RU2785880C2 - Beverage making device with controllable capsule piercing - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: beverage making.

SUBSTANCE: device (1) is made with the possibility of beverage making of an ingredient supplied in capsule (100), which is equipped with outlet membrane (101). Device (1) has extraction unit (2) having seat (20) for extraction of the capsule, input mechanism (21) for direction of water to seat (20), and issue mechanism (22) for direction of a beverage from seat (20). Issue mechanism (22) has surface (220) limiting a lower part of seat (20), wherein there are one or more protruding elements (225) on surface (220), located upstream and made with the possibility of formation of one or more outlets for the beverage in outlet membrane (101) of capsule (100) in seat (20). Protruding element(s) (225) is (are) fixed relatively to surface (220) and/or is (are) made as a single whole with it, and it (they) include(s) at least one controllable protruding element (225a). Surface (220) is connected to opening control device (23) made with the possibility of control of formation of outlet(s) in outlet membrane (101), using controllable protruding element (225a). Opening control device (23) has at least one neutralizing element (23a) made with the possibility of movement adjacently with controllable protruding element (225a) between a working position, in which formation of the outlet in outlet membrane (101), using controllable protruding element (225a), is prevented, and a neutral position, in which controllable protruding element (225a) can form the outlet for the beverage in outlet membrane (101).

EFFECT: claimed device allows for formation of another flow trajectory during extraction, i.e., such that allows for obtaining, or enhancing, or weakening certain extraction effects.

15 cl, 9 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention belongs

The invention relates to beverage preparation devices provided with a specific design for extracting capsules containing an ingredient of the beverage to be prepared.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "beverage" is intended to include any liquid substance consumed by a person, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, and the like. By "capsule" is meant a container containing any pre-portioned beverage ingredient, such as a flavoring or aroma ingredient, in a package of any material, in particular an airtight package, such as plastic or aluminum, in recyclable and/or biodegradable packages, with any shape and structure, including soft containers or rigid cartridges that contain the ingredient. The capsule may contain an amount of an ingredient for preparing a single serving of a drink or a plurality of servings of a drink.

State of the art

It is widely known to prepare a beverage by extracting the extractable ingredient (in particular the brewing ingredient, for example roasted and ground coffee and/or tea), in particular from a portion container (for example, capsules, tablets or sachets).

EP0512468 describes a cup-shaped capsule with a ruptured beverage outlet. The membrane is typically a thin aluminum membrane that is torn against a rupture extraction plate of a beverage extraction device, such as the device described in EP0512470.

The invention EP0512470 relates to a coffee extraction system using a beverage extraction unit with a tearing extraction plate containing a plurality of protruding elements and channels between them (such a plate in the form of a flow grid is called a "relief element"), and the unit is configured to receive a sealed capsule, supply water pressurized through the injector into the capsule, deforming the outlet membrane or lid (eg aluminum membrane) and rupturing it under the pressure of the liquid building up in the capsule to allow the beverage to be released from the capsule.

EP0602203 describes a sealed flexible sachet in the form of a separate part, capable of performing extraction under pressure and containing at least one powdered substance for preparing a beverage, such as roast and ground coffee; moreover, the sachet contains two identical flexible sheets of round, oval or polygonal shape, between which there is a space for the substance and which are hermetically attached around the periphery in such a way that the sachet is essentially symmetrical with respect to the sealing plane, while the sachet is opened by increasing pressure in a sachet when applying the extractant.

EP0870457 relates to an extraction unit similar to that of EP0512470, but configured to use the hermetically sealed coffee sachets of EP0602203. Said device comprises an upper element containing a means capable of perforating the upper surface of the sachet and ensuring the introduction of water into the sachet, a lower element containing a receiving part for accommodating the capsule, as well as protruding and hollow sections; moreover, the extraction surface of the sachet gradually moves relative to the protruding and hollow areas; wherein the extraction surface is ruptured at a plurality of points along a trajectory defined by the locations of the protruding and hollow portions, reaching a material rupture stress at these points, which allows the liquid to flow out after extraction. The bottom portion typically contains flow holes configured to allow beverage to flow through. The protruding and hollow sections are preferably in the form of truncated pyramids separated by a network of channels.

Thus, convenient prior art beverage extraction systems use a replaceable capsule (e.g., rigid material capsule, sachet, or flexible material tablet) containing a ruptured membrane (e.g., thin aluminum foil) of the beverage outlet that can only be ruptured. with sufficient deformation of such a membrane under the action of protruding elements of the bursting plate. As a rule, membrane rupture occurs at the edges of the protruding elements, which are usually many small truncated pyramids or straight ribs. As a result of rupture, small holes are formed along the ribs of the protruding elements. These openings are relatively small (for example, 0.1-1.0 mm long and 0.1-0.3 mm wide), and typically the exit membrane at least partially conforms to the top and face of the protrusions, as a result, the area of the flow holes will be even smaller. Because of this, the pressure drop across a given interaction surface will be relatively high. In addition, on said limited interaction surface, filtration of the beverage particles takes place, which is an advantage since there is no need to provide an additional filter inside the capsule. Thus, said geometry of the extraction surface corresponds to the so-called extraction plate geometry with raised elements in this application. The beverage flow is then collected in the channels and discharged through small, precisely sized holes in the channels.

In the known system, the flow and pressure are determined by the intrinsic properties of the capsule and the performance of the pump.

The back pressure is highly dependent on the degree of compaction of the ground coffee in the capsule. For the same mixture of coffee varieties, the pressure can vary greatly. In particular, for certain coffee blends, especially those with small particle sizes, the pressure can vary from 5 to 15 bar.

