Beverage machine with sealing arrangement between brewing chamber sections

Abstract

A beverage machine (100) is provided, wherein the beverage machine (100) can be configured in some embodiments with a brew chamber (200) configured to receive a beverage tablet (400). The beverage machine (100) can be configured to form a sealed brew chamber (200) from two brew chamber sections (202, 204) and maintain the seal (211) when the two halves of the brew chamber are in a plurality of positions relative to each other.

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 U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 565,828, filed March 15, 2024, pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

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

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

[0005] According to one aspect, in some embodiments, a beverage machine having a housing is provided. The beverage machine may include a liquid supply section configured to provide liquid for forming a beverage, a first brewing chamber section, and a second brewing chamber section. The first and second brewing chamber sections may be configured to enclose a beverage tablet to combine with the liquid from the liquid supply section to form a beverage. The beverage tablet may include a body of compressed beverage material. The first and second brewing chamber sections may have an open state for receiving the beverage tablet and a closed state for forming a chamber. In the closed state, the first and second brewing chamber sections are movable relative to each other between a first closed configuration and a second closed configuration. In the first closed configuration, the first and second brewing chamber sections may be at a first distance from each other. In the second closed configuration, the first and second brewing chamber sections may be at a second distance from each other. The first distance may be different from the second distance. The beverage machine may also include a gasket configured to provide a seal between the first and second brewing chamber sections under both the first and second closed configurations. The gasket may have a body and an extension extending from the body into a cavity formed by the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section in the closed state.

[0006] According to another aspect, in some embodiments, a beverage machine including a housing is provided. The beverage machine may include a liquid supply section configured to provide liquid for forming a beverage, a first brewing chamber section, and a second brewing chamber section. The first and second brewing chamber sections may be configured to enclose a beverage tablet to combine with the liquid from the liquid supply section to form a beverage. The beverage tablet may include a body of compressed beverage material. The first and second brewing chamber sections may have an open state for receiving the beverage tablet and a closed state for forming a chamber volume. The beverage machine may also include a gasket configured to provide a seal between the first and second brewing chamber sections in the closed state. The gasket may include a body and a flexible extension that extends from the body into the chamber volume when the first and second brewing chamber sections are in the closed state. The extension is movable within the chamber volume while maintaining the seal between the first and second brewing chamber sections.

[0007] According to another aspect, in some embodiments, a method for forming a beverage is provided. The method may include moving a brewing chamber from an open state to a closed state to seal a beverage tablet between a first brewing chamber section and a second brewing chamber section of the brewing chamber. The method may further include forming a seal between the first and second brewing chamber sections with a gasket when the brewing chamber is moved to the closed state, and maintaining the seal between the first and second brewing chamber sections with the gasket as the distance between the first and second brewing chamber sections changes, thereby allowing the brewing chamber to remain in the closed state. The method may further include introducing liquid from a liquid supply unit into the brewing chamber and directing it to the beverage tablet to form and dispense the beverage. 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 with the brewing chamber in the open position; Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber in a partially closed state; Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 The brewing chamber is in a higher position than Figure 3 A simplified cross-sectional view of the partially closed state is shown, closer to the closed state. Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 The brewing chamber is in a higher position than Figure 4 A simplified cross-sectional view of the partially closed state is shown, closer to the closed state. Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber in the closed state; Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage tablets in a compressed structure within the brewing chamber; Figure 8 It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage tablets in an expanded structure within the brewing chamber; Figure 9 It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage tablets in the dispensing structure within the brewing chamber; Figure 10 It shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the crushing plate in the brewing chamber; Figure 11A It shows Figure 2 The sensor assembly in the brewing chamber senses a simplified cross-sectional view of the lack of beverage tablets; Figure 11B It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly in the brewing chamber sensing the size of the first beverage tablet; Figure 11C It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly in the brewing chamber sensing the size of the second beverage tablet; Figure 11D It shows Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sensor assembly in the brewing chamber for sensing the size of beverage tablets; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the upstream fluid system of the beverage machine according to an embodiment; Figure 13 A detailed cross-sectional view of a beverage machine according to one embodiment with the brewing chamber in a closed state is shown. Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 The brewing chamber of the beverage machine is located in the detailed part of the cross-sectional view of the first closed structure; Figure 15 It shows Figure 13 The brewing chamber of the beverage machine is located in the detailed part of the cross-sectional view of the second closed structure; Figure 16 Depicting Figures 13-15 A three-dimensional diagram of the gasket in the brewing chamber; Figure 17 It shows Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the gasket; and Figure 18 It shows Figure 13 Detailed cross-sectional view of the gasket in the brewing chamber of a beverage machine. 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 able to receive beverage tablets of various sizes and form beverages therefrom. In some embodiments, beverage tablets can be generally cylindrical, and beverage tablets of different sizes 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 have a brewing chamber configured to receive beverage tablets in an open state and move to a closed state, wherein in the closed state, beverage material inside the beverage tablets 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 and a second brewing chamber section configured to enclose the beverage tablet to allow liquid to be introduced into the beverage tablet to form a beverage. The first and second brewing chamber sections are movable relative to each other to allow the brewing chamber to move between an open and a closed state. In some embodiments, the first brewing chamber section is rotatably disposed within the housing of the beverage machine, and the second brewing chamber section is slidably disposed within the housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first brewing chamber section may be configured to receive a beverage tablet when the brewing chamber is in an open state. In some embodiments, as the brewing chamber moves toward a closed state, a gripper coupled to the first brewing chamber section can grasp the beverage tablet, and the first brewing chamber section can rotate into the housing, while the second brewing chamber section can translate toward the first brewing chamber section. The first and second brewing chamber sections may 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.

