WO2018109574A1 - Apparatus for making a beverage by infusion of a food substance with water - Google Patents

Apparatus for making a beverage by infusion of a food substance with water Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018109574A1
WO2018109574A1 PCT/IB2017/056755 IB2017056755W WO2018109574A1 WO 2018109574 A1 WO2018109574 A1 WO 2018109574A1 IB 2017056755 W IB2017056755 W IB 2017056755W WO 2018109574 A1 WO2018109574 A1 WO 2018109574A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cam
infusion
piercing element
type guiding
capsule
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2017/056755
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Maurizio DIAMANTI
Giovanni Accursi
Original Assignee
Caffitaly System S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Caffitaly System S.P.A. filed Critical Caffitaly System S.P.A.
Priority to CN201780071294.9A priority Critical patent/CN109936993B/en
Priority to BR112019012065-3A priority patent/BR112019012065B1/en
Publication of WO2018109574A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018109574A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/06—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor
    • A47J31/0657—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines
    • A47J31/0668—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines specially adapted for cartridges
    • A47J31/0673—Means to perforate the cartridge for creating the beverage outlet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
    • A47J31/34—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure
    • A47J31/36—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
    • A47J31/3666—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means whereby the loading of the brewing chamber with the brewing material is performed by the user
    • A47J31/3676—Cartridges being employed
    • A47J31/369—Impermeable cartridges being employed
    • A47J31/3695—Cartridge perforating means for creating the hot water inlet

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to the beverage making sector.
  • this invention relates to an apparatus for making a beverage by infusion of a food substance with water, wherein the food substance is contained in a disposable capsule or cartridge through which the flow of water passes as the beverage is made.
  • prior art apparatuses comprise piercing elements that during use pierce the capsule, creating an infeed opening and an outfeed opening.
  • the apparatus In order to allow a correct flow of pressurised water in the capsule, the apparatus must house the capsule in a sealable infusion chamber, so that no water leaks from the infusion chamber and/or no water or beverage comes out of the infeed opening made in the capsule.
  • the piercing elements are fixed elements against which the capsule is pressed during infusion chamber closing. In other cases, at least some piercing elements are movable relative to the infusion chamber and comprise their own movement means.
  • the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to provide an apparatus for making a beverage that overcomes, or at least reduces, those disadvantages or that offers an alternative solution to the prior art apparatuses.
  • infusion chamber closing/opening and movement of a piercing element relative to the infusion chamber are implemented by two respective mechanisms each comprising a cam-type guiding profile and a respective follower, both of the mechanisms being connected to the same member that is rotatable about an axis of rotation and is angularly shiftable between a first angular position and a second angular position.
  • cam-type guiding profiles and respective followers allows, at the design stage, easy implementation of the desired strokes for the individual elements to be moved and coordination of operation of the piercing element relative to the infusion chamber degree of closing.
  • the cam- type guiding profile for moving the piercing element is shaped in such a way that the piercing element is operated during infusion chamber closing and is then retracted. Therefore, the piercing element is in the inactive position both when the infusion chamber is completely open, and when the infusion chamber is completely closed. That is useful for preventing the piercing element from interfering with the capsule during its positioning or removal and from obstructing beverage outfeed from the capsule. This is simple to implement by suitably shaping the cam-type guiding profile.
  • a part of the infusion chamber is formed by a capsule-holder body that is removably inserted in a housing.
  • a user removes the capsule-holder body in order to take out a used capsule and to position a new capsule in it.
  • the capsule-holder body is then put back in the housing by the user. This is useful for facilitating capsule removal from and insertion in the infusion chamber.
  • cam-type guiding profile in general means a member with a profile or edge that, operating in conjunction with a follower member suitable for following the profile or edge during relative shifting, allows a rotating movement to be converted into a translating movement, or vice versa.
  • one of either the member with the cam-type guiding profile or the follower member performs a rotating movement and the other performs a translating movement.
  • the cam-type profile has a variable distance from the axis about which the rotating movement occurs and the follower member is at a distance from that axis of rotation. Consequently, different angular positions of one member correspond to different distances of the other member from the axis of rotation.
  • the two parts are connected in rotation
  • the two parts are parts of the same member or in any case they are fixed to each other, therefore, they can rotate together about the same axis.
  • the two parts may be separate parts that are connected to each other by a motion transmission system and if necessary may be rotatable about respective axes that do not coincide with each other.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making a beverage according to this invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an infusion unit that is part of the apparatus of Figure 1 , with some parts removed, in a first condition;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the first condition
  • FIG. 4 shows the perspective section view of Figure 3, with further parts removed;
  • FIG. 5 is a side vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the first condition
  • Figure 6 shows the side section view of Figure 5, with a capsule-holder body removed;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in a second condition and with the capsule-holder body shown in the extracted condition;
  • FIG. 8 is a side vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the second condition and with the capsule-holder body removed;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the second condition and with the capsule-holder body inserted;
  • FIG. 10 shows the perspective section view of Figure 9, with further parts removed;
  • FIG. 11 is a side vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the second condition and with the capsule-holder body inserted;
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in a third condition
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the third condition;
  • FIG. 14 is a side vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the third condition
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the supporting structure of the infusion unit of Figure 2;
  • FIG. 16 to 18 show three different positions of a movement mechanism of a piercing element of the infusion unit of Figure 2, those positions corresponding respectively to the first condition, to the second condition and to the third condition.
  • the numeral 1 denotes an apparatus for making a beverage.
  • the beverage is made by infusion of a food substance with water, the food substance being contained in a capsule through which a flow of water passes as the beverage is made.
  • the term "capsule” also means a cartridge, a pod or another similar article, usually disposable, comprising a pierceable covering that contains a food substance.
  • the food substance is ground coffee and, by infusion with hot water, the beverage obtained is a coffee, for example an espresso coffee.
  • the capsule is not shown in the accompanying figures. However, for experts in the field it is obvious that the capsule is substantially shaped to match the respective seat shown in the figures and that the capsule is closed in the extraction chamber during use.
  • the apparatus 1 comprise a machine body 10 that supports an infusion unit 12, that is to say, a beverage making unit. Below the infusion unit 12 there is a supporting grille 14 that, during use, is intended to receive a cup so that the beverage made by the infusion unit 12 falls into the cup.
  • the supporting grille 14 is a cover of a tray 16 below for collecting drops that may fall from the infusion unit 12 in the absence of the cup.
  • the machine body 10 contains a water tank, a water heater and a pump for pressurising the water. Those components are not shown in the figures. This invention relates in particular to aspects of the infusion unit 12. The other aspects of the apparatus 1 may be produced according to the prior art and, therefore, will not be described in further detail.
  • the infusion unit 12 comprises a supporting structure 20, on which the other components of the infusion unit 12 are mounted (directly or indirectly), and a box-shaped casing 21 that contains and protects the supporting structure 20 and the internal components.
  • the box-shaped casing 21 may be a body also having the function of supporting structure.
  • the infusion unit 12 is fixed to the machine body 10 and, by means of a pipe 18, is connected to the heater and to the pump in the machine body 10 for receiving pressurised hot water to be used for the infusion.
  • the infusion unit 12 may also comprise a push-button control panel 23 that a user can use to start making the beverage and, if necessary, select a type of product (for example, a weaker coffee made with more water or a stronger coffee made with less water).
  • the push-button control panel 23 is connected to a control unit that manages operation of the heater and of the pump, even based on the instructions received via the push-button control panel 23.
