Beverage machine and method of forming a beverage from a beverage tablet

Abstract

A beverage machine is provided, where in some embodiments the beverage machine can be configured with a brewing chamber configured to receive a beverage tablet. The beverage machine can include a first crushing plate and a second crushing plate configured to hold, compress, and deform the beverage tablet. At least one of the first crushing plate and the second crushing plate can include a corrugated surface. At least one surface of the beverage tablet can be configured to conform to the corrugated surface of at least one of the first crushing plate and the second crushing plate.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 564,222, filed March 12, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 565,860, filed March 15, 2024, pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed embodiments relate to a beverage machine for forming a beverage from unpackaged beverage tablets, and a method for forming a beverage from unpackaged beverage tablets. Background Technology

[0004] Compacted beverage ingredient tablets can be used to form beverages. In some arrangements, these beverage tablets are mixed directly with hot water to form the beverage. In other arrangements, water is allowed to permeate through the beverage tablets to form the beverage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A beverage machine is provided for forming a beverage from beverage tablets. The beverage machine includes: a housing; a liquid supply unit configured to provide liquid for forming the beverage; and a crushing plate configured to compress and deform the beverage tablets, wherein the crushing plate includes a corrugated surface having a plurality of corrugations.

[0006] A method for deforming a beverage tablet in a beverage machine, the method comprising compressing and deforming the beverage tablet with a crushing plate of the beverage machine such that at least one surface of the beverage tablet conforms to the shape of a corrugated surface of the crushing plate.

[0007] It should be understood that the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts discussed below can be arranged in any suitable combination, as this disclosure is not limited to this aspect. Furthermore, other advantages and novel features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in different figures may be designated by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. In the figures: Figure 1 A simplified cross-sectional view of a beverage machine according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage machine's brewing chamber in an open configuration; Figure 3 It shows Figure 2A simplified cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber in a partially closed configuration; Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 The brewing chamber is in a higher position than Figure 3 The image shows a simplified cross-sectional view of the partially closed structure, closer to the closed structure. Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 The brewing chamber is in a higher position than Figure 4 The image shows a simplified cross-sectional view of the partially closed structure, closer to the closed structure. Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber in a closed configuration; Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage tablets in a compressed structure within the brewing chamber; Figure 8 It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage tablets in an expanded structure within the brewing chamber; Figure 9 It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage tablets in the dispensing structure within the brewing chamber; Figure 10 It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage tablets in a compressed configuration within the brewing chamber, wherein the beverage tablets are... Figure 7 The beverage tablets contain higher levels; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the upstream fluid system of the beverage machine according to an embodiment; Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber of the beverage machine according to an embodiment; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber, wherein the hydraulic chamber of the brewing chamber is in a filled configuration; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the brewing chamber fluid system according to an embodiment; Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a portion of the brewing chamber including the first crushing plate according to an embodiment; Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a portion of the brewing chamber including the second crushing plate according to an embodiment; Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the brewing chamber; Figure 18A yes Figure 16 A front view of a portion of the brewing chamber; Figure 18B yes Figure 15 A front view of a portion of the brewing chamber; and Figure 19 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the brewing chamber according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0009] This document relates to a beverage machine configured to form beverages using beverage tablets, such as those disclosed in the embodiments below. Many brewed beverages are typically prepared by enclosing a certain amount of loose beverage ingredient particles, such as loose coffee grounds or tea leaves, within the beverage machine. Using loose beverage ingredient particles to prepare brewed beverages can be inconvenient because it may require additional steps to measure the specific amount of beverage ingredient. Furthermore, there is a possibility of spillage of loose beverage ingredient particles during the preparation and transport of the desired amount of beverage ingredient to and from the beverage machine. In addition, many brewing machines using loose beverage ingredient particles require cleaning after each use to remove the loose particles from the machine.

[0010] Single-serve beverage pods have been implemented to mitigate some of these problems. However, these pods typically contain loose beverage ingredients in single-use packaging. Using such packaging can generate additional waste.

[0011] Therefore, the inventors recognized the benefits of providing unpackaged beverage consumables that can be used with beverage machines to form beverages. In some embodiments, the beverage consumable includes tablets comprising beverage ingredients compacted to a desired shape and density. The tablets may be at least partially surrounded by a coating. Such beverage tablets can allow for increased convenience of a single serving of beverage consumable while reducing waste.

[0012] Beverage tablets may be able to maintain their own shape, thus eliminating the need for separate packaging to prevent beverage materials from dispersing before being used to form a beverage. Beverage tablets may be configured to be received within a beverage machine without packaging, allowing the beverage tablets (e.g., beverage ingredients and / or coatings) to come into direct contact with the beverage machine (e.g., the brewing chamber) during brewing, without requiring the beverage machine to puncture or otherwise open the packaging to access the beverage ingredients.

[0013] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet comprises a solid body that includes beverage ingredients. For example, one or more beverage ingredients of the beverage tablet may be formed into a solid body by any of a variety of suitable methods for making a rigid body from one or more beverage ingredients.

[0014] In some embodiments, unpackaged beverage consumables (e.g., beverage tablets) may include a coating disposed along at least a portion of the outer surface of the consumable's periphery. In some embodiments, the coating may bind the beverage ingredient within the consumable. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredient held within the coating may be loose, such as loosely ground coffee, or may be compacted. The coating may be a food-grade binder, alginate, edible, soluble, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the coating may act as a barrier to reduce oxygen and / or moisture permeation, thereby maintaining the freshness of the beverage ingredient. The material of the unpackaged beverage consumable, if present, including the coating of the consumable, may come into direct contact with a portion of the beverage machine, such as the brewing chamber, prior to brewing the beverage, without intermediate packaging.

[0015] In some embodiments, beverage tablets can be formed in a variety of sizes, and the beverage machine can be capable of receiving beverage tablets of various sizes and forming beverages therefrom. In some embodiments, the beverage machine can be configured to form different types of brewed beverages (e.g., espresso, double espresso, drip coffee, iced coffee, etc.) from beverage tablets of different sizes. For example, smaller beverage tablets can be configured to form espresso, while larger beverage tablets can be configured to form drip coffee, and even larger beverage tablets can be used to form iced coffee. In some embodiments, beverage tablets can be generally cylindrical, and different sizes of beverage tablets can be formed by varying the height of the beverage tablets. In some embodiments, beverage tablets can have generally flat end faces. In some embodiments, beverage tablets can have domed end faces.

[0016] In some embodiments, the beverage machine may include a brewing chamber configured to receive a beverage tablet in an open configuration and move into a closed configuration, wherein, in the closed configuration, beverage material inside the beverage tablet is mixed with water from a liquid supply unit to form a beverage. The brewing chamber may be configured to receive beverage tablets of varying heights.