[0019] The inventors recognized that since the first and second brewing chamber segments are movable relative to each other, a dynamic sealing arrangement may be desirable to provide a seal between the first and second brewing chamber segments. In some embodiments, the beverage machine may have a gasket positioned between the first and second brewing chamber segments. The gasket may be configured to provide a seal between the first and second brewing chamber segments. It should be understood that the seal prevents fluid from escaping from the sealed brewing chamber in the area between the first and second brewing chamber segments. In some embodiments, the gasket provides a complete seal once the brewing chamber is in a first closed configuration and the first and second brewing chamber segments are separated by a first distance from each other. The gasket also maintains the seal as the brewing chamber moves into a second closed configuration where the first and second brewing chamber segments are separated by a second distance from each other. It should be understood that the first distance and the second distance may be different from each other, and the first brewing chamber segment and the second brewing chamber segment may move between the two distances while the gasket maintains a seal. It should be understood that such a configuration allows the sealed brewing chambers to remain sealed when the first and second brewing chamber segments move relative to each other due to various factors, including but not limited to vibration and / or movement of other components during the brewing process. In some embodiments, the configuration may allow for a range of manufacturing tolerances.

[0020] In some embodiments, the gasket may be attached to the second brewing chamber segment and configured to seal against the first brewing chamber segment. Relative movement may occur between the gasket and the first brewing chamber segment. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the gasket may be replaced by being attached to the first brewing chamber segment and configured to seal against the second brewing chamber segment. Relative movement may occur between the gasket and the second brewing chamber segment.

[0021] In some embodiments, the gasket may also have a body and an extension extending from the body of the gasket. The extension may extend from the body of the gasket at an angle. The extension may be configured to occupy a cavity between a first brewing chamber segment and a second brewing chamber segment when the brewing chamber segment is in a closed state. In some embodiments, the extension may be flexible. In other embodiments, the extension may be movable within the cavity. It should be understood that either the gasket body or the extension may contact the first or second brewing chamber segment to provide a seal between the first and second brewing chamber segments. It should be understood that the cavity may be fluidly connected to the sealed brewing chamber. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for fluid within the sealed brewing chamber to exert pressure on the extension during the brewing process. It should be understood that when the extension receives pressure, it may apply a force to a portion of either the first or second brewing chamber segment, which may produce a seal or enhance the strength of the seal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may then be pre-wetted to soften the coating of the beverage tablet, which may then be compressed and deformed between crushing plates. An inlet puncture mechanism (e.g., an inlet puncture needle) may then puncture the beverage tablet, and water may be introduced into the beverage tablet to mix with the beverage material to form a beverage. In some embodiments, introducing water into the beverage tablet may cause the beverage tablet to expand until it contacts an outlet puncture mechanism (e.g., an outlet puncture needle), which may then puncture the beverage tablet and allow 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 the inlet puncture mechanism. In still other embodiments, the outlet puncture mechanism may contact the tablet after the inlet puncture mechanism but before the beverage tablet expands.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In some embodiments, the beverage machine may include an upstream fluid system configured to regulate and deliver water to the brewing chamber. The upstream fluid system may be capable of delivering water at different parameters, such as pressure, temperature, volume, etc. In some embodiments, the beverage machine may include a sensor system configured to detect the physical dimensions of the beverage tablets, such as height. Based on the detected physical dimensions, a controller for the upstream fluid system may subsequently display certain associated options and / or control parameters of the water delivered to the brewing chamber on a user interface.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Brewing chamber structure and operation

[0027] Figure 1 A simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage machine according to an embodiment in the open state 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 the open state and to form a beverage in the closed state. 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.

