System for identifying capsules in beverage dispensing machine

Abstract

A system for identifying a capsule in a beverage dispensing machine, which in combination comprises a capsule comprising a capsule body (2) having a bottom (3) and an upper opening (4) and a dispensing machine comprising at least one capsule holding carriage (5) configured to receive at least the bottom (3) or the closed upper opening (4) and a portion of the capsule body (2); one end wall (6) of the capsule holding bracket (5) is provided with a channel (7) for dispensing a pressurized fluid towards the capsule (1) and means (8) for piercing the bottom (3) or opening (4) of the capsule (1) located on the end wall (6) when placed; the machine comprises a sealing gasket (9) associated with an end wall (6) of the capsule holding bracket (5) to define a first circular or closed annular region (Z1) in which the piercing means (8) and the fluid dispensing channel (7) are located, and a second circular or annular region (Z2) on the end wall (6) of the capsule holding bracket (5) separate from the first circular or annular region (Z1) on the end wall (6), the bottom (3) or the opening (4) of the capsule is provided with at least one surface section (10) having a varying cross-section, which is configured, in use, to be coupled to the contour of the gasket (9) to obtain a seal against a pressurized fluid at least entering the first circular or annular area (Z1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for identifying capsules in a beverage dispensing machine.

[0002] The invention also relates to a capsule that can be used with the above-mentioned identification system. Background Art

[0003] As is well known, one of the problems faced by manufacturers of machines for dispensing hot brewed beverages such as coffee and capsules associated with such machines is that capsule coffee machines are often sold on loan (that is to say without purchase cost), but it also often happens that the user of such machines does not use original capsules from the aforementioned manufacturer, but rather cheaper "copycat" type capsules.

[0004] So-called anti-counterfeiting systems exist in the prior art, for example based on image reading by means of suitable optical sensors which detect a simple two-dimensional image printed on the surface of the object to be checked and then compare this image with a reference sample image.

[0005] In this way, the protection can be circumvented very simply, for example by "printing" the aforementioned image on the surface of the object, or, more simply, by placing an adhesive label containing the aforementioned image.

[0006] Furthermore, the inevitably expensive optical sensors make the electronics for controlling them economically challenging, they are not very reliable due to the complexity of such control, due to the inevitable dirt that at some point contaminates the optical components, etc. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a system for identifying capsules in beverage dispensing machines that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a system for identifying capsules in beverage dispensing machines that is able to obtain perfect dispensing of the product only in the presence of a predetermined original capsule.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination of capsule and capsule holding tray capable of allowing the dispensing machine to operate only if the capsule is correctly housed in the machine, so as to obtain an optimal dispensing of the product.

[0010] Said object is fully achieved by the system for identifying a capsule in a beverage dispensing machine and the relative capsule according to the present invention as characterized in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The main features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting embodiments, which are illustrated by way of example only in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are schematic perspective views of a system for identifying capsules in a beverage dispensing machine according to the invention comprising a capsule holding bracket and a capsule, with some parts cut away; the views are two different configurations of a pre-contained capsule and a fully contained capsule, respectively;

[0013] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are perspective views of corresponding different versions of a capsule forming part of the system according to the invention;

[0014] Figures 5 to 13 is a side view, partly in section, showing a further corresponding variant embodiment of a capsule forming part of the system according to the invention;

[0015] Fig.14 and Fig.15 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a variant embodiment of a system with a capsule holding bracket and a capsule according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] With reference to the accompanying drawings, in particular with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the system according to the invention is used in a beverage dispensing machine (eg coffee) using capsules.

[0017] The system combines a capsule holding bracket and a specific geometry of the capsule to differentiate between original and replica capsules.

[0018] The system is based on a capsule 1 and a capsule holding carrier 5 .

[0019] The capsule comprises a capsule body 2 forming a chamber, having a bottom 3 and an upper opening 4 on which is positioned a sheet or a rigid cover capable of being pierced for sealing the chamber containing a dose of product.

[0020] The dispensing machine (not shown in its entirety here) comprises at least a capsule holding tray 5 configured to accommodate at least the bottom 3 or the closed upper opening 5 and a portion of the capsule body 2 .

[0021] One end wall 6 of the capsule holding bracket 5 is provided with a channel 7 for dispensing pressurized fluid (water) towards the capsule 1 and means 8 (a protruding knife) for piercing the bottom 3 or opening 4 of the capsule 1 located on (e.g. protruding from) the end wall 6 when placed.

