WO2016079670A1

WO2016079670A1 - Machine for dispensing beverages, in particular coffee

Info

Publication number: WO2016079670A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/058882
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto Stefanoni
Original assignee: Ides Development Company Limited
Priority date: 2014-11-21
Filing date: 2015-11-17
Publication date: 2016-05-26

Abstract

A machine (100) for dispensing hot beverages, such as for example coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, having a device (1) for supporting a small cup for espresso coffee, which supporting device (1) in turn comprises: - a pair of arms (11, 12) rotatably connected to respective flanks (111, 112) of the machine; - a resting base (2) for the small cup, rotatably connected to an end (14) of the arms (11, 12), on opposite sides with respect to a dispensing spout (104) of the machine, which device (1) is configured to assume, in use, a minimal-encumbrance arrangement, wherein the arms (11, 12) are rotated towards a rear portion of the machine and the resting base (2) lies on an upper wall (113) of the machine, and an operative arrangement, wherein the arms (11, 12) are rotated towards a front end (114) of the machine and the resting base (2) is positioned below a dispensing spout (104), defining a raised resting plane for the small cup.

Description

MACHINE FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES, IN PARTICULAR COFFEE

DESCRIPTION Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a machine for dispensing beverages, in particular hot beverages such as for example coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, and to a device supporting a small cup included in such machine.

Background

Machine models for the extemporary preparation / dispensing of hot beverages, such as coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like are known and widely used. The subject machines have been used in working environments, public places in general and, for some years, even in domestic environment.

Some of the most widespread machine models provide the use of single-dose or disposable capsules or pods including a product in form of granular or particle infusion. The end beverage is obtained through a so-called "extraction" process, consisting in making the pod or capsule to be crossed by a liquid at high temperature, typically water. The liquid, downwards such "infusion" through the pod or capsule, implements the beverage which is dispensed to the user.

Such extraction and dispensing process is performed by a dedicated group of the machine, called indeed infusion group. The latter typically comprises capsule-holding body and an infusion head bearing the ducts and mechanisms for feeding the liquid which has to cross the capsule received in the capsule- holding body. In particular, the infusion group is susceptible to assume a plurality of operative configurations allowing, in sequence:

- to receive the capsule,

- to perform the real infusion phase, - to eject the used capsule, and

- to pre-arrange for receiving a new capsule.

Such sequence of procedures typically is performed automatically, through controlled mechanisms to determine a relative motion between infusion head and capsule-holding body coordinated with the above-mentioned phases for inserting the capsule, infusion and ejection of the capsule itself.

In several of the known machines, the relative motion between infusion head and capsule-holding body is of translatory type and it is carried out according to a longitudinal direction of the infusion group, allowing a selective approaching and moving away therebetween.

All machine models - independently from the fact of working or not with the above-mentioned capsules or pods - generally are equipped with a small supporting base whereupon a cup or small cup is rested, which then is arranged below one or more spouts or dispensing nozzles.

The distance between the resting small base and the spout(s) is fixed and it is sized to house both a big cup - for example for American/long coffee, tea or chocolate - and a small cap for "short" beverage, for example espresso coffee. Due to this, when a small cup is used there is the risk that the beverage, by outgoing from the dispensing spout, in the free stream thereof between spout and mouth of the small cup produces splashes or secondary streams which pour outside the small cup itself.

Such drawback is aggravated by the fact that the positioning of the small cup cannot be precise, as both the distance between mouth of the small cup and spout and the cross size of the base are calibrated to house a bigger cup.

Furthermore, in said free stream from the spout to the small cup a hot beverage tends to cool down.

US 1 ,660,074 describes a container of drinkable water equipped with tap. Below the tap a dripping dish is arranged, assembled on a pivoting arm.

WO 2013/108185 describes a machine for producing beverages equipped with mobile dispensing nozzle. US 2009/0159154 describes a dispensing device equipped with a partially mobile support housed in a recess.

Summary of the invention

The technical problem placed and solved by the present invention is then to obviate the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the known art.

Such problem is solved by a device supporting a small cup according to claim 1 and by a machine for dispensing beverages including such device.

