RU2772511C1 - Beverage distribution system with means for positioning beverage receiving element and fluid receiving element for preparing beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: flavored beverages preparation systems.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to the field of systems for the preparation of flavored beverages by infusion or extraction of the respective substance, in particular systems with means for discharging the beverage into the interior of the drinking receptacle along a direction opposite to that of gravity. The present invention discloses a food distribution system comprising a device (1) for preparing beverages, in particular flavored beverages such as coffee, tea and the like, which contains the first means (2) for placing the receiving element, made with the possibility of placing the drinking receiving element (10, 10'), and the second mounting means (9) for placing the receiving element, made with the possibility of placing the receiving element (11, 11') for a beverage, wherein the first and second means (2, 9) for accommodating the receiving elements are provided on essentially the same level in the device (1).

EFFECT: providing better fluid circulation conditions between the first receiving element for supplying fluid and the second receiving element for collecting the resulting beverage.

16 cl, 10 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to the field of systems for the preparation of aromatic beverages by infusion or extraction of the respective substance, in particular systems with means for dispensing the beverage into the interior of the drinking receptacle along a direction opposite to that of gravity.

Prerequisites for the creation of the invention

Machines are known in the prior art which have receptacles for beverage preparation fluids, for example water, for extracting the respective beverage precursor. Said receptacles may be in the form of reservoirs which supply fluid to the extraction device, for example by dripping in the case of coffee machines, or may be in the form of receptacles in which the beverage precursor is extracted, for example in case of teapots for making tea. These machines have different means for accommodating a receiving element for supplying a fluid for preparing a beverage.

In addition, in the prior art there are a number of machines for preparing drinks with the release of the drink in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity, that is, through the base area of the receiving elements for drinks, such as cups. These machines have means for accommodating receiving elements, including a device for dispensing a beverage and configured to functionally hold the receiving element for a drink.

Particularly in the case of aromatic beverages such as coffee or tea, the release of the beverage is a process with a potential impact on the quality of the beverage entering the drinking receptacle. Indeed, the main characteristics of the discharge stream determine a number of aspects, such as the possible premature cooling of the beverage as a result of being exposed to air during discharge into a cup or other beverage beverage receptacle.

There are a number of examples in the prior art of appropriate placement of two types of data receptacles, namely a beverage preparation fluid receptacle and a beverage receptacle in a beverage preparation device.

DE 2009 048233 A1 discloses a system of the type of the system according to the present invention, in which portions of the food substance are fed into the collection space and the beverage is discharged along a direction opposite to that of gravity. In particular, this document discloses a device that includes means for receiving a receiving element for a fluid intended for preparation, which in this case is in the form of a capsule with a shape and size at least approximately similar to a capsule that contains a nutritional substance. . In addition, the release of the preparation fluid from the respective receptacle is at a level similar to that of its injection into the capsule that contains the food substance, but certainly lower than the level at which the drink is discharged into the drinkable receptacle.

WO 2014/086915 A1 discloses a similar system in which it appears to have an opening for introducing a portion of food substance and a means for dispensing a beverage provided at a similar height. However, this document does not disclose means for accommodating preparation and beverage receptacles at at least approximately similar levels in the device.

WO 2015/084203 A1, filed by the present applicant, discloses a flavored beverage preparation system having a particularly compact configuration and small dimensions, so that it provides the advantages of device portability.

WO 2017/200409 A1, also filed by the present applicant, discloses a system for preparing flavored beverages with an optimized beverage outlet and a preferred device configuration.

WO 2018/189071 A1 and CH 702946 A2 also disclose systems for the preparation or distribution of beverages, with the release of the beverage along a direction opposite to gravity.

The essence of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a food distribution system, in particular, including a device for preparing a drink and supplying a fluid and receiving elements for a drink, which are made with the possibility of their functional placement on the respective first and second means of accommodating said device. , wherein the system is configured to provide better fluid circulation conditions between said first receiving element for supplying a fluid medium and a second receiving element for collecting the resulting beverage, while this system, in particular, includes a channel for fluid and drink, passing through its base zone, that is, along the direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

This problem is solved according to the present invention by means of a food distribution system in accordance with paragraph 1 of the claims.

In particular, the above object is solved by a system that comprises a device having a device body and an access means that provides selective access to the means for accommodating the receiving element, in particular so that it can selectively close the means for accommodating the receiving element, and associated with therein an element for discharging the product, at least in the case when the receiving element is not placed on the receiving element accommodating means.

The corresponding object is to disclose the relative position of the components and the configuration of the device, which minimizes the height of the structure necessary to accommodate the fluid circuit between the receiving element for supplying fluid and the element for discharging a beverage into the receiving element for preparing a drink, in in particular, in a system in which the beverage is discharged in a direction opposite to that of gravity.