Although the region of ingredient extraction, for example in a capsule and/or extraction chamber, is usually symmetrical along the general flow direction (which simplifies the processing of the ingredient), it may be preferable to form a different flow path during the extraction process, i.e. one that allows you to obtain, or increase or decrease certain extraction effects, such as creaming or saturation of the extraction.

Disclosure of invention

The invention relates to a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device may be intended for domestic or industrial use. The device can be used to make coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, milk, soup, baby food, etc.

Preparation of a beverage typically involves mixing a plurality of beverage ingredients, such as water and milk powder, and/or infusing the beverage ingredient, such as infusing ground coffee or tea, using water. One or more of these ingredients may be provided as a free-flowing and/or agglomerated powder and/or as a liquid, in particular as a concentrate. Such an ingredient can be mixed with a carrier liquid or a diluent liquid, such as water, to form a beverage.

Typically, preparation and dispensing of a predetermined amount of beverage corresponding to a serving (eg, one serving) occurs at the user's request. The volume of such a portion may range from 25 to 200 ml and even up to 300 or 400 ml, for example the volume to fill a cup (depending on the type of drink). The beverages to be prepared and served can be selected from ristretto coffee, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, latte, americano, tea, etc. In particular, the coffee machine can be configured to dispense espresso, for example, with an adjustable volume of 20 to 60 ml per serving, and/or dispensing lungo, for example, with a volume in the range of 70 to 150 ml per serving.

The invention relates to a device for preparing a drink from an ingredient contained in a capsule provided with an outlet membrane.

The capsule may be of the type described in the Scope of the Invention section above and/or the capsule may include an ingredient described in the same section.

The capsule may be provided with a capsule body, such as a substantially straight or conical body. The capsule may have a circular peripheral annular flange, such as a flexible or rigid flange, extending from a peripheral portion, such as an edge or surface, of the capsule body. The capsule may contain a flavoring ingredient for making tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold chocolate, milk, soup, or baby food.

The device includes an extraction unit having a seat for extracting a capsule, an inlet mechanism for directing water into the seat, and a dispensing mechanism for directing a beverage from the seat.

Examples of seats for the extraction of an ingredient, such as extraction chambers, are described in EP 1767129, WO 2008/037642, WO 2012/025258, WO 2012/025259, WO 2013/026843, WO 2013/127476, WO 2014/0566011, WO 29621 , WO 2014/096123, WO 2015/155144 and WO 2015/155145.

The dispensing mechanism includes a surface defining a downstream portion of the seat. On the surface there is one or more protruding elements, which are located upstream and are configured to form one or more beverage outlets in the capsule outlet membrane in the seat, and the protruding element (s) is (s) fixed ) is immovable relative to the surface and/or is (s) integral with it, and includes at least one controlled protruding element.

The formation of such outlet(s) for the beverage(s) is usually achieved by cutting, tearing and/or destroying the outlet membrane with the protruding member(s).

Typically, the dispensing mechanism may have a wall forming a surface.

The surface may be at least approximately disc-shaped.

The dispensing mechanism generally leads to the beverage dispensing area, for example over or around this surface.

The device may have a drip restrictor structure between the seat and the beverage dispensing area. Examples of droplet restrictors are described in WO 2006/050769, WO 2012/072758, WO 2013/127907, WO 2016/050657, WO 2016/083488, WO 2018/069266 and EP2017208722.3.

The dispensing area may be defined by a support to support the user's container, such as a cup or mug. For example, the support is a holding structure connected to the outer casing of the device and/or the frame of the device, or the holding structure is outside the device, for example, the device itself is positioned to dispense a beverage. As a rule, the external holding structure has a substantially horizontal surface for mounting such a device, and the structure is, for example, a table or shelf.

The user container support may be: associated with a drip pan, such as a drip pan supporting the support; and/or is movable relative to the body vertically under the opening and/or remotely under the dispensing opening to enable the user's container of various heights to be installed under the opening.

Examples of suitable container stands are described in EP 0 549 887, EP 1 440 639, EP 1 731 065, EP 1 867 260, US 5,161,455, US 5,353,692, WO 2009/074557, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/074559/1311 WO 2009/13 /154492, WO 2012/007313, WO 2013/186339, EP 2014198710, EP 2014198712 and EP 2014198715.

The surface is connected to an opening control device configured to control the formation of the outlet(s) in the outlet membrane by means of the at least one controllable projecting element mentioned above.

The opening control device includes at least one neutralization element movable adjacent to the controlled protruding element between an operating position in which formation of a hole in the outlet membrane by the controlled protruding element is prevented, and a neutral position in which the controlled protruding element may form a beverage outlet in the outlet membrane.

Such a controlled protrusion may be located upstream of the surface along the opening direction, and the neutralizing element is movable between the operating and neutral positions: at least approximately parallel to the opening direction; and/or perpendicular to the direction of piercing.

It follows that the seat may be associated with a plurality of protruding elements, at least part of which, i. controlled protruding element(s), if necessary, can be neutralized during part or all of the extraction of the capsule, so as not to form corresponding holes in the outlet membrane. Thus, the flow properties and/or pressure to which the ingredient in the capsule is subjected during extraction and hence the properties of the extracted beverage can be adjusted.

The neutralizing element may have a concave portion with an edge that extends around at least a portion of such a controlled protruding element, the edge forming a closed or open loop, such as a substantially polygonal, such as a square or rectangular loop, and/or a round or rounded loop. .

