Brewing unit

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the parent application with the application number 202180033021.1 (international application number PCT / IB2021 / 055321), filed on June 16, 2021, and with the title “Brewing unit”. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a brewing unit for machines for the preparation of beverages by using a powdery product containing one or more ingredients, in particular coffee. BACKGROUND

[0003] The brewing units of the prior art present problems that need to be improved. SUMMARY

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to provide an improved brewing unit.

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

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

[0007] Briefly, the present invention relates to a brewing unit for the preparation of beverages from a powdery product containing at least one ingredient in the form of a compacted tablet, comprising: - a support structure having an internal cavity, and - a dispensing assembly comprising - a first assembly part configured as a drawer insertable or extractable from a lower part of said cavity and having a container adapted to receive said powdery product in the form of a compacted tablet, and - a second assembly part mounted vertically to slide within an upper part of said cavity between an elevated position in which it allows the insertion or extraction of the first assembly part and a lowered position in which it and the first assembly part are coupled to each other to jointly define a brewing chamber, wherein, within said first assembly part, there is a filter element mounted in vertical translation through which a dispensing duct is obtained, said filter element defining a bottom surface of the container and of the brewing chamber, and wherein a brewing head adapted to inject water into the brewing chamber is carried by a lower end of the second assembly part, said brewing head defining a top surface of the brewing chamber and being provided with radial sealing means configured to come into contact with a radially inner surface of the container in the lowered position of the second assembly part.

[0008] In the aforementioned unit, the brewing head and the filtering element act as protection elements, preventing any residues that can accumulate in the brewing chamber from entering the hydraulic circuit of the first and second assembly parts, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Further features and advantages of the present application will be clarified by the following detailed description, given purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 4 is a perspective view of a brewing unit according to the present application in different operating phases; Figures 5 to 9 is a perspective view of a brewing unit in different operating phases; Figures 1 to 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a brewing unit in different operating phases; Figures 10 to 15 is a cross-sectional view of a brewing unit in different operating phases; Figures 1 to 4 Figures 16 to 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a brewing unit in different operating phases; Figures 19 to 21 is a cross-sectional view of a brewing unit in different operating phases; Figures 16 to 18 is a cross-sectional view of a brewing unit in different operating phases; Figure 22 Figures 16 to 18 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a brewing unit of Figure 23 is a front view of a brewing unit in Figures 16 to 18 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] With reference to Figure 1 , the brewing unit of a machine for preparing a beverage, in particular coffee, from a compacted tablet containing one or more ingredients, in particular coffee powder, is designated 10 in its entirety.

[0011] For the purposes of the present application, the term "powdered product" includes powdered products compacted in the form of tablets.

[0012] With reference to Figures 5 to 15 , the brewing unit 10 essentially comprises a dispensing assembly, which comprises a first assembly part 12, as a drawer, and a second movable assembly part 14, and a support structure 20 that supports the first assembly part 12 and the second assembly part 14 and defines an internal cavity 16. An insertion opening 16a, formed on the front wall of the support structure 20, provides access to the cavity 16.

[0013] The first assembly part 12 is insertable into and extractable from the lower part of the cavity 16 and has a container 13 adapted to receive a powdered product P, which is a compacted tablet. Figure 2 、 Figure 6 and Figure 11 ​​​The case is shown in which the first assembly part 12 is completely extracted from the cavity 16. In this case, the first assembly part 12 is released from the support structure 20 and can be used to insert the powdery product P into the container 13 or for cleaning operations. Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 14 to 15 The case is shown in which the first assembly part 12 is in an insertion end position. Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figures 12 to 13 An intermediate position of the first assembly part 12 is indicated.

[0014] The second assembly part 14 is mounted so as to slide vertically within the upper part of the cavity 16 Figures 5 to 8 and Figures 10 to 14 between a raised end position, shown in Figure 9 and Figure 15 , and a lowered end position, shown in

[0015] In addition to being suitable for receiving the powdery product P, the container 13 is suitable for forming, together with the second assembly part 14, a brewing chamber.

