Beverage machine

Abstract

A beverage machine is provided, where the beverage machine can be configured in some embodiments with a brew chamber configured for receiving a beverage tablet. The brew chamber can include a brew chamber segment configured to move between a first position and a second position. The brew chamber can include a gripper configured to grip the beverage tablet as the brew chamber segment moves to the second position and release the beverage tablet after the brew chamber segment moves to the second position.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 564,222, filed March 12, 2024, pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its 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] According to some aspects, a beverage machine is provided. The beverage machine includes a liquid supply unit configured to provide liquid for forming a beverage; and a brewing chamber configured to hold, compress, and deform a beverage tablet having beverage material for combining with the liquid from the liquid supply unit to form a beverage, the beverage tablet including a body of compressed beverage material. The brewing chamber includes a brewing chamber section configured to move between a first position and a second position, the brewing chamber section being configured to receive the beverage tablet when the brewing chamber section is in the first position; and at least one gripper configured to grip the beverage tablet as the brewing chamber section moves from the first position to the second position, and configured to release the beverage tablet after the brewing chamber section has moved to the second position.

[0006] According to some aspects, a method is provided for inserting a beverage tablet into a brewing chamber of a beverage machine. The method includes placing the beverage tablet into a segment of the brewing chamber; moving the brewing chamber segment from a first position to a second position; as the brewing chamber segment moves from the first position to the second position, engaging at least one gripper with a side of the beverage tablet to retain the beverage tablet within the brewing chamber segment; and releasing at least one gripper from the side of the beverage tablet after the brewing chamber segment has moved to the second position.

[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 2 A 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 A perspective view of a beverage tablet held in a first brewing chamber section according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A three-dimensional sectional view of the end of the gripper in the first brewing chamber section; Figure 12 A bottom view of the brewing chamber with the second brewing chamber section in the retracted position is shown; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the upstream fluid system of the beverage machine according to an embodiment; Figure 14A This is a side view of a portion of a beverage machine according to an embodiment, including a biasing element connected to a lid in the closed position. Figure 14BAccording to the embodiments Figure 14A A side view of a portion of a beverage machine, including a biasing element coupled to a lid in a threshold bias position; and Figure 14C According to the embodiments Figure 14A and Figure 14B A side view of a portion of a beverage machine, including a biasing element connected to a lid in the open position. 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, in which beverage material inside the beverage tablet is mixed with water from a liquid supply to form a beverage. The brewing chamber may be configured to receive beverage tablets of varying heights. According to some aspects described herein, the beverage machine may have a movable beverage tablet holder that moves the beverage tablet during the brewing process. In some embodiments, the brewing chamber includes a first brewing chamber section rotatably disposed in the housing of the beverage machine and a second brewing chamber section slidably disposed in the housing. The first brewing chamber section is configured to receive a beverage tablet when the brewing chamber is in the open configuration. As the brewing chamber moves toward the closed configuration, a gripper coupled to the first brewing chamber section grips the beverage tablet, and the first brewing chamber section is rotatable into the housing, while the second brewing chamber section is translatable toward the first brewing chamber section. The first and second brewing chamber sections can meet to form a sealed brewing chamber, and the beverage tablet can be positioned inside the sealed brewing chamber between crushing plates disposed on the first and second brewing chamber sections. The brewing chamber fluid system can then be used to perform various operations to form a beverage.

[0017] In some embodiments, the gripper may be configured to grip a beverage tablet as the first brewing chamber segment rotates into the housing, and to release the beverage tablet after the first brewing chamber segment has finished rotating. In some embodiments, each gripper includes an end formed of a flexible material having a leading edge configured to contact the beverage tablet when gripping it.

[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 in 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, 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] In some embodiments, the beverage machine may include an upstream fluid system configured to regulate water and deliver water to the brewing chamber fluid system. The upstream fluid system may be able to deliver water at different parameters, such as pressure, temperature, volume, etc.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Brewing chamber structure and operation

[0024] Figure 1 A 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.

[0025] In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 may include a lid 102. The lid 102 may be configured to move between a lid open position and a lid closed position, in which beverage tablets can be placed into the brewing chamber 200, and in the lid closed position, the brewing chamber 200 is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, when the lid is in the lid 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 lid open position to the lid closed position causes at least a portion of the brewing chamber 200 to move between the open and closed configurations.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 6In 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 ).

