METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTION DURING THE TIME OF A STUCK DOSE

Abstract

"Device and method for detecting a closure anomaly in a brewing unit" Method for detecting a closure anomaly in a brewing unit of a beverage preparation machine, the brewing unit (100) comprising a brewing chamber (5) delimited by two parts (3, 4) exhibiting mobility relative to each other, at least one of the two parts (3, 4) being moved by an actuator (61), said two parts (3, 4) being configured such that at least one is mobile, during a closing phase of the brewing unit (100) and at least one of the two parts (3, 4) approaches the other to enclose a container (2), the method is characterized in that: during the closing phase, a first instant (t1a, t1b, t1c, t1d) corresponding to a first event of the movement of at least a movable part (3,4) by the actuator (61) then determination of a second instant (t2) corresponding to a second event of the displacement of at least one moving part (3,4), determination of a measured duration (12) which corresponds to the duration that separates the first instant (t1a, t1b, t1c, t1d) from the second instant (t2), detection of a closing anomaly as a function of a difference between said measured duration (12) and a nominal duration (11). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig.2,

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTION AT THE TIME OF A STUCK DOSE technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a machine for producing beverages by infusing a product in packaged form. It is particularly applicable to espresso machines. It can also be applied to the production of beverages from other materials such as tea. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Many beverage preparation machines, such as tea or coffee machines, for domestic or professional use, use packaging, also referred to as capsules, doses or pods, which form a relatively compact set of product to be infused.

[0003] These machines comprise an infusion unit having two parts, at least one of which is movable relative to the other. Moving these two parts apart opens the infusion unit, while moving them closer together closes it. This mobility is achieved by an electric or hydraulic motor, thus selectively opening or closing the infusion unit.

[0004] The brewing unit defines an internal volume between the two parts. The opening allows the packaging containing the product to be brewed, such as coffee or tea, preferably ground, to be introduced into said internal volume, or the ejection of a used dose.

[0005] The closure allows the infusion group to be closed around said dose of product, including its envelope, in a hermetic manner, before proceeding to an injection of hot water under pressure into the internal volume of the infusion group, to extract, from the product, a beverage.

[0006] Before injecting hot water, it is necessary to ensure that the brewing unit is properly closed to guarantee its airtightness. However, it can happen that a dose is improperly inserted, becomes stuck, and prevents the brewing unit from closing completely.

[0007] Sometimes the brewing unit closes a little too early, which leads to the dose becoming trapped between the moving parts. To address this problem, some solutions involve detecting the position of the coffee pod using sensors located on the motor or on another moving element, such as a transmission, the position of which indicates when the brewing unit is closed.

[0008] Thus, document WO2005 / 058111 describes a machine in which the positioning of the capsule is controlled by micro-switches.

[0009] In patent EPI 171021, it was proposed to solve this problem by analyzing the variation in the intensity of the electrical current delivered to the motor and defining a threshold corresponding to optimal closure. Thus, analyzing the current delivered to the motor makes it possible to detect a closure problem, which may be related to a jammed dose. This solution often makes it possible to detect a jammed dose. However, this solution does not allow for detection with satisfactory reliability. In practice, it is still frequently observed that the machine jams and prevents the preparation of the beverage. The jammed packaging must then be removed manually by the user, or even by a service dedicated to machine maintenance.

[0010] Another solution was described in document EP2608705. This document attempts to resolve this problem by analyzing the real-time electrical current consumption of a machine's motor and comparing it to a predefined reference for that type of machine, with an permissible margin of error. In practice, this solution also proves not to offer satisfactory reliability.

[0011] An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution consisting of making beverage preparation machines even more reliable, for example using packaging, but not exclusively flexible packaging, enclosing a product to be infused.

[0012] The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from an examination of the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated. SUMMARY

[0013] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a method for detecting a closure anomaly in an infusion group of a beverage preparation machine is provided. The infusion group comprises an infusion chamber delimited by at least two parts that are mobile relative to each other, at least one of the two parts being movable and moved by an actuator, the actuator being configured to bring the two parts together during a closing phase of the infusion group in order to clamp a container and to move the two parts apart during an opening phase of the infusion group in order to allow the introduction of a container into the infusion chamber and / or to allow its ejection from the chamber.