[0016] As mentioned above, the first assembly part 12 is made as a drawer and comprises a main portion 121 made as a sleeve and a handle 122 connected to the main portion 121, which allows the first assembly part 12 to be manipulated. The container 13 is obtained in the upper end of the main portion 121. The lateral edges of the main portion 121 of the first assembly part 12 are suitable for being coupled to respective main guides 201 formed on the two opposite lateral edges of the support structure 20, so as to allow the first assembly part 12 to slide with respect to the support structure 20 and, therefore, to allow the insertion / extraction of the first assembly part 12.

[0017] Within the first assembly part 12, and more specifically within the main portion 121 thereof, a filter element 123 is mounted so as to translate vertically, a central dispensing duct 124 for dispensing the beverage being formed through the filter element. In particular, the filter element 123 can slide between a raised end position, shown in Figures 6 to 7 and Figures 11 to 12 , and a lowered end position, shown in Figure 9 and Figure 15 , in which lowered end position the filter element abuts against a shoulder 121a formed on the main portion 121 of the first assembly part 12.

[0018] The filtering element comprises a body 123a and a filter screen 123b attached to the body 123a. The filter screen 123b can be thermally locked, for example fixed to a main shaft pin 123c extending from the body 123a. Advantageously, this arrangement provides a flat surface that reduces possible dust accumulation. The filtering element 123, and more specifically the filter screen 123b, defines the bottom surface of the container 13, and therefore of the brewing chamber when the first assembly part 12 and the second assembly part 14 are coupled to each other. The filtering element 123 thus provides a support surface for the powdery product P located in the container 13.

[0019] A peripheral gasket 125 is arranged around the filtering element 123, which is configured to exert a seal against the radially inner surface of the container 13. Advantageously, in the case where the powdery product P is a compacted tablet, the peripheral gasket 125 allows to scrape any residual powder from the radially inner surface of the container 13 when the filtering element 123 slides within the container 13 from the lowered position to the raised end position.

[0020] As can be seen in particular in Figures 12 to 15 The filtering element 123 is associated with a drive element 126, which is mounted for vertical translation within the first assembly part 12, and more specifically within the main portion 121 of the first assembly part 12. In particular, the filtering element 123 is connected to the drive element 126 by means of elastic means 127, in particular a helical spring. The coupling existing between the filtering element 123 and the drive element 126 allows a relative sliding between the filtering element 123 and the drive element 126 within a small stroke range allowed by the deformation of the elastic means 127.

[0021] A central dispensing duct 128 is formed through the drive element 126, which is fluidically connected to the central dispensing duct 124 of the filtering element 123 by means of a pre-brewing valve 129 interposed between the filtering element 123 and the drive element 126. The pre-brewing valve 129 comprises a valve member cooperating with a seat formed on the dispensing duct 124 of the filtering element 123 by means of associated elastic means, in particular a spring. The purpose of this valve will be described hereinafter.

[0022] On opposite sides of the lower end of the drive element 126, respective pins integral with the drive element 126 are arranged, one of which can be seen in Figure 2 and is indicated with 131. The pin 131 is adapted to engage a respective secondary guide 203 formed on opposite side walls of the support structure.

[0023] As Figures 10 to 15As shown, the secondary guide 203 is inclined downwardly, unlike the primary guide 201 which guides the sliding of the first assembly part 12 into the cavity 16 of the support structure 20, such guide being oriented horizontally. Such an arrangement ensures that during the sliding of the first assembly part 12 within the cavity 16, the driving element 126 is induced to translate vertically with respect to the first assembly part 12 by the coupling between the pin 131 and the secondary guide 203, thus driving the filtering element 123 and possibly the powdery product P located in the container 13.

