WO2017209635A1

WO2017209635A1 - Brewing device with easy actuation and process of preparing a beverage by means of said brewing device

Info

Publication number: WO2017209635A1
Application number: PCT/PT2017/000011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Freire Falcão Teles Caramelo; Agostinho Miguel QUITÉRIO GARCIA CARVALHO
Original assignee: Weadd, Lda.
Priority date: 2016-05-30
Filing date: 2017-05-18
Publication date: 2017-12-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to a brewing device (1) designed to collect capsules (2) from machines (3) for preparing beverages, for example espresso coffee and the like. The brewing device (1) comprises a movable structural part (42) designed to move vertically relatively to a fixed structural part (41), and a corresponding collection component (7) associated with the movable structural part (42) and designed to move downwards and upwards at a slant over a first section and vertically over a second section, relatively to the fixed structural part (41), wherein movement in the end region of the second section causes the collection component (7) to move forwards relatively to the prevailing direction of movement, towards the front part of the machine (3) for preparing beverages. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing beverages, using a brewing device (1).

Description

DESCRIPTION

FRIENDLY EXTRACTION DEVICE AND DRINK PREPARATION PROCESS THROUGH THESE DEVICE

EXTRACTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of extraction devices which use capsules in the preparation of beverages, such as espresso coffee and the like.

The present invention further relates to a beverage preparation process by said extraction device.

Background of the Invention

The prior art includes different extraction device solutions adapted for use in capsules in the preparation of beverages. In certain cases, extraction devices are provided within the beverage preparation machine. In these cases, the capsule is inserted into the extraction device when it is in an open position, placed in operating position when in a closed position, and is then ejected out when the extraction device is opened again.

In these cases, one of the aspects to consider is the constructive simplicity of the extraction device, in in particular the actuation force transmission means of the extraction device between the open and closed positions, and vice versa.

Document WO2016064290 (A1), submitted by the applicant of this application, discloses an extraction device with a general drawer type arrangement and having a simple construction. In particular, the document discloses an extraction device which is manually actuated without the use of lever, gear or similar motion transmission devices between the open and the closed position against an opposite tensile force until it reaches a position. which can be locked against said opposite tensile force.

General Description of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an extraction device adapted for collecting portions of individual doses, for example in the form of capsules, lozenges, or the like, containing an edible substance and for use in the preparation of an edible product, for example. espresso coffee and other aromatic beverages, featuring a simpler construction with a friendlier acting movement.

The above objective is solved according to the present invention by an extraction device according to claim 1.

A related object of the present invention is to provide a more reliable and more ergonomic use beverage preparation process. The above objective is solved according to the present invention by a process according to claim 15.

Description of the Figures

The present invention will now be explained in greater detail based on preferred embodiments and the accompanying Figures.

The Figures show, in simplified schematic representations:

Figure 1: perspective view of a beverage preparation machine (3) comprising an extraction device embodiment (1) according to the invention;

Figure 2: exploded perspective view of the extraction device embodiment (1) according to the invention;

Figure 3: Detail view of a part of the extraction device embodiment (1) shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4: Detail view of another part of the extraction device embodiment (1) shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5: exploded perspective view of the extraction device embodiment (1) according to the invention;

Figure 6: Top, side, and front elevation views of the beverage preparation machine (3) according to Figure 1;

Figure 7: sectional views of the beverage preparation machine (3) according to Figure 1, in an open extraction position (1);

Figure 8: sectional views of the beverage preparation machine (3) according to Figure 1, in a partially closed extractor position (1);

Figure 9: sectional views of the beverage preparation machine (3) according to Figure 1, in a closed extractor position (1);

Figure 10: sectional views of the beverage preparation machine (3) according to Figure 1, in a partially open extraction position (1) in an upward movement from the closed position;

Figure 11: sectional views of the beverage preparation machine (3) according to Figure 1, in an open extraction position (1).

Description of Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

A beverage preparation machine (3) - see Figure 1 - presents a preferred embodiment of extraction device (1) according to the invention which it is manually actuated without lever, gear or similar force transmission elements and in interaction with the tensile force action exerted by the retaining elastic elements (5) - see Figure 2.