  • the infusion unit 12 comprises a first member 31 and a second member 32 which form an infusion chamber 30 intended to receive the capsule containing the food substance.
  • the first member 31 and the second member 32 are movable one relative to the other between a home position, in which they are at a distance from one another (see in particular Figures 9 to 11 ), and an infusion position, in which they are coupled to each other and they close the infusion chamber 30 (see Figures 2 to 5).
  • a home position in which they are at a distance from one another (see in particular Figures 9 to 11 )
  • an infusion position in which they are coupled to each other and they close the infusion chamber 30 (see Figures 2 to 5).
  • the infusion chamber 30 In the home position, the infusion chamber 30 is open and the user can remove the used capsule or position a new capsule.
  • the first member 31 In the infusion position, the first member 31 is in pressing contact with the second member 32 on an annular region that surrounds the infusion chamber 30, thereby sealing closed the infusion chamber 30.
  • the second member 32 includes a substantially cup-shaped seat 34 for receiving the capsule, whilst the first member 31 acts as a lid for closing the seat 34.
  • the first member 31 is located above the second member 32 and the infusion unit 12 is of the vertical type in which the water is introduced into the capsule from above and the beverage comes out of the bottom of the capsule below.
  • the first member 31 is slidably mounted on the supporting structure 20 and for example comprises grooves that are slidably received in guiding ribs 22 made in the supporting structure 20.
  • the infusion unit 12 comprises a housing 24 made in the supporting structure 20 and a capsule-holder body 26 that can be removably housed in the housing 24.
  • the housing 24 is open on the side wall of the supporting structure 20, having an opening 25 through which the capsule-holder body 26 can be inserted in the housing 24.
  • the capsule-holder body 26 is in the shape of a small removable drawer.
  • the capsule-holder body 26 includes the second member 32, which in turn includes the seat 34 for the capsule.
  • the capsule-holder body 26 also comprises a projecting grip 27 that can be grasped by a user in order to remove the capsule-holder body from or insert it in the housing 24.
  • the capsule-holder body 26 In the home position the capsule-holder body 26 is removable from the housing 24, whilst in the infusion position the capsule-holder body 26 is locked in the housing 24 by the interaction with the first member 31 .
  • the first member 31 is movable relative to the supporting structure 20 and the second member 32 is fixed relative to the supporting structure 20.
  • the infusion unit 12 comprises at least one first piercing element 41 that is, for example, associated with the first member 31 and that, in use, is intended to make a perforation in a first region of the capsule.
  • the first piercing element 41 has a pointed shape that projects towards the infusion chamber 30 and that, when the infusion unit 12 is brought into the infusion position, penetrates the capsule, tearing its top lid.
  • the infusion unit 12 also comprises a duct 33 that, in use, is intended for injecting water into the capsule through the perforation made in the first region. That perforation is therefore a water infeed opening.
  • the duct 33 is hydraulically connected to the pipe 18 and communicates with the infusion chamber 30 for example by means of a channel that passes through the first piercing element 41 .
  • the duct 33 is made in the body of the first member 31 , to which the pipe 18 is fixed.
  • the infusion unit 12 comprises a second piercing element 42 that is movable relative to the infusion chamber 30 between an active position, in which the second piercing element 42 at least partly projects into the infusion chamber 30 (as shown in Figures 13 and 14) and an inactive position (as shown in Figures 3 to 6 and 8 to 11 ) in which the second piercing element 42 is away from the infusion chamber 30 relative to the active position.
  • the second piercing element 42 In the active position and in use, the second piercing element 42 is intended to pierce a second region of the capsule for making an opening for beverage outfeed from the capsule.
  • the second piercing element 42 is pointed or blade-shaped.
  • the second member 32 is interposed between the first member 31 and the second piercing element 42, that can project into the infusion chamber 30 through a through opening 36 in the bottom of the seat 34 of the second member 32. Therefore, the first piercing element 41 and the second piercing element 42 are intended to pierce opposite regions of the capsule, in particular a top lid and a bottom, respectively. Downstream of the through opening 36, a beverage outfeed duct 28 (for example, made in the supporting structure 20) puts the through opening 36 in communication with a dispensing spout 29.
  • the second piercing element 42 is mounted on a movable support 44 that in turn is slidably mounted on the supporting structure 20, thereby implementing the movement of the second piercing element 42 relative to the infusion chamber 30.
  • the movable support 44 is a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped frame, whose arms have end stretches 441 that are slidably received in respective guides 224 on the supporting structure 20.
  • the second piercing element 42 is fixed to the centre of the U-shaped or V-shaped movable support 44.
  • the infusion unit 12 comprises a rotatable member 5 that, by means of the interaction between cam-type guiding profiles and respective followers, controls said movements when necessary, as explained below.
  • the rotatable member 5 is rotatable about an axis of rotation 50, in particular the rotatable member 5 pivots at the supporting structure 20 at two opposite wings 205 on the top of the supporting structure 20.
  • the axis of rotation 50 is substantially horizontal and is located above the first member 31 .
  • the rotatable member 5 is angularly shiftable between a first angular position (shown in Figures 1 to 6) and a second angular position (shown in Figures 7 to 11 ), and vice versa.
  • a lever 52 that can be operated by a user, is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5 and allows the user to shift the rotatable member 5 between the first angular position and the second angular position, and vice versa.
  • the lever 52 is made in one piece with the rotatable member 5 (or in any case rotates together with the latter), that is to say, the lever 52 is part of the rotatable member 5.
  • a first cam-type guiding profile 61 is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5, whilst a respective first follower 71 is connected to the first member 31 of the infusion unit 12. Thanks to the interaction between the first cam-type guiding profile 61 and the respective follower 71 , an angular shifting of the rotatable member 5 produces a relative movement of the first member 31 relative to the second member 32.
  • the first cam-type guiding profile 61 has a course with variable distance from its axis of rotation (which in particular is the axis of rotation 50 of the rotatable member 5) and the first member 31 is constrained to slide along the guiding ribs 22, the rotation of the rotatable member 5 causes a rotation of the first cam-type guiding profile 61 , that in turn applies on the first member 31 , by means of the follower 71 , a force with a component parallel to the guiding ribs 22, thereby shifting the first member 31 .
  • the first cam-type guiding profile 61 comprises a first stretch 611 and a second stretch 612, which are connected to each other, wherein the first stretch 611 is further from the axis of rotation 50 than the second stretch 612.
  • the first stretch 611 has an end far from the axis of rotation 50 and follows a curved shape that hardly deviates from an arc of a circle, whilst the second stretch 612 is almost straight and ends with an end near the axis of rotation 50.
  • the first follower 71 is at the end of the first stretch 611 (see for example Figures 3 and 4) and, therefore, the first member 31 is pressed against the second member 32. That corresponds to the infusion position of the infusion unit 12.
  • the lever 52 is substantially horizontal and substantially forms a continuation of the shape of the upper face of the box- shaped casing 21 , as shown in Figure 1 .
  • the rotatable member 5 When the rotatable member 5 is in the second angular position, the first follower 71 is at the end of the second stretch 612 (see in particular Figure 10) and, therefore, the first member 31 is raised towards the axis of rotation 50. That corresponds to the home position of the infusion unit 12.
  • the lever 52 is raised relative to the upper face of the box-shaped casing 21 and in particular it is substantially vertical, as shown for example in Figure 7.