[0032] 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. However, it is also envisioned that the spring 218 can be positioned between any part of the plunger assembly and the second brewing chamber section 204, which allows the plunger assembly to... Figure 2 The extended position shown is offset because this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the hydraulic wall 228 may be fixed relative to the second brewing chamber section 204 (rather than as shown). Figures 1-9 (As shown, it is movable within the second brewing chamber section), and the spring 218 can be disposed in the hydraulic chamber 226 between the hydraulic wall 228 and the plunger head 214.

[0033] 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. Any suitable means can be used to translate the second brewing chamber section 204 to the extended position. In some embodiments, the second brewing chamber section 204 may be operably coupled via one or more links to the lid 102 and / or a lid actuator such as a handle, such that closing the lid (or otherwise actuating the lid actuator) translates the second brewing chamber section 204 toward the extended position. In some embodiments, a separate actuator, such as a motor or hydraulic actuator, translates the second brewing chamber section toward the extended position. In some embodiments, as... Figure 3As shown, the first brewing chamber segment 202 begins to rotate before the second brewing chamber segment 204 begins to translate. In some embodiments, the second brewing chamber segment 204 begins to translate immediately when the first brewing chamber segment 202 begins to rotate. In some embodiments, the second brewing chamber segment 204 begins to translate after the first brewing chamber segment 202 has finished rotating. 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 it 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. In some embodiments, when the first brewing chamber section 202 is in a vertical orientation, the gripper 220 is held in a partially open position such that the gripper 220 holds the beverage tablet 400 until the first brewing chamber section 202 begins to rotate.

[0034] 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.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the first brewing chamber section 202 reaches the horizontally oriented position before the second brewing chamber section 204 reaches the extended position. In some embodiments, the second brewing chamber section continues to be in the horizontally oriented position until the first brewing chamber section reaches the extended position. Figure 5The translation to the extended position begins only after the first brewing chamber section 202 reaches the horizontal position. When or after the first brewing chamber section 202 reaches the horizontal 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 applied to the beverage tablet 400 due to the contact between the first crushing plate 206 and the second crushing plate 207. This compressive force is sufficient to hold the beverage tablet 400 between the first crushing plate 206 and the second crushing plate 207, but not sufficient to significantly deform the beverage tablet. Because shorter beverage tablets result in less compression of the spring 218 compared to taller tablets, the spring 218 can have mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness and length) sufficient to allow insertion of beverage tablets of varying heights. The mechanical properties of the spring 218 can be selected such that the shortest desired beverage tablet is held with sufficient force between the first and second crushing plates, and that the tallest desired beverage tablet is not held with a compressive force sufficient to cause significant deformation of the beverage tablet.

[0036] 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 of the second brewing chamber section 204 can push the gripper 220 away from the beverage tablet 400 and push out the brewing chamber volume 201. In some embodiments, the gripper 220 may 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 configuration.

[0037] 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, forming a... Figure 6 The brewing chamber volume shown is 201. It should be understood that, as... Figure 6 As shown, the second brewing chamber section 204 can press against the end face surface of the first brewing chamber section 202 to form an end face seal, or it can overlap with the first brewing chamber section 202 to form an overlap seal, as this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0038] As the brewing chamber moves to the closed configuration, the beverage tablet 400 can be held by a gripper or by a crushing plate against the first crushing plate. Therefore, in the closed configuration, the beverage tablet 400 can be approximately centered inside the brewing chamber volume 201, 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Once the brewing chamber 200 is in the closed configuration, the beverage tablet 400 can be pre-wetted with a liquid (e.g., water). 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 significant cracking or breakage.

[0042] To pre-wet the tablets, a liquid (e.g., water) is introduced into the brewing chamber 200. In some embodiments, the liquid is introduced into the brewing chamber 200 through an inlet puncture needle 232. In other embodiments, the liquid is introduced into the brewing chamber 200 through a different inlet. In some embodiments, the brewing chamber may include a vent 246 disposed in the upper portion of the sidewall 210. The vent is configured to open when liquid is introduced into the brewing chamber 200. Such a 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 liquid is then at least partially discharged from the brewing chamber via a discharge section 248 disposed in the lower portion of the sidewall 210. In some embodiments, the discharge section leads to a disposal unit. In some embodiments, as further discussed below, liquid is introduced into and discharged from the brewing chamber 200 via the brewing chamber fluid system 500.

