Machine for the preparation of a beverage

Abstract

A machine (40) for preparing beverages includes: a grinding device (41) connected to a hopper (42) for conveying coffee beans; a tamping and brewing unit (10, 110); and a removable container (11) configured to receive powdered material to be brewed from the grinding device (41). The container (11) is axially movable between a beverage preparation position, in which the container is aligned with the tamping and brewing unit (10), and in the filling position, in which the container is aligned with the grinding device (41) to be filled with the powdered material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a machine for preparing beverages (especially coffee beverages). Background Technology

[0002] Fully automatic coffee-making machines are known in which all operations, including loading coffee powder into the brewing chamber, compressing the coffee powder, dispensing brewing water, and discharging used (waste) coffee powder, are performed automatically without any operator intervention.

[0003] In such machines, the brewing chamber is typically defined by a piston and a cylinder, and the coffee powder is usually compressed by means of a motor that moves the cylinder toward the stationary piston.

[0004] Semi-automatic coffee preparation machines are also known, in which the brewing chamber is defined within a portafilter, which can be inserted and connected to the machine by the operator, and where loading and removing of coffee powder are performed manually by the operator. In such machines, the coffee powder compression zone is separated from the brewing zone, and the operator typically needs to move the portafilter from one location to another.

[0005] However, in order to reduce the manual operations that operators must perform and to reduce the overall size of the machine, semi-automatic machine technology has been developed in which the operation of compressing coffee powder and brewing beverages is performed in a single position of the porta filter without moving the porta filter.

[0006] However, the technology typically used in fully automatic machines cannot be directly applied to semi-automatic machines because the pota filter is not a fixed and integrated component in the machine. Therefore, it cannot be associated with a piston as it is in a fully automatic machine to conveniently compress coffee powder and counteract the pressure required to prepare espresso (which may exceed 10 bar).

[0007] Some known technical solutions also provide the use of a piston-cylinder actuator, in which the piston is hydraulically moved to bring the piston head into the filter and into contact with the coffee powder.

[0008] Moving this primary hydraulic system involves a degree of system complexity and requires a large installation space, as conduits and valves are needed to allow pressurized fluid to act on the piston. Appropriate hydraulic seals must also be provided, and the system may require frequent maintenance.

[0009] The technology of using an electric motor to provide piston movement is also known, but in order to withstand the pressure of the brewing chamber inside the filter, the power of the motor needs to be increased, resulting in an increase in the overall size of the machine.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to improve a machine for preparing beverages that can overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0011] Specifically, one object of this disclosure is to manufacture a machine for preparing beverages that is simple, compact, and ensures efficient and rapid compression and brewing of coffee powder, while minimizing the manual operations that must be performed by the user.

[0012] Another object of this disclosure is to manufacture a machine for preparing beverages, which includes a tamping and brewing unit that does not require the use of a conventional hydraulic system to actuate the brewing piston of the unit, and is therefore more economical and compact than known units.

[0013] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented this disclosure to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages. Utility Model Content

[0014] This utility model is set forth and characterized in the following text. Other features or variations of the main technical concept of this utility model are described below.

[0015] According to the aforementioned objective, a beverage preparation machine includes: a grinding device connected to a coffee bean supply hopper, a tamping and brewing unit, and a removable container configured to receive powdered material to be brewed from the grinding device. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the container is axially movable between a beverage preparation position and a filling position, in which the container is aligned with the tamping and brewing unit, and in the filling position, the container is aligned with the grinding device to be filled with the powdered material.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the movement between the positions is axial along a direction located on the intermediate plane of the machine.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the axial movement is performed on a horizontal plane or at a slight inclination relative to the horizontal plane.

[0018] According to another aspect, the powder brewing unit includes: a container configured to receive a powdered substance to be brewed; and a brewing piston configured to move between a starting position and a brewing position, wherein in the starting position the brewing piston is located outside the container, and in the brewing position the brewing piston is located inside the container and together with the container defines a brewing chamber.

[0019] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the powder-pressing brewing unit includes: an electric motor configured to move the brewing piston from a starting position to a brewing position and vice versa; and a mechanical locking element actuated by its dedicated actuator for at least locking the brewing piston in the brewing position.

