WO2023144853A1

WO2023144853A1 - Machine for the preparation of beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2023144853A1
Application number: PCT/IT2023/050024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paolo EVANGELISTI; Alberto ACCIARI; Nicola PIOVAN; Davide BONOTTO
Original assignee: De' Longhi Appliances S.R.L. Con Unico Socio
Priority date: 2022-01-31
Filing date: 2023-01-30
Publication date: 2023-08-03
Also published as: IT202200001589A1

Abstract

Machine (10) for the preparation of a beverage comprising at least one operating unit (20, 30, 40, 50, 60) configured to perform one or more operations to prepare said beverage and having both drivable means (21, 31, 41, 51, 61) configured to carry out one or more of such operations, and also drive means (15) for moving the drivable means (21, 31, 41, 51, 61).

Description

“MACHINE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a machine for the preparation of beverages, starting from a dry food substance, preferably of grains or beans, for example coffee or barley. The machine is mainly although not exclusively designed for domestic or semi-professional use, that is, for offices or small communities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of machines for the preparation of beverages, for domestic or semi- professional use, those for producing coffee-based beverages are known, wherein the beverage is obtained by infusing an aromatic mixture of coffee powder, or barley.

These machines generally comprise an infusion unit for obtaining a certain beverage from the powdered aromatic mixture, a grinding device for producing the powdered aromatic mixture starting for example from coffee beans, contained in a suitable hopper which can be fixed or removable, and a unit for dispensing the beverage.

The infusion unit comprises an infusion chamber inside which an expulsion piston is disposed sliding, which, in order to produce the certain beverage, cooperates with a closing or compression piston, disposed outside the infusion unit in a certain fixed position.

These known machines can also comprise possible accessory members that can be selectively associated with them, such as for example a device for mixing other liquids to be treated, such as milk or chocolate for example.

Each machine of the known type can be provided with one or more pumps for pressurizing water, or any other possible liquids to be treated, or for injecting air under pressure into said liquids.

The drive of the operating units, devices, or components of such known machines, understood here as the infusion unit, the grinding device, the closing piston, the mixing device and the pumps, is obtained by drive means such as electromechanical actuators driven by respective DC (Direct Current) electric motors with brushes, or AC (Alternating Current) electric motors. However, using DC or AC electric motors in such machines entails some disadvantages, for example related to:

- size, weight and bulk of the motors;

- considerable use of copper wires and coils;

- difficulty in implementing detection sensors in the motors; - wear on the operating components of the motors, in particular the brushes;

- difficulty, or impossibility (for AC motors), in adjusting the speed and torque of the motors; and

- frequent need for mechanical reduction.

To date, brushless motors have also been developed, which are provided with a rotor with permanent magnets and a stator with copper wire coils. These motors have been applied in pumps for water or air, but are not suitable to be applied in components integrated in machines for the preparation of beverages, since they too have disadvantages in terms of bulk, cost and performance.

Document US 10 702 835 B2 describes an apparatus for making a beverage or food frothy, which comprises a base in which a stator suitable to generate a magnetic field is housed and a container in which a stirring device is disposed, which comprises a plurality of magnetic poles which are set in rotation by the direct action of the magnetic field, causing the stirring device to rotate.

There is therefore a need to perfect a machine for the preparation of beverages which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

To do this it is necessary to solve the technical problem of driving the various operating units, devices, or components of the machine without using DC or AC electric motors.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine for the preparation of beverages which is compact, economical and which allows to have high flexibility of application.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine for the preparation of beverages which is sustainable, thanks to the reduction of copper wires and/or coils and the number of mechanical components. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine for the preparation of beverages which is silent, that is, able to operate with a significant reduction in acoustic and electrical noise compared to the state of the art.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine for the preparation of beverages in which it is possible to easily integrate the detection sensors inside the drive means of the operating units, devices or components.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine for the preparation of beverages in which it is possible to control certain operating parameters relating to the drive means without having external detection sensors.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine for the preparation of beverages which allows a rapid replacement of one or more operating units, devices or components, reducing electrical and power wiring and connections to a minimum.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, and to resolve the technical problem disclosed above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a machine for the preparation of beverages according to the present invention comprises at least one operating unit configured to perform one or more operations to prepare the beverages and having both drivable, or mobile, means configured to perform the one or more operations, and also drive means for moving the drivable means.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the drive means comprises, or consists of, at least one coreless motor with PCB (Printed Circuit Board) stator.