[0022] It should be noted that, depending on the dispensing machine model, this end wall 6 may define the bottom of the capsule holding tray 5 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) or the top wall of the capsule holding bracket 5 (see Fig.14 and Fig.15 ).

[0023] As shown in the figure, the capsule holding bracket 5 includes a sealing gasket 9 associated with its end wall 6 to define a first circular or closed annular area Z1 where the piercing device 8 and the channel 7 for dispensing fluid are located, and a second circular or annular area Z2 on the end wall 6 of the capsule holding bracket 5 separated from the first circular or annular area Z1 on the end wall 6.

[0024] As shown again in the figure, the system comprises a capsule 1, wherein the bottom 3 or opening 4 of the capsule 1 is provided with at least an associated stretching surface 10 of varying cross-section, which is configured to couple to the profile of a sealing gasket 9 in use to obtain a seal against a pressurized fluid entering at least a first circular or annular zone Z1.

[0025] It should be noted that in the example shown, the gasket 9 protrudes from the end wall 6 of the capsule holding bracket 5 .

[0026] In view of this, the capsule holding bracket 5 comprises a circular seat 11 for accommodating a first portion of the gasket 9 and a rigid circular wall 12 protruding beyond the gasket 9 and beyond the end wall 6 of the capsule holding bracket 5 for partially separating the gasket 9 from the first circular or annular zone Z1 .

[0027] The capsule holding bracket 5 is provided with a second circular or annular area Z2 of the capsule holding bracket 5 having an inclined section for connecting between the end wall 6 of the body of the capsule holding bracket 5 and the end of the other side wall 13 of the body of the capsule holding bracket 5 (this geometry allows obtaining guidance for the correct placement of the opening or bottom of the capsule).

[0028] According to an alternative variant embodiment not shown, the gasket 9 may be positioned so as to be embedded in a corresponding hollow seat formed on one of the two end walls 6 of the capsule-holding bracket 5 .

[0029] Also like Figure 3 As shown, the bottom 3 or opening 4 of the capsule body 2 has a stretch 10 of varying cross-section defined by a circular channel, which can be coupled with a gasket 9 in use.

[0030] The first wall 15 forming said channel has a cross section parallel to the longitudinal axis of the capsule so as to delimit the portion of the bottom 3 or the opening 4 that can be housed in a first circular or annular zone Z1 in use.

[0031] For this reason, the channel has a second wall 16 with a cross section diverging towards the outside to be interposed, in use, between a portion of the gasket 9 and the second circular or annular zone Z2 so as to obtain a seal between the capsule 1 and the walls 6 , 13 of the capsule holding bracket 5 .

[0032] according to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 In some variant embodiments shown, the bottom 3 or the opening 5 of the capsule body 2 of the capsule 1 can have a stretched portion 10 with a modified cross-section defined by a circular wall 17, which protrudes from the remaining surface and can be at least partially coupled in a first circular or annular area Z1 of the end wall 6 of the capsule holding bracket 5.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 8 , Fig.10 and Fig.13 As shown, the bottom 3 or the opening 4 of the capsule 1 has a stretch 10 with a modified cross section configured to define a sealing channel interacting with the gasket 9 and a centering wall 18 formed along and inside the sealing channel.

[0034] In use, this centering wall 18 may couple with an associated protrusion or recess formed on the capsule holding tray 5 (ie in the first circular or annular zone Z1 ) of a seat defined by the sealing gasket 9 to obtain centering of the capsule 1 in the capsule holding tray 5 .

[0035] Based on this concept, see Figure 3 , the capsule body 2 of the capsule 1 has a polygonal cross section such that the bottom 3 or the opening 4 is provided with a sealing channel and a centering wall 18 having a circular shape.

[0036] Alternatively, see Figure 4 , the capsule body 2 of the capsule 1 may have a polygonal cross section, such that the bottom 3 or the opening 4 is provided with a sealing channel and a centering wall 18 having a polygonal shape designed to couple with a polygonal profile of the capsule holding bracket 5 .

[0037] According to another geometric combination, the capsule body 2 of the capsule 1 may have a polygonal cross section such that the bottom 3 or the opening 4 is provided with a sealing channel with a circular extension and a centering wall 18 with a polygonal shape designed to couple with the polygonal contour of the capsule holding bracket 5, or vice versa.