In particular, said drinking receptacle is understood to mean a receptacle used for the final consumption of a beverage, such as, for example, a glass, a cup or a receptacle of a similar type. By said beverage preparation receptacle is meant a receptacle configured to store therein a certain amount of fluid used in a mixture, such as an extract/infusion, for example, or added to another beverage preparation fluid, and this amount generally corresponds to the amount needed to prepare a plurality of individual beverage servings for final consumption.

Preferably, said device is capable of preparing beverages by extracting, in particular, flavored beverages such as tea or coffee, based on the interaction between the beverage preparation fluid and a corresponding portion of the beverage precursor within said beverage preparation receptacle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the infusion/extract is obtained in a fluid receiving element, which in this case is configured similar to a teapot or coffee pot and contains a heating means or can be operatively connected to the heating means of the device.

According to another embodiment, the infusion/extract is produced in an extraction space connected downstream with the specified receiving element for supplying fluid and located downstream of this receiving element for supplying fluid.

According to yet another embodiment, the infusion/extract is produced within the individual serving capsule placement means, which is located downstream of the flow pumping device and which is used to prepare a beverage, such as espresso coffee, for example.

Preferably, when the system according to the present invention additionally contains portions of a food substance, for example, tea or coffee, then it is possible to introduce them into the element for preparing a drink or into an extraction space connected downstream to said receiving element for supplying fluid and located along flow behind the specified receiving element for supplying fluid.

Preferably, the device has an access means shaped substantially like a lid or similar in shape and configured to selectively close at least one, preferably both, of the first and second means for accommodating the receiving elements.

Moreover, it is preferable that the upper part of the device has only the first and second means for accommodating the receiving elements and preferably does not have any other cavities or protrusions, and the access means is made in the form of a single element or in the form of a plurality of elements and is made with the possibility of selective closing, joint closing and/or closing separately of both of the means for accommodating the receiving elements.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be described in more detail in the following on the basis of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

The drawings show in simplified schematic representations:

figure 1: front and rear views (right side) of the first embodiment of the device (1) for preparing drinks in the system according to the present invention;

figure 2: side views of the embodiment according to figure 1;

figure 3: views corresponding to the views of figure 1, with the access means (4) in the open state;

figure 4: views corresponding to the views of figure 1, with the access means (4) in the open state;

Fig.5: front and top views (right side) of the second embodiment of the device (1) for preparing beverages in the system according to the present invention, with the access means (4) in the closed state;

Fig. 6: side views of the embodiment according to Fig. 5;

Fig. 7: side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 7 with the access means (4) removed and with the drinking receptacle (9) and the fluid receptacle (11) installed;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the device according to Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the second embodiment according to Fig. 7 with the access means (4) removed and in a state where the drinking receptacle (9) and the fluid receptacle (11) are not installed;

Fig. 10: top view of the device according to Fig. 9.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention

1-4 show a first embodiment of a device (1) for preparing beverages in a system according to the present invention.

This system includes drinking receiving elements (10, 10'), for example, glasses, cups or the like, made with the possibility of functional (during operation) placement on the first means (2) for placing the receiving element of the device (1). The first means (2) for accommodating the receiving element includes a beverage outlet element configured to discharge the flow (BD) of the drink through the base of the drinking receiving element (10, 10') along the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. As shown, the drinking receptacle (10) may be in the form of an espresso coffee cup or the like.

The details of this type of beverage release means are known in particular from other publications of the Applicant, so that they can be omitted from a more detailed description.

The specified drinking receiving element (10, 10') may have a flow control means located in its base part and configured to enter the flow into the drinking receiving element only if the flow pressure exceeds the predetermined flow pressure.

Said first receiving element placement means (2) may have at least one of:

- device (21) release of the drink, which includes at least one flow outlet element, oriented essentially upward;

- a surface (22) for receiving a receiving element, made with the possibility of receiving at least one type of drinking receiving element (10, 10'), preferably at least two types of drinking receiving elements (10, 10'), having different sizes and/ or different configurations;

- means (23) of contact interaction associated with the surface (22) for receiving element placement and configured to provide retention with the possibility of removal of the drinking receiving element (10, 10') in the first means (2) for receiving element placement,.

The device (1) additionally has a second means (2) for accommodating the receiving element, configured to accommodate - particularly preferably releasably held - a receiving element (11, 11') of at least one type, which is intended for preparing a beverage and which can be configured to prepare a drink and/or store a drink, while the drink is discharged further into the drinking receiving element (10, 10').