Preferred features of the present invention are subject of the depending claims.

The invention provides a rotatable device bearing a resting base specifically configured for supporting a small cup, which device is meant to be used in a machine for dispensing beverages, in particular hot beverages such as for example coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like. The device can be moved between a rest configuration, wherein the resting base is arranged in remote position from the spout dispensing the beverage (or by equivalent means), and an operative configuration, wherein the resting base is arranged below the dispensing spout and suitable to receive the small cup so that the mouth of the latter is arranged in position close to the spout itself.

Therefore, the device of the invention allows arranging the small cup in position close to the beverage-dispensing means of the machine, by limiting or eliminating the free stream and/or the splashes of beverage outside the spout and the small cup. Furthermore, by providing a base specifically configured to receive the small cup makes the positioning of the latter stable and reliable with respect to the known machines. Moreover, such positioning can be performed with greater precision by the user, considering the closeness to the dispensing spout.

Other advantages, features and use modes of the present invention will result evident from the following detailed description of some embodiments, shown by way of example and not for limitative purposes.

Brief description of figures

Reference will be made to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein:

^■ figures 1A and 1 B relate to a preferred embodiment of the machine and of the device supporting a small cup for espresso coffee according to the present invention, by showing a front perspective view and a side view thereof, respectively, in a first rest configuration of the supporting device;

^■ figures 2A and 2B show a front perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the machine of figure 1A, 1 B, in a second intermediate configuration of the supporting device;

^■ figures 3A and 3B show a front perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the machine of figure 1A, 1 B, in a third operative configuration of the above-mentioned supporting device;

^■ figures 4A and 4B show a front perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the machine of figure 1A, 1 B in the above-mentioned first rest configuration of the supporting device, wherein a drop-collecting device of the machine is arranged in an operative position; and

^■ figures 5A and 5B show a front perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a variant of the machine of figure 1 A, 1 B, wherein a relative tank with cover which can be opened is highlighted by dotted line.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

By firstly referring to figures 3A and 3B, a machine for dispensing beverages according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is designated as a whole with 100. In particular, the machine 100 is configured to dispense hot beverages, such as for example coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, in the present example starting from disposable or single-dose capsules or pods. In general terms, the machine 100 can incorporate an infusion group analogous to that described above by referring to the known art.

The machine 100 is configured to dispense both "long" beverages in big cup, such as for example American/long coffee, tea or chocolate, both "short" beverages in small cup, in particular espresso coffee.

The machine 100 comprises a main frame 101 , in the present example with substantially prismatic shape and in particular substantially parallelepiped shape. On the frame 101 a pair of side walls, or flanks, 1 1 1 and 1 12 (only one thereof is visible in figures), an upper wall 1 13 and a front end 1 14 can be seen. Such walls 1 1 1 -1 14 generally are substantially orthogonal the ones with respect to the other ones or however mutually tilted to define a box-like casing for the inner components of the machine 100.

There can be a tank 102, associated to the frame 101 , for the infusion water.

On the front wall 1 14 of the machine 100 means 104 is provided for dispensing the beverage, for example a spout or nozzle. Such means 104 is applied on a dispensing head 103 of the machine itself projecting outside the front wall 1 14. The machine 100 comprises a device supporting a small cup according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, designated as a whole with 1 .

In the present embodiment, the device 1 mainly comprises a first and a second arm, respectively 1 1 and 12, rotatably connected to a resting base 2 for the small cup.

Each arm 1 1 , 12 has a mainly rectilinear development and bears a first and a second longitudinal portion of shaped end. Such end shaped portions are designated with 14 and 15, respectively, for the arm 12 better visible in figures.

At the first shaped end portion 14, each arm 1 1 , 12 is rotatably connected to the resting base 2. The configuration is such that, in the use arrangement shown in figures 3A and 3B, the arms 1 1 and 12 are connected to the base 2 on opposite sides thereof with respect to the position of the dispensing means 104.

In the shown example, each first shaped end portion 14 is substantially curved shape. In general terms, the shape is so that the resting base 2 is supported by the arms 1 1 and 12 according to a direction substantially orthogonal to the prevailing rectilinear development of the arms themselves.

