Machine for the preparation of beverages with a sliding lid

Abstract

A machine for preparing a beverage from a powdery product (P) comprising at least one ingredient, the machine comprising: a product handling unit (20) comprising a container (21) adapted to receive the powdery product (P); a product opening (30) for direct dosing of the powdery product (P) from outside the machine into the container (21); a primary lid (40) manually slidable between a closed position and an open position; and a secondary lid (70) hinged to the primary lid (40) and rotatable with respect to the primary lid (40) between a lowered position, in which the secondary lid (70) engages an edge (30a) of the product opening (30), and a raised position, in which the secondary lid (70) is rotated upwards with respect to the lowered position, this being caused by the sliding of the primary lid (40) between the closed position and the open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a machine for preparing beverages using a powdered product (especially coffee) containing one or more ingredients. Background Technology

[0002] For simplicity, the following description is intended to use compacted pods; however, it is clear that the invention is not limited to machines designed to operate with pods, but is more generally applicable to machines using pods or replaceable bags.

[0003] Machines for preparing beverages are known, which are equipped with an opening for dispensing a product from outside the machine and a sliding cover that can move between a closed position, in which the cover covers the opening and prevents product dispensing, and in the open position, the cover exposes the opening and allows product to be dispensed into the machine.

[0004] It has been observed that in such machines with sliding lids, the opening for dispensing product may not be adequately sealed even when the lid is in the closed position, leading to unwanted condensation in various parts of the machine. Furthermore, if the sacs or pods are not properly positioned, they may be at risk of being crushed by the lid, potentially causing them to rupture.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a solution that can overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention, this and other objectives are achieved by a machine as defined in the appended independent claim 1.

[0007] The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the machine according to the invention, and their contents should be understood as part of the detailed description.

[0008] In summary, the present invention relates to a machine for preparing a beverage from a powdered product comprising at least one ingredient, the machine comprising:

[0009] The product processing unit includes a container suitable for receiving powdered products;

[0010] The product opening is used to directly feed powdered products from outside the machine into the container;

[0011] A main stage cover, which forms or has a handle, and can be manually slid between a closed position and an open position, in which the main stage cover covers the opening and prevents access to the container, and in which the main stage cover exposes the opening;

[0012] The secondary cover is hinged to the primary cover at a hinge axis that is laterally arranged relative to the sliding direction of the primary cover. The secondary cover can rotate relative to the primary cover between a lowered position and an raised position. In the lowered position, the secondary cover engages the edge of the product opening. In the raised position, the secondary cover rotates upward relative to the lowered position, which is caused by the sliding of the primary cover between a closed position and an open position.

[0013] In the aforementioned machine, the presence of a secondary cover helps reduce condensation in various parts of the machine. Furthermore, in the event of improper positioning, the secondary cover guides the sacs or pods into the container, thus preventing them from being crushed or ruptured.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the primary cap can slide along an arcuate trajectory between a closed position and an open position. The arcuate trajectory allows the cap to cover the area used for dispensing powdered products (e.g., compacted pods or capsules) with a movement approaching the product from above, rather than moving laterally "to the edge" (which would occur if the cap followed a straight trajectory). In this way, if the product is slightly misaligned relative to the container, the arcuate movement of the cap achieves the effect of guiding the product to the correct position and / or preventing blockage or breakage. This guiding effect complements the effect provided by the secondary cap. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Referring to the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, the contents of which are given by way of non-limiting example only, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the machine according to the invention, wherein the main stage cover is in the open position;

[0017] Figure 2 and Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side-view stereoscopic view of the machine, with the main stage cover in both the closed and open positions;

[0018] Figure 4 and Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side perspective perspective view of the machine's housing, with the main stage cover in both the closed and open positions;

[0019] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the housing portion, showing the main stage cover in both the closed and open positions, with the outer casing of the main stage cover removed.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the housing portion, showing the secondary cover;

[0021] Figure 9 and Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A sectional view of the housing portion, with the main stage cover in the closed and open positions, respectively;

[0022] Figure 11 and Figure 12 They are respectively by Figure 9 Arrow XI and Figure 10 The arrow XII in the image indicates a magnified view of the details. Detailed Implementation

[0023] refer to Figure 1 A machine used to prepare a beverage (especially coffee) from a compacted pod (P) containing one or more ingredients (especially powdered coffee) is generally represented by 10.

