base body of the machine itself.

In particolare, i mezzi a pulsante, disposti per comandare i mezzi ad interruttore, potendo essere realizzati con elementi elasticamente deformabili, permettono una compensazione dei giochi che consente l'azionamento della macchina anche qualora il montaggio sia stato eseguito in modo approssimativo. In una versione vantaggiosa, la macchina comprende inoltre mezzi di bloccaggio a pressione atti a mantenere i mezzi recettori fissati al corpo di base della macchina in una posizione operativa. In particular, the push-button means, arranged to control the switch means, being able to be made with elastically deformable elements, allow a compensation of the play which allows the machine to be operated even if the assembly has been carried out in an approximate manner. In an advantageous version, the machine further comprises pressure locking means adapted to keep the receiving means fixed to the base body of the machine in an operative position.

Si osserva che i mezzi ad interruttore ed i mezzi di bloccaggio a pressione sono preferibilmente entrambi azionati da distinte parti dei mezzi recettori e pertanto devono essere posizionati l'uno rispetto all'altro in modo opportuno. Per poter effettuare in modo semplice tale posizionamento reciproco è previsto un comune supporto sul quale sia i mezzi a interruttore sia i mezzi di bloccaggio a pressione possono essere montati mentre si trovano al di fuori della macchina così da poter essere successivamente collocati in posizione prefissata all'interno di essa. It is observed that the switch means and the pressure locking means are preferably both operated by distinct parts of the receptor means and therefore must be positioned relative to each other in a suitable manner. In order to be able to carry out this reciprocal positioning in a simple way, a common support is provided on which both the switch means and the pressure locking means can be mounted while they are outside the machine so that they can subsequently be placed in a predetermined position at the inside of it.

L'invenzione potrà essere meglio compresa ed attuata con riferimento agli allegati disegni, che ne illustrano alcune forme esemplificative e non limitativa di attuazione, in cui: The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate some exemplary and non-limiting forms of implementation, in which:

Figura 1 è una vista in pianta di una macchina per la preparazione di bevande secondo l'invenzione; Figure 1 is a plan view of a beverage preparation machine according to the invention;

Figura 2 è una vista laterale dei mezzi recettori della macchina di Figura 1 evidenziante mezzi di posizionamento in altezza di mezzi a perno di cerniera disposti per collegare i mezzi recettori ad un corpo di base della macchina; Figure 2 is a side view of the receptor means of the machine of Figure 1, showing means for positioning in height of hinge pin means arranged to connect the receptor means to a base body of the machine;

Figura 3 è una vista laterale dei mezzi recettori di Figura 1 durante una fase di asportazione dei mezzi recettori dal corpo di base della macchina; Figure 3 is a side view of the receptor means of Figure 1 during a step of removing the receptor means from the base body of the machine;

Figura 4 è una vista laterale dei mezzi recettori di Figura 1 in una successiva fase dì asportazione dei mezzi recettori dal corpo di base della macchina; Figure 4 is a side view of the receptor means of Figure 1 in a subsequent step of removing the receptor means from the base body of the machine;

Figura 5 è vista in pianta di una variante di una macchina per la preparazione di bevande secondo 1'invenzione; Figure 5 is a plan view of a variant of a machine for preparing drinks according to the invention;

Figura 6 è una vista in pianta dei mezzi recettori della macchina di Figura 5; Figure 6 is a plan view of the receptor means of the machine of Figure 5;

Figura 7 è una vista laterale del corpo di base della macchina di Figura 5; Figure 7 is a side view of the base body of the machine of Figure 5;

Figura 8 è una vista laterale dei mezzi recettori di Figura 6; Figure 8 is a side view of the receptor means of Figure 6;

Figura 9 è una vista frontale del corpo di base di Figura 5; Figure 9 is a front view of the base body of Figure 5;

Figura 10 è una vista frontale di mezzi a bicchiere di una macchina secondo l'invenzione idonei a ricevere una cialda, ad esempio contenente polvere di caffè, di grande diametro; Figure 10 is a front view of cup means of a machine according to the invention suitable for receiving a pod, for example containing coffee powder, of large diameter;

Figura 11 è una vista frontale di mezzi a bicchiere di una macchina secondo l'invenzione idonei a ricevere una cialda di piccolo diametro; Figure 11 is a front view of cup means of a machine according to the invention suitable for receiving a small diameter pod;

Figura 12 è una vista in pianta, parzialmente esplosa, di mezzi di collegamento disposti per collegare i mezzi recettori dell'apparato di Figura 1 al corpo di base della macchina stessa. Figure 12 is a partially exploded plan view of connection means arranged to connect the receptor means of the apparatus of Figure 1 to the base body of the machine itself.