  • the rotatable member 5 comprises a cam- holder body 54 that extends transversally relative to the axis of rotation 50.
  • that cam-holder body 54 substantially has the shape of a sector of a circle that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 50.
  • the first cam-type guiding profile 61 is made on said cam-holder body 54, in particular on a first face 541 of it that faces towards the first member 31 .
  • the first follower 71 is a tooth, a pin or a wheel that projects from the first member 31 towards the first face 541 .
  • the cam-holder body 54 is on the outside of the supporting structure 20, which is equipped with an elongate opening 225 through which the first follower 71 projects outwards towards the cam-holder body 54.
  • the first follower 71 is fixed to the first member 31 and the first cam-type guiding profile 61 is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5, specifically it is made on the body 54 that is part of the rotatable member 5. Therefore, an angular shifting of the rotatable member 5 causes a sliding of the first member 31 towards, or away from, the second member 32 of the infusion unit 12.
  • a second cam-type guiding profile 62 is also connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5, whilst a respective second follower 72 is connected to the second piercing element 42. Thanks to the interaction between second cam-type guiding profile 62 and the respective follower 72, an angular shifting of the rotatable member 5 produces a movement of the second piercing element 42 relative to the infusion chamber 30, similarly to what is described above for the first guiding profile 61 and the first follower 71 .
  • the second cam-type guiding profile 62 has a course with variable distance from its axis of rotation (which in particular is the axis of rotation 50 of the rotatable member 5) and the second piercing element 42 is constrained to slide along the guides 224, the second cam-type guiding profile 62 applies on the second piercing element 42, by means of the follower 72 and the movable support 44, a force with a component parallel to the guides 224, thereby shifting the second piercing element 42.
  • At least one angular position of the rotatable member 5 in the path between the first angular position and the second angular position corresponds to the active position of the second piercing element 42, in which the latter projects into the infusion chamber 30.
  • the active position corresponds to a third angular position of the rotatable member 5 which, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, is interposed between the first angular position and the second angular position.
  • the first angular position and the second angular position of the rotatable member 5 may correspond to the inactive position of the second piercing element 42.
  • the second piercing element 42 pierces the bottom of the capsule during infusion unit 12 closing and returns to the inactive position before complete closing of the infusion chamber 30, thereby not interfering with the outflow of beverage from the capsule.
  • the second cam-type guiding profile 62 comprises two curved stretches 621 , 622, having their concavities facing the same way (specifically, towards the axis of rotation 50), and a third curved stretch 623 that connects said two curved stretches 621 , 622 and has its concavity facing the opposite way.
  • the second cam-type guiding profile 62 substantially has the shape of a deformed W.
  • the second follower 72 engages with one of said two curved stretches 621 , 622 when the second piercing element 42 is in the inactive position and engages with the third curved stretch 623 when the second piercing element 42 is in the active position.
  • the two opposite ends of the two curved stretches 621 , 622 are equidistant from the axis of rotation 50, whilst the third curved stretch 623 has a summit that is closer to the axis of rotation 50 than said opposite ends. Therefore, when the rotatable member 5 is in the first angular position or in the second angular position, the second follower 72 is located at one or the other of said opposite ends ( Figure 16 or Figure 18) and the second piercing element 42 is in the inactive position. When the rotatable member 5 is in the third angular position, the second follower is located at the summit of the third curved stretch 623 ( Figure 17) and the second piercing element 42 is in the active position.
  • the second cam-type guiding profile 62 is also made on said cam-holder body 54, in particular on a second face 542 that is facing outwards.
  • the cam-holder body 54 has two opposite faces 541 , 542 that extend transversally relative to the axis of rotation 50.
  • the first cam-type guiding profile 61 is made on one of the two opposite faces and the second cam-type guiding profile 62 is made on the other of the two opposite faces.
  • the second follower 72 is a tooth, pin or a wheel that projects from an end stretch 441 of the movable support 44 towards the second face 542.
  • the movable support 44 includes the second follower 72 and the second cam-type guiding profile 62 is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5, specifically it is made on the body 54 that is part of the rotatable member 5. Therefore, an angular shifting of the rotatable member 5 causes a sliding of the movable support 44 and the movement of the second piercing element 42 relative to the infusion chamber 30.
  • first cam-type guiding profiles 61 and two respective first followers 71 which form two pairs each formed by a cam-type guiding profile 61 and a follower 71 that are positioned on opposite sides of the first member 31 , which is therefore subject to two equal and parallel forces. That is useful for obtaining a more balanced distribution of the forces acting on the first member 31 than with a solution having only one pair consisting of a cam-type guiding profile 61 and a follower 71 . For example, those pairs are symmetrical relative to a vertical middle plane of the first member 31 .
  • each end stretch 441 of the movable support 44 comprises a second follower 72.
  • the rotatable member 5 comprises two cam-holder bodies 54, which are at a distance from each other along the axis of rotation 50 and are positioned on opposite sides of the first member 31 .
  • the first cam-type profile 61 is made on the face 541 that is facing inwards and the second cam-type profile 62 is made on the face 542 that is facing outwards.
  • each cam-type guiding profile 61 , 62 is formed by a track or a groove and the respective follower 71 , 72 is a tooth, a pin, a wheel or a projecting element that is housed in the track or groove and can slide along the track or groove.
  • each cam-type guiding profile 61 , 62 has two parallel edges between which the follower 71 , 72 is inserted. That is useful for ensuring that the follower always remains in contact with the respective guiding profile and that the movement of the first member 31 or of the second piercing element 42 is controlled both in one direction and in the opposite direction without the need for elastic return elements.
  • the cam-type guiding profile may be a slit or a notch in the thickness of the cam-holder body 54.
  • the user can extract the capsule-holder body 26 (see Figure 7), remove any capsule used in the previous infusion from the seat 34 and place a new capsule in the seat 34.
  • the cam-type guiding profiles 61 , 62 rotate with the rotatable member 5 about the axis 50 and the respective followers 71 , 72 shift along the self-same profiles.
  • the first followers 71 travel along the second stretches 612 which have a rapid variation in the distance from the axis of rotation 50, therefore, the first followers 71 in the first cam-type guiding profiles 61 move away from the axis of rotation 50 and force the first member 31 to be lowered towards the second member 32.
  • the second followers 72 travel along the stretches 622 which have a shape that is almost an arc of a circle and, therefore, the second piercing element 42 is only slightly moved from the inactive position.
  • the second followers 72 are, in contrast, in the third stretches 623, that is to say, at the point closest to the axis of rotation 50.
  • the movable support 44 has therefore been brought upwards and the second piercing element 42 has been lifted into the active position and has pierced the bottom of the capsule.
  • the infusion chamber 30 is still not completely closed, but for example the first piercing element 41 has already pierced the capsule lid.
  • the second followers 72 have left the third stretches 623 and are in the curved stretches 621 , further from the axis of rotation 50. Therefore, compared with the intermediate position the movable support 44 has moved downwards and the second piercing element 42 has returned to the inactive position.
  • the user can start making the beverage using the push-button control panel 23.
  • Pressurised hot water is injected into the capsule through the duct 33 and the infeed opening created by the first piercing element 41 .
  • Infusion of the food substance in the capsule with hot water produces the beverage, which comes out of the capsule through the outfeed opening created by the second piercing element 42 and, passing through the through opening 36 and the beverage outfeed duct 28, comes out of the dispensing spout 29.