[0028] In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 may include a lid 102. The lid 102 may be configured to move between an open position and a closed position, in which beverage tablets can be placed into the brewing chamber 200, and in a closed position, the brewing chamber 200 is closed. In some embodiments, when the lid is in the closed position, the brewing chamber 200 is completely enclosed within the housing 108. In some embodiments, the lid 102 is operatively connected to the brewing chamber 200 via a linkage such that moving the lid from the open position to the closed position moves the brewing chamber 200 between the open and closed states.

[0029] 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) to the user on the user interface 110, and / or otherwise control the upstream fluid system based on the detected beverage tablet type.

[0030] 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 an end of the dispensing flow path 106. In some embodiments, the dispensing flow path 106 may include various flow regulating chambers configured to regulate various flow parameters of the beverage prior to dispensing the beverage.

[0031] 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 when wet, allowing the coating to stretch without tearing or breaking.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 state, wherein the first brewing chamber section 202 is disconnected from the second brewing chamber section 204; and a closed state, wherein the first brewing chamber section 202 is connected to the second brewing chamber section 204 to form a closed brewing chamber 201, such as... Figure 6 As shown.

[0034] The first brewing chamber section 202 is rotatably disposed in the housing 108, such that as the brewing chamber moves from the open state to the closed state, 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 state to a closed state, the second brewing chamber section 204 moves from a retracted position (…). Figure 2 ) translate to the extended position ( Figure 6 ).

[0035] 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.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, as the first brewing chamber section 202 rotates, the second brewing chamber section 204 translates toward the extended position. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first brewing chamber segment 202 begins to rotate before the second brewing chamber segment begins to translate. In some embodiments, the second brewing chamber segment 202 begins to translate immediately when the first brewing chamber segment begins to rotate. As the first brewing chamber segment 202 rotates from a vertically facing position to a horizontally facing position, the gripper 220 can contact the beverage tablet 400 to hold the beverage tablet 400 against the first crushing plate 206. Therefore, as the first brewing chamber segment rotates from a first vertically facing position to a second horizontally facing position, the beverage tablet 400 also rotates from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the horizontal orientation of the beverage tablet is approximately perpendicular to the vertical orientation of the beverage tablet.

[0037] 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.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the first brewing chamber section 202 reaches a horizontally oriented position before the second brewing chamber section 204 reaches an extended position. When or after the first brewing chamber section 202 reaches the horizontally oriented position, the second crushing plate 207 contacts the second end 408 of the beverage tablet 400. As the second brewing chamber section 204 continues to translate toward the extended position, the plunger assembly 205 stops translating due to the contact between the second crushing plate 207 and the second end 408. Because the rear wall 208 continues to translate toward the extended position, the spring 218 is compressed between the rear wall 208 and the plunger rod 216. The spring 218 thus pushes the second crushing plate 207 against the second end 408 of the beverage tablet, causing a compressive force to be applied to the beverage tablet 400 due to the contact between the first crushing plate 206 and the second crushing plate 207. The compressive force is sufficient to hold the beverage tablet 400 between the first crushing plate 206 and the second crushing plate 207, but insufficient to significantly deform the beverage tablet. Because shorter beverage tablets result in less compression of the spring 218 compared to taller beverage tablets, the spring 218 can have mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness and length) sufficient to allow the insertion of beverage tablets of different heights. The mechanical properties of the spring 218 can be selected such that the shortest desired beverage tablet is held between the first and second crushing plates with sufficient force, and that the tallest desired beverage tablet is not held with a compressive force sufficient to significantly deform the beverage tablet.

[0039] In some embodiments, once the beverage tablet is held against the first crushing plate 206 by the second crushing plate 207, the gripper 220 can be released from the beverage tablet 400. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the sidewall 210 can push the gripper 220 away from the beverage tablet 400 and out of the brewing chamber 201. The gripper 220 can be configured to lock in the gripper open position, such that the gripper 220 is prevented from moving back toward the beverage tablet 400 until the brewing chamber 200 moves back toward the open state.

[0040] The second brewing chamber section 204 then slides to its fully extended position, wherein the sidewall 210 contacts the gasket 211 on the first brewing chamber section, producing a... Figure 6 The enclosed brewing chamber 201 is shown. One embodiment of the sealing gasket 211 and the sealing of the first and second brewing chamber sections is further illustrated in… Figures 13-18 It is shown in detail in the text.

[0041] As the brewing chamber moves to the closed state, the beverage tablet 400 is held by the gripper or by the crushing plate against the first crushing plate, so that in the closed state the beverage tablet 400 is approximately centered inside the brewing chamber 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.

[0042] 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 211 may be positioned between the brewing chamber outlet 222 and the dispensing flow path 106 to prevent beverage leakage.