Con riferimento alle Figure da 1 a 4, è mostrata una macchina 1 per la preparazione di caffè espresso comprendente un caricatore 2 di cialde, o pastiglie, di polvere di caffè provvisto di uno sportello 3 girevolmente supportato ad un corpo di base 4 della macchina 1. With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a machine 1 for preparing espresso coffee is shown comprising a loader 2 of pods, or tablets, of coffee powder provided with a door 3 rotatably supported on a base body 4 of the machine 1 .

Allo sportello 3 sono associati mezzi a bicchiere 5, conformati ad imbuto, il cui bordo superiore 6 è idoneo a supportare un filtro 7 (Figura 7) , costituito, ad esempio da un disco di lamiera metallica recante una pluralità di fori di piccolo diametro, atto a ricevere una cialda. With the door 3 there are associated funnel-shaped cup means 5, the upper edge 6 of which is suitable for supporting a filter 7 (Figure 7), consisting, for example, of a metal plate disc carrying a plurality of small diameter holes, suitable for receiving a wafer.

Lo sportello 3 può essere ruotato attorno ad un asse verticale X per passare da una posizione di carico, indicata con A in Figura 1, nella quale una cialda già utilizzata viene prelevata dal bicchiere 5 ed eventualmente sostituita da una cialda non ancora impiegata, ad una posizione operativa, indicata con B in Figura 1, nella quale il bicchiere 5 risulta contenuto all'interno del corpo di base 4 e la cialda è portata ad interagire con mezzi erogatori di acqua calda, non raffigurati. The door 3 can be rotated around a vertical axis X to pass from a loading position, indicated by A in Figure 1, in which a pod that has already been used is taken from the cup 5 and possibly replaced by a pod that has not yet been used, to a operative position, indicated with B in Figure 1, in which the cup 5 is contained inside the base body 4 and the pod is brought to interact with hot water dispensing means, not shown.

Lo sportello 3 è anteriormente dotato di una parete di contenimento H estendentesi lungo uno sviluppo curvilineo e conformata in modo da adattarsi al profilo della porzione 8 di corpo di base 4 con cui lo sportello 3 viene ad interagire nella posizione operativa B. The door 3 is provided at the front with a containment wall H extending along a curvilinear development and shaped so as to adapt to the profile of the portion 8 of the base body 4 with which the door 3 interacts in the operative position B.

In alternativa, può essere prevista una parete di contenimento K avente un profilo lineare, oppure una parete di contenimento L provvista di una appendice 9 proiettantesi verso un utilizzatore ed idonea a costituire un'impugnatura disposta per facilitare l'apertura dello sportello 3 da parte dell'utilizzatore stesso. Alternatively, a containment wall K having a linear profile can be provided, or a containment wall L provided with an appendix 9 projecting towards a user and suitable for constituting a handle arranged to facilitate the opening of the door 3 by the user himself.

Lo sportello 3 è connesso ad un montante 10 del corpo di base 4 tramite un primo ed un secondo elemento di collegamento Ila, llb, rappresentati in maggiore dettaglio in Figura 12, ciascuno di detti elementi di collegamento Ila, llb comprendendo un primo semiguscio 12 ed un secondo semiguscio 13 mutuamente fissati da una vite 14 ed individuanti una prima sede 15 disposta per ricevere il montante 10 ed una seconda sede 16 disposta per ricevere mezzi di cerniera 17 solidali allo sportello 3. The door 3 is connected to an upright 10 of the base body 4 by means of a first and a second connection element 11a, 11b, represented in greater detail in Figure 12, each of said connection elements 11a, 11b comprising a first half-shell 12 and a second half-shell 13 mutually fixed by a screw 14 and identifying a first seat 15 arranged to receive the upright 10 and a second seat 16 arranged to receive hinge means 17 integral with the door 3.

