Device for making beverage using capsule containing food substance

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for making a beverage using a capsule (9) containing a food substance comprises an optical capsule identification system. An optical capsule identification system is intended to identify an identification element (95) positioned inside a capsule (9). The optical capsule identification system comprises an optical reader (81) having a read head (82) associated with a piercing device (37) and intended to enter the capsule (9) through a piercing portion made in said area (93) of the capsule (9). The device (1) further comprises a detection system that detects the arrival of a puncture location intervening between the starting location and the infusion location, where the piercer (37) creates a puncture in the capsule. The optical capsule identification system is operatively connected to the detection system and is configured to perform identification based on reading performed by the optical reader (81) after the puncture position has been reached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of beverage preparation. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage by infusing a food substance with water, wherein the food substance is contained in a capsule (in particular a disposable capsule) through which water flows during preparation of the beverage. Devices of this type are generally known. Background Art

[0002] Furthermore, in the art, devices are known that are capable of identifying the type of capsule inserted into the device and, based on the identified type of capsule, adopting the most suitable filling parameters and dispensing parameters for the type of capsule (such as the temperature, pressure and amount of water supplied to the capsule). Such devices include recognition means capable of reading a barcode or a QR code or another recognizable code displayed on the capsule.

[0003] The invention described herein relates to a type of device using a capsule, wherein the capsule identification element is located inside the capsule (e.g., just below the cover of the capsule) rather than outside the capsule. An example of a capsule that can be used in a device according to this type is described in International Patent Application No. WO 2017 / 195170A1: Inside the capsule, there is an element marked with an optically active identification substance. After the cover of the capsule is pierced, the reading of this identification substance occurs.

[0004] Positioning the identification element inside the capsule has the advantage that the identification element is not subject to scratching, degradation or damage before the capsule is used, because it is protected by the outer shell of the capsule itself and is not accessible without breaking or puncturing the capsule. This enables the identification device to read the identification element which is definitely intact.

[0005] However, the inventors of the present invention appreciate that in some cases difficulties or errors may be encountered during the reading phase, resulting in false positives and / or false negatives.

[0006] For example, there is a risk that the identification device may erroneously read the outside of the cover of the capsule instead of identifying an element inside the capsule. This would result in a failed capsule identification.

[0007] There is also a risk that if the cover of the capsule has similar optical properties to one of the identifiable identification elements, the identification device may read the cover and identify the capsule differently than required by the internal identification element. In fact, the capsule may be identified even if it does not have an internal identification element.

[0008] For example, if the identifiable characteristic of an identification element is color and, for this purpose, a range of colors has been provided for different types to be identified, a colored cover having a color similar to one of the colors in the range may be mistakenly read as if it were an identification element. Summary of the invention

[0009] In this context, the technical aim underlying the present invention is that of providing a device for making beverages allowing to overcome or at least reduce said drawbacks or to provide an alternative solution to the currently known devices.

[0010] The indicated technical aim and objects are substantially achieved by a device for making beverages according to claim 1. Particular embodiments of the invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0011] One aspect forming the basis of the present invention is to detect when the part forming the perfusion chamber reaches the position in which the capsule is pierced. This enables the optical capsule recognition system to be checked in such a way that the reading to be used for recognition can be carried out after the piercing position has been reached. Thus, the reading valid for recognition is carried out after the piercer has entered the capsule, wherein the optical reader (whose reading head is associated with the piercer) certainly sees the identification element inside the capsule and not the cover.