[0043] Figures 6-9 A simplified cross-sectional view of the brewing chamber 200 at various stages of the brewing operation is shown. Once the brewing chamber 200 is closed, the beverage tablet 400 can be pre-wetted. Pre-wetting the beverage tablet allows the coating 404 of the beverage tablet 400 to soften, allowing the coating 404 to be punctured and stretched without cracking or breaking.

[0044] To pre-wet the tablets, water is introduced into the brewing chamber 201. In some embodiments, water is introduced into the brewing chamber 201 through an inlet puncture needle 232. In other embodiments, water is introduced into the brewing chamber 201 through different inlets. In some embodiments, the sidewall 210 includes an vent 246 disposed in the upper portion of the sidewall 210, wherein the vent is configured to open when water is introduced into the brewing chamber 201. Such an vent 246 allows ambient air in the brewing chamber 201 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. Water is then at least partially discharged from the brewing chamber via a drain 248 disposed in the lower portion of the sidewall 210. In some embodiments, the drain leads to a disposal unit.

[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, such as... Figure 7 As shown. In some embodiments, during the deformation of the beverage tablet 400, the vent 246 and the discharge section 248 are opened to allow any remaining pre-wetted water to leave the brewing chamber 201.

[0046] In some embodiments, hydraulic pressure can be used to actuate the plunger 212. Water can be pumped into the hydraulic chamber 226 between the plunger head 214 and the hydraulic wall 228. The water expands the hydraulic chamber 226 by pushing the plunger 212 toward the beverage tablet 400. 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 at least a portion of the tablet, reducing the gap G between the outer periphery of the beverage tablet and the inner periphery 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. In some embodiments, as... Figure 10 As shown, the second crushing plate 207 may have a corrugated surface 209, and the second end 408 of the tablet may conform to the shape of the corrugated surface 209.

[0048] The inlet puncture needle 232 is coupled to move together with the plunger head 214 and with the opening 213 in the second crushing plate 207 (see Figure 10 Alignment. In some embodiments, initially, as Figures 1-6 As shown, the inlet puncture needle 232 does not pass through the opening in the second crushing plate 207 because the spring 230 biases the plunger head 214 away from the second crushing plate 207. Therefore, in some embodiments, the inlet puncture needle 232 is not exposed in the brewing chamber and does not contact the beverage tablet before it deforms. Instead, the inlet puncture needle 232 is positioned behind the second crushing plate 207. As the beverage tablet 400 deforms, the force applied by the plunger 212 is sufficient to compress the spring 230 between the second crushing plate 207 and the plunger head 214. This causes the plunger head 214 to move toward the second crushing plate 207 as the beverage tablet 400 deforms, exposing the inlet puncture needle 232.

[0049] The inlet puncture needle 232 then 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.

[0050] In some embodiments, water is then introduced into the beverage tablet 400 through the inlet puncture needle 232. This allows the water to contact the beverage material inside the beverage tablet and form a beverage. It also causes the beverage tablet 400 to expand as water is pushed into it, as... Figure 8As 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 201 via the brewing chamber outlet 222 and flow along the dispensing flow path 106 to exit the housing 108.

[0051] In some embodiments, a baffle 236 configured to selectively cover the exit puncture needle 234 may be desired. Such a baffle can reduce the likelihood of a user being punctured while loading beverage tablets 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.

[0052] like Figure 9 As 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. Thus, the hydraulic chamber 226 can be discharged, and the second brewing chamber section 204 can disengage from the linkage connecting the second brewing chamber section 204 to the remainder of the brewing chamber 200 and / or the cap 102. In some embodiments, a solenoid is used to disconnect the second brewing chamber section. The second brewing chamber section 204 can then be moved toward a retracted position (e.g., via a bias spring). As the brewing chamber section retracts, the compressive force on the beverage tablet is removed, and the opening 240 is exposed below the brewing chamber 200. As described above, the gripper 220 can remain in a locked position until the brewing chamber 200 moves toward the open position, thus preventing the gripper 220 from re-gripping the beverage tablet 400. The spring 238 can then push the baffle 236 toward the expansion configuration, dislodging the beverage tablet 400 from the outlet puncture needle 234 and away from the first brewing chamber section, toward the opening 240. Alternatively or additionally, the spring 230 can push the second crushing plate 207 toward the expansion configuration, dislodging the beverage tablet from the inlet puncture needle 232 and away from the second brewing chamber section, toward the opening. The beverage tablet 400 then falls through the opening 240 into the disposal unit. In some embodiments, the disposal unit is the same unit that drains water from the brewing chamber during pre-wetting operations and / or drains water from the gap after the brewing operation is completed.