According to another aspect of the invention, the drive means of each of the drivable means comprise, or consist of, a coreless motor with PCB stator.

The use of a coreless motor instead of a DC or AC electric motor such as those used in the state of the art allows for a significant reduction in the mechanical components used in the machine, with a consequent reduction in breakages or any malfunctions.

Compared to DC or AC electric motors, the size of a coreless motor is very small, therefore the machine as above has the advantage of having a very limited size and weight.

Another advantage linked to the use of coreless motors is that they allow for a significant reduction of acoustic and electrical noise during the regular operation of the machine.

Moreover, in addition to allowing, if necessary, for a simpler disposition of detection and control sensors, coreless motors can be produced in such a way that the information relating to the operating parameters of the drive means, such as reciprocal positioning, speed, acceleration and torque generated, and of the drivable means, are already integrated, controlled and managed in the internal control electronics of each coreless motor.

In this way, the machine as above also has the advantage of being highly versatile and having high flexibility of use.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, for each operating unit or component, the respective coreless motor is advantageously housed in a housing seating made directly in the operating unit or component, so as to make each operating unit/component more compact and facilitate both the assembly of the machine, as well as the replacement or repair of the single operating unit/component. According to another aspect of the present invention, the at least one coreless motor is capable of operating at a rotation speed preferably comprised between about 500 to about 5,000 rpm and with a developed torque preferably comprised between about 60 to about 3,500 mN-m.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a schematic and simplified representation of a machine for the preparation of beverages according to the present invention; - fig. 2 is an exploded and detailed view of a coreless motor with PCB stator according to the invention applicable to the machine of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 2a is a schematic view of a variant of a coreless motor according to the invention applicable to the machine of fig. 1; - fig. 3 is a schematic and simplified section view of a grinding unit of the machine of fig. 1;

- fig. 4 is a schematic and simplified three-dimensional view of an infusion unit of the machine of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 4a is a detailed three-dimensional view of an infusion chamber of the infusion unit of fig. 4;

- fig. 5 is a schematic and simplified partial section view of the infusion unit of fig. 4;

- fig. 6 is a schematic and simplified section view of a compression unit of the machine of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 7 is a schematic and exploded three-dimensional view of a mixing unit of the machine of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 7a is a schematic and simplified partial section view of the mixing unit of fig. 7;

- fig. 8 is a schematic and simplified partial section view of the mixing unit according to a variant;

- fig. 8a is a schematic and exploded three-dimensional view of a coreless motor applicable to the mixing unit;

- fig. 9 is a schematic and exploded three-dimensional view of a pumping unit of the machine of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 10 is a schematic and simplified section view of the pumping unit of fig. 9.

We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also as described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their function being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings, ft is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

With reference to fig. 1, a machine 10 according to the present invention is suitable and usable for the preparation of one or more beverages such as tea or chocolate, in particular coffee-based beverages, starting from a dry food substance, preferably in the form of grains, or beans.

Please note that by the term “dry food substance”, here and hereafter in the description we mean in particular coffee beans or parts thereof, but other types of foodstuffs are not excluded, for example seeds, cereals, barley etc.

The machine 10 comprises at least one operating unit 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 configured to perform one or more operations to prepare the beverage and having both drivable, or mobile, means 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 configured to carry out the one or more operations, and also drive means 15 for moving the drivable means 21, 31, 41, 51, 61.

The drive means 15 of at least one of the drivable means 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 comprise, or consist of, at least one coreless motor 100 with PCB (Printed Circuit Board) stator.

Preferably, each operating unit 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 is driven by a respective coreless motor 100.

The drive means 15 can also comprise a rotating shaft 110 connected to the coreless motor 100.

We will now describe the coreless motor 100, suitable to be applied to one or more operating units 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, as will be better described in the following disclosure.

The motor 100 comprises a printed circuit board 101 (PCB) having the function of a stator, and one or more rotors 102 that can be positioned above or below the printed circuit board 101.

In the example of fig. 2, the motor 100 comprises two rotors 102 disposed on respective opposite sides of the board 101.

The printed circuit board 101 is of the multilayer type and comprises both one or more coil layers 103 stacked on each other and on which there is produced, by means of photoengraving, a plurality of circuits consisting of copper coils, and also one or more insulation layers 104 interposed between the coil layers 103. By way of example, in fig. 2 the printed circuit board 101 comprises three coil layers 103 and two insulation layers 104, while in the example of fig. 2a the printed circuit board 101 comprises two coil layers 103 and one insulation layer 104; however, the number of layers can be higher, for example seven, nine or more. The coil layers 103 are electrically connected to each other by means of a conductance element, so as to generate a certain electric field.