I mezzi di cerniera 17 comprendono un primo perno 18 idoneo ad essere ricevuto nella seconda sede 16 del primo elemento di collegamento Ila ed un secondo perno 19 idoneo ad essere ricevuto nella seconda sede 16 del secondo elemento di collegamento 11b. The hinge means 17 comprise a first pin 18 suitable for being received in the second seat 16 of the first connecting element 11a and a second pin 19 suitable for being received in the second seat 16 of the second connecting element 11b.

Con riferimento alle Figure 3 e 4, è mostrato come il primo elemento di collegamento Ila ed il secondo elemento di collegamento llb possano essere posizionati in altezza in modo regolabile facendoli scorrere lungo il montante 10 e possano, successivamente, essere bloccati nella posizione desiderata serrando le viti 15. With reference to Figures 3 and 4, it is shown how the first connecting element 11a and the second connecting element 11b can be positioned in an adjustable height by making them slide along the upright 10 and can subsequently be locked in the desired position by tightening the screws 15.

La distanza tra il primo elemento di collegamento Ila ed il secondo elemento di collegamento llb può, pertanto, essere fissata in modo che un utilizzatore sollevando lo sportello 3, come mostrato in Figura 3, possa causare un parziale inserimento del primo perno 18 all'interno della seconda sede 16 del primo elemento di collegamento Ila disimpegnando, in tal modo, il secondo perno 19 dalla seconda sede 16 del secondo elemento di collegamento llb. Lo sportello 3, grazie ad un lieve gioco di accoppiamento presente tra il primo perno 18 e la relativa sede 16, può quindi essere ruotato verso l'esterno, come mostrato in Figura 4, ed essere asportato da corpo di base 4 per essere sottoposto ad operazioni di pulizia. The distance between the first connecting element 11a and the second connecting element 11b can therefore be fixed so that a user lifting the door 3, as shown in Figure 3, can cause a partial insertion of the first pin 18 inside of the second seat 16 of the first connecting element 11a thus disengaging the second pin 19 from the second seat 16 of the second connecting element 11b. The door 3, thanks to a slight coupling play present between the first pin 18 and the relative seat 16, can therefore be rotated outwards, as shown in Figure 4, and removed from the base body 4 to be subjected to cleaning operations.

Lo sportello 3, grazie all'impiego della coppia di elementi di collegamento Ila, llb, può essere montato a parte e successivamente essere fissato al corpo di base 4 quando esso è stato già quasi completamente assemblato: in tal modo, vantaggiosamente, è possibile produrre corpi di base 4 universali ed associare ad essi, nella fase finale del ciclo produttivo, uno sportello incernierato, oppure un cassetto scorrevole, il quale verrà descritto più dettagliatamente nel seguito, in base alle richieste di un cliente. The door 3, thanks to the use of the pair of connecting elements 11a, 11b, can be mounted separately and subsequently fixed to the base body 4 when it has already been almost completely assembled: in this way, advantageously, it is possible to produce universal base bodies 4 and to associate with them, in the final phase of the production cycle, a hinged door, or a sliding drawer, which will be described in more detail below, based on the requests of a customer.

Ciò consente di semplificare notevolmente la produzione in quanto si introduce un elevato grado di standardizzazione tra le varie tipologie di macchina 1 realizzate da uno stesso produttore. This makes it possible to considerably simplify production since a high degree of standardization is introduced between the various types of machines 1 made by the same manufacturer.

Lo sportello 3 comprende inoltre mezzi di aggancio 20 idonei ad impegnarsi con mezzi di bloccaggio a pressione 21 di tipo noto atti a mantenere il lo sportello 3 nella corretta posizione durante il funzionamento della macchina 1. The door 3 also comprises hooking means 20 suitable for engaging with pressure locking means 21 of a known type able to keep the door 3 in the correct position during operation of the machine 1.

Allo sportello 3 sono solidali mezzi a pulsante 22 disposti per azionare mezzi ad interruttore 23 connessi al corpo di base 4, detti mezzi ad interruttore 23 essendo atti a consentire l'azionamento della macchina 1, ed in particolare la fuoriuscita di acqua calda dai summenzionati mezzi erogatori. Push-button means 22 are integral with the door 3 and are arranged to actuate switch means 23 connected to the base body 4, said switch means 23 being adapted to allow the machine 1 to be operated, and in particular the hot water to escape from the aforementioned means. dispensers.