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

[0054] Sensor system for tablet size detection

[0055] As described above, in some embodiments, the beverage tablet 400 may scale along a height H, and the beverage machine 100 may be configured to form a beverage with beverage tablets 400 of different heights. In some embodiments, it is desirable to control the upstream fluid system 300 to deliver liquid to the brewing chamber 200 with different flow parameters (e.g., volume, pressure, etc.) depending on the height of the inserted beverage tablet 400. Therefore, it is desirable for the beverage machine 100 to be configured to identify which beverage tablet is placed in the beverage machine in order to control the upstream fluid system 300 accordingly. Furthermore, or alternatively, it is desirable for the beverage machine 100 to be configured to identify whether the brewing chamber 200 is closed but no beverage tablet 400 is placed in the brewing chamber 200 (in other words, an empty brewing chamber 200).

[0056] While the imaging device 104 may be configured to identify the height of the beverage tablet, it is desirable to have an additional sensor system 241 configured to detect the height of the beverage tablet as a backup (e.g., if the marking on the beverage tablet is removed or not read by the imaging device), as a two-step verification of the height of the beverage tablet, and / or to identify whether the beverage tablet was not placed in the beverage machine 100 before the brewing chamber 200 was closed. Figures 11A-11C Schematic diagrams are shown of sensor system 241 detecting empty beverage tablets (empty brewing chamber), shorter beverage tablets, and taller beverage tablets, respectively.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second brewing chamber section 204 may include a microswitch 242 and a trigger 244. One of the microswitch 242 or the trigger 244 may be disposed on the sidewall 210 or on certain other portions of the second brewing chamber section 204, and the other of the microswitch 242 or the trigger 244 may be disposed on the plunger 212 (e.g., on the plunger rod 216). As described above relative to... Figures 2-6 As discussed, 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 212 stops translating due to the contact between the second crushing plate 207 and the second end 408 of the beverage tablet 400. If there is no beverage tablet 400 in the brewing chamber when the second brewing chamber section 202 moves to the extended position, such as... Figure 11AIn this situation, the second crushing plate 207 does not contact the second end of any beverage tablet 400, the plunger 212 does not stop translating with the second brewing chamber section 204, and the sidewall 210 does not move relative to the plunger 212. Therefore, when there is no beverage tablet in the brewing chamber, the trigger 244 never contacts the microswitch 242. The controller 301 then interprets the lack of a signal received from the microswitch 242 as a detection of the absence of a beverage tablet 400 in the brewing chamber. If a shorter beverage tablet 400 is in the brewing chamber, such as... Figure 11B As shown, during the movement of the second brewing chamber section 204, the sidewall 210 will move sufficiently relative to the plunger 212 to contact the microswitch 242 with the trigger 244, triggering the microswitch 242. The microswitch 242 then sends a trigger signal to the controller 301. The controller 301 interprets the received trigger signal as indicating that a shorter beverage tablet is in the beverage machine 100. If a taller beverage tablet 400 is in the brewing chamber, such as... Figure 11C As shown, during the movement of the second brewing chamber section 204 toward its extended position, the sidewall 210 will move further relative to the plunger 212 than the beverage tablet 400 would be in the presence of. In this case, the microswitch 242 (along with the sidewall 210) will move far enough to be triggered by the trigger 244, but will then continue to move with the sidewall 210 until the trigger 244 no longer contacts and triggers the microswitch 242. The controller 301 interprets the initial triggering and subsequent non-triggering of the microswitch as corresponding to a higher beverage tablet 400.

[0058] In some embodiments, the controller 301 may be configured to automatically reset the second brewing chamber section 204 by controlling it to move to a retracted position if no beverage tablet is detected in the brewing chamber 200.

[0059] While the aforementioned microswitch and trigger system can distinguish three different states (e.g., high beverage tablet, short beverage tablet, and lack of beverage tablet in the brewing chamber), it is desirable to detect more than three states. Therefore, in some embodiments, the plunger 212 may have multiple triggers 244, such as... Figure 11D As shown. In this configuration, the controller 301 may be configured to detect how many times the microswitch has been triggered and the final state of the microswitch (e.g., triggered or not triggered) in order to determine the size and / or presence of the beverage tablet in the brewing chamber 200. For example, in Figure 11D In the embodiments, such as Figure 11DAs shown, a microswitch being triggered twice and remaining in the triggered state corresponds to the second highest beverage tablet, while a microswitch being triggered twice and remaining in the untriggered state corresponds to the highest beverage tablet 400. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the microswitch 242 may be replaced by a different sensor, such as a potentiometer. The potentiometer may be coupled to the plunger 212 such that the plunger 212 can adjust the resistance of the potentiometer according to the position of the plunger 212 relative to the sidewall 210. This change in resistance can then be interpreted as position by the controller 301.