[0014] The method comprises at least the following steps: • during the closing phase, i. determination of a first instant corresponding to a first event of displacement of at least one moving part by the actuator, then determination of a second instant corresponding to a second event of displacement of at least one moving part, ii. determination of a measured duration that corresponds to the duration separating the first instant from the second instant, iii. detection of a closing anomaly based on a difference between said measured time and a nominal time.

[0015] By planning to detect an abnormal closure based on a comparison of the cycle duration and not on a comparison of the intensity consumed by the motor, it has been found that the reliability of the anomaly detection is significantly improved.

[0016] The level of detection accuracy makes it possible to reduce or even eradicate cases of non-detection which led to the launching of infusion cycles with the infusion chamber not completely closed, resulting in leaks and projection of water (and coffee) into and sometimes outside the machine.

[0017] The level of detection accuracy also makes it possible to identify very quickly that a very significant variation in the closing time is taking place and that it is indeed due to an anomaly in the use of the machine.

[0018] In the event of a sudden stop due to a blockage in the mechanism, the closing phase can be stopped as soon as the malfunction occurs. Consequently, the motor will not continue to operate under strain, and therefore the probability of damage to the machine is greatly reduced. As a result, the risk of packaging rupture is also reduced or eliminated.

[0019] These advantages are considerable since with prior art devices, jamming detection, based on the electrical signal, often took place too late after the jamming had begun.

[0020] Indeed, before the intensity increases sufficiently to be detected, the packaging is compressed and pinched by an edge of the brewing chamber. The pressure is then very high, as it is distributed over a very small contact area. Often, the packaging then tears, and the brewed product it contains disperses throughout the machine. A cleaning procedure, often lengthy and tedious, is then required. This extends the machine's downtime, which can lead to significant lost revenue when the machine is used in a commercial establishment such as a café, hotel, or restaurant.

[0021] With the proposed solution, the beginning of the jamming is detected very early, which makes it possible to stop the mechanism and avoid the setbacks mentioned above.

[0022] Furthermore, the proposed method makes it possible to significantly increase the safety of the machine. Indeed, if the jamming of the two moving parts is due to the presence of a user's finger, this is detected very quickly. The two moving chambers immediately stop coming together, which does not worsen the finger pinching. Thus, the beverage preparation machine will enter an error state to signal an anomaly and will then be, at least momentarily, unavailable.

[0023] Furthermore, existing prior art solutions have other drawbacks because they measure the current supplied by the motor in order to evaluate resistance variations and thus detect an anomaly. In particular, anomaly detection by current requires integrating a large device into the machine, including a microcontroller with high storage and processing capacity.

[0024] On the contrary, with the solution according to the invention, to measure only the duration of confinement, it will be possible in fact to be satisfied with a much lower acquisition frequency with the advantage of not requiring a microcontroller with large storage and computing capacity which would have been necessary since it will be a simple calculation of time between the first and second instant, without having to analyze precisely variations in current intensity.

[0025] Furthermore, in light of the prior art mentioned in the section concerning the state of the art, by aiming to make these known solutions more reliable, a person skilled in the art would have sought to improve the accuracy of the means of measuring current intensity. This would have led to an even more complex and costly device.

[0026] During the development of the present invention, it was noted that a solution such as that described in EPI document 171021B1 is insufficient to detect improper sealing of a package. Indeed, simply analyzing the variation in the intensity of the electrical current delivered to the motor and comparing it to a threshold reference corresponding to optimal closure does not offer satisfactory reliability. Furthermore, measurements of the variation in current when a package jams are likely to differ depending on the wear and tear of the machine or the resistance of the mechanisms, which may be dirty or rusty.

[0027] Therefore, it is possible that variations in the mechanical resistances of the infusion group produce slopes of variation of intensity that are difficult to distinguish between that of a closing cycle of a conditioning abnormally stuck between the heads of the infusion group or that of a correctly executed closing cycle. Furthermore, during the development of the present invention, it became apparent that this already known solution poses even more reliability problems when the packaging used is flexible.