[0020] Thanks to the use of the electric motor, the powder-pressing and brewing unit of this disclosure advantageously eliminates the need for a hydraulic system to move the brewing piston. Instead, locking in the brewing position is achieved by means of a mechanical locking element moved by an actuator (preferably a linear actuator), which is separate from and independent of the electric motor. Furthermore, thanks to the presence of the independently operating mechanical locking element, a smaller electric motor in both size and power can be used than in known solutions, as its function is solely to move the brewing piston to compact the powdered material in a suitable manner. Therefore, the powder-pressing and brewing unit of this disclosure is very simple, with precise movement of the brewing piston and a stable and compact position as defined above.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the electric motor is configured to cooperate with a transmission mechanism that allows the brewing piston to move up or down from the starting position to the brewing position (and vice versa).

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the transmission mechanism includes: a pinion connected to a rotating shaft associated with the electric motor; and a rack obtained or fixed to the brewing piston along the brewing piston.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the mechanical locking element is provided with at least one tooth configured to engage in at least one groove obtained on the brewing piston.

[0024] According to a variation of this disclosure, the mechanical locking element is provided with at least one tooth configured to engage in at least one groove provided on the rotating shaft or on an element integrally formed therewith, thereby preventing its rotation and thus holding the pinion in the desired position.

[0025] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the powder-pressing and brewing unit includes at least one elastic element configured to reset the mechanical element and unlock the brewing piston when the actuator stops operating.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the machine includes: a water tank containing water, connected to the powder-pressing and brewing unit by means of a hydraulic circuit; and a control unit for managing the operation of the powder-pressing and brewing unit and the hydraulic circuit.

[0027] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the hydraulic circuit includes a first hydraulic line provided with at least one heating device and at least one pump located downstream of the water tank and upstream of the powder brewing unit.

[0028] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the actuator of the mechanical locking element is a hydraulic actuator powered by the first hydraulic line, and the hydraulic circuit includes a second hydraulic line for returning water from the powder brewing unit to the water tank. Attached Figure Description

[0029] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following description, which is given as a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic isometric view of the powder tamping and brewing unit of a machine used for preparing beverages;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the powder-pressing and brewing unit;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic isometric view of the powder-pressing and brewing unit of a beverage preparation machine according to a variation of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3a yes Figure 3 Details of the side view of the powder brewing unit;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Top view;

[0035] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken from line VV;

[0036] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI shows the powder-pressing and brewing unit in the starting position;

[0037] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI shows the powder-pressing and brewing unit in the brewing position;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a machine used for preparing beverages;

[0039] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the hydraulic circuit of the machine.

[0040] It must be noted that the terms and phrases used in this specification and the contents shown in the accompanying drawings are solely intended to better illustrate and explain this disclosure, and serve to provide non-limiting examples for the disclosure itself, as the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0041] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings to identify the same common elements where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to possible embodiments of this disclosure, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of non-limiting example. The wording and terminology used herein are also for non-limiting exemplary purposes.

[0043] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 8 The present invention illustrates a machine 40 for preparing beverages according to the present disclosure, the machine including a powder tamping and brewing unit 10 and a container 11 configured to receive powdered material to be brewed.

[0044] Reference Figures 1-2 and Figures 3-7 The powder brewing unit 10 also includes a brewing piston 13, which is configured to move between a starting position P1 and a brewing position P2. In the starting position, the brewing piston is located outside the container 11, and in the brewing position, the brewing piston is located inside the container 11 and together with the container defines a brewing chamber 14.

[0045] like Figure 1 As indicated by the arrow, the brewing piston 13 is particularly well-suited for movement in the vertical direction.

[0046] The powder brewing unit 10 is equipped with an electric motor 15 and a mechanical locking element 16. The electric motor is configured to move the brewing piston 13 from the starting position to the brewing position and vice versa. The mechanical locking element is configured to lock the brewing piston 13 in the brewing position.

[0047] The mechanical locking element 16 is actuated by an actuator 17 (preferably a linear actuator) independent of the electric motor 15.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the actuator 17 is hydraulic and is supplied with a driving fluid, which is preferably the same fluid (especially water) used for brewing, and may be water drawn from a water tank via a hydraulic line, as will be further described below.