  • the user can lift the lever 52 (as already described above) to release the capsule-holder body 26 and remove the used capsule.
  • the followers 71 , 72 travel along the respective cam-type guiding profiles 61 , 62 in the opposite direction: the first member 31 and the second member 32 are returned to the inactive position, and the second piercing element 42 moves to the inactive position that corresponds to engagement of the curved stretches 622.
  • the second member 32 is not part of a removable capsule-holder body and the capsule is insertable in the infusion chamber 30 through a suitable opening when the first member 31 and the second member 32 are in the home condition.
  • the relative movement of the first member 31 and of the second member 32 may be implemented by keeping the first member 31 stationary relative to the supporting structure 20 and making the second member 32 movable relative to the supporting structure 20, away from and towards the first member 31 .
  • the first follower 71 is connected to the second member 32 rather than to the first member 31 .
  • the first cam-type guiding profile 61 and the first follower 71 may have their positions inverted, that is to say, the first cam- type guiding profile 61 is connected to the first member 31 (or to the second member 32) and the first follower 71 is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5.
  • the first cam-type guiding profile 61 translates with the first member 31 (or with the second member 32) and the first follower 71 is eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of rotation 50, thereby following a trajectory that is an arc of a circle.
  • the second cam-type guiding profile 62 and the second follower 72 may have their positions inverted, that is to say, the second cam-type guiding profile 62 is connected to the second piercing element 42 and the second follower 72 is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5.
  • the second cam-type guiding profile 62 translates with the second piercing element 42 (for example, being fixed to an end stretch 441 of the movable support 44) and the second follower 72 is eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of rotation 50, thereby following a trajectory that is an arc of a circle.
  • the lever 52 may be connected to the rotatable member 5 by means of a rotary motion transmission system, instead of being made in one piece with the rotatable member 5.
  • the cam-type guiding profiles 61 , 62 may be connected to the rotatable member 5 by a rotary motion transmission system and if necessary they may rotate about different axes to the rotatable member 5, rather than rotating together with or even being in one piece with the rotatable member 5.

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for making a beverage by infusion of a food substance with water. An infusion unit (12) of the apparatus comprises a first member (31) and a second member (32) which form an infusion chamber (30) intended to receive a capsule containing a food substance. The first member (31) and the second member (32) are movable one relative to the other between a home position, in which they are at a distance from one another, and an infusion position, in which they are coupled to each other and they close the infusion chamber (30). A first piercing element (41) is associated with the first member (31) of the infusion unit (12) and is intended to make a water infeed perforation in a first region of the capsule. A second piercing element (42) is movable relative to the infusion chamber (30) between an active position, in which it at least partly projects into the infusion chamber (30) for making a beverage outfeed perforation in a second region of the capsule, and an inactive position, in which the second piercing element (42) is away from the infusion chamber (30) relative to the active position. The movement of the first member (31) relative to the second member and of the second piercing element (42) is implemented by a rotatable member (5) that is rotatable about an axis of rotation (50) and is angularly shiftable between a first angular position and a second angular position, and vice versa. By means of a first cam-type guiding profile (61) and a first follower (71), the rotatable member (5) produces a relative movement of the first member (31) relative to the second member (32). By means of a second cam-type guiding profile (62) and a second follower (72), the rotatable member (5) produces a movement of the second piercing element (42).

Description

APPARATUS FOR MAKING A BEVERAGE BY INFUSION OF A FOOD SUBSTANCE WITH WATER
* * *
DESCRIPTION
This invention relates in general to the beverage making sector. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for making a beverage by infusion of a food substance with water, wherein the food substance is contained in a disposable capsule or cartridge through which the flow of water passes as the beverage is made.
In general, apparatuses of this type are already known, for example in European patent No. EP1559351 B1 .
In order to allow water to enter the capsule and the beverage to flow out of the capsule, the capsule must be pierced in two separate regions. For this purpose, prior art apparatuses comprise piercing elements that during use pierce the capsule, creating an infeed opening and an outfeed opening.
In order to allow a correct flow of pressurised water in the capsule, the apparatus must house the capsule in a sealable infusion chamber, so that no water leaks from the infusion chamber and/or no water or beverage comes out of the infeed opening made in the capsule.
For prior art apparatuses, many different mechanisms or configurations have been proposed for closing the infusion chamber and for operating the piercing elements. In some cases, the piercing elements are fixed elements against which the capsule is pressed during infusion chamber closing. In other cases, at least some piercing elements are movable relative to the infusion chamber and comprise their own movement means.
In general, such mechanisms comprise many parts and are quite complex and elaborate, in particular when even the piercing elements are movable and, therefore, their movement must be coordinated with infusion chamber closing. Regarding the chamber closing and capsule piercing mechanisms, prior art apparatuses may therefore have disadvantages concerning the complexity of their construction and as regards their operating reliability over time.
In this context the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to provide an apparatus for making a beverage that overcomes, or at least reduces, those disadvantages or that offers an alternative solution to the prior art apparatuses.
The technical purpose specified and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by an apparatus for making a beverage according to claim 1 . Particular embodiments of this invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.
According to one aspect of the solution proposed by this invention, infusion chamber closing/opening and movement of a piercing element relative to the infusion chamber are implemented by two respective mechanisms each comprising a cam-type guiding profile and a respective follower, both of the mechanisms being connected to the same member that is rotatable about an axis of rotation and is angularly shiftable between a first angular position and a second angular position.
That is useful for producing a mechanical system that, in a simple and sturdy way, allows coordination of infusion chamber closing and capsule piercing using a reduced number of parts. Moreover, the use of cam-type guiding profiles and respective followers allows, at the design stage, easy implementation of the desired strokes for the individual elements to be moved and coordination of operation of the piercing element relative to the infusion chamber degree of closing.
According to one aspect of several embodiments of this invention, the cam- type guiding profile for moving the piercing element is shaped in such a way that the piercing element is operated during infusion chamber closing and is then retracted. Therefore, the piercing element is in the inactive position both when the infusion chamber is completely open, and when the infusion chamber is completely closed. That is useful for preventing the piercing element from interfering with the capsule during its positioning or removal and from obstructing beverage outfeed from the capsule. This is simple to implement by suitably shaping the cam-type guiding profile.
According to one aspect of several embodiments of this invention, a part of the infusion chamber is formed by a capsule-holder body that is removably inserted in a housing. During use, a user removes the capsule-holder body in order to take out a used capsule and to position a new capsule in it. The capsule-holder body is then put back in the housing by the user. This is useful for facilitating capsule removal from and insertion in the infusion chamber.
According to this disclosure, "cam-type guiding profile" in general means a member with a profile or edge that, operating in conjunction with a follower member suitable for following the profile or edge during relative shifting, allows a rotating movement to be converted into a translating movement, or vice versa. In particular, one of either the member with the cam-type guiding profile or the follower member performs a rotating movement and the other performs a translating movement. The cam-type profile has a variable distance from the axis about which the rotating movement occurs and the follower member is at a distance from that axis of rotation. Consequently, different angular positions of one member correspond to different distances of the other member from the axis of rotation.
