Perforation device for capsules and machine for preparing beverages incorporating said device

Abstract

In a machine for preparing beverages, in particular espresso coffee, using capsules containing powder material and delimited at the top and bottom by perforatable sealing foils, said machine comprising a zone for loading capsules one at a time and an infusion zone, a device for perforating the bottom foil of said capsule inside said loading zone, comprising a star-shaped element having, projecting therefrom, cutting tips able to project into the path of said capsule when it is introduced into said loading zone and following interaction of the front edge of the capsule with a first tip, the immediately following tip engages with the bottom foil of the said capsule so as to perforate it. The displacement of the capsule into said loading zone is caused by pushing means which preferably consist of a pushing element projecting from the capsule loading flap.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for preparing beverages using sealed capsules containing powdered material such as coffee. Background technique

[0002] For ease of description, reference is made to the preparation of brewed coffee, especially espresso coffee, but this must be understood in a non-limiting sense.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a machine using capsules of the type described, for example, in European Patent 1,608,569 of the same Applicant (which patent is hereby incorporated by specific reference). This capsule comprises a molded plastic shell which is sealed at the top by a perforable top foil and is divided into a top chamber and a bottom chamber or brewing chamber which is defined by the aforementioned top foil and bottom wall. Delimited and intended to contain a quantity of ground coffee, the bottom chamber or brewing chamber is bounded at the top by said bottom wall and at the bottom by a perfora...

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