System and method for dispensing edible products to containers by means of a regulating mechanism

Abstract

The invention discloses a system and a process for dispensing edible products, such as for example beverages, in particular a system comprising: a product container (1, 1') adapted to be operatively placed on a placement mechanism (2) operatively associated with a device (3) for dispensing edible products, said device having control means (5) for controlling the dispensing operation of the edible products, said device (3) further having an interface mechanism (7) comprising an actuation interface (71) associated with said placement mechanism (2) and adapted to provide input to said control means (5) as a function of the manipulation of said actuation interface (71), including by means of a contact gesture on its contact surface by a movement in a curved or circular shape around a reference axis (X).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of systems for dispensing edible products (e.g., systems for dispensing beverages) having a dispensing device for discharging edible products into a collection container. Background Technology

[0002] Systems for dispensing edible products, particularly beverages, are known, in which the edible product is dispensed through the walls of a container adapted to collect the product in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0003] In particular, in the case of aromatic beverages such as espresso, the dispensing of the beverage is a process that can potentially affect the quality of the beverage in the container. Among several aspects, it is important to ensure that the beverage preparation process can be ergonomically controlled by the user. This aspect demonstrates a particular relevance considering the specific dispensing mechanism and the intended use of the container for collecting edible products, which should be properly placed within the dispensing mechanism.

[0004] Document WO 2010 / 037806 A1 discloses a machine for preparing edible products, the machine including a toggle switch component connected to a control unit, which can be operated by a user to select one of a plurality of operating values ​​by moving the toggle switch component to one of a plurality of different positions.

[0005] Document WO 2019 / 166470 discloses a beverage preparation machine with an improved user interface.

[0006] Document EP 3430951 A1 discloses an apparatus and process for controlling extraction pressure during the preparation of espresso.

[0007] Document CN 108771473A discloses a tea preparation machine based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology and a control method for the machine.

[0008] Document WO2017 / 200409 A1 discloses a system of the present invention in which edible products are discharged into containers that need to be operatively placed on a placement mechanism. In particular, this document discloses a solution in which the container placement mechanism can be adapted to sense at least two container placement positions, thereby providing better operational safety and reliability.

[0009] Document WO 2020 / 085928 also discloses a system of the present invention, wherein the device has an interface device adapted to sense the rotational movement of a container operably placed on a placement mechanism and to provide corresponding input to the control device of the device.

[0010] None of the existing art literature discloses a solution for an ergonomically designed interface suitable for such emission arrangements (including emission control for edible products), which is associated with the placement mechanism and other technical features disclosed in this invention in such an ergonomic manner. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a system adapted to provide a simpler and more ergonomic interaction between the user and a device for dispensing edible products (in particular, a device for dispensing edible products in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity), including adjusting the dispensing of the edible products into a product container operatively placed on a placement mechanism of the device.

[0012] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by means of an edible product dispensing system as described below, wherein preferred embodiments are described in the following parts of the invention.

[0013] Specifically, the aforementioned objective is achieved by means of a system in which the device has an interface mechanism associated with a placement mechanism that extends about at least a portion of the discharge axis of the edible product and is functionally connected to a control device for the operation of the device, allowing a user to generate control and regulation inputs for at least the product discharge by means of contact gestures made to the interface mechanism about the axis of product discharge.

[0014] The interface mechanism may include an actuation interface and a sensing device adapted to sense at least one of the position and movement of the circular interface associated with the container placement mechanism, particularly rotational movement about a reference axis, thereby providing at least regulation of the discharge of edible product into the container.

[0015] The device has a placement mechanism that includes an upwardly positioned product discharge element, a holding device configured to place a container and preferably adapted to operatively place the product container (including its movable holding on a placement surface), the placement mechanism providing a pressurized injection of a discharge stream of edible product (e.g., beverage) into the interior of the container (e.g., a drinking container) in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity through the bottom region of the container.

[0016] Preferably, the reference axis corresponds at least approximately to at least one of the following: the placement operation direction of the container on the placement mechanism, the central axis of the container and the placement mechanism, and the discharge direction of edible products into the container.

[0017] The system can provide the preparation of at least one type of beverage (e.g., espresso and similar beverages), in which case the device includes, for example, a flow pressurizing device of the type of hydraulic pump and a product preparation device (e.g., an extraction device), which is adapted to collect single portions of edible material (e.g., roasted and ground coffee) optionally disposed inside the respective capsule.

