Brewing unit

Abstract

A brewing unit (10) for preparing a beverage from a powdery product (P) comprising at least one ingredient, comprising: a support structure (20) having an internal cavity (16); and a dispensing assembly comprising a first assembly part (12) configured as a drawer having a container (13) adapted to receive said powdery product, and a second assembly part (14) mounted to vertically slide within an upper portion of said cavity between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein within said first assembly part there is a filtering element (123) mounted to vertically translate, a dispensing duct (124) being formed through the filtering element, the filtering element defining a bottom surface of the container (13) and a bottom surface of a brewing chamber, and wherein a brewing head (145) is carried by a lower end of the second assembly part (14), the brewing head defining a top surface of the brewing chamber.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a brewing unit for machines for the preparation of beverages by using a powdery product containing one or more ingredients, in particular coffee. BACKGROUND

[0002] The brewing units of the prior art present problems that need to be improved. SUMMARY

[0003] In the following description, reference will be made for simplicity to the use of compacted tablets, but it is evident that the present invention is not limited to brewing units that are able to operate with tablets, but is also suitable for brewing units that more generally use capsules or, alternatively, pods or even bulk powdery products.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved brewing unit.

[0005] The brewing unit defined according to the present invention fully achieves this object and others. The present invention further relates to a method for the preparation of beverages.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the brewing unit according to the present invention are described in detail in the present application, the contents of which are to be understood as an integral part of the following description.

[0007] Briefly, the present invention relates to a brewing unit for the preparation of beverages from a powdery product containing at least one ingredient, comprising:

[0008] a support structure having an internal cavity, and

[0009] a dispensing assembly comprising

[0010] a first assembly part configured as a drawer insertable or extractable from a lower part of said cavity and having a container adapted to receive said powdery product, and

[0011] a second assembly part mounted vertically to slide within an upper part of said cavity between an elevated position in which it allows the insertion or extraction of the first assembly part and a lowered position in which it and the first assembly part are coupled to each other to jointly define a brewing chamber,

[0012] wherein, within said first assembly part, there is a filter element mounted in vertical translation, through which a dispensing duct is obtained, said filter element defining a bottom surface of the container and of the brewing chamber, and

[0013] In which the brewing head, suitable for injecting water into the brewing chamber, is carried by the lower end of the second assembly portion, said brewing head defining the top surface of the brewing chamber and being provided with radial sealing means configured to come into contact with the radially inner surface of the container in the lowered position of the second assembly portion.

[0014] In the aforementioned unit, the brewing head and the filtering element act as protection elements, thus preventing any residues that can accumulate in the brewing chamber, in particular when using compacted tablets or bulk powdery products, from entering the hydraulic circuit of the first assembly portion and of the second assembly portion, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Further features and advantages of the present application will be clarified by the following detailed description, purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0016] Figures 1 to 4 are perspective views of a brewing unit according to the present application in different operating phases;

[0017] Figures 5 to 9 are cross-sectional perspective views of a brewing unit in different operating phases; Figures 1 to 4

[0018] Figures 10 to 15 are cross-sectional views of a brewing unit in different operating phases; Figures 1 to 4

[0019] Figures 16 to 18 are perspective views of another embodiment of a brewing unit in different operating phases;

[0020] Figures 19 to 21 are cross-sectional views of a brewing unit in different operating phases; Figures 16 to 18

[0021] Figure 22 are cross-sectional perspective views of a brewing unit of Figures 16 to 18 ; and

[0022] Figure 23 are front views of a brewing unit of Figures 16 to 18 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] With reference to Figure 1 , the brewing unit of a machine for preparing a beverage, in particular coffee, from compacted tablets containing one or more ingredients, in particular coffee powder, is designated as a whole 10.

[0024] ​​​As mentioned above, although the present application is described with reference to the preparation of a beverage with compacted tablets containing one or more ingredients, it should not be understood as being limited to a brewing unit suitable for operating with tablets, but also includes the case in which, instead of tablets, capsules, pods or other similar packages suitable for preparing a beverage by brewing are provided containing a dose of powder. The present application also includes the case of using bulk powdered products. Therefore, for the purposes of the present application, the term "powdered product" includes both bulk powdered products and powdered products packaged in capsules or pods or compacted in tablet form.