[0028] Indeed, the slope resulting from the variation in intensity differs greatly depending on the type of packaging encountered. Crushing a flexible dose, which may be, for example, a dose comprising a filter paper envelope enclosing the product to be infused, requires less mechanical force than in the case of an incompressible or relatively rigid capsule, such as a capsule comprising a metal or rigid plastic envelope. It is therefore conceivable that variations in the mechanical resistance of the brewing unit produce a signal that is difficult to distinguish between that corresponding to a flexible dose wedged between the parts of the brewing chamber and that where the flexible dose is not wedged.

[0029] Furthermore, in the context of the development of the present invention, it has become apparent that with the solution described in document EP 2608705, the range of uncertainty (i.e., the tolerance) provided around the reference curve to compensate for material variations inherent in the different manufacturing processes presents a risk of not discerning with sufficient precision a variation due to a dose trapped between the heads.

[0030] Optionally, the device may also have at least one of the following optional features which may be taken separately or in combination.

[0031] According to an optional but particularly advantageous example, the invention provides that the detection is adapted to each infusion group.

[0032] For this purpose, according to an example, the nominal duration is determined from at least one measurement phase carried out with said infusion group or said beverage preparation machine during at least one closing phase which has taken place correctly.

[0033] Thus, the identification of a closing anomaly is determined specifically by the brewing unit used in the machine in question. This makes it possible to clearly distinguish the contribution attributed to the resistance or play in the brewing unit mechanism of the machine and thus to obtain measured clamping times very close to the nominal time observed during a correctly executed closing phase in this unit. The nominal duration does not therefore come from a modelling or an empirical determination made from another infusion group or modelling, and which is applied to a set of groups of the same type.

[0034] According to one example, the nominal duration is updated based on a measured duration determined during a correctly executed closing phase. Thus, the detection of the closing anomaly evolves over time. It therefore makes it possible to take into account changes in the dimensions and resistance characteristics of an infusion group, for example, under the effect of mechanical wear, or under the effect of an expansion of the parts forming the group.

[0035] Thus, the machine continuously self-learns its own characteristics during "normal real-world" cycles and preferably systematically compares this reference. Consequently, if a variation in cycle duration significantly greater than the "normal real-world" duration is detected, the current cycle is interrupted.

[0036] Furthermore, the proposed solution allows for the replacement of one or more components of the brewing unit, or even a complete replacement of the brewing unit. Indeed, these changes can impact the duration of a normal sealing cycle for a container holding the product to be brewed. If the machine requires the replacement of a worn component of the closing mechanism with an equivalent but new one, the replacement is likely to alter the sealing time. The hybrid assembly of new and older components can tend to modify the clearances within the mechanism, and thus alter the sealing time.

[0037] In addition, wear and tear, even natural wear and tear on the machine can lead to operating clearances which have an influence on the duration of confinement of a capsule.

[0038] Indeed, the games which appear in a mechanism do not necessarily prevent its proper functioning, but give the machine a singularity maintained by the test of time.

[0039] During the development of the present invention, by analyzing failure cases in prior art solutions, it was discovered that the various mechanisms and electrical characteristics could be significant. However, with known methods for detecting the closing resistance of the infusion group, it is not possible to determine whether variations in closing time are attributable to variations in the mechanism or to an abnormality in the group closure, and in particular to packaging stuck in the mechanism.

[0040] Furthermore, the industrial manufacturing of infusion groups, typically by molding and machining, inevitably leads to dimensional variations. Such variations are also found in the packaging, which is typically made of one or more layers of paper, for example, or by stamping aluminum sheets or by forming a plastic layer.

[0041] Thus, during the development of the present invention, it became apparent that prior art methods for detecting a closure defect may be unable to correctly detect a dose jam. The preparation machine may then jam and require maintenance by an operator or the user, resulting in at least temporary machine unavailability.

[0042] The principle of the present invention also makes it possible to detect an anomaly of Closure, regardless of the type of packaging: flexible doses, for example, by sealing the product to be infused in a flexible envelope such as paper; doses or capsules with a metal or plastic envelope enclosing the product to be infused. However, the present invention may prove particularly useful for identifying when flexible doses become stuck.