According to this disclosure, where two parts are "connected in rotation", this means that the two parts are connected to one another in such a way that rotation of one of the parts also involves rotation of the other part. In one particular embodiment, the two parts are parts of the same member or in any case they are fixed to each other, therefore, they can rotate together about the same axis. In other embodiments, the two parts may be separate parts that are connected to each other by a motion transmission system and if necessary may be rotatable about respective axes that do not coincide with each other. Further features and the advantages of this invention are more apparent in the detailed description below, with reference to an example, non-limiting embodiment of an apparatus for making a beverage. Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making a beverage according to this invention;
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of an infusion unit that is part of the apparatus of Figure 1 , with some parts removed, in a first condition;
- Figure 3 is a perspective vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the first condition;
- Figure 4 shows the perspective section view of Figure 3, with further parts removed;
- Figure 5 is a side vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the first condition;
- Figure 6 shows the side section view of Figure 5, with a capsule-holder body removed;
- Figure 7 is a perspective view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in a second condition and with the capsule-holder body shown in the extracted condition;
- Figure 8 is a side vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the second condition and with the capsule-holder body removed;
- Figure 9 is a perspective vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the second condition and with the capsule-holder body inserted;
- Figure 10 shows the perspective section view of Figure 9, with further parts removed;
- Figure 11 is a side vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the second condition and with the capsule-holder body inserted;
- Figure 12 is a perspective view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in a third condition;
- Figure 13 is a perspective vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the third condition;
- Figure 14 is a side vertical section view of the infusion unit of Figure 2, in the third condition;
- Figure 15 is a perspective view of the supporting structure of the infusion unit of Figure 2;
- Figures 16 to 18 show three different positions of a movement mechanism of a piercing element of the infusion unit of Figure 2, those positions corresponding respectively to the first condition, to the second condition and to the third condition.
With reference to the above-mentioned figures, the numeral 1 denotes an apparatus for making a beverage. In the apparatus 1 , the beverage is made by infusion of a food substance with water, the food substance being contained in a capsule through which a flow of water passes as the beverage is made. According to this invention, the term "capsule" also means a cartridge, a pod or another similar article, usually disposable, comprising a pierceable covering that contains a food substance. Specifically, the food substance is ground coffee and, by infusion with hot water, the beverage obtained is a coffee, for example an espresso coffee. Those aspects, in themselves, are already known to experts in the field. It should be noticed that the capsule is not shown in the accompanying figures. However, for experts in the field it is obvious that the capsule is substantially shaped to match the respective seat shown in the figures and that the capsule is closed in the extraction chamber during use.
The apparatus 1 comprise a machine body 10 that supports an infusion unit 12, that is to say, a beverage making unit. Below the infusion unit 12 there is a supporting grille 14 that, during use, is intended to receive a cup so that the beverage made by the infusion unit 12 falls into the cup. The supporting grille 14 is a cover of a tray 16 below for collecting drops that may fall from the infusion unit 12 in the absence of the cup.
The machine body 10 contains a water tank, a water heater and a pump for pressurising the water. Those components are not shown in the figures. This invention relates in particular to aspects of the infusion unit 12. The other aspects of the apparatus 1 may be produced according to the prior art and, therefore, will not be described in further detail.
First, the infusion unit 12 comprises a supporting structure 20, on which the other components of the infusion unit 12 are mounted (directly or indirectly), and a box-shaped casing 21 that contains and protects the supporting structure 20 and the internal components. In an alternative embodiment, the box-shaped casing 21 may be a body also having the function of supporting structure.
The infusion unit 12 is fixed to the machine body 10 and, by means of a pipe 18, is connected to the heater and to the pump in the machine body 10 for receiving pressurised hot water to be used for the infusion.
The infusion unit 12 may also comprise a push-button control panel 23 that a user can use to start making the beverage and, if necessary, select a type of product (for example, a weaker coffee made with more water or a stronger coffee made with less water). The push-button control panel 23 is connected to a control unit that manages operation of the heater and of the pump, even based on the instructions received via the push-button control panel 23. The infusion unit 12 comprises a first member 31 and a second member 32 which form an infusion chamber 30 intended to receive the capsule containing the food substance. The first member 31 and the second member 32 are movable one relative to the other between a home position, in which they are at a distance from one another (see in particular Figures 9 to 11 ), and an infusion position, in which they are coupled to each other and they close the infusion chamber 30 (see Figures 2 to 5). In the home position, the infusion chamber 30 is open and the user can remove the used capsule or position a new capsule. In the infusion position, the first member 31 is in pressing contact with the second member 32 on an annular region that surrounds the infusion chamber 30, thereby sealing closed the infusion chamber 30.
Specifically, the second member 32 includes a substantially cup-shaped seat 34 for receiving the capsule, whilst the first member 31 acts as a lid for closing the seat 34.
In particular, the first member 31 is located above the second member 32 and the infusion unit 12 is of the vertical type in which the water is introduced into the capsule from above and the beverage comes out of the bottom of the capsule below.
In the embodiment illustrated, in order to implement the relative movement of the two members 31 , 32, the first member 31 is slidably mounted on the supporting structure 20 and for example comprises grooves that are slidably received in guiding ribs 22 made in the supporting structure 20. Moreover, the infusion unit 12 comprises a housing 24 made in the supporting structure 20 and a capsule-holder body 26 that can be removably housed in the housing 24. The housing 24 is open on the side wall of the supporting structure 20, having an opening 25 through which the capsule-holder body 26 can be inserted in the housing 24. In use, the capsule-holder body 26 is in the shape of a small removable drawer.
The capsule-holder body 26 includes the second member 32, which in turn includes the seat 34 for the capsule. The capsule-holder body 26 also comprises a projecting grip 27 that can be grasped by a user in order to remove the capsule-holder body from or insert it in the housing 24.
In the home position the capsule-holder body 26 is removable from the housing 24, whilst in the infusion position the capsule-holder body 26 is locked in the housing 24 by the interaction with the first member 31 .
During the infusion chamber 30 closing step, the first member 31 is movable relative to the supporting structure 20 and the second member 32 is fixed relative to the supporting structure 20.
The infusion unit 12 comprises at least one first piercing element 41 that is, for example, associated with the first member 31 and that, in use, is intended to make a perforation in a first region of the capsule. In particular, the first piercing element 41 has a pointed shape that projects towards the infusion chamber 30 and that, when the infusion unit 12 is brought into the infusion position, penetrates the capsule, tearing its top lid. The infusion unit 12 also comprises a duct 33 that, in use, is intended for injecting water into the capsule through the perforation made in the first region. That perforation is therefore a water infeed opening.
The duct 33 is hydraulically connected to the pipe 18 and communicates with the infusion chamber 30 for example by means of a channel that passes through the first piercing element 41 . Specifically, the duct 33 is made in the body of the first member 31 , to which the pipe 18 is fixed.
The infusion unit 12 comprises a second piercing element 42 that is movable relative to the infusion chamber 30 between an active position, in which the second piercing element 42 at least partly projects into the infusion chamber 30 (as shown in Figures 13 and 14) and an inactive position (as shown in Figures 3 to 6 and 8 to 11 ) in which the second piercing element 42 is away from the infusion chamber 30 relative to the active position. In the active position and in use, the second piercing element 42 is intended to pierce a second region of the capsule for making an opening for beverage outfeed from the capsule. In particular, the second piercing element 42 is pointed or blade-shaped.