In the case of the present embodiment, the beverage fluid receiving element (11, 11') is provided in the form of a water tank connected downstream with the possibility of supplying a fluid stream (FS) to the extraction device (5), this device for the extraction unit is connected downstream to the first means (2) to accommodate the receiving element.

Preferably, the holding of the beverage fluid receptacle (11, 11') is provided with the possibility of providing an indication to the user, preferably a tactile type indication, or with the possibility of issuing a visual or acoustic signal indicating the position of the lock, and provides a connection for circulation flow through the base, but with isolation of the liquid from the environment.

According to the inventive aspect, the first and second means (2, 9) for accommodating the receiving elements, in particular, at least their base areas are preferably located at at least approximately one level in the device (1).

In addition, in the case of the presented embodiment, the first and second means (2, 9) for receiving elements are both provided at a level closer to the base zone than to the upper zone of the device (1). This relative position preferably provides a lower height of the device for accommodating a number of fluid circuit components between the beverage preparation receiving element (11) and the drinking receiving element (10).

As shown, the device (1) in this case has a casing (3) of the device and an access means (4), which together determine, at least to a large extent, the volumetric geometric characteristics of the device (1), in particular, interconnected geometric characteristics, which in this case, at least approximately correspond to a cube.

Said access means (4) preferably provides selective access to the means (2) for accommodating the receiving element and the element (21) for discharging the product, so that the possibility of accumulation of dust and other residues, which is a consequence of the openness to the environment in a given place of use, is prevented. devices (1).

It is particularly advantageous if the means (2) for receiving the receiving element and the corresponding element for discharging the product are thus selectively shielded from the space external to the device (1), so that the possibility of contamination is reduced.

In addition, the casing (3) of the device and the means of access (4) together form a volume with a surface of the material, which is preferably substantially continuous and has no protrusions or cavities.

In addition, said device (1) may include a flow pumping device (6) and a fluid heating device (not shown) configured to supply flow (FS) at a temperature between 60 and 100°C and under pressure in the range between 1 and 20 bar for the interaction of the flow with the food substance. The technician is familiar with these tools, so more detailed presentation or description of them can be omitted.

3 and 4 show an embodiment with the access means (4) in the open position, which provides access to the first means (2) for accommodating the receiving element.

The extraction device (5) can be configured to store a portion (7) of the beverage precursor, for example some instant coffee. As shown, the introduction of the beverage preparation fluid may be in the direction of gravity.

After the beverage has been infused, the beverage discharge stream (BD) is led from the outlet element of the extraction device (5) to the receiving element accommodation means (2), which includes a beverage outlet element located downstream, so that the beverage outlet into the interior drinking receiving element (10, 10') passes through the base zone of this means (2).

As shown, the drinking receptacle (10') may be a mug-type element designed to store an amount of coffee in excess of the usual ingested dose, or the like.

5 to 8 show a second embodiment according to the present invention, in which the device (1) according to the present invention has a device casing (3) having a general pan-type shape.

According to an inventive aspect, both of the first and second means (2, 9) for receiving elements are provided at least approximately on the same level on the upper surface of the device (1). In addition, the first and second means (2, 9) for accommodating the receiving elements are provided in such a way that they are connected in a pressurized flow, for example, by means of a device such as a hydraulic circulation pump, preferably at least an outlet (BD) of the flow into a drinking receiving element (10, 10') is carried out at a flow pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure, for example 1.2 bar and less than 10 bar.

The device (1) can additionally have at least one access means (4) configured to be actuated manually and/or mechanically and provide selective access to at least the first means (2) for accommodating the receiving element, preferably also to the second means (9) for accommodating the receiving element, wherein the casing (3) of the device and the access means (4) together form at least a large part of the material of the outer casing of the device (1) and together determine, at least approximately, the outer volume configuration of the device (1), which preferably corresponds to at least a major part of the interrelated geometric form or a combination of at least a part of the interrelated geometric forms.

Said casing (3) of the device and means (4) of access can jointly form a continuous surface of material along at least most of the outer surface of at least the upper, front and rear parts of the device (1), preferably also its side parts, with the exception of the interface areas , for example, the type of grooves.

In the case when the access means (4) is in the closed position, the casing (3) of the device and the access means (4) together form a volume without protrusions and cavities associated with the release of the food substance, and at the same time, at least an element (21) for product outlet, preferably also the fluid outlet element (91) will not be exposed to the environment external to the device (1), at least in the upper, front and rear zones of the device (1).