At the second shaped end portion 15, each arm 1 1 , 12 is rotatably connected to a respective flank 1 1 1 , 1 12 of the frame 101 of the machine 100. In the present example, each shaped end portion 15 is substantially shaped like an eye.

The axes of relative rotation of the arms 1 1 and 12 with respect to the frame 101 and the base 2 are designated with 16 and 17, respectively. Such axes, in the present example, are substantially parallel the one with respect to the other one and in particular, in use, substantially horizontal and parallel to the front wall 1 14 and upper wall 1 13 of the machine 100, and then substantially orthogonal to the flanks 1 1 1 and 1 12.

The resting base 2 has means for drainage of beverage, in particular a plurality of through openings 21 , which in the present example have substantially rectilinear development and they are parallel the ones with respect to the other ones.

Furthermore, the resting base 2 bears a recess or shaping 20, which in the present example has a substantially curly bracket-like profile, the function thereof will be explained shortly.

The resting base 2 and/or the arms 1 1 and 12 can be made of metal.

The supporting device 1 is configured to assume a plurality of arrangements or positions with respect to the frame 101 of the machine 100, as illustrated hereinafter.

A first rest - or minimal-encumbrance - arrangement is shown in figure 1A and 1 B. In such position, the arms 1 1 and 12 are rotated towards a rear portion of the machine and the resting base 2 lies adjacent to - in particular rested upon - the upper wall 1 13 of the machine and substantially parallel to the latter. This arrangement is assumed, in use, when the machine has to dispense a beverage in big cup.

An operative arrangement is shown in figure 3A and 3B. In such position, the arms 1 1 and 12 are rotated towards the front wall 1 14 of the machine and the resting base 2 is positioned below the dispensing means 104 and arranged substantially orthogonal to the front wall 1 14 of the machine. This arrangement is assumed, in use, when the machine has to dispense a beverage in small cup. In this case, the small cup will be indeed rested upon the resting base 2, so as to be with its own mouth in position close to the dispensing spout 104. In other words, in such arrangement the base 2 has a raised resting plane for the espresso cup. In this way, residual beverage streams or splashes in the surrounding environment are avoided or reduced.

As it is shown in figures 2A and 2B, the passage between the two just- described rest and operating arrangements takes place by means of a rotation motion of the arms 1 1 and 12 and of the resting base 2. The shaping or recess 20 of the base 2 allows the rotation around the dispensing head 103 without interferences.

Embodiment variants can provide that supporting device 1 is equipped with a single arm connected to a flank of the machine and connected to the resting base in the illustrated way.

Furthermore, the supporting device of the invention, with one or two arms, can be provided even as separate accessory of the machine and/or selectively connectable thereto in permanent or removable way.

By referring to figures 4A and 4B, the machine 100 further comprises a drop- collecting device 200 and a respective sliding seat. The latter is obtained in the frame 101 and designated with 201 in figure 1A.

As it can be understood from the figures, the drop-collecting device 200 is of retractable type, and in particular it can slide within and outside the frame 101 and in particular the seat 201 . Therefore, the drop-collecting device 200, in use, slides between: a closed position - or a minimal-encumbrance position - shown for example in figure 1A, wherein it is entirely received in the frame 101 and thus set back with respect to the dispensing means 104, and

an open and operative position, shown for example in figure 4A, wherein it is arranged below the dispensing means 104 so as to collect possible drops or residual beverage streams.

Preferably, in the closed position the drop-collecting device 200 is not visible from outside.

The drop-collecting device 200 is shaped substantially like a dish or tray and/or it implements a kind of sliding drawer. Like other devices known in the art, it comprises a plurality of drainage slits 202.

In use, the drop-collecting device 200 is arranged below the supporting base 2.