[0018] In the remainder of the description, consideration is given to beverage preparation systems and therefore to drinking containers such as, for example, glasses, teacups, or the like, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation process comprising using a container and a placement mechanism, wherein a beverage discharge flows through a bottom region of the container such that the container is held in an ergonomic manner.

[0020] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by means of a method for preparing a beverage as described below, wherein preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0021] The process according to the present invention is solved by means of the system described below. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will now be described in more detail based on preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0023] The attached diagram is shown in a simplified schematic:

[0024] Detailed Implementation

[0025] The invention will be described in the context of embodiments based on beverage preparation equipment, and particularly in the context of the extraction of individual portions 9 of edible substances, such as beverage precursors provided in capsules.

[0026] Figure 1 This refers to a beverage preparation device based on individual portions 9 of edible substances, and Figure 2 This indicates that containers 1 and 1' (in this case, drinking containers such as, for example, teacups or glasses) can be operably placed according to... Figure 1 The device 3 is placed in the placement mechanism 2.

[0027] In the illustrated case, the system includes, for example, a beverage preparation device 3 in the form of a machine for preparing espresso and similar aromatic beverages, having at least one product preparation device 4, which, in the illustrated case, is a coffee extraction device and can be configured as an internal or external part of the housing of the device 3 and actuated between an open and closed position (or vice versa) to allow the collection of edible precursors of the beverage. The edible material (e.g., roasted and ground coffee beans) can be disposed within an individual portion 9 adapted to be collected within the product preparation device 4, such as a pouch, capsule, or other type of restrictive portion.

[0028] In addition, the beverage preparation apparatus 3 may include a reservoir (not shown), a flow pressurization device 6, and a fluid heating device (not shown) to supply a flow FS with a temperature between 60°C and 100°C and a pressure between 1 bar and 20 bar (preferably, more than 10 bar) to interact with the edible substance.

[0029] The system includes at least one type of container 1, 1' having a bottom wall 11 including a channel opening 110 and a side wall 12 forming a drinking opening. The drinking container 1 is adapted to be operably held in a placement support 22 of the placement mechanism 2, i.e., held in a stable and reliable manner relative to the force applied by the injection of a pressurized flow BD of beverage discharge through the bottom region of the drinking container 1.

[0030] The drinking containers 1 and 1' may have, for example, a one-way valve type (represented by a triangle symbol) flow regulating mechanism 13, which is held in the channel opening 110 of the bottom wall 11 and adapted to provide pressurized flow BD to the downstream collection space CS in the opposite direction to gravity only when struck by a flow pressure greater than the previously defined flow pressure value.

[0031] The pressurized beverage discharge stream BD is then directed from the outlet of the product preparation device 4 to the placement mechanism 2 arranged downstream of its flow.

[0032] The placement mechanism 2 includes a product discharge element 21, for example a jet nozzle type, advantageously disposed in the central region, and a container placement support 22 advantageously configured to help keep the container 1 aligned with the channel opening 110 in its bottom region.

[0033] The placement mechanism 2 advantageously also includes a retaining device 23 associated with the container placement support 22, which is adapted to engage in a corresponding retaining element 14 associated with the bottom area of ​​the drinking containers 1, 1' and thereby retain the drinking containers 1, 1' in an operable position on the container placement support 22.

[0034] The device 3 also includes a control device 5, which is adapted to control the operation of the device 3, particularly the start and end of the preparation process and the discharge of beverages into the drinking container 1, as well as the display of several other operating parameters and corresponding information for each beverage preparation cycle.

[0035] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The schematic representation illustrates the general principles and characteristics of the system according to the present invention.

[0036] As shown in the figure, the beverage preparation device 3 is adapted so that the user can place the drinking container 1 in an operable position on the placement mechanism 2, specifically aligned with the placement mechanism 2 along the reference axis X. In the configuration shown, the placement mechanism 2 is advantageously positioned in the front region of the device 3 relative to the user's preferred direction of use U.

[0037] The reference axis X can be the central axis of symmetry between the drinking container 1 and the placement mechanism 2.