[0043] Flexible doses, particularly those with a paper or cellulose-based envelope, generally have the advantage of not using plastic or metal. They therefore offer undeniable advantages in terms of recyclability, rapid biodegradation, and reduced environmental impact.

[0044] During the development of the present invention, it became apparent that with flexible doses, known solutions based on an analysis of variations in the electrical intensity signal are particularly unreliable. It was also identified that this lack of reliability stems from the fact that the dose is more easily crushed.

[0045] Indeed, when a dose is crushed more easily, the motor encounters less mechanical resistance. Clamping then does not require a significantly stronger mechanical force. Consequently, the motor does not noticeably increase the current drawn (see related to the power increase P=UI). The electrical current signal is therefore no longer sufficient to detect a closure anomaly.

[0046] The present invention makes it possible to circumvent this problem since the parameter monitored and analyzed with precision is no longer the intensity but the simple closing time of the infusion group.

[0047] Optionally, the invention may also include at least one of the following features, which may be taken separately or in combination: • The nominal duration is replaced at regular usage intervals by the average duration of n successfully completed cycles. Preferably, the device includes a computer such as a microprocessor configured to perform the above steps.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a device for detecting a closure anomaly in an infusion group of a beverage preparation machine, the infusion group comprising an infusion chamber delimited by two parts having mobility relative to each other, at least one of the two parts being moved by an actuator, said two parts being configured such that at least one is mobile, during a closing phase of the infusion group and that at least one of the two parts approaches the other to enclose a container, the device being configured to perform the following steps: • during the closing phase: i. determination of a first instant corresponding to a first event of the displacement of at least one moving part by the actuator and of a second instant corresponding to a second event of the displacement of at least one moving part during the closing phase, ii. determination of a measured duration that corresponds to the duration separating the first instant from the second instant, iii. detection of a closure anomaly as a function of said measured time.

[0049] The device is configured so as to implement the process which is the subject of the present invention, regardless of its embodiment.

[0050] The nominal duration is replaced at regular usage intervals by the average duration of n cycles that have successfully completed. Preferably, the device includes a computer such as a microprocessor configured to execute the above steps.

[0051] According to another embodiment, the device allows the determination of a first instant that marks the beginning of the movement of at least one of the two parts. Before this instant, the moving parts are sufficiently far apart to allow the insertion of the dose. This makes it possible to measure the beginning of the closing phase of the infusion group. Indeed, it is necessary to be able to determine the event corresponding to the first instant.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the determination of a first instant which marks the beginning of the movement of at least one of the two parts is done using a detection means.

[0053] According to another embodiment, the nominal time is determined from at least one measurement phase carried out on said beverage preparation machine during at least one correctly executed closing phase, during which a container is clamped between the two parts of the infusion chamber. Thus, the nominal time is determined in the presence of a container.

[0054] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a beverage preparation machine comprising: • at least one infusion group comprising an infusion chamber delimited by two parts that are mobile relative to each other, • an actuator including a motor, for example electric or hydraulic, the actuator being configured to: • During the closing phase of the infusion group: bring the two parts together to secure the packaging, • During an opening phase of the infusion group: move the two parts apart to allow a package to enter or exit the infusion chamber, • a device as described previously.

[0055] According to another embodiment, one part of the infusion chamber is fixed relative to a machine frame. The other part is movable, in translation or rotation, relative to the machine frame.

[0056] According to another embodiment, the two parts of the infusion chamber are mobile, in translation or in rotation, relative to the machine frame.

[0057] The machine is configured so that, when the detection device detects a closure anomaly, the actuator stops the two parts from coming together and / or moves the two parts away from each other.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to the use of packaging comprising a product to be infused, for: • implement a beverage preparation machine including a packaging system between the two parts, or • implement the process as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0059] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0060] [fig.lA] Figure 1a illustrates a first embodiment of an infusion group,

[0061] [fig.1B] Figure 1b illustrates a second embodiment of a group infusion,

[0062] [fig.2] Figure 2 schematically illustrates examples of determining the The duration of the brewing group's closure phase is a function, in this non-limiting example, of the current consumed by the brewing group. Figure 12 illustrates the measured durations of different closure phases (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d). This example also shows several initial time points (tla, tlb, tic, tld) that can be chosen to trigger the duration measurement. Figure 2 also illustrates an example of a second time point (t2), a nominal duration (11), and a threshold value (13).