According to some embodiments, each rotor 102 comprises a plurality of magnets 105 disposed radially on a support 106.

In the example of fig. 2, the support 106 substantially has the shape of a toothed wheel, although it could also have a different shape, for example polygonal, circular or suchlike, with the magnets 105 disposed equidistant on its periphery or in proximity thereto.

In fig. 2, each support 106 is provided with a plurality of radial elements, or teeth, 107, each having a magnet 105 disposed in correspondence with a respective end.

The magnets 105 are disposed in such a way that those adjacent to each other have opposite magnetic poles, so as to generate a certain magnetic field. This magnetic field, by interacting with the electric field of the printed circuit board

101, generates an electromagnetic field which sets the respective rotor 102 in rotation.

Please note that, according to these embodiments, the rotor 102 is substantially defined by the support 106 and by the magnets connected thereto.

A hole 108 is made coaxially at the center of the board 101 and of each rotor

102, inside which there can be disposed a rotating shaft 110 integral with the one or more rotors 102, so as to rotate together with the latter in relation to the electromagnetic field generated.

In accordance with another embodiment, for example represented in fig. 2, the or each rotor 102 of the coreless motor 100 can comprise one or more multipolar discs 115, which are provided with two or more pairs of opposite poles N, S. The number of pairs can be, for example, 2, 4, 6, 8, or even a higher number. The stator, that is, the printed circuit board 101 of the embodiment of fig. 2a, can be substantially the same as that of the embodiment of fig. 2 and therefore will not be described further.

According to some embodiments, the motor 100 and/or the rotating shaft 110 actually constitute the drive means of the respective operating unit 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.

In accordance with possible embodiments of the present invention, in a first operating layout it is provided that the coreless motor 100 and/or the corresponding rotating shaft 110 are connected directly to the drivable means 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, so to transfer the motion generated by the coreless motor 100 in a direct manner.

In this first operating layout, the motor 100 and consequently the rotating shaft 110 can have a rotation speed (rpm) preferably comprised between about 500 and about 5,000 rpm, and a torque generated by the rotating shaft 110 preferably comprised between about 60 and about 3,500 mN-m.

Alternatively, according to other embodiments, in a second operating layout it is provided that the machine 10 comprises one or more transmission or reduction members, not shown in the drawings, which have the function of operatively connecting the motor 100 and/or the corresponding rotating shaft 110 to the drivable means 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 so as to transmit the motion generated by the coreless motor 100 in a reduced manner.

For example, the reduction member can be an epicyclic mechanism or gear capable of reducing the torque developed by the rotating shaft 110 and increasing the number of revolutions and therefore the rotation speed (rpm) of the coreless motor 100.

In this second operating layout, the coreless motor 100 and, consequently, the rotating shaft 110 can have a rotation speed preferably comprised between about 500 and about 20,000 rpm, and a torque generated by the rotating shaft 110 preferably comprised between about 3 and about 160 mN-m.

Please also note that by increasing or reducing the number of layers 103 and 104 it is possible to increase or reduce the power of the electric field generated, consequently entailing an increase or reduction in the torque produced by the coreless motor 100. In this way, in relation to the at least one operating unit to be driven, it is possible to design a suitable coreless motor 100 which takes into account the specific requirements and operating conditions.

According to other embodiments, it can also be provided that the drivable means 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 are connected to at least one rotor 102, or to a dragging member 111 integral therewith, through the magnetic attraction between respective magnetic elements 105, 112, and are therefore dragged in rotation together with the rotor 102.

In accordance with preferential embodiments of the present invention, each coreless motor 100 comprises an internal control electronics which is directly integrated in the circuits of the printed circuit board 101 and which is configured to automatically control and manage information relating to the operating parameters of the drive means 15, such as reciprocal positioning, speed, acceleration and generated torque, and of the drivable means 21, 31, 41, 51 and 61.

In other words, the control electronics and the electric energy supply circuits themselves act as sensors for detecting one or more operating parameters.

In relation to the specific operating requirements, respective detection and control sensors, not shown in the drawings, can easily be associated with the coreless motors 100 to control the information relating to the operating parameters of the drive means 100, 110 and of the drivable means 21, 31, 41, 51 and 61.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, each operating unit 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 comprises a suitable housing seating 22, 32, 42, 52 and 62 inside which the respective coreless motor 100 is advantageously disposed. In this way, each coreless motor 100 is directly integrated in the respective operating unit 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60, thus obtaining a significant space saving inside the machine 10.