[0012] The invention can therefore be used to avoid reading errors caused by optical capsule recognition systems in devices for capsules with internal identification elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an apparatus for making beverages. Reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 A perspective view showing an apparatus for making beverages to which the present invention may be applied; - Figure 2 Display as Figure 1 A perspective view of a perfusion unit of a portion of the device; - Figure 3 show Figure 2 A perspective view of the infusion unit in FIG. 1 , wherein the capsule holding body is shown in its removed state; - Figure 4 a capsule shown in a simplified manner, partially in cross section, with an internal identification element and a piercer with an optical reader; - Figure 5 The first position corresponding to the open state of the perfusion chamber is displayed. Figure 2 A front view of a perfusion unit according to a variant of the invention; - Figure 6 show Figure 5 A close-up view of a detail of the front view; - Figure 7 show Figure 5 A first sectional view of the perfusion unit in the first position along the section line VII-VII; Figure 8 show Figure 7 Close-up view of the details in the; - Fig. 9 show Figure 5 A second sectional view of the perfusion unit in the first position along the sectional line IX-IX; Fig.10 show Figure 5 A third sectional view of the perfusion unit in the first position along the section line XX; Fig.11 Display according to Figure 7 A close-up view of a detail of the cross-sectional view along the section line XI-XI in FIG. - Fig.12 With Figure 7 The corresponding first cross-sectional view shows the second position corresponding to the start of the closing movement of the perfusion chamber. Figure 5 The perfusion unit in - Fig.13 Display according to Fig.12 A close-up view of a detail of the cross-sectional view along the section line XIII-XIII in FIG. - Fig.14 With Figure 7 The corresponding first cross-sectional view shows the third position corresponding to the piercing position. Figure 5 The perfusion unit in - Fig.15 The filling unit in the third position is shown with Fig. 9 a corresponding second cross-sectional view; - Fig.16 The filling unit in the third position is shown with Fig.10 a corresponding third cross-sectional view; - Fig.17 The filling unit in the third position is shown with Figure 6 The view in corresponds to a close-up view of the detail; - Fig.18 show Fig.14 Close-up view of the details in the; - Fig.19 Display according to Fig.14 A close-up view of a detail of the cross-sectional view along the section line XIX-XIX in FIG. - Fig. 20 With Figure 7 The corresponding first cross-sectional view shows the fourth position corresponding to the closed state of the perfusion chamber. Figure 5 The perfusion unit in - Fig.21 The filling unit in the fourth position is shown with Fig. 9 a corresponding second cross-sectional view; - Fig. 22 The filling unit in the fourth position is shown with Fig.10 a corresponding third cross-sectional view; - Fig.23 show Fig. 20 Close-up view of the details in the; - Fig.24 show Fig.21 Close-up view of the details in the; - Fig.25 Display according to Fig. 20 Close-up of a detail of the cross-sectional view along section line XXV-XXV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] With reference to the mentioned figures, a device for making a beverage is indicated by reference numeral 1. In the device 1, the beverage is made using a capsule containing a food substance: water flows through the capsule and infuses the food substance. In the context of the present invention, the term "capsule" also means a cartridge, a pod or other similar article, which is generally disposable and comprises a pierceable shell enclosing the food substance. In particular, the food substance is coffee powder and, by infusing with hot water, the beverage obtained is coffee, for example espresso. Said aspect is already known per se to the person skilled in the art.

[0015] exist Figure 4 An example of a capsule that can be used in the device according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1 , where it is indicated by reference numeral 9. The capsule 9 comprises a cup-shaped body 91 defining an inner volume containing a food substance and a flexible membrane cover 93 closing the body 91. An identification element 95 (in Figure 4 An optical capsule recognition system (visible in the figure, as the cover 93 appears interrupted to show the interior) is positioned inside the capsule 9 and is intended to be read by an optical capsule recognition system that is part of the device 1, so as to identify the type of capsule 9 and adopt filling parameters and dispensing parameters (such as temperature, pressure and amount of water supplied to the capsule) that are most suitable for the type of capsule.

[0016] For example, the identification element 95 is applied to or is part of a porous element (such as an upper filter 97) of the capsule 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the identification element 95 faces the cover 93 and is visible after the cover 93 is pierced. More generally, the identification element 95 is positioned in such a way that the identification element 95 can be read by an optical capsule recognition system after a specific area of ​​the body or cover of the capsule 9 is pierced.

[0017] The identification element 95 may be a barcode or a QR code or another identifiable code, such as a specific color. In particular, the identification element 95 is made of a specific substance (such as a fluorescent substance) that has a specific optical response to stimulation by an optical signal. In this regard, reference is made to International Patent Application No. WO 2017 / 195170 A1, and in particular to the Figure 3 A to Figure 4 The embodiments described and shown in FIG.

[0018] Alternatively, the upper filter 97 may be made of a material dyed with the specific substance or substantially dyed with a colored pigment, so that the entire upper filter 97 is an identification element.

