Machine for preparing a beverage
By combining a curved trajectory with an automatic return device, the problems of clogging and breakage when powdered products are inserted into beverage preparation machines are solved, resulting in a more compact and user-friendly lid design.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423181825.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-21
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing beverage preparation machines are prone to clogging or breakage during the insertion of powdered products, and the straight sliding design of the lid is not compact enough.
The curved-track cap design, combined with an automatic return device and guide structure, ensures that powdered products can be accurately inserted into the receiving compartment, and prevents clogging or breakage through the rotational movement of the secondary cap.
It enables accurate insertion of powdered products and prevents clogging or breakage, and the curved sliding design of the cap is more compact, improving ergonomics.
Smart Images
Figure CN223886680U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a machine for preparing beverages, particularly coffee, using a powdered product containing one or more ingredients. Background Technology
[0002] In the following description, for simplicity, reference will be made to compacted tablets; however, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to machines intended to operate with tablets, but is generally applicable to machines using capsules or alternatively pods.
[0003] Beverage preparation machines are known to have a channel for inserting a product from outside the machine, and a cover that can be moved between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover covers the channel and prevents product insertion, while in the open position, the cover exposes the channel and allows product insertion into the machine.
[0004] The objective of this invention is to improve the above-mentioned arrangement. Utility Model Content
[0005] According to this utility model, this objective and other objectives are achieved by the machine defined in this application.
[0006] This utility model relates to a machine for preparing beverages, which prepares beverages from a powdered product containing at least one ingredient. The machine for preparing beverages includes: a product processing unit including a receiving portion adapted to receive the powdered product; an opening for directly inserting the powdered product from outside the machine into the receiving portion; and a lid, which has or has a handle and is manually slidable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the lid covers the opening and prevents access to the receiving portion, and in the open position the lid exposes the opening, wherein the lid is slidable along a curved trajectory between the closed position and the open position.
[0007] The height of the cover in the open position is higher than the height of the cover in the closed position.
[0008] The machine for preparing beverages also includes an upper housing portion, on which a lid is slidably mounted, wherein the lid, in the open position, laterally protrudes beyond the edge of the upper housing portion.
[0009] A guide structure is provided between the upper housing portion and the cover to guide the cover between the closed position and the open position.
[0010] The guiding structure includes a pair of guide ribs connected to a pair of corresponding guide grooves, wherein the guide ribs are formed on the upper housing portion to project vertically from the upper housing portion, and wherein the guide grooves are formed through the wall of the bottom portion of the cover.
[0011] The guide structure also includes a plurality of rollers abutting against the support surface of the upper housing portion.
[0012] A bistable automatic return device is associated with the cover, the bistable automatic return device being configured to push the cover toward the closed position and the open position.
[0013] The cover, hereinafter referred to as the main cover, includes a secondary cover hinged to the main cover at a hinge axis arranged transversely to the sliding direction of the main cover, wherein the secondary cover is rotatable relative to the main cover between a lowered position and an raised position, in which the secondary cover engages with the edge of the opening for the product, and in the raised position, the secondary cover rotates upward relative to the lowered position as the main cover slides between the closed position and the open position.
[0014] The sub-cover includes a closing portion and a control portion arranged on opposite sides of the sub-cover relative to the hinge axis, wherein the closing portion is configured to engage with the edge of the opening for the product, and the control portion is configured to engage between the main cover and the upper housing portion to be driven to rotate relative to the main cover.
[0015] A sliding profile is formed on the upper housing portion, the sliding profile being engaged by the control portion of the sub-cover, wherein slope change points are formed along the sliding profile, the slope change points being configured to guide the rotation of the sub-cover during the sliding movement of the main cover.
[0016] The control portion of the secondary cover is provided with a curved follower profile and a stepped profile, the curved follower profile engaging with the sliding profile formed on the upper housing portion, and the stepped profile being engaged by the main cover in the closed position of the main cover.
[0017] The sub-cover is provided with a gasket, and the sub-cover engages with the edge of the opening for the product via the gasket.
[0018] In the aforementioned machine, the curved trajectory allows the cap to cover the area where the powdered product (e.g., compacted tablets or capsules) is inserted, with the movement approaching the product from above, rather than covering it "laterally" with a lateral movement as would be in the case where the cap follows a straight trajectory. Thus, if the product is slightly misaligned relative to the receiving portion, the curved movement of the cap achieves the effect of guiding the product to the correct area and / or preventing blockage or breakage.