The neutralizing element may have a convex part with an edge that extends on the side of at least one controlled projecting element, the edge being straight or curved.

The neutralizing element may have an upstream surface that is oriented to substantially face the capsule outlet membrane when placed in the seat. For example, the controlled protrusion extends upward from the surface along the opening direction, with the upstream surface extending transversely, for example substantially perpendicular to the opening direction.

The upstream surface may be flat and/or rounded.

When the neutralizing element is in the operating position, the upstream surface may be positioned: substantially adjacent to the opening end of the above controlled protrusion; or in a seat located at some distance from the surface beyond the above-mentioned controlled projecting element. Thus, the neutralizing element can prevent the opening of the outlet membrane by means of an appropriately controlled projecting element.

When the neutralizing element is in the operating position, the upstream surface may abut against the membrane of the outlet of the capsule when it is placed in the seat. In this way, the outlet membrane can be pushed away from the respective protrusion to be controlled.

In the neutral position, the neutralization element may be located on the surface adjacent to the lower end of the controlled protruding element, or close to it.

The neutralizing element can be driven by means of a connecting element, the connecting element being actuated manually and/or automatically, for example by means of a spring actuator and/or an electrical actuator, such as an electric motor. The connecting element does not necessarily pass through the surface, and, for example, the connecting element is actuated from the reverse side of the surface.

If there are many such protruding elements on the surface, only some of the elements may be a controlled protruding element (s) that is (s) located adjacent to the neutralizing element (s) (s), made (s) with the possibility of movement to ensure or prevent the formation of the outlet (s) of the opening (s) for the drink in the membrane of the outlet using a controlled (s) protruding (s) element (s) . The ratio of the number of protrusions controlled to the total number of protrusions on the surface may be in the range from 0.2 to 0.9, such as 0.25 to 0.8, such as 0.33 to 0.70, such as 0.4 up to 0.6.

Controlled(s) protruding(s) element(s) can (may) be located(s) with the possibility of forming the uppermost or lowermost part of the protruding elements on the surface.

If there are a plurality of such protrusions on the surface, all of the elements may be controlled protrusions, the opening control device comprising a plurality of neutralizing elements movable independently of each other.

If there are a plurality of such protrusions on the surface, the single or at least one of the neutralizing elements may be configured to cause or prevent the formation of beverage outlets in the outlet membrane with a plurality of controlled protrusions, such as a number of controlled protrusions in the range 2 to 25, such as 3 to 20, such as 4 to 15, such as 5 to 10.

Such neutralizing element may form a substantially circular or annular sector, such as a substantially half disc, such as a substantially circular or annular sector centered on a circle that is at least approximately concentric with the circular shape of the surface. For example, a substantially circular or annular sector extends to the circular edge of a circular surface shape. A substantially circular or annular sector may have a central angle in the range of 60 to 300°, such as 90 to 270°, such as 120 to 240°, such as 150 to 210°.

The controlled protrusions may form a portion in the form of a substantially disk segment. As such, the disk segment may have a disk center that is at least approximately concentric with the shape of the surface.

The device can be configured to maintain a stationary state of at least one movable neutralizing element relative to the surface from the beginning to the end of the capsule extraction in the capsule extraction seat.

The device may be configured to move at least one movable neutralization element relative to the surface during capsule extraction at the capsule extraction seat. For example, at least one movable neutralization element is positioned to be in position to prevent the respective beverage outlet(s) from being formed during the initial capsule extraction period and then to move into a neutral position to allow one or more respective beverage outlet(s) to be formed in the capsule outlet membrane to allow the beverage to flow out of the capsule during the subsequent extraction period.

The movable neutralizing element can be configured to selectively prevent and allow the formation of beverage outlets in the outlet element by a number of controlled protrusions, wherein the ratio of the number of controlled protrusions to the total number of protrusions is in the range from 0.20 to 0 .85, eg 0.25 to 0.75, eg 0.33 to 0.66, eg 0.4 to 0.6.

The opening device may include some or certain of the aforementioned plurality of neutralizing elements configured to selectively prevent and cause the formation of beverage outlets in the outlet element by a number of controlled protrusions, wherein the ratio of the number of controlled protrusions to the total number of protrusions on the surface is 0.20 to 1, such as 0.25 to 0.75, such as 0.33 to 0.66, such as 0.4 to 0.6. Each neutralizing element can be individually movable.

The opening control device may include a blower, such as a fluid supply device, such as a pump, configured to drive a carrier fluid, such as water, through the input mechanism to increase the pressure, for example in the range of 5 to 20 bar, for example 8 to 15 bar inside the capsule while it is in its seat, and press the capsule outlet membrane against the protruding member(s) to form the beverage outlet(s) in the outlet membrane. openings when the corresponding neutralization element(s) is (are) in the neutral position.

The opening control device may include an actuator for mechanically pressing the capsule against a surface, wherein the capsule outlet membrane is pressed against the protruding member(s) to form the beverage outlet(s) in the membrane. outlet when the corresponding neutralizing element(s) is(are) in the neutral position.

Self-opening capsules are, for example, described in CH 605 293 and WO 03/059778.

The opening of capsules by piercing elements of a device on a plate, for example, is described in EP 512 470 and EP 2 068 684.

The surface may be formed by a plate or sheet element, such as a disk element, and/or an element having a through configuration, for example a configuration in which at least one of: one or more through holes is provided, such as (a) through (s) hole(s) extending(s) from adjacent(s) protruding(s) element(s); mesh construction; perforated design; and porous structure. For example, the configuration provides a number of through holes:

- in the range from 5 to 15, for example from 7 to 13, for example from 9 to 12; and/or

- wherein each through hole has a minimum diameter oriented transverse to the direction of outflow of the beverage along the hole, in the range from about 0.1 to 1 mm, for example from 0.3 to 0.8 mm, for example from 0.4 to 0.6 mm .