[0024] As described above, although the invention is described in conjunction with the use of compacted pods (containing one or more ingredients for preparing beverages), it should not be construed as limited to machines designed to operate with pods, but also includes situations where a dose of powder is provided in place of a capsule, pouch, or other similar packaging suitable for preparing beverages by brewing, instead of a pod. For the purposes of this invention, the term "powdered product" therefore includes both powdered products encapsulated in capsules or pouches and powdered products compacted in pod form.

[0025] Machine 10 includes: a product processing unit 20 (within machine 10) comprising a cup-shaped container 21 adapted to receive products; a product opening 30 for dispensing products (P) directly from outside machine 10 into the container 21; and a main cover 40 having a handle for user use and being able to cover the opening 30 in a closed position. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and the main cover 40 exposes the opening 30 in the opening position ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 The main stage cover 40 is manually moved between the two sections. In the illustrated example, the main stage cover 40 has a hollow structure and is formed by the bottom portion 41 and the outer casing 42 assembled together.

[0026] Product processing unit 20 may have an outlet for dispensing beverages prepared in the product processing unit. Unit 20 may be configured to automatically circulate water and / or steam to container 21 containing the product in order to prepare the beverage in a manner known per se.

[0027] Container 21 can be used in the delivery configuration for receiving the product (P) (such as...) Figure 1The product (P) moves between the processing unit 20 and the processing structure for transferring the product (P) within the processing unit 20. The automatic product identification system can be used for parameterization based on the type of ingredients and for automatically adjusting the product processing.

[0028] Beverage preparation machine 10 typically includes one or more of the following components:

[0029] a) Product processing unit 20, for example, includes a fluid loop comprising a brewing unit operable to form a brewing chamber within the machine 10 via a container 21, the brewing chamber being configured to receive and contain the product (P) and to guide water and / or steam flow through the product (P) via an inlet until the beverage is generated and discharged from the outlet of the brewing chamber.

[0030] b) An instantaneous heater used to heat the liquid flow rate to be supplied to the product (P);

[0031] c) A pump used to pump liquid through an instantaneous heater;

[0032] d) One or more connecting elements for guiding liquid from a liquid source (such as a liquid reservoir);

[0033] e) An electronic control unit, which receives instructions from the user via a user interface and controls the instantaneous heater and pump; and / or

[0034] f) One or more sensors for detecting at least one selected parameter among the operating parameters of the processing unit, instantaneous heater, pump, liquid reservoir, liquid flow rate, liquid pressure and liquid temperature, and for transmitting these parameters to the control unit.

[0035] Specifically, the product processing unit 20 includes or is connected to an upstream fluid system, such as a system equipped with an engine (such as a pump) and a thermal regulator (such as a heater) for liquids, to circulate thermally conditioned liquids (such as water) from a water source (such as a liquid storage tank) to container 21 in the processing configuration.

[0036] In addition, the product processing unit 20 includes a downstream fluid structure arranged downstream and equipped with an outlet for dispensing beverages to users, for example, into an area designed to hold the user's cup.

[0037] Main stage cover 40 can be in the closed position ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and open location ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 Manually slide (preferably along an arc trajectory) between them. From Figure 2 and Figure 3 The comparison shows that the main stage cover 40 is at a higher height when it is in the open position than when it is in the closed position.

[0038] Machine 10 may have an outer housing 50, which includes a top housing portion 51 on which a main stage cover 40 is slidably mounted. A product opening 30 for introducing the product (P) is formed through the top housing portion 51. In the example shown, when in the closed position, the main stage cover 40 is located within the boundary of the top housing portion 51 (see [link to example]). Figure 2 and Figure 4 Conversely, when in the open position, the main stage cover 40 protrudes laterally beyond the edge of the top housing portion 51 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 5 ).

[0039] At the edge of the product opening 30, the wall thickness of the top shell portion 51 is less than the thickness of the product (P). Figure 1 As shown, the top edge of container 21 is substantially in contact with the edge of product opening 30. The depth of container 21 allows the user to manually position the product (P) directly at the bottom of container 21 without causing the product to fall. For example, the depth of container 21 may be less than the thickness H of product P.