[0017] In some embodiments, for the purpose of forming a beverage, a beverage tablet may be crushed by a crushing plate in a brewing chamber of a brewing chamber. In some embodiments, the brewing chamber may include a first crushing plate and a second crushing plate, and the beverage tablet may be received between the first and second crushing plates in the brewing chamber of the brewing chamber. In some embodiments, the second crushing plate may include a corrugated surface. The corrugated surface may extend radially from the center of the second crushing plate to its edge. Each corrugation of the corrugated surface may taper such that the width of each corrugation widens as the corrugation extends from the center of the second crushing plate to its edge. In some embodiments, the second crushing plate may taper such that the central region of the crushing plate protrudes further than the outer edge of the crushing plate. In some cases, the central region of the crushing plate may extend further toward the first crushing plate than the edge of the second crushing plate. In some embodiments, as the beverage tablet deforms (as discussed further below), the surface of the beverage tablet is configured to conform to the shape of the corrugated surface of the second crushing plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, water may be delivered to the brewing chamber via a pre-wetting flow path to pre-wet the beverage tablet. Pre-wetting the beverage tablet softens the coating of the beverage tablet. After the beverage tablet is pre-wetted, water may be discharged from the brewing chamber into the disposal unit. Water may then be pumped into a hydraulic chamber adjacent to the brewing chamber via a hydraulic chamber flow path. As water is pumped into the hydraulic chamber, the chamber expands to contain the water. The wall of the brewing chamber is operatively connected to a second crushing plate such that, as the hydraulic chamber is filled, the wall and the second crushing plate are pushed toward a first crushing plate. The movement of the second crushing plate toward the first crushing plate compresses and deforms the beverage tablet between the first and second crushing plates. In some embodiments, as the beverage tablet is compressed and deformed, the beverage material body within the beverage tablet breaks and fragments into smaller pieces. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the beverage tablet may have a coating that contains the fragments of the broken tablet within an enclosed space, preventing the tablet fragments from dispersing into the brewing chamber. In some embodiments, an inlet puncture mechanism (e.g., an inlet puncture needle) may puncture the beverage tablet as it is compressed and deformed. Water can then be pumped into the beverage tablets through the inlet needle and mixed with the beverage ingredients to form a beverage.

[0019] In some embodiments, the pre-wetting flow path, the hydraulic chamber flow path, and the inlet needle flow path may branch upstream of the brewing chamber and the hydraulic chamber. In some embodiments, the flow between the flow paths is controlled by an actively or passively controlled check valve, or by a combination of a controllable check valve (e.g., a solenoid check valve, an electric ball valve, etc.) and a passive check valve. In some embodiments, the flow along the pre-wetting flow path is controlled via a controllable check valve, while the flow along the hydraulic chamber flow path and the inlet needle flow path is controlled via passive check valves located on their respective flow paths. In some embodiments, the check valve on the hydraulic chamber flow path has a lower opening pressure than the check valve on the inlet needle flow path.

[0020] In some embodiments, introducing water into the beverage tablet causes the tablet to expand until it contacts an outlet puncture mechanism (e.g., an outlet puncture needle), which then punctures the tablet and allows the beverage to exit. The outlet puncture mechanism may be fluidly connected to a brewing chamber outlet, allowing the beverage to exit the brewing chamber. In other embodiments, the outlet puncture mechanism may contact the tablet simultaneously with an inlet puncture mechanism. In still other embodiments, the outlet puncture mechanism may contact the tablet after the inlet puncture mechanism but before the tablet expands.

[0021] In some embodiments, the brewing chamber outlet may be fluidly connected to a high-pressure outlet flow path and a low-pressure outlet flow path, the outlet flow paths being configured to provide variable brewing pressures for forming different types of brewed beverages (e.g., espresso, drip coffee, etc.) requiring different brewing pressures. In some embodiments, the high-pressure flow path may include a valve configured to generate sufficient brewing pressure to allow for milk foam formation. In some embodiments, the low-pressure outlet flow path may include a valve. In some embodiments, the high-pressure flow path check valve is a passive valve, and the low-pressure flow path valve is a controllable valve. When the low-pressure valve is open, the beverage is directed along the low-pressure flow path to the dispensing outlet, resulting in a beverage formed at a lower brewing pressure. When the low-pressure valve is closed, the beverage is directed along the high-pressure outlet flow path to the dispensing outlet, resulting in a beverage formed at a higher brewing pressure.

[0022] In some embodiments, the beverage machine may be configured to automatically discharge beverage tablets from the brewing chamber after the brewing operation is complete. In some embodiments, a second brewing chamber section may be translated away from the first brewing chamber section, exposing an opening beneath the brewing chamber. Used beverage tablets may fall through the opening into a disposal unit.

[0023] In some embodiments, the beverage machine may include an upstream fluid system configured to regulate and deliver water to the brewing chamber fluid system. The upstream fluid system may be capable of delivering water at different parameters, such as pressure, temperature, volume, etc. In some embodiments, the beverage machine may include a sensor system configured to detect the physical dimensions of the beverage tablets, such as height. Based on the detected physical dimensions, a controller for the upstream fluid system may subsequently display certain associated options and / or control parameters of the water delivered to the brewing chamber on a user interface.

[0024] Turning to the accompanying drawings, specific non-limiting embodiments are described in more detail. It should be understood that the various systems, components, features, and methods described with respect to these embodiments may be used individually and / or in any desired combination, as this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0025] Brewing chamber structure and operation

[0026] Figure 1A simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage machine according to an embodiment in an open configuration is shown. As described above, the beverage machine 100 is expected to be able to form a beverage from beverage tablets composed of compressed beverage material, as such beverage tablets are more convenient than loose beverage material but require less packaging than conventional beverage cans. The beverage machine 100 may include a brewing chamber 200 configured to receive beverage tablets 400 and to form a beverage using the beverage tablets 400. As will be discussed below, the brewing chamber 200 may be configured to receive beverage tablets in an open configuration and to form a beverage in a closed configuration. The beverage machine 100 may also include an upstream fluid system 300 configured to regulate and deliver water from a liquid supply unit 302 to operate the brewing chamber 200 and mix with the beverage material in the beverage tablets 400 to form a beverage. In some embodiments, the brewing chamber 200 and the upstream fluid system 300 may be at least partially contained within the housing 108.

[0027] In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 may include a lid 102. The lid 102 may be configured to move between an open position and a closed position, in which beverage tablets can be placed into the brewing chamber 200, and in a closed position, the brewing chamber 200 is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, when the lid is in the closed position, the brewing chamber 200 is completely enclosed within the housing 108. In some embodiments, the lid 102 is operatively connected to the brewing chamber 200 via a linkage such that moving the lid from the open position to the closed position moves the brewing chamber 200 between the open and closed configurations.

[0028] In some embodiments, the imaging device 104 may be disposed on the cap 102 and configured to image a portion of the beverage tablet 400. This portion of the beverage tablet 400 may include surface markings configured to be read by the controller 301 and interpreted as corresponding to the type of the beverage tablet 400 (e.g., size, degree of roasting, etc.). The controller 301 may then present brewing parameter options (e.g., volume, brewing pressure, brewing intensity, brewing temperature) to the user on the user interface 110, and / or otherwise control the upstream fluid system based on the detected beverage tablet type.