Said machine (3) comprises an extraction device (1) including a structural arrangement (4) having a fixed structural part (41) in a general upwardly open "U" type shape, adapted such that a movable structural part (42) In a downwardly open "U" type overall shape it can be moved vertically, in a drawer-like manner, along a travel stroke, between an open position and a closed position of said extraction device (1) , and vice versa. Said fixed structural part (41) is part of the machine chassis (3), and preferably extends according to the depth direction as the machine chassis

(3) while supporting the box (8) of the machine (3). Furthermore, the front part of the machine (3) is formed by said structural arrangement (4) and beverage discharge

(6). Said moving structural part (42) is adapted such that when the extraction device (1) is in the closed position, it provides an outer surface aligned with the outer surface of the remaining housing (8) of the machine (3).

As can best be seen from Figure 2, said extraction device (1) includes a structural arrangement (4) comprising a fixed structural part.

(41) which in a preferred embodiment has two fixed side portions (411) and a fixed base portion (412), and a movable structural portion (42).

In particular, said movable structural part

(42) is adapted so that it can be pushed in a drawer-like manner into the fixed structural part (41), against the action of clickable cheerleading elements (5) - not visible in this image - downward between an open position (corresponding to that shown in Figure 1) and a closed position of said extraction device (1), and vice versa. versa.

Said structural arrangement (4) provides a fluid connection between an upstream fluid source and a downstream beverage outlet (6) when the extraction device (1) is in a closed position.

Said movable structural part (42) comprises a collecting element (7) in a general tubular, cup, or the like shape adapted for collecting capsules (2). Said collecting element (7) comprises a collecting side wall (71) defining an opening oriented in a generally horizontal direction and having a cross-section which develops circularly with respect to a central axis, preferably also of symmetry of said collecting element (7) such that it surrounds at least most of the circular extension of the sidewall of said caps (2).

One of the problems that arises is the reliable ejection of the capsule (2). In the case of an extraction device (1) according to the present invention, said collecting side wall (71) comprises at least one movable wall part (72) disposed on a downwardly oriented side and adapted so that it can release a through opening for the capsule (2), resulting in an ejection of the capsule (2) out of said collecting element (7) by the force of gravity. In particular, said movable wall part (72) is advantageously adapted such that it may be actuated by force transmission elements associated with the movement of said part. movable structural (42). Furthermore, said movable wall part (72) is advantageously adapted such that it can be moved to open and close said passage opening for the capsule (2), and therefore the perimeter of said wall. collection side (71), as a function of the movement of said movable structural part (42).

It is further preferred when said collecting element (7) has two support elements (75) provided diametrically opposed to the collecting side wall (71), said support elements (75) extending to an extent and having distal end projections adapted to engage guide elements (45) provided in corresponding parts of the fixed structural part (41), in particular in said fixed side parts (411).

These components are individually identified in Figures 2 and 3.

According to a preferred embodiment, said sidewall (71) comprises at least two movable wall portions (72) disposed adjacent on a downwardly oriented side and provided such that they can be rotated laterally outwardly with respect to said central axis. preferably also symmetry of the collecting element (7) so as to open the lower part of said collecting side wall (71), and vice versa. The arrangement proposed by the present invention therefore advantageously includes an ejection of the capsule by the force of gravity by controlled opening of part of the perimeter of the capsule collecting side wall (71). Furthermore, said two movable wall parts (72) are retained at their first wall ends (721) so that they can be rotated from a closing position where respective second wall ends (722) are adjacent to each other. an opening position wherein said second wall ends (722) are in a laterally rotated position relative to a central axis of said collecting element (7), thereby opening the lower region of said collecting side wall ( 71) sufficiently far apart to provide that a capsule (2) may fall under the force of gravity out of said collecting element (7), as will be explained in more detail below.

According to a preferred embodiment, said two movable wall parts (72) are urged by respective elastic elements (73) exerting a tensile force to retain said two movable wall parts (72) in a position of closed. Said collecting side wall (71) in this case has a complete circular perimeter so that it can hold a capsule (2) inside.