[0040] The top housing portion 51 may include a feature for use in the closed position ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and open location ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 The structure guides the main stage cover 40 between ) . In Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the guide structure includes a pair of guide ribs 62 that engage with a pair of corresponding guide grooves 63. The guide ribs 62 are formed on the top housing portion 51 to project vertically from the upper surface of the housing. The guide grooves 63 are formed through the wall of the bottom portion 41 of the main stage cover 40. The guide ribs 62 are provided with lateral protrusions 62a for holding the bottom portion 41 of the main stage cover 40 against the top housing portion 51. The main stage cover 40 may also be equipped with rollers 43 resting against a support surface 51a of the top housing portion 51. The shape of the main stage cover 40, guide ribs 62, guide grooves 63, and support surface 51a allows the main stage cover 40 to follow an arcuate trajectory in the closed position (…). Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and open location ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5, Figure 7 The main stage cover 40 can slide between the main stage cover 40 and the top housing portion 51. End stop elements can also be provided between the main stage cover 40 and the top housing portion 51 to stop the main stage cover 40 in the closed position and the open position, respectively. These stop elements can be formed, for example, in guide grooves 63 and are engaged by guide ribs 62 when the main stage cover 40 reaches the closed position or the corresponding open position.

[0041] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As illustrated in the example, the main stage cover 40 can be associated with an automatic return device 71 to bring the main stage cover 40 into a stable position, particularly into a closed position and / or an open position. The automatic return device can be a bistable device 71 to bring the main stage cover 40 into two different stable positions, specifically into a closed position. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and open location ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 ).

[0042] The automatic return device 71 may include an elastic structure, such as a spring structure, like a torsion spring, compression spring, and / or tension spring, which is in a relaxed state when a stable position is reached.

[0043] Specifically, the automatic return device 71 can be directly or indirectly connected to the top housing portion 51 and / or the main stage cover 40. For example, the device 71 can be located inside the cavity of the main stage cover 40. For example, the automatic return device 71 can be implemented as a torsion spring. In this case, the device 71 has a first end 71a and a second end 71b, the first end being mounted on a shaft 52 fixed to the top housing portion 51, and the second end being mounted on a shaft 43 fixed to the main stage cover 40 (more specifically, fixed to the bottom portion 41). The device 71 also includes a pair of relatively movable arms 72a and 72b, which respectively connect the ends 71a and 71b to the helically coiled central body 72c.

[0044] When the main stage cover 40 is in the closed position ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 Move to the open position ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 When the main stage cover 40 is in operation, end 71a rotates about axis 52 fixed to the top housing portion 51, and end 71b rotates about axis 43 fixed to the main stage cover 40. The cover 40 slides on end 71a and axis 52, while end 71b follows the main stage cover 40 along its trajectory from a first stability limit position to a second stability limit position.

[0045] As the device 71 is rotated by the main stage cover 40 and moved away from one of its two end positions, ends 71a and 71b are pushed towards each other until the main stage cover 40 reaches an unstable intermediate position (partially open) between the closed and open positions. Thereafter, ends 71a and 71b move away from each other. When ends 71a and 71b are pushed towards each other, the spring structure of the device 71 is under tension. When ends 71a and 71b are moved away, the spring structure of the device 71 is relaxed. In this way, the spring structure of the device 71 forces ends 71a and 71b to separate. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The stable position. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the return device 71 operates in a torsional manner. Naturally, the device 71 can be modified so that the spring structure operates in a tensile or compressive manner.

[0046] Therefore, device 71 guides or assists the main stage cover 40 to move from the middle position to stable positions on both sides of the middle position, especially to the closed position. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and open location ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 Furthermore, device 71 can prevent incorrect placement of the main stage cover 40 by automatically moving it to a stable position. This improves the ergonomics associated with the main stage cover 40.

[0047] In one embodiment, the product processing module 20 has a dispensing structure ( Figure 1 The product processing unit 20 includes a dispensing configuration (not shown) for positioning the product (P) in container 21, and a processing configuration for transferring container 21 to product processing unit 20 and processing the product (P) to obtain a beverage. While product processing unit 20 is processing product (P), the main stage cap 40 cannot be moved to the open position. Therefore, a locking system can be provided to act on the main stage cap 40 when product processing unit 20 is in operation. Alternatively, a safety system can be provided to interrupt operation of product processing unit 20 if the main stage cap 40 is moved from the closed position.