[0029] In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 may include a dispensing flow path 106 configured to receive a beverage from the brewing chamber 200 and allow the beverage to exit the housing 108 through a dispensing outlet located at the end of the dispensing flow path 106. In some embodiments, the dispensing flow path 106 may include various regulating chambers configured to regulate various fluid parameters of the beverage (e.g., temperature, turbulence, flow rate, etc.) prior to dispensing the beverage.

[0030] As described above, the beverage tablet 400 may include a body 402 formed of compacted beverage material. The body 402 may be generally cylindrical, having a first end 406 and a second end 408. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the ends of the beverage tablet 400 may be substantially identical, such that either end can be the first end 406 or the second end 408. In some embodiments, the first end and / or the second end is domed. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet 400 includes at least one coating 404 configured to at least partially encapsulate the body 402. The coating 404 may be configured to soften upon wetting, allowing the coating to stretch without tearing or breaking.

[0031] Figures 2-6 A simplified cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber in its various closed stages is shown. In some embodiments, it is desirable for the brewing chamber 200 to receive the beverage tablet 400 (e.g., ...) in a vertical orientation. Figure 2 (as shown), then the beverage tablet 400 is rotated to a horizontal orientation to perform the brewing operation (as shown). Figure 6 (As shown). This configuration allows the imaging device 104 to capture an image of the surface markings on the first end 406 or the second end 408 when the beverage tablet is first received into the brewing chamber. This configuration also ensures proper positioning and alignment of the beverage tablet during the brewing operation. In some embodiments, this configuration allows compressive forces on the beverage tablet to be redirected away from the cap 102, thus avoiding the need for the cap 102 to be sufficiently robust to resist these compressive forces.

[0032] The brewing chamber 200 may include a first brewing chamber section 202 and a second brewing chamber section 204. The brewing chamber 200 may have an open configuration, wherein the first brewing chamber section 202 is disconnected from the second brewing chamber section 204; and a closed configuration, wherein the first brewing chamber section 202 is connected to the second brewing chamber section 204 to form a closed brewing chamber volume 201, such as... Figure 6 As shown.

[0033] The first brewing chamber section 202 is rotatably disposed in the housing 108, such that as the brewing chamber moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the first brewing chamber section 202 moves from the first vertical facing position ( Figure 2 Rotate to the second horizontal facing position ( Figure 6 In some embodiments, the first brewing chamber section is rotatable approximately 90° between a first position and a second position. The second brewing chamber section 204 is slidably disposed within the housing 108 such that as the brewing chamber moves from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the second brewing chamber section 204 moves from a retracted position (…). Figure 2 ) translate to the extended position ( Figure 6 ).

[0034] The first brewing chamber section 202 may include a first crushing plate 206 configured to receive a beverage tablet 400 in a generally vertical orientation when the first brewing chamber section 202 is in a vertically facing position. In some embodiments, the first crushing plate 206 may be an annular surface configured to contact the periphery of a first end 406 of the beverage tablet 400. The second brewing chamber section 204 may include a plunger assembly 205, a rear wall 208, and a side wall 210. The plunger assembly 205 is slidably disposed within the second brewing chamber section such that the plunger assembly is slidable relative to the rear wall and the side wall. The plunger assembly may include a plunger 212 having a plunger head 214 and a plunger rod 216, a second crushing plate 207 operatively connected to the plunger head 214, and a spring 218 connecting the plunger rod 216 to the rear wall 208.

[0035] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, as the first brewing chamber section 202 rotates, the second brewing chamber section 204 translates toward the extended position. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first brewing chamber segment 202 begins to rotate before the second brewing chamber segment begins to translate. In some embodiments, the second brewing chamber segment 202 begins to translate immediately when the first brewing chamber segment begins to rotate. As the first brewing chamber segment 202 rotates from a vertically facing position to a horizontally facing position, the gripper 220 can contact the beverage tablet 400 to hold the beverage tablet 400 against the first crushing plate 206. Therefore, as the first brewing chamber segment rotates from a first vertically facing position to a second horizontally facing position, the beverage tablet 400 also rotates from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the horizontal orientation of the beverage tablet is approximately perpendicular to the vertical orientation of the beverage tablet.

[0036] As described above, it is desirable that the beverage machine 100 be configured to accept beverage tablets of different volumes to allow for greater flexibility in beverage parameters such as volume or brewing intensity. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet 400 may therefore be scaled along its height H. This allows for an increase in the volume of the beverage tablet 400 while maintaining the same surface area at the first end 406 and the second end 408. This allows the beverage tablet 400 to align with the first crushing plate 206 and be gripped by the gripper 220, regardless of the height (and therefore size) of the inserted beverage tablet 400.

[0037] like Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the first brewing chamber section 202 reaches a horizontally oriented position before the second brewing chamber section 204 reaches an extended position. When or after the first brewing chamber section 202 reaches the horizontally oriented position, the second crushing plate 207 contacts the second end 408 of the beverage tablet 400. As the second brewing chamber section 204 continues to translate toward the extended position, the plunger assembly 205 stops translating due to the contact between the second crushing plate 207 and the second end 408. Because the rear wall 208 continues to translate toward the extended position, the spring 218 is compressed between the rear wall 208 and the plunger rod 216. The spring 218 thus pushes the second crushing plate 207 against the second end 408 of the beverage tablet, causing a compressive force to be applied to the beverage tablet 400 due to the contact between the first crushing plate 206 and the second crushing plate 207. The compressive force is sufficient to hold the beverage tablet 400 between the first crushing plate 206 and the second crushing plate 207, but insufficient to significantly deform the beverage tablet. Because shorter beverage tablets result in less compression of the spring 218 compared to taller beverage tablets, the spring 218 can have mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness and length) sufficient to allow the insertion of beverage tablets of different heights. The mechanical properties of the spring 218 can be selected such that the shortest desired beverage tablet is held between the first and second crushing plates with sufficient force, and that the tallest desired beverage tablet is not held with a compressive force sufficient to significantly deform the beverage tablet.

[0038] In some embodiments, once the beverage tablet is held against the first crushing plate 206 by the second crushing plate 207, the gripper 220 can be released from the beverage tablet 400. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the sidewall 210 can push the gripper 220 away from the beverage tablet 400 and out of the brewing chamber 200. The gripper 220 can be configured to lock in the gripper open position, such that the gripper 220 is prevented from moving back toward the beverage tablet 400 until the brewing chamber 200 moves back toward the open position.

[0039] The second brewing chamber section 204 then slides to its fully extended position, wherein the sidewall 210 contacts the sealing ring 211 on the first brewing chamber section, producing a... Figure 6 The enclosed brewing chamber shown has a volume of 201.