It is preferred when said two movable wall parts (72) are foisted by respective elastic elements (73) that exert an elastic force to retain said two movable wall parts (72) in a closed position. Thus, the opening of said two movable wall parts (72) is advantageously made by a force contrary to said elastic elements (73) which, in an unsolicited situation, maintain the perimeter of said collecting side wall (71). ) substantially closed and thus the capsule (2) is retained therein. Moreover, it is preferred when said collecting side wall (71) has projections (74) at both second wall ends of said movable wall parts (72), said projections (74) developing such that engage with guide ribs (43) - see Figure 4 - provided on said fixed base part (412) of said fixed structural part (41). These projections (74) thus provide for the driving of the movable structural part (42) to the fixed structural part (41).

According to a complementary aspect, said guide ribs (43) are provided such that they are spaced from the axis of symmetry of said fixed base part (412) along a first section, and approached along this first part. of a second section symmetrically with respect to said symmetry axis (A), said projections (74) leading along said first section so as to generate a spacing between the respective movable wall portions (72) against the force of said elastic members (73).

The movable structural part (42) is thus guided in the fixed structural part (41) between the open position of the extraction device (1), which protrudes above and slightly inclined forward with respect to the fixed structural part (41). , and the closing position in which it is pushed downward to the extent corresponding to the travel stroke.

According to an inventive aspect, said extraction device (1) further has at least one projection-type element (46) disposed in the distal region of the travel stroke, in particular in the region corresponding to the closed position, and adapted accordingly. so as to further pushing said collecting element (7).

In particular, the extraction device (1) according to the present invention comprises a movable structural part (42) adapted so that it can be moved in a vertical direction with respect to said fixed structural part (41), and the respective element of The collection (7) is adapted such that it is moved in an inclined direction in a first section and in a vertical direction in a second section with respect to said fixed structural part (41), in an upward and downward direction, and vice versa. at the end region of said second portion determines a displacement of said collecting element (7) forward with respect to the prevailing direction of the respective travel stroke and towards the front of the beverage preparation machine (3). There is thus provided additional compression, and inherently improved tightness, of the collecting element (7) with respect to the portion of said fixed structural portion (41) of the beverage discharge side (6), opposite the opening of the respective side wall ( 71).

As can best be seen from Figure 4, said fixed structural part (41) comprises projections (46) provided on a surface parallel to that of the travel path, adjacent to the plane in which the rear part of the collecting element (7) moves and at a position corresponding to the final region of the travel path taken by said movable structural part (42). In the case of the preferred embodiment of the extraction device (1), said projections (46) are provided on a portion of the fixed side portions (411) extending above the fixed base portion (412) and in a plane parallel thereto. . These projections (46) are adapted to press said collecting element (7) further forward with respect to the prevailing direction of said travel stroke.

Furthermore, in the case of the embodiment shown, said fixed structural part (41) comprises fixed side parts (411) having fixed guide elements (47) provided on their outwardly oriented side faces, and adapted so that they lead corresponding parts on the side faces of said movable structural part (42) along the respective travel stroke.

It is preferred when said fixed side portions (411) and their fixed guide members (47) are dimensioned with a clearance in the direction transverse to the prevailing flow direction relative to the dimension of the lateral faces of the movable structural portion (42).

Said fixed side parts (411) further advantageously have respective driving elements (45) which develop obliquely with respect to the prevailing direction of travel along a first portion and parallel to said prevailing direction of travel. upwardly downward movement of a second portion of said fixed side portions (411).

Figure 5 represents the type of assembly of the main components of the preferred embodiment of the extraction device (1) according to the present invention.

Figures 7 to 11 represent different stages of movement of the preferred embodiment of the device. (1) according to the cross-sectional views identified in Figure 6.