[0025] With reference to Figures 5 to 15 , the brewing unit 10 essentially comprises a dispensing assembly comprising a first assembly part 12 as a drawer and a second movable assembly part 14, and a support structure 20 which supports the first assembly part 12 and the second assembly part 14 and defines an internal cavity 16. An insertion opening 16a formed on the front wall of the support structure 20 provides access to the cavity 16.

[0026] The first assembly part 12 is insertable into or extractable from the lower part of the cavity 16 and has a container 13 suitable for receiving a powdered product P, which in the example shown is represented by compacted tablets. Figure 2 、 Figure 6 and Figure 11 shows the case in which the first assembly part 12 is completely extracted from the cavity 16. In this case, the first assembly part 12 is released from the support structure 20 and can be used for inserting the powdered product P into the container 13 or for cleaning operations. Figures 8 to 9 and 14 to Figure 15 shows the case in which the first assembly part 12 is in an insertion end position. Figure 3 、 Figure 7 and Figures 12 to 13 indicates an intermediate position of the first assembly part 12.

[0027] The second assembly part 14 is mounted so as to slide vertically within the upper part of the cavity 16 between a raised end position, shown in Figures 5 to 8 and Figures 10 to 14 and a lowered end position, shown in Figure 9 and Figure 15 In its raised end position, the second assembly part 14 allows the first assembly part 12 to be inserted into or extracted from the internal cavity 16. In the lowered end position, the second assembly part 14 and the first assembly part 12 are coupled to each other to jointly define a brewing chamber.

[0028] In addition to being suitable for receiving a powdered product P, the container 13 is suitable for forming, together with the second assembly part 14, a brewing chamber.

[0029] As mentioned above, the first assembly portion 12 is made as a drawer and comprises a main portion 121 made as a sleeve and a handle 122 connected to the main portion 121 which allows to handle the first assembly portion 12. In an upper end of the main portion 121 the container 13 is obtained. The lateral sides of the main portion 121 of the first assembly portion 12 are adapted to be coupled to respective main guides 201 formed on two opposite lateral sides of the support structure 20 to allow the sliding of the first assembly portion 12 with respect to the support structure 20 and, therefore, the insertion / withdrawal of the first assembly portion 12.

[0030] Within the first assembly portion 12, and more specifically within its main portion 121, a filtering element 123 is mounted for vertical translation for dispensing the beverage, a central dispensing duct 124 being formed through the filtering element. In particular, the filtering element 123 is slidable between a raised end position, as shown in Figures 6 to 7 and Figures 11 to 12 and a lowered end position, as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 15 in which the filtering element abuts against a shoulder 121a formed on the main portion 121 of the first assembly portion 12.

[0031] The filtering element comprises a main body 123a and a filter screen 123b attached to the main body 123a. The filter screen 123b can be thermally locked, for example fixed to a main shaft pin 123c extending from the main body 123a. Advantageously, such an arrangement provides a flat surface that reduces possible dust accumulation. The filtering element 123, and more specifically the filter screen 123b, defines a bottom surface of the container 13, and therefore of the brewing chamber when the first assembly portion 12 and the second assembly portion 14 are coupled to each other. Therefore, the filtering element 123 provides a support surface for the powdery product P located in the container 13.

[0032] A peripheral gasket 125 is arranged around the filtering element 123, which is configured to exert a seal against the radially inner surface of the container 13. Advantageously, in the case where the powdery product P is a bulk powder or a compacted tablet, the peripheral gasket 125 allows to scrape any residual powder of the radially inner surface of the container 13 when the filtering element 123 is slid within the container 13 from the lowered position to the raised end position.

[0033] In particular in the case where the powdery product P is a bulk powder, the peripheral gasket 125 is made of a material that is resistant to the abrasion of the powdery product P, such as a rubber material. Figures 12 to 15As can be seen, the filtering element 123 is associated with a driving element 126 which is mounted so as to translate vertically within the first assembly portion 12, more specifically within the main portion 121 of the first assembly portion 12. In particular, the filtering element 123 is connected to the driving element 126 by means of elastic means 127, in particular a helical spring. The coupling which is present between the filtering element 123 and the driving element 126 allows a relative sliding between the filtering element 123 and the driving element 126 within a small stroke range allowed by the deformation of the elastic means 127.