[0038] According to an aspect of the invention, the device 3 includes an interface mechanism 7 preferably disposed around the container placement mechanism 2 or at least the container placement support 22 centered on a reference axis X, the interface mechanism 7 being adapted to sense input generated by a user’s direct touch gestures via a contact surface with the actuation interface 71.

[0039] Specifically, user interaction with interface mechanism 7 and thus with control device 5 of device 3 is provided by touch movement on contact surface of actuation interface 71, wherein the movement may include movement about reference axis X.

[0040] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the invention, the device 3 also includes a sensing device 72 that is functionally associated with and adapted to the actuation interface 71 to enable sensing at least one aspect of a user’s touch movement on the contact surface of the actuation interface 71.

[0041] Specifically, the sensing device 72 is positioned below the actuation interface 71 and extends to occupy only the peripheral volume relative to the product emission element 21.

[0042] Actuation gestures can be point touches or force applied on the contact surface, including along the actuation alignment of the actuation interface 71, i.e., in a direction of a curved or circular shape about the reference axis X.

[0043] The interface mechanism 7 can be associated with the placement mechanism 2 and functionally connected to the control device 5 of the device 3, wherein the interface mechanism 7 is adapted to be able to sense at least one aspect, preferably at least several aspects, of the rotational movement of the actuation interface 71 about the central reference axis X, wherein the drinking container is operably placed on the placement mechanism 2.

[0044] In particular, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the interface mechanism 7 is adapted to be able to sense the rotational direction and angular extension range of the rotational movement of the actuation interface 71 from its reference position.

[0045] exist Figures 5 to 10 In the first embodiment shown in the figure, the interface mechanism 7 includes an actuation interface 71 having a disc-shaped shape, which can be actuated along at least a portion of the circular extension of the container placement support 22, wherein the actuation interface 71 is configured to be functionally connected to a sensing device 72 adapted to be able to sense various aspects of its movement.

[0046] In particular, such as in Figure 5 As can be better observed in the image, the actuation interface 71 can be configured as a disk centered on the central reference axis and adapted to allow movement about the central reference axis.

[0047] Therefore, the actuation interface 71 is configured to allow a user to rotate the actuation interface 71 about the reference axis X along the actuation extension range, wherein at least one of the rotation direction relative to the initial reference position and the relative size of the rotation extension range can be sensed by the corresponding sensing device 72, thereby generating the corresponding input.

[0048] In this case, input can be generated by the actuation gesture applied by the user on the contact surface of the actuation interface 71, i.e., its outer surface.

[0049] If it is possible Figure 7 and Figure 8 As observed, the actuation interface 71 can be configured to be operatively connected to a motion transmission device such as, for example, a bearing, such that the actuation interface 71 can be rotated along a given extension range about the central reference axis X by a user's touch gesture.

[0050] In this case, the sensing device 72 is configured as a mechanical engagement device, which is configured to transmit rotational movement transmitted by the user to the actuation interface 71 to an electromagnetic device 723 that converts the movement into an electrical signal.

[0051] If it is possible Figure 6As further observed, the interface mechanism 7 is advantageously configured to extend around the placement mechanism 2, and thus around the corresponding product discharge element 21.

[0052] If it is possible Figure 9 Further observation reveals that the interface mechanism 7 is configured to occupy a relatively reduced volume, preferably occupying a volume whose height does not exceed twice the construction height of the placement mechanism 2, and preferentially occupying a volume approximately equal to that construction height.

[0053] In this implementation, for example, it is possible to Figure 10 As observed, the actuation interface 71 is grounded and connected to a first engagement element 721, which is at a height lower than the container placement surface of the placement mechanism 2 and has engagement teeth along its outer periphery. It is preferably arranged as a single piece, wherein these engagement teeth engage with the engagement teeth of a second engagement element 722 (in this case, a gear) mounted on an axis that is shared with the axis of a potentiometer 723' that can sense the direction and range of rotational movement and transmit the input to the control device 5.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the placement mechanism 2 may have a container holding device 23, which, for example, takes the form of mechanical engagement with a corresponding portion in the bottom region of the drinking container 1. Advantageously, the proper holding of the drinking container 1 can be sensed by holding sensing devices 24, 25, preferably located at a height lower than the actuation interface 71.

[0055] Advantageously, the sensing device 72 is configured such that input is provided to the control device 5 only if the sensing devices 24, 25 detect that the drinking container 1 is correctly placed in the placement mechanism 2.