The position of the drop-collecting device 200 and that of the supporting device 1 are independent and independently selected by the user. When both devices 1 and 200 are in the respective rest or minimal-encumbrance position, the whole machine 100 indeed results to have minimal encumbrance and extremely compact configuration. As shown for example in figure 4A, in the present embodiment the machine 100 further comprises a pair of levers or projections 301 and 302, at least one thereof is sliding in order to determine the dispensing of a beverage and which can be selectively grasped between two fingers of a same hand of a user to determine said sliding. In particular, in the present example the lever 301 is sliding integrally to a slide 303 and the lever 302 is fixed with respect to the frame 101 . The lever 301 , or better the slide thereof 303, is operatively connected to components of the infusion group, so that the sliding thereof towards the lever 302 determines the passage of the infusion group in an infusion configuration of the capsule.

Such arrangement with double lever or projection makes the sliding of the slide 303 easier, in particular by allowing to force with thumb and forefinger.

Advantageously, the levers 301 and 302 are arranged at the upper wall 1 13 of the machine 100.

In the variant of figures 5A, 5B the tank 102 bears a cover or closing element 105 rotatably connected to the frame 101 (or to the remaining portion of the tank 102) at its own end profile. Such rotatable connection is so as to allow the cover 105 a degree of rotational freedom with respect to the frame 101 and to the remaining portion of the tank 102, in particular according to an axis C substantially transversal (horizontal) and, in the present example, parallel to the axes 16 and 17. The herein considered rotatable connection can be implemented by means of one or more pin-sleeve or pin-eyelet couplings.

Therefore, the cover 105 results however constrained, that is integral, to the frame 101 (and to the remaining portion of the tank 102) so as not to be capable of being fully separated therefrom. The cover 105 can be open (as it is shown in figures) so as to allow access inside the tank, but one does not run the risk that it could be lost or fall inside the tank itself.

Advantageously, the cover 105 can be snap-opened, for example by means of a key or other locking element which can be actuated by the user. Furthermore, at the above-mentioned rotatable connection, or in other position, a spring contrast element can be provided, suitable to determine the opening of the cover as soon as the above-mentioned key is pressed. Such spring element can be for example a torsion spring mounted on a pin implementing the above- mentioned rotatable connection.

In this variant, the level-adjusting and/or removal procedures of the tank result to be eased.

For the drop-collecting device and/or for the cover which can be opened as described above and as defined in the depending claims a separate protection could be requested, independently from the features and/or the presence of the device supporting the small cup.

The present invention has been sofar described by referring to preferred embodiments. It is to be meant that other embodiments belonging to the same inventive core may exist, as defined by the protective scope of the herebelow reported claims.

Claims

1. A machine (100) for dispensing beverages, in particular hot beverages such as for example coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, which machine has a frame (101 ) equipped with an upper wall (1 13), a side wall (1 1 1 ; 1 12) and a front wall (1 14) bearing means for dispensing the beverage (104), for example a spout or nozzle, which machine (100) further comprises a device supporting a small cup, in particular a small cap for espresso coffee,

which supporting device (1 ) comprises:

^■ a pair of arms (1 1 , 12), each one rotatably connected or connectable to a respective side wall (1 1 1 , 1 12) of the machine at one of its own ends (15) and according to a substantially horizontal first rotation axis (16);

^■ a resting base (2) for the small cup, wherein each one of said arms (1 1 , 12) is rotatably connected at a second end thereof (14) to said resting base (2), said arms (1 1 , 12) being connected to said resting base (2) at opposite sides of the latter with respect, in use, to the dispensing means (104) and according to a substantially horizontal second rotation axis (17),

wherein said supporting device (1 ) is configured to assume, in use, a minimal- encumbrance arrangement, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) are rotated towards a rear portion of the machine and said resting base (2) lies on the upper wall (1 13) of the machine, and an operative arrangement, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) are rotated towards the front wall (1 14) of the machine and said resting base (2) is positioned below the dispensing means (104), defining a raised resting plane for the small cup.

2. The machine (100) according to the previous claim, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) are rotatable with respect to said supporting base (2) and to said frame

(101 ) according to respective rotation axes (16, 17) substantially orthogonal to said side wall (1 1 1 , 1 12) of the machine.

3. The machine (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) have a substantially rectilinear prevalent extension.