In the embodiment illustrated, the second member 32 is interposed between the first member 31 and the second piercing element 42, that can project into the infusion chamber 30 through a through opening 36 in the bottom of the seat 34 of the second member 32. Therefore, the first piercing element 41 and the second piercing element 42 are intended to pierce opposite regions of the capsule, in particular a top lid and a bottom, respectively. Downstream of the through opening 36, a beverage outfeed duct 28 (for example, made in the supporting structure 20) puts the through opening 36 in communication with a dispensing spout 29. In the specific embodiment, the second piercing element 42 is mounted on a movable support 44 that in turn is slidably mounted on the supporting structure 20, thereby implementing the movement of the second piercing element 42 relative to the infusion chamber 30. In particular, the movable support 44 is a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped frame, whose arms have end stretches 441 that are slidably received in respective guides 224 on the supporting structure 20. The second piercing element 42 is fixed to the centre of the U-shaped or V-shaped movable support 44.
In order to move the first member 31 relative to the second member 32 and to move the second piercing element 42, the infusion unit 12 comprises a rotatable member 5 that, by means of the interaction between cam-type guiding profiles and respective followers, controls said movements when necessary, as explained below.
The rotatable member 5 is rotatable about an axis of rotation 50, in particular the rotatable member 5 pivots at the supporting structure 20 at two opposite wings 205 on the top of the supporting structure 20. Specifically and during use, the axis of rotation 50 is substantially horizontal and is located above the first member 31 .
The rotatable member 5 is angularly shiftable between a first angular position (shown in Figures 1 to 6) and a second angular position (shown in Figures 7 to 11 ), and vice versa.
In particular, a lever 52, that can be operated by a user, is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5 and allows the user to shift the rotatable member 5 between the first angular position and the second angular position, and vice versa. In the embodiment illustrated, the lever 52 is made in one piece with the rotatable member 5 (or in any case rotates together with the latter), that is to say, the lever 52 is part of the rotatable member 5. A first cam-type guiding profile 61 is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5, whilst a respective first follower 71 is connected to the first member 31 of the infusion unit 12. Thanks to the interaction between the first cam-type guiding profile 61 and the respective follower 71 , an angular shifting of the rotatable member 5 produces a relative movement of the first member 31 relative to the second member 32.
In use, since the first cam-type guiding profile 61 has a course with variable distance from its axis of rotation (which in particular is the axis of rotation 50 of the rotatable member 5) and the first member 31 is constrained to slide along the guiding ribs 22, the rotation of the rotatable member 5 causes a rotation of the first cam-type guiding profile 61 , that in turn applies on the first member 31 , by means of the follower 71 , a force with a component parallel to the guiding ribs 22, thereby shifting the first member 31 .
In particular, the first cam-type guiding profile 61 comprises a first stretch 611 and a second stretch 612, which are connected to each other, wherein the first stretch 611 is further from the axis of rotation 50 than the second stretch 612. The first stretch 611 has an end far from the axis of rotation 50 and follows a curved shape that hardly deviates from an arc of a circle, whilst the second stretch 612 is almost straight and ends with an end near the axis of rotation 50.
When the rotatable member 5 is in the first angular position, the first follower 71 is at the end of the first stretch 611 (see for example Figures 3 and 4) and, therefore, the first member 31 is pressed against the second member 32. That corresponds to the infusion position of the infusion unit 12. Moreover, in that position the lever 52 is substantially horizontal and substantially forms a continuation of the shape of the upper face of the box- shaped casing 21 , as shown in Figure 1 .
When the rotatable member 5 is in the second angular position, the first follower 71 is at the end of the second stretch 612 (see in particular Figure 10) and, therefore, the first member 31 is raised towards the axis of rotation 50. That corresponds to the home position of the infusion unit 12. The lever 52 is raised relative to the upper face of the box-shaped casing 21 and in particular it is substantially vertical, as shown for example in Figure 7. In the embodiment illustrated, the rotatable member 5 comprises a cam- holder body 54 that extends transversally relative to the axis of rotation 50. In particular, that cam-holder body 54 substantially has the shape of a sector of a circle that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 50. The first cam-type guiding profile 61 is made on said cam-holder body 54, in particular on a first face 541 of it that faces towards the first member 31 . The first follower 71 is a tooth, a pin or a wheel that projects from the first member 31 towards the first face 541 . In particular, the cam-holder body 54 is on the outside of the supporting structure 20, which is equipped with an elongate opening 225 through which the first follower 71 projects outwards towards the cam-holder body 54.
Essentially, the first follower 71 is fixed to the first member 31 and the first cam-type guiding profile 61 is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5, specifically it is made on the body 54 that is part of the rotatable member 5. Therefore, an angular shifting of the rotatable member 5 causes a sliding of the first member 31 towards, or away from, the second member 32 of the infusion unit 12.
A second cam-type guiding profile 62 is also connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5, whilst a respective second follower 72 is connected to the second piercing element 42. Thanks to the interaction between second cam-type guiding profile 62 and the respective follower 72, an angular shifting of the rotatable member 5 produces a movement of the second piercing element 42 relative to the infusion chamber 30, similarly to what is described above for the first guiding profile 61 and the first follower 71 . Since the second cam-type guiding profile 62 has a course with variable distance from its axis of rotation (which in particular is the axis of rotation 50 of the rotatable member 5) and the second piercing element 42 is constrained to slide along the guides 224, the second cam-type guiding profile 62 applies on the second piercing element 42, by means of the follower 72 and the movable support 44, a force with a component parallel to the guides 224, thereby shifting the second piercing element 42.
At least one angular position of the rotatable member 5 in the path between the first angular position and the second angular position, corresponds to the active position of the second piercing element 42, in which the latter projects into the infusion chamber 30.
In particular, the active position corresponds to a third angular position of the rotatable member 5 which, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, is interposed between the first angular position and the second angular position. Moreover, the first angular position and the second angular position of the rotatable member 5 may correspond to the inactive position of the second piercing element 42. In other words, the second piercing element 42 pierces the bottom of the capsule during infusion unit 12 closing and returns to the inactive position before complete closing of the infusion chamber 30, thereby not interfering with the outflow of beverage from the capsule.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second cam-type guiding profile 62 comprises two curved stretches 621 , 622, having their concavities facing the same way (specifically, towards the axis of rotation 50), and a third curved stretch 623 that connects said two curved stretches 621 , 622 and has its concavity facing the opposite way. In use, the second cam-type guiding profile 62 substantially has the shape of a deformed W. The second follower 72 engages with one of said two curved stretches 621 , 622 when the second piercing element 42 is in the inactive position and engages with the third curved stretch 623 when the second piercing element 42 is in the active position.
For example, the two opposite ends of the two curved stretches 621 , 622 are equidistant from the axis of rotation 50, whilst the third curved stretch 623 has a summit that is closer to the axis of rotation 50 than said opposite ends. Therefore, when the rotatable member 5 is in the first angular position or in the second angular position, the second follower 72 is located at one or the other of said opposite ends (Figure 16 or Figure 18) and the second piercing element 42 is in the inactive position. When the rotatable member 5 is in the third angular position, the second follower is located at the summit of the third curved stretch 623 (Figure 17) and the second piercing element 42 is in the active position.
In the embodiment illustrated, the second cam-type guiding profile 62 is also made on said cam-holder body 54, in particular on a second face 542 that is facing outwards. In use, the cam-holder body 54 has two opposite faces 541 , 542 that extend transversally relative to the axis of rotation 50. The first cam-type guiding profile 61 is made on one of the two opposite faces and the second cam-type guiding profile 62 is made on the other of the two opposite faces.
The second follower 72 is a tooth, pin or a wheel that projects from an end stretch 441 of the movable support 44 towards the second face 542.