[0056] exist Figures 11 to 15 In the second embodiment shown in the figure, the interface mechanism 7 includes an actuation interface 71, which is also configured in the form of a disc. This actuation interface is actuable along at least a portion of the extension of the surface around which the support member 22 is placed. The actuation interface 71 is also configured to be functionally connected to a sensing device 72 adapted to sense various aspects of the movement of the actuation interface.

[0057] However, in this embodiment, the sensing device 72 operates according to a different motion sensing principle.

[0058] In fact, if it is possible Figure 11 As observed, the sensing device 72 is configured to operate based on an optical mechanism, such as an encoder type or the like, which is configured to sense at least one aspect of the rotational movement of the actuation interface 71 about the central reference axis X.

[0059] Specifically, the sensing device 72 includes an interaction mechanism 724 comprising a plurality of openings arranged continuously along a periphery associated with the actuation interface 71, the openings being configured to intersect with at least one electromagnetic beam (e.g., an infrared beam) provided, for example, by a corresponding light source 725.

[0060] The number of interruptions to the radiation beam can be correlated with the extent of its angular displacement caused by the user's rotational movement of the actuation interface 71.

[0061] According to an alternative implementation, in addition to the sensing device 72 adapted to sense rotational movement, the interface mechanism 7 may also include a second sensing device 72, which is functionally associated with the product emission element 21 and adapted to sense touch applied by a user in a rotational movement about the reference axis X and generally laterally relative to the reference axis X, on at least one actuating portion 711 of the contact surface of the actuating interface 71.

[0062] Figures 16 to 24 The third embodiment is shown, wherein the actuation interface 71 is fixedly disposed and extends along at least a portion of the periphery of the container placement mechanism 2.

[0063] In addition, the actuation interface 71 may have a contact surface adapted to sense the user’s direct touch, such as a capacitive surface or a similar surface.

[0064] Therefore, a user can touch and slide her finger along the relative extension of the contact surface or its multiple portions on the contact surface, so that the relative extension can be sensed by an electronic device.

[0065] Specifically, the interface mechanism 7 may include an actuation interface 71 and an illumination device 73. The actuation interface 71 may include an actuation portion 711 that can also be a sensing device 72, or may include an actuation portion 711 and a sensing device 72 that can be contacted by the actuation portion 711. The illumination device is functionally associated with at least one of the corresponding actuation portion 711 and the corresponding sensing device 72. The illumination device 73 is preferably disposed below the sensing device 72 and is made of a rigid or flexible opaque or non-opaque material. The illumination device 73 is configured as an LED type device or the like.

[0066] The interface mechanism 7 may include an actuation interface 71 having a single contact surface with a single and continuous extension, wherein the contact surface extends along the actuation alignment lines around all four quadrants I, ..., IV of the placement support 22.

[0067] Alternatively, the interface mechanism 7 may include an actuation interface 71 having a plurality of contact surfaces, the plurality of contact surfaces being configured as a plurality of actuation portions 711, 712 arranged in a circular actuation line that are close to each other, wherein the actuation portions 711, 712 may be grouped in one or more actuation regions 71a, 71b and distributed around the placement support 22 at least in the second quadrant II, and preferably also in the third quadrant III.

[0068] Advantageously, the contact surface can be associated with an illumination device 73, which is adapted to indicate to the user a corresponding actuation state corresponding to the relative actuation extension range of the contact surface.

[0069] Figure 21 and Figure 22 The image shows a top view of a device 3 according to the invention, having a placement mechanism 2 for operably holding a drinking container 1 in its top region. According to this embodiment, the top region of the device 3 associated with the placement mechanism 2 (e.g., a portion or piece of the outer casing or housing of the device 3) can be provided with a sufficiently flexible material such that pressure applied by a user to a portion thereof can bring into contact with a sensing device 72 disposed below it.

[0070] The sensing device 72 may be a capacitive surface type device or the like.

[0071] The top portion of device 3 may have a plurality of actuating portions 711 arranged close to each other and preferably having light-transmitting properties, so that light from the lighting device 73 disposed below it can be transmitted.

[0072] Figure 23 and Figure 24 Indicates and Figure 21 and Figure 22 The implementation of the associated sensing device 72 and lighting device 73 construction solution.