According to preferred embodiments, it can be provided that both a printed circuit board 101 and also a respective rotor 102 are disposed inside the housing seating 22, 32, 42, 52. According to possible solutions, in the event the drivable means 21, 31, 41 are mechanically connected to the one or more rotors 102 by means of the drive shaft 110, at least one of either the drive shaft 110 or a part of the drivable means 21, 31, 41 can be disposed passing through a hole 70 provided on a wall 22a, 32a, 42a which delimits the housing seating 22, 32, 42 (figs. 3, 5, 6). According to other embodiments, in the event the drivable means 51, 61 are connected to the rotor 102 by magnetic attraction, or act themselves as a rotor and are directly set in rotation by the electromagnetic field generated by the printed circuit board 101, the wall 52a, 62a delimiting the housing seating 52, 62 can be continuous, effectively creating a complete separation between the motor 100, or at least the printed circuit board 101, and the drivable means 51, 61.

The machine 10 comprises a rest plate 11 on which a frame 12 is mounted, shaped so as to have, internally, a compartment 13 in which one or more operating units of the machine 10 are housed. In particular, as in fig. 1 , the machine 10 is provided with a plurality of operating units which, by way of example, comprise at least one of either a grinding unit 20 for grinding the beans and obtaining a correct dose of powdered aromatic mixture, an infusion unit 30 configured to prepare a certain beverage from the aromatic mixture, a compression unit 40 configured to cooperate with the infusion unit 30 to produce the specific beverage, and a mixing unit 50 for mixing a certain fluid to be treated, such as milk or chocolate for example.

It is understood, however, that the machine 10 could also comprise only some of such units, for example only an infusion unit 30 and a compression unit 40 which are suitable to receive a powdered substance as an aromatic mixture and prepare a beverage.

Furthermore, one or more pumping units 60 can also be provided which can each be integrated in respective pumping devices 60a, 60b and 60c, which are respectively configured to pump water into a hydraulic circuit of the machine 10, not shown in the drawings, to pump a certain fluid to be treated, such as water or milk for example, and to inject air under pressure into the fluid to be treated.

As shown in figs. 1 and 3, the grinding unit 20 essentially comprises a hopper 23 at least partly inserted in the compartment 13 and configured to contain the beans, a grinding device 25, disposed below the hopper 23, for grinding the beans fed from above in order to obtain the correct dose of powdered aromatic mixture.

The grinding device 25 (fig. 3) comprises one or more grinding members, for example flat grinders 26, which have the function of grinding the beans so as to obtain the powdered aromatic mixture.

Specifically, the rotation of the grinders 26 creates a flow of air at exit from the grinding device 25 which allows to move the aromatic mixture in a conveyor duct 27 and then toward the infusion unit 30.

The grinders 26 are mounted on a rotating member 28 which is operatively associated with a rotating shaft 110 of a respective coreless motor 100, in order to rotate around a substantially vertical axis of rotation Y 1. As shown in fig. 3, the housing seating 22 of the coreless motor 100 is made in the lower part of the grinding device 25.

Furthermore, the coreless motor 100 is provided with two rotors 102, disposed above and below the printed circuit board 101. In the example case, the rotating shaft 110 is disposed passing through the hole 70 and couples to the rotating member 28 outside the housing seating 22; however, solutions can also be provided in which the rotating member 28 and the rotating shaft 110 connect to each other inside the housing seating 22. Please note that the grinders 26 and the rotating member 28 define the drivable means 21 of the grinding unit 20.

In addition, in the first operating layout, the drive means 100, 110 of the grinding unit 20 operate at a rotation speed preferably of about 500 rpm and with a developed torque of about 3,500 mN m. Alternatively, in the second operating layout, that is, in the event the transmission members are present, the drive means 100, 110 operate at a rotation speed preferably comprised between about 13,000 and about 15,000 rpm and with a developed torque comprised between about 80 and about 160 mN-m.

According to some embodiments, the infusion unit 30 (figs. 1, 4, 4a and 5) comprises a containing body 33, open at the top, which internally defines an infusion chamber 34 configured to contain a certain quantity of aromatic mixture to be subjected to infusion.

In the example given here, the containing body 33 is sliding along an axis of translation T and is inclined by a certain angle a with respect to the rest plate 11 , in such a way that, despite the inclination, the aromatic mixture coming from the conveyor duct 27 of the grinding unit 20, if present, or supplied by a user through a suitable inlet aperture, falls inside the infusion chamber 34.