[0063] [fig.3] Figure 3 illustrates a non-limiting example of conditioning that may be used in the infusion group incorporating the detection device of the present invention.

[0064] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate communication grasping the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below:

[0066] According to an example, the first instant (tla, tlb, tic, tld) is determined when at least one of the first following events is identified: • a moment of initial power supply to the actuator. This embodiment has the advantage of being particularly reliable, simple, and inexpensive to implement. It does not require precise measurement of the electrical parameter. • A first trigger value is triggered by an electrical parameter supplying the actuator, where the electrical parameter is chosen from among current, voltage, and power. For example, the first trigger value is a current, preferably strictly greater than 0 amperes and preferably greater than or equal to 1 ampere. This embodiment has the advantage of being even more reliable. It is also simple and inexpensive to implement. In one example, the electrical parameter is not measured. The device is configured to detect when the first threshold value is crossed. Thus, this embodiment does not require precise measurement of the electrical parameter. In another embodiment, the electrical parameter is measured. • a moment of initial movement of at least one moving part; • a passage of at least one moving part at a given point, detected by a sensor. This embodiment has the advantage of being simple and inexpensive to implement. • the actuation of at least one moving part by a switch or a microswitch. This embodiment has the advantage of being simple and inexpensive to implement.

[0067] According to an example, the second instant (t2) is determined when at least one of the following second events is identified: • a moment of final power supply to the actuator; • a crossing, by an electrical parameter supplying the actuator, of a second trigger value, the electrical parameter being chosen from among current, voltage, and power. In an example with current chosen as the electrical parameter, the second trigger value is Preferably, the threshold is strictly greater than 0 amperes, and preferably greater than or equal to 0.2 amperes. This embodiment has the advantage of being even more reliable. It is also simple and inexpensive to implement. In one example, the electrical parameter is not measured. The device is configured to detect when the first threshold value is crossed. Thus, this embodiment does not require precise measurement of the electrical parameter. In another embodiment, the electrical parameter is measured. • a moment of completion of movement of at least one moving part; • a passage of at least one moving part at a given point, detected by a sensor; • the actuation of at least one moving part by a switch or a micro switch.

[0068] According to one example, a closure anomaly is detected when the difference between the measured time and the nominal time is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0069] This allows a validity range to be assigned to the duration of closure of the infusion group.

[0070] Indeed, if the measured duration is less than or greater than the nominal duration, but within acceptable limits and defined beforehand by the manufacturer, then the closing cycle of the infusion group is considered to have taken place optimally.

[0071] According to an example, the difference between the measured duration and the nominal duration is a difference in absolute value between the measured duration and the nominal duration.

[0072] Indeed, since the difference between the first and second instants may give a negative result depending on the ordering of the operation, it should be specified that only the positive value may be retained.

[0073] According to one example, the nominal duration is determined from at least one measurement phase carried out with said brewing group or on said beverage preparation machine during at least one closing phase which has been carried out correctly.

[0074] This allows for a detection accuracy specific to each machine whose singularity can vary with wear.

[0075] Indeed, the manufacturing tolerances of the mechanical components that make up the infusion group lead to variations in clearances, and indirectly to variations in the closing time of a cycle observed between machines of the same model.

[0076] According to one example, the nominal duration is updated, from a measured duration, determined during a closing phase that has taken place correctly.

[0077] The device thus performs regular and preferably continuous self-learning, which makes it possible to maintain the level throughout the life of the infusion group reliability of anomaly detection over time.

[0078] Indeed, natural wear and tear, deterioration in use or fouling of the mechanisms can affect the closing time of the brewing group and consequently, the average closing time of a new machine can differ significantly from the average closing time of the same machine after several cycles of use.