[0073] As shown, the sensing device 72 can be configured as an individual workpiece in a generally arched shape and has an opening in the top region above the lighting device 73, so as to have a sensing surface that contacts the actuating part 711, and also provides visibility of the corresponding lighting device 73 on the exterior of the device 3.

[0074] Figure 25 and Figure 26 This describes an implementation method of the system operation process according to the present invention.

[0075] The process according to the invention includes at least one interaction by a user through direct touch on the contact surface of an interface mechanism 7 that extends at least partially around the placement mechanism 2.

[0076] In addition, the process may include the following steps:

[0077] - Place the drinking container 1 on the placement mechanism 2, and specifically hold it in an operable position on the placement mechanism 2 so that beverage discharge can be collected;

[0078] -Touch the actuation surface of the actuation interface 71;

[0079] - Based on the type of gesture made on the contact surface of the actuation interface 71, at least a first operation input is provided to the control device 5;

[0080] - For example, initiating a flow cycle in a beverage preparation cycle;

[0081] - The first edible product (e.g., a beverage obtained by extracting part 9 of edible substance) is discharged into the drinking container 1 through the product discharge element 21 on the placement mechanism 2 and through the bottom of the drinking container.

[0082] - Optionally, a direct touch of a second gesture on the actuation interface 71 during the discharge of the edible product, thereby providing a second operational input, including, for example, increasing and / or decreasing the extent of displacement caused by a first movement relative to a first operational position, wherein the second operational input corresponds to the difference between an operational value (e.g., discharge volume) and an operational value associated with the first operational input;

[0083] - Cease emissions of edible products after at least one of the following:

[0084] – Reach the operation value associated with the last of the first operation input and subsequent operation inputs provided to the control device 5;

[0085] - The drinking container 1 remains in the first holding position during the discharge of edible products;

[0086] - The user touches the contact surface of the actuation interface 71 directly;

[0087] - Move the drinking container 1 in the opposite direction to the first direction, thereby releasing the drinking container 1 so that it is no longer held on the placement mechanism 2;

[0088] - Remove drinking container 1 from placement mechanism 2.

[0089] In addition, the process may include the following steps:

[0090] -While the drinking container 1 is operably held on the placement mechanism 2, the drinking container 1 is moved by a first movement, and optionally also by a second movement; and

[0091] -Initiate and terminate the discharge of a first usable product and an optional second edible product into drinking container 1;

[0092] -Remove drinking container 1.

[0093] As referenced above, the manual interaction may include selecting at least one of the following:

[0094] - Operation type of device 3;

[0095] - Operational parameters for preparing edible substances;

[0096] -Types of edible products;

[0097] - The amount of edible products to be discharged;

[0098] - Other emission parameters of the edible products to be emitted, such as emission temperature and emission pressure;

[0099] Each of the available options corresponds to at least one of the following: the type of movement, the extent of movement of a direct touch performed on the actuation interface 71, or its movement relative to a previously defined initial or reference position.

[0100] In addition, the selected interaction may also include at least one of the following steps:

[0101] - Switch device 3 from "standby" state to operation preparation state;

[0102] - The opening and closing of the edible substance introduction channel 8;

[0103] - The portion 9 that introduces edible substances through partial introduction channel 8;

[0104] -Actuation of opening and closing of product preparation device 4;

[0105] Preferably, at least one of the steps is initiated automatically after the drinking container 1 is operably and sustainably placed on the placement mechanism 2.

[0106] The input generated through the manual interaction can be determined based on at least one of the following:

[0107] - Type of movement;

[0108] - Direction of movement;

[0109] - The range of movement extended;

[0110] The aforementioned movement is at least one of the following:

[0111] -The touch itself made by the user on the actuation interface 71, including in the case of a tactile sensing device or a contact surface;

[0112] - Movements made via the actuation interface 71 due to a user's touch, including in the case of a rotating sensing device.

[0113] Input generated through manual interaction can be determined by sensing device 72 based on the perception of changes in the final position of at least one of the following relative to the initial position or a previously defined reference position: touch actuation interface 71 and movement of actuation interface 71.