A lower, or expulsion, piston 35 is disposed sliding in the infusion chamber 34 (fig. 4a), which is provided with outlet members, not shown in the drawings, which are fluidically connected to a distribution duct, also not shown in the drawings.

We must clarify that, during the infusion process, the outlet members allow the exit and passage of the certain beverage in the distribution duct, which has the function of distributing a dose of the certain beverage to a dispensing unit, also not shown in the drawings. In particular, the infusion unit 30 is configured to assume at least two work conditions.

In a first work condition, the containing body 33 and the lower piston 35 are in correspondence with the compression unit 40 so as to perform one or more compressions of the aromatic mixture to be subjected to infusion, thus obtaining a “tablet”, that is, a pod of compact mixture.

In a second work condition, the lower piston 35 is kept stationary in the first work condition, while the containing body 33 is lowered to allow the expulsion of the tablet from the infusion chamber 34, discharging it in a known manner in a certain discharge zone of the machine 10, not shown in the drawings.

The translation of the containing body 33 (figs. 4 and 5) and the relative movement of the expulsion piston 35 with respect to the containing body 33 itself are obtained by means of a movement device 37 disposed laterally to the containing body 33.

The movement device 37 comprises at least one rotating member, in the example case a grub screw 38 coaxial to the axis of translation T, along which a movement block, or member, 39 which is associated laterally and in a known manner with the containing body 33 and with the lower piston 35, can slide. The association of the movement block 39 with the containing body 33 and with the lower piston 35 can occur by means of suitable mechanical means, or connection mechanisms of a known type, not shown in the drawings.

In particular, the grub crew 38 is associated with a respective rotating shaft 110 of a corresponding coreless motor 100, so as to rotate around the axis of translation T and, depending on the sense of rotation, make the movement block 39 advance or retract, which allows to translate the containing body 33 and the lower piston 35 forward or backward.

In order to achieve a relative translation movement between the containing body 33 and the lower piston 35, the movement block 39 can also be associated with a suitable mechanical member, substantially of a known type and not shown in the drawings.

As shown in figs. 4 and 5, the infusion unit 30 comprises a housing seating 32 of the motor 100, advantageously made in the lower part of the movement device 37. The coreless motor 100 associated with the infusion unit 30 is provided with two rotors 102, disposed above and below the printed circuit board 101.

In the example case, the grub screw 38 is disposed passing through the hole 70 in the wall 32a and couples to the rotating shaft 110 inside the housing seating 32; however, solutions in which the rotating shaft extends outside the housing seating 32 can also be provided.

The containing body 33, the lower piston 35 and the movement device 37 define the drivable means 31 of the infusion unit 30. In addition, in the first operating layout, the drive means 15 of the infusion unit 30, and in particular the coreless motor 100, operate at a rotation speed preferably comprised between about 1,000 and about 1,500 rpm and with a developed torque comprised between about 200 and about 300 mN-m.

In the second operating layout, that is, in the event the transmission members are present, the drive means 15, and in particular the coreless motor 100, operate at a rotation speed preferably comprised between about 3,000 and about 6,000 rpm and with a developed torque comprised between about 60 and about 90 mN-m.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the compression unit 40 (fig.

6) comprises a fixed support 43 provided with a pair of guides 44 along which an upper, or closing, piston 45 can slide.

In particular, the upper piston 45 can be disposed along the axis of translation T, outside the infusion unit 30, and be opposed to the containing body 33 and to the lower piston 35, as well as inclined by the same angle a.

Specifically, the upper piston 45 comprises a compression head 46 which is configured to contact the aromatic mixture present in the infusion chamber 34 and which is provided with a plurality of dispensing members, not shown in the drawings, which, during the work condition of the infusion unit 30, have the function of dispensing hot water under pressure, fed by the first pumping device 60a, into the aromatic mixture. Moreover, according to some embodiments, the upper piston 45 can comprise one or more of either:

- a spring mechanism 47 which allows to adjust the elastic action, or reaction, during the compression operations;

- a system for discharging water, or any residues; and - a drying system for drying the aromatic mixture subjected to infusion, that is, the tablet.

For ease of representation, the discharge system and the drying system have not been shown in the drawings. The upper piston 45 therefore has a dual function, that is, to perform one or more controlled compressions on the aromatic mixture inside the infusion chamber 34, in order to form the tablet, and to carry out a drying of the latter once the certain beverage has been made. In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, in the event the extraction of the beverage occurs differently to what has already been described above, that is, from the opposite side, the dispensing members have the function of allowing the exit and distribution of the certain dose of beverage produced during the infusion process. The adjustment of the position of the upper piston 45 along the axis of translation T and the relative translational movement are obtained through the rotation of a rotating member, in this specific case a grub screw 48, disposed coaxially to the axis of translation T and driven by a respective coreless motor 100.