[0019] The device 1 comprises a machine body 10 which supports a pouring unit 12, i.e. a beverage making unit. Below the pouring unit 12, there is a supporting grid 14 which is intended to receive a cup so that the beverage made by the pouring unit 12 falls into the cup. The supporting grid 14 is a cover for a tray 16 located below for collecting drops which may fall from the pouring unit 12 in the absence of a cup.

[0020] The device 1 comprises a water tank; the machine body 10 encloses a heater for heating the water and a pump for pressurizing the water.

[0021] The device 1 comprises a keyboard 18 by which the user can start making a beverage and possibly select the type of product (e.g. long coffee or ristretto). The keyboard 18 is connected to a control unit which also manages the operation of the heater and the pump based on information obtained from the optical capsule recognition system and on instructions received through the keyboard 18.

[0022] The priming unit 12 is fixed to the machine body 10 and is connected to a heater and to a pump in the machine body 10 by means of a conduit 27 to receive pressurized hot water to be used for priming.

[0023] The perfusion unit 12 comprises a support structure 20 and a box-like housing 21 which encloses and protects the support structure 20 and the internal components of the latter of the perfusion unit 12. In an alternative embodiment, the box-like housing 21 may be a shell which also has the function of a support structure.

[0024] The infusion unit 12 comprises a first part 31 and a second part 32 defining an infusion chamber 30 intended to receive the capsule 9. The first part 31 and the second part 32 may be relative to each other in that they are at a distance from each other (see, for example, Fig.10 ) and the perfusion position in which they are coupled to each other and the perfusion chamber 30 is closed (see, for example, Fig. 22 ). In the initial position, the priming chamber 30 is open and the user can act to remove the capsule that has been used or to position a new capsule. In the priming position, the first part 31 is in press contact with the second part 32 over an annular area surrounding the priming chamber 30, thus providing a sealed closure of the priming chamber 30 itself.

[0025] The device 1 further comprises a power mechanism (described in more detail below) for moving the first part 31 and the second part 32 from the home position to the priming position and vice versa.

[0026] In particular, at least one of the first component 31 and the second component 32 is a movable component that is movable relative to the support structure 20 in order to perform the described movement between the home position and the filling position and vice versa.

[0027] In particular, the second part 32 comprises a substantially glass-like seat 34 for receiving the capsule 9, while the first part 31 acts as a closure cover for the seat 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the second part 32 is part of a capsule holding body 25 removably mounted in a housing 24 made in a box-like shell 21. In practice, the capsule holding body 25 is shaped like a removable drawer. This also comprises a protruding gripping portion 26 which can be grasped by a user to remove or insert the capsule holding body from or into the housing 24.

[0028] The first part 31 is slidably mounted on the support structure 20 and comprises, for example, a groove slidably received in a guide rib made in the support structure 20. The sliding movement of the first part 31 when the capsule holding body 25 is inserted into the housing 24 corresponds to the movement between the home position and the infusion position.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the first part 31 is located above the second part 32, the filling unit 12 is of the vertical type (where water is introduced into the capsule from the top and the beverage comes out of the capsule from the bottom), and the first part 31 is slidable along a vertical line. However, these aspects are not essential to the present invention, which can be applied to other types of devices, such as devices of the horizontal type, devices without a removable capsule holding body, devices with reverse water flow.

[0030] The filling unit 12 comprises at least one first piercer 37 associated with the first part 31 and intended, in use, to make a piercing in a first region of the capsule 9, in particular in the cover 93, in order to make an opening for feeding water. The duct 27 is intended to inject water into the capsule 9 through the piercing made by the first piercer 37. The first piercer 37 in turn has a channel for the passage of water.

[0031] The filling unit 12 comprises at least one second piercer 38 which, in use, is intended to pierce a second region of the capsule 9 to make an opening for the beverage to flow out of the capsule, in particular on the bottom of the body 91 of the capsule 9. The beverage outflow duct 28 puts the piercing made by the second piercer 38 in communication with the dispensing spout 29.

[0032] In fact, the piercers 37, 38 are associated with the hydraulic circuit of the device 1 and are intended to pierce opposite areas of the capsule. In use, the piercing made by each piercer 37, 38 in the corresponding area of ​​the capsule is an opening for feeding water into the capsule or for letting the beverage flow out of the capsule.