The capsule extraction seat may be defined by a first part and a second part that are relatively movable between: an open position for inserting an ingredient capsule into the extraction seat and/or removing such a capsule from the seat; and a closed position for extracting the ingredient from the capsule at the seat.

In the case of closed capsules, the first and second parts may include capsule opening tools such as blades and/or a piercing tool, such as a plate with a piercing profile, such as known among Nespresso™ devices or described in EP 0 512 470, EP 2 068 684 and WO 2014/076041, as well as in the sources cited in these documents.

The first and second parts can be made with the possibility of relative movement using an actuator such as a handle or an electric motor, for example, using an actuator connected to at least one of the first and second parts through a transmission, such as one or more gears, belts, cams and cam followers, levers and/or hydraulic transmissions. For example, such an electric motor may be controlled by a control unit for controlling a water supply mechanism, such as a unit containing an information processing device such as a controller and/or a user interface.

Examples of electric motors used to drive such first and second parts are described in EP 1767129, WO 2012/025258, WO 2012/025259, WO 2013/127476, WO 2014/056641, WO 2014/096122, WO 2014/096123, WO 2015/155144 and WO 2015/155145.

The surface may be located on the first part, and the input mechanism may be located on the second part.

One of the first and second parts may be fixed relative to the outer body of the device, and the other of the first and second parts may be movable relative to the outer body of the device.

Examples of suitable designs for the first and second parts are described in WO 2005/004683, WO2007/135136, WO 2009/043630, WO 2017/037212, WO 2017/037215, PCT/EP18/064138 and PCT/EP18/064141.

The input mechanism may be connected to a piercing and/or cutting mechanism configured to pierce and/or cut a hole(s) in the water supply port of the ingredient capsule in the ingredient extraction seat so that the water circulating through the input mechanism enters the capsule through water inlet hole.

The input mechanism may be fluidly connected to the water supply mechanism via a water guide.

The water supply mechanism may include at least one of: a water source for supplying water to the input mechanism, such as a water tank and/or a connector to an external water supply line; a water supply device for supplying water to an input mechanism such as a pump; and a thermal conditioner, such as a heater and/or a cooler, for thermal conditioning of the water supplied to or to be supplied to the input mechanism, such as a thermal conditioner for the water flow or a thermal conditioner for the water storage.

The thermal air conditioner may be a boiler, or a thermoblock, or an instantaneous heater (ODH), such as the ODH type described in EP 1 253 844, EP 1 380 243 and EP 1 809 151.

Examples of pumps and their applications in beverage preparation devices are described in WO 2009/150030, WO 2010/108700, WO 2011/107574 and WO 2013/098173.

The water supply mechanism may be associated with one or another control unit for controlling the water supply mechanism, such as a unit with a data processing device, such as a controller and/or a user interface.

The capsule extraction seat may be connected to a passage for introducing a capsule with an unextracted ingredient, for example extending outside such a device, and/or a passage for withdrawing a capsule with an extracted ingredient, for example, to a collection of used capsules. At least one of the channels is associated with: guides, such as rails or grooves, to integrate with the capsule and guide it along the channel towards and/or away from the seat; and/or with a limiter for fixing the capsule approximately at the level of the seat.

Examples of ingredient waste receptacles are described in EP 1867260, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/135869, WO 2010/128109, WO 2011/086087, WO 2011/086088, WO 2017/118713, 9WO 2017/148915 and EP 2017/148968.

The interaction between the first and second parts (and optionally the channel for introduction and/or withdrawal) and the capsule with the ingredient can be of the type described in WO 2005/004683, WO 2007/135135, WO2007/135136, WO 2008/037642 and WO 2013/ 026856.

The injection channel (if present) may be associated with an ingredient closure, such as a closure or door or lid, to selectively allow and prevent the passage of the ingredient through the channel. Details of suitable closures for an ingredient, such as an ingredient supplied in a capsule, are described in WO 2012/126971, WO 2014/056641, WO 2014/056642 and WO 2015/086371.

The control unit may include an ingredient sensor, such as an ingredient capsule sensor.

Detailed information on suitable capsule sensors is described in WO 2012/123440, WO 2014/147128, WO 2015/173285, WO 2015/173289, WO 2015/173292, WO 2016/005352, WO 2016/005417, PCT/EP18. and EP3275346.

A user interface may be embedded in the control unit, such as a user interface associated with one or another or the above control scheme. Such a user interface may be a known type of user interface, such as those described in WO 2010/037806, WO 2011/020779, WO 2016/083485, WO 2017/037215 and PCT/EP18/064138.

The control unit may have a sensor for detecting the presence of the user's container, such as a cup or mug, in one or another or in the above zone into which the beverage is dispensed from the beverage processing line. Such a configuration is, for example, described in WO 2018/046400.

The invention also relates to the use of an extract ingredient capsule in a device as described above.

The pressure is typically measured downstream of the pump and upstream of the water inlet, for example in the liquid line between the water inlet and the pump. The pressure in the extraction chamber or in the capsule can be reduced in comparison with such a measured pressure by the presence of a check valve, for example, on the water inlet of the injection part, and/or throttling devices installed in the water inlet of the injection part, or by means of piercing elements, built into the wall for the introduction of the capsule, and/or the ingredients in the capsule, and/or other obstacles.