[0049] According to a variant, actuator 17 may be or include an electric motor 61 or a solenoid 62 ( Figure 9A linear actuator that is actuated.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the electric motor 15 is configured to cooperate with the transmission mechanism 18 to allow the brewing piston 13 to move up or down along the axis Z (particularly from the starting position to the brewing position (or vice versa)).

[0051] According to an embodiment, the transmission mechanism 18 includes: a pinion 19 associated with an electric motor 15 (particularly connected to its motor shaft 15a); and a rack 20 associated with the sidewall 21 of the brewing piston 13, particularly arranged along the Z direction.

[0052] The rack 20 is provided with indentations or grooves 24, and the teeth 25 of the pinion 19 can engage in the indentations or grooves to drag the brewing piston 13 in one direction or another along the Z direction according to the rotation direction of the motor shaft 15a.

[0053] The notch can be defined by the recessed portion or between corresponding pairs of protruding fins or teeth.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the rack 20 can be directly obtained in the sidewall 21, that is, the notch or groove 24 can be formed to be recessed in the thickness of the sidewall 21, or the rack can protrude relative to the sidewall 21.

[0055] According to other embodiments, the rack 20 may be made of a separate component and fixed to the sidewall 21.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the rack 20 may be made of a shape and material particularly suitable for imparting high mechanical resistance characteristics, so that it will not deform due to the action of the teeth 25 of the pinion 19 due to the pressure in the brewing chamber 14 during the movement of the brewing piston 13 and during beverage preparation.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the rack 20 may be made of a shape and material particularly suitable for imparting high mechanical resistance characteristics, so that it will not deform due to the action of the teeth 25 of the pinion 19 due to the pressure in the brewing chamber 14 during the movement of the brewing piston 13 and during beverage preparation.

[0058] The groove 24 is preferably arranged transversely to the Z direction, so that the pinion 19 can be arranged to rotate about an axis X that is substantially orthogonal to the Z direction.

[0059] according to Figures 1-2 In the first embodiment shown, the pinion 19 can be directly keyed to the motor shaft 15a, and the electric motor 15 can be arranged side by side with the brewing piston 13, thereby reducing the dimension in height, that is, the dimension along the Z direction of the powder brewing unit 10.

[0060] According to a possible embodiment, the pinion 19 can be connected to the motor shaft via a known transmission element.

[0061] According to reference Figures 1-2 In the described embodiment, the mechanical locking element 16 may be specifically implemented in the form of a lever and provided with at least one tooth 22 configured to engage in at least one of a series of grooves 23 associated with or obtained in the sidewall 21 of the brewing piston 13.

[0062] The groove 23 may be made of a shape and material particularly suitable for imparting high mechanical resistance characteristics so that it will not deform due to the action of the mechanical element 16 during engagement with the mechanical element 16 and during beverage preparation due to the pressure in the brewing chamber 14.

[0063] Mechanical element 16 may have an approximately inverted "L" shape, including a cuboid section 51, the first end of which is rotatably pivoted to a pin 52, while at least one tooth 22 is provided on the opposite second end.

[0064] The actuator 17 can be configured to apply a thrust to the mechanical element 16 (specifically to the side opposite to the at least one tooth 22) at the second end of the rectangular section 51.

[0065] The grooves 23 are arranged in a row and their function is to define the brewing position of the brewing piston 13. Therefore, this part can be higher or lower, for example, depending on the amount of coffee powder contained in the brewing chamber 14 or the desired pressure to be applied to the powder.

[0066] According to an embodiment, a first set of grooves 24 configured to engage with a pinion 19 and a second set of grooves 23 configured to engage with a mechanical locking element 16 are obtained in the sidewall 21.

[0067] The first and second series of grooves 23, 24 may be parallel and form angles between 30° and 180° relative to the central axis of the brewing piston 13 in both directions.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the first and second series of grooves 23, 24 are arranged at an angle of approximately 40°-50° relative to each other, such that the X and Y axes of the actuator 17 and the electric motor 15 can be arranged to be substantially parallel to each other or offset by at most a certain angle to optimize space and size.

[0069] Therefore, the hydraulic actuator 17 causes the mechanical element 16 to move in the direction Y at least toward the brewing piston 13.