[0033] In the particular embodiment illustrated, the second piercer 38 is movable relative to the perfusion chamber 30 between an active position in which the second piercer 38 at least partially protrudes into the perfusion chamber 30 and pierces the capsule in use, and an inactive position in which the second piercer 38 is moved away from the perfusion chamber 30 relative to the active position. For example, the movement of the second piercer 38 is actuated by a power mechanism that moves the components 31, 32 relative to each other.

[0034] The power mechanism can be made in a variety of ways and is non-limiting to the present invention. The accompanying drawings refer to the power mechanism described in detail in International Patent Application No. WO 2018 / 109574 A1.

[0035] Since the power mechanism shown is only an example, it will be briefly discussed below. For further details, and for all aspects not explicitly described herein, please refer to International Patent Application No. WO 2018 / 109574 A1 (in addition to International Patent Application No. WO 2017 / 195170 A1).

[0036] In brief, the power mechanism comprises a handle or lever 41 pivoted to the support structure 20 on a rotation axis 40. To close or open the perfusion chamber 30, the user operates the lever 41 by rotating it around said rotation axis 40. The lever 41 is rotationally connected to at least one rotatable component 42, which determines the movement of the first component 31 of the perfusion unit 12 and the movement of the second piercer 38 through the interaction between a cam-type guide profile and a corresponding follower. In particular, the two rotatable components 42 are arranged on opposite sides of the support structure 20, and the lever 41 rotates jointly with the two rotatable components 42, which thus rotate around the same rotation axis 40.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, each rotatable component 42 is a cam retaining body extending transversely relative to the axis of rotation 40 and having a substantially circular sector shape perpendicular to the axis of rotation 40 .

[0038] A first cam-type guide profile 43 is made on the cam holding body 42, in particular, on a first face of the cam holding body 42 facing the first part 31 of the filling unit 12. The first cam-type guide profile 43 is engaged by a first follower 44, such as a tooth, a pin or a roller, which is connected to the first part 31 of the filling unit 12.

[0039] A second cam-type guide profile 45 is made on the cam retaining body 42 (in particular, on a second face of the cam retaining body 42 opposite to the first face) and is engaged by a second follower 46 (e.g., teeth, pins or rollers), which is connected to a support 47 of the second piercer 38.

[0040] In addition to the details (described in WO 2018 / 109574 A1, as mentioned), the relevant aspect for the present invention is that the respective relative positions of the first part 31 and the second part 32 of the perfusion unit 12 correspond to each angular position of the lever 41 (and the cam holding body 42 rotating therewith): Figures 5 to 11 In the embodiment, the lever 41 is vertical and the components 31 and 32 are in the original position; Fig.12 and Fig.13 In , the lever 41 has been slightly rotated, and the first component 31 has begun to move toward the second component 32; Figures 14 to 19 In the embodiment, the lever 41 rotates to the middle position, and the first component 31 is in contact with the capsule 9; Figure 20 to Figure 25 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the lever 41 is horizontal and the components 31 , 32 are in the filling position.

[0041] As already mentioned, the device 1 comprises an optical capsule recognition system which, in use, is intended to recognize an identification element 95 inside the capsule 9. The optical capsule recognition system comprises an optical reader 81 having a read head 82 intended to enter the capsule 9 in order to read the identification element 95. The read head 82 is, for example, the end of an optical fiber 83, at the opposite end of which there is a sensor acting as optical reader 81.

[0042] The optical capsule recognition system may also include a light emitter 84, such as an LED, for illuminating the identification element 95 through the same optical fiber 83 or a second optical fiber. Figure 4 Schematically shows an optical capsule recognition system with two optical fibers, both having one end entering the capsule 9 and Fig.10An optical capsule recognition system is shown with a single optical fiber and a semi-transparent mirror 85 (for details, see WO 2017 / 195170 A1).

[0043] The optical capsule recognition system further comprises or is connected to an electronic processing unit which receives the read signal from the optical reader 81 and processes the read signal to perform recognition of the identification element 95 of the capsule.

[0044] The reading head 82 is associated with the piercer and is intended to enter the capsule through a piercing made by the piercer itself in the region of the capsule.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the optical fiber 83 is installed in the internal channel of the first piercer 37, but there is still space for the irrigation water to pass through. The reading head 82 is associated with the first piercer 37, and when the first piercer 37 pierces the cover 93, the reading head 82 enters the capsule together with the first piercer 37.