Brief description of the drawings

The following is a description of the invention with reference to the schematic drawings, in which:

in fig. 1 shows an example of a part of a beverage preparation device according to the invention, part of which is shown schematically;

in fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the extraction unit of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, wherein the ingredient capsule is in the process of being introduced into the block seat;

in fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the extraction unit shown in FIG. 2 with a change, wherein the capsule with the ingredient is in the seat and is ready for extraction;

in fig. 4-5a shows an embodiment of the element forming the surface of the dispensing mechanism with a movable neutralization element of the device in accordance with the invention;

in fig. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the neutralization element shown in FIG. 4–5a.

Implementation of the invention

In FIG. 1-7 shows an exemplary embodiment (with variations and parts thereof) of a device 1 for preparing a beverage from an ingredient, such as an ingredient supplied inside a capsule 100 with an outlet membrane 101, in accordance with the invention.

The device has an extraction unit 2 having a seat 20 for extracting a capsule, an inlet mechanism 21 for directing water into the seat 20, and a dispensing mechanism 22 for directing a beverage from the seat 20. The dispensing mechanism 22 has a surface 220 delimiting the downstream portion of the seat 20. seats 20. The surface 220 has one or more protrusions 225 that are located upstream and configured to form one or more beverage outlets in the outlet membrane 101 of the capsule 100 in the seat 20. The protruding element (s) s) 225 is fixed (s) relative to the surface 220 and/or made (s) in one piece with it and includes (s) at least one controlled protruding element 225a. The surface 220 is connected to the opening control device 23, configured to control the formation of the outlet(s) in the outlet membrane 101 by such a controlled projecting member 225a. See fig. 1–3.

The opening control device 23 has at least one neutralizing element 23a (FIGS. 6 and 7) which is movable adjacent to the controlled protrusion 225a between an operating position (FIGS. 4 and 4a) in which formation of a beverage outlet is prevented. in the outlet membrane 101 by the controlled projection 225a, and a neutral position (FIGS. 5 and 5a) at which the beverage outlet is formed in the outlet membrane 101 by the controlled projection 225a.

Such a controlled protrusion 225a may be positioned upstream of the surface 220 along the opening direction 225', with the neutralization element 23a movable between the operating and neutral positions: at least approximately parallel to the opening direction 225'; and/or perpendicular to the direction of piercing. See fig. 2–5a.

The neutralizing element 23a may have a concave portion with an edge 23a' that extends around at least a portion of the controlled projecting element 225a, the edge 23a' forming a closed or open loop, such as a substantially polygonal, for example a square or rectangular loop, and/ or round or rounded loop. See fig. 4–7.

The neutralizing element 23a may have a convex part with an edge 23a'' that extends on the side of the controlled projecting element 225a, the edge 23a'' being straight or curved. See fig. 4–7.

The neutralization element 23a may have an upstream surface 23a''' that is oriented to substantially face the outlet membrane 101 of the capsule 100 when placed in the seat 20. See FIG. 2, 3, and 6. Controlled protrusion 225a may be positioned upstream of surface 220 along opening direction 225'. The upstream surface 23a''' may extend transversely, for example substantially perpendicular to the opening direction 225'. The upstream surface 23a''' may be flat and/or rounded. See fig. 4–7.

When the neutralization element 23a is in the operating position, the upstream surface 23a''' may be positioned: substantially adjacent to the opening end 225a' of at least one controllable projecting element 225a; or in a seat 20 located some distance from the surface 220 beyond the at least one controlled protrusion 225a. See fig. 3, 4 and 4a.

When the neutralizing element 23a is in the operating position, the upstream surface 23a''' can abut the outlet membrane 101 of the capsule 100 when placed in the seat 20. See FIG. 3, 4 and 4a.

In the neutral position, the neutralization element 23a may be located on or close to the surface 220 adjacent to the lower end 225a'' of at least one controllable protruding element 225a. See fig. 5 and 5a.

The neutralization element 23a can be driven by the coupling element 23b, the coupling element 23b being actuated manually and/or automatically, for example by means of a spring actuator and/or an electrical actuator, such as an electric motor. For example, connector 23b extends through surface 220, and connector 23b can be actuated from the reverse side of surface 220. See FIG. 2–7.

The surface 220 may contain a plurality of protruding elements 225. Only some of the elements 225 may be the controlled protruding element(s) 225a adjacent to the neutralizing element(s). ) 23a, made (s) with the possibility of movement to ensure or prevent the formation of the outlet (s) opening (s) for the drink in the membrane 101 outlet with controlled (s) protruding (s) element (s) 225a . The ratio of the number of controlled protrusions 225a to the total number of protrusions 225 on the surface 220 may range from 0.2 to 0.9, such as 0.25 to 0.8, such as 0.33 to 0.70, such as 0.4 to 0.6. The controllable protrusion(s) 23 may be positioned to form the uppermost or lowermost portion of the protrusions 225 on the surface 220. See FIG. 2 and 4–7.

A plurality of protrusions 225 may be disposed on the surface 220, all of the protrusions 225 being controllable protrusions 225a, and the opening control device 23a has a plurality of neutralizing elements 23a that are movable independently of each other. See fig. 3.

A plurality of protrusions 225 may be present on the surface 220, with a single or at least one of the neutralizing elements 23a configured to cause or prevent the formation of beverage outlets in the outlet membrane 101 by a plurality of controlled protrusions 225a, such as a series of controlled protrusions. elements 225a ranging from 2 to 25, such as 3 to 20, such as 4 to 15, such as 5 to 10. See FIG. 2–7.