[0040] As the brewing chamber moves to the closed configuration, the beverage tablet 400 is held by the gripper or by the crushing plate against the first crushing plate, so that in the closed configuration the beverage tablet 400 is approximately centered inside the brewing chamber 200, such that approximately equal gaps G extend along the entire outer perimeter of the beverage tablet 400 from the outer perimeter of the beverage tablet 400 to the inner perimeter of the sidewall 210.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first brewing chamber section 202 includes a brewing chamber outlet 222 configured to connect to the dispensing flow path 106 when the first brewing chamber section 202 is in a horizontally oriented position and to disconnect from the dispensing flow path 106 when the first brewing chamber section 202 is not in a horizontally oriented position. This configuration allows the brewing chamber 200 to connect to the dispensing flow path 106 without requiring flexible tubing or other curved channel structures. In some embodiments, a sealing gasket may be positioned between the brewing chamber outlet 222 and the dispensing flow path 106 to prevent beverage leakage.

[0042] Figures 6-9 A simplified cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber 200 at various stages of the brewing operation is shown. In some embodiments, as will be further discussed below, the beverage machine 100 may include a brewing chamber fluid system 500. The brewing chamber fluid system 500 may be configured to control the flow of water throughout the brewing chamber 200 to perform various aspects of the brewing operation.

[0043] Once the brewing chamber 200 is in the closed configuration, the beverage tablet 400 can be pre-wetted. Pre-wetting the beverage tablet allows the coating 404 of the beverage tablet 400 to soften, allowing the coating 404 to be punctured and stretched without cracking or breaking.

[0044] To pre-wet the tablets, water is introduced into the brewing chamber 200. In some embodiments, water is introduced into the brewing chamber 200 through an inlet puncture needle 232. In other embodiments, water is introduced into the brewing chamber 200 through different inlets. In some embodiments, the sidewall 210 includes an vent 246 disposed in the upper portion of the sidewall 210, wherein the vent is configured to open when water is introduced into the brewing chamber 200. Such an vent 246 allows ambient air in the brewing chamber 200 to escape from the brewing chamber and allows liquid to flow into the brewing chamber. The beverage tablets 400 are then steeped for a suitable amount of time. In some embodiments, the suitable amount of time is 1-5 seconds. The water is then at least partially discharged from the brewing chamber via a drain 248 disposed in the lower portion of the sidewall 210. In some embodiments, the drain leads to a disposal unit. In some embodiments, as further discussed below, water is introduced into and discharged from the brewing chamber 200 via a brewing chamber fluid system 500.

[0045] Once the beverage tablet is pre-wetted, the plunger 212 is configured to move toward the beverage tablet. This causes the first crushing plate 206 and the second crushing plate 207 to apply compressive force to the beverage tablet 400 and deform the beverage tablet 400, as... Figure 7 As shown. In some embodiments, during the deformation of the beverage tablet 400, the vent 246 and the discharge portion 248 are opened to allow any remaining pre-wetted water to leave the brewing chamber 200.

[0046] In some embodiments, hydraulic pressure can be used to actuate the plunger 212. Water can be pumped into a hydraulic chamber 226 between the plunger head 214 and the hydraulic wall 228. The water expands the size of the hydraulic chamber 226 by pushing the plunger 212 toward the beverage tablet 400. In some embodiments, as further discussed below, the brewing chamber fluid system 500 may be configured to supply water to the hydraulic chamber 226. However, any suitable mechanism is contemplated for actuating the plunger, such as a motor.

[0047] In some embodiments, as the beverage tablet 400 deforms, the diameter / width of the beverage tablet increases over at least a portion of the tablet, reducing the gap G between the outer perimeter of the beverage tablet and the inner perimeter of the sidewall 210. In some embodiments, as the beverage tablet deforms, the first end 406 conforms to the shape of the first crushing plate 206 and / or the second end 408 conforms to the shape of the second crushing plate 207, sealing the beverage tablet against the first crushing plate 206 and / or the second crushing plate 207. Further details regarding the crushing plates 206 and 207 will be discussed further below.

[0048] The inlet puncture needle 232 is coupled to move together with the plunger head 214 and with the opening 213 in the second crushing plate 207 (see Figure 16 Alignment. In some embodiments, initially, as Figures 1-6 As shown, the inlet puncture needle 232 does not pass through the opening in the second crushing plate 207 because the spring 230 biases the plunger head 214 away from the second crushing plate 207. Therefore, in some embodiments, the inlet puncture needle 232 is not exposed in the brewing chamber and does not contact the beverage tablet before it deforms. Instead, the inlet puncture needle 232 is positioned behind the second crushing plate 207. As the beverage tablet 400 deforms, the force applied by the plunger 212 is sufficient to compress the spring 230 between the second crushing plate 207 and the plunger head 214. This causes the plunger head 214 to move toward the second crushing plate 207 as the beverage tablet 400 deforms, exposing the inlet puncture needle 232. In an alternative embodiment, the inlet puncture needle 323 may always be positioned above the surface of the second crushing plate 207. Further details regarding the inlet puncture needle will be discussed below.

[0049] The inlet puncture needle 232 then completely pierces the coating 404 at the second end 406 and enters the body 402 of the beverage tablet 400. In some embodiments, the inlet puncture needle 232 is a hollow needle fluidly connected to an upstream fluid system 300. In some embodiments, the outlet puncture needle 234 may partially pierce the beverage tablet 400 when it deforms.

[0050] In some embodiments, water is then introduced into the beverage tablet 400 through the inlet puncture needle 232. This allows the water to contact the beverage material inside the beverage tablet and form a beverage. It also causes the beverage tablet 400 to expand as water is pushed into it, as... Figure 8 As shown. The beverage tablet expands until the first end contacts the outlet puncture needle 234. The outlet puncture needle 234 then punctures the beverage tablet, allowing the beverage to exit the brewing chamber 200 via the brewing chamber outlet 222 and flow along the dispensing flow path 106 to exit the housing 108. In some embodiments, as further discussed below, water is introduced into the beverage tablet 400 via the brewing chamber fluid system 500.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, as the beverage tablet 400 expands, a portion of the first end 406 expands into the recess 252 of the first crushing plate 206, conforming to the shape of the first crushing plate 206. Therefore, this portion of the first end 406 can have a smaller diameter than the portion of the beverage tablet 400 that does not expand into the recess 252. Figure 9 As shown, it illustrates the expulsion of a beverage tablet after brewing, the resulting beverage tablet potentially having a stepped descending portion 405 with a diameter smaller than the remainder of the body 407. In some embodiments, a baffle 236 configured to selectively cover the outlet puncture needle 234 may be included. Such a baffle can reduce the likelihood of a user being punctured while loading the beverage tablet into the beverage machine (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown). Furthermore, in some embodiments, such a baffle can increase the back pressure in the beverage tablet 400 during brewing, because the pressure in the beverage tablet 400 must be sufficient to push the baffle 236 and expose the outlet puncture needle 234. The baffle may include a spring 238 configured to bias the baffle in an expansion configuration, in which the baffle 236 covers the outlet puncture needle 234. As the beverage tablet 400 expands, the spring 238 is compressed and the baffle 236 is pushed toward the compression configuration, exposing the outlet puncture needle 234. Further details regarding the outlet puncture needle 234 will be discussed below.