[0046] In an alternative, the reading head 82 itself is a piercer and a piercing is made in the capsule, in particular in the cover 93; for example, the optical fiber 83 has a pointed or bladed end. In another alternative, the optical fiber 83 is mounted on a piercer different from the first piercer 37 that makes the opening for pouring water. In yet another alternative, the optical fiber 83 is mounted on a piercer that makes the opening for the beverage to flow out.

[0047] In various alternatives, the piercer for the reading head 82 is associated with a component of the perfusion unit that is movable relative to the capsule 9 during closure of the perfusion chamber 30. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the piercer, in particular the first piercer 37, is associated with the first component 31.

[0048] Since the piercer is initially away from the area of ​​the capsule 9 to be pierced, the two parts 31, 32 are placed in the piercing position between the original position and the filling position (at Figures 14 to 19 During relative motion, the piercer makes the piercing portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the piercing position corresponds to the specific angular position of the lever 41 and the cam holding body 42.

[0049] An aspect forming the basis of the present invention is to combine the reading performed by the optical reader 81 with the information about the piercing position reached.

[0050] For this purpose, the device 1 comprises a detection system capable of detecting that the piercing position has been reached.The optical capsule recognition system is operatively connected to the detection system and is configured to perform recognition of the capsule 9 based on a reading performed by the optical reader 81 after the piercing position has been reached.

[0051] For example, the operative connection consists in the fact that, in addition to receiving the reading signal from the optical reader 81 , the electronic processing unit also receives a signal from the detection system relating to whether the piercing position has been reached.

[0052] This helps ensure that the signal read and used for identification actually corresponds to the identification element 95 and not to another element, such as the capsule cover or something on it. Thus, the present invention avoids errors in the identification system caused by unintended reading of something other than the identification element 95.

[0053] For the purposes of the present invention, for example, the piercing position (ie the piercing position to be considered for reading for identifying the capsule) may correspond to the first piercer 37 penetrating into the cover 93 by approximately 0.5-1 mm.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the capsule pressing element 35 is associated with the first part 31 of the infusion unit 12 and has a pressing surface 350 intended to come into contact with the area of ​​the capsule 9 to be pierced before the piercing position has been reached. The capsule pressing element 35 has a body in which a seat 36 is obtained for accommodating the first piercer 37. The capsule pressing element 35 can be moved relative to the first piercer 37 in a first state in which the first piercer 37 is retracted in the seat 36 (see, for example, Fig.10 ) and a second state in which the piercer protrudes from the pressing surface 350 (see, for example, Fig. 22 ). In essence, the capsule pressing element 35 can slide relative to the first component 31.

[0055] The spring or other elastic element 355 urges the capsule pressing element 35 toward the first state, and when the capsule pressing element 35 presses on an area of ​​the capsule, the capsule pressing element 35 is urged toward the second state by a force caused by contact with the area of ​​the capsule.

[0056] In fact, when the parts 31, 32 move to close the infusion chamber 30, the capsule pressing element 35 is initially in the first state and then contacts the cover 93 of the capsule 9. Under the resistance of the cover 93 of the capsule, the capsule pressing element 35 cannot move toward the second state as the first part 31 advances freely. In this way, the tip of the first piercer 37 reaches flush with the pressing surface 350 at the approximate piercing position and then protrudes from the pressing surface 350, piercing the cover 93.

[0057] The capsule pressing element 35 can be used to ensure that regardless of any expansion of the cover 93 (made of a flexible film) (which may vary from capsule to capsule), the penetration of the cover 93 occurs at the piercing location. In fact, any expansion is compressed by the capsule pressing element 35, which therefore enables the piercing height of the cover 93 to be uniform, thus ensuring that the information received by the detection system is correct.

[0058] In device variants in which the filling unit is of the horizontal type, the capsule pressing element 35 can also be used to facilitate the expulsion of the capsule 9 after dispensing.