[0048] Typically, machine 10 is equipped with a control unit, particularly a unit for controlling product processing unit 20, as known in the art. The main cover 40 may constitute or form part of a user interface that communicates with the control unit of machine 10. The user interface may include one or more interface devices 44, such as input devices like buttons, and / or output devices like LEDs or displays. Optionally, the main cover 40 includes a sensor connected to or associated with a sensor connected to the control unit for detecting the position of the main cover 40; this sensor may be, for example, an electromechanical switch sensor, a magnetic sensor, or an optical sensor.

[0049] The control unit can be configured to automatically start the beverage preparation process when product (P) is dispensed into container 21 and the main stage cap 40 is moved to the closed position. The control unit can also be configured to automatically start a shutdown or standby process and / or a service process when no product (P) is dispensed into container 21 and the main stage cap 40 is moved to the closed position.

[0050] like Figures 8-12 As shown, the machine also includes a secondary cover 70 configured to engage the edge 30a of the product opening 30. According to a preferred embodiment, the secondary cover 70 is provided with a washer through which it engages the edge 30a of the product opening 30. The secondary cover 70 is hinged to the lower side of the primary cover 40 at a hinge axis y, which is arranged laterally relative to the sliding direction of the primary cover 40. In the illustrated example, the hinge axis y is defined by a shaft 71, the opposite ends of which are inserted into corresponding supports (not shown) formed in the primary cover 40. It should be noted that... Figure 8 In the middle, the primary cover 40 is omitted so that the secondary cover 70 below is visible.

[0051] Therefore, the secondary cover 70 can be in a lowered position relative to the primary cover 40 (e.g., Figure 9 and Figure 11 (as shown) and elevation position (as shown) Figure 10 and Figure 12 The secondary cover 70 rotates between the lowered and raised positions (as shown). In the lowered position, the secondary cover 70 engages the edge 30a of the product opening 30. In the raised position, the secondary cover 70 rotates upward relative to the lowered position. This rotation is generated by the sliding action of the primary cover 40 between the closed and open positions.

[0052] The secondary cover 70 includes a closing portion 72 and a control portion 73, which are arranged on opposite sides of the secondary cover 70 relative to the hinge axis y. The closing portion 72 is configured to engage the edge 30a of the product opening 30, and the control portion 73 is configured to engage between the primary cover 40 and the top housing portion 51, thereby being driven to rotate relative to the primary cover 40 during sliding movement of the primary cover 40 along the top housing portion 51. Thus, the secondary cover 70 defines a primary lever, wherein the arm defined by the closing portion 72 is significantly longer than the arm defined by the control portion 73.

[0053] Specifically, a sliding profile 53 is formed on the support surface 51a of the top housing portion 51, and this sliding profile is engaged by the control portion 73 of the secondary cover 70. The sliding profile 53 includes a main body portion 53a and a cam portion 53b, which is located at one end of the sliding profile 53 adjacent to the product opening 30. In the illustrated example, two parallel cam portions 53b are formed on corresponding ribs of the top housing portion. This arrangement is not mandatory. A slope change point 53c is formed between the main body portion 53a and the cam portion 53b, which is configured to guide the rotation of the secondary cover 70 during the sliding of the primary cover 40.

[0054] In this respect, the control portion 73 of the secondary cover 70 is provided with a curved driven profile 74 and a stepped profile 75, the curved driven profile engaging a sliding profile 53 formed on the top housing portion 51, and the stepped profile being engaged by the primary cover 40 when the primary cover 40 is in the closed position.

[0055] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, when the main cover 40 is in its closed position, the secondary cover 70 is in its lowered position, as... Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown. The control portion 73 engages between the cam portion 53b of the sliding profile 53 and the surface 45 of the main stage cover 40. More specifically, the curved driven profile 74 of the control portion 73 engages the cam portion 53b of the sliding profile 53, and the stepped profile 75 of the control portion 73 engages the surface 45 of the main stage cover 40.

[0056] As the primary cover 40 begins to move from its closed position to its open position, the control section 73 passes the slope change point 53c, and due to the arcuate trajectory of the primary cover 40, the surface 45 of the primary cover 40 approaches the sliding profile 53 of the top housing section 51. The combined effect of these two factors causes the control section 73 to engage between the sliding profile 53 and the surface 45 of the primary cover 40, thereby causing the secondary cover 70 to rotate from its lowered position to its raised position.