As shown in figures 5 and 6, the beverage preparation device (1) may have two of the first means (2) for accommodating receiving elements, each of which includes respective elements (21, 21') for dispensing a beverage and is made with the possibility of placing a drinking receiving element (10, 10') of at least one type, as well as from the second means (9), which includes one element (91) for injection/injection and/or discharge of the fluid and is designed to accommodate the receiving element (11, 11') for beverage fluid of at least one type.

Said receiving element (11, 11') for fluid for a beverage may in this case be a receiving element of the type of a coffee pot or a teapot, having a base zone made with the possibility of holding with the possibility of removal on the second means (9) for placing the receiving element. In particular, the base zone may have a non-return valve type element or the like, configured to ensure that fluid is pumped/injected and/or discharged only if this element is subjected to a flow pressure greater than 1 bar, preferably greater than 1, 2 bar, for example, being 2 and 3 bar or more.

To this end, the device (1) for dispensing beverages may comprise a pump-type device for injecting a flow, configured to create hydraulic pressure and/or subatmospheric pressure in the line for circulating the flow between the first and second means (2, 9) for accommodating receiving elements.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the device (1) may also have an access means (4) configured to close the first and second means (2,9) for accommodating the receiving elements and thereby preventing the possible accumulation of dust and other deposits on the means. (2, 9) to accommodate receiving elements. In particular, the means (4) of access can be made with the form of a cover passing at least above the first and second means (2,9) for receiving elements and preferably made with the possibility of holding in the casing (3) of the device with the possibility of removal or with the ability to drive between open and closed positions and vice versa.

Portion (7) of the food substance used in the preparation of a drink, for example, a portion bag with aromatic herbs, can be served/served into the receiving element (11, 11') for preparing a drink through an opening in its upper part.

As shown in FIG. 5, in accordance with a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a beverage preparation device (1) which is configured such that, in the case where the drinking receiving element (10) and/or receiving element (11) for preparation of a drink are not placed on the respective means (2, 9) for placement, the device (1) does not have cavities and protrusions at least on its upper surface, preferably also on the front, rear and side surfaces.

Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a device (1) which is configured such that its height (H) is significantly smaller, preferably at least four times smaller than any of its other characteristic dimensions (D2, D3 ), particularly preferably at least ten times smaller than the largest of the other two characteristic dimensions (D2, D3).

Preferably, said height (H) corresponds to one height at which the upper surface of the device (1) passes, while this upper surface can be formed by the casing (3) of the device and/or the access means (4).

As shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that the base surface associated with the second receiving element (9) has a heating device (8) configured to supply heat through the base of the fluid receiving element (11, 11'). for a drink. Needless to say, the base of the beverage fluid receiving element (11, 11') is suitably designed to facilitate heat transfer to the fluid inside.

Preferably, said access means (4) has no cavity, no protrusion or opening.

Preferably, the access means (4) is characterized by at least one of: an overall size or a size of the actuation zone which corresponds to at least half, preferably more than half the width, particularly preferably at least approximately equal to the width of the upper zone and/or front area of the casing (3) of the device.

Said access means (4) may have first and second components (41, 42) for actuating them with movement relative to the casing (3) of the device, while actuating at least one of the first and second components (41, 42) may be performed in conjunction with actuation of another component and/or autonomously with respect to another component.

As shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that the base surface associated with the second means (9) for accommodating the receiving element has a heating device (8) configured to supply heat through the base of the receiving element (11, 11') for the fluid to drink. Needless to say, the base of the beverage fluid receiving element (11, 11') is suitably designed to facilitate heat transfer to the fluid inside.

9 and 10 show another embodiment having a configuration similar to the previous embodiment and having a plurality of sets, in this case two, consisting of both of the first and second means (2, 9) for receiving elements.

In this case, the receiving elements (11') for fluids for beverages can be configured to store fluids for the preparation of beverages, such as milk, or a previously prepared beverage, such as instant coffee, and with the possibility of selectively supplying the corresponding flow in at least at least one of two drinking receiving elements (10, 10') for final consumption by the user, while drinking receiving elements (10, 10') are provided on the respective sets of the first means (2) for receiving receiving elements.

It is especially preferable that each of the sets of the first means (2) for receiving elements is provided with a connection in the flow with only one corresponding second means (9) for receiving element, in particular, with its element (91) for the release of fluid.

Thus, it is possible to prepare a beverage including milk by using only the downstream connection specifically provided for this, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination of significantly different flavors. Therefore, the user can place the drinking receptacle (10) on the first beverage outlet (21) to obtain, for example, coffee and then on the second beverage outlet (21) to produce milk.

An alternative example would be two different juices, two different beers, or even two different types of water, such as one natural and one sparkling.