[0059] In one mode of use, the optical reader 81 is switched off when the perfusion chamber is completely open (i.e., in the home position) and is activated when the movement to close the perfusion chamber begins. Thus, the electronic processing unit can receive signals from the optical reader 81 throughout the movement of the components 31, 32 of the perfusion unit 12, but only the signals received after reaching the piercing position are considered for identifying the capsule 9. The optical reader 81 can be switched off immediately after receiving a valid reading or when the perfusion chamber is in the closed state.

[0060] Optionally, one or more reads by the optical reader 81 performed before reaching the puncture site may be compared to the reads after puncture (that is, the reads used for identification).

[0061] For example, the comparison can be used to diagnose proper operation of the optical reader.

[0062] For example, the optical capsule identification system may be configured to identify a reading as valid for identification only if the difference in signal relative to the reading before piercing exceeds a predetermined threshold, that is, if the reading used for identification is significantly different from the reading before piercing.

[0063] For example, the expected luminous intensity values ​​of the signal detected by the optical reader 81 are: in the absence of a capsule, a value lower than 150; for the reading of the cap 93 of the capsule, a value between 300 and 400; for the reading of the identification element 95, a value greater than 1000. The values ​​are related to numerical reference values ​​and are therefore not expressed in measurement units. Therefore, based on the deviation of the signal from the expected values, the electronic processing unit can detect any anomaly.

[0064] Regarding the detection system, in particular, it is a position detection system and, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises a first indicator element 51 which is movable relative to the support structure 20 in coordination with the movable part of the perfusion chamber so that the position of the first indicator element 51 indicates the position of the movable part itself.

[0065] The detection system further comprises a first detector 55 capable of sensing the position of the first indicator element 51. Thus, the first detector 55 can detect when the piercing position has been reached based on the position of the first indicator element 51. Preferably, the first detector 55 is fixed relative to the support structure 20.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the first indicator element 51 is located on a cam holding body of one of the rotatable parts 42 (in particular, it is made in one piece with the latter), so that the first indicator element 51 is rotationally connected to the rotatable part 42 and the movement of the first indicator element 51 is an angular displacement. Therefore, the angular position of the first indicator element 51 relative to the rotation axis 40 corresponds one-to-one with the position of the first part 31 of the perfusion unit 12 (with which the piercer 37 associated with the optical reader 81 is associated).

[0067] The first indicator element 51 is a protruding lip (in particular protruding radially from the rotatable part 42) produced along a circumferential arc relative to the rotation axis 40. A protruding lip may also be understood to mean a tooth, a blade, a profile or another element having a similar effect in terms of the operation of the invention.

[0068] The first detector 55 located close to the rotatable component 42 is an optical sensor (e.g., a photocell). The first indicator element 51 can move within the field of view of such an optical sensor. In particular, the piercing position corresponds to the first indicator element 51 entering or leaving the field of view of the optical sensor of the first detector 55.

[0069] For this purpose, the position and the angular range of the first indicator element 51 are suitably chosen. As can be seen in the figure, the first indicator element 51 has an angular range that is much smaller than the angular range of the rotatable part 42. In the home position, and at the start of the movement ( Figures 5 to 13 ), the first indicator element 51 is still away from the first detector 55. In the piercing position ( Figures 14 to 19 ), the first indicator element 51 is entering the first detector 55 (see Fig.19 The first indicator element 51 is entering the field of view of the first detector 55 and even in the closed position ( Figure 20 to Figure 25 ), the first indicator element 51 also remains in the field of view of the first detector 55.

[0070] This embodiment of the detection system is useful because it is a simple and accurate system. In addition, for example, compared with a micro switch, the optical sensor is useful because it is accurate, responds quickly, is not bulky, and is less susceptible to wear.

[0071] The detection system may also be capable of detecting an initial movement from a home position and / or detecting reaching of a perfusion position in which the perfusion chamber is closed.

[0072] In order to detect these other positions of interest, the detection system further comprises a second detector 56 and a second indicator element 52 indicating the position of the movable part. The second detector 56, which is preferably fixed relative to the support structure 20, is capable of sensing the position of the second indicator element 52 and can detect the start of movement from the home position and / or the reaching of the priming position based on the position of the latter.

[0073] In the embodiment shown, the second detector 56 is also an optical sensor (eg, a photocell) having a field of view in which the second indicator element 52 is movable.