[0034] The central distribution duct 128 is formed through the driving element 126, which is fluidically connected to the central distribution duct 124 of the filtering element 123 by means of a pre-infusion valve 129 interposed between the filtering element 123 and the driving element 126. The pre-infusion valve 129 comprises a valve member which cooperates with a seat formed on the distribution duct 124 of the filtering element 123 by means of associated elastic means, in particular a spring. The purpose of this valve will be described hereinafter.

[0035] On opposite sides of the lower end of the driving element 126, respective pins are arranged which form an integral part of the driving element 126, one of which is visible in Figure 2 and indicated with 131. The pin 131 is adapted to engage a respective secondary guide 203 formed on opposite side walls of the support structure.

[0036] As can be seen in Figures 10 to 15 , the secondary guides 203 are inclined downwards, unlike the primary guides 201 which guide the sliding of the first assembly portion 12 into the cavity 16 of the support structure 20, such guides being oriented horizontally. Such an arrangement ensures that, during the sliding of the first assembly portion 12 within the cavity 16, the driving element 126 is induced to translate vertically with respect to the first assembly portion 12, by virtue of the coupling between the pin 131 and the secondary guides 203, thus driving the filtering element 123 and the powdered product P possibly located in the container 13.

[0037] Associated with the second assembly portion 14 is a hydraulic cylinder 141 in which a vertically sliding plunger 143 is mounted. The plunger 143 is part of the second assembly portion 14. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4 , the hydraulic cylinder 141 can be supplied with liquid, in particular water, through an inlet 141a via ducts not shown, in order to control the forward movement of the plunger 143 from a retracted position (indicated with 10 in Figures 5 to 8 and 10 to Figure 14 ). The forward movement of the plunger 143 is counteracted by elastic means 144, which in particular comprise a helical spring and are interposed between the plunger 143 and the hydraulic cylinder 141. Such elastic means 144 are therefore arranged so as to bias the plunger 143 towards its retracted position.

[0038] A central duct 143a is formed by the plunger 143, which is connected with a water supply duct 146 obtained by means of the hydraulic cylinder 141. A flange 143b is obtained at the lower end of the plunger 143.

[0039] A brewing head 145, which is integral with the plunger 143, is arranged at the lower end of the plunger 143 and is part of the second assembly portion 14. Ducts for injecting water into the brewing chamber are obtained through the brewing head 145, which are in fluid connection with the central duct 143a of the plunger 143.

[0040] For example, as can be seen in Figure 9 and Figure 15 , the brewing head 145 comprises a main body 145a and an engagement element 145b fastened to the main body 145a. The engagement element 145b can be thermally locked, for example fixed to a main shaft pin extending from the main body 145a. Advantageously, this arrangement provides a flat surface that reduces possible dust accumulation. The brewing head 145, or more specifically the engagement element 145b, defines the top surface of the brewing chamber.

[0041] The engagement element 145b is intended to come into contact with the powdery product P. In the example shown, the engagement element 145a is configured as a filter screen, hereinafter denoted as an inlet filter. In the case where the brewing unit is intended to operate with capsules, the engagement element can be configured as an element provided with a tip for piercing the capsule shell.

[0042] Arranged around the brewing head 145 is a peripheral gasket 147, which is configured to come into contact with the radially inner surface of the container 13 in the lowered position of the second assembly portion 14. Advantageously, in the case where the powdery product P comprises bulk powder or compacted tablets, the peripheral gasket 147 allows the radially inner surface of the container 13 to be scraped clean of any residual powder when the brewing head 145 slides inside the container 13.

[0043] With reference to Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 , the brewing head 145 is integral with an intermediate member 150 removably mounted at the lower end of the plunger 143. Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 The intermediate member 150 is shown precisely in the condition in which it is detached from the lower end of the plunger 143. In this case, the brewing head 145 can be cleaned. In the other figures, however, the intermediate member 150 is in the condition in which it is mounted at the lower end of the plunger 143.