[0052] like Figure 9As shown, in some embodiments, it is desirable to automatically eject the beverage tablet 400 from the brewing chamber 200 without any user interaction once the brewing operation is complete. For example, in embodiments where the cap 102 is coupled to the brewing chamber 200, as described above, it is desirable to eject the beverage tablet 400 from the brewing chamber 200 without needing to actuate the cap back to the open position. Therefore, the hydraulic chamber 226 can be discharged (as discussed further below), and the second brewing chamber section 204 can be disengaged from the linkage connecting the second brewing chamber section 204 to the remainder of the brewing chamber 200 and / or the cap 102. In some embodiments, a solenoid is used to disconnect the second brewing chamber section. The second brewing chamber section 204 can then be moved toward a retracted position (e.g., via a bias spring). As the brewing chamber section retracts, the compressive force on the beverage tablet is removed, and the opening 240 is exposed below the brewing chamber 200. As described above, the gripper 220 can remain in a locked position until the brewing chamber 200 moves toward the open position, thus preventing the gripper 220 from re-gripping the beverage tablet 400. The spring 238 can then push the baffle 236 toward the expansion configuration, dislodging the beverage tablet 400 from the outlet puncture needle 234 and away from the first brewing chamber section, toward the opening 240. Alternatively or additionally, the spring 230 can push the second crushing plate 207 toward the expansion configuration, dislodging the beverage tablet from the inlet puncture needle 232 and away from the second brewing chamber section, toward the opening. The beverage tablet 400 then falls through the opening 240 into the disposal unit 250. In some embodiments, the disposal unit is the same unit that drains water from the brewing chamber during pre-wetting operations and / or drains water from the gap after the brewing operation is completed.

[0053] Once the rest of the brewing chamber 200 moves back to the open configuration, for example by moving the lid 102 from the closed position to the open position, the second brewing chamber section 204 can be reconnected to the linkage, allowing the brewing chamber to be reset for another brewing operation.

[0054] Sensor system for tablet size detection

[0055] As described above, in some embodiments, the beverage tablet 400 may scale along a height H, and the beverage machine 100 may be configured to form a beverage using beverage tablets 400 with different heights. In some embodiments, it is desirable to control the upstream fluid system 300 to deliver water to the brewing chamber fluid system 500 with different flow parameters (e.g., volume, pressure, etc.) and / or control the brewing chamber fluid system 500 to deliver water along different flow paths, depending on the height of the inserted beverage tablet 400. Therefore, it is desirable for the beverage machine 100 to be configured to identify which beverage tablet is placed in the beverage machine in order to control the upstream fluid system 300 and / or the brewing chamber fluid system 500 accordingly.

[0056] While the imaging device 104 may be configured to identify the height of beverage tablets, it is desirable to have an additional sensor system 241 configured to measure the height of beverage tablets as a backup (e.g., if the markings on the beverage tablets are removed or not read by the imaging device), or as a two-step verification of the height of the beverage tablets. Figure 7 The sensor system 241 is shown detecting shorter beverage tablets. Figure 10 The sensor system 241 is shown detecting higher levels of beverage tablets.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second brewing chamber section 204 may include a microswitch 242 and a trigger 244. One of the microswitch 242 or the trigger 244 may be disposed on the sidewall 210 or on some other portion of the second brewing chamber section 204, and the other of the microswitch 242 or the trigger 244 may be disposed on the plunger 212. As the beverage tablet 400 deforms, the trigger 244... Figure 7 In this embodiment, it is coupled to plunger 212 to move together with the plunger toward microswitch 242. If a shorter beverage tablet 400 is in the brewing chamber, such as... Figure 7 As shown, trigger 244 will contact and activate the microswitch, which will send a signal to controller 301 indicating that the shorter beverage tablet is in beverage machine 100. If the taller beverage tablet 400 is in the brewing chamber, such as... Figure 10 As shown, trigger 244 will not trigger the microswitch, and controller 301 will subsequently interpret the lack of a signal received from microswitch 242 as a detection of the presence of a higher beverage tablet 400. In some embodiments, sensor system 241 may be configured such that microswitch 242 is triggered by a higher beverage tablet but not by a smaller beverage tablet.

[0058] While the aforementioned microswitch and trigger system can only distinguish between two different beverage tablet heights, it is desirable to detect more than two heights. Therefore, in some embodiments, the microswitch 242 can be replaced by a different sensor, such as a potentiometer. The potentiometer can be connected to the plunger 212 such that the plunger 212 can adjust the resistance of the potentiometer according to the position of the plunger 212. This change in resistance can then be interpreted as position by the controller.

[0059] Of course, any suitable mechanism for detecting the position of plunger 212 can be used. For example, if a motor is used to drive plunger 212 against beverage tablet 400, the motor position can be monitored to determine the plunger position. Alternatively, the volume of water entering hydraulic chamber 226 can be monitored (e.g., by measuring the pump speed of pump 312 in upstream fluid system 300). Alternatively, a Hall effect sensor or any other suitable position sensing system can be used, as this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0060] Upstream fluid system

[0061] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the upstream fluid system 300 of a beverage machine in an illustrative embodiment. As described above, the beverage machine 100 may include an upstream fluid system 300 located upstream of the brewing chamber 200. The upstream fluid system 300 may be configured to regulate and deliver liquid from the liquid supply unit 302 to the brewing chamber fluid system 500, which may then deliver the liquid to various components of the brewing chamber 200. The upstream fluid system 300 may include, for example, a liquid supply unit, a liquid heater, a pump, and valves. The beverage machine 100 may include a controller 301 configured to receive user input from the user interface 110 and control the upstream fluid system 300 to deliver liquid to the brewing chamber fluid system 500 with desired brewing parameters (e.g., temperature, volume, flow rate, etc.). The controller 301 may also be used to control various controllable valves (e.g., solenoid valves, electric ball valves, etc.) in the brewing chamber fluid system 500 to guide fluid flow along various flow paths, as discussed further below.

[0062] The upstream fluid system 300 may include a liquid supply unit 302, such as a cold water tank. Typically, the liquid supply unit may include a reservoir configured to hold liquid. The water level in the cold water tank may be monitored by a sensor 304. If the sensor 304 detects insufficient water in the cold water tank, the sensor may send a signal to the user interface 110 to warn the user. Water from the cold water tank may pass through a filter 308 and a check valve 310 before being pumped into the hot water tank 314 by pump 312. The water may be heated within the hot water tank 314 (e.g., via a heating element inside the hot water tank 314), and / or may be heated as it travels along the path to the hot water tank 314 (e.g., via an in-line heater). An air pump 322 may be connected to the hot water tank 314 to introduce air into the hot water tank 314 for delivering hot water to the brewing chamber, and for purging water and / or beverages from the fluid system of the hot water tank and the brewing chamber. The beverage machine may include a pressure relief valve 316 that can be connected to a pressure transducer 318 that monitors pressure levels. If the pressure transducer determines that the pressure level is too high, the pressure relief valve can reduce the pressure level through vent 320. In some embodiments, vent 320 is passive and uncontrollable. In embodiments where the vent is controllable, the vent can be directly connected to the hot water tank.