[0060] Of course, any suitable mechanism for detecting the position of plunger 212 relative to sidewall 210 can be used. For example, if a motor is used to drive plunger 212 against beverage tablet 400, the motor position can be monitored to determine the plunger position. Alternatively, the volume of fluid entering hydraulic chamber 226 can be monitored (e.g., by measuring the pump speed of pump 312 in upstream fluid system 300). Alternatively, a Hall effect sensor or any other suitable position sensing system can be used, as this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0061] Furthermore, while some of the above embodiments disclose detecting the size of the beverage tablet 400 as the second brewing chamber section moves to an extended position, it is contemplated that the movement of the plunger 212 relative to other portions of the second brewing chamber section 204 during brewing operation when the beverage tablet 400 deforms can be used to detect the size of the beverage tablet 400, as this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0062] Upstream fluid system

[0063] Figure 12 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 and configured to regulate and deliver liquid from the liquid supply unit 302 to the brewing chamber 200. The upstream fluid system 300 may include, for example, a liquid supply unit, a liquid heater, a pump, and a valve. 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 200 according to desired brewing parameters (e.g., temperature, volume, flow rate, etc.).

[0064] 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 beverage from 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.

[0065] 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 200, it is contemplated that a single pump could move water throughout the entire upstream fluid system 300 and through brewing chamber 200. 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.

[0066] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to deliver unheated water to the brewing chamber 200, 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 a bypass valve 324, and heated water may be used for pre-wetting beverage tablets and / or operating a hydraulic system.

[0067] 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 an upstream fluid system to deliver water to the brewing chamber 200 with parameters (e.g., pressure, volume, etc.) based on the detected height H. In some embodiments, the controller may present various options (e.g., beverage volume options) to the user based on the detected height H.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] sealing gasket

[0071] Figure 13 This is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of a beverage machine 500 in a closed state according to one embodiment. It should be understood that the beverage machine 500 can operate in a similar manner as described above. A beverage tablet 600 is held between a first brewing chamber section 502 and a second brewing chamber section 504, both of which are in a closed state. Furthermore, the first and second brewing chamber sections 502 and 504 are movable relative to each other. A gasket 511 is positioned between the first and second brewing chamber sections 502 and 504 to provide a radial seal between the two chamber sections. Furthermore, the seal can be pressure-activated. It should be understood that the seal prevents fluid during the brewing process from leaking into other areas of the beverage machine 500, both when the machine is stationary and in motion.

[0072] Figure 14 and Figure 15The first brewing chamber section 502 and the second brewing chamber section 504 are shown in a closed state, having a first closing structure and a second closing structure, forming a closed brewing chamber with a chamber volume 503. It should be understood that, once in the closed state, the beverage machine 500 can introduce water from the liquid supply unit 506 into the brewing chamber to brew beverages as described above. Once in the closed state, as... Figure 14 In the first closing configuration shown, the first brewing chamber section 502 and the second brewing chamber section 504 may be separated from each other by a first distance D1. Furthermore, a cavity 514 may exist between the first brewing chamber section 502 and the second brewing chamber section 504. It is expected that a complete seal will be provided in the cavity 514 between the first brewing chamber section 502 and the second brewing chamber section 504 using a gasket 511.

[0073] Gasket 511 can be secured to the sidewall 510 of the second brewing chamber section 504, such that the body 512 of the gasket moves with the second brewing chamber section 504. An extension 513 of the gasket can extend from the body 512 at approximately an angle toward the first brewing chamber section 502 into the cavity 514, contacting the first brewing chamber section 502. The configuration of gasket 511 and gasket extension 513 provides a seal in the cavity 514 between the first and second brewing chamber sections 502 and 504. It should be understood that extension 513 can divide the cavity 514 into a first volume 515 and a second volume 516. The second volume 516 of the cavity 514 can be a portion of the chamber volume 503 of the sealed brewing chamber 501. It should be understood that the seal of gasket 511 prevents the movement of liquid, such as brewed beverage from sealed chamber 501, between second volume 516 and first volume 515. Furthermore, fluid entering second volume 516 can apply pressure to gasket extension 513. This pressure can radially compress gasket extension 513, thereby exerting force on first brewing chamber section 502. Increasing pressure enhances seal strength and reduces the likelihood of seal rupture.

[0074] In addition, the extension 513 of the gasket can be flexible, allowing it to move within the cavity 514. Figure 15The diagram shows the first brewing chamber segment 502 moved relative to the second brewing chamber segment 504 to a second closing configuration, such that the distance between the brewing chamber segments changes from D1 to D2. The gasket 511 can be configured such that the extension 513 remains in contact with the first brewing chamber segment 502, and the body 512 remains fixed to the sidewall 510, thereby maintaining a seal at both distances D1 and D2, and maintaining a seal when the distance changes from D1 to D2, and vice versa. It should be understood that the first brewing chamber segment 502 can move relative to the second brewing chamber segment 504, or the second brewing chamber segment 504 can move relative to the first brewing chamber segment 502. Furthermore, any suitable direction of movement between the first and second brewing chamber segments can be utilized. For example, the first and second brewing chamber segments can move vertically relative to each other, horizontally relative to each other, or a combination of vertical and horizontal movements. Furthermore, the first and second brewing chamber sections can move toward or away from each other. The first and second brewing chamber sections can also move between multiple closing configurations, and are not limited to two closing configurations. It is desirable for the beverage machine 500 to maintain a seal as the first and second brewing chamber sections pass through multiple closing configurations, where the first and second brewing chamber sections are at different distances from each other. For example, in some embodiments, such an arrangement can help maintain a brewing chamber that promotes sealing, despite manufacturing tolerances, vibrations during the brewing process, or any other factors that cause variations in the distance between the first and second brewing chamber sections.

[0075] Figure 16 A perspective view of gasket 511 is shown. Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of gasket 511 is shown. (As shown) Figure 17 As shown in the outline of the cross-sectional view, the gasket 511 has a body 512 and an extension 513 extending from the body at an angle. The angled extension 513 may be desirable to allow the extension 513 to more easily maintain contact with the first or second brewing chamber segment when the first and / or second brewing chamber segment moves relative to each other.

[0076] Furthermore, the angle A of the extension 513 allows the fluid to partially apply pressure to the extension 513.

[0077] The angle A of the extension can be an acute angle, such as 30°, 45°, or 60°, but other angles are also considered. In some embodiments, angle A can be at least 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, or 70°. In some embodiments, angle A can be less than 90°, 85°, 80°, 75°, 70°, 65°, 60°, 55°, 50°, 45°, or 70°. Combinations of the above ranges are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, angle A can be 20° to 80°, 30° to 80°, 40° to 75°, 50° to 70°, or 55° to 65°. In some embodiments, angle A is 61° to 63°.

[0078] Figure 18 An enlarged view shows the gasket 511 forming a seal between the first brewing chamber section 502 and the second brewing chamber section 504. During a brewing cycle, the interior of the brewing chamber 501 is pressurized to pressure P, such that pressure P is applied to the gasket extension 513.

[0079] According to one aspect, the geometry of the gasket can increase its sealing performance. In some embodiments, the angle A of the gasket extension 513 ( Figure 17 A space pocket 517 is created between the gasket extension 513 and the second brewing chamber section 504. This space pocket 517 is part of the interior of the brewing chamber and therefore experiences the same pressure P when the brewing chamber is pressurized. The space pocket 517 allows pressure P to push the gasket extension 513 against the first brewing chamber section 502, thereby causing the gasket to apply a force F to the first brewing chamber section 502. This force F can be used to form a seal or increase the strength of the seal. The precise angle A of the gasket extension 513 (…) Figure 17 The gasket body 512 or gasket extension 513 may vary based on the geometry of the first and second brewing chamber sections to enhance sealing performance. The profile shape of the gasket body 512 or gasket extension 513 may differ in different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the extension may have a generally triangular or circular profile, allowing the gasket to effectively provide a seal between the first and second brewing chamber sections.

[0080] The gasket body 512 may have a groove 512A configured to engage with and form a seal to protrusions 504A and 510A of the second brewing chamber section 504. Protrusions 504A and 510A penetrate the groove 512A of the gasket to secure the gasket body 512 to the second brewing chamber section 504. A sidewall 510 may engage with the remainder of the second brewing chamber section 504 to secure the body 512 of the gasket 511. In some embodiments, an O-ring 518 may form an additional seal between a portion of the sidewall 510 and the remainder of the second brewing chamber section 504. Furthermore, protrusions 510A and 504A may seal one end of the gasket.

[0081] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the gasket may be secured to the first brewing chamber section 502 rather than the second brewing chamber section, and the first brewing chamber section 502 may have one or more protrusions to secure the gasket 511.

[0082] Gaskets can be made of rubber, silicone, or other flexible materials that can form a seal.

[0083] Although the accompanying drawings depict a gasket fixed to the second brewing chamber section 504, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the arrangement is reversible, such that the gasket can be replaced by being fixed to the first brewing chamber section 502 and configured to seal against the second brewing chamber section 504.