[0043] 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, such 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 liquid to leave the brewing chamber 200.

[0044] In some embodiments, hydraulic pressure can be used to actuate the plunger 212. Liquid can be pumped into a hydraulic chamber 226 between the plunger head 214 and the hydraulic wall 228. The liquid expands the size of the hydraulic chamber 226 by pushing the plunger 212 toward the beverage tablet 400. In some embodiments, as discussed further below, the brewing chamber fluid system 500 may be configured to supply liquid to the hydraulic chamber 226. However, any suitable mechanism is contemplated for actuating the plunger, such as a motor.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The inlet puncture needle 232 is coupled to move together with the plunger head 214 and align with the opening in the second crushing plate 207. 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 alternative embodiments, the inlet puncture needle 232 may always be positioned above the surface of the second crushing plate 207. Further details regarding the inlet puncture needle will be discussed below.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In some embodiments, the liquid is then introduced into the beverage tablet 400 through the inlet puncture needle 232. This allows the liquid to contact the beverage material of the beverage tablet and form a beverage. This also causes the beverage tablet 400 to expand as the liquid is pushed into the beverage tablet, 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 beverage machine. In some embodiments, as further discussed below, liquid is introduced into the beverage tablet 400 via the brewing chamber fluid system 500.

[0049] In some embodiments, a seal (e.g., a gasket) may be positioned on the dispensing flow path 106 or the brewing chamber outlet 222. During brewing operation, the pressure build-up in the brewing chamber 200 may tend to exert force on the first brewing chamber section 202, which will push the seal on the brewing chamber outlet 222 against the flow path 106, allowing a tighter seal between the brewing chamber outlet 222 and the flow path 106. In embodiments where the seal is positioned on the flow path 106 rather than the brewing chamber outlet 222, the pressure build-up in the brewing chamber 200 will push the brewing chamber outlet 222 against the seal on the flow path 106, allowing a tighter seal between the brewing chamber outlet 222 and the flow path 106. In some embodiments, the seal is a pressure-activated seal, such that the fluid pressure of the beverage flowing through the brewing chamber causes the seal to press against the brewing chamber outlet 222 or the flow path 106, further securing the seal between the brewing chamber outlet 222 and the dispensing flow path 106.

[0050] 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.

[0051] like Figure 9As shown, in some embodiments, it is desirable to automatically eject the beverage tablet 400 from the brewing chamber 200 once the brewing operation is complete, without any user interaction. 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 and / or 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. Alternatively or additionally, as further discussed below, the second brewing chamber section 204 is not connected by a linkage to the cap 102 and / or the first brewing chamber section 202. Instead, the second brewing chamber section 204 can move between a retracted position and an extended position via some other means, such as a motor, hydraulic actuator, or other suitable arrangement. The second brewing chamber section 204 can then move toward the retracted position, for example via a bias spring, motor, hydraulic actuator, and / or any other suitable component. As the second 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 be locked in the gripper open position until the brewing chamber 200 moves back toward the initial open position, in which the brewing chamber is configured to receive the beverage tablet, and therefore the gripper 220 cannot re-grip the beverage tablet 400. With the second brewing chamber section retracted and the compressive force on the beverage tablet removed, the spring 238 can then decompress, pushing the baffle 236 toward the expansion configuration, thereby dislodging the beverage tablet 400 from the outlet puncture needle 234 and pushing it away from the first brewing chamber section, allowing the beverage tablet 400 to fall through 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 pushing it away from the second brewing chamber section, allowing the beverage tablet 400 to fall through the opening 240. Dislodging the beverage tablet 400 from the outlet puncture needle 234 and / or the inlet puncture needle 232, allowing the beverage tablet 400 to fall out of the brewing chamber through the opening 240. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may fall into a disposal unit.

[0052] In some embodiments, the disposal unit is the same unit that discharges liquid from the brewing chamber during pre-wetting operation and / or from the hydraulic actuator 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 brewing chamber can be reset for another brewing operation.