Claims (38)

1. System for the preparation of beverages, including: drinking receiving element (10, 10') of at least one type; receiving element (11, 11') of at least one type for the beverage fluid for at least one of: storing the fluid used in the preparation of the beverage and used in the storage of the beverage; a beverage dispenser (1) which has: at least first means (2) for accommodating a receiving element, configured to functionally accommodate drinking receiving elements (10, 10') and having an element (21) for discharging a drink, configured to discharge a drink into a drinking receiving element (10, 10 ') along the direction opposite to the direction of gravity; at least a second means (9) for accommodating a receiving element, configured to functionally accommodate receiving elements (11, 11') for beverage fluids, wherein the second means (9) for accommodating the receiving element is connected in fluid medium with the means (2) for accommodating the receiving element and is located in front of it along the flow; casing (3) of the device, characterized in that the first and second means (2, 9) for accommodating the receiving elements, in particular, at least their respective base zones are located at least on one level in the device (1). 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second means (2, 9) for accommodating the receiving elements are arranged so that the outlet of the fluid medium from the receiving element (11, 11') for the beverage fluid is located at least on: level at least approximately the same as the level at which the drink is discharged into the drinking receptacle (10, 10', and/or a level closer to the upper zone of the device (1) than the level of the beverage outlet into the drinking receptacle (10, 10'). 3. The system according to any one of claims 1, 2, characterized in that the second means (9) for accommodating the receiving element is configured to supply a fluid flow along at least one of: direction, similar to the direction of gravity, direction opposite to the direction of gravity, and the second means (9) for accommodating the receiving element has a fluid outlet element (91), preferably provided in its base zone and providing a fluid connection with the base zone of the receiving element (11, 11') for the drink fluid. 4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second means (2, 9) for accommodating the receiving elements are both provided in the upper area of the device (1). 5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second means (2, 9) for receiving elements are both provided at a level closer to the base zone than to the upper zone of the device (1). 6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first means (2) for accommodating the receiving element is made with the possibility of functionally holding the drinking receiving element (10, 10') with the possibility of removal relative to the element (21) for discharging the drink, and the second means (9) for accommodating the receiving element is configured to hold the receiving element (11, 11') for the beverage fluid in the device (1), preferably through mechanical interaction with a part of its base zone, so that the flow channel (111 ) for fluid is aligned with element (91) for discharging fluid. 7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first and second means (2, 9) for accommodating the receiving elements are configured to hold the drinking receiving element (10, 10') and the receiving element (11, 11) respectively. ') for a retractable beverage fluid. 8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the beverage fluid receiving element (11, 11') provides a storage volume corresponding to one of: a volume greater than at least twice, preferably at least four times, the liquid storage volume provided by the drinking receptacle (10, 10'); volume, half the volume for the accumulation of liquid provided by the drinking receiving element (10, 10 '), or a volume similar to this volume. 9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device (1) has a second means (9) for accommodating the receiving element, connected downstream to a plurality of first means (2) for accommodating the receiving elements and located in front of them along process flow. 10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device (1) has a plurality of second means (9) for accommodating the receiving elements, connected downstream to at least the first means (2) for accommodating the receiving element and located in front of him. 11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device (1), in particular the casing (3) of the device, has at least one of: the upper zone, passing continuously along one plane and having an area that exceeds the total area of the side zones of the casing (3) of the device, housing (3) of the device, having a top zone and a base zone with a similar shape when viewed from above, including the shape of a square, rectangle, circle, whereby the size of at least one of the top and base zones is less than the other size. 12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a fluid circulation device (6), for example a hydraulic pump, located downstream of the element for discharging the flow of the second means (9) for accommodating the receiving element, wherein the device (6) for circulating the fluid is configured to provide a flow pressure of at most 4 bar, while the device (6) for circulating the fluid is connected downstream to the first means (2) for accommodating the receiving element and is located in front of him. 13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a heating device (8) associated with a second means (9) for receiving element placement and preferably made in the form of a contact surface with the base zone of the receiving element (11, 11') for beverage fluid, wherein the heating device (8) is configured to heat the fluid volume in the beverage fluid receiving element (11, 11') to a fluid temperature of at least 40°C , preferably at least 60°C and at most 100°C. 14. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it includes portions (7) of the food substance with the possibility of introducing them into the receiving element (11, 11') for the beverage fluid, for example, such as sachets with tea. 15. System according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the housing (3) of the device has a height that is at most 50%, preferably at most 30%, particularly preferably at most 15% of its second characteristic dimension (D2 ), preferably also from its third characteristic dimension (D3). 16. System according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the casing (3) of the device has a height that is similar to at least one of its second characteristic dimension (D2), preferably also similar to its third characteristic dimension (D3).

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