[0084] 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: case; A liquid supply unit configured to provide liquid for forming a beverage; A first brewing chamber section and a second brewing chamber section are configured to enclose a beverage tablet for combination with liquid from the liquid supply section to form a beverage, wherein the beverage tablet comprises a body of compressed beverage material, and the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section have an open state for receiving the beverage tablet and a closed state for forming a cavity; In the closed state, the first brewing chamber segment and the second brewing chamber segment are movable relative to each other between the first closing structure and the second closing structure, wherein in the first closing structure, the first brewing chamber segment and the second brewing chamber segment are at a first distance from each other, and wherein in the second closing structure, the first brewing chamber segment and the second brewing chamber segment are at a second distance from each other, the first distance being different from the second distance; as well as A gasket configured to provide a seal between a first brewing chamber segment and a second brewing chamber segment in a first closed configuration and a second closed configuration, wherein the gasket includes a body and an extension extending from the body into the cavity formed by the first brewing chamber segment and the second brewing chamber segment in the closed state.

2. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid from the liquid supply unit is supplied through the second brewing chamber section.

3. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first brewing chamber section is configured to hold the beverage tablet in the open state.

4. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gasket is fixed to the second brewing chamber section.

5. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section are in the closed state, the second brewing chamber section can move relative to the first brewing chamber section.

6. The beverage machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gasket is configured to maintain a seal between the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section as the second brewing chamber section moves from the first closing configuration to the second closing configuration.

7. The beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first brewing chamber section is rotatably disposed relative to the housing, and the second brewing chamber section is slidably disposed relative to the housing.

8. The beverage machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes at least one first puncture needle disposed in the first brewing chamber section and at least one second puncture needle disposed in the second brewing chamber section, the at least one first puncture needle and the at least one second puncture needle being configured to puncture the beverage tablet.

9. The beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, One of the at least one first puncture needle and the at least one second puncture needle is configured to introduce liquid from the liquid supply into the beverage tablet, and the other of the at least one first puncture needle and the at least one second puncture needle is configured to allow the beverage to exit the beverage tablet.

10. A beverage machine, the beverage machine comprising: case; A liquid supply unit configured to provide liquid for forming a beverage; A first brewing chamber section and a second brewing chamber section are configured to enclose a beverage tablet for combination with liquid from the liquid supply section to form a beverage, wherein the beverage tablet comprises a body of compressed beverage material, and the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section have an open state for receiving the beverage tablet and a closed state for forming a chamber volume. as well as A gasket configured to provide a seal between a first brewing chamber segment and a second brewing chamber segment in the closed state, wherein the gasket includes a body and a flexible extension extending from the body into the chamber volume when the first and second brewing chamber segments are in the closed state, the extension being configured to move within the chamber volume while maintaining a seal between the first and second brewing chamber segments.

11. The beverage machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The flexible extension is angled such that when the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section are in the closed state, a space pocket is formed between the flexible extension and the second brewing chamber section, and wherein the flexible extension is configured to move toward the first brewing chamber section to apply force to the first brewing chamber section when the chamber volume is pressurized.

12. The beverage machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The flexible extension is angled such that when the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section are in the closed state, a space pocket is formed between the flexible extension and the first brewing chamber section, and wherein the flexible extension is configured to move toward the second brewing chamber section to apply force to the second brewing chamber section when the chamber volume is pressurized.

13. The beverage machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a cavity formed by the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section in the closed state, wherein the extension divides the cavity into at least two volumes: a first volume oriented toward the first brewing chamber section and a second volume that is part of the chamber volume, such that the extension can move within the first volume and the second volume.

14. A method for forming a beverage, the method comprising: The brewing chamber is moved from the open state to the closed state to seal the beverage tablet between the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section of the brewing chamber; When the brewing chamber moves to the closed state, a gasket is used to form a seal between the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section; As the distance between the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section changes, the gasket maintains the seal between the first brewing chamber section and the second brewing chamber section to allow the brewing chamber to remain in a closed state; Liquid from the liquid supply unit is introduced into the brewing chamber and directed to the beverage tablet to form a beverage; as well as Dispense the beverage.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, It also includes applying pressure to the gasket using an introduced liquid.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes receiving a beverage tablet into the first brewing chamber section when the first brewing chamber section is in an open configuration, the beverage tablet comprising the body of a compressed beverage material.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, It also includes rotating the beverage tablet from a first orientation to a second orientation when moving the first brewing chamber section from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second orientation is perpendicular to the first orientation.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, It also includes gripping the beverage tablet with at least one gripper when the beverage tablet is rotated from the first orientation to the second orientation.

20. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, It also includes wetting the beverage tablet with a first volume of water.

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