[0024] Associated with the second assembly part 14 is a hydraulic cylinder 141 in which a vertical sliding plunger 143 is mounted. The plunger 143 is part of the second assembly part 14. An inlet 141a is obtained on the side of the hydraulic cylinder 141, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the hydraulic cylinder 141 can be supplied with liquid, in particular water, through the inlet via a pipe not shown, to control the forward movement of the plunger 143 from a retracted position at the elevated head position of the second assembly part 14 (as shown in Figures 5 to 8 and 10 to Figure 14 As shown). The forward movement of the plunger 143 is counteracted by a resilient means 144, which in particular comprises a helical spring and is interposed between the plunger 143 and the hydraulic cylinder 141. Such a resilient means 144 is thus arranged to bias the plunger 143 towards its retracted position.

[0025] A central duct 143a is formed through the plunger 143, which is connected with a water supply duct 146 obtained through the hydraulic cylinder 141. A flange 143b is obtained at the lower end of the plunger 143.

[0026] A brewing head 145, which is integral with the plunger 143, is arranged at the lower end of the plunger 143, and is part of the second assembly part 14. Ducts for injecting water into the brewing chamber are obtained through the brewing head 125, which are in fluid connection with the central duct 143a of the plunger 143.

[0027] For example, as can be seen in Figure 9 and Figure 15 The brewing head 145 comprises a main body 145a and an engagement element 145b fastened to the main body 145a. The engagement element 145b can be thermally locked, for example fixed to a main shaft pin extending from the main body 145a. Advantageously, such an arrangement provides a flat surface which reduces possible dust accumulation. The brewing head 145, or more specifically the engagement element 145b, defines a top surface of the brewing chamber.

[0028] The engagement element 145b is intended to come into contact with the powdery product P. In the example shown, the engagement element 145a is configured as a filter screen, hereinafter denoted as inlet filter. In the case where the brewing unit is intended to operate with capsules, the engagement element can be configured as an element provided with a tip for piercing the capsule shell.

[0029] Arranged around the infusion head 145 is a peripheral gasket 147 configured to come into contact with the radially inner surface of the container 13 in the lowered position of the second assembly portion 14. Advantageously, in the case where the powdery product P comprises compacted tablets, the peripheral gasket 147 allows to scrape any residual powder from the radially inner surface of the container 13 when the infusion head 145 slides inside the container 13.

[0030] With reference to Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 , the infusion head 145 forms an integral body with an intermediate member 150 removably mounted on the lower end of the plunger 143. Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 is precisely shown in the condition in which the intermediate member 150 is detached from the lower end of the plunger 143. In this case the infusion head 145 can be cleaned. In the other figures, however, the intermediate member 150 is in the condition of being mounted on the lower end of the plunger 143.

[0031] The intermediate member 150 is configured as a drawer and comprises a main frame portion 151 carrying the infusion head 145 and a handle 152 connected to the main frame portion 152 which allows to handle the intermediate member 150.

[0032] The two lateral sides of the main portion 151 of the intermediate member 150 are adapted to be coupled to respective secondary guides 205 formed on the opposite two lateral walls of the support structure 20 to allow the sliding of the intermediate member 150 with respect to the support structure 20 and therefore the insertion / withdrawal of the intermediate member 150. Thus, the intermediate member 150 can be selectively removed from or mounted on the lower end of the plunger 143 according to a sliding direction parallel to the sliding direction of the first assembly portion 14.

[0033] A slot 153 around the upper end of the infusion head 145 is obtained in the main portion 151 of the intermediate member 150. Said slot 153 is adapted to receive a flange 143b formed on the lower end of the plunger 143 when the intermediate member 150 is mounted on the lower end of the plunger 143. In order to provide a seal between the infusion head 145 and the plunger 143, an upper portion 145c of the main body 145b of the infusion head 143 is made of elastomeric material, preferably molded, which is intended to come into contact with the lower end of the plunger 143. Advantageously, the portion 145c made of elastomeric material substantially connects the infusion head 145 to the main portion 151 of the intermediate member 150. Teeth 154 are formed on the intermediate member 150 and arranged within the slot 153 between the infusion head 145 and the handle 152 of the intermediate member 150. The teeth 154 are configured to elastically engage respective seats 143c formed on the lower end of the plunger 143. This arrangement allows the snap locking of the intermediate member 150 on the lower end of the plunger 143.