[0070] Once the brewing stage is over, the mechanical element 16 can be automatically removed from the brewing piston 13 by means of an elastic element 44 (e.g., a spring). The elastic element 44 resets the mechanical element 16 when the actuator 17 stops working and the power is disconnected (e.g., in the case of a solenoid) or when the associated working fluid is released (in the case of a hydraulic actuator).

[0071] Container 11 may be a container of the type referred to as a polka-dot filter, and is provided with a handle 12, which the user can grasp and move to insert or remove it from the housing 45. Figure 3 ).

[0072] Container 11 may preferably be cylindrical, although other shapes are not excluded.

[0073] The filter element 27 can be arranged inside the container 11. The filter element can be in the form of a perforated or mesh-like structure, the size of which is suitable for retaining coffee powder but allows the beverage to pass through toward the outlet opening 26, which is located at or connected to the bottom of the container 11.

[0074] The filter element 27 may extend over the entire area, for example, substantially corresponding to the cross-section of the bottom wall of the container 11, and may be secured by known fixing elements (e.g., screws) or by shape coupling.

[0075] An accessory 28 can be installed inside the brewing piston 13 for allowing brewing water to enter the powder brewing unit 10.

[0076] The powder brewing unit 10 is also provided with at least one gasket 29, which is located upstream of the brewing chamber 14.

[0077] According to an embodiment, a washer 29 may be disposed on the head portion 13a of the brewing piston, which is adapted to be inserted into the interior of the container 11.

[0078] The gasket 29 can be embodied as an O-ring and configured to make a sealing sliding contact with the inner wall of the container 11.

[0079] A through channel 47 may be provided in the head portion 13a of the brewing piston 13, which is configured to connect the fitting 28 to the dispensing chamber 48 associated with the lower surface 49 of the head portion 13a and has holes for allowing brewing water to pass through.

[0080] Figures 3-7 Another embodiment of the powder brewing unit 110 according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein... Figure 1 and Figure 2In the first embodiment, elements that are identical are denoted by the same reference numerals; similar or comparable elements or elements that perform a combined function are denoted by the same reference numerals plus "100".

[0081] In particular, Figures 3-7 Implementation examples and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The difference in the embodiments lies in the mechanical locking element 116 and the transmission mechanism 118.

[0082] The container 11 and the brewing piston 13 can be basically the same as those described above.

[0083] The rack 20 with the first groove 23 is shown as an element integrally connected to the side wall 21 of the brewing piston 13, but it can also be formed directly in the side wall as described above.

[0084] According to this embodiment, the mechanical locking element 116 is configured to act on shafts 15a, 115, which transmit motion to pinion 19.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the pinion 19 of the transmission mechanism 118 is not directly connected to the motor shaft 15a, but is connected to the rotating shaft 115, which receives motion from the motor shaft 15a through transmission elements 53 and 54, and the locking element 116 is configured to prevent the rotating shaft 115 from rotating.

[0086] In the example case, these transmission elements include two bevel gears 53 and 54, which are integrally formed with one of the shafts 15a and 115, respectively, and are at an angle of approximately 90° relative to each other, such that the X-axis of the electric motor 15 is substantially parallel to the Z-direction.

[0087] However, the arrangement of the motor 15 and the pinion 19 can also be similar to that described with reference to the first embodiment; in this case, the mechanical element 116 can act directly on the motor shaft 15a. The mechanical element 116 includes a tooth profile 122 configured to engage with a conjugate groove profile 123 provided on the rotating shaft 115 or provided on a mating element 55 integrally formed with the rotating shaft, thereby preventing its rotation and thus holding the pinion 19 in the desired position.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the abutment element 55 can be made into a wheel-shaped structure with a groove profile of a so-called "millerighe" type, having dense protrusions and recesses with an angular spacing of several degrees, suitable for engaging with the tooth profile 122 of the mechanical element 116.

[0089] The abutment element 55 can, for example, be keyed onto the rotating shaft 115, parallel to the pinion 19 with teeth 25, and its diameter is smaller than that of the pinion 19. Figure 5 ).

[0090] Mechanical element 116 may include a rotatable arm 151 having a first end on which a toothed profile 122 is formed. The rotatable arm is adapted to rotate between a position that does not interfere with the groove profile 123 and a locked position, in which the toothed profile 122 engages with the groove profile 123, thereby preventing rotation of shafts 15a, 115 connected to pinion 19.