At a first moment shown in Figure 7, wherein the extraction device (1) is in an open position, corresponding to the most extended position of the retaining elastic elements (5). A capsule (2) is provided within the collection element (7), so that it is retained by the respective collection side wall (71). The two movable wall parts (72) are in this case closed by the action of the elastic elements (73), while the projections (74) are in the furthest position from the shoulder (44), and the support elements (75) ) are at the proximal end of the driving elements (45), in particular at the beginning of a first section that develops obliquely with respect to the prevailing direction of displacement of the moving structural part (42).

In this position, the collecting element (7) is advantageously inclined backwardly relative to the prevailing direction of travel and the front of the beverage preparation machine (3) such that the collecting side wall ( 71) can reliably collect a capsule (2) inside.

In a second moment, shown in Figure 8, the extraction device (1) is in an intermediate position of the travel between the open position and the closed position. There is no change in the position of the moving wall parts (72). The projections (74) hold together and have not yet passed beyond the shoulder (44) to the guide ribs (43). The support elements (75) are at the beginning of a second section of the driving elements (45) which extend develops obliquely with respect to the prevailing direction of displacement of the moving structural part (42).

In a third instance, shown in Figure 9, the extraction device (1) is in a closed position, wherein the elastic resilient elements (5) are completely compressed and retained in a respective locking element. As can be seen, the projections (74) associated with the movable wall portions (72) have already passed beyond the shoulder (44) and are now in the guide ribs (43). The bearing elements (75) are at the distal end of the driving elements (45).

In this position, the rear part of the collecting element (7) meets the projections (46), so that it is pushed further forward, thereby increasing its tightness.

In a fourth moment, shown in Figure 10, the extraction device (1) initiated the inverse opening movement, actuated by the tensile elastic elements (5). As can be seen, the projections (74) are being driven in an upward motion along the guide ribs (43), so that the respective movable wall portions (72) have been progressively spaced apart to provide a sufficient through opening for the capsule (2) to fall under the force of gravity out of said collecting sidewall (71).

Figure 11 represents the starting position of the open extraction device (1). The collecting element (7) is angled back and the parts are movable wall panels (72) are closed by the action of the respective elastic elements (73).

Lisbon, May 17th, 2017

Claims

1. Extraction device (1) adapted for collecting capsules (2) in beverage preparation machines (3), said extraction device (1) comprising:

- a structural arrangement (4) comprising a fixed structural portion (41) and a movable structural portion (42);

- a collecting element (7) provided inside and associated with said movable structural part (42) such that it can rotate relative thereto;

- said collecting element (7) comprising a part having a collecting side wall (71) of circular cross-section such that it surrounds at least most of the circular extension of the side wall of said caps (2),

featured

said movable structural part (42) is adapted such that it can be moved in a vertical direction with respect to said fixed structural part

(41), and in that the respective collecting element (7) is adapted such that it is moved in an inclined direction in a first section and in a vertical direction in a second section with respect to said fixed structural part.

(41), in the direction of top-down movement, and vice versa, wherein the displacement in the terminal region of said second portion determines a forward displacement of said collecting element (7) relative to the prevailing direction of the respective stroke. towards the front of the beverage preparation machine (3).

Extraction device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said fixed structural part (41) has at least one, preferably two projections (46) provided in a posterior plane adjacent to the displacement plane of said one. collecting element (7) and in a position corresponding to the end region of the travel path taken by said movable structural part (42), said at least one projection (46) being adapted to offset said collecting element ( 7) additionally forward.

Extraction device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said projection

(46) be provided with a wedge type shape.

Extraction device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said fixed structural part (41) comprises fixed lateral parts (411) having fixed guide elements.

(47), preferably provided on their outwardly facing side faces, adapted to guide the side faces of said movable structural part (42) along the respective travel path.

Extractor (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said collecting element (7) has two support elements (75) which are diametrically opposed to the collecting side wall (71). said support members (75) extend to an extent and have distal end projections adapted to engage guide elements (45) provided on said fixed side portions (411).

Extraction device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said fixed structural part (41) comprises fixed lateral parts (411) having respective guide elements (45) which are obliquely extending with respect to the prevailing direction of travel along a first portion and parallel to said prevailing direction of travel along a second portion upwards and downwards of said fixed side portions (411).