The device 1 may be configured to keep at least one movable neutralization element 23a stationary relative to the surface 220 from the beginning to the end of the capsule 100 extraction in the capsule extraction seat 20.

The device 1 may be configured to move at least one movable neutralizing member 23a relative to the surface 220 during extraction of the capsule 100 in the capsule extraction seat 20. For example, the neutralizing element 23a may be positioned in an operating position to prevent the corresponding beverage outlet(s) from forming during the initial extraction period of the capsule 100 and then to move to the neutral position to provide for the formation of one or more corresponding outlets for the drink in the membrane 101 outlet of the capsule to allow the outflow of drink from it during the subsequent period of extraction.

The movable neutralizing element 23a can be configured to selectively prevent and cause the formation of beverage outlets in the outlet element 101 by a number of controlled projections 225a, the ratio of that number of controlled projections 225a to the total number of projections 225 on the surface 220 is in the range of 0.20 to 0.85, such as 0.25 to 0.75, such as 0.33 to 0.66, such as 0.4 to 0.6. See fig. 2 and 4–7.

The opening control device 23 may include some or certain of the aforementioned plurality of neutralizing elements 23a configured to selectively prevent and cause the formation of beverage outlets in the outlet element 101 by a number of controlled protrusions 225a, the ratio of such a number of controlled protrusions 225a to the total number of protrusions 225 on surface 220 is in the range of 0.20 to 1, such as 0.25 to 0.75, such as 0.33 to 0.66, such as 0.4 to 0.6. Each neutralizing element 23a can be individually movable (for example, by means of a separate electric drive). See fig. 3.

The opening control device 23 may include a supercharger, such as a fluid supply device, such as a pump 7, configured to drive a carrier liquid, such as water, through the input mechanism 21 to increase the pressure, for example, in the range of 5 to 20 bar, for example 8 to 15 bar inside the capsule 100 while it is in the seat 20, and press the outlet membrane 101 against the protruding element(s) 225 to form the outlet(s) hole(s). ) for a beverage in the outlet membrane 101 when the respective neutralizing element(s) 23a is(are) in the neutral position. See fig. 1, 3, 5 and 5a.

The opening control device 23 may include an actuator 3 for mechanically pressing the capsule 100 against the surface 220, wherein the capsule outlet membrane 101 is pressed against the protruding member(s) 225 to form the outlet(s) ( -I) for a drink in the membrane 101 of the outlet, when the corresponding (s) neutralization (s) element (s) 23a is (are) in the neutral position. See fig. 1–3, 5 and 5a.

The surface 220 may be formed by a plate or sheet element 223, such as a disk element, and/or an element 223 having a through configuration, such as a configuration that provides at least one of: one or more through holes 224, such as (a) a through (s) hole (s) passing (s) from adjacent (s) protruding (s) element (s) 225, 225a; mesh construction; perforated design; and porous structure. See fig. 2–5a.

For example, the configuration has a number of through holes 224: ranging from 5 to 15, such as 7 to 13, such as 9 to 12; and/or each through hole 224 has a minimum diameter, oriented across the beverage outflow in the direction along the hole, in the range from about 0.1 to 1 mm, for example from 0.3 to 0.8 mm, for example from 0.4 to 0, 6 mm. See fig. 2 and 3.

The capsule extraction seat 20 may be defined by a first portion 24 and a second portion 25 which are movable relative to: an open position for inserting an ingredient capsule 100 into the seat 20 for extraction and/or removal of such a capsule 100 from the seat twenty; and a closed position for extracting ingredient capsule 100 in seat 20. See FIG. 1 and 2.

The first and second parts 24, 25 can be made relatively movable by an actuator, such as a user handle or an electric motor 3, for example, by an actuator connected to at least one of the first and second parts 24, 25 via gears 4, such as one or more of gears 41, belts, cams 42 and cam followers, levers and/or hydraulic transmissions. For example, an electric motor 3 is controlled by a control unit 10 to control a water supply mechanism 5 such as a unit 10 having a processing device such as a controller 11 and/or a user interface 12. See FIG. 1–3.

On the first part 24 may be the surface 220, and on the second part 25 may be the mechanism 21 input. See fig. 2 and 3.

One of the first and second parts 24, 25 can be fixed relative to the outer case 1'' of the device, and the other of the first and second parts 24, 25 can be movable relative to the outer case 1'' of the device. See fig. 1–3.

For example, the injection mechanism 21 may be associated with a piercing or cutting mechanism 21a configured to pierce and/or cut a hole(s) in the water supply port of the ingredient capsule 100 in the ingredient extraction seat 20 so that the water circulating inside the input mechanism 21, entered the capsule 100 through the opening of the water supply fitting.

The input mechanism 21 may be fluidly connected to the water supply mechanism 5 via a water guide 9 .

The water supply mechanism 5 may have at least one of: a water source 6 for supplying water to the input mechanism 21, such as a water tank and/or a connector to an external water supply line; a water supply device 7 for supplying water to the input mechanism 21, such as a pump; and a thermal conditioner 8, such as a heater and/or cooler, for thermal conditioning the water supplied to or to be supplied to the inlet mechanism 21, such as a thermal conditioner for a water flow or a thermal conditioner for a water storage tank.

The water supply mechanism 5 may be associated with any or certain of the aforementioned control unit 10 to control the water supply mechanism 5, such as a unit 10 having a data processing device, such as a controller 11 and/or a user interface 12.