Essentially, the movable support 44 includes the second follower 72 and the second cam-type guiding profile 62 is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5, specifically it is made on the body 54 that is part of the rotatable member 5. Therefore, an angular shifting of the rotatable member 5 causes a sliding of the movable support 44 and the movement of the second piercing element 42 relative to the infusion chamber 30.
In the particular embodiment illustrated, there are two first cam-type guiding profiles 61 and two respective first followers 71 , which form two pairs each formed by a cam-type guiding profile 61 and a follower 71 that are positioned on opposite sides of the first member 31 , which is therefore subject to two equal and parallel forces. That is useful for obtaining a more balanced distribution of the forces acting on the first member 31 than with a solution having only one pair consisting of a cam-type guiding profile 61 and a follower 71 . For example, those pairs are symmetrical relative to a vertical middle plane of the first member 31 .
Moreover, there are two second cam-type guiding profiles 62 and two respective second followers 72, which form two pairs each formed by a cam- type guiding profile 62 and a second follower 72 that are positioned on opposite sides of the second piercing element 42, if necessary symmetrical relative to the vertical middle plane. For example, each end stretch 441 of the movable support 44 comprises a second follower 72. Similarly to what is indicated above, that is useful for obtaining a more balanced distribution of the forces acting on the second piercing element 42 than with a solution having only one pair consisting of a cam-type guiding profile 62 and a second 72.
In particular, the rotatable member 5 comprises two cam-holder bodies 54, which are at a distance from each other along the axis of rotation 50 and are positioned on opposite sides of the first member 31 . Made on each cam- holder body 54 there is a first cam-type guiding profile 61 and a second cam- type guiding profile 62, in particular on opposite faces 541 , 542. Even more particularly, the first cam-type profile 61 is made on the face 541 that is facing inwards and the second cam-type profile 62 is made on the face 542 that is facing outwards.
In the embodiment illustrated, each cam-type guiding profile 61 , 62 is formed by a track or a groove and the respective follower 71 , 72 is a tooth, a pin, a wheel or a projecting element that is housed in the track or groove and can slide along the track or groove.
In particular, each cam-type guiding profile 61 , 62 has two parallel edges between which the follower 71 , 72 is inserted. That is useful for ensuring that the follower always remains in contact with the respective guiding profile and that the movement of the first member 31 or of the second piercing element 42 is controlled both in one direction and in the opposite direction without the need for elastic return elements.
In a variant of this invention, the cam-type guiding profile may be a slit or a notch in the thickness of the cam-holder body 54.
One way of using the apparatus 1 is described below.
Starting from the condition of Figure 1 , the user completely lifts the lever 52, thereby bringing the rotatable member 5 into the second angular position. In this condition, the first member 31 and the second member 32 are in the home position, the second piercing element 42 is in the inactive position and the capsule-holder body 26 is removable from the housing 24.
Therefore, the user can extract the capsule-holder body 26 (see Figure 7), remove any capsule used in the previous infusion from the seat 34 and place a new capsule in the seat 34.
With the lever 52 in the lifted position, the user inserts the capsule-holder body 26 in the housing 24 (Figures 9 to 11 , although these do not show the capsule).
The user lowers the lever 52. During this operation, the cam-type guiding profiles 61 , 62 rotate with the rotatable member 5 about the axis 50 and the respective followers 71 , 72 shift along the self-same profiles. In particular, in a first step the first followers 71 travel along the second stretches 612 which have a rapid variation in the distance from the axis of rotation 50, therefore, the first followers 71 in the first cam-type guiding profiles 61 move away from the axis of rotation 50 and force the first member 31 to be lowered towards the second member 32. In that same first step, the second followers 72 travel along the stretches 622 which have a shape that is almost an arc of a circle and, therefore, the second piercing element 42 is only slightly moved from the inactive position.
In an intermediate position shown in Figures 12 to 14 and in Figure 17, the second followers 72 are, in contrast, in the third stretches 623, that is to say, at the point closest to the axis of rotation 50. The movable support 44 has therefore been brought upwards and the second piercing element 42 has been lifted into the active position and has pierced the bottom of the capsule. In that intermediate position the infusion chamber 30 is still not completely closed, but for example the first piercing element 41 has already pierced the capsule lid.
Further lowering of the lever 52 brings the rotatable member 5 into the first angular position, shown in Figures 1 to 5. The first followers 71 have arrived at the end of the first stretches 611 , at the maximum distance from the axis of rotation 50, and, therefore, the first member 31 is pressed against the second member 32 sealing closed the infusion chamber 30. Thanks to the pressing force applied, the capsule-holder body 26 is locked in the housing 24.
The second followers 72 have left the third stretches 623 and are in the curved stretches 621 , further from the axis of rotation 50. Therefore, compared with the intermediate position the movable support 44 has moved downwards and the second piercing element 42 has returned to the inactive position.
The user can start making the beverage using the push-button control panel 23. Pressurised hot water is injected into the capsule through the duct 33 and the infeed opening created by the first piercing element 41 . Infusion of the food substance in the capsule with hot water produces the beverage, which comes out of the capsule through the outfeed opening created by the second piercing element 42 and, passing through the through opening 36 and the beverage outfeed duct 28, comes out of the dispensing spout 29. When dispensing is complete, the user can lift the lever 52 (as already described above) to release the capsule-holder body 26 and remove the used capsule. During that lifting action, the followers 71 , 72 travel along the respective cam-type guiding profiles 61 , 62 in the opposite direction: the first member 31 and the second member 32 are returned to the inactive position, and the second piercing element 42 moves to the inactive position that corresponds to engagement of the curved stretches 622.
The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept set out in the appended claims.
In alternative embodiments, the second member 32 is not part of a removable capsule-holder body and the capsule is insertable in the infusion chamber 30 through a suitable opening when the first member 31 and the second member 32 are in the home condition.
In alternative embodiments, the relative movement of the first member 31 and of the second member 32 may be implemented by keeping the first member 31 stationary relative to the supporting structure 20 and making the second member 32 movable relative to the supporting structure 20, away from and towards the first member 31 . In these embodiments, the first follower 71 is connected to the second member 32 rather than to the first member 31 .
In alternative embodiments, the first cam-type guiding profile 61 and the first follower 71 may have their positions inverted, that is to say, the first cam- type guiding profile 61 is connected to the first member 31 (or to the second member 32) and the first follower 71 is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5. In particular, the first cam-type guiding profile 61 translates with the first member 31 (or with the second member 32) and the first follower 71 is eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of rotation 50, thereby following a trajectory that is an arc of a circle.
In alternative embodiments, the second cam-type guiding profile 62 and the second follower 72 may have their positions inverted, that is to say, the second cam-type guiding profile 62 is connected to the second piercing element 42 and the second follower 72 is connected in rotation to the rotatable member 5. In particular, the second cam-type guiding profile 62 translates with the second piercing element 42 (for example, being fixed to an end stretch 441 of the movable support 44) and the second follower 72 is eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of rotation 50, thereby following a trajectory that is an arc of a circle.
In variants of this invention, the lever 52 may be connected to the rotatable member 5 by means of a rotary motion transmission system, instead of being made in one piece with the rotatable member 5.
In variants of this invention, the cam-type guiding profiles 61 , 62 (or the followers 71 , 72, for the above-mentioned alternative embodiments) may be connected to the rotatable member 5 by a rotary motion transmission system and if necessary they may rotate about different axes to the rotatable member 5, rather than rotating together with or even being in one piece with the rotatable member 5.