[0034] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the infusion head 145 can be a component that is not detachably mounted on the plunger 123.

[0035] The infusion unit 10 can also comprise an optical sensor 40, schematically shown in Figure 12 The optical sensor 40 is arranged at a window 207 formed on the upper wall of the support structure 20. The optical sensor 40 is positioned so that it faces the container 13 when the first assembly portion 12 passes through the insertion opening 16a into the cavity 16. In the detection position, the interior of the container 13 and therefore the tablets P therein fall within the field of view of the optical sensor 40. This optical sensor 40 is connected to an electronic circuit 41 controlled by and cooperating with the electronic control unit ECU to provide a digital image of the tablets P. The electronic control unit ECU is therefore programmed to identify the product contained in the container 13, for example by reading an identification code or a graphic applied to the product or other surface feature of the product. The reading can be taken dynamically, so as to take place without the first assembly portion 12 stopping in the detection position. In an alternative embodiment, the reading can be taken statically, with the first assembly portion 12 temporarily stopped in the detection position.

[0036] In the event of successful identification of the tablets, the ECU is programmed to allow the first assembly portion 12 to continue and to adjust the infusion parameters on the basis of the tablets identified. These parameters can be, for example, the quantity of water to be injected into the infusion chamber.

[0037] In order to protect the optical sensor 40 from contamination that can be caused by the powdered product P, a movable closing element 45 is arranged at the window 207. The closing element 45 is normally in a closed position, in which it closes the window 207. An opening mechanism comprising a lever 45a rotatable about a vertical axis (for example, as can be seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) is associated with the closing element 45. The lever 45a is rotatably integral with the closing element 45 via a shaft 45c. The first assembly portion 12, when it enters the cavity 16, engages the lever 45a, causing it to rotate and open the window 207. During the sliding extension of the first assembly portion 12 within the cavity 16, the first assembly portion 12 remains engaged with the lever 45a, thus keeping the window 207 open. The first assembly portion 12 disengages from the lever 45a when it reaches a given position within the cavity 16. The closing element 45 can thus be biased by a helical spring 45d back into the closed position. The lever 45a is configured not to engage the first assembly portion 12 during extraction from the cavity 16, thus preventing the window 207 from opening and therefore preventing the steam from entering the reading area.

[0038] An example of operation of the infusion unit 10 described above will now be described in detail.

[0039] According to this example, the working steps of the machine can be defined as follows: 1. insertion of the first assembly part 12 with tablets P in the container 1 into the cavity 16; 2. reading and identification position of the tablets P; 3. first assembly part 12 reaches the insertion end position; 4. second assembly part 14 is lowered and the assembly is closed; 5. pre-infusion, waiting and infusion steps of the tablets P; 6. second assembly part 14 is raised and the assembly is reopened; 7. first assembly part 12 is removed; 8. intermediate member is disassembled for cleaning.

[0040] The first assembly part 12 reaches the reading and identification position of the tablets P during the introduction into the cavity 16 (step 2). This step allows the system to identify whether the tablets P are present inside the container 13 before completing the closure of the dispensing assembly and to identify the type of tablets that have been inserted and to adapt the timing of the compacting and dispensing; During the insertion of the first assembly part 12, the filtering element 123 is lowered to prevent the tablets P from colliding with the intermediate member 150.