Con riferimento alle Figure 5, 6 e 9, è mostrata una versione della macchina 1 in cui lo sportello 3 è sostituito da un cassetto 3a accoppiato a scorrimento a mezzi di guida 24 solidali a mezzi di supporto 25 fissati al corpo di base 4. With reference to Figures 5, 6 and 9, a version of the machine 1 is shown in which the door 3 is replaced by a drawer 3a slidingly coupled to guide means 24 integral with support means 25 fixed to the base body 4.

Il cassetto 3a, in tal caso, è mobile tra una posizione arretrata di carico-scarico cialde ed una posizione avanzata di lavoro. The drawer 3a, in this case, is movable between a rear position of pod loading-unloading and an advanced working position.

I mezzi di guida 24 comprendono mezzi a dente 26 impegnantisi in relativi mezzi a scanalatura 27 ricavati nel cassetto 3a. Il cassetto 3a comprende inoltre mezzi a gola 28 disposti per ricevere mezzi a vite, non raffigurati, che costituiscono un arresto di fine corsa per il cassetto 3a nella sua posizione arretrata di carico-scarico cialde. The guide means 24 comprise tooth means 26 engaging in relative groove means 27 obtained in the drawer 3a. The drawer 3a further comprises groove means 28 arranged to receive screw means, not shown, which constitute an end stop for the drawer 3a in its rear position for loading-unloading pods.

I mezzi a dente 26 ed i relativi mezzi a scanalatura 27 possono presentare una sezione rettangolare, come mostrato nelle Figure 5, 6 e 9, oppure avere una sezione trapezoidale con lati divergenti verso 1'alto. The tooth means 26 and the related groove means 27 can have a rectangular section, as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 9, or have a trapezoidal section with sides diverging upwards.

Con riferimento alle Figure 7 e 8, sono mostrati i mezzi a pulsante 22 i quali sono dotati di elementi 29 elasticamente deformabili idonei ad interagire con una porzione mobile 30 dei mezzi ad interruttore 23. Gli elementi 29 elasticamente deformabili possono comprendere ad esempio mezzi a lamina flessibile, oppure mezzi a molla elicoidale. With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the pushbutton means 22 are shown which are equipped with elastically deformable elements 29 suitable for interacting with a mobile portion 30 of the switch means 23. The elastically deformable elements 29 can comprise for example leaf means flexible, or helical spring means.

La deformabilità degli elementi 29 consente che essi possano azionare idoneamente i mezzi ad interruttore 23 anche in presenza di errori di posizionamento. Tali elementi 29, infatti, compensano imprecisioni di montaggio con relative estensioni o accorciamenti di lieve entità. The deformability of the elements 29 allows them to suitably operate the switch means 23 even in the presence of positioning errors. These elements 29, in fact, compensate for assembly inaccuracies with relative slight extensions or shortenings.

La macchina 1 comprende inoltre mezzi di bloccaggio a pressione 21 cooperanti con mezzi di aggancio 20 ricavati nel cassetto 3a. The machine 1 also comprises pressure locking means 21 cooperating with coupling means 20 obtained in the drawer 3a.

Per bloccare il cassetto 3a esso viene premuto contro i mezzi di bloccaggio 21 in modo che il bicchiere venga mantenuto in posizione in corrispondenza dei mezzi erogatori di acqua calda. Al termine della preparazione di una dose di caffè il cassetto 3a, premuto dall'utilizzatore, compie un tratto supplementare di corsa in direzione dei mezzi di bloccaggio 21 liberando da essi i mezzi di aggancio 20, in modo tale da poter essere portato nella sua posizione di carico-scarico cialde. To lock the drawer 3a it is pressed against the locking means 21 so that the cup is kept in position in correspondence with the hot water dispensing means. At the end of the preparation of a dose of coffee, the drawer 3a, pressed by the user, makes an additional stroke in the direction of the locking means 21, freeing the coupling means 20 therefrom, so that it can be brought into its position. pods loading-unloading.