[0079] According to one example, the nominal duration is updated at regular usage intervals, by being replaced by the average duration of n cycles that have run correctly.

[0080] This allows for consideration of the intensity of machine use. If the machine is used very frequently, the mechanisms tend to wear out faster and the duration of a brewing group closure cycle is likely to differ.

[0081] Thus, the refresh step returns the process to an initial state, that is, to the state it was in before the first nominal duration was determined. This replacement takes place in a memory associated with the machine.

[0082] According to one example, the updating of the nominal duration is carried out by averaging the measured durations corresponding to the most recent correctly executed closing phases included in a sliding window of at most p correctly executed closing phases, with p an integer, preferably between 2 and 100.

[0083] This allows for a sufficiently regular update in order to be able to compare the duration of the closing cycle of the infusion group with a nominal duration corresponding to the optimal operating state of the machine closest to the measured moment.

[0084] Indeed, if the average is taken over a number p of correctly executed closing phases with too large a p, then the calculated average will not be representative of the optimal duration desired at the measured time.

[0085] According to one example, p is between 5 and 20 and preferably p is equal to 10.

[0086] This allows the determination of a nominal duration more representative of the last phases of closure of the infusion group having taken place correctly.

[0087] According to one example, a first nominal duration is obtained by determining n measured durations, corresponding to n correctly executed closing phases, and by averaging these n characteristics, with n an integer, preferably between 1 and 10.

[0088] This allows a first value to be assigned to the nominal duration; this value can be determined during pre-marketing tests or during the first uses of the new machine.

[0089] According to one example, n is equal to 2.

[0090] Indeed, when the machine is new, it has the advantage of being reliable and the measuring only two correctly completed brewing group closure cycles may be sufficient to determine a nominal duration corresponding to the optimal operating state of the machine closest to the measured moment.

[0091] According to one example, the method includes a reset step consisting of determining a new nominal duration and replacing the previously determined nominal duration with said new first nominal duration.

[0092] This allows the stuck dose detection device to be reset by a technician during maintenance or by a user when restoring the machine to factory settings.

[0093] According to one example, a threshold value is defined by a lower bound and an upper bound, distributed for example at equidistant times, so that the time distance between the nominal duration and the upper bound is equal to the threshold value.

[0094] This allows us to define a more or less wide acceptance range for the measured durations depending on the machine model.

[0095] According to one example, the threshold value has a value substantially equal to X% of the value of the nominal duration with preferably X >0 and X less than or equal to 20, preferably X less than or equal to 10, preferably X less than or equal to 5.

[0096] Indeed, the threshold value must be proportional to the nominal duration in order to best adapt to the machine model. Preferably, the threshold value can be predefined by the manufacturer or determined using an algorithm predefined by the manufacturer.

[0097] Thus, at each instant, the duration of the threshold is: • For example, less than or equal to 10% of the nominal duration and preferably less than or equal to 5% of the nominal duration. • According to an example, the process involves performing at least one of the following steps when a closure anomaly is detected: i. emitting a visual alarm signal to a machine user, ii. emitting an audible alarm signal to a machine user, iii. sending an email to a maintenance center, iv. interruption of the closing phase, v. triggering a separation phase of the two parts (3, 4), vi. interruption of water circulation in a circuit of the machine, for example by stopping a water circulation pump in a circuit of the machine.

[0098] It is specified that in the context of the present invention, the term "packaging" is used repeatedly, as well as its synonymous terms: "capsules", "Doses", "pods". These terms all refer to the container in which the product to be infused is placed.

[0099] For example, the container can also be the contents themselves. Whatever term is used, it does not imply a specific shape, nor even a material that might suggest mechanical characteristics. The packaging could, for example, be made of paper, cardboard, plastic, or metal.

[0100] The term "infusion chamber" refers to the location in the machine intended to hold the packaging. The infusion chamber is characterized in this document in that it can, for example, open and close correctly or incorrectly with a capsule inserted inside, correctly or incorrectly.

[0101] The word "flexible" is used to differentiate the various packaging categories. It is known and agreed that a flexible pod differs from a rigid pod in its ