Beverage machine and method for forming a beverage from different beverage consumable types

Abstract

Beverage machines are provided, which in some embodiments can have a first brew chamber for receiving a beverage tablet, and a second brew chamber for receiving a beverage cartridge or some other form of conventional beverage ingredient. Aspects related to the relative positioning of the brew chambers and related components are described herein. The beverage machine can have separate lids for each brew chamber, each lid configured to uncover or cover a respective one of the brew chambers. The beverage machine can have a common lid for both brew chambers, such that opening and closing the lid uncovers and covers both brew chambers.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 564,005, filed March 12, 2024, pursuant to 35 USC § 119(e), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed embodiments relate to beverage machines and methods for forming beverages. Background Technology

[0004] Beverage forming systems that use liquids such as water to form beverages are known. For example, U.S. Patent 8,361,527 discloses a beverage forming system that uses a beverage consumable in the form of a beverage can containing beverage ingredients, and prepares the beverage by introducing liquid into the can. The liquid supplied to the can may be heated in a tank before being delivered to the can. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A beverage machine is provided, comprising: a housing; a liquid supply section configured to provide liquid for forming a beverage; a first chamber configured to hold first beverage material to combine with liquid from the liquid supply section to form a first beverage; and a second chamber including a beverage tablet holder configured to receive unpackaged beverage tablets having second beverage material to combine with liquid from the liquid supply section to form a second beverage, wherein the beverage tablets comprise a body of compressed second beverage material.

[0006] A method for forming a beverage from a beverage tablet is provided, the method comprising: receiving the beverage tablet into a second brewing chamber of a beverage machine such that the second brewing chamber directly contacts the beverage tablet without any intermediate packaging, the beverage machine having a first brewing chamber configured to form a beverage from a beverage can containing packaging; introducing liquid from a liquid supply unit into the second brewing chamber and introducing the beverage tablet to form the beverage; and dispensing the beverage.

[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 thereto. 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 with the same reference numerals. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: Figure 1A perspective view of a beverage machine according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Front view of the beverage machine; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the beverage machine; Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A top view of the beverage machine; Figure 5 An example is shown. Figure 1 A simplified cross-sectional view of a beverage machine; Figure 6 A side view is shown of a beverage tablet inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage machine; Figure 7 It shows that according to Figure 6 A side view of the compressed beverage tablet in the brewing chamber of an embodiment; and Figure 8 It shows that according to Figure 6 A side view of the unfolded beverage tablet in the brewing chamber of an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 9 A side view of a beverage tablet inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage machine according to an alternative embodiment is shown; Figure 10 A simplified cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the beverage machine is shown; Figure 11 A perspective view of a beverage machine according to yet another embodiment is shown; Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 A 3D view of a beverage machine; and Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the fluid system for a beverage machine in any embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Beverage machines can generally be used to prepare any suitable beverage, such as tea, coffee, other infusions, beverages made from liquid or powder concentrates, soups, juices, carbonated drinks, or other beverages made from dry materials. Such beverages are prepared by combining beverage ingredients, such as ground coffee or powdered beverage mixtures, with water in the brewing chamber of the beverage machine.

[0011] Beverage ingredients can typically be provided in any suitable form. For example, beverage ingredients can be contained in a carton or canister with an outer packaging, and the brewing chamber can allow water to be introduced into the carton or canister to combine with the beverage ingredients. Alternatively, beverage ingredients can be placed in the brewing chamber in bulk or unpackaged form, with or without a filter.

[0012] In some embodiments, beverage ingredients may be provided in the form of unpackaged beverage tablets containing compacted beverage ingredients. The beverage tablets may be able to maintain their own shape, thus eliminating the need for separate packaging to prevent the beverage material from dispersing prior to use in beverage formation. The beverage tablets may be configured to be received within a beverage machine without packaging, such that the beverage ingredients of the beverage tablets come into direct contact with the beverage machine (e.g., the brewing chamber) during the brewing process (e.g., 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 containing 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 producing 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 (bond) the beverage ingredient within the interior of the consumable. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredient held within the coating may be bulk, such as bulk ground coffee, or compacted. The coating may be a food-grade adhesive, alginate, edible, soluble, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the coating may act as a barrier to reduce the penetration of oxygen and / or moisture, thereby maintaining the freshness of the beverage ingredient. The materials of unpackaged beverage consumables, including the coating of the consumable, if present, may come into direct contact with certain parts of a beverage machine, such as the brewing chamber, before brewing the beverage, without the intervention of intermediate packaging.

[0015] In some embodiments, beverage tablets can be formed in various sizes, and the beverage machine can be able to receive beverage tablets of various sizes. In some embodiments, beverage tablets can generally be 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 surfaces. In some embodiments, beverage tablets can have domed end surfaces.