[0074] The second indicator element 52 is generally similar to the first indicator element 51: the second indicator element 52 is located on the cam retaining body of one of the rotatable parts 42 (in particular, it is made as a single piece with the latter), the second indicator element 52 is a protruding lip generated along a circumferential arc (in particular, protruding radially from the rotatable part 42), the movement of the second indicator element 52 is an angular displacement, and the angular position of the second indicator element 52 relative to the rotation axis 40 corresponds one-to-one to the position of the first part 31 of the perfusion chamber.

[0075] Essentially, the main differences between the two indicator elements 51, 52 are their position and their angular extent. For the second indicator element 52, these are chosen in such a way that the initial movement from the home position corresponds to the second indicator element (52) entering the field of view of the second optical sensor 56 and / or in such a way that reaching the priming position corresponds to the second indicator element 52 leaving the field of view of the second optical sensor 56.

[0076] For example, in Figures 5 to 11 In the original position shown in FIG. 5 , the second indicator element 52 is not in the field of view of the second detector 56, whereas after the initial movement of the lever 41, the second indicator element 52 has entered the field of view of the second detector 56 ( Fig.12 and Fig.13 ). Following this initial movement, the second detector 56 generates a signal that activates the optical reader 81.

[0077] The second indicator element 52 remains located in the second detector 56 during the subsequent movement (e.g., Figures 14 to 19 in the puncture position), and when the infusion position is reached, leaving the second detector 56 ( Figure 20 to Figure 25 ), thereby allowing the second detector 56 to generate a signal indicating that the filling of food substance into the capsule 9 can begin.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the first indicator element 51 and the second indicator element 52 are located on the same rotatable member 42 and are substantially parallel to each other and axially spaced apart. The first detector 55 and the second detector 56 are correspondingly located adjacent to each other and mounted on the same base 58 fixed to the support structure 20.

[0079] The detection system can be made in a different way than that described and represented here. For example, it can use a micro switch, a distance sensor or other expedient means, which is present during the closure of the perfusion chamber to identify the position where the optical reader sees the inside of the capsule instead of the outer surface of the capsule. In addition, the present invention can be applied to automatic machines in which there is no manual lever for closing the perfusion chamber.

[0080] All the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent details and the materials used as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components may be any according to requirements.

Claims

1. A device (1) for preparing a beverage using a capsule (9) containing a food substance, comprising: a filling unit (12) comprising a first part (31) and a second part (32) defining a filling chamber (30) intended to receive the capsule (9), the first part (31) and the second part (32) being movable relative to each other between an initial position in which they are at a distance from each other and a filling position in which they are coupled to each other and close the filling chamber (30), the filling unit (12) also comprising a supporting structure (20); at least one piercer (37) associated with said first part (31) of said priming unit (12) and intended, in use, to make a piercing in the region (93) of said capsule (9) during said relative movement of said first part (31) and said second part (32) from said original position towards said priming position, at a piercing position placed between said original position and said priming position; - an optical capsule recognition system intended, in use, to recognize an identification element (95) positioned inside said capsule (9), said optical capsule recognition system comprising an optical reader (81) having a reading head (82) associated with said piercing device (37) and intended to enter said capsule (9) through said piercing made in said zone (93) of said capsule (9); Characterized in that the device (1) comprises a detection system for detecting that the piercing position has been reached; in that the optical capsule recognition system is operatively connected to the detection system so that the reading performed by the optical reader (81) is combined with the information about the piercing location reached; and In that, the optical capsule recognition system is configured to perform the recognition based on a reading performed by the optical reader (81) after the piercing position has been reached.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The optical capsule recognition system comprises or is connected to an electronic processing unit, which receives a read signal from the optical reader (81) and processes the read signal to perform recognition of the identification element (95); wherein the electronic processing unit further receives a signal from the detection system regarding whether the puncture position has been reached; The reading performed by the optical reader (81) is combined with the information about the puncture location reached, thereby ensuring that the read signal is used to perform an identification that actually corresponds to the identification element (95) inside the capsule (9), thus avoiding identification errors caused by undesired reading of something other than the identification element (95) inside the capsule (9).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first component (31) and the second component (32) of the perfusion unit (12) is a movable component that can be moved relative to the supporting structure (20) so as to perform the relative movement between the original position and the perfusion position, and the detection system includes an indicator element (51) that can be moved relative to the supporting structure (20) in coordination with the movable component of the perfusion unit (12), and the position of the indicator element (51) indicates the position of the movable component. The detection system further includes a detector (55), which senses the position of the indicator element (51) and detects that the puncture position has been reached based on the position of the indicator element (51).