The capsule extraction seat 20 may be connected to a non-extracted ingredient capsule insertion port 20a, for example extending outside such a device, and/or a capsule extract port 20b, for example to a used capsule collection. For example, at least one of the channels 20a, 20b is associated with:

- guides 20c, such as rails or grooves, for engaging with and guiding capsule 100 through the channel to and/or out of seat 20; and/or

- a stopper 20d for fixing the capsule 100 approximately at the level of the seat 20.

Claims (47)

1. Device (1) for preparing a drink from an ingredient supplied in a capsule (100) provided with an outlet membrane (101), containing an extraction unit (2), which has a seat (20) for extracting the capsule, an input mechanism (21) for directing water to the seat (20) and the dispensing mechanism (22) for directing the beverage from the seat (20), wherein the dispensing mechanism (22) is provided with a surface (220) delimiting the downstream part of the seat (20), at the same time, on the surface (220) there is one or more protruding elements (225), which are located upstream and are configured to form one or more outlets for a drink in the membrane (101) of the outlet of the specified capsule (100) in the seat ( 20), and the protruding (s) element (s) (225) is fixed (s) motionless relative to the surface (220), and / or is made (s) in one piece with it, and includes (s) along at least one controlled high blunting element (225a), wherein the surface (220) is connected to the opening control device (23) configured to control the formation of the outlet(s) in the membrane (101) of the outlet using the specified at least one controlled protruding element (225a), characterized in that the opening control device (23) contains at least one neutralizing element (23a), made with the possibility of moving adjacent to the specified controlled protruding element (225a) between the operating position in which the formation of the outlet is prevented for a drink in the membrane (101) of the outlet using the specified controlled protruding element (225a), and a neutral position in which the formation of the outlet for the drink in the membrane (101) of the outlet using the specified controlled protruding element (225a) is ensured, and the specified at least one controlled speaker The second element (225a) is additionally located upstream of the surface (220) along the opening direction (225'), while the neutralizing element (23a) is movable between the operating and neutral positions: at least parallel to the opening direction (225') ; and/or perpendicular to the direction of piercing. 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the neutralization element (23a) has at least one of: - a concave part with an edge (23a') that extends around at least a part of said at least one controlled projecting element (225a), the edge (23a') forming a closed or open loop, such as polygonal, such as square or rectangular loop, and/or round or rounded loop; and - a convex part with an edge (23a'') that extends on the side of said at least one controlled projecting element (225a), the edge (23a'') being straight or curved. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the neutralization element (23a) has an upstream surface (23a''') which is oriented so as to face the outlet membrane (101) of said capsule (100) when placed in the seat (20), and the specified at least one controlled protruding element (225a) additionally protrudes upstream from the surface (220) along the opening direction (225'), while the upstream surface (23a'' ') extends transversely or perpendicularly to the opening direction (225'), the upstream surface (23a''') being flat and/or rounded. 4. Device according to claim 3, wherein, when the neutralizing element (23a) is in working position, the upstream surface (23a'''): A) located: - adjacent to the opening end (225a') of said at least one controlled projecting element (225a); or - in the seat (20) located at a distance from the surface (220) outside the specified at least one controlled protruding element (225a); and/or B) rests against the membrane (101) of the outlet of the specified capsule (100) when placed in the seat (20). 5. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the neutralizing element (23a): - is in a neutral position on the surface (220) or close to it adjacent to the lower end (225a'') of the specified at least one controlled projecting element (225a); and/or - it is driven by means of a coupling element (23b), wherein the coupling element (23b) is actuated manually and/or automatically, by means of a spring actuator and/or an electrical actuator such as an electric motor, wherein the coupling element ( 23b) further passes through the surface (220), with the connecting element (23b) being actuated from the reverse side of the surface (220). 6. Device according to any preceding claim, in which on the surface (220) there is a plurality of said protruding elements (225), and moreover: A) - only a part of the elements (225) is a controlled (s) projecting (s) element (s) (225a), which (s) is located (s) adjacent to the specified (s) neutralizing (s) ) element(s) (23a), made(s) with the possibility of movement to ensure or prevent the formation of the outlet(s) opening(s) for the drink in the specified membrane (101) outlet using the specified(s) controlled (s) protruding (s) element (s) (225a), moreover: the ratio of the number of controlled protruding elements (225a) to the total number of protruding elements (225) on the surface (220) is in the range from 0.2 to 0 .9, or 0.25 to 0.8, or 0.33 to 0.70, or 0.4 to 0.6; and/or controlled (s) protruding (s) element (s) (23) is (s) with the possibility of forming the uppermost or lowermost part of the protruding elements (225) on the surface (220); or - all elements (225) are controllable protruding elements (225a), wherein the opening control device (23a) has a plurality of neutralizing elements (23a) which are movable independently of each other; and/or b) wherein said or at least one of said neutralizing elements (23a) is configured to ensure or prevent the formation of beverage outlets in said outlet membrane (101) by means of a plurality of controlled protrusions (225a), such as a number of controlled protrusions (225a) in the range of 2 to 25, or 3 to 20, or 4 to 15, or 5 to 10. 7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, which is configured to: - maintaining a stationary state of at least one movable neutralizing element (23a) relative to the surface (220) from the beginning to the end of the extraction of the specified capsule (100) in the seat (20) for extracting the capsule; and/or - movement of at least one movable neutralizing element (23a) relative to the surface (220) during the extraction of the specified capsule (100) in the seat (20) for extracting the capsule, and at least one movable neutralizing element ( 23a) is further positioned to be in an operating position to prevent the respective beverage outlet(s) from being formed during the initial extraction period of said capsule (100) and then to move to a neutral position to provide forming one or more respective beverage outlets in the outlet membrane (101) of the capsule to allow the beverage to flow out of the capsule during the subsequent extraction period. 