[0057] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the secondary cover 70 remains in its raised position until the primary cover reaches its open position.

[0058] During the movement of the primary cover 40 from the closed position to the open position, the secondary cover 70 descends into its lowered position when the control portion 73 of the secondary cover 70 reaches the slope change point 53c. Subsequently, the secondary cover 70 is locked in this position due to the engagement between the bulge defined by the cam portion 53b of the sliding profile 53 and the surface 45 of the primary cover 40.

[0059] The presence of the secondary cover 70 allows for a reduction in condensation in various parts of the machine. Furthermore, in the event of improper positioning, the secondary cover 70 can guide the sacs or pods into the container 21, thereby preventing them from being crushed or ruptured.

Claims

1. A machine for preparing a beverage from a powdered product (P) containing at least one ingredient, the machine comprising: The product processing unit (20) includes a container (21) adapted to receive the powdered product (P). Product opening (30) for directly dispensing the powdered product (P) from outside the machine into the container (21); A main stage cap (40) forms or has a handle and is manually slidable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the main stage cap (40) covers the opening and prevents entry into the container (21), and in the open position the main stage cap (40) exposes the opening. A secondary cover (70) is hinged to the primary cover (40) at a hinge axis (y), which is arranged laterally relative to the sliding direction of the primary cover (40). The secondary cover (70) is rotatable relative to the primary cover (40) between a lowered position and an raised position. In the lowered position, the secondary cover (70) engages the edge (30a) of the product opening (30). In the raised position, the secondary cover (70) rotates upward relative to the lowered position as the primary cover (40) slides between the closed position and the open position.

2. The machine according to claim 1, further comprising a top housing portion (51) on which the main stage cover (40) is slidably mounted.

3. The machine according to claim 2, wherein, The main stage cover (40) in the open position protrudes laterally beyond the edge of the top housing portion (51).

4. The machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The secondary cover (70) includes a closing portion (72) and a control portion (73) arranged on opposite sides of the secondary cover (70) relative to the hinge axis (y), wherein the closing portion (72) is configured to engage the edge (30a) of the product opening (30), and the control portion (73) is configured to engage between the main cover (40) and the top housing portion (51), thereby being driven to rotate relative to the main cover (40).

5. The machine according to claim 4, wherein, A sliding profile (53) engaged by the control portion (73) of the secondary cover (70) is formed on the top housing portion (51), and a slope change point (53c) is formed along the sliding profile (53), which is configured to guide the rotation of the secondary cover (70) during the sliding of the primary cover (40).

6. The machine according to claim 5, wherein, The control portion (73) of the secondary cover (70) is provided with a curved follower profile (74) and a stepped profile (75), the curved follower profile engaging with a sliding profile (53) formed on the top housing portion (51), and the stepped profile being configured to be engaged by the main cover (40) when the main cover (40) is in the closed position.

7. The machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The secondary cover (70) is provided with a gasket, and the secondary cover (70) engages the edge (30a) of the product opening (30) through the gasket.

8. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main cover (40) is capable of sliding along an arc-shaped trajectory between the closed position and the open position.

9. The machine according to claim 8, wherein, The main stage cover (40) in the open position is at a higher height than the main stage cover (40) in the closed position.

10. The machine according to claim 8 or 9 in conjunction with any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, Structures (62, 63, 43, 51a) are disposed between the top housing portion (51) and the main stage cover (40) to guide the main stage cover (40) between the closed portion and the open position.

11. The machine according to claim 10, wherein, The guide structure includes a pair of guide ribs (62) connected to a corresponding pair of guide grooves (63), wherein the guide ribs (62) are formed on the top housing portion (51) to project vertically from the top housing portion (51), and wherein the guide grooves (63) are formed to pass through the wall of the bottom portion (41) of the main stage cover (40).

12. The machine according to claim 11, wherein, The guide structure further includes a plurality of rollers (43) resting against the support surface (51a) of the top housing portion (51).

13. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main stage cover (40) is connected to a bistable automatic return device (71) configured to push the main stage cover (40) toward the closed position and toward the open position.

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