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The detector (55) is an optical sensor and the indicator element is movable within the field of view of the optical sensor.

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The puncture location corresponds to the indicator element (51) entering or leaving the field of view of the optical sensor.

6. The device (1) according to claim 4, comprising a rotatable part (42) pivoted to the support structure (20) and being part of a power mechanism for moving the first part (31) and the second part (32) from the home position to the priming position and vice versa, in, The indicator element (51) is a protruding lip produced with an angular range along a circumferential arc and rotationally connected to the rotatable part (42), the movement of the indicator element (51) being an angular movement.

7. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The detection system further detects an initial movement from the home position and / or detects that the priming position has been reached.

8. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The detector (55) is a first detector and the indicator element (51) is a first indicator element, wherein the detection system comprises a second indicator element (52) movable relative to the support structure (20) in coordination with the movable part of the perfusion unit (12), the position of the second indicator element (52) indicating the position of the movable part, The detection system further comprises a second detector (56), which senses the position of the second indicator element (52) and, based on the position of the second indicator element (52), detects an initial movement from the original position and / or detects that the perfusion position has been reached.

9. The device (1) according to claim 3, comprising a rotatable part (42) pivoted to the support structure (20) and being part of a power mechanism for moving the first part (31) and the second part (32) from the home position to the priming position and vice versa, The indicator element (51) is a first indicator element, which is a protruding lip produced with an angular range along a circumferential arc and rotationally connected to the rotatable part (42), the movement of the first indicator element being an angular movement, The detector (55) is a first detector, the first detector is a first optical sensor, the first indicator element is movable within the field of view of the first optical sensor, in, The detection system comprises a second indicator element (52) movable relative to the support structure (20) in coordination with the movable part of the perfusion unit (12), the position of the second indicator element (52) being indicative of the position of the movable part, The detection system further comprises a second detector (56) which senses the position of the second indicator element (52) and based on the position of the second indicator element (52) detects an initial movement from the home position and / or detects that the priming position has been reached, wherein the second detector (56) is a second optical sensor and the second indicator element (52) is movable within a field of view of the second optical sensor, The second indicator element (52) is a protruding lip produced with an angular range along a circumferential arc and rotationally connected to the rotatable part (42), the movement of the second indicator element (52) being an angular movement, wherein said initial movement from said home position corresponds to said second indicator element (52) entering or leaving said field of view of said second optical sensor, and / or Therein, reaching the priming position corresponds to the second indicator element (52) leaving or entering the field of view of the second optical sensor.

10. The device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a capsule pressing element (35) associated with the first part (31) of the filling unit (12), The capsule pressing element (35) has a seat (36) in which the piercer (37) is housed, and a pressing surface (350) is intended to come into contact with the region (93) of the capsule (9) before reaching the piercing position, The capsule pressing element (35) is movable relative to the piercer (37) between a first state in which the piercer (37) is retracted in the seat (36) and a second state in which the piercer (37) protrudes from the pressing surface (350), in, The capsule pressing element (35) is elastically urged toward the first state, and wherein the capsule pressing element (35) is urged toward the second state by a contact force due to the region (93) of the capsule (9).

11. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The piercer (37) is associated with the hydraulic circuit of the device (1) and, in use, the piercing made by the piercer (37) in the region (93) of the capsule (9) is an opening for feeding water into the capsule or for letting a beverage out of the capsule.

12. A method for identifying a capsule (9) in a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following steps: - moving the first component (31) and the second component (32) from the original position toward the filling position; - during said movement, detecting when said piercing position has been reached; - after the piercing position has been reached, reading is performed by the optical reader (81); - The capsule identification is performed based on a reading performed by the optical reader (81) after the piercing location has been reached.

13. The identification method according to claim 12, wherein: The optical reader (81) is activated before reaching the puncture location, and wherein a reading performed before reaching the puncture location is compared with a reading performed by the optical reader (81) after the puncture location has been reached.

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