[0044] The intermediate member 150 is configured as a drawer and comprises a main frame portion 151 carrying the brewing head 145 and a handle 152 connected to the main frame portion 152, which allows the intermediate member 150 to be manipulated.

[0045] The two lateral edges of the main portion 151 of the intermediate member 150 are adapted to be coupled to respective secondary guides 205 formed on the opposite two side walls of the support structure 20 to allow the intermediate member 150 to slide with respect to the support structure 20 and thus to be inserted / taken out. The intermediate member 150 is therefore selectively removable from or mountable on the lower end of the plunger 143 according to a sliding direction parallel to the sliding direction of the first assembly portion 14.

[0046] A slit 153 around the upper end of the brewing head 145 is obtained in the main portion 151 of the intermediate member 150. Said slit 153 is adapted to receive a flange 143b formed on the lower end of the plunger 143 when the intermediate member 150 is mounted on the lower end of the plunger 143. In order to provide a seal between the brewing head 145 and the plunger 143, an upper portion 145c of the main body 145b of the brewing head 143 is made of elastomeric material, preferably molded, which is intended to come into contact with the lower end of the plunger 143. The portion 145c, advantageously made of elastomeric material, substantially connects the brewing head 145 to the main portion 151 of the intermediate member 150. Teeth 154 are formed on the intermediate member 150 and arranged within the slit 153 between the brewing head 145 and the handle 152 of the intermediate member 150. The teeth 154 are configured to elastically engage respective seats 143c formed on the lower end of the plunger 143. This arrangement allows the intermediate member 150 to be snap-locked on the lower end of the plunger 143.

[0047] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the brewing head 145 can be a component that is not detachably mounted on the plunger 123.

[0048] The brewing unit 10 can also comprise an optical sensor 40, schematically shown in Figure 12 The optical sensor 40 is arranged at a window 207 formed on the upper wall of the support structure 20. The optical sensor 40 is positioned so that it faces the container 13 when the first assembly portion 12 enters the cavity 16 through the insertion opening 16a. In the detection position, the interior of the container 13 and thus the tablets P therein fall within the field of view of the optical sensor 40. This optical sensor 40 is connected to a circuit 41 controlled by and cooperating with the electronic control unit ECU to provide a digital image of the tablets P. The electronic control unit ECU is therefore programmed to identify the product contained in the container 13, for example by reading an identification code or a drawing affixed to the product or other surface features of the product. The reading can be taken dynamically, so that the detection is made without the first assembly portion 12 stopping in the detection position. In an alternative embodiment, the reading can be taken statically, with the first assembly portion 12 temporarily stopped in the detection position.

[0049] In case of successful identification of the tablet, the ECU is programmed to allow the first assembly part 12 to continue and adjust the brewing parameters based on the identified tablet. These parameters can be for example the amount of water to be injected into the brewing chamber.

[0050] In order to protect the optical sensor 40 from possible contamination by the powdery product P, a movable closing element 45 is arranged at the window 207. The closing element 45 is normally in a closed position, closing the window 207. An opening mechanism, visible in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , is associated with the closing element 45. The rod 45a is rotatably integral with the closing element 45 via a shaft 45c. The first assembly part 12, upon entering the cavity 16, engages the rod 45a, causing it to rotate and open the window 207. During the sliding extension of the first assembly part 12 within the cavity 16, the first assembly part 12 remains engaged with the rod 45a, thus keeping the window 207 open. The first assembly part 12 disengages from the rod 45a upon reaching a given position within the cavity 16. The closing element 45 can thus be biased by a helical spring 45d back to the closed position. The rod 45a is configured not to engage the first assembly part 12 during extraction from the cavity 16, thus preventing the window 207 from opening and therefore the vapour from entering the reading area.

[0051] An example of operation of the above-described brewing unit 10 will now be described in detail.