[0054] gripper

[0055] As described above, the brewing chamber may include a gripper 220 of a gripping assembly configured to grip the beverage tablet 400 as the first brewing chamber segment rotates from an open position (e.g., a first vertical facing position) to a closed position (e.g., a second horizontal facing position).

[0056] An embodiment of the gripper 220 is shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 This type of gripper can be used in brewing chamber 200 or any other suitable brewing chamber. Figure 10 A first brewing chamber section 202 for holding beverage tablet 400 is depicted, wherein beverage tablet 400 is shown in a stylized form. In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-12 As shown, the first brewing chamber segment includes two grippers positioned at opposite ends of the first brewing chamber segment and configured to grip opposite sides of the beverage tablet. However, it is contemplated that any suitable number and / or combination of grippers may be used, as this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0057] The inventors recognized that, in some embodiments, the gripper could be expected to apply frictional force to the beverage tablet to help hold the tablet while it rotates in the first brewing chamber section 202. Such a configuration reduces the likelihood that the beverage tablet 400 will slip out of the first brewing chamber section 202 during rotation.

[0058] In some embodiments, each gripper 220 may include a flexible end 274 configured to contact the beverage tablet 400 as the first brewing chamber segment 202 rotates to a closed position. In some embodiments, the flexible end may be made of a material with a relatively high coefficient of friction. A gripper 220 having a flexible end 274 may hold the beverage tablet 400 more firmly than a comparable gripper without such a flexible end. Examples of materials for such flexible ends include, but are not limited to, rubber (including natural and synthetic rubber), silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, or any other suitable material.

[0059] like Figure 11As best shown, the flexible end 274 may include an undercut portion 276. This configuration allows the leading edge 278 of the flexible end 274 to deform upon contact with the beverage tablet. In some cases, this deformation can increase the contact surface area between the leading edge 278 and the beverage tablet. This can, in some cases, help distribute gripping force and / or increase frictional retention force. In some embodiments, the leading edge 278 and the undercut portion 276 may be shaped such that when the flexible end contacts the beverage tablet, the leading edge 278 curls inward toward the first brewing chamber section 202, which allows the beverage tablet to be more tightly wedged into the first brewing chamber section 202 when the gripper holds the beverage tablet during the closing operation. In some embodiments, the undercut portion 276 may also allow beverage tablets of different diameters to be held in the first brewing chamber section 202 during closing, allowing the beverage machine to be compatible with a variety of beverage tablet sizes and shapes. As discussed above with respect to the brewing chamber 200, the gripper may be pushed away from the beverage tablet 400 by a portion of the second brewing chamber section. In some embodiments, the flexible end includes a non-flexible strip 280 configured to interact with a portion 282 of the second brewing chamber segment 204 (see example...). Figure 12 (A bottom view showing an alternative embodiment of the brewing chamber 200 is provided.) The gripper 220 is designed to push the gripper to the disengaged position after the first brewing chamber section has moved to the closed position. This configuration reduces the force required to push the gripper to the disengaged position.

[0060] Upstream fluid system

[0061] Figure 13 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.

[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] Cover bias element

[0069] Figures 14A-14C A side view of a beverage machine 100, including a biasing element 2000 coupled to a lid 102 in various configurations, is shown according to some embodiments. In some cases, the lid 102 of the beverage machine 100 can be in a lid-closed position (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 14A (as shown in the depicted embodiment) and the cover opening position (e.g., as shown in the example). Figure 14CThe lid 102 can move between the illustrated embodiments and can be biased to assist the user in moving the lid. For example, the lid 102 can be biased toward the lid open position to assist the user in opening the lid. In another example, the lid 102 can be biased toward the lid closed position to assist the user in closing the lid. The inventors have recognized that providing a lid that is properly biased to assist the user in opening and closing the lid can provide advantages such as improved ergonomics to improve the user experience. Therefore, the beverage machine 100 may include a biasing element 2000 configured to bias the lid 102 toward the lid open position and the lid closed position. The inventors further recognize that configuring the beverage machine 100 such that the lid 102 is biased toward the direction in which the user moves the lid can provide further ergonomic benefits. For example, the beverage machine 100 may be configured to bias the lid 102 toward the lid open position when the lid moves toward the lid open position. In another example, the beverage machine 100 may be configured to bias the lid 102 toward the lid closed position when the lid moves toward the lid closed position. In some preferred embodiments, the beverage machine 100 may be configured such that the lid 102 is biased toward the open position when moving toward the open position and toward the closed position when moving toward the closed position.