[0041] Once the insertion end position of the first assembly part 12 is reached (detectable by a sensor (not shown)), the electronic control unit ECU controls the operation of the plunger 143 until the second assembly part 14 is coupled to the first assembly part 12. In this position, the infusion head 145 fits into the container 13 until it comes into contact with the tablets P. The movement of the plunger 143 continues until it brings the filtering element 123 into contact with the shoulder 121a formed on the main portion 121 of the first assembly part 12 (compacting the tablets P), where the peripheral gasket 125 of the filtering element 123 also performs a front sealing function. Since the driving element 126 is vertically constrained by the secondary guide 203, the filtering element 123 moves with respect to the driving element 126 overcoming the action of the spring 127 clamped between the filtering element 123 and the driving element 126.

[0042] The displacement of the plunger 143 can be determined by the electronic control unit ECU as a function of the height of the tablets P, which can be determined using the optical sensor 40. More generally, different doses of powdered product can be used for different preparations (espresso, lungo, double, filtered). The identification system provided by the sensor 40 and the control unit ECU can be configured to set different extraction parameters as a function of the dose size and possibly to skip one or more steps in the extraction, as will be clarified below.

[0043] Upon reaching the abutment position of the filtering element 123 against the shoulder 121a, the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 141 is maintained.

[0044] The beverage is dispensed in two different sub-steps: pre-infusion and waiting and infusion of the tablets.

[0045] In the pre-infusion and waiting step, a first small amount of hot water is sent into the infusion chamber through the central duct 143a of the plunger 143, which is not enough to open the pre-infusion valve 129. The small amount of water is injected and then waited for, for wetting and preparing the tablet P for the infusion step.

[0046] In the infusion step, a second amount of hot water is sent to the tablet P, which is enough to open the pre-infusion valve 129. In this step, the volume of hot water is much greater than in the previous step and is used to dispense the correct amount of beverage from the tablet P already inserted into the container 13. The pressure exerted by the plunger 143 of the hydraulic cylinder 141 remains constant throughout the pre-infusion and infusion steps.

[0047] A compaction step can also be provided, in which the central dispensing duct through which the hot water is introduced is closed and cold water is sent into the hydraulic cylinder 141 in order to compact the used tablet and expel the residual hot water therefrom.

[0048] Once the beverage dispensing is complete, the used tablet P must be removed to allow a new tablet to be inserted into the container 13 for the next dispensing.

[0049] To this end, the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 121 is removed, which causes the plunger 143 to rise due to the bias of the spring 144. With this rise, the filter element 123 is biased by the spring 127 to return to its raised position.

[0050] The first assembly part 12 can then be grasped by the handle 122 to allow the used tablet P to be removed and possibly to clean / wash the container 13 and the filter element 123 by removing the filter element 123 and the drive element 126 from above.

[0051] Advantageously, thanks to the interaction between the pin 131 of the drive element 126 and the secondary guide 203, the translation of the first assembly part 12 moves the product P previously compacted upwards and releases it from the radial friction of the infusion chamber, allowing it to be expelled only by means of the inclination of the first assembly part 12 (by gravity).

[0052] The intermediate member 150 can also be extracted by grasping it with the handle 152 to allow the filter head 145 to be cleaned / washed.

[0053] Depending on the type of powdered product used, one or more of the above steps can be absent. In particular, in the case of drip infusion preparations or soluble coffee, the compaction and pre-infusion steps are skipped. In other cases, the post-compaction can not be necessary. In this regard, the control unit ECU can be configured to selectively enable or disable one or more of the above steps on the basis of the identification of the type of product, a process which is performed after processing the digital images captured by the sensor 40.

[0054] With regard to the compacting step, it can be observed that the pre-brew valve member 129 is configured to elastically abut the corresponding seat on the filter element 123 only when the brewing head 145 is compressed against the shoulder 121a against the filter element 123 containing the powdered product. In the absence of this compression action, there is no engagement between the pre-brew valve 129 and the corresponding seat on the filter element 123. This makes it possible to dispense without performing the pre-brewing and compacting steps, without having to operate the pre-brew valve 129 (for example in the case of using a drip preparation).