[0091] The rotatable arm 151 may be provided with a slot 56 adapted to receive a pivot pin 152 with clearance, the pivot pin 152 being movable by the action of an actuator 117. Specifically, the actuator 117 moves the pin 152 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation 115, moving the rotatable arm 151 from an interference position ( Figure 6 Rotate to the locked position. Figure 7 ).

[0092] In this embodiment, an elastic element 44 (e.g., a spring) may be provided, which has the function of returning the rotatable arm 151 or the mechanical element 116 to a non-interference position when the actuator 117 is not working.

[0093] In the example case, the elastic element 44 can act on the end of the rotatable arm 151 opposite to the toothed profile 122, which is constrained through the through hole 57 in the rod 58 ( Figure 5 The through hole is preferably arranged substantially orthogonal to the slot 56.

[0094] Figure 8 Machine 40 is shown, which basically includes, for example Figure 9 Hydraulic circuit 30 is shown schematically.

[0095] The machine 40 may include a grinding device 41 connected to a hopper 42 for feeding coffee beans, and the grinding device is provided with a grinder.

[0096] The container 11 can be moved between a beverage preparation position and a filling position, either manually or by means of a motor (e.g., by means of a drive motor). In the beverage preparation position, the container is aligned with the tamping and brewing units 10 and 110. In the filling position, the container is aligned with the grinding device 41 to fill the powdered material obtained by grinding coffee beans.

[0097] Specifically, the container 11 can move between one position and another within the housing 45, that is, the container can be moved from one position to another without being removed from the machine 40.

[0098] according to Figure 8 In the embodiment illustrated schematically, the movement of container 11 between the beverage preparation position and the filling position can be carried out on a substantially horizontal plane, i.e., maintained at the same height relative to the support plane of the machine.

[0099] Depending on the possible variations, the movement of the container can be carried out on a horizontal plane or at an angle slightly tilted relative to the horizontal plane, for example, between 0° and 20°.

[0100] According to a possible embodiment, the movement between the first position and the second position is axially performed along direction F1, which is located on or parallel to the intermediate plane of the machine 40. Figure 8 The intermediate plane can be a plane that passes through the center line of container 11 and handle 12.

[0101] Depending on the possible variations, the movement can be performed in a lateral direction, in a straight line, or along a circular arc.

[0102] Preferably, the first and second positions are such that the vertical geometric projections of the corresponding areas occupied by the container in the first and second positions onto a horizontal plane are intercepted by at least one identical geometric straight line on the horizontal plane, the orientation of which is parallel to the horizontal unfolding direction of the machine 40 in the depth direction, thereby maintaining the dimensions contained in the width direction of the machine 40. In other words, these areas can be aligned on the same straight line in the depth direction, or offset in the opposite direction, until they are tangent to that straight line.

[0103] According to further variations, the container 11 can be configured such that it remains stationary in a fixed position, while the tamping and brewing unit 10 and possibly the coffee powder supply device move between an operating position and a non-operating position. In the operating position, they are aligned with or cooperate with the container 11, respectively, while in the non-operating position, they are not cooperated with the container 11.

[0104] Machine 40 may be equipped with a control unit 31 and / or a user interface 32, the control unit being configured to adjust the operation of machine 40, and the operator may instruct the preparation of beverages by means of the user interface, possibly by selecting between "hot" or "cold" beverages and / or selecting the amount of beverage to be prepared (e.g., single or double serving dose).

[0105] The container 46 (e.g., a cup) is also schematically shown, into which the beverage produced by machine 40 is poured.

[0106] The control unit 31 is connected, for example, to the electric motor 15 to manage its operation, such as interrupting the electric motor once the brewing piston 13 of the powder brewing unit 10 has reached the desired position, or starting the motor to move the brewing piston in one direction or the other.

[0107] The control unit 31 is connected to the actuators 17, 117, and in particular to the element that adjusts their operation, so that when the powder brewing unit 10 reaches the desired brewing position, the mechanical element 16 moves toward the brewing piston 13, or when it is necessary to return the brewing piston 13 to the rest position, the mechanical element 16 moves away from the brewing piston 13.

[0108] The control unit 31 can also be configured to control the operation of the motor element associated with the container 11 to move it between a filling position and a beverage preparation position, and / or vice versa.

[0109] The hydraulic circuit 30 includes a water tank 33 for containing the powder-pressing fluid (particularly water).

[0110] according to Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the water for brewing and the water used to operate the actuator 17 are taken from the same water tank 33.

[0111] In the first hydraulic line 37 of the hydraulic circuit 30, the pump 34 is configured to draw water from the water tank 33 and deliver it to the powder brewing unit 10.

[0112] Flow meter 35 is shown upstream of pump 34, while heating device 36 for delivering hot water to the powder brewing unit 10 is shown downstream of the same pump.

[0113] The heating device 36 may be equipped with a resistor or the like. A second hydraulic line 38 is provided in the hydraulic circuit 30, and a two-way valve 39 is located in the second hydraulic line 38. The valve 39 allows water used to operate the actuator 17 to be discharged into the water tank 33, or discharged into the collection tank 50 at the end of the brewing process.

[0114] If the heating device 36 is not activated, cold water can be delivered to the powder brewing unit 10, for example, to prepare cold drinks for brewing.

[0115] The control unit 31 can be connected to, for example, the pump 34, the valve 39, the flow meter 35, and the heating device 36, in order to control and properly adjust their various functions.

[0116] In the case of electrically operated actuators 17 and 117, control unit 31 is configured to control the operation of the associated electric motor 61, or possibly control the power supply to solenoid 62. In this case, the section of circuit 59 connecting the first hydraulic line 38 and actuators 17 and 117 (in...) Figure 9 (The thickest section in the middle) will not exist, and valve 39 will also not exist.

[0117] Basically, the electric motor 15 drives the tamping and brewing unit 10, that is, it lowers the brewing piston 13. When the latter reaches the predetermined pressure of the coffee powder, the power supply to the electric motor 15 is interrupted. To counteract the brewing pressure, the brewing piston 13 of the tamping and brewing unit 10 is mechanically locked in a position reached by the action of mechanical locking elements 16, 116, which are inserted into one of the grooves 23 or into the groove profile 123 by the push of the actuator 17.

[0118] According to the embodiment, mechanical locking is then performed by actuator 17, which is actuated when pump 34 begins to operate according to the action of pressure reducer 43.

[0119] Once brewing is complete, valve 39 allows the water contained in actuator 17 to be discharged directly into water tank 33.

[0120] In the case where the actuator 17 includes an electric motor 61 or a solenoid 62, the electric motor or solenoid can be operated via a circuit that provides the necessary power supply based on a sensor suitable for detecting the desired pressure in the brewing chamber 14 and the control of the control unit 31.

[0121] The elastic element 44, associated with actuators 17 and 117 and resetting mechanical locking elements 16 and 116, allows mechanical unlocking of the powder brewing unit 10 and thus allows the brewing piston itself to rise via electric motor 15, which is activated in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0122] Therefore, the elastic element 44 tends to keep the mechanical elements 16, 116 separated from the groove 23 of the brewing piston 13, or separated from the groove profile 123 associated with the shafts 15a, 115, and when the mechanical elements 16, 116 are inserted into one of the grooves 23 or engaged in the groove profile 123, the actuators 17, 117 overcome the force of the elastic element 44 to lock the powder brewing units 10, 110 in place during the brewing phase.

[0123] The method of operating the powder brewing units 10 and 110 (which is not part of this invention) provides to fill the container 11 with powdered material and place it below the powder brewing units 10 and 110.

[0124] The method then includes operating the electric motor 15 to move the brewing piston 13 to the brewing position. In this way, the size of the brewing chamber 14 can also be adjusted according to the amount of powdered material. The powder brewing units 10, 110 are configured to be locked in the appropriate position in the brewing position by mechanical locking elements 16, 116 actuated by actuators 17, 117.

[0125] The method then provides a process of supplying brewing water into the brewing chamber 14 and performing a brewing process for the powdered substance.

[0126] The brewing water passes through the powdered substance, extracting the aroma, and the beverage can flow out through the outlet opening 26 of container 11 and be received in container 46.

[0127] When the beverage preparation is finished, container 11 can be removed and manually emptied by the operator.

[0128] This method can provide the use of water contained in water tank 33 as the powder-pressing fluid and brewing water.

[0129] This method allows for the use of a heating device to heat brewing water when espresso or a typical "hot" coffee beverage is needed, and then supply it to the brewing chamber 14.