[0114] The manual interaction can be sensed by a sensing device 72 functionally associated with the actuation interface 71 and transmitted so that the control device 5 can determine at least one of the following:

[0115] – The operation type of device 3, such as, for example, the preparation of edible products or fluid circulation for the preparation of cleaning products;

[0116] - Such as coffee, or water, or milk or other types of edible products that will be discharged;

[0117] and / or

[0118] The amount associated with a corresponding flow of edible product discharged into container 1 (e.g., a drinking container) includes at least one of the following:

[0119] – A relative quantity relative to at least one reference to the minimum and / or maximum value;

[0120] – The duration of product emissions; and

[0121] – For example, the amount of product emissions measured by volume.

Claims

1. A system for dispensing edible products, the system comprising: - A container (1) for collecting products, the container (1) being adapted to be operably placed on a placement mechanism (2) along a reference axis (X) so as to collect edible products; - A device (3) for dispensing edible products in an operating cycle, the operating cycle including a portion (9) for supplying edible substances. The device (3) includes the placement mechanism (2). The placement mechanism (2) includes a product discharge element (21) adapted to discharge edible product in a discharge direction opposite to the direction of gravity, and disposed within a placement support (22) adapted to provide operational retention for the container (1). The device (3) includes a control device (5) adapted to control the operation of the device (3), including operation parameters, data transmission, and information display cyclically associated with the operation of the device (3). The device (3) is characterized in that it includes an interface mechanism (7), which comprises: An actuation interface (71) provides a contact surface having a curved configuration relative to the reference axis (X), the contact surface being adapted to receive direct touch from a user around the reference axis (X); and Sensing device (72), which is functionally associated with and adapted to the actuation interface (71) to sense at least one aspect of the direct touch, said aspect including: - The actuation interface (71) rotates about the reference axis (X); or - The relative range of extension of the user's finger as it slides along the contact surface To provide corresponding inputs for adjusting at least one parameter associated with the operating cycle of the device (3).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuation interface (71) and the sensing device (72) are adapted to allow a user to manually interact with the device (3) by means of direct contact with the reference axis (X) at at least one location on or along at least a portion of the extension of the contact surface of the actuation interface (71). At least one of the actuation interface (71) and the sensing device (72) is configured with at least one of the following: an overall arrangement and shape of an annular or annular segment disposed at least in the front region of the device (3) or completely around the reference axis (X).

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surface is arranged near the placement mechanism (2) and partially or entirely around the periphery of the placement support (22) of the container, and The sensing device (72) is adapted to be functionally associated with the control device (5) and to sense at least one of the following: the relative position, orientation, and relative extension of the direct contact, including the relative position, orientation, and relative extension of the direct contact relative to a first edge of the actuation interface (71), or relative to a first angular position of the direct contact, or relative to a reference angular position previously defined on the contact surface of the actuation interface (71).

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuation interface (71) has an annular shape and is configured to be movable such that it can rotate along an actuation line about the reference axis (X) by actuation performed by direct contact with at least one finger at a previously defined or undefined location on the contact surface of the actuation interface (71) and by actuation performed by drag-type movement of the actuation interface (71), wherein the actuation interface (71) is configured to be functionally associated with an engagement mechanism or with sufficient inertia such that its movement requires actuation by means of a contact gesture on the actuation interface.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aspect is the relative extension range of a user sliding their finger along the contact surface, and the actuation interface (71) is fixedly arranged and has an overall annular and arcuate arrangement centered on the reference axis (X). The actuation interface (71) is adapted to be actuated by direct contact of a surface contact type corresponding to at least a portion of the extension range of the actuation interface (71) around the reference axis (X) without applying pressure to the actuation interface, wherein the actuation interface (71) has an external contact surface adapted to be tactilely operable and configured as a capacitive surface type device.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuation interface (71) has a single contact surface having a single continuous extension, wherein the contact surface extends along an actuation line around all four quadrants (I, ..., IV) of the placement support (22), or The actuation interface (71) has a plurality of contact surfaces that provide a plurality of actuation portions (711, 712) arranged close to each other along an actuation line of a curved or circular shape, wherein the actuation portions (711, 712) can be grouped in one or more actuation regions (71a, 71b) of the actuation interface (71), the one or more actuation regions being distributed at least along a second quadrant (II) around the placement support (22).

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuation interface (71) is configured in conjunction with the sensing device collected in a reference volume inside the housing of the device (3).