Sia mezzi ad interruttore 23 che i mezzi di bloccaggio a pressione 21 sono fissati ai mezzi di supporto 25; ciò consente che essi siano collocati nelle corrette posizioni relative per poter essere, in fase operativa, contemporaneamente rispettivamente azionati dai mezzi a pulsante 22 e dai mezzi di aggancio 20 montati a bordo del cassetto 3a. Both the switch means 23 and the pressure locking means 21 are fixed to the support means 25; this allows them to be placed in the correct relative positions in order to be simultaneously actuated, in the operative phase, respectively by the button means 22 and by the hooking means 20 mounted on the edge of the drawer 3a.

In tal modo, il montaggio della macchina 1 risulta piuttosto semplice, in quanto i mezzi ad interruttore 23 ed i mezzi di bloccaggio 21 possono essere fissati ai mezzi di supporto 25 a parte e successivamente i mezzi di supporto 25 possono essere assemblati al corpo di base 4 riducendo i rischi di errori di montaggio. In this way, the assembly of the machine 1 is rather simple, since the switch means 23 and the locking means 21 can be fixed to the support means 25 separately and subsequently the support means 25 can be assembled to the base body. 4 reducing the risk of assembly errors.

Con riferimento alle Figure 10 e 11, sono mostrati mezzi a bicchiere 5 disposti per ricevere cialde di varie dimensioni. With reference to Figures 10 and 11, cup means 5 are shown arranged to receive pods of various sizes.

I mezzi a bicchiere 5 sono dotati di mezzi di centraggio 31 idonei ad essere ricevuti in accoppiamento di forma in relativi intagli 32 ricavati nel cassetto 3a, oppure nello sportello 3. I mezzi a bicchiere 5 presentano dimensioni esterne uguali e sono internamente dotati di mezzi portafiltro 33 atti a ricevere cialde di prefissata dimensione, ad esempio cialde di grandi dimensioni, nella versione di cui alla Figura 10, oppure cialde di dimensioni più limitate, nella versione di cui alla Figura 11. The cup means 5 are equipped with centering means 31 suitable for being received in shape coupling in relative notches 32 made in the drawer 3a, or in the door 3. The cup means 5 have equal external dimensions and are internally equipped with filter holder means 33 suitable for receiving pods of a predetermined size, for example large pods, in the version shown in Figure 10, or smaller sized pods, in the version shown in Figure 11.

Qualora si renda necessario variare la quantità di caffè espresso che deve essere preparata, è sufficiente estrarre uno di detti mezzi a bicchiere 5 e sostituirlo con un altro di detti mezzi a bicchiere 5 avente mezzi portafiltro 33 tali da supportare una cialda di dimensioni adeguate e pertanto idonea per la preparazione della desiderata dose di caffè. If it is necessary to vary the quantity of espresso coffee to be prepared, it is sufficient to extract one of said cup means 5 and replace it with another of said cup means 5 having filter holder means 33 such as to support a pod of adequate size and therefore suitable for preparing the desired dose of coffee.

I mezzi a bicchiere 5 sono dotati di una porzione inferiore 34 provvista di un'apertura di erogazione 35 attraverso la quale il caffè espresso preparato viene versato in un apposito recipiente e può essere prelevato da un consumatore. The cup means 5 are provided with a lower portion 34 provided with a dispensing opening 35 through which the prepared espresso coffee is poured into a suitable container and can be withdrawn by a consumer.

Alla suddetta porzione inferiore 34 è associato un beccuccio di erogazione, non raffigurato, che provvede a favorire il trasferimento del caffè preparato dai mezzi a bicchiere 5 al summenzionato recipiente. Associated with the aforementioned lower portion 34 is a dispensing spout, not shown, which facilitates the transfer of the coffee prepared from the cup means 5 to the aforementioned receptacle.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Machine for the preparation of beverages, comprising receptor means (3; 3a) adapted to receive wafer means containing a basic substance of the beverage to be prepared and movable between a loading position (A) in which said receptor means (3; 3a) are arranged externally to a base body (4) of said machine (1) to receive said wafer means and an operating position (B) in which said receptor means (3; 3a) are arranged inside said base body (4) to bring said wafer means to interact with liquid dispensing means, characterized in that said receptor means (3) are detachably fixed to said base body (4).

2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein said receptor means (3) are associated with said base body by means of hinge means (17).