[0052] According to this example, the working steps of the machine can be defined as follows:

[0053] 1. insertion of the first assembly part 12, with the tablet P inside the container 1, into the cavity 16;

[0054] 2. reading and identification of the tablet P;

[0055] 3. reaching of the insertion tip position by the first assembly part 12;

[0056] 4. lowering of the second assembly part 14 and closure of the assembly;

[0057] 5. pre-brewing, waiting and brewing steps of the tablet P;

[0058] 6. raising of the second assembly part 14 and reopening of the assembly;

[0059] 7. extraction of the first assembly part 12;

[0060] 8. disassembly of the intermediate member for cleaning.

[0061] The first assembly portion 12 reaches the reading and recognition position of the tablet P during the introduction into the cavity 16 (step 2). This step allows the system to recognize whether the tablet P is present inside the container 13 before completing the closure of the dispensing assembly and allows to recognize the type of tablet that has been inserted and to adapt the timing of the compacting and dispensing;

[0062] During the insertion of the first assembly portion 12, the filtering element 123 is lowered to prevent the tablet P from colliding with the intermediate member 150.

[0063] Once the insertion end position of the first assembly portion 12 is reached (detectable by a sensor, not shown), the electronic control unit ECU controls the operation of the plunger 143 until the second assembly portion 14 is coupled to the first assembly portion 12. In this position, the infusion head 145 fits into the container 13 until it comes into contact with the tablet P. The movement of the plunger 143 continues until it brings the filtering element 123 into contact with the shoulder 121a formed on the main portion 121 of the first assembly portion 12 (compacting the tablet P), wherein the peripheral gasket 125 of the filtering element 123 also performs a front sealing function. Since the driving element 126 is vertically constrained by the secondary guide 203, the filtering element 123 moves with respect to the driving element 126 overcoming the action of the spring 127 clamped between the filtering element 123 and the driving element 126.

[0064] The displacement of the plunger 143 can be determined by the electronic control unit ECU as a function of the height of the tablet P, which can be determined using the optical sensor 40. More generally, different forms of powdered product can be used (compacted tablets, capsules or simply bulk product) and different sizes of different formulations (espresso, lungo, double, filtered). The recognition system provided by the sensor 40 and the control unit ECU can be configured to set different extraction parameters as a function of the dose size and possibly to skip one or more steps in the extraction, as will be clarified below.

[0065] Upon reaching the abutment position of the filtering element 123 against the shoulder 121a, the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 141 is maintained.

[0066] The beverage is dispensed in two different sub-steps: pre-infusion and waiting and infusion of the tablet.

[0067] In the pre-infusion and waiting step, a first small amount of hot water is sent into the infusion chamber through the central duct 143a of the plunger 143, an amount that is not sufficient to open the pre-infusion valve 129. The small amount of water is injected and then waited for, for wetting and preparing the tablet P for the infusion step.

[0068] In the brewing step, a second amount of hot water is sent to the tablet P, this amount of water being able to open the pre-brewing valve 129. In this step, the volume of hot water is much greater than in the previous step and is used to dispense the correct amount of beverage from the tablet that has been inserted into the container 13. The pressure exerted by the plunger 143 of the hydraulic cylinder 141 remains constant throughout the pre-brewing and brewing steps.

[0069] It is also possible to provide a compacting step, in which the central dispensing duct, through which the hot water is introduced, is closed and cold water is sent into the hydraulic cylinder 141 in order to compact the used tablet and expel the residual hot water therefrom.

[0070] Once the beverage dispensing is complete, the used tablet P must be removed to allow a new tablet to be inserted into the container 13 for the next dispensing.

[0071] To this end, the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 121 is removed, which causes the plunger 143 to rise due to the bias of the spring 144. With this rise, the filtering element 123 is biased by the spring 127 to return to its raised position.

[0072] The first assembly part 12 can then be grasped by the handle 122 to allow the used tablet P to be removed and possibly to clean / wash the container 13 and the filtering element 123 by removing the filtering element 123 and the drive element 126 from above.

[0073] Advantageously, thanks to the interaction between the pin 131 of the drive element 126 and the secondary guide 203, the translation of the first assembly part 12 moves the product P previously compacted upwards and releases it from the radial friction of the brewing chamber, allowing it to be expelled only by means of the inclination of the first assembly part 12 (by gravity).

[0074] The intermediate member 150 can also be extracted by grasping it with the handle 152 to allow the cleaning / washing of the filtering head 145.

