Beverage machine with a brew chamber lock arrangement

Abstract

A beverage machine (100) is provided, where the beverage machine (100) can be configured in some embodiments with a brewing chamber (200) configured for receiving a beverage tablet (400). The beverage machine (100) can include a first brewing chamber section (202) and a second brewing chamber section (204) configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The beverage machine (100) can include a locking arrangement configured to lock the second brewing chamber section (204) in the extended position during beverage formation.

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, and Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 565,828, filed March 15, 2024, pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), the disclosures of each 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] According to some aspects, a beverage machine is provided. In some embodiments, the beverage machine includes a housing, the housing including a frame; a brewing chamber including a first brewing chamber segment and a second brewing chamber segment, the brewing chamber having an open configuration and a closed configuration, and the second brewing chamber segment configured to move between a retracted chamber position and a extended chamber position, wherein in the open configuration, the second brewing chamber segment is in the retracted chamber position and the first and second brewing chamber segments are spaced apart from each other, and wherein in the closed configuration, the second brewing chamber segment is in the extended chamber position and the first and second brewing chamber segments are engaged with each other. The beverage machine also includes a lock configured to lock the second brewing chamber segment against the frame in the extended chamber position to maintain the closed configuration during beverage forming operation.

[0006] According to some aspects, a method of operating a beverage machine is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving beverage ingredients in at least one of a first brewing chamber section or a second brewing chamber section of a brewing chamber; moving the second brewing chamber section from a retracted position to an extended position; engaging the second brewing chamber section with the first brewing chamber section to form a closed configuration of the brewing chamber when the second brewing chamber section is in the extended position, wherein the beverage ingredients are retained inside the brewing chamber; locking the second brewing chamber section against the frame of the beverage machine in the extended position; forming a beverage in the brewing chamber with the beverage ingredients when the brewing chamber is in the closed configuration; and unlocking the second brewing chamber section from the frame after forming the beverage to allow the second brewing chamber section to move back to the retracted 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 the brewing chamber according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber, wherein the second brewing chamber section is in a retracted configuration; Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber, wherein the second brewing chamber section is in an extended configuration; Figure 13A It shows Figure 10 A partial side sectional view of the brewing chamber, wherein the brewing chamber actuator is in the actuator retracted position; Figure 13B It shows Figure 10 A top sectional view of the brewing chamber, with the brewing chamber actuator in the retracted position; Figure 13C It shows Figure 10 A bottom view of the brewing chamber, with the brewing chamber actuator in the retracted position; Figure 14A It shows Figure 10 A partial side sectional view of the brewing chamber, wherein the brewing chamber actuator is in the actuator extension position; Figure 14B It shows Figure 10 A top sectional view of the brewing chamber, in which the brewing chamber actuator is in the actuator extension position; Figure 14C It shows Figure 10 A bottom view of the brewing chamber, in which the brewing chamber actuator is in the actuator extension position; Figure 15A It shows Figure 10 A partial side sectional view of the brewing chamber, wherein the brewing chamber actuator is in the partially retracted actuator position; Figure 15B It shows Figure 10 A top sectional view of the brewing chamber, in which the brewing chamber actuator is in the partially retracted position; Figure 15C It shows Figure 10 A bottom view of the brewing chamber, in which the brewing chamber actuator is in the partially retracted actuator position; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the upstream fluid system of the beverage machine according to an embodiment; Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber of the beverage machine according to an embodiment; Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber, wherein the hydraulic chamber of the brewing chamber is in a filled configuration; Figure 19A This is a schematic diagram of the brewing chamber fluid system according to an embodiment; and Figure 19B This is a schematic diagram of the brewing chamber fluid system according to an alternative embodiment; 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] According to some aspects described herein, a 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 an open configuration. As the brewing chamber moves toward a 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 may meet to form a sealed brewing chamber, and the beverage tablet may be positioned inside the sealed brewing chamber between crushing plates disposed on the first and second brewing chamber sections.

[0018] According to some aspects described herein, the brewing chamber may include a locking arrangement configured to lock a second brewing chamber segment into place at the point where the first and second brewing chambers meet, thereby maintaining a sealed brewing chamber during beverage formation.

[0019] In some embodiments, in order to form a beverage, the beverage tablet may first be received between a first crushing plate and a second crushing plate in a brewing chamber. A brewing chamber fluid system may then be used to perform various operations to form the beverage.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[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 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.

[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 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.

[0027] 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.

[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. 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.

[0035] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As 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 3 As 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.

[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 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.

[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 of the second brewing chamber section 204 can push the gripper 220 away from the beverage tablet 400 and out of the brewing chamber 200. 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.

[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, 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.

[0040] 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.

[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 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.

[0044] 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 via a different inlet. In some embodiments, the brewing chamber may include a vent 246, which may be disposed in the upper portion of the sidewall 210. This 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 drain 248, which may be 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, liquid is introduced into and discharged from the brewing chamber 200 via the 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 liquid to leave the brewing chamber 200.

[0046] 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.

[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 aligned 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.

[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, 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] like Figure 9As shown, in some embodiments, it is desirable that the beverage tablet 400 be automatically expelled 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 that the beverage tablet 400 be expelled from the brewing chamber 200 without needing to actuate the cap back to the open position. Therefore, the hydraulic chamber 226 may be discharged (as discussed further below) and / or the second brewing chamber section 204 may 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, a hydraulic actuator (e.g., brewing chamber actuator 648 discussed below), or other suitable arrangement. The second brewing chamber section 204 can then move toward the retracted position, for example via a bias spring, a motor, a 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 the disposal unit 250.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Hydraulic pressure used to close the second brewing chamber section

[0057] Figure 10 A perspective view of the brewing chamber 600 of the beverage machine according to an embodiment in a closed configuration is shown. Figure 11 and Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber 600 is shown, wherein the second brewing chamber section 646 is in a retracted position and an extended position, respectively. In some embodiments, as described above, the second brewing chamber section 646 can be hydraulically operated from... Figure 11 The retraction position shown has been moved to Figure 12 The extended position shown (also referred to as the closed position) forms a closed brewing chamber volume 601. The second brewing chamber segment 646 can be operatively coupled to a brewing chamber actuator 648, which includes a hydraulic chamber 652 and a brewing chamber piston 654. The brewing chamber actuator 648 can be actuated by any suitable mechanism to move the second brewing chamber segment 646 to the closed position. For example, in some embodiments, a microswitch 650 (see...) Figure 10 The closure of the lid 608 can be detected when the lid 608 is closed. In some embodiments, closing the lid causes a component connected to or part of the lid to contact a microswitch, and opening the lid causes that component to stop contacting the microswitch. In other embodiments, the reverse can occur—opening the lid causes a component connected to or part of the lid to contact the microswitch, and closing the lid causes that component to stop contacting the microswitch. When the microswitch detects the closure of the lid 608, the controller can trigger to actuate the brewing chamber actuator 648 to move the brewing chamber section to the closed position.

[0058] After the brewing chamber actuator 648 is actuated, the upstream fluid system (see, for example, upstream fluid system 300 discussed below) can deliver fluid to the hydraulic chamber 652 via inlet 656, which causes the brewing chamber piston 654 to move to an extended position. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the edge 688 of the brewing chamber piston 654 can contact the chamber contact member 690 of the second brewing chamber section 646 to move the second brewing chamber section 646 to an extended position. In some embodiments, after the brewing operation is completed, the hydraulic chamber 652 can be discharged to the disposal unit via the outlet 658, and the piston spring 660 and the chamber spring 661 (discussed below and as shown) Figure 13C , Figure 14C and Figure 15C (As shown) can be used to move the piston in the brewing chamber back to the retracted position.

[0059] Brewing chamber lock

[0060] In some embodiments, the inventors have recognized that it is desirable for the second brewing chamber segment 646 to be locked against the frame 604 in the extended position because such a configuration distributes the force from the accumulated pressure in the enclosed brewing chamber volume 601 to the frame 604, rather than concentrating such force on the actuator (e.g., brewing chamber actuator 648, motor, etc.) that moves the second brewing chamber segment to the extended position. This configuration limits the likelihood of the second brewing chamber segment 646 moving to the retracted position during beverage formation operations. Furthermore, locking the second brewing chamber segment in the extended position also acts to lock the first brewing chamber segment 602 in the closed configuration. The inventors have therefore recognized the benefit of a lock configured to lock the second brewing chamber segment 646 against the frame 604 after it has moved to the extended position.

[0061] Figures 13A-13C The side, bottom, and top sectional views of the lock with the brewing chamber actuator 648 in the retracted position are shown respectively. Figures 14A-14C A side view, a bottom view, and a top view of the lock with the brewing chamber actuator 648 in the extended position are shown respectively. Figures 15A-15C A side view, a bottom view, and a top view of the lock with the brewing chamber actuator 648 in the partially retracted position are shown.

[0062] The brewing chamber 600 may include one or more locks 662, the locks 662 being configured to lock the second brewing chamber section 646 against the frame 604 when the second brewing chamber section is in the extended position. For example, as Figure 13B As shown, the brewing chamber 600 includes two locks 662. (As indicated...) Figure 13A As shown, each lock 662 may include a slider 666 and a claw 664.

[0063] The slider 666 is slidably disposed within the channel 670 of the second brewing chamber section 646. The slider 666 is directed toward the slider engagement position (e.g., by a spring 668 disposed in the channel 670) via a spring 668 disposed in the channel 670. Figures 13A-13C (As shown, it is biased to the right).

[0064] The 664 claw can be rotatably attached to the second brewing chamber section. For example... Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, the jaw 664 may include a jaw shaft 665, and the jaw 664 is rotatable about a jaw rotation axis P extending through the jaw shaft 665. A Rotate.

[0065] like Figure 13BAs shown, the pawl engagement portion 676 of the slider 666 contacts and pushes against the pawl 664 due to the biasing force from the spring 668. Therefore, the slider 666 applies a torque to the pawl 664, causing the pawl 664 to pivot about the pawl axis 665. However, when the second brewing chamber section 646 is in the chamber retracted position (e.g.) Figure 13B As shown), the claw 664 is hindered from rotating due to contact with the frame wall 680. Therefore, the claw 664 and the slider 666 are offset toward their respective claw engagement positions and slider engagement positions, but are in the second brewing chamber section 646. Figures 13A-13C When the chamber is in the retracted position, the frame wall 680 prevents the pawl 664 and the slider 666 from moving to these engagement positions.

[0066] When the brewing chamber actuator 648 is in Figures 13A-13C When the actuator is in the retracted position, the piston spring 660 and the chamber spring 661 (as shown) respectively... Figure 13C (As shown) the brewing chamber piston 654 is biased toward the actuator retracted position, and the second brewing chamber section 646 is biased toward... Figures 13A-13C The chamber is shown in its retracted position. The second brewing chamber section 646 is operatively connected to the brewing chamber actuator 648 via the brewing chamber piston 654, as will be discussed further below. It should be understood that, although Figures 13A-15C The embodiment shows the brewing chamber actuator 648 as a hydraulic actuator having an actuator link in the form of a brewing chamber piston 654 connected to the second brewing chamber section 646. However, any suitable actuator can be used to move the second brewing chamber section 646 (e.g., a motor, a linkage assembly connecting the second brewing chamber section to the cover 608, etc.), and any suitable actuator link can connect the second brewing chamber section to the actuator, as this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0067] When the brewing chamber piston 654 moves toward the actuator extension position, the edge 688 of the piston groove 687 contacts the chamber contact member 690 of the second brewing chamber section 646 (see...). Figures 11-12 , Figure 13C and Figure 14C ), moving the second brewing chamber section 646 to Figures 14A-14C The chamber extension position is shown. Because the claw 664 and the slider 666 are disposed in the channel 670 of the second brewing chamber section 646, as the second brewing chamber section 646 moves to the chamber extension position, the slider 666 and the claw 664 translate relative to the frame 604 and the frame wall 680 with the second brewing chamber section.

[0068] like Figure 14A and Figure 14BAs shown, once the second brewing chamber section 646 moves to the chamber extension position, the pawl 664 aligns with the hole 672 in the frame 604. Because the pawl 664 is no longer obstructed from rotating outward by the frame wall 680, the spring 668 can bias the slider 666 to the slider engagement position, which in turn pushes the pawl 664 to rotate the pawl about the pawl axis 665 to the pawl engagement position, where the pawl 664 protrudes into the hole 672, as... Figure 14B As shown. When the slider 666 is in the slider engagement position, the leading edge 682 of the pawl engagement portion 676 extends beyond the edge 684 of the pawl 664, so that the leading edge 682 does not contact the pawl 664.

[0069] During the beverage forming operation, the pressure in the enclosed brewing chamber volume 601 exerts a force on the second brewing chamber section 646 toward the chamber retracted position. However, the contact between the claw 664 and the edge 673 of the orifice 672 prevents the second brewing chamber section 646 from translating back to the retracted position. The claw engagement portion 676 of the slider 666 prevents the claw 664 from moving back to the claw disengaged position. Because the leading edge 682 of the claw engagement portion 676 extends beyond the claw edge 684, the contact force from the edge of the claw 664 and the orifice 672 is transmitted to the surface 686 of the claw engagement portion 676 rather than the leading edge 682. Therefore, the claw engagement portion 676 presses against the inner surface 671 of the channel 670 by these forces, constraining the slider 666 against the channel 670 and thus constraining the claws 664, keeping them in their respective engaged positions.

[0070] As stated above, and as Figure 13C and Figure 14C As shown, the second brewing chamber section 646 is connected to the brewing chamber piston 654 by providing a chamber contact member 690 in a piston groove 687. The piston groove 687 is sized and shaped to allow a gap G between the groove edge 688 and the chamber contact member 690. P The gap G P Free movement is allowed between the brewing chamber piston 654 and the second brewing chamber section 646. After the brewing operation is completed, the hydraulic chamber 652 can be emptied, and the piston spring 660 can cause the brewing chamber piston 654 to move towards... Figure 15C The actuator section shown moves to the retracted position. Even when the second brewing chamber section 646 is locked against the frame 604, the brewing chamber piston 654 can still move toward the actuator retracted position, due to the clearance G. P The resulting free play exists between the second brewing chamber section 646 and the brewing chamber piston 654. As the brewing chamber piston 654 moves to the actuator portion retracted position, the piston arm 674 contacts the piston engagement portion 678 of the slider 666, overcoming the spring 668 and pushing the slider 666 to the slider disengaged position. Figure 15BAs shown, the movement of the slider 666 to the disengaged position provides sufficient clearance in the channel 670 to allow the pawl 664 to rotate back into the channel 670 via the contact force between the edge 673 and the pawl 664, unlocking the second brewing chamber section 646 from the frame 604 and allowing the chamber spring 661 to move the second brewing chamber section 646 back to its original position. Figures 13A-13C The chamber is shown in its retracted position. (Spring 661 is shown partially removed to show components that would otherwise be hidden, such as...) Figure 15C As shown. The edges of these removed portions are indicated by dashed lines in spring 661.

[0071] In some embodiments, the inventors recognize that the beverage machine can be expected to sense when the second brewing chamber section has locked onto frame 604. Therefore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 14A As shown, the slider 666 includes a sensor engagement portion 692, which is configured to engage with a sensor 694 when the slider 666 moves to the slider engagement position (e.g., by pressing a button on a microswitch). When the sensor 694 is engaged, it can be configured to send a signal to the beverage machine's controller, which interprets the signal as the second brewing chamber section 646 being locked.