[0130] A method for preparing a beverage using machine 40 (this method is not part of the present invention) includes receiving the specification of the beverage to be prepared, filling a container with a powdered substance, and performing the above-described pressing and brewing process.

[0131] The beverage preparation process may also include inserting the container 11 into the housing seat 45, moving the container 11 to the filling position, filling the container 11 with a certain amount of ground powder material from the grinding device 41, and then moving the container 11 to the beverage preparation position.

[0132] Obviously, modifications and / or additions can be made to the machine 40 for preparing beverages as described above without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0133] It is also apparent that, although this disclosure has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art will be able to manufacture many other equivalent machines for preparing coffee beverages that have the features set forth in the claims, and all of these fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0134] In the following claims, the reference numerals in parentheses are for ease of reading only and should not be considered as limiting factors of the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A machine (40) for preparing beverages, comprising: A grinding device (41) connected to a hopper (42) for feeding coffee beans; a tamping and brewing unit (10, 110); And a removable container (11) configured to receive a powdered substance to be brewed from the grinding device (41), characterized in that the container (11) is axially movable between a beverage preparation position and a filling position, in which the container is aligned with the powder brewing unit (10) and in the filling position, the container is aligned with the grinding device (41) to be filled with the powdered substance.

2. The machine (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container (11) is moved axially along a direction (F1) on the middle plane of the machine (40) between the positions.

3. The machine (40) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Axial movement is performed on a horizontal plane or on a plane inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

4. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder brewing unit (10, 110) includes: A brewing piston (13) is configured to move between a starting position and a brewing position, wherein in the starting position the brewing piston is located outside the container (11), and in the brewing position the brewing piston is located inside the container (11) and together with the container defines a brewing chamber (14); and An electric motor (15) is configured to move the brewing piston (13) from the starting position to the brewing position and vice versa.

5. The machine (40) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The powder brewing unit (10, 110) includes mechanical locking elements (16, 116) actuated by their own actuators (17, 117) independent of the electric motor (15), at least for locking the brewing piston (13) in the brewing position.

6. The machine (40) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electric motor (15) is configured to cooperate with the transmission mechanism (18, 118) to allow the brewing piston (13) to move up or down from the starting position to the brewing position or vice versa.

7. The machine (40) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (18, 118) includes: a pinion (19) connected to a shaft (15a, 115) associated with the electric motor (15); and a rack (20) associated with the brewing piston (13).

8. The machine (40) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mechanical locking element (16, 116) is provided with at least one tooth (22, 122), which is configured to engage in at least one groove (23, 123) provided on the brewing piston (13).

9. The machine (40) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The powder-pressing brewing unit (10, 110) includes a mechanical locking element (16, 116) actuated by its own actuator (17, 117) independent of the electric motor (15), for at least locking the brewing piston (13) in the brewing position. The mechanical locking element (16, 116) is provided with at least one tooth (22, 122) configured to engage in at least one groove (23, 123) provided on a shaft (15a, 115) associated with the electric motor (15) or on an abutment element (55) integrally formed with the shaft, to prevent its rotation and keep the pinion (19) stationary in the brewing position.

10. The machine (40) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The machine includes at least one elastic element (44) configured to reset the mechanical locking element (16, 116) and unlock the brewing piston (13) when the actuator (17, 117) stops operating.

11. The machine (40) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The brewing piston (13) includes a through channel (47) in a head portion (13a) adapted to be inserted into the container (11), the through channel being configured to form communication between a fitting (28) for brewing water and a dispensing chamber (48) associated with a lower surface (49) of the head portion (13a) and having a hole for the brewing water to pass through.

12. The machine (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The machine includes: a water tank (33) for containing water, which is connected to the powder brewing unit (10, 110) via a hydraulic circuit (30); and a control unit (31) for managing the operation of the powder brewing unit (10, 110) and the hydraulic circuit (30).

13. The machine (40) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The hydraulic circuit (30) includes a first hydraulic line (37) which is provided with at least one heating device (36) and at least one pump (34) located downstream of the water tank (33) and upstream of the powder brewing unit (10, 110).

14. The machine (40) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The hydraulic circuit (30) includes a second hydraulic line (38) for returning water from the powder brewing unit (10, 110) to the water tank (33).

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