[0063] While the above embodiments of the upstream fluid system 300 disclose that pump 312 delivers water to hot water tank 314 and a separate air pump 322 moves water from hot water tank 314 and through brewing chamber fluid system 500, it is contemplated that a single pump could move water throughout the entire upstream fluid system 300 and through brewing chamber fluid system 500. It should be understood that the upstream fluid system 300 disclosed in the above embodiments is merely exemplary, and any upstream fluid system configured to regulate and / or deliver liquid and / or air to the brewing chamber can be used.

[0064] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to deliver unheated water to the brewing chamber fluid system 500, for example, to pre-wet beverage tablets or operate a hydraulic system. The upstream fluid system 300 may include a bypass valve 324 between the pump 312 and the hot water tank 314. In some embodiments, the bypass valve 324 may be controlled by a controller. In other embodiments, the bypass valve 324 may be passive. In some embodiments, the upstream fluid system 300 may not include the bypass valve 324, and heated water may be used for pre-wetting beverage tablets and / or operating a hydraulic system.

[0065] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to use sensor system 241 to detect the height H of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the controller may control the upstream fluid system to deliver water to the brewing chamber fluid system 500 with parameters (e.g., pressure, volume, etc.) based on the detected height, and / or control the brewing chamber fluid system to deliver water along different flow paths. In some embodiments, the controller may present various options (e.g., beverage volume options) to the user based on the detected height H.

[0066] The beverage machine 100 may include a user interface 110 to allow a user to control the beverage machine. The user interface may include one or more of the following: a display, one or more buttons, and one or more indicator lights. The user can provide commands to the beverage machine through the user interface 110, for example, by pressing a button or touching a touchscreen. The beverage machine may activate a beverage forming cycle in response to commands from the user, or may perform various other functions. For example, a beverage with a first set of brewing parameters (e.g., temperature, volume, strength, etc.) may be formed by the beverage machine 100 in response to the user inputting a first set of commands through the user interface, and a beverage with a second set of brewing parameters may be formed by the beverage machine 100 in response to the user inputting a second set of commands through the user interface. Information may be conveyed to the user through the display or indicator lights of the user interface.

[0067] It should be understood that the user interface may include any number or combination of the components described above, or any other suitable components. In some embodiments, the user interface may consist of only a single touchscreen that both receives commands from the user and conveys information to the user. In other embodiments, the user interface may include multiple buttons and multiple indicator lights. The user interface may include knobs, scroll wheels, mechanical switches, microphones, touch sensors, light sensors, or any other suitable components configured to receive input from the user. Furthermore, the user interface may include a display, lights, speakers, haptic devices, or any other suitable components configured to provide information to the user.

[0068] Brewing chamber fluid system

[0069] As described above, in some embodiments, the beverage machine may have a brewing chamber fluid system configured to receive water from an upstream fluid system and control the flow of water to various components of the brewing chamber 200 to perform various steps in forming a beverage (e.g., pre-wetting beverage tablets, compressing and deforming beverage tablets, delivering water into the beverage tablets to form a beverage, and dispensing the beverage from a dispensing outlet). Figure 12 and Figure 13 An embodiment of a brewing chamber 200 is shown, having an inlet and an outlet configured to connect the brewing chamber 200 to a brewing chamber fluid system 500. Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the brewing chamber fluid system 500 is shown. It should be understood that... Figures 12-14 The brewing chamber structure shown and described herein can be incorporated into Figures 1-11 The foregoing embodiments shown are illustrated. It should also be understood that... Figures 1-11 The features of the illustrated embodiment can be incorporated into Figures 12-14 In some embodiments. For example. Figures 1-11 The aforementioned rotating brewing chamber section arrangement and / or gripper can be used for Figures 12-14 In the arrangement.

[0070] Pump 312 and / or air pump 322 may be configured to deliver water from upstream fluid system 300 to brewing chamber fluid system 500. In some embodiments, the brewing chamber fluid system may subsequently be divided into multiple flow paths.

[0071] In some embodiments, the brewing chamber fluid system may include a pre-humidification flow path 501. The pre-humidification flow path 501 may be fluidly connected to a brewing chamber inlet 512 and may be configured to deliver water into the brewing chamber 200 during pre-humidification of the beverage tablet 400. The pre-humidification flow path 501 may include a pre-humidification valve 502. The pre-humidification valve 502 may be a controllable valve, such as a solenoid valve or an electric ball valve. When the pre-humidification valve 502 is closed, it prevents liquid from flowing to the brewing chamber inlet 512. When the pre-humidification valve 502 is open, it allows liquid to flow to the brewing chamber inlet 512.

[0072] In some embodiments, the brewing chamber fluid system may include an inlet needle flow path 503. The inlet needle flow path 503 may be fluidly connected to a needle inlet 518 and may be configured to deliver water through the inlet needle into the beverage tablet during beverage formation. The inlet needle flow path 503 may include an inlet needle valve 504. In some embodiments, the inlet needle valve is a controllable valve. In some embodiments, the inlet needle valve is a passive valve having a preset opening pressure. The inlet needle valve may have a higher opening pressure than the pre-humidification valve 502 when the pre-humidification valve 502 is open. In some embodiments, the inlet needle valve 504 has an opening pressure between 50 psi and 100 psi, although any suitable opening pressure is contemplated.

[0073] In some embodiments, the pre-wetting flow path 501 can fluidly connect a portion of the inlet needle flow path 503 upstream of the inlet needle valve 504 to a portion of the inlet needle flow path 503 downstream of the inlet needle valve 504. In this way, the pre-wetting flow path can be used as a bypass to the inlet needle check valve 504, wherein the pre-wetting valve 502 allows or prevents the bypass of the inlet needle valve 504. In these embodiments, water can be delivered through the inlet needle 232 to pre-wet the beverage tablet.

[0074] In some embodiments, the brewing chamber fluid system may include a hydraulic chamber flow path 505. The hydraulic chamber flow path 505 may be fluidly connected to a hydraulic chamber inlet 516 and may be configured to deliver liquid to the hydraulic chamber to compress and deform beverage tablets. The hydraulic flow path 505 may include a hydraulic chamber valve 506. In some embodiments, the hydraulic chamber valve is a controllable valve. In some embodiments, the hydraulic chamber valve is a passive valve with a preset opening pressure. The hydraulic chamber valve 506 may have an opening pressure higher than the pre-wetting valve 502, but lower than the inlet needle valve 504. In some embodiments, the hydraulic chamber valve 506 has an opening pressure between 15 psi and 35 psi, although any suitable opening pressure is contemplated.