[0055] Figures 16 to 23 Another embodiment of the application is depicted. This embodiment is similar to the one described above in terms of structure and operation. Elements corresponding to those in the previous embodiment are given the same numerical reference. These elements will not be further described.

[0056] Figure 16 and Figure 19 A condition is shown in which the first assembly part 12 is completely removed from the cavity 16. Figure 18 and Figure 21 A condition is shown in which the first assembly part 12 is in the inserted end position. Figure 17 , Figure 20 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 A condition is shown in which the first assembly part 12 is in the intermediate position, more precisely in the detection position. For the sake of convenience, the optical sensor is only schematically shown in Figure 20 , while the relative movable closing element is not shown in Figures 16 to 23 . However, the movable closing element is positioned at the window 207 in a manner similar to the closing element 45 of the previous embodiment. Figures 16 to 23 A portion of the drive mechanism for the movable closing element is also shown in , indicated by a slider, again indicated by the reference 45a.

[0057] Figures 16 to 23 In the embodiment of , the first assembly part 12 comprises a partition 12a formed between the main portion 121 and the handle 122 of the first assembly part 12 and extending upwardly from the first assembly part 12. A screen 16b is arranged at the insertion opening 16a of the support structure 20, the screen being formed so as to partially enclose the insertion opening 16b, in particular the upper portion of the insertion opening 16a. Depending on the shape of the support structure 20, it can not be necessary to provide the screen 16b.

[0058] Figure 17 , Figure 20 , Figure 22 and Figure 23As can be seen, when the first assembly portion 12 is in the detection position, the partition 12a closes the insertion opening 16a, cooperating in the example shown with the screen 16b to prevent the entry of light through this opening.

[0059] This closure interrupts the input of light, which varies with the environmental conditions during acquisition, producing controlled and repeatable lighting conditions, which can be provided by an illumination system (not shown) associated with the optical sensor 40 and controllable to illuminate the interior of the cavity 16.

[0060] The embodiments and constructional details can be very different, without thereby departing from the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims, with respect to the embodiments and constructional details purely by way of non-limiting example described and illustrated.

Claims

1. A brewing unit (10) for preparing a beverage from a powdered product (P) in the form of a compacted tablet containing at least one ingredient, the brewing unit comprising: The support structure (20) has an internal cavity (16), and The allocation component includes - A first component (12) is configured as a drawer, the drawer being insertable into or removable from the lower part of the cavity and having a container (13) suitable for receiving the powdered product in the form of compacted tablets, and - A second component (14) is mounted to slide vertically between a raised position and a lowered position within the upper part of the cavity. In the raised position, the second component (14) allows insertion or removal of the first component (12). In the lowered position, the second component (14) and the first component (12) are connected to each other to define a brewing chamber between them. Within the first component, there is a filter element (123) mounted for vertical translation, and a distribution pipe (124) is formed to pass through the filter element, which defines the bottom surface of the container (13) and the brewing chamber. The brewing head (145) adapted to inject water into the brewing chamber is carried by the lower end of the second component (14), the brewing head defining the top surface of the brewing chamber and provided with a radial sealing device (147) configured to contact the radial inner surface of the container (13) in the lowered position of the second component (14).

2. The unit of claim 1, further comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to determine the dosage of the powdered product in the form of a compacted tablet, and to adjust the brewing parameters according to the dosage.

3. The unit according to claim 1, wherein, The filter element is elastically biased toward its raised end position relative to the first component portion (12).

4. The unit according to claim 3, wherein, The filter element is elastically connected to the drive element (126), which is movable in a vertical translational manner within the first component portion, and wherein the drive element is guided by the support structure such that the drive element is movable in a vertical translational manner relative to the first component portion (12) during the sliding motion of the first component portion (12) into the cavity (16).