Specifically, the grub screw 48 is associated with a rotating shaft 110 of the coreless motor 100 so as to rotate with it around the axis of translation T and, depending on the sense of rotation, make the upper piston 45 advance or retreat.

Advantageously, the compression unit comprises a housing seating 42 for the coreless motor 100 made in the fixed support 43 of the compression unit 40.

As shown in fig. 7, the coreless motor 100 in this case can be provided with two rotors 102, disposed above and below the printed circuit board 101.

In this case, the upper piston 45 and the grub screw 48 define the drivable means 41 of the compression unit 40.

In the example case, the rotating shaft 110 can be disposed passing through the hole 70 and be provided with a threaded seating 110a in which the grub screw 48 engages.

According to some embodiments, in the first operating layout, the drive means 15, that is, the coreless motor 100, of the compression unit 40 operate at a rotation speed preferably comprised between about 1,000 and about 1,500 rpm and with a developed torque comprised between about 200 and about 300 nfN-m. In the second operating layout, that is, in the event the transmission members 15, that is, the coreless motor 100, are present, they operate at a rotation speed preferably comprised between about 3,000 and about 6,000 rpm and with a developed torque comprised between about 60 and about 90 mN-m. According to some embodiments, the mixing unit 50 (figs. 1, 7 and 8) is associated externally with the frame 12 of the machine 10 and comprises a base support 53, in which the housing seating 52 is made, and a mixing member 57 configured to mix a certain fluid to be treated, such as milk or chocolate for example.

According to other embodiments, the mixing unit 50 can be an autonomous component, separate from the machine 10, such as for example a so-called “milk frother” carafe, or suchlike.

Inside the housing seating 52 (figs. 7 and 8) there is disposed the printed circuit board 101 of a corresponding coreless motor 100 that drives the mixing member 57 which, in this specific case, defines the drivable mean 51 of the mixing unit 50.

The base support 53 comprises a rest base 55 having a positioning seating 56 on which a container 54 suitable to contain the liquid to be treated can be positioned with precision. Please note that the positioning seating 56 is disposed substantially above the housing seating 52. The two seatings 52, 56 are preferably coaxial to each other.

The container 54 is substantially of a known type and in the example given here it is conformed as a mixing jug, having a handle, a selectively openable lid and a special spout for the outlet of the fluid. The mixing member 57 is disposed inside the container 54 in such a way as to rotate around its own substantially vertical axis of rotation Y2 in order to mix the certain fluid to be treated.

According to some embodiments, the mixing member 57 comprises an oblong rotating support 58, which is coaxial to the axis of rotation Y2 and is constrained in a known manner to a lid of the container 54, or to a guide element external thereto, and a rotating blade member 59 which, by rotating, is capable of mixing the fluid to be treated.

The blade member 59 is substantially shaped as an impeller and is provided with a plurality of curved or rectilinear radial blades 59a and with a plurality of magnets 105 which are associated with at least some of the radial blades 59a, equally distributed around the axis of rotation Y2.

According to some embodiments, the radial blades 59a are each provided with a respective magnet 105 in correspondence with their own end. According to other embodiments, not shown, instead of the blade member 59 there can be provided a mixing/ stirring member with a different shape, for example made as a whisk, or suchlike, which is also provided with a plurality of magnets equally distributed around the axis of rotation Y2. According to preferred embodiments, for example shown in figs. 7, 7a, 8, 8b, inside the housing seating 52 there are disposed both the printed circuit board 101 and also at least one rotor 102, which is positioned above the printed circuit board 101 and is associated therewith, which define the coreless motor 100.

Preferably, two rotors 102 are provided, disposed one above and one below the printed circuit board 101, connected to each other by a rotating shaft 110.

In the solution of figs. 7 and 7a, the magnets 105 on the mixing member 57 interact by magnetic attraction with the magnets 105 provided on the coreless motor 100, in the example case with the magnets 105 provided on the rotor 102 which is disposed between the printed circuit board 101 and the wall 51a of the housing seating 52.

According to other embodiments, a dragging member 111 can be provided, connected to the one or more rotors 102 by means of the drive shaft 110 and provided with respective magnetic elements 112 (figs. 8 and 8a).