[0016] This document relates to beverage machines capable of brewing beverages from various beverage consumable types, including beverage tablets and beverage ingredients provided in other forms, such as in bulk or contained in a can with an outer packaging. In some embodiments described herein, a single beverage machine has two brewing chambers, one chamber configured to receive beverage tablets and the other chamber configured to receive other forms of beverage ingredients. The inventors have recognized that such a beverage machine can allow users to brew a wider variety of beverages with a single machine.

[0017] In some embodiments, the brewing chambers can be arranged such that, when viewed from the front of the beverage machine, one brewing chamber is positioned behind the other. Such an arrangement allows the beverage machine to have a narrower footprint, resulting in a smaller width occupied on a supporting surface, such as a countertop. In some embodiments, each brewing chamber can be configured to dispense beverages to a shared dispensing station, further reducing the lateral footprint of the beverage machine.

[0018] In some embodiments, the brewing chambers can be arranged such that, when viewed from the front of the beverage machine, one brewing chamber is positioned to the side of another. Such an arrangement allows for a shallower footprint, resulting in the beverage machine occupying less depth on the supporting surface.

[0019] In some embodiments, the brewing chamber may include a lid configured to expose the brewing chamber when in an open position to allow insertion of a beverage consumable. In some embodiments, each brewing chamber may have a separate lid. In some embodiments, the brewing chambers may include a shared lid such that moving the lid to an open position exposes both brewing chambers.

[0020] Turning to the accompanying drawings, specific, non-limiting embodiments are described in further detail. It should be understood that the various systems, components, features, and methods described with respect to these embodiments can be used individually and / or in any desired combination, as this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0021] Figure 1-4Various views of a beverage machine 100 in an illustrative embodiment incorporating aspects of the invention are shown. The beverage machine can be used to prepare any suitable beverage, such as tea, coffee, other infused beverages, beverages formed from liquid or powder concentrates, soups, juices, carbonated beverages, or other beverages made from dry materials. The beverage machine 100 may include one or more brewing chambers. Each brewing chamber may be configured to hold beverage ingredients that can be combined with liquid from a liquid supply unit 202 to form a beverage. The beverage machine 100 may include a dispensing station 112 at which the beverage can flow from the beverage machine housing 110. The dispensing station 112 may include a drip tray 114, on which, for example, a user's cup or other container can be placed to receive the beverage dispensed from the dispensing outlet. To prepare the beverage, the beverage ingredients can be placed in the brewing chamber by opening the brewing chamber, for example by lifting the lid using a handle, and by closing the lid. The user interface 106 may receive input, for example, by a user pressing one or more buttons or other input devices, and triggering the dispensing operation. For example, water in the liquid supply section 202 can be regulated (e.g., heated, carbonated, or otherwise regulated) and pumped or otherwise delivered to the brewing chamber via the upstream fluid system 200 to mix with beverage ingredients to form a beverage dispensed at the dispensing outlet.

[0022] As mentioned above, it may be desirable for beverage machine 100 to be configured to receive beverage tablets consisting of compressed beverage materials, as such beverage tablets are more convenient than bulk beverage materials but generate less waste than conventional beverage containers. It may also be desirable to have a single machine configured to brew beverages using beverage tablets and other forms of beverage ingredients, such as bulk or contained in containers. This allows users to benefit from the added convenience of brewing with beverage tablets while maintaining the flexibility of brewing with other conventional forms of beverage ingredients, for example, if the desired beverage ingredient is not available in beverage tablet form.

[0023] Furthermore, in some embodiments, beverage tablets can be formed in various sizes, allowing users to brew various beverage volumes without diluting the beverage. This may require configuring brewing chambers to accommodate these different sizes. Configuring such brewing chambers to also receive beverage ingredients in conventional forms could significantly increase complexity.

[0024] Figure 5A simplified cross-sectional view of a beverage machine 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The beverage machine 100 may include a first brewing chamber 102 and a second brewing chamber 104. The first brewing chamber 102 may be configured to receive beverage ingredients in some conventional form, such as in-can or bulk beverage ingredients, while the second brewing chamber 104 may be configured to receive beverage ingredients formed as beverage tablets. As mentioned above, beverages other than coffee can be formed, as this disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first brewing chamber 102 may include a canister holder configured to receive a canister having an outer packaging containing beverage ingredients. In some embodiments, either or both of the two brewing chambers may be configured to hold beverage ingredients in multiple forms. For example, the first brewing chamber 102 may be configured to form a beverage from both bulk beverage ingredients and beverage canisters.