[0075] Depending on the type of powdered product used, one or more of the above steps can be absent. In particular, in the case of drip-filtered preparations or soluble coffee, the compacting and pre-brewing steps are skipped. In other cases, the post- compacting can not be necessary. In this regard, the control unit ECU can be configured to selectively enable or disable one or more of the above steps on the basis of the identification of the type of product, a process that is performed after processing the digital images captured by the sensor 40.

[0076] As regards the compacting step, it can be observed that the pre-brew valve member 129 is configured to elastically abut on the corresponding seat on the filter element 123 only when the brewing head 145 compresses the filter element 123 containing the powdery product against the shoulder 121a. In the absence of this compression action, there is no engagement between the pre-brew valve 129 and the corresponding seat on the filter element 123. This makes it possible to dispense without performing the pre-brewing and compacting steps, without having to operate the pre-brew valve 129 (for example in the case of using a drip brewing preparation).

[0077] Figures 16 to 23 Another embodiment of the application is depicted. This embodiment is similar to the one described above in terms of structure and operation. Elements corresponding to elements in the previous embodiment are given the same numerical reference. These elements will not be described further.

[0078] Figure 16 and Figure 19 The first assembly part 12 is shown in a condition of complete extraction from the cavity 16. Figure 18 and Figure 21 The first assembly part 12 is shown in a condition of complete extraction from the cavity 16. Figure 17 , Figure 20 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 The first assembly part 12 is shown in an intermediate position, more precisely in a detection position. For the sake of convenience, the optical sensor is only schematically shown in Figure 20 , while the relative movable closing element is not shown in Figures 16 to 23 . However, the movable closing element is positioned at the window 207 in a manner similar to the closing element 45 of the previous embodiment. Figures 16 to 23 A portion of the drive mechanism for the movable closing element is also shown in

[0079] In the embodiment of Figures 16 to 23 , the first assembly part 12 comprises a partition 12a formed between the main portion 121 and the handle 122 of the first assembly part 12 and extending upwardly from the first assembly part 12. A screen 16b is arranged at the insertion opening 16a of the support structure 20, the screen being formed so as to partially enclose the insertion opening 16b, in particular the upper portion of the insertion opening 16a. Depending on the shape of the support structure 20, it can not be necessary to provide the screen 16b.

[0080] As can be seen in Figure 17 , Figure 20 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 , when the first assembly part 12 is in the detection position, the partition 12a closes the insertion opening 16a, cooperating with the screen 16b in the example shown to prevent the passage of light through the opening.

[0081] This closure interrupts the input of light during acquisition, which varies with the environmental conditions, thus creating controlled and repeatable lighting conditions, which can be provided by an illumination system (not shown) associated with the optical sensor 40 and controllable to illuminate the interior of the cavity 16.

[0082] Naturally, the embodiments and the constructional details can be widely varied with respect to those purely by way of non-limiting example described and illustrated, without thereby departing from the scope of the present application as defined by the annexed claims, without thereby departing from the principles of the present application.

Claims

1. A brewing unit (10) for preparing a beverage from a powdery product (P) containing at least one ingredient, said brewing unit comprising: - a support structure (20) having an internal cavity (16), and - a dispensing assembly comprising - a first assembly part (12) configured to be insertable into or extractable from a lower part of said cavity and having a drawer suitable for receiving a container (13) of said powdery product, and - a second assembly part (14) mounted for vertical sliding within an upper part of said cavity between a raised position in which said second assembly part (14) allows the insertion or extraction of said first assembly part (12) and a lowered position in which said second assembly part (14) and said first assembly part (12) are coupled to each other to define a brewing chamber therebetween, wherein within said first assembly part there is a filter element (123) mounted for vertical translation, a dispensing duct (124) being formed through said filter element, said filter element defining a bottom surface of said container (13) and of said brewing chamber, and wherein a brewing head (145) suitable for injecting water into said brewing chamber is carried by a lower end of said second assembly part (14), said brewing head defining a top surface of said brewing chamber and being provided with radial sealing means (147) configured to come into contact with a radially inner surface of said container (13) in said lowered position of said second assembly part (14).