According to this last solution, the magnets 105 of the drivable mean 51 couple by magnetic attraction to the magnetic elements 112 provided on the dragging member 111.

Providing that the mixing member 57 does not interact directly with the magnetic field generated by the printed circuit board 101, but on the contrary is a separate component from the coreless motor 100, ensures a correct rotation of the blade member 59. In the event of direct interaction with the electromagnetic field, in fact, the magnets 105 on the mixing member 57 can be partly attracted and partly repelled by the electromagnetic field, resulting in a rotation which can be at least partly unbalanced and therefore not very efficient.

Obviously, to allow a magnetic coupling between the respective magnets 105, 112 on the mixing member 57 and respectively on the rotor 102 or the dragging member 111 , the distance between them has to be minimal, for example preferably comprised between 5 and 20 mm.

According to other embodiments, not shown, the blade member 59 can itself define the support 106 of the rotor 102 of the coreless motor 100 of the mixing unit 50.

The use of the blade member 59 both as a rotor and also as a mixing member is possible by virtue of the fact that the distance between the printed circuit board 101, disposed in the housing seating 52, and the magnets 105, disposed on the blade member 59, is particularly small and such as to allow the generation of the electromagnetic field which then sets the blade member 59 itself in rotation.

As an indication, this distance can be comprised between 5 and 15 mm.

This is particularly advantageous because it allows to reduce the operating components normally used in the mixing unit 50.

According to some embodiments, in the first operating layout, the drive means 15, that is, the coreless motor 100, of the mixing unit 50 operate at a rotation speed preferably comprised between about 1,000 and about 5,000 rpm and with a developed torque comprised between about 55 and about 65 mN-m. In the second operating layout, that is, in the event the transmission members are present, the drive means 15 operate at a rotation speed preferably of about 20,000 rpm and with a developed torque of about 3 mN-m.

According to other embodiments described with reference to figs. 9 and 10, each pumping unit 60 comprises a hollow central body 63, substantially cylindrical and open at the top, which internally defines the housing seating 62 for the corresponding coreless motor 100, and a closing element 64 conformed as a ring, associated at the top with the central body 63.

As shown in fig. 9, the central body 63 comprises a lower chamber 65 in which the printed circuit board 101 of the coreless motor 100 is disposed, an upper chamber 66 in which a rotating member 67 is disposed having the function of an impeller, and an outlet duct 68 made on the peripheral surface of the upper chamber 66.

The rotating member 67 comprises a plurality of radial blades 67a, curved for example, provided with a respective magnet 105 on each end. Therefore, the rotating member 67 itself defines the support 106 of the rotor 102 of the coreless motor 100 of the pumping unit 60.

The use of the rotating member 67 both as a rotor as well as an impeller is possible by virtue of the fact that the distance between the printed circuit board 101, present in the lower chamber 65, and the magnets 105, present in the rotating member 67, is small and such as to allow the generation of the electromagnetic field which then sets the rotating member 67 itself in rotation. This distance can be comprised between 5 and 15 mm. According to other embodiments, not shown, there can also be provided a solution of the coreless motor 100 as provided in the embodiments described with reference to the mixing unit 50, in which the magnets 105 present on the rotating member 67 couple by magnetic attraction to the magnets 105, 112 provided on a rotor 102 or on a dragging member 112 integral with the rotor 102. Specifically, the rotation of the rotating member 67 allows to suction the air, or the fluid to be treated, from above, making it exit under pressure, through the action of the radial blades 67a, from the outlet duct 68.

In this case, the rotating member 67 defines the drivable means 61 of the pumping unit 60. Furthermore, we must clarify that: - in the case of the first pumping device 60a, the fluid pumped by the pumping unit 60 can be water which is sent toward the infusion unit 30 and the compression unit 40;

- in the case of the second pumping device 60b, the fluid pumped by the pumping unit 60 can be, for example, milk which is sent toward the mixing unit 50; and

- in the case of the third pumping device 60c, the fluid pumped by the pumping unit 60 can be air to be injected into a liquid to be treated.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the machine 10 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

For example, in accordance with other embodiments not shown in the drawings, the coreless motor 100 can be associated with a cooling system, for example with fins, or there can be disposed a fan coupled to each rotor 102.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall be able to achieve other equivalent forms of machines for the preparation of beverages, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby. In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the same claims.

Claims

1. Machine (10) for the preparation of at least one beverage by means of at least one operating unit (20, 30, 40, 50, 60) and corresponding drivable means (21, 31, 41, 51, 61) moved by drive means (15), characterized in that at least one of said drive means (15) comprises, or consists of, at least one coreless motor (100) with PCB stator.