8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable neutralization element (23a) is configured to selectively prevent and ensure the formation of beverage outlets in the outlet element (101) by means of a series of controllable projecting elements (225a), wherein the ratio of such the number of controlled protruding elements (225a) to the total number of protruding elements (225) on the surface (220) is in the range from 0.20 to 0.85, or from 0.25 to 0.75, or from 0.33 to 0, 66, or 0.4 to 0.6. 9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening control device (23) includes said plurality of neutralizing elements (23a) configured to selectively prevent and ensure the formation of beverage outlets in the outlet element (101) by means of a series of controllable protrusions elements (225a), and the ratio of the specified number of controlled protruding elements (225a) to the total number of protruding elements (225) on the surface (220) is in the range from 0.20 to 1, or from 0.25 to 0.75, or from 0.33 to 0.66, or from 0.4 to 0.6, wherein each neutralizing element (23a) is additionally movable individually. 10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening control device (23) comprises: - a supercharger, such as a liquid supply device, such as a pump (7), configured to drive a carrier liquid, such as water, through the input mechanism (21) to increase the pressure in the range from 5 to 20 bar or from 8 up to 15 bar inside the specified capsule (100) while it is in the seat (20), and press the outlet membrane (101) against the protruding element(s) (225) to form the outlet(s) opening(s) for a drink in the membrane (101) of the outlet, when the corresponding(s) neutralizing(s) element(s) (23a) is(are) in the neutral position; and/or - an actuator for mechanical movement of the specified capsule (100) close to the surface (220), and the membrane (101) of the outlet of the capsule is pressed against the protruding (s) element (s) (225) to form the outlet (s) hole (s) for a drink in the membrane (101) of the outlet when the corresponding neutralizing element (s) (23a) is (are) in a neutral position. 11. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface (220) is formed by a plate or sheet element (223), such as a disk element, and/or an element (223) having a through configuration, such as a configuration in which at least one of: one or more through holes (224), such as (a) through (s) hole (s) extending (s) from adjacent (s) protruding (s) element (s) ( 225, 225a); mesh construction; perforated design; and porous structure the configuration provides for the number of through holes (224): - in the range from 5 to 15, or from 7 to 13, or from 9 to 12; and/or - wherein each through hole (224) has a minimum diameter oriented across the direction of the outflow of the drink along the hole, in the range from 0.1 to 1 mm, or from 0.3 to 0.8 mm, or from 0.4 to 0, 6 mm. 12. Device according to any preceding claim, in which the seat (20) for extracting the capsule is limited to the first part (24) and the second part (25), which are made with the possibility of relative movement between: - an open position for inserting the specified capsule (100) with the ingredient into the seat (20) for extraction and/or for removing such a capsule (100) from the seat (20); and - a closed position for the extraction of the specified capsule (100) with the ingredient in the seat (20), while additionally: - the first and second parts (24, 25) are made with the possibility of relative movement by means of an actuator, such as a handle for the user or an electric motor (3), such as an actuator connected to at least one of the first and second parts (24 , 25) by means of a transmission (4), such as one or more gears (41), belts, cams (42) and cam followers, levers and/or hydraulic transmissions, said electric motor (3) being controlled by a block (10 ) controls for controlling the water supply mechanism (5), such as a block (10) containing a data processing device, such as a controller (11) and/or a user interface (12); and/or - while on the first part (24) there is a surface (220), and on the second part (25) there is an input mechanism (21); and/or - moreover, one of the first and second parts (24, 25) is fixed relative to the outer body (1'') of the device, while the other of the first and second parts (24, 25) is movable relative to the outer body (1'') devices. 13. The device according to any preceding claim, in which the mechanism (21) input: - associated with a piercing or cutting mechanism (21a) configured to pierce or cut a hole (s) in the water supply fitting into the specified capsule (100) with the ingredient in the seat (20) to extract the ingredient, so that the water circulating through the input mechanism (21), entered the specified capsule (100) through the opening of the water supply fitting; and/or - fluidly connected to the water supply mechanism (5) by means of a water guide (9), moreover, the water supply mechanism (5) comprises at least one of: a water source (6) for supplying water to the input mechanism (21), such as a water tank and/or a connector with an external water supply line; a water supply device (7) for supplying water to the input mechanism (21), such as a pump; and a thermal conditioner (8), such as a heater and/or cooler, for thermal conditioning of water supplied or intended to be supplied to the input mechanism (21), such as a thermal conditioner for a water flow or a thermal conditioner for a water storage, and/or moreover, the water supply mechanism (5) is additionally connected to any or the specified control unit (10) for regulating the water supply mechanism (5), such as a unit (10) containing a processing device, such as a controller (11) and/or a user interface (12). 14. The device according to any preceding claim, in which the seat (20) for extracting the capsule is connected to a channel (20a) for introducing a capsule with an unextracted ingredient, such as passing outside such device, and/or a channel (20b) for extracting a capsule with an extracted ingredient, such as a channel to the used capsule collector, at least one of the channels (20a, 20b) is additionally connected to guides (20c), such as rails or grooves, for association with said capsule (100) and its direction through the channel to the seat (20) and/or from it, and/or a stopper (20d) for fixing the specified capsule (100) at the level of the seat (20). 15. Use of the capsule (100) with the extraction ingredient in the device (1) as defined in any preceding paragraph.

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