[0038] In short, the system allows the capsule body 2 to be formed on the opening or bottom of the capsule body 2 based on the stretched portion 10 ( Figures 1 to 15The capsule 1 is distinguished by a cylindrical and / or preferably frustoconical, or polygonal and preferably flared surface (to facilitate the entry of the sealing gasket), the stretch obtained being recessed into the opening or bottom ( Figures 1 to 5 and Figures 7 to 12 ), or protruding from an opening or bottom ( Figure 6 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 ) to supply water into capsule 1.

[0039] The stretch 10 is coupled to a corresponding sealing gasket 9 housed on a capsule holding tray 5 forming part of a dispensing "unit" mounted on a dispensing machine.

[0040] As shown in the accompanying drawings, since several possible practical implementations are based on the same principle, reference will always be made to the following for simplicity of description. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The situation shown.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, in the case of inserted capsule, water supplied at the inlet 7 of the carrier 5 passes through the gap between the area for piercing the capsule 1 and the corresponding first circular or annular area Z1 of the carrier 5 to reach the piercing device or knife 8, which allows water to enter the interior of the capsule 1 by cutting a corresponding slit in the piercing area.

[0042] Along the entire first circular zone Z1 , the water ends up being retained by the sealing gasket 9 and cannot pass it, so that there is no possibility of leakage as desired.

[0043] It should be noted that the above-mentioned stretching portion 10 may also define a centering wall 18 opposite the sealing wall 15. This wall 18, if present, may effectively help center the capsule 1 in the capsule holding bracket 3 when the sealing gasket 9 is introduced.

[0044] It should be noted that the pressure in the various areas and gaps mentioned is practically equal to the pressure inside the capsule, so that no forces and deformations are generated inside the capsule. Only downstream of the seal, in the gap 26 communicating with the outside (by means of one or more holes), will the pressure be atmospheric pressure, but this does not create any problem considering the small surface of the capsule affected by such a pressure jump, on the contrary, it will increase the seal by pressing the gasket. On the other hand, the frustoconical side wall will undoubtedly press against the inside of the capsule holding bracket 5.

[0045] Now, in the case of using a non-compliant capsule with a flat bottom, even if the capsule is pressed with a certain force, it will not reach the piercing knife, and in any case, if a sealing wall is not formed on the bottom of the capsule, the supplied water will directly leak out toward the outside through one or more holes of the gap 26 that communicate with the outside.

[0046] It should be noted that due to the presence of the cutout 27 (at Figure 1 ), the flat capsule base pressed on the seat 11 of the sealing gasket 9 will not achieve any sealing effect.

[0047] exist Figures 5 to 13 A series of embodiments of capsules that can be used are shown in FIG, which will not be discussed as they are self-explanatory.

[0048] It should be noted that Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 8 , Fig.10 , Fig.13 ), in the case where the stretching portion 10 defines both the sealing wall 15 and the centering wall 18, the corresponding functions can be interchanged. Obviously, a suitable sealing gasket 9 is formed on the capsule holding bracket 5 and is accommodated in a corresponding suitable seat 11.

[0049] exist Figures 5 to 13 In all of the above, the sealing wall or face 15 has been schematically shown as not inclined, that is, parallel to the axis of symmetry of the corresponding capsule, but, preferably, the outermost part will have a predetermined divergence to facilitate the entry of the gasket 9, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0050] Generally, for simplicity, the capsule is shown such that the outer side surface of the capsule body 2 has a circular shape, but (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) They may have any commonly used polygonal shape. In this case, the sealing wall 15 and / or the centering wall 18 (if necessary) may have a circular shape ( Figure 3 ) or polygonal shapes ( Figure 4 ), whose axis of symmetry coincides with the axis of symmetry of the capsule.

[0051] Obviously, the sealing gasket 9 and the associated seat on the capsule holding bracket 5 must replicate the chosen contour.

[0052] Obviously, also in the case where the capsule 1 is formed such that the outer surface of the capsule body 2 has a polygonal cross section ( Figure 3 ), exists in Figures 5 to 13 All possible embodiments of the same circular sealing wall 15 and centering wall 18 (if necessary) as seen in FIG. 1 , or all possible embodiments similar to the case where the sealing wall 15 and / or the centering wall 18 are formed with a polygonal profile, such as Figure 4 As shown as an example in .

[0053] Each capsule shown can be indiscriminately sealed by a lightweight, flexible top membrane and a rigid lid that can be pierced.

[0054] Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 10 to 13 The capsule solutions shown in only consider solutions with a rigid cover that can be pierced.