[0070] The biasing element 2000 may be coupled to the cover 102 and configured to provide a biasing force B to the cover to bias the cover in one direction. In some embodiments, the biasing element 2000 biases the cover 102 in a direction that changes in response to the position of the cover 102. For example, as the cover 102 initially moves from the closed position to the open position, the biasing element 2000 may be configured to bias the cover 102 toward the closed position, and as the cover 102 further moves from the closed position to the open position, for example, beyond a threshold bias position, the biasing element 2000 may be configured to bias the cover 102 toward the open position. Figure 14B The depicted embodiments illustrate the embodiments. Figure 14AA side view of a portion of a beverage machine includes a biasing element 2000 coupled to a lid 102 in a threshold bias position. In the threshold bias position, the lid 102 and the biasing element 2000 are configured such that a biasing force B is directed toward a lid rotation axis 2004, thereby preventing the generation of a torque about the lid rotation axis 2004 and acting on the lid 102. In some embodiments, the lid rotation axis 2004 may be aligned with the center of a lid rotary joint 2002. In some embodiments, the lid 102 may be configured to rotate about the lid rotation axis 2004 between a lid closed position and a lid open position. In such embodiments, the biasing element 2000 may be configured to bias the lid 102 toward the lid closed position when the lid is positioned and rotated between the lid closed position and the threshold bias position, and configured to bias the lid 102 toward the lid open position when the lid is positioned and rotated between the threshold bias position and the lid open position.

[0071] In some embodiments, the biasing element 2000 may be coupled to the cover 102 via a coupling 2006. The coupling 2006 may be formed of any suitable link or combination of links configured to connect the biasing element 2000 to the cover 102, as this disclosure is not limited to this aspect. The coupling 2006 may be configured to orient the biasing element 2000 such that the direction of the biasing force B from the biasing element 2000 may be suitably oriented to achieve a shift in the biasing force from biasing the cover 102 toward the closed position to biasing the cover 102 toward the open position and vice versa as the cover 102 moves between a cover open position and a cover closed position. In some embodiments, the biasing element 2000 may be configured to apply a linear biasing force (e.g., in…) Figures 14A-14CThe depicted embodiment illustrates a linear bias force B, which biases the cover 102 toward an open or closed position based on the orientation of the biasing element 2000 and the corresponding bias force. For example, the biasing element 2000 may be configured to generate a first torque on the cover 102 via the coupling 2006 when the cover is positioned between the closed and threshold bias positions, causing the cover 102 to move toward the closed position; and may be configured to generate a second torque on the cover 102 via the coupling 2006 when the cover is positioned between the threshold bias position and the open position, causing the cover to move toward the open position. In some embodiments, the biasing element 2000 is movably coupled to the coupling 2006, for example, rotatably coupled, such that the biasing element 2000 is configured to rotate about the biasing element rotary joint 2008 as the cover 102 moves between the open and closed positions. For example, the biasing element 2000 may be configured to move between a closed bias position and an open bias position. In the closed bias position, the biasing element 2000 may be configured to bias the cover 102 toward a closed position, for example by applying a direct rotational force or by applying a linear force B, which creates a torque on the cover rotation axis 2004 via the coupling 2006, which may cause the cover to move to the closed position (e.g., relative to the open position). Figure 14A The view shown causes the lid to rotate counterclockwise toward the closed position. In the open biased position, the biasing element 2000 can be configured to bias the lid 102 toward the open position, for example by applying a direct rotational force or by applying a linear force B. This creates a torque via the coupling 2006 about the lid rotation axis 2004, which causes the lid to move to the open position (e.g., relative to the closed position). Figure 14C The view shown causes the cover to rotate clockwise toward the open position. In some cases, the movement of the bias element 2000 between the closed bias position and the open bias position can change the bias element 2000 from biasing the cover 102 toward the closed position to biasing the cover 102 toward the open position, and vice versa.