[0019] According to one implementation, the cover in the open position is at a higher height than the cover in the closed position. In this case, curved sliding achieves the advantage of being more compact compared to straight sliding, because the cover does not slide linearly toward the open position during its movement, but follows an arc (thus the cover follows a shorter path relative to the vertical component of the movement). Attached Figure Description
[0020] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, provided by way of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the machine according to the present invention, wherein the cover is in the open position;
[0022] Figure 2 and Figure 3 They are Figure 1 A side view of the machine, with the cover in both the closed and open positions;
[0023] Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are Figure 1 A side view of a portion of the machine's housing, showing the cover in both the closed and open positions;
[0024] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the housing portion, showing the cover in both the closed and open positions, with the cover shell removed; and
[0025] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a modified shell portion according to the present invention;
[0026] Figure 9 and Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the housing portion, showing the cover in the closed and open positions; and
[0027] Figure 11 and Figure 12 They are respectively by Figure 9 Arrow XI and Figure 10 The section indicated by arrow XII in the image is a magnified view. Detailed Implementation
[0028] refer to Figure 1 A machine for preparing a beverage (particularly coffee) from a compacted tablet P containing one or more ingredients, generally designated by reference numeral 10, wherein the one or more ingredients are, in particular, powdered coffee.
[0029] As already explained, even though this invention is described with reference to the use of compacted tablets containing one or more ingredients for beverage preparation, it should not be construed as limited to machines capable of operating with tablets, but rather includes cases where a dose of powder, rather than tablets, is provided in capsules, pods, or other similar packaging suitable for infusion-based beverage preparation. For the purposes of this invention, the term "powdered product" therefore covers powdered products packaged in capsules or pods and compacted in tablet form.
[0030] Machine 10 includes a product processing assembly 20 (within machine 10), which includes: a cup-shaped receiving portion 21 adapted to receive a product; an opening 30 for inserting a product P directly from outside machine 10 into the receiving portion 21; and a cover 40 formed or having a handle for user use, and manually movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover 40 covers the opening 30. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 In the open position, cover 40 exposes opening 30. Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 40 has a hollow structure and is formed by a bottom portion 41 and a housing 42 assembled together.
[0031] Product processing unit 20 may have an outlet for dispensing beverages prepared in the product processing unit. Product processing unit 20 may be configured to automatically circulate water and / or steam in container 21 containing the product, thereby preparing the beverage in a known manner.
[0032] The receiving part 21 can be inserted into the insertion structure for receiving product P (such as...) Figure 1 (As shown) and the processing structure for transferring product P within product processing group 20. An automatic product identification system can be used to determine the parameters of product processing based on the type of ingredients and automatically adjust the product processing.
[0033] Beverage preparation machine 10 typically includes one or more of the following components:
[0034] a) Product processing group 20, for example, includes a fluid loop comprising an infusion unit operable to form an infusion chamber within the machine 10 via a receiving portion 21, the infusion chamber being configured to receive and contain product P and to guide water and / or steam through the inlet of product P until a beverage is produced exiting the infusion chamber.
[0035] b) An inline heater for heating the liquid flow to be supplied to product P;
[0036] c) A pump used to pump liquid through an inline heater;
[0037] d) One or more connecting elements for conveying liquid from a liquid source, such as a liquid reservoir;
[0038] e) An electronic control unit for receiving instructions from the user via a user interface and for controlling the inline heater and pump; and / or
[0039] f) One or more sensors for detecting at least one parameter selected from the operating parameters of the product handling unit, inline heater, pump, liquid reservoir, liquid flow rate, liquid pressure, and liquid temperature, and transmitting these parameters to the control unit.
[0040] Specifically, the product processing unit 20 includes or is connected to an upstream fluid system, such as a system that combines a motor (e.g., a pump) for liquids and a thermal regulator (e.g., a heater) to circulate a thermally conditioned liquid, such as water, from a water source (e.g., a liquid reservoir) to the container 21 in the processing configuration.
[0041] Additionally, the product handling unit 20 includes a downstream fluid structure having an outlet for dispensing beverages to users, for example, in an area for placing the user's cup.
[0042] Cover 40 can be in the closed position along the curved trajectory ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and open location ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 Slide manually between them. (This can be done by comparison.) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, the cover 40 in the open position is at a higher height than the cover 40 in the closed position.
[0043] Machine 10 may have an outer housing 50, which includes an upper housing portion 51 on which a cover 40 is slidably mounted. An opening 30 for introducing product P is formed through the upper housing portion 51. In the depicted embodiment, when in the closed position, the cover 40 is positioned within the periphery of the upper housing portion 51 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 4 Conversely, in the open position, the cover 40 protrudes laterally beyond the edge of the upper housing portion 51 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 5 ).
[0044] At the edge of opening 30, the wall thickness of the upper housing portion 51 is less than the thickness of product P. Figure 1 In this position, the upper edge of the receiving portion 21 substantially contacts the edge of the opening 30. The depth of the receiving portion 21 allows the user to manually place the product P directly onto the bottom portion of the receiving portion 21 without having to let it fall. For example, the depth of the receiving portion 21 can be less than the thickness H of the product P.
[0045] The upper housing portion 51 may include a guide structure to ensure that in the closed position ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and open location ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 Guide cap 40 between ) . In Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, this guiding structure includes a pair of guide ribs 62 coupled to a pair of corresponding guide grooves 63. The guide ribs 62 are formed on the upper housing portion 51 to project vertically from its upper surface. The guide grooves 63 are formed through the wall of the bottom portion 41 of the cover 40. The guide ribs 62 are provided with lateral protrusions 62a for holding the bottom portion 41 of the cover 40 against the upper housing portion 51. Additionally, the cover 40 may be equipped with rollers 43 that abut against a support surface 51a of the upper housing portion 51. The shapes of the cover 40, guide ribs 62, guide grooves 63, and support surface 51a allow the cover 40 to be positioned in a closed position along a curved trajectory. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and open location ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 The cover 40 slides between the cover 40 and the upper housing portion 51. A stop element is also provided between the cover 40 and the upper housing portion 51 to stop the cover 40 in the closed position and the open position, respectively. Such a stop element may be formed, for example, in the guide groove 63, and engages with the guide rib 62 when the cover 40 reaches the closed position or correspondingly the open position.
[0046] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the embodiments, the cover 40 can be associated with an automatic return device 71 to bring the cover 40 to a stable position, particularly to a closed position and / or an open position. The automatic return device can be a bistable device 71 configured to bring the cover 40 to two different stable positions, specifically a closed position (…). Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and open location ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 ).
[0047] The automatic return device 71 may include a spring structure with an elastic arrangement, such as a torsion spring, a compression spring, and / or a tension spring, which relaxes when a stable position is reached.
[0048] Specifically, the automatic return device 71 can be directly or indirectly connected to the upper housing portion 51 and / or the cover 40. For example, the automatic return device 71 is housed within a cavity of the cover 40. For example, the automatic return device 71 can be implemented as a torsion spring. In this case, the automatic return device 71 has a first end 71a mounted on a shaft 52 fixed to the upper housing portion 51 and a second end 71b mounted on a roller 43 fixed to the cover 40 (more precisely, fixed to the bottom portion 41). The automatic return device 71 also includes a pair of arms 72a and 72b movable relative to each other, which respectively connect the ends 71a and 71b to the central helical winding body 72c.
[0049] When the cover 40 is in the closed position ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 Move to the open position ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 When the cover 40 is in operation, end 71a rotates about shaft 52 fixed to upper housing portion 51, and end 71b rotates about roller 43 fixed to cover 40. Cover 40 slides on end 71a and shaft 52, while end 71b follows cover 40 along its trajectory from a first stable final position to a second stable final position.
[0050] As the automatic return device 71 rotates away from one of its two end positions under the drive of the cover 40, ends 71a and 71b are pushed towards each other until the cover 40 reaches an unstable intermediate position (partially open) between the closed and open positions, after which ends 71a and 71b are pushed open. When ends 71a and 71b are pushed towards each other, the spring structure of the automatic return device 71 is compressed. When ends 71a and 71b are pushed open, the spring arrangement of the automatic return device 71 relaxes. Thus, the spring structure of the automatic return device 71 forces ends 71a and 71b to separate. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the stable position. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the automatic return device 71 operates in a torsional manner. Of course, the automatic return device 71 can be modified so that the spring structure operates in a torsional or compression manner.
[0051] As a result, the automatic return device 71 guides or assists the cover 40 to move from the middle position to a stable position on either side of the middle position, especially to the closed position. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ) and open location ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 Additionally, the automatic return device 71 can prevent incorrect positioning of the cover 40 by automatically bringing it to a stable position. This improves the ergonomics associated with the cover 40.
[0052] In one embodiment, the product processing unit 20 has an insertion structure for positioning the product P in the receiving portion 21. Figure 1 The container 21 is transferred into the product processing unit 20 and the product P is processed to prepare a beverage (not shown). When the product processing unit 20 is processing the product P, the lid 40 cannot be moved to the open position. Therefore, a locking system can be provided that acts on the lid 40 when the product processing unit 20 is in operation. Alternatively, a safety system can be provided to stop the operation of the product processing unit 20 when the lid 40 is moved from the closed position.
[0053] Typically, machine 10 is equipped with a control unit, particularly a unit for controlling product processing group 20, as known in the art. Cover 40 may constitute a user interface communicating with or be part of the control unit of machine 10. The user interface may include one or more interface devices 44, such as input devices (e.g., buttons) and / or output devices (e.g., LEDs or displays). Optionally, cover 40 includes or is associated with a sensor connected to the control unit to detect the position of cover 40; this sensor may be, for example, an electromechanical switch sensor, a magnetic sensor, or an optical sensor.
[0054] The control unit can be configured to automatically begin beverage preparation when product P is inserted into the receiving compartment 21 and the lid 40 is moved to the closed position. The control unit can also be configured to automatically initiate a shutdown or standby process and / or a maintenance process when no product P is inserted into the receiving compartment 21 and the lid 40 is moved to the closed position.
[0055] exist Figures 8 to 12 The figures show variations of the present invention. In these figures, elements corresponding to those in the previous embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0056] exist Figures 8 to 12 In the variant shown, the cover 40, referred to below as the main cover, includes a secondary cover 70 configured to engage with the edge 30a of the opening 30 for the product. According to a preferred embodiment, the secondary cover 70 is provided with a washer by which it engages with the edge 30a of the opening 30 for the product. The secondary cover 70 is hinged to the underside of the main cover at a hinge axis y, which is arranged transversely to the sliding direction of the main cover. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge axis y is defined by a shaft 71, the two opposite ends of which are inserted into corresponding seats (not shown) formed in the main cover. It should be noted that... Figure 8 In the middle, the main cover is omitted to expose the secondary cover 70 below.
[0057] Therefore, the secondary cover 70 can be in a lowered position relative to the main cover ( Figure 9 and Figure 11 (as shown) and elevation position ( Figure 10 and Figure 12 The sub-cover 70 rotates between the lowered and raised positions. In the lowered position, the sub-cover 70 engages the edge 30a of the opening 30 for the product. In the raised position, the sub-cover 70 rotates upward relative to the lowered position. This rotation occurs due to the sliding movement of the main cover between the closed and open positions.
[0058] The secondary cover 70 includes a closing portion 72 and a control portion 73, which are arranged on opposite sides of the secondary cover 70 relative to the hinge axis y. The closing portion 72 is configured to engage the edge 30a of the opening 30 for the product, and the control portion 73 is configured to engage between the main cover and the upper housing portion 51 such that it can be rotated relative to the main cover during sliding of the main cover along the upper housing portion 51. The secondary cover 70 thus defines a primary lever, wherein the arm defined by the closing portion 72 is significantly longer than the arm defined by the control portion 73.
[0059] Specifically, the sliding profile 53 is formed on the support surface 51a of the upper housing portion 51 and is engaged by the control portion 73 of the sub-cover 70.
[0060] The sliding profile 53 includes a main portion 53a and a cam portion 53b disposed at the end of the sliding profile 53 adjacent to the end of the opening 30 for the product. In the illustrated embodiment, two parallel cam portions 53b are formed on corresponding ribs of the upper housing portion. However, this arrangement is not required. A slope change point 53c is formed between the main portion 53a and the cam portion 53b, which is configured to guide the rotation of the sub-cover 70 during the sliding movement of the main cover.
[0061] In this respect, the control portion 73 of the secondary cover 70 is provided with a curved driven profile 74 that engages with a sliding profile 53 formed on the upper housing portion 51 and a stepped profile 75 configured to engage with the main cover in the closed position.
[0062] When the main cover is in Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 When the shown closed position is reached, the secondary cover 70 is in... Figure 9 and Figure 11 The lowered position is shown. The control portion 73 engages between the cam portion 53b of the sliding profile 53 and the surface 45 of the main cover. Specifically, the curved driven profile 74 of the control portion 73 engages with the cam portion 53b of the sliding profile 53, and the stepped profile 75 of the control portion 73 engages with the surface 45 of the main cover.
[0063] As the main cover begins to move from the closed position to the open position, due to the bending trajectory of the main cover, the combined effect of the control part 73 passing the slope change point 53c and the surface 45 of the main cover approaching the sliding profile 53 of the upper housing part 51 causes the control part 73 to engage between the sliding profile 53 and the surface 45 of the main cover, thereby causing the secondary cover 70 to rotate from its lowered position to its raised position.
[0064] The secondary cover 70 remains in its raised position until the main cover reaches its open position, as shown. Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown.
[0065] As the main cover moves from the closed position to the open position, when the control portion 73 of the secondary cover 70 reaches the slope change point 53c, the secondary cover 70 falls into its lowered position. Immediately thereafter, the secondary cover 70 is secured in this position by the engagement of the cam portion 53b of the sliding profile 53 and the raised area defined by the surface 45 of the main cover.
[0066] The presence of the secondary cap 70 allows for a reduction in the generation of condensate in various parts of the machine. Furthermore, in the event of improper positioning, the secondary cap 70 guides the capsule / tablet into the receiving section 21, thereby preventing the capsule / tablet from being crushed and potentially broken.
Claims
1. A machine for preparing beverages, comprising preparing beverages from a powdered product (P) containing at least one ingredient, characterized in that, The machine for preparing beverages includes: The product processing unit (20) includes a receiving section (21) suitable for receiving powdered products (P). An opening (30) for the product is used to insert the powdered product (P) directly from outside the machine for preparing the beverage into the receiving part (21); A cover (40) is formed or has a handle and can be manually slidable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the cover (40) covers the opening and prevents access to the receiving portion (21), and in the open position the cover (40) exposes the opening. The cover (40) is slidable along a curved trajectory between the closed position and the open position.
2. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the cover (40) in the open position is higher than the height of the cover (40) in the closed position.
3. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The machine for preparing beverages also includes an upper housing portion (51) on which a cover (40) is slidably mounted, wherein the cover (40) protrudes laterally beyond the edge of the upper housing portion (51) in the open position.
4. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 3, characterized in that, A guide structure is provided between the upper housing portion (51) and the cover (40) to guide the cover (40) between the closed position and the open position.
5. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 4, characterized in that, The guiding structure includes a pair of guide ribs (62) connected to a pair of corresponding guide grooves (63), wherein the guide ribs (62) are formed on the upper housing portion (51) to project vertically from the upper housing portion (51), and wherein the guide grooves (63) are formed through the wall of the bottom portion (41) of the cover (40).
6. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide structure also includes a plurality of rollers (43) abutting against the support surface (51a) of the upper housing portion (51).
7. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A bistable automatic return device (71) is associated with the cover (40), the bistable automatic return device being configured to push the cover (40) toward the closed position and the open position.
8. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover (40) is referred to below as the main cover and includes a secondary cover (70) hinged to the main cover at a hinge axis (y) arranged transversely to the sliding direction of the main cover, wherein the secondary cover (70) is rotatable relative to the main cover between a lowered position and an raised position, in which the secondary cover (70) engages with the edge (30a) of the opening (30) for the product, and in which the secondary cover (70) rotates upward relative to the lowered position as the main cover slides between the closed position and the open position.
9. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 8, characterized in that, The beverage preparation machine further includes an upper housing portion (51) on which a cover (40) is slidably mounted, wherein the cover (40) laterally protrudes beyond the edge of the upper housing portion (51) in the open position, and a secondary cover (70) includes a closing portion (72) and a control portion (73) arranged on opposite sides of the secondary cover (70) relative to the hinge axis (y), wherein the closing portion (72) is configured to engage with the edge (30a) of the opening (30) for the product, and the control portion (73) is configured to engage between the main cover and the upper housing portion (51) to be driven to rotate relative to the main cover.
10. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 9, characterized in that, A sliding profile (53) is formed on the upper housing portion (51), the sliding profile being engaged by the control portion (73) of the sub-cover (70), wherein a slope change point (53c) is formed along the sliding profile (53), the slope change point being configured to guide the rotation of the sub-cover (70) during the sliding movement of the main cover.
11. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 10, characterized in that, The control portion (73) of the sub-cover (70) is provided with a curved follower profile (74) and a stepped profile (75), the curved follower profile engaging with the sliding profile (53) formed on the upper housing portion (51), and the stepped profile being engaged by the main cover in the closed position of the main cover.
12. The machine for preparing beverages according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sub-cover (70) is provided with a gasket, and the sub-cover (70) engages with the edge (30a) of the opening (30) for the product via the gasket.