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface mechanism (7) includes an illumination device, and the actuation interface (71) includes an actuation portion (711) that is also the sensing device (72) or includes an actuation portion (711) and the sensing device (72) that can be contacted by the actuation portion (711). The illumination device is functionally associated with at least one of the following: a corresponding actuation portion (711) and a corresponding sensing device (72). The illumination device is disposed below the sensing device (72) and is disposed in a rigid or flexible opaque or non-opaque material. The illumination device is configured as an LED type device.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuation interface (71) is spatially associated with the placement mechanism (2) such that its external contact surface is coplanar with the external surface of at least one of the housings of the placement mechanism (2) and the device (3); and The interface mechanism (7) does not include components that are configured to intersect the line of the reference axis (X) or be near the reference axis (X).

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing device (72) is operatively associated with the placement mechanism (2) along an actuation line extending around the reference axis (X) and is adapted to sense direct touch around the container (1), and The sensing device (72) is adapted to sense at least one aspect of rotational movement of direct touch around the container (1), wherein the sensing includes at least one of the following: - The type of movement includes at least one rotational movement of the actuation interface (71) relative to the reference axis (X); - The direction of movement, including at least clockwise and rotational movement in the opposite direction to clockwise; - The relative inclination of the top surface of the actuation interface (71); - Different types of touch on the top surface of the actuation interface (71), including touch by sliding, touch by point, or touch by applying downward pressure.

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing device is adapted to sense aspects of the rotational movement of the actuation interface (71) about the reference axis (X) from a first position to at least a second position by means of at least one of the following: -Electromechanical devices; - An interactive mechanism for counting the number of times the beam is interrupted, the interactive mechanism comprising a plurality of openings arranged continuously along a periphery associated with the actuation interface, the plurality of openings being configured to intersect with at least one electromagnetic beam provided by a respective light source.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface mechanism (7) is operatively connected to the control device (5) so that it can provide input to the control device (5) at least one of the following: - Selection of the type of substance discharged into the container (1); - Actuation of the start-up of the preparation cycle of edible products; - Selection of the amount of edible product to be discharged through the placement mechanism (2); - The beginning and end of discharging edible products through the placement mechanism (2); - Actuation of the opening and closing movements of the supply channel for at least the edible material portion (9) and the product preparation device (4) associated with the operation of the supply channel. And display information to the user that is associated with at least one of the selected interactions. The sensing device (72) of the interface mechanism (7) is adapted to operate only when the container (1) is in the holding position on the placement support (22) of the placement mechanism (2).

13. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface mechanism (7) is configured to be functionally connected to the control device (5) and adapted to provide selection of the type and / or characteristics of the edible product and / or its emissions based on at least one of the following: - The type of movement includes vertical translation or rotation relative to the reference axis (X) of the placement mechanism (2); - The direction of movement, including vertical downward or upward, clockwise or in the opposite direction; and The interface mechanism (7) is adapted to provide input for regulating the amount of edible product to be discharged according to at least one of the following: - The engagement movement extension range of the container (1) on the placement mechanism (2) includes at least a first position in the holding state (B; C) and an additional second position; - The time period during which the container (1) is operatively engaged on the placement mechanism (2) at least within the engagement movement extension range corresponding to the first or second position in the holding state (B; C).

14. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device (3) has an output device spatially associated with the placement mechanism (2) and operatively associated with the interface mechanism (7), the output device being adapted to display to the user instructions associated with manual interaction with the interface mechanism (7), and The output device can be configured to be at least one of the following: - Associated with the contact surface of the actuation interface (71) of the interface mechanism (7); - Associated with the surface of the placement mechanism (2).

15. A process for operating a system for dispensing edible products according to claim 1, the process comprising manual interaction between a user and an interface mechanism (7) of a device (3) to adjust the operating cycle of the device (3), Its features are, The manual interaction includes a direct touch by the user on a contact surface of the actuation interface (71) extending around a reference axis (X), the contact surface being associated with the discharge of the edible product, the direct touch being performed before the start of the operation cycle, and the operation cycle not requiring actuation by the user on other use interfaces of the device (3).

16. The process according to claim 15, characterized in that, The manual interaction is performed at least by direct touch on the actuation interface (71) of the placement support (22) provided for placing the container (1) for collecting edible products, and The manual interaction is characterized in that the control device (5) of the device (3) can be associated with the selection of at least one of the start, stop, duration and amount of the emission of edible products.

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