Extractor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said movable structural part (42) is adapted to be pushed in a drawer-like manner relative to the fixed structural part (41); against the action of reticeable click-like elastic elements (5), in a vertical prevailing direction of travel between an open position and a closed position of said extraction device (1), and vice versa, and for said structural arrangement (4) provides a fluid connection between an upstream fluid source and a downstream beverage outlet (6) when the extraction device (1) is in a closed position.

Extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said collecting side wall (71) comprises at least one movable side wall (72) adapted to be movable between respective ones. closed position and an open position in order to provide a passage opening for said capsule (2), and vice versa.

Extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said collecting side wall (71) comprises two movable wall parts (72) disposed adjacent on a downwardly oriented side and provided in a manner. such that they can be rotated laterally outwardly relative to a central axis of the collecting element (7) to provide a capsule through opening (2) at the bottom of said collecting side wall (71), and vice versa. versa.

Extractor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said two movable wall parts (72) are retained at respective first wall ends.

(721) such that they can be rotated from a closed position in which respective second wall ends

(722) are adjacent to an open position wherein said second wall ends (722) are in a laterally rotated outward position, thereby opening the lower region of said collecting side wall (71) to an extent of sufficient distance to provide that a capsule (2) may fall under the force of gravity out of said collecting element (7).

Extraction device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that said two movable wall parts (72) are impinged by respective elastic elements (73) exerting an elastic force, in particular an elastic force with components in directions. opposite, so as to retain said two movable wall parts (72) in a closed position.

Extractor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said collecting side wall (71) has projections (74) at both second wall ends of said movable wall parts (72). ), said projections (74) extending so that they engage guide ribs (43) provided on said fixed base part (412) of said fixed structural part (41).

Extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said fixed structural part (41) comprises a shoulder (75), preferably provided on a fixed base part (412); arranged in a position corresponding to the proximity of the maximum travel range of said movable structural part (42), said shoulder (75) being adapted such that it is surmountable by said projections (74) but providing a blocking thereof with respect to the force exerted by said resilient elastic members (5) when said projections (74) are moved beyond said shoulder (44).

Extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said fixed structural part (41) comprises guide ribs (43), preferably in a fixed base part (412), arranged so that they are spaced from the axis of symmetry of said fixed base part (412) along a first section, and are brought closer to it along a second section, symmetrically relative to said axis of symmetry, leading said projections (74) along said first portion so as to generate a spacing between the respective movable wall parts (72) against the tensile force of said elastic elements (73).

A process for preparing an edible product, such as a beverage, comprising the steps:

providing a machine (3) featuring an extraction device (1), in particular an extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14,

- providing the extraction device (1) in an open position in which a respective movable structural part (42) is offset vertically upwards relative to a fixed structural part (41) and to the other machine chassis (8),

providing a capsule (2) within a collection side wall (71) of a collection element (7) associated with said movable mobile structural part (42);

- pushing said movable structural part (42) downwards against the tensile force exerted by resilient resilient elements (5), from said open position until said resilient resilient elements (5) reach a respective retention point corresponding to a closed position;

- initiating the beverage preparation process, obtaining the beverage from a beverage discharge (6);

- further pushing said movable structural part (42) down past the retention point of said resilient elastic members (5) and thereby initiating upward movement of said movable structural part (42) actuated by said elements. detachable elastic bands (5) from said closed position to said open position.

Method according to claim 15, characterized in that said pushing of the movable structural part (42) downwards determines the movement of the collecting element (7) along a respective travel stroke comprising:

- a first movement of the collecting element (7) in a downward and forward oblique direction along a first portion of the travel stroke,

- a second movement of the collecting element (7) in a vertical direction along a second portion of the travel path, and

- a third movement in the terminal region of the travel stroke in a forward direction.

Process according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that said upward movement of the said movable structural part (42) with respect to said fixed structural part (41) determines:

a first movement of part of the collection side wall (71) to provide a sufficient opening for the exit of the capsule (7) outward by the force of gravity;

- a second movement of said collecting side wall portion (71) to close said through opening.

Lisbon, May 17th, 2017