All details may be substituted with other technically equivalent elements and the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may vary according to requirements.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1 ) for making a beverage by infusion of a food substance with water, comprising an infusion unit (12) in turn comprising:
a supporting structure (20);
- a first member (31 ) and a second member (32) which form an infusion chamber (30) intended to receive a capsule containing a food substance, the first member (31 ) and the second member (32) being movable one relative to the other between a home position, in which they are at a distance from one another, and an infusion position, in which they are coupled to each other and they close the infusion chamber (30);
at least one first piercing element (41 ) that is associated with the first member (31 ) of the infusion unit (12) and that, in use, is intended to make a perforation in a first region of the capsule;
a duct (33) that, in use, is intended to inject water into the capsule through the perforation made in the first region;
a second piercing element (42) that is movable relative to the infusion chamber (30) between an active position, in which the second piercing element (42) at least partly projects into the infusion chamber (30) and in use is intended to pierce a second region of the capsule for making an opening for beverage outfeed from the capsule, and an inactive position, in which the second piercing element (42) is away from the infusion chamber (30) relative to the active position;
a rotatable member (5) that is rotatable about an axis of rotation (50) and is angularly shiftable between a first angular position and a second angular position, and vice versa;
a first cam-type guiding profile (61 ) and a respective first follower (71 ), wherein one of either the first cam-type guiding profile (61 ) or the first follower (71 ) is connected in rotation to the rotatable member (5) and the other of either the first cam-type guiding profile (61 ) or the first follower (71 ) is connected to the first member (31 ) or the second member (32) of the infusion unit (12), whereby an angular shifting of the rotatable member (5) produces a relative movement of the first member (31 ) relative to the second member (32), in such a way that the first angular position of the rotatable member (5) corresponds to said infusion position and the second angular position of the rotatable member (5) corresponds to said home position; a second cam-type guiding profile (62) and a respective second follower (72), wherein one of either the second cam-type guiding profile (62) or the second follower (72) is connected in rotation to the rotatable member (5) and the other of either the second cam-type guiding profile (62) or the second follower (72) is connected to the second piercing element (42), whereby an angular shifting of the rotatable member (5) produces a movement of the second piercing element (42) relative to the infusion chamber (30), in such a way that at least one angular position of the rotatable member (5) between the first angular position and the second angular position corresponds to said active position.
2. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the first angular position and the second angular position of the rotatable member (5) correspond to the inactive position of the second piercing element (42) and wherein a third angular position of the rotatable member (5), interposed between the first angular position and the second angular position, corresponds to the active position of the second piercing element (42).
3. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second cam- type guiding profile (62) comprises two curved stretches (621 , 622), having their concavities facing the same way, and a third curved stretch (623) that connects said two curved stretches (621 , 622) and has its concavity facing the opposite way, the second follower (72) engaging with one of said two curved stretches (621 , 622) when the second piercing element (42) is in the inactive position and engaging with the third curved stretch (623) when the second piercing element (42) is in the active position.
4. The apparatus (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the infusion unit (12) comprises two first cam-type guiding profiles (61 ) and two respective first followers (71 ), the two pairs, each formed by a first cam-type guiding profile (61 ) and a first follower (71 ), being positioned on opposite sides of the first member (31 ) or of the second member (32) of the infusion unit (12).
5. The apparatus (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the infusion unit (12) comprises two second cam-type guiding profiles (62) and two respective second followers (72), the two pairs, each formed by a second cam-type guiding profile (62) and a second follower (72), being positioned on opposite sides of the second piercing element (42).
6. The apparatus (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rotatable member (5) comprises a cam-holder body (54) that extends transversally relative to the axis of rotation (50), the first cam-type guiding profile (61 ) and the second cam-type guiding profile (62) being made on said cam-holder body (54).
7. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein said cam-holder body (54) has two opposite faces (541 , 542) that extend transversally relative to the axis of rotation (50), the first cam-type guiding profile (61 ) being made on one (541 ) of the two opposite faces and the second cam-type guiding profile (62) being made on the other (542) of the two opposite faces.
8. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the rotatable member (5) comprises two of said cam-holder bodies (54), which are at a distance from each other along the axis of rotation (50) and are positioned on opposite sides of the first member (31 ) or of the second member (32) of the infusion unit (12), a first cam-type guiding profile (61 ) and a second cam- type guiding profile (62) being made on each of said cam-holder bodies (54).
9. The apparatus (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first cam-type guiding profile (61 ) and/or the second cam-type guiding profile (62) is formed by a track or a groove and wherein the respective follower (71 , 72) is a tooth, a pin, a wheel or a projecting element that is housed in the track or groove and can slide along the track or groove.
10. The apparatus (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising a lever (52) that can be operated by a user for shifting the rotatable member (5) between the first angular position and the second angular position, and vice versa, the lever (52) being connected in rotation to the rotatable member (5).
11. The apparatus (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first member (31 ) of the infusion unit (12) is slidably mounted on the supporting structure (20),
the first follower (71 ) being fixed to the first member (31 ) and the first cam- type guiding profile (61 ) being connected in rotation to the rotatable member
(5),
whereby an angular shifting of the rotatable member (5) causes a sliding of the first member (31 ) towards, or away from, the second member (32) of the infusion unit (12).
12. The apparatus (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the infusion unit (12) comprises a movable support (44) that includes the second follower (72) and on which the second piercing element (42) is mounted, the movable support (44) being slidably mounted on the supporting structure (20), the second cam-type guiding profile (62) being connected in rotation to the rotatable member (5),
whereby an angular shifting of the rotatable member (5) causes a sliding of the movable support (44) and the movement of the second piercing element (42) relative to the infusion chamber (30).
13. The apparatus (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second member (32) of the infusion unit (12) is interposed between the first member (31 ) of the infusion unit (12) and the second piercing element (42), the at least one first piercing element (41 ) and the second piercing element (42) being intended to pierce opposite regions of the capsule.
14. The apparatus (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the infusion unit (12) comprises a housing (24) made in the supporting structure (20) and a capsule-holder body (26) that can be removably housed in the housing (24), the capsule-holder body (26) including the second member (32) of the infusion unit (12), the second member (32) in turn including a seat (34) for the capsule,
the capsule-holder body (26) inserted in the housing (24) being locked in the housing (24) when the rotatable member (5) is in the first angular position, the capsule-holder body (26) being removable from, or insertable in, the housing (24) when the rotatable member (5) is in the second angular position.
PCT/IB2017/056755 2016-12-14 2017-10-31 Apparatus for making a beverage by infusion of a food substance with water WO2018109574A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201780071294.9A CN109936993B (en) 2016-12-14 2017-10-31 Device for making a beverage by brewing a food with water
BR112019012065-3A BR112019012065B1 (en) 2016-12-14 2017-10-31 APPLIANCE FOR MANUFACTURING A DRINK BY INFUSIONING A FOOD SUBSTANCE WITH WATER

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102016000126287 2016-12-14
IT102016000126287A IT201600126287A1 (en) 2016-12-14 2016-12-14 Equipment for the preparation of a drink by infusing a food substance with water

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WO2018109574A1 true WO2018109574A1 (en) 2018-06-21

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CN109936993B (en) 2022-03-22
BR112019012065A2 (en) 2019-11-12
CN109936993A (en) 2019-06-25
IT201600126287A1 (en) 2018-06-14

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