5. The unit according to claim 4, wherein, A dispensing conduit (128) is formed through the drive element (126), the dispensing conduit being fluidly connected to the dispensing conduit (124) of the filter element (123) via a pre-brewing valve (129), the pre-brewing valve being located between the filter element (123) and the drive element (126), and wherein the pre-brewing valve (129) is configured to elastically abut against the filter element (123) containing the powdered product when the brewing head (145) abuts against the shoulder (121a) formed on the first component portion (12).

6. The unit according to claim 1, wherein, The second component (14) also includes a plunger (143) that is hydraulically operated and can slide within the upper part of the cavity, the plunger carrying the brewing head (145).

7. The unit according to claim 6, the unit further comprising an elastic device (144) between the plunger (143) and a hydraulic cylinder (141) fixed to the support structure (20), the elastic device being adapted to bias the plunger (143) toward a retracted position corresponding to the raised position of the second component (14).

8. The unit according to claim 1, wherein, The brewing head is fixed to the intermediate component (150), which is removably mounted to the lower end of the second component (14).

9. The unit according to claim 8, wherein, The intermediate component can be selectively removed from or installed at the lower end of the second component (14) based on a sliding direction parallel to the sliding direction from the first component (12) to the cavity (16).

10. The unit according to claim 1, further comprising a reading device (40, 41) adapted to provide a digital image of the powdered product, the reading device including an optical sensor (40), the container (13) facing the optical sensor in a detection position, in which the first component portion (12) extends beyond the insertion opening (16a) of the cavity (16).

11. The unit according to claim 10, wherein, The optical sensor can detect the powdered product in a static or dynamic manner.

12. The unit according to claim 10, wherein, The electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to determine the dosage of the powdered product from the digital image.

13. The unit according to claim 10, wherein, The first component (12) includes a partition (12a) that extends laterally relative to the sliding direction of the first component (12) into the cavity (16), wherein, at the detection position, the partition closes the insertion opening (16a) to prevent light from entering through the insertion opening (16a), and wherein the reading device includes an illumination system that can be controlled to illuminate the interior of the cavity (16).

14. A method for preparing a beverage from a powdered product (P) comprising at least one ingredient using a brewing unit according to claim 7, the method comprising the steps of: a) With the first component (12) in the insertion end position, cold water is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder (141) to move the plunger (143) of the second component (14) forward and connect the second component (14) to the first component (12). c) A certain amount of hot water is supplied to the brewing chamber through the plunger (143) and the brewing head (145) to prepare the beverage.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising at least one of the following steps: bl) A certain amount of hot water is supplied to the brewing chamber through the plunger (143) and the brewing head (145) to wet the powdered product (P). b2) Wait for a predetermined time interval. d) Further supply cold water to the hydraulic cylinder (141) to cause the plunger (143) to move further forward and press against the second component (14) to compress the used powdered product (P).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method is used to prepare a beverage using a brewing unit, wherein, The brewing unit includes a reading device (40, 41) adapted to provide a digital image of the powdered product. The reading device includes an optical sensor (40) and an electronic control unit (ECU). The container (13) faces the optical sensor in a detection position, in which the first component (12) extends beyond the insertion opening (16a) of the cavity (16). The ECU is configured to adjust brewing parameters based on the digital image of the powdered product, wherein the ECU is configured to selectively enable or disable at least one of steps b1, b2, and d based on the digital image of the powdered product.

17. A method for preparing a beverage from a powdered product (P) comprising at least one ingredient using a brewing unit according to claim 1, wherein, The second component (14) further includes a plunger (143) that is hydraulically operated and slidable within the upper part of the cavity, the plunger carrying the brewing head, the method comprising: A certain amount of hot water is supplied to the brewing chamber via the plunger (143) and the brewing head (145) to prepare the beverage in the brewing step, wherein the plunger (143) applies pressure to the filter element (123) containing the powdered product (P), and the pressure remains constant throughout the brewing step.

18. The unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and the tablet comprising a compacted powdered product (P) containing at least one ingredient, the tablet being configured to be inserted into the container (13) of the first component portion (12).

Images