2. The unit of claim 1, wherein, said filter element is elastically biased towards an end position thereof raised with respect to said first assembly part (12).

3. The unit of claim 2, wherein, said filter element is elastically connected to a drive element (126) movable in a vertical translation manner within said first assembly part, and wherein said drive element is guided by said support structure so that said drive element is movable in a vertical translation manner with respect to said first assembly part (12) during a sliding movement of said first assembly part (12) into said cavity (16).

4. The unit of claim 3, wherein, a dispensing duct (128) is formed through said drive element (126), said dispensing duct being fluidically connected to the dispensing duct (124) of said filter element (123) through a pre-brewing valve (129) interposed between said filter element (123) and said drive element (126), and wherein said pre-brewing valve (129) is configured to elastically abut against said filter element (123) when said brewing head (145) compresses said filter element (123) containing said powdery product against a shoulder (121a) formed on said first assembly part (12).

5. The unit of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, said second assembly part (14) further comprises a plunger (143) hydraulically operated and slidable within the upper part of said cavity, said plunger carrying said brewing head (145).

6. The unit according to claim 5, further comprising elastic means (144) interposed between said plunger (143) and a hydraulic cylinder (141) fixed to said support structure (20), said elastic means being adapted to bias said plunger (143) towards a retracted position corresponding to said raised position of said second assembly portion (14).

7. The unit of claim 1, wherein, Said brewing head is fixed to an intermediate member (150) removably mounted to a lower end of said second assembly portion (14).

8. The unit of claim 7, wherein, Said intermediate member is selectively removable from or mountable to the lower end of said second assembly portion (14) on the basis of a sliding direction parallel to a sliding direction of said first assembly portion (12) into said cavity (16).

9. The unit according to claim 1, further comprising reading means (40, 41) adapted to provide a digital image of said powdery product, said reading means comprising an optical sensor (40), said container (13) facing said optical sensor in a detection position in which said first assembly portion (12) protrudes beyond an insertion opening (16a) of said cavity (16).

10. The unit of claim 9, wherein, Said optical sensor is able to detect said powdery product in a static or dynamic manner.

11. The unit according to claim 9, further comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to adjust a brewing parameter on the basis of said digital image of said powdery product.

12. The unit of claim 11, wherein, Said electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to determine a dose size of said powdery product from said digital image and to adjust said brewing parameter as a function of said dose size.

13. The unit of claim 9, wherein, Said first assembly portion (12) comprises a bulkhead (12a) extending transversely with respect to said sliding direction of said first assembly portion (12) into said cavity (16), wherein, in said detection position, said bulkhead closes said insertion opening (16a) to prevent light from entering through said insertion opening (16a), and wherein said reading means comprise an illumination system controllable to illuminate the inside of said cavity (16).

14. A method for preparing a beverage from a powdery product (P) containing at least one ingredient with a brewing unit according to claim 6, said method comprising the following steps: a) with said first assembly portion (12) in an insertion tip position, supplying cold water to said hydraulic cylinder (141) to move forward said plunger (143) of said second assembly portion (14) and to couple said second assembly portion (14) with said first assembly portion (12), c) supplying an amount of hot water into said brewing chamber through said plunger (143) and said brewing head (145) to prepare said beverage.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising at least one of the following steps: bl) supplying an amount of hot water into said brewing chamber through said plunger (143) and said brewing head (145) to wet said powdery product (P), b2) waiting for a predetermined time interval, d) further supplying cold water to said hydraulic cylinder (141) to further move forward said plunger (143) and compress the used powdered product (P) against said second assembly part (14).

16. The method according to claim 15, for preparing a beverage using a brewing unit, wherein, The brewing unit comprises reading means (40, 41) adapted to provide a digital image of the powdered product, said reading means comprising an optical sensor (40) and an electronic control unit (ECU), said container (13) facing said optical sensor in a detection position in which said first assembly part (12) protrudes from an insertion opening (16a) of said cavity (16), said electronic control unit being configured to adjust the brewing parameters on the basis of said digital image of the powdered product, wherein said electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to selectively enable or disable at least one of said steps bl, b2 and d on the basis of said digital image of the powdered product.

Images