4. The machine (100) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) have, each one, an end portion (14) for connection to said resting base (2) shaped so that the latter is supported according to a direction substantially orthogonal to a rectilinear prevalent development of the arms themselves.

5. The machine (100) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) have, each one, a curved connection end portion (14) thereat they engage said resting base (2).

6. The machine (100) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said resting base (2) has means for drainage of beverage, in particular a plurality of through openings (21 ).

7. The machine (100) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said resting base (2) has a recess or shaping (20) suitable to allow a rotation around a dispensing head (103) of the machine in a movement for passing from said minimum-encumbrance arrangement to said operative arrangement.

8. The machine (100) according to anyone of the previous claims, further comprising a drop-collecting device (200) and a respective sliding seat (201 ) of said drop-collecting device (200) obtained in said frame (101 ), the configuration being such that said drop-collecting device (200) is suitable to slide, in use, between a closed position, wherein it is entirely received in said sliding seat (201 ) and set back with respect to said dispensing means (104), and an open or operative position, wherein it is arranged below said dispensing means (104) so as to collect possible drops or residual beverage streams.

9. The machine (100) according to the previous claim, wherein said drop- collecting device (200) is substantially dish-like, tray-like or drawer-like shaped.

10. The machine (100) according to anyone of the previous claims, comprising a pair of levers or projections (301 , 302), at least one thereof is sliding in order to determine the dispensing of a beverage and which can be selectively grasped between two fingers of a same hand of a user to determine said sliding.

11. The machine (100) according to the previous claim, comprising a mechanism for infusion of a disposable capsule or pod connected to at least said projection or sliding lever (301 , 302) of said pair of levers or projections in such a way that the relative closing movement between said levers or projections determines the infusion of the capsule.

12. The machine (100) according to claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein said levers or projections (301 , 302) are arranged at said upper wall (1 13) of the machine.

13. The machine (100) according to anyone of the previous claims, comprising a tank (102) equipped with a closing element (105) rotatably connected to said frame (101 ).

14. A device (1 ) for supporting a small cup, in particular a small cup for espresso coffee,

to be used in a machine (100) for dispensing beverages, in particular hot beverages such as for example coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, which machine has a frame (101 ) equipped with an upper wall (1 13), a side wall (1 1 1 ; 1 12) and a front wall (1 14) bearing means for dispensing the beverage (104), for example a spout or nozzle,

which supporting device (1 ) comprises:

^■ a pair of arms (1 1 , 12), each one rotatably connected or connectable to a respective side wall (1 1 1 , 1 12) of the machine at one of its own ends (15) and according to a first substantially horizontal rotation axis (16);

» a resting base (2) for the small cup, wherein each one of said arms (1 1 , 12) is rotatably connected at one second end thereof (14) to said resting base (2), said arms (1 1 , 12) being connected to said resting base (2) at opposite sides of the latter with respect, in use, to the dispensing means (104) and according to a substantially horizontal second rotation axis (17),

wherein said device (1 ) is configured to assume, in use, a minimal- encumbrance arrangement, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) are rotated towards a rear portion of the machine and said resting base (2) lies on the upper wall (1 13) of the machine, and an operative arrangement, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) are rotated towards the front wall (1 14) of the machine and said resting base (2) is positioned below the dispensing means (104), defining a raised resting plane for the small cup,

wherein said resting base (2) has a recess or shaping (20) suitable to allow a rotation thereof around a dispensing head (103) of the machine in a movement for passing from said minimum-encumbrance arrangement to said operative arrangement.

15. The device (1 ) according to the previous claim, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) have a substantially rectilinear prevalent extension.

16. The device (1 ) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) have, each one, an end portion (14) for connection to said resting base (2) shaped so that the latter is supported according to a direction substantially orthogonal to a rectilinear prevalent development of the arms themselves.

17. The device (1 ) according to anyone of claims 14 to 16, wherein said arms (1 1 , 12) have, each one, a curved connection end portion (14) thereat they engage said resting base (2).

18. The device (1 ) according to anyone of claims 14 to 17, wherein said resting base (2) has means for drainage of beverage, in particular a plurality of through openings (21 ).