[0025] According to one aspect, the first brewing chamber 102 is positioned in front of the second brewing chamber 104, such that the first brewing chamber 102 is disposed between the front surface 111 of the beverage machine and the second brewing chamber 104. Positioning one brewing chamber in front of another may have certain related advantages. For example, such an arrangement can reduce the overall width of the beverage machine 100. Many users place their beverage machines on kitchen countertops with limited available space, and in some cases, a narrower beverage machine may be preferred. In some alternative embodiments, the first brewing chamber 102 is disposed behind the second brewing chamber 104.

[0026] As described above, it may be desirable for the first brewing chamber 102 to include a first cap 122 and the second brewing chamber 104 to include a second cap 124, to allow convenient insertion of beverage ingredients into the respective brewing chambers. Caps 122 and 124 may be configured to expose the first brewing chamber 102 and the second brewing chamber 104 when the caps are in the open position, and to cover the first brewing chamber 102 and the second brewing chamber 104 when the caps are in the closed position.

[0027] In some embodiments, for example Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first cap 122 may include a tube-piercing mechanism 123 configured to pierce a beverage cartridge inserted into the first brewing chamber 102. The cap 122 may be hinged such that rotation about the hinge exposes and covers the first brewing chamber 102. The cap 122 may be actuated via a handle 127A.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cap 122 may act as a lever, reducing the force a user must apply to the handle 127A to pierce the beverage cartridge or beverage tablet. The cartridge piercing mechanism 123 may include one or more needles in the top section of the first brewing chamber and one or more needles in the bottom section of the first brewing chamber. Any suitable piercing mechanism can be used in the first brewing chamber to pierce the beverage cartridge. In use, the cartridge piercing mechanism may be configured to pierce the beverage cartridge on both the top and bottom surfaces, allowing liquid to flow from the liquid supply and enter the first brewing chamber via the first brewing chamber inlet and through one of the top or bottom surfaces. The liquid can then be mixed with the beverage ingredients in the beverage cartridge to form a beverage. The beverage can then flow out of the beverage cartridge through the other of the top or bottom surfaces and through the first brewing chamber outlet, exiting the first brewing chamber. In some embodiments, the needles of the cartridge piercing mechanism are hollow, allowing water to enter the beverage cartridge through at least one needle and allowing beverage to flow out of the beverage cartridge through at least another needle.

[0029] In some embodiments, the second brewing chamber 104 may be very different in structure and operation from the first brewing chamber 102. Figure 6-8 An exemplary embodiment of the second brewing chamber 104 and its operation are shown. When the second brewing chamber 104 is in the unfolded configuration, as... Figure 6 As shown, a beverage tablet 400 can be received into the second brewing chamber 104 of the beverage machine 100. The second brewing chamber may include an inlet surface 304 and an outlet surface 306. An inlet needle 310 may be coupled to the inlet surface 304, and an outlet needle 312 may be coupled to the outlet surface 306 (the inlet needle 310 and the outlet needle 312 together constitute the tablet piercing mechanism 125). It is contemplated that the inlet needle 310 may be a plurality of inlet needles, and / or the outlet needle 312 may be a plurality of outlet needles. In some embodiments, the inlet surface 304 may have an arcuate profile, a plurality of arcuate surfaces, a flat surface, or any suitable surface. In some embodiments, the outlet surface 306 may have an arcuate profile, a plurality of arcuate surfaces, a flat surface, or any suitable surface.

[0030] Beverage tablet 400 can be inserted into brewing chamber 104. As described above, beverage tablet 400 may include a body 402 formed of compacted beverage material. Body 402 may generally be cylindrical, having a first end 406 and a second end 408. In some embodiments, the first end and / or the second end is domed. In some embodiments, beverage tablet 400 includes at least one coating 404 configured to at least partially encapsulate body 402. Coating 404 may be configured to soften upon wetting, allowing the coating to stretch without tearing or breaking. The tablet may be configured to be pierced by needles 310 and 312 without breaking into individual bulk tablets within the beverage machine. The coating may maintain the tablet's integrity during piercing and / or other processing steps performed by the beverage machine.

[0031] The beverage tablet 400 can be inserted such that the first end 406 and the second end 408 each face one of the inlet surface 304 or the outlet surface 306. In some embodiments, such as Figure 6-8 As shown, the inlet surface 304 can be disposed above the outlet surface 306. In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the inlet surface 304 and the outlet surface 306 can be disposed on the side of the second brewing chamber 104. Figure 9 The embodiments can be with Figure 6-8 The implementation examples operate in essentially the same way.

[0032] As described above, the second brewing chamber 104 may include a cap 126 that opens to allow tablets to enter the brewing chamber. The cap 126 may be closed after a tablet has been inserted. In some embodiments, an inlet surface is connected to the cap 126 such that moving the cap 126 to the open position removes the inlet surface 304 out of the second brewing chamber 104 to allow insertion of a beverage tablet 400.

[0033] As a wetting step, a pre-wetting liquid, such as water, may be introduced into the brewing chamber to soften the coating 404, thereby allowing the beverage tablet 400 to deform and puncture. In some embodiments, the pre-wetting liquid is introduced into the brewing chamber through an inlet needle 310. In some embodiments, the pre-wetting liquid is introduced into the brewing chamber from a separate inlet, different from the inlet needle 310.

[0034] In some embodiments, the beverage machine can then compress the tablet after the tablet coating has softened. To achieve this, in some embodiments, the inlet surface 304 and the outlet surface 306 can move relative to each other, causing the second brewing chamber 104 to move from its initial configuration ( Figure 6 )Move to compression configuration ( Figure 7In some embodiments, the inlet surface 304 moves toward the outlet surface 306; in some embodiments, the outlet surface 306 moves toward the inlet surface 304; and in some embodiments, the two surfaces 304 and 306 move toward each other. In some embodiments, when the beverage tablet 400 is compressed, the first end 406 and / or the second end 408 of the tablet may change shape. For example, the first end 406 and / or the second end 408 may change from a dome shape to a flat shape.

[0035] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet 400 is moistened before the cap 126 moves to the closed position, and the beverage tablet 400 is compressed and punctured when the cap 126 moves to the closed position via a force applied by the beverage machine and / or the user. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet 400 is moistened, compressed, and punctured after the cap 126 is in the closed position without applying force. In embodiments where the applied force is not supplied by the user, the force required to compress and puncture the beverage tablet can be supplied in any suitable manner, such as via a motor.

[0036] The movement distance of the inlet surface 304 and / or outlet surface 306 can vary depending on the size of the beverage tablet. For example, the inlet surface 304 and / or outlet surface can move a greater distance when used with tablets of shorter height compared to tablets with a greater height. One advantage of using cylindrical beverage tablets is that different beverage tablet sizes (and thus beverage volume and / or strength) can be used with beverage machines that can be adjusted along a single dimension to accommodate different sizes. In this case, the brewing chamber expands and contracts linearly to accommodate different beverage tablet heights.

[0037] In some embodiments, as the distance between the inlet surface 304 and the outlet surface 306 decreases, the beverage tablet 400 deforms such that the tablet conforms to match the shape of the inlet surface 304 and / or the outlet surface 306 in a compressed position. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet 400 conforms to the inlet surface 304 to seal against the inlet surface 304. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet 400 conforms to the outlet surface 306 to seal against the outlet surface 306.

[0038] In some embodiments, compressing the beverage tablet 400 causes the compacted beverage material forming the body 402 to break down into smaller pieces. The coating 404 can remain intact and can hold the broken pieces of the body within the encapsulation space to prevent the beverage material from dispersing. The coating can be stretched to allow the tablet's shape to deform without the coating breaking.

[0039] When the beverage tablet 400 is compressed, the inlet needle 310 pierces the coating 404 and enters the beverage tablet 400 through the first end 406. In some embodiments, the outlet needle 312 may also pierce the coating 404 and enter the beverage tablet 400 simultaneously with the inlet needle through the second end 408. In other embodiments, the outlet needle 312 pierces the coating 404 after the inlet needle 310 pierces the coating 404.

[0040] Then, a first volume of water is injected into the beverage tablet 400 through the inlet needle 310. In some embodiments, this causes the beverage tablet 400 to unfold, as... Figure 8 As shown. In some embodiments, when the beverage tablet 400 unfolds, the surfaces 304 and 306 of the second brewing chamber can move away from each other to allow unfolding. For example, the inlet surface 304 of the brewing chamber can move away from the outlet surface 306 of the brewing chamber (or vice versa, or the two surfaces can move away from each other). When the beverage tablet 400 unfolds, the contents of the body 402 can break down, reducing the density of the beverage ingredients in the beverage tablet 400. However, the coating 404 can remain intact, keeping the contents contained within the enclosed space and preventing the contents from dispersing within the beverage machine. The coating can be stretched to allow for deformation of the tablet shape and changes in the density of the body without the coating breaking down.

[0041] In some embodiments, the coating may be configured to allow the tablet to expand within the brewing chamber without breaking. In some embodiments, the permissible expansion range within the brewing chamber is 10% to 27%, 11% to 26%, 12% to 25%, 13% to 24%, 14% to 23%, 15% to 22%, 16% to 21%, 17% to 20%, or 18% to 19%. In some embodiments, the permissible expansion range within the brewing chamber is 10% to 20%, 11% to 19%, 12% to 18%, 13% to 17%, 14% to 16%, or 15%. In some embodiments, the permissible expansion range within the brewing chamber is 14% to 30%, 15% to 29%, 16% to 28%, 17% to 27%, 18% to 26%, 19% to 25%, 20% to 24%, 21% to 23%, or 22%. In some embodiments, the permissible expansion range within the brewing chamber is 15% to 30%.

[0042] In some embodiments, a second volume of water can then be introduced into the beverage tablet 400 through the inlet needle 310. At least some of the first and second volumes of water then flow through the beverage tablet 400, exit from the outlet needle 312, and flow to the dispensing station to form a prepared beverage.

[0043] In some embodiments, the beverage tablets may have a density of 500 g / l to 750 g / l before operation with a beverage machine. In some embodiments, the beverage tablets may have a density ranging from 400 g / l to 850 g / l, 425 g / l to 825 g / l, 450 g / l to 800 g / l, 475 g / l to 775 g / l, 500 g / l to 750 g / l, 525 g / l to 725 g / l, 550 g / l to 700 g / l, 575 g / l to 675 g / l, or 600 g / l to 650 g / l. In some embodiments, the beverage tablets may have a density ranging from 400 g / l to 600 g / l, 425 g / l to 575 g / l, 450 g / l to 550 g / l, 475 g / l to 525 g / l, or 500 g / l. In some embodiments, the beverage tablets may have a density ranging from 650 g / l to 850 g / l, 675 g / l to 825 g / l, 700 g / l to 800 g / l, 725 g / l to 775 g / l, or 750 g / l.

[0044] Figure 10 A simplified cross-sectional view of a beverage machine 100 according to an embodiment is shown. In embodiments where a force applied by the user is used to pierce the beverage tablet, a greater force may be required to pierce the beverage tablet compared to the beverage cartridge. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the first brewing chamber 102 and the second brewing chamber 104 to have a common cap 126, wherein a cartridge piercing mechanism 123 is configured to pierce a beverage cartridge inserted into the first brewing chamber 102, and an inlet surface 304 and an inlet needle 310 are configured to compress and pierce a beverage tablet inserted into the second brewing chamber 104. In some embodiments, the common cap 126 is hinged closer to the second brewing chamber 104 such that the lever arm distance from the front handle 127 of the cap to the inlet needle 310 is increased compared to the lever arm distance from the front handle 127 to the upper part of the cartridge piercing mechanism 123. This allows a greater force to be applied to the beverage tablet in the second brewing chamber 104 compared to the beverage cartridge in the first brewing chamber 102, without increasing the force applied by the user to the handle 127.

[0045] Even if greater force is not required to pierce the beverage tablet, or if no force applied by the user is used to pierce the beverage tablet, it may still be desirable for the two brewing chambers to share a common cap 128. Such an arrangement reduces the overall complexity of the beverage machine by reducing the number of moving parts in the machine. Furthermore, connecting the upstream fluid system 200 to the brewing chamber via a single cap is less complex than having two separate caps.

[0046] The first brewing chamber 102 may be positioned at the same height as the second brewing chamber 104 relative to the base 108 of the beverage machine 100. In some embodiments, the first brewing chamber 102 may be positioned at a height lower than the second brewing chamber 104, while in other embodiments, the first brewing chamber 102 may be positioned at a height higher than the second brewing chamber 104.

[0047] In beverage machines with multiple brewing chambers, there may be advantages related to dispensing beverages formed in any brewing chamber from a single dispensing station 112. Using a single dispensing station, a beverage machine with multiple brewing chambers can have a smaller overall size compared to a beverage machine with multiple dispensing stations. Furthermore, having a single dispensing station helps prevent users from accidentally placing beverage containers, such as cups, at the wrong dispensing station, since there is only one such station. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the beverage machine may have more than one dispensing station, as will be discussed below.

[0048] In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 may include a first outlet 116 configured to dispense a beverage formed in a first brewing chamber 102, and a second outlet 118 configured to dispense a beverage formed in a second brewing chamber 104. The first outlet may be fluidly connected to the first brewing chamber 102 via a first flow path 117, such that the beverage formed in the first brewing chamber 102 may be dispensed through the first outlet 116 after traveling through the first flow path. The beverage formed in the second brewing chamber 104 may be guided through a second flow path 119 to be dispensed through the second outlet 118 after traveling through the second flow path 119. In some embodiments, the first flow path 117 and the second flow path 119 may converge to a single outlet (not shown). In some embodiments, the second outlet 118 may be associated with the first brewing chamber 102. In such an embodiment, the second flow path 119 may guide the beverage formed in the second brewing chamber 104 into the first brewing chamber 102, and then dispense it through the second outlet 118.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second flow path 119 includes one or more channels. The one or more channels may include open channels such as troughs, or closed channels such as tubes. In some embodiments, the first and second flow paths may be separate, such that there is no fluid communication between them. In some embodiments, mixing of the beverage formed in the first brewing chamber 102 with the beverage formed in the second brewing chamber 104 may be prevented. In other embodiments, mixing of the beverage formed in the first brewing chamber 102 with the beverage formed in the second brewing chamber 104 may be permitted. In some embodiments, fluid communication may occur between the first and second flow paths. In some embodiments, the beverage may be mixed at a point downstream of the first brewing chamber, for example, in a mixing chamber, or midway through the flow as the beverage is dispensed from the beverage machine.

[0050] The second outlet 118 of the beverage machine 100 may be configured adjacent to the first outlet 116. In some embodiments, for example... Figure 5 and Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the second outlet may be located behind the first outlet. In other embodiments, the second outlet may be located to the side of the first outlet. Generally, the relative positions of the first and second outlets can be any suitable arrangement such that the beverage formed in the first brewing chamber 102 or the second brewing chamber 104 is dispensed at a single dispensing station, as this disclosure is not limited to this aspect.

[0051] Figure 11 and 12 A front perspective view of a beverage machine 100 according to another embodiment is shown. As described above, when viewed from the front of the beverage machine 100, it may be desirable for the brewing chambers 102 and 104 to be arranged side by side. Such an arrangement can reduce the overall depth of the beverage machine 100, which may be desirable for a user with a shallower support surface to place the beverage machine 100. In some embodiments, the side-by-side brewing chambers may be allocated to a shared dispensing station. In other embodiments, such as Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the brewing chamber 102 is configured to dispense beverages to a first dispensing station 112A, while the second brewing chamber 104 is configured to dispense beverages to a second dispensing station 112B. In some embodiments, the beverage machine may be configured to dispense beverages to both dispensing stations simultaneously. In some embodiments, the beverage machine may be configured to dispense beverages to only one dispensing station at a time.

[0052] In some embodiments, the side-by-side brewing chambers may include a shared lid configured to move between an open position and a closed position, exposing both brewing chambers in the open position and covering both brewing chambers in the closed position. In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 and 12As shown, the brewing chamber 102 may have a first cover 122 actuated by a first handle 127A, while the second brewing chamber 104 may have a second cover 124 actuated by a second handle 127B.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-4 As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the beverage machine 100 may be equipped with a user interface 106. The user interface may be oriented for viewing by a user located in front of the beverage machine. The user interface 106 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 via the user interface, such as pressing a button or touching a touchscreen. The beverage machine can perform different functions in response to commands from the user. For example, it may form a beverage in the first brewing chamber 102 in response to a first type of command input by the user via the user interface, and simultaneously form a beverage in the second brewing chamber 104 in response to a second type of command input by the user via the user interface. Information may be conveyed to the user via the display or indicator lights of the user interface.

[0054] 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 a knob, scroll wheel, mechanical switch, microphone, touch sensor, light sensor, or any other suitable component configured to receive input from the user. Furthermore, the user interface may include a display, light, speaker, haptic device, or any other suitable component configured to provide information to the user.

[0055] A beverage machine may include a fluid system upstream of any brewing chamber. The upstream fluid system 200 may include, for example, a liquid supply unit, a liquid heater, a pump, and valves, to name just a few components. A beverage machine 100 having a first brewing chamber 102 and a second brewing chamber 104 may include a user interface 106 allowing the user to select between brewing a beverage in the first brewing chamber and brewing a beverage in the second brewing chamber. There may be advantages associated with beverage machines having multiple brewing chambers but only a single upstream fluid system. For example, such a beverage machine can be smaller and less complex compared to a beverage machine with a separate upstream fluid system associated with each brewing chamber. In a beverage machine with only a single upstream fluid system, selecting between brewing a beverage in the first brewing chamber and brewing a beverage in the second brewing chamber may involve fluidly connecting either the first or second brewing chamber to the upstream fluid system. Therefore, such a beverage machine may require a valve, such as a three-way valve, to select between brewing chambers.

[0056] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the fluid system of a beverage machine in an illustrative embodiment. The fluid system may include a liquid supply unit 202, such as a cold water tank. Typically, the liquid supply unit may be a reservoir configured to hold liquid. The water level in the cold water tank may be monitored by a sensor 204. If the sensor 204 detects that the water in the cold water tank is insufficient, the sensor may send a signal to the user interface 106 to alert the user. Water from the cold water tank may pass through a filter 208 and a one-way valve 210, and then be pumped by a pump 212 to a hot water tank 214. The water may be heated within the hot water tank 214 (e.g., via a heating element within the hot water tank 214), and / or may be heated as it travels along a path to the hot water tank 214 (e.g., via an online heater). An air pump 222 may be connected to the hot water tank 214 to introduce air into the hot water tank, thereby delivering hot water to the brewing chamber. The beverage machine may include a pressure relief valve 216, which may be connected to a pressure sensor (transducer) 218 ​​that monitors pressure levels. If the pressure sensor determines that the pressure level is too high, the pressure relief valve can reduce the pressure level through the vent 220. In some embodiments, the vent is passive and uncontrollable. In embodiments where the vent is controllable, the vent can be directly connected to the hot water tank. Valve 224 can selectively connect the hot water tank 214 to the first brewing chamber 102 and the second brewing chamber 104. In some embodiments, various components of the upstream fluid system 200, such as pumps 212 and 222, valve 224, hot water tank 214, and pressure relief valve 216, can be controlled by controller 226, which can receive commands from user interface 106.

[0057] According to one aspect, the user-selectable options provided by the user interface are determined based on the state of a valve that controls the flow of liquid to a first brewing chamber or a second brewing chamber. For example, the valve may have a first configuration in which the first brewing chamber 102 is fluidly connected to a hot water tank 214, and a second configuration in which the second brewing chamber 104 is fluidly connected to the hot water tank 214. When the valve is in the first configuration, the user interface provides a first set of options. When the valve is in the second configuration, the user interface provides a second set of options. In some embodiments, the user-selectable option based on the valve's state is a volume selection option. Alternatively or additionally, other possible user-selectable options that may be based on the valve's state include, but are not limited to: beverage type options, temperature selection options, brewing strength options, flavoring options, options related to the addition of ingredients such as sugar, cream, or whipped cream, and / or options related to the amount of carbonation.

[0058] In some embodiments, the valve may have a third configuration in which both brewing chambers 102 and 104 are fluidly connected to the hot water tank 214, and the user interface 106 can provide a third set of options. In some embodiments, a first user interface provides a first set of options for forming a beverage in a first brewing chamber, and a second user interface provides a second set of options for forming a beverage in a second brewing chamber.

[0059] In some embodiments, as described above, valve 224 is actuated by controller 226. In some embodiments, the valve is manually operated by a user. For example, a user may interact with a physical interface, such as pressing a button, pulling a lever, or moving a slider, wherein the physical interface is mechanically coupled to the valve to change the valve's configuration. As an illustrative example, pulling the lever to a first position actuates the valve to open fluid communication to a first brewing chamber and close fluid communication to a second brewing chamber. Pulling the lever to a second position actuates the valve to open fluid communication to the second brewing chamber and close fluid communication to the first brewing chamber.

[0060] In embodiments where the valve is manually operated by the user, a controller may still be included to perform actions other than actuating the valve. The valve's status can be sent to the controller to determine user-selectable options provided by the user interface. Sensors can be used to determine the valve's status. In embodiments that include an actuator, the actuator's status can be used to determine the valve's status.

[0061] Valve 224 may include a three-way valve, or multiple two-way valves working in concert. In embodiments with additional connections, other valve configurations, such as four-way valves, may be used. It should be understood that any suitable valve or combination of valves that selectively connects at least one input to at least two outputs may be used, as this disclosure is not limited to this. Examples of possible valves include, but are not limited to, solenoid valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, pinch valves, or any other suitable type of valve.

[0062] It should be understood that the embodiment of the upstream fluid system 200 is merely an exemplary embodiment, and any upstream fluid system that can selectively deliver liquid to the two separate brewing chambers is contemplated. For example, each brewing chamber may have a separate hot water tank, pump, or liquid supply unit. In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 includes two completely separate upstream fluid systems, each regulating the water and delivering it to one of the corresponding two brewing chambers.

[0063] While this teaching has been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended to be limited to such embodiments or examples. Rather, this teaching encompasses various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description and figures are provided by way of example only.

Claims

1. A beverage machine, comprising: case; The liquid supply unit is configured to provide liquids for the formation of beverages; A first chamber is configured to hold a first beverage material to combine with liquid from the liquid supply unit to form a first beverage; as well as The second chamber includes a beverage tablet holder configured to receive an unpackaged beverage tablet having a second beverage material for combination with liquid from the liquid supply to form a second beverage, wherein the beverage tablet comprises a body of compressed second beverage material.

2. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a user interface oriented to be viewed by a user located in front of the beverage machine.

3. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first chamber is located between the front of the beverage machine and the second chamber.

4. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first chamber is located between the front of the beverage machine and the first chamber.

5. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chamber is positioned at the same height as the second chamber.

6. The beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first chamber is configured to be adjacent to the second chamber.

7. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cover disposed above the first chamber and the second chamber, the cover being movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position, wherein moving the cover to the open position exposes the first chamber and the second chamber.

8. The beverage machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first chamber includes a cartridge holder configured to receive a cartridge containing the first beverage material.

9. The beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a first piercing mechanism configured to pierce the tube when the cap is moved to the closed position, and a second piercing mechanism configured to pierce the beverage tablet when the cap is moved to the closed position.

10. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first cover disposed above the first chamber and a second cover disposed above the second chamber. The first cover is movable relative to the housing between a first cover closed position and a first cover open position, wherein the first cover is moved to the first cover open position to expose the first chamber. The second cover is movable relative to the housing between a second cover closed position and a second cover open position, wherein the second cover is moved to the second cover open position to expose the second chamber.

11. The beverage machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first chamber includes a cartridge holder configured to receive a cartridge containing the first beverage material.

12. The beverage machine according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a first piercing mechanism configured to pierce the tube when the first cap moves to the first cap closed position, and a second piercing mechanism configured to pierce the beverage tablet when the second cap moves to the second cap closed position.

13. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first chamber outlet configured to allow the first beverage to leave the first chamber; and a second chamber outlet configured to allow the second beverage to leave the second chamber.

14. The beverage machine according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first chamber outlet is configured to allow the first beverage to exit the housing at a dispensing outlet, and the second chamber outlet is configured to allow the second beverage to exit the housing at the dispensing outlet.

15. The beverage machine according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first chamber outlet is configured to allow the first beverage to exit the housing at a first dispensing outlet, and the second chamber outlet is configured to allow the second beverage to exit the beverage machine at a second dispensing outlet.

16. The beverage machine according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes a dispensing station configured to receive the first beverage from the first dispensing outlet or the second beverage from the second dispensing outlet.

17. The beverage machine according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes a first dispensing station configured to receive the first beverage from the first dispensing outlet; and a second dispensing station configured to receive the second beverage from the second dispensing outlet.

18. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first flow path configured to deliver liquid from the liquid supply unit to the first chamber, and a second flow path configured to deliver liquid from the liquid supply unit to the second chamber.

19. The beverage machine according to claim 18, characterized in that, It also includes a valve configured to guide liquid from the liquid supply unit along the first flow path or the second flow path.

20. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beverage tablet holder is configured to be in direct contact with the beverage tablet without any intermediate intervening components.

21. The beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second chamber includes at least one movable surface of a beverage tablet configured to be compressed and deformed for reception in the beverage tablet holder.

22. The beverage machine according to claim 21, characterized in that, The at least one movable surface is configured to compress and deform the beverage tablet to seal the beverage tablet along the surface of the second chamber.

23. The beverage machine according to claim 22, characterized in that, The beverage mechanism causes a volume of water to be introduced into the second chamber to prewet and soften the coating of the beverage tablet before it is compressed on the at least one movable surface.

24. The beverage machine according to claim 23, characterized in that, It also includes at least one inlet needle configured to pierce the coating of the beverage tablet after the coating has been pre-wetted and introduce a second volume of water into the beverage tablet inside the coating.

25. The beverage machine according to claim 24, characterized in that, It also includes at least one outlet needle configured to pierce the coating and allow the second volume of water to exit the beverage tablet.

26. A method for forming a beverage from beverage tablets, the method comprising: The beverage tablet is received into the second brewing chamber of the beverage machine, such that the second brewing chamber directly contacts the beverage tablet without any intermediate packaging, and the beverage machine has a first brewing chamber configured to form a beverage from a packaged beverage can; Liquid from the liquid supply unit is introduced into the second brewing chamber and the beverage tablet is introduced to form a beverage; as well as Dispense the beverage.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, Also includes: A force is applied to the beverage tablet to deform it and conform it to the shape of the first brewing chamber.

28. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, It also includes piercing the beverage tablet with at least one inlet needle, wherein liquid from the liquid supply unit is introduced into the tablet through the at least one inlet needle.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, It also includes piercing the beverage tablet with at least one exit needle.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The prepared beverage exits the beverage tablet through at least one outlet needle.

31. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, It also includes introducing a pre-wetting liquid into the first brewing chamber to wet the beverage tablet and soften the coating of the beverage tablet.

32. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The step of introducing liquid from the liquid supply unit into the brewing chamber causes the beverage tablet to unfold and reduces the density of the beverage ingredients in the tablet.

33. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, It also includes directing the liquid through a valve into the first brewing chamber in response to a user selection.

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, The user selection is made by the user interacting with the user interface.

35. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, Also includes: The packaged beverage can is received into the first brewing chamber; Liquid from the liquid supply unit is introduced into the first brewing chamber to form a second beverage; as well as Dispense the second beverage.

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