2. Machine (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said at least one operating unit (20, 30, 40, 50, 60) comprises an integrated housing seating (22, 32, 42, 52, 62) configured to house a respective coreless motor (100), or at least a part of it.

3. Machine (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that said coreless motor (100) housed in said housing seating (22, 32, 42, 52, 62) comprises both at least one printed circuit board (101) which acts as PCB stator and also one or more rotors (102) positioned above, or below said printed circuit board (101), and possibly a rotating shaft (110) connected to the one or more rotors (102).

4. Machine (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said at least one coreless motor (100) is configured to operate at a rotation speed preferably comprised between about 500 and about 5,000 rpm and with a developed torque preferably comprised between about 60 and about 3,500 mN-m.

5. Machine (10) as in any claim from 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises one or more transmission or reduction members, which have the function of operatively connecting said at least one coreless motor (100) to one of said drivable means (21 , 31 , 41 , 51 , 61 ) in such a way as to transmit motion in a reduced manner, and in that said at least one coreless motor (100) is configured to operate at a rotation speed comprised between about 500 and about 20,000 rpm and with a developed torque comprised between about 3 and about 160 mN-m.

6. Machine (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said at least one coreless motor (100) comprises at least one printed circuit board (101) and a control electronics which is integrated directly into one or more circuits of said printed circuit board (101) and is configured to automatically control and manage information relating to operating parameters of said drive means (15) and of said drivable means (21, 31, 41, 51 and 61).

7. Machine (10) as in claim 2 or as in any claim hereinbefore when it depends on

2, characterized in that it comprises at least one grinding unit (20) having a grinding device (25) which is provided, in a lower part thereof, with said housing seating (22) in which a respective coreless motor (100) is disposed.

8. Machine (10) as in claim 6, characterized in that said grinding device (25) is provided with one or more flat grinders (26) mounted on a rotating member (28), which is operatively associated with said respective coreless motor (100), and in that said one or more grinders (26) and said rotating member (28) define said drivable means (21).

9. Machine (10) as in claim 2 or as in any claim hereinbefore when it depends on 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one infusion unit (30) having a containing body (33) inside which there is disposed sliding a lower piston (35) and a movement device (37) which is configured to move said containing body (33) and/or lower piston (35) provided, in a lower part thereof, with said housing seating (32) in which a respective coreless motor (100) is disposed.

10. Machine (10) as in claim 8, characterized in that said movement device (37) comprises a grub screw (38) which is associated with said respective coreless motor (100), along said grub screw (38) there being disposed sliding a movement member (39) which is operatively associated with said containing body (33) and with said lower piston (35), wherein said containing body (33), said lower piston (35) and said movement device (37) define said drivable means (31).

11. Machine (10) as in claim 2 or as in any claim hereinbefore when it depends on 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one compression unit (40) configured to cooperate with said infusion unit (30) to produce said at least one beverage, and having at least one fixed support (43) and an upper piston (45) which is mobile along an axis of translation (T), and in that said housing seating (42), in which a respective coreless motor (100) is disposed, is made in said fixed support (43).

12. Machine (10) as in claim 10, characterized in that said compression unit (40) comprises a grub screw (48) operatively associated with said respective coreless motor (100) in order to move said upper piston (45), wherein said upper piston (45) and said grub screw (48) define said drivable means (41).

13. Machine (10) as in claim 2 or as in any claim hereinbefore when it depends on 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one mixing unit (50) having a mixing member (57) and a base support (53) in which the housing seating (52) is made, in said housing seating (52) there being disposed a respective coreless motor (100) comprising at least one printed circuit board (101) and at least one rotor (102), wherein said mixing member (57) is provided with magnets (105) configured to couple by magnetic attraction to respective magnets (105, 112) provided on said rotor (102) or on a dragging member (111) integral therewith.

14. Machine (10) as in claim 13, characterized in that said base support (53) also comprises a positioning seating (56) on which a container (54) is able to be positioned, suitable to contain said fluid to be treated and in which there is disposed, during use, said mixing member (57) defining said drivable means (51).

15. Machine (10) as in claim 2 or as in any claim hereinbefore when it depends on 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one pumping unit (60) having a central body (63), hollow and open at the upper part, which internally defines a housing seating (62) for a respective coreless motor (100), and a rotating member (67) which is disposed in a part of said central body (63) and which defines said drivable means (61).