[0055] It should be noted that in the absence of a centering wall, the same centering function may be performed by one or more cylindrical and / or polygonal (not conical in case of polygonal capsules) stretches of the capsule body, obviously copied from the inner contour of the capsule holder.

[0056] Obviously, all proposed solutions can be realized without distinction using both traditional materials and today's innovative biodegradable and / or compostable materials.

Claims

1. A system for identifying capsules in a beverage dispensing machine, wherein the capsule (1) comprises a capsule body (2) forming a chamber, having a bottom (3) and an upper opening (4), on which a sheet or a rigid cover capable of being pierced is positioned for sealing the chamber containing a dose of product; the dispensing machine comprises at least one capsule holding tray (5) configured to accommodate at least the bottom (3) or the closed upper opening (4) and a portion of the capsule body (2); one of the end walls (6) of the capsule holding tray (5) is provided with a channel (7) for dispensing a pressurized fluid towards the capsule (1) and means (8) for piercing the bottom (3) or the opening (4) of the capsule (1) located on the end wall (6) when placed, characterized in that The capsule holding bracket (5) comprises a sealing gasket (9) associated with its end wall (6) to define a first circular or closed annular area (Z1) in which the piercing device (8) and the fluid dispensing channel (7) are located and a second circular or annular area (Z2) on the end wall (6) of the capsule holding bracket (5) separated from the first circular or annular area (Z1) on the end wall (6), and the bottom (3) or the opening (4) of the capsule is provided with at least one surface segment (10) of a changed cross-section, which is configured to be coupled to the profile of the gasket (9) in use to obtain a seal against pressurized fluid entering at least the first circular or annular area (Z1).

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the gasket (9) protrudes from the end wall (6) of the capsule holding bracket (5); the capsule holding bracket (5) comprises a circular seat (11) for accommodating a first part of the gasket (9), and a rigid circular wall (12) protruding beyond the gasket (9) and beyond the end wall (6) of the capsule holding bracket (5) for partially separating the gasket (9) from the first circular or annular area (Z1).

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second circular or annular area (Z2) of the capsule holding bracket (5) has an inclined section, which is used to connect between the end wall (6) of the body of the capsule holding bracket (5) and the end of another side wall (13) of the body of the capsule holding bracket (5).

4. System according to claim 1, wherein said seal (9) is positioned so as to be embedded in a corresponding hollow seat (14) formed on one of the two end walls (6) of said capsule holding bracket (5).

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bottom (3) or the opening (4) of the capsule body (2) has a stretched portion (10) with a changed cross-section defined by a circular channel, the circular channel being capable of coupling with the gasket (9) in use; a first wall (15) of the channel having a cylindrical cross-section so as to define a portion of the bottom (3) or the opening (4) that can be accommodated in the first circular or annular zone (Z1) in use; the channel having a second wall (16) having a truncated conical cross-section that diverges toward the outside so as to be interposed between a portion of the gasket (9) and the second circular or annular zone (Z2) in use, thereby obtaining a seal between the capsule (1) and the wall (6, 13) of the capsule holding bracket (5) by contact with the gasket (9).

6. A system according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the bottom (3) or the opening (5) of the capsule body (2) has a stretched portion (10) with a changed cross-section defined by a circular wall (17), which protrudes from the remaining surface and can be at least partially coupled within the first circular or annular area (Z1) of the end wall (6) of the capsule holding bracket (5).

7. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (3) or the opening (4) of the capsule (1) has a stretching portion (10) with a changed cross-section, which is configured to define both a sealing channel that interacts with the gasket (9) and a centering wall (18) formed along and within the sealing channel; the centering wall (18) is designed to be coupled in the first circular or annular area (Z1) during use and to center the capsule (1) in the capsule holding bracket (5).

8. System according to claim 7, wherein the capsule body (2) of the capsule (1) has a polygonal cross section, such that the bottom (3) or the opening (4) is provided with a sealing channel and a centering wall (18) having a circular shape.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the capsule body (2) of the capsule (1) has a polygonal cross-section, so that the bottom (3) or the opening (4) is provided with a sealing channel and a centering wall (18), the centering wall (18) having a polygonal shape designed to couple with the polygonal profile of the capsule holding bracket (5).

10. System according to claim 7, wherein the capsule body (2) of the capsule (1) has a polygonal cross-section, so that the bottom (3) or the opening (4) is provided with a sealing channel with a circular extension and a centering wall (18) with a polygonal shape designed to couple with the polygonal contour of the capsule holding bracket (5), or vice versa.

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