[0072] It should be understood that after the brewing chamber is closed, the beverage can be formed in brewing chamber 200 and brewing chamber 600 in substantially the same manner. Therefore, it should be understood that any features described herein relating to brewing chamber 200 can also be applied to brewing chamber 600, and vice versa, as this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0073] Upstream fluid system

[0074] Figure 16 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 chambers 200 / 600. 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 chambers 200 / 600. 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Brewing chamber fluid system

[0082] 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 / 600 to perform various steps in forming a beverage (e.g., pre-wetting beverage tablets, compressing and deforming beverage tablets, delivering water to the beverage tablets to form a beverage, and dispensing the beverage from a dispensing outlet). Figure 17 and Figure 18 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 19A and Figure 19BA schematic diagram of the brewing chamber fluid system 500 is shown. It should be understood that... Figures 17-19B The brewing chamber structure shown and described herein can be incorporated into Figures 1-9 The foregoing embodiments shown are illustrated. It should also be understood that... Figures 1-9 The features of the illustrated embodiment can be incorporated into Figures 17-19B In some embodiments. For example. Figures 1-9 The aforementioned rotating brewing chamber section arrangement and / or gripper can be used for Figures 17-19B In the arrangement of the brewing chambers. Furthermore, it should be understood that, except for the brewing chamber actuator 648, the brewing chamber 600 can be connected to the brewing chamber fluid system 500 in substantially the same manner as the brewing chamber 200. Moreover, after the brewing chambers are closed, the beverage can be formed in both the brewing chamber 200 and the brewing chamber 600 in substantially the same manner. Therefore, it should be understood that any features described herein regarding the relationship between the brewing chamber fluid system 500 and the brewing chamber 200 can also be applied to the brewing chamber 600, as this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] In some embodiments, for example Figure 19A and Figure 19B As 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. Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 19A and Figure 19B As shown, the inlet needle flow path 503 and the hydraulic chamber flow path 505 branch upstream of the brewing chambers 200 / 600 and the hydraulic chambers 226 / 698. However, it is contemplated in some embodiments that the inlet needle flow path 503 may extend from the hydraulic chambers 226 / 698, such that the liquid flowing to the inlet needle first flows through the hydraulic chambers rather than bypassing them, as this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0089] 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 prehumidification is complete, the beverage machine may have a chamber drain valve 507 that subsequently opens to allow liquid in the brewing chamber to drain through the prehumidification outlet 514 into the disposal unit 250. In some embodiments, the chamber drain valve 507 is a passive valve whose opening pressure is higher than ambient pressure when the chamber drain valve opens, such that the liquid in the brewing chamber 200 must be higher than ambient pressure to flow through the chamber drain valve when it is open.

[0090] 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 17-18 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] As mentioned above, in contrast to Figures 1-9 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] In some embodiments, the inlet needle valve 504 and the hydraulic chamber valve 506 are not passive valves with a preset opening pressure; rather, they can be active control valves. The brewing chamber fluid system 500 may include a pressure transducer upstream of valves 504 and 506. This pressure transducer may be configured to measure the pressure in the brewing chamber fluid system 500 and send a signal to a controller, such as controller 301. In this configuration, after a pre-wetting operation, the hydraulic chamber valve 506 may open, and water may be pumped into the hydraulic chamber until the pressure reaches a threshold pressure. Once the pressure transducer senses that the hydraulic chamber has reached the threshold pressure, it sends a signal to the controller, which then closes the hydraulic chamber valve 506 and opens the inlet needle valve 504.