3. Machine according to claim 2, wherein said hinge means (17) comprise first pin means (18) and second pin means (19) housed in respective seat means (16).

4. Machine according to claim 3, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) are associated with said receptor means (3).

5. Machine according to claim 3, or 4, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) extend on opposite sides of said receptor means (3) to engage respectively from below and from said respective seat means (16).

Machine according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) are removable from said seat means (16).

Machine according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) are arranged at such a distance that the receptor means (3) can be disengaged from said body base (4) by lifting them along the longitudinal axis of said first pin means (18) and of said second pin means (19) and rotating them outwards.

Machine according to one of claims 2 to 7, in which said hinge means (17) are connected to said base body (4) by means of connection means (11a, 11b).

9. Machine according to claim 8, wherein said connecting means (11a, 11b) comprising first half-shell means (12) and second half-shell means (13) mutually fixed by a screw (14).

10. Machine according to claim 8, or 9, when dependent on one of claims 3 to 7, in which said connection means (11a, 11b) identify said seat means (16).

11. Machine according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which said connection means (11a, 11b) can be positioned in height on upright means (10) of said base body (4).

12. Machine according to claim 1, wherein said receptor means (3a) slides along guide means (24) associated with said base body (4).

13. Machine according to claim 12, wherein said guide means (24) comprise tooth means (26) engaging in groove means (27) obtained in said receptor means (3a).

Machine according to claim 13, wherein said tooth means (26) and said groove means (27) have a rectangular section.

15. Machine according to claim 13, wherein said tooth means (26) and said groove means (27) have a trapezoidal section.

Machine according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said receptor means (3a) further comprise groove means (28) arranged to receive screw means operating as an end stop for said receptor means (3a).

Machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which said receptor means (3; 3a) are provided with cup means (5) suitable for receiving said wafer means.

18. Machine according to claim 17, wherein said cup means (5) are removable from said receptor means (3; 3a).

19. Machine according to claim 17, or 18, in which said cup means (5) are equipped with centering means (31) suitable for being received in shape coupling in relative notch means (32) obtained in said receptor means (3; 3a).

Machine according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein said cup means comprise a plurality of mutually interchangeable cups (5).

21. Machine according to claim 20, in which said cups (5) have external dimensions equal to each other and are each internally provided with filter holder means (33) suitable for receiving pods of a predetermined size.

Machine according to one of claims 17 to 21, in which said cup means (5) are equipped with a lower portion (34) provided with a dispensing opening (35) for said drinks.

23. Machine according to claim 22, wherein a dispensing spout is associated with said lower portion (34).

24. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, and further comprising electrical switch means (23) adapted to control the operation of said machine (1).

25. Machine according to claim 24, in which button means (22) suitable for interacting with said electrical switch means (23) are integral with said receptor means (3; 3a).

Machine according to claim 25, wherein said button means (22) comprise elastically deformable elements (29) arranged to compensate for travel inaccuracies of said receptor means (3; 3a).

27. Machine according to claim 26, wherein said elastically deformable elements (29) comprise flexible sheet means.

28. Machine according to claim 26, wherein said elastically deformable elements (29) comprise helical spring means.

29. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, and further comprising pressure locking means (21) adapted to keep said receptor means (3; 3a) locked in said operative position (B).

Machine according to claim 29, wherein said receptor means (3; 3a) comprise hooking means (20) suitable for engaging with said pressure locking means (21).

31. Machine according to claim 29, or 30, when dependent on one of claims 24 to 28, in which said electrical switch means (23) and said pressure locking means (21) are connected to support means (25 ).

32. Machine according to claim 31, wherein said support means can be fixed to said base body (4).

33. Beverage preparation machine comprising receptor means (3; 3a) provided with cup means (5) adapted to receive pod means of a basic substance of the drink to be prepared, characterized in that said cup means (5 ) are extractable from said receptor means (3; 3a).

34. Machine according to claim 33, wherein said cup means (5) are equipped with centering means (31) suitable for being received in shape coupling in relative notch means (32) obtained in said receptor means (3; 3a).

Machine according to claim 33, or 34, in which said cup means comprise a plurality of cups (5) interchangeable with each other.

Machine according to claim 35, in which said cups (5) have external dimensions equal to each other and are each internally provided with filter holder means (33) suitable for receiving pods of a predetermined size.

37. Machine according to one of claims 33 to 36, wherein said cup means (5) are equipped with a lower portion (34) provided with a dispensing opening (35) for said drinks.

38. Machine according to claim 37, wherein a dispensing spout is associated with said lower portion (34).

39. Machine according to one of claims 33 to 38, in which said receptor means (3; 3a) are movable between a loading position (A) in which said receptor means (3; 3a) are arranged externally to a base body (4) of said machine (1) for receiving said wafer means and an operating position (B) in which said receptor means (3; 3a) are arranged inside said base body (4) to bring said wafer means to interacting with liquid dispensing means.

40. Machine according to claim 39, wherein said receptor means (3; 3a) are fixed in a removable way to said base body (4).

41. Machine according to claim 40, wherein said receptor means (3) are associated with said base body (4) by means of hinge means (17).

42. Machine according to claim 41, wherein said hinge means (17) comprise first pin means (18) and second pin means (19) housed in respective seat means (16).

43. Machine according to claim 42, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) are associated with said receptor means (3).

Machine according to claim 42, or 43, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) extend on opposite sides of said receptor means (3) to respectively engage said respective seat means (16).

45. Machine according to one of claims 42 to 44, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) are removable from said seat means (16).

46. Machine according to one of claims 42 to 45, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) are arranged at such a distance that the receptor means (3) can be disengaged from said body base (4) by lifting them along the longitudinal axis of said first pin means (18) and of said second pin means (19) and rotating them outwards.

47. Machine according to one of claims 41 to 46, in which said hinge means (17) are connected to said base body 4 by means of connection means (11a, 11b).

48. Machine according to claim 47, wherein said connecting means (11a, 11b) comprising first half-shell means (12) and second half-shell means (13) mutually fixed by a screw (14).

Machine according to claim 47, or 48, when dependent on one of claims 42 to 46, in which said connection means (11a, 11b) identify said seat means (16).

50. Machine according to one of claims 47 to 49, in which said connection means (11a, 11b) can be positioned in height on upright means (10) of said base body (4).

51. Machine according to claim 39, wherein said receptor means (3a) slides along guide means (24) associated with said base body (4).

52. Machine according to claim 51, wherein said guide means (24) comprise tooth means (26) engaging in groove means (27) formed in said receptor means (3a).

53. Machine according to claim 52, wherein said tooth means (26) and said groove means (27) have a rectangular section.

Machine according to claim 52, wherein said tooth means (26) and said groove means (27) have a trapezoidal section.

Machine according to one of claims 51 to 54, wherein said receptor means (3a) further comprise groove means (28) arranged to receive screw means operating as an end stop for said receptor means (3a).

56. Machine according to one of claims 33 to 55, and further comprising electrical switch means (23) adapted to control the operation of said machine (1).

57. Machine according to claim 56, in which button means (22) suitable for interacting with said electrical switch means (23) are integral with said receptor means (3; 3a).

58. Machine according to claim 57, wherein said push-button means (22) comprise elastically deformable elements (29) arranged to compensate for travel inaccuracies of said receptor means (3; 3a).

Machine according to claim 58, wherein said elastically deformable elements (29) comprise flexible sheet means.

60. Machine according to claim 58, wherein said elastically deformable elements (29) comprise helical spring means.

61. Machine according to one of claims 39 to 60, and further comprising pressure locking means (21) adapted to keep said receptor means (3; 3a) locked in said operating position (B).

62. Machine according to claim 61, wherein said receptor means (3; 3a) comprise hooking means (20) suitable for engaging with said pressure locking means (21).

63. Machine according to claim 61, or 62 when dependent on one of claims 56 to 60, in which said electrical switch means (23) and said pressure locking means (21) are connected to support means (25) .

64. Machine according to claim 63 when dependent on one of claims 39 to 62, in which said support means can be fixed to said base body (4).

Machine for preparing beverages, comprising receptor means (3; 3a) suitable for receiving base pod means for a beverage to be prepared and electrical switch means (23) suitable for allowing the operation of said machine, characterized in that integral with said receptor means (3; 3a) are deformable button means (22) adapted to interact with said electrical switch means (23) to control them.

66. Machine according to claim 65, wherein said button means (22) comprise elastically deformable elements (29) arranged to compensate for travel inaccuracies of said receptor means (3; 3a).

67. Machine according to claim 66, wherein said elastically deformable elements (29) comprise flexible sheet means.

68. Machine according to claim 66, wherein said elastically deformable elements (29) comprise helical spring means.

69. Machine according to one of claims 65 to 68, and further comprising pressure locking means (21) adapted to block said receptor means (3; 3a).

70. Machine according to claim 69, wherein said receptor means (3; 3a) comprise hooking means (20) suitable for engaging with said pressure locking means (21).

71. Machine according to claim 69, or 70, wherein said electrical switch means (23) and said pressure locking means (21) are connected to support means (25).

72. Machine according to claim 71, wherein said support means can be fixed to a base body (4) of said machine (1).

73. Machine according to claim 72, wherein said receptor means (3; 3a) are movable between a loading position (A) in which said receptor means (3; 3a) are arranged externally to said base body (4) to receiving said pod means and an operative position (B) in which said receptor means (3; 3a) are arranged inside said base body (4) to bring said pod means to interact with liquid dispensing means.

74. Machine according to claim 73, wherein said receptor means (3; 3a) are fixed in a removable way to said base body (4).

Machine according to claim 74, wherein said receptor means (3) are associated with said base body (4) by means of hinge means (17).

76. Machine according to claim 75, wherein said hinge means (17) comprise first pin means (18) and second pin means (19) housed in respective seat means (16).

77. Machine according to claim 76, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) are associated with said receptor means (3).

78. Machine according to claim 76, or 77, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) extend on opposite sides of said receptor means (3) to engage respectively from below and from said respective seat means (16).

79. Machine according to one of claims 76 to 78, wherein said first pin means (18) and said second pin means (19) are removable from said seat means (16).

Machine according to one of claims 76 to 79, wherein said first means a " pin (18) and said second pin means (19) are arranged at such a distance that the receptor means (3) can be disengaged from said base body (4) by lifting them along the longitudinal axis of said first pin means ( 18) and said second pin means (19) and rotating them outwards.

81. Machine according to one of claims 75 to 80, in which said hinge means (17) are connected to said base body 4 by means of connection means (11a, 11b).

82. Machine according to claim 81, wherein said connecting means (11a, 11b) comprising first half-shell means (12) and second half-shell means (13) mutually fixed by a screw (14).

83. Machine according to claim 81, or 82, when dependent on one of claims 76 to 80, in which said connection means (11a, 11b) identify said seat means (16).

84. Machine according to one of claims 81 to 83, in which said connection means (11a, 11b) can be positioned in height on upright means (10) of said base body (4).

85. Machine according to claim 74, wherein said receptor means (3a) slides along guide means (24) associated with said base body (4).

86. Machine according to claim 85, wherein said guide means (24) comprise tooth means (26) engaging in groove means (27) obtained in said receptor means (3a).

87. Machine according to claim 86, wherein said tooth means (26) and said groove means (27) have a rectangular section.

88. Machine according to claim 86, wherein said tooth means (26) and said groove means (27) have a trapezoidal section.

89. Machine according to one of claims 85 to 88, wherein said receptor means (3a) further comprise groove means (28) arranged to receive screw means operating as an end stop for said receptor means (3a).

Machine according to one of claims 65 to 89, in which said receptor means (3; 3a) are provided with cup means (5) suitable for receiving said pod means.

91. Machine according to claim 90, wherein said cup means (5) are removable from said receptor means (3; 3a).

92. Machine according to claim 90, or 91, in which said cup means (5) are equipped with centering means (31) suitable for being received in shape coupling in relative notch means (32) obtained in said receptor means (3; 3a).

93. Machine according to one of claims 90 to 92, wherein said cup means comprise a plurality of mutually interchangeable cups (5).

94. Machine according to claim 93, in which said cups (5) have external dimensions equal to each other and are each internally provided with filter holder means (33) suitable for receiving pods of a predetermined size.

Machine according to one of claims 92 to 94, in which said cup means (5) are equipped with a lower portion (34) provided with a dispensing opening (35) for said drinks.

96. Machine according to claim 95, wherein a dispensing spout is associated with said lower portion (34).