[0072] In some embodiments, for example Figures 14A-14CIn the depicted embodiments, the biasing element 2000 may be configured to contact the surface 2010 of the beverage machine 100. The surface 2010 may be angled to allow the biasing element 2000 to move between a closed bias position and an open bias position. In some cases, the surface 2010 may be formed on the housing 108 of the beverage machine 100. In some embodiments, the surface 2010 may be angled relative to the local direction of gravity when the beverage machine 100 is positioned upright. In some embodiments, the cover 102 may include a first end having a handle and a second end disposed near a rotation axis 2004. In some cases, the rotation axis 2004 may be positioned within the second end of the cover 102. In some embodiments, a coupling 2006 and / or the biasing element 2000 may be coupled to the second end.

[0073] The biasing element 2000 described above can be formed as any suitable biasing element configured to provide a biasing force, as this disclosure is not limited to this aspect. In a preferred embodiment, the biasing element 2000 is formed as a compression spring. In some embodiments, the biasing element 2000 can be formed as a torsion spring, an elastic body, or any other suitable biasing element or combination of biasing elements adapted to provide a biasing force, as this disclosure is not limited to any particular biasing element or combination of biasing elements.

[0074] 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, the beverage machine comprising: A liquid supply unit configured to provide liquid for forming a beverage; as well as A brewing chamber configured to hold, compress, and deform a beverage tablet having beverage material for combining with liquid from the liquid supply to form the beverage, the beverage tablet comprising a body of compressed beverage material, the brewing chamber comprising: A brewing chamber section configured to move between a first position and a second position, the brewing chamber section being configured to receive the beverage tablet when the brewing chamber section is in the first position; as well as At least one gripper configured to grip the beverage tablet as the brewing chamber segment moves from the first position to the second position, and configured to release the beverage tablet after the brewing chamber segment has moved to the second position.

2. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the at least one gripper includes an end with a leading edge configured to contact the beverage tablet when gripping it, wherein the end is formed of a flexible material.

3. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end includes an undercut portion configured to allow the leading edge of the end to deform when the leading edge contacts the beverage tablet.

4. The beverage machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The leading edge is configured to curl toward the brewing chamber section during deformation.

5. The beverage machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one gripper is configured to grip beverage tablets of different diameters, wherein the flexible end is configured to deform by a larger amount when gripping a beverage tablet of a larger diameter and by a smaller amount when gripping a beverage tablet of a smaller diameter.

6. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end includes a contact surface configured to contact a portion of the beverage machine after the brewing chamber section has moved to the second position, in order to move the at least one gripper to a release position.

7. The beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The brewing chamber section is a first brewing chamber section, and the portion of the beverage machine configured to contact the contact surface is part of a second brewing chamber section.

8. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible material is a rubber material.

9. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one gripper includes a first gripper and a second gripper positioned at opposite ends of the brewing chamber section.

10. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first position of the brewing chamber section is an open position, in which the brewing chamber section is configured to receive beverage tablets, and the second position of the brewing chamber section is a closed position, in which the brewing chamber section is configured to form a beverage.

11. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brewing chamber section is configured to rotate between the first position and the second position.

12. A method for inserting beverage tablets into the brewing chamber of a beverage machine, the method comprising: Place the beverage tablets into the brewing chamber section; The brewing chamber section is moved from the first position to the second position; As the brewing chamber section moves from the first position to the second position, at least one gripper engages with the side of the beverage tablet to hold the beverage tablet in the brewing chamber section. as well as After the brewing chamber section moves to the second position, the at least one gripper is released from the side of the beverage tablet.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Engaging the at least one gripper to the side of the beverage tablet includes deforming the leading edge of the end of at least one gripper arm, at least a portion of which is formed of a flexible material.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Deforming the leading edge of the end includes curling the leading edge of the end toward the brewing chamber section to wedge the beverage tablet against the brewing chamber section.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, It also includes engaging a portion of the beverage machine with a contact surface at the end to release the at least one gripper from the beverage tablet, the contact surface being formed of a material different from the flexible material.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The brewing chamber section is a first brewing chamber section, and the portion of the beverage machine that engages with the contact surface is part of a second brewing chamber section.

17. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Engaging the at least one gripper with the side of the beverage tablet occurs only after the brewing chamber section has begun to move to the second position.

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