[0075] In some embodiments, for example Figure 14 In the embodiments shown and discussed below, the brewing chamber fluid system may include all three: a pre-wetting flow path, an inlet needle flow path, and a hydraulic chamber flow path. However, in other embodiments, the pre-wetting flow path is not included, and only the inlet needle flow path and the hydraulic chamber flow path are included. In still other embodiments, the hydraulic chamber flow path is not included, and only the pre-wetting flow path and the inlet needle flow path are included.

[0076] When liquid is initially delivered from upstream fluid system 300 to brewing chamber fluid system 500, it flows along all three flow paths 501, 503, and 505 until it reaches valves 502, 504, and 506. During the pre-humidification phase, pre-humidification valve 502 is open. Therefore, liquid flows along pre-humidification flow path 501, through pre-humidification inlet 512, and into brewing chamber 200. In some embodiments, liquid may be delivered to brewing chamber 200 in a steady flow. In some embodiments, liquid is delivered to brewing chamber 200 in a series of pulses. In some embodiments, 1-3 pulses are used to deliver liquid to brewing chamber 200. In some embodiments, delivering liquid to brewing chamber 200 during pre-humidification allows the liquid to mix with ambient air in the brewing chamber, compressing the ambient air and increasing the internal pressure in the brewing chamber. During or after pre-humidification, pre-humidification valve 502 closes to prevent further liquid flow through pre-humidification flow path 501. In some embodiments, once pre-wetting is complete, the beverage machine may have a chamber drain valve 507 that subsequently opens to allow liquid in the brewing chamber to drain into the disposal unit 250. In some embodiments, the chamber drain valve 507 is a passive valve that opens at a pressure higher than ambient pressure, such that the liquid in the brewing chamber 200 must be above ambient pressure to flow through the chamber drain valve when it is open.

[0077] Once the prehumidification valve 502 is closed, pressure builds up in the flow paths 501, 503, and 505 upstream of valves 502, 504, and 506 until the pressure in the hydraulic chamber flow path 505 reaches the opening pressure of the hydraulic chamber valve 506, opening the hydraulic chamber valve and allowing water to flow into the hydraulic chamber 226 through the hydraulic chamber inlet 516. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the hydraulic chamber valve 506 is a controllable valve and opens once the prehumidification operation is complete. In some embodiments, water is mixed with ambient air in the hydraulic chamber to form an air / water mixture in the hydraulic chamber. Figures 12-13 As shown, as liquid flows into the hydraulic chamber 226, the plunger 212 is pushed against the beverage tablet 400. The pressure buildup in the hydraulic chamber causes the plunger 212 to continue moving toward the beverage tablet, compressing and deforming it, and piercing the beverage tablet with the inlet puncture needle 232.

[0078] During compression and deformation, the pressure in hydraulic chamber 226, and therefore in flow paths 501, 503, and 505, continues to increase until the pressure in inlet needle flow path 503 is high enough to reach the opening pressure of inlet needle valve 504 and open the inlet needle valve. Alternatively, the inlet needle valve can be a controllable valve controlled by controller 301, which opens when the beverage tablet 400 is sufficiently deformed. To introduce liquid into the beverage tablet, water flows to needle inlet 518, through inlet puncture needle 232, and into the beverage tablet 400.

[0079] As mentioned above, in contrast to Figures 1-10 As discussed, as liquid flows into the beverage tablet, the beverage tablet expands toward the outlet puncture needle 234, allowing the outlet puncture needle to puncture the beverage tablet and allowing the beverage to exit the beverage tablet.

[0080] In some embodiments, as the beverage exits the beverage tablet through the outlet puncture needle 234, the beverage tablet loses mass as beverage material leaves the tablet as part of the formed beverage. This allows the plunger 212 to move further toward the first crushing plate 206, increasing the size of the hydraulic chamber 226 and reducing the pressure within it. In some embodiments, if the pressure in the hydraulic chamber drops below the opening pressure of the inlet needle valve 504, the inlet needle valve closes and water flows into the hydraulic chamber 226 through the hydraulic chamber flow path 505 until the pressure is again above the opening pressure of the inlet needle valve, at which point water resumes flowing through the inlet needle flow path 503.

[0081] Once the brewing process is complete, the hydraulic chamber drain valve 524 can be opened to allow water to drain from the hydraulic chamber 226. In some embodiments, the hydraulic chamber drain valve is a controllable drain valve. In some embodiments, water is drained from the hydraulic chamber into the disposal unit 250.

[0082] In some embodiments, it is desirable to include a variable brewing pressure system downstream of the brewing chamber 200 to allow beverages to be brewed at different brewing pressures. Such a configuration may be desirable to allow brewing of different types of beverages that require different brewing pressures. For example, it is desirable to use a higher brewing pressure when brewing espresso to allow for the formation of milk foam, and it is desirable to use a lower brewing pressure when brewing drip coffee beverages.

[0083] In some embodiments, the brewing chamber 200 may therefore include a high-pressure outlet flow path 520 and a low-pressure outlet flow path 522. The high-pressure outlet flow path may include a high-pressure valve 508, such as a passive check valve having an opening pressure sufficient to allow milk foam formation. The low-pressure flow path may include a low-pressure valve 510. The low-pressure valve 510 may be controlled by a controller 301. If low-pressure brewing is desired, the low-pressure valve 510 may open. The beverage may then flow along the low-pressure flow path to the distribution flow path 106 and exit from the distribution outlet. If high-pressure brewing is desired, the low-pressure valve 510 may close. This causes the pressure upstream of the high-pressure check valve to increase during brewing operation until sufficient pressure is reached to open the high-pressure check valve 508, allowing the beverage to flow along the high-pressure flow path to the distribution flow path 106 and exit from the distribution outlet.

[0084] In some embodiments, it is desirable to deliver air along the brewing chamber fluid system 500 to purge water from the brewing chamber during various stages of the brewing operation. For example, it is desirable to deliver a quantity of air through the pre-wetting inlet 512 after a pre-wetting operation to purge water from the brewing chamber. It is also desirable to deliver a quantity of air through the hydraulic chamber inlet 516 after the brewing operation is complete to purge liquid from the hydraulic chamber. It is also desirable to deliver a quantity of air through the needle inlet 518, beverage tablet 400, high-pressure and / or low-pressure outlet flow paths, and dispensing flow paths after the brewing operation is complete to purge any remaining liquid and / or beverage from these components. Thus, the upstream flow fluid system 300 may include an air pump configured to pump air through the brewing chamber fluid system 500. In some embodiments, this air pump may be the air pump 322 discussed above. In some embodiments, this air pump may be a separate air pump from the air pump 322 discussed above.

[0085] Crushing board

[0086] As described above, the beverage machine 100 may include a first crushing plate 206 and a second crushing plate 207. Figure 15 A perspective view of a portion of a brewing chamber having a first crushing plate 206 according to an embodiment is shown. As described above, the first crushing plate 206 may include an annular surface 296, and an outlet needle 234 having a distal tip disposed at a depth below the annular surface 296 of the first crushing plate 206. This configuration can prevent or limit the amount of puncture the outlet puncture needle 234 into the beverage tablet 400 before the beverage tablet expands during the brewing process. As described above relative to... Figures 7-9 The first crushing plate 206 discussed may include a recess 252 into which a first end 406 of the beverage tablet 400 expands during the brewing operation, such that the first end 406 conforms to the annular shape of the first crushing plate 206.

[0087] Figure 16 and Figure 17 A perspective view and a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a brewing chamber 200 having a second crushing plate 207 according to an embodiment are shown, respectively. In some embodiments, the second crushing plate 207 may include a corrugated surface having a plurality of corrugations 209. Such a corrugated surface may allow for more complete and / or more uniform breakage of the beverage tablet body 402 upon deformation of the beverage tablet 400. The corrugated surface may extend radially from a central region 291 of the second crushing plate. In some embodiments, each corrugation 209 may taper such that the width W of the corrugation 209 is narrower near the central region 291 of the second crushing plate and wider near the edge 256 of the second crushing plate. As described above relative to... Figures 1-10The second crushing plate discussed may include an opening 213 configured to align with the inlet puncture needle 232. In some embodiments, as described above, the inlet puncture needle 232 always protrudes from the second crushing plate 207. In some embodiments, as described above, the inlet puncture needle 232 selectively protrudes from the second crushing plate 207. In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, the second crushing plate 207 can taper, such that the central region 255 of the crushing plate protrudes further than the outer edge 256 of the crushing plate. For example... Figure 17 As shown, the central region 255 is non-coplanar with the outer edge 256 of the crushing plate along the same diameter. This configuration allows for a more complete and / or more uniform fracture of the body 402. In some embodiments, as the beverage tablet 400 deforms, the second end 408 of the beverage tablet is configured to conform to the corrugated surface and / or taper of the second crushing plate 207.

[0088] needle structure

[0089] As described above, the beverage machine 100 may include an inlet puncture needle 232 configured to introduce liquid into a beverage tablet 400, and an outlet puncture needle 234 configured to allow water to exit the beverage tablet 400.

[0090] Figure 18A A front view of the inlet puncture needle 232 is shown. Figure 18B A front view of the exit puncture needle 234 is shown, with the overlap of the inlet puncture needle position 233 shown in dashed lines. Figure 19 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of the brewing chamber 200 is shown.

[0091] In some embodiments, the brewing chamber 200 may be intended to include a different number of inlet needles than the number of outlet needles. In some embodiments, the brewing chamber 200 includes nine inlet needles. In some embodiments, the brewing chamber 200 includes eighteen outlet needles. However, any number or combination of inlet and outlet needles is contemplated. In some embodiments, the inlet needles may be arranged as a single central needle 254 and a needle ring 260 surrounding the central needle. In some embodiments, the outlet needles have a first needle ring 262 and a second needle ring 264 surrounding the first needle ring 262. In some embodiments, as the beverage tablet 400 expands, the first needle ring 262 punctures the beverage tablet 400 before the second needle ring 264.

[0092] In some embodiments, it is desirable that the inlet puncture needle 232 and the outlet puncture needle 234 be misaligned. Such a configuration can restrict or prevent liquid from flowing directly through the beverage tablet 400 via a straight path from the inlet puncture needle to the outlet puncture needle, and may instead encourage liquid to take a tortuous path through the beverage tablet. This can help increase the extraction of beverage material from the beverage tablet. Therefore, as Figure 18Band Figure 19 As shown, the inlet puncture needle 232 may not be aligned with the outlet puncture needle 234, resulting in no inlet needle puncture position 233 being aligned with the outlet puncture needle. In other words, as... Figure 19 As shown, the inlet and outlet needles may not be aligned, such that a straight line parallel to the sidewall 210 of the brewing chamber 200 cannot extend between the tip of either inlet needle and the tip of either outlet needle. Alternatively, as... Figure 19 As shown, the inlet needle and outlet needle may not be aligned such that a straight line parallel to line 268 extending from the center 266 of the first crushing plate 206 to the center 258 of the second crushing plate 207 cannot extend between the tip of either inlet needle and the tip of either outlet needle.

[0093] In some embodiments, the inlet puncture needle may have a different diameter than the outlet puncture needle. For example, such as Figure 19 As shown, the inlet puncture needle 232 may have a larger diameter D2 than the diameter D1 of the outlet puncture needle 234.

[0094] While this teaching has been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended to limit this teaching to such embodiments or examples. Rather, those skilled in the art will understand that this teaching encompasses various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. Therefore, the foregoing specification and drawings are merely illustrative.

Claims

1. A beverage machine for forming a beverage from beverage tablets, the beverage machine comprising: case; A liquid supply unit configured to provide liquid for forming a beverage; as well as A crushing plate configured to compress and deform beverage tablets, wherein the crushing plate includes a corrugated surface comprising a plurality of corrugations.

2. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple corrugations extend radially from the central region of the crushing plate.

3. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of corrugations tapers, such that the width of the at least one of the plurality of corrugations widens as it extends from the central region to the edge of the crushing plate.

4. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crushing plate has a central region and an outer edge, wherein the crushing plate tapers such that the central region of the crushing plate protrudes further than the outer edge of the crushing plate.

5. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a brewing chamber configured to hold the beverage tablet, wherein the brewing chamber is in fluid communication with the liquid supply to introduce liquid from the liquid supply into the beverage tablet, and wherein the crushing plate is part of the brewing chamber.

6. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crushing plate includes a first crushing plate, and the beverage machine includes a second crushing plate, wherein the first crushing plate and the second crushing plate are configured to compress and deform the beverage tablet between the first crushing plate and the second crushing plate.

7. The beverage machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes one or more inlet needles configured to introduce liquid from the liquid supply section into the brewing chamber. The crushing plate includes one or more openings aligned with the one or more inlets.

8. The beverage machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The one or more inlet pins are movable between an extended position and a retracted position, in which the one or more inlet pins extend from the one or more openings.

9. The beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The one or more entry needles are biased in the retracted position.

10. A method for deforming beverage tablets in a beverage machine, the method comprising: The beverage tablet is compressed and deformed by the crushing plate of the beverage machine, such that at least one surface of the beverage tablet conforms to the shape of the corrugated surface of the crushing plate.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes wetting the beverage tablet to soften the coating of the beverage tablet.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The corrugated surface of the crushing plate extends radially from the central portion of the crushing plate.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The corrugated surface includes multiple corrugations, wherein the multiple corrugations extend radially from the central region of the crushing plate.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of corrugations tapers, such that the width of the at least one of the plurality of corrugations widens as it extends from the central region to the edge of the crushing plate.

15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The crushing plate has a central region and an outer edge, wherein the crushing plate tapers such that the central region of the crushing plate protrudes further than the outer edge of the crushing plate.

16. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The beverage tablet deforms and breaks the body of the beverage tablet, the body comprising compressed beverage material.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The coating of the beverage tablet is configured to contain broken beverage material within an enclosed space.

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