[0095] In some embodiments, such configurations of actively controlling the hydraulic chamber valve and inlet needle valve allow for customization of the amount of pressure buildup in the hydraulic chamber, allowing for variations in the amount of crushing force applied to the beverage tablets during different beverage-forming operations. For example, in some embodiments, the threshold pressure for closing the hydraulic chamber valve 506 can be set by the user, either directly or in response to the selected beverage type (e.g., selecting an espresso beverage might cause the controller to set a higher threshold pressure than selecting drip coffee, resulting in a higher crushing force applied to the beverage tablets during espresso beverage formation). In some embodiments, the threshold pressure can be set based on parameters of the beverage tablets themselves. For example, the imaging device 104 and / or sensor system 241 can be configured to detect one or more parameters of the beverage tablets (e.g., height, diameter, grind size, roasting degree, etc.), and the controller 301 can be configured to automatically set the threshold pressure based on these one or more parameters. In some embodiments, the automatically set threshold pressure can be changed by the user via user interface 110.

[0096] Once the brewing operation 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 controlled drain valve. In some embodiments, water is drained from the hydraulic chamber into the disposal unit 250. In some embodiments, after the second brewing chamber section has moved to the retracted position, the upstream fluid system 300 can be configured to deliver some additional water to the hydraulic chamber 226 before opening the hydraulic chamber drain valve to ensure that the plunger 212 has moved back to its original position. Figure 2 The extended position shown.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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 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.

[0100] Figure 19B An alternative schematic diagram of a brewing chamber fluid system 500' for use with brewing chamber 600 is shown. In embodiments where the second brewing chamber section is actuable via a hydraulic actuator, such as for brewing chamber 600, brewing chamber fluid system 500' may include a fourth flow path 525 configured to deliver water to hydraulic chamber 652 via inlet 656. The fourth flow path 525 may include a controllable valve 526 configured to control the flow of water to hydraulic chamber 652. The fourth flow path 525 may also include a controllable discharge valve 528 configured to selectively allow water to be discharged from hydraulic chamber 652 to disposal unit 696. In all other respects, Figure 19B The brewing chamber fluid system 500' described in the text can be similar to Figure 19A The brewing chamber fluid system 500 in the middle functions (e.g., by supplying water to and from the brewing chamber 600 and / or the plunger hydraulic chamber 698).

[0101] 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 housing, the housing comprising a frame; A brewing chamber includes a first brewing chamber section and a second brewing chamber section, the brewing chamber having an open configuration and a closed configuration, and the second brewing chamber section being configured to move between a retracted chamber position and a extended chamber position, wherein in the open configuration, the second brewing chamber section is in the retracted chamber position and the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section are spaced apart from each other, and wherein in the closed configuration, the second brewing chamber section is in the extended chamber position and the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section are engaged with each other; as well as A lock configured to lock the second brewing chamber section against the frame at the extended position of the chamber to maintain the closed configuration during beverage formation operation.

2. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second brewing chamber section is configured to translate between the chamber retracted position and the chamber extended position.

3. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first brewing chamber segment is configured to rotate from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, wherein locking the second brewing chamber segment at the chamber extension position locks the first brewing chamber segment at the horizontal orientation position.

4. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame includes frame holes, and the lock includes a latch. The second brewing chamber section moves from the chamber retracted position to the chamber extended position, causing the latch to rotate from the latch disengaged position to the latch engaged position. In the disengaged position, the jaw disengages from the frame hole, and In the claw engagement position, the claw extends into the frame hole, such that when the claw is in the claw engagement position, the contact between at least one edge of the frame hole and the claw locks the second brewing chamber segment in the chamber extension position.

5. The beverage machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a slider slidably disposed in the claw channel of the second brewing chamber section, between a slider engagement position and a slider disengagement position, wherein the slider is configured to move to the slider engagement position to move the claw to the claw engagement position when the second brewing chamber section is in the chamber extension position.

6. The beverage machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a spring configured to bias the slider toward the slider engagement position, thereby biasing the pawl toward the pawl engagement position.

7. The beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the second brewing chamber section is not in the chamber extension position, the contact between the claw and the wall of the frame prevents the claw from moving to the claw engagement position.

8. The beverage machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The leading edge of the slider contacts the pawl to move the pawl to the pawl engagement position, and wherein the leading edge of the slider does not contact the pawl after the pawl has moved to the pawl engagement position.

9. The beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the slider is in the slider engagement position, the leading edge of the slider extends beyond the claw.

10. The beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the slider is in the slider engagement position, the contact force between the claw and at least one edge of the frame hole is transmitted to the surface of the slider, thereby constraining the slider to abut against the inner surface of the claw channel.

11. The beverage machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an actuator configured to move the second brewing chamber section to the chamber extension position so that the claw aligns with the frame hole.

12. The beverage machine according to claim 11, characterized in that, The actuator includes an actuator link configured to contact the second brewing chamber section to move the second brewing chamber section to the chamber extension position, wherein the actuator link is configured to move to an actuator partial retracted position when the second brewing chamber section is locked in the chamber extension position.

13. The beverage machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a slot in the actuator link, the slot being configured to receive a chamber contact member, wherein contact between at least one edge of the slot and the chamber contact member moves the second brewing chamber segment to the chamber extension position, wherein the slot is configured to provide free play to allow the actuator link to move to the actuator partial retracted position.

14. The beverage machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, The actuator link is configured to contact a portion of the slider to move the slider to a disengaged position.

15. The beverage machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, The actuator is a hydraulic actuator, and the actuator linkage is the piston of the hydraulic actuator.

16. The beverage machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a sensor and a controller, wherein a portion of the slider is configured to trigger the sensor when the slider is in the slider engagement position, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal to the controller indicating that the second brewing chamber segment is locked in the chamber extension position.

17. A method of operating a beverage machine, the method comprising: The beverage ingredients are received in at least one of the first or second brewing chamber sections of the brewing chamber. Move the second brewing chamber section from the chamber retracted position to the chamber extended position; When the second brewing chamber section is in the extended position of the chamber, the second brewing chamber section is engaged with the first brewing chamber section to form a closed structure of the brewing chamber, in which the beverage ingredients are retained inside the brewing chamber; The second brewing chamber section is locked against the frame of the beverage machine at the extended position of the chamber; When the brewing chamber is in the closed configuration, the beverage ingredients are used to form a beverage in the brewing chamber; as well as After the beverage is formed, the second brewing chamber section is unlocked from the frame to allow the second brewing chamber section to move to the chamber retracted position.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Moving the second brewing chamber segment between the retracted position and the extended position includes translating the second brewing chamber segment between the retracted position and the extended position.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, It also includes rotating the first brewing chamber segment from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation to form the closed structure.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, It also includes locking the first brewing chamber section in the horizontal orientation.

21. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Locking the second brewing chamber section at the chamber extension position includes extending a claw from the second brewing chamber section into a frame hole in the frame of the beverage machine.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, Extending the claw includes rotating the claw from a claw disengagement position to a claw engagement position, wherein the claw is positioned in the claw channel of the second brewing chamber section in the claw disengagement position, and the claw extends into the frame hole in the claw engagement position.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, It also includes moving the jaw to the jaw engagement position by pushing the slider against the jaw when the slider disposed in the jaw channel is moved to the slider engagement position.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The slider is offset toward the slider engagement position.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, It also includes preventing the claw from moving to the claw engagement position by means of the frame wall of the beverage machine when the second brewing chamber section is in the chamber retracted position.

26. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, It also includes moving the leading edge of the slider beyond the pawl when the slider is moved to the slider engagement position.

27. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, It also includes transferring the contact force between the claw and the edge of the frame hole to the surface of the slider when the slider is in the slider engagement position, so as to constrain the slider to abut against the inner surface of the claw channel.

28. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, It also includes an actuator that extends to the second brewing chamber section to move the second brewing chamber section to the chamber extension position.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, It also includes partially retracting the actuator to contact the slider when the second brewing chamber section is in the extended position of the chamber, so as to move the slider to the disengaged position.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

31. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, It also includes using the slider to trigger a sensor to detect that the second brewing chamber segment is locked in the chamber extension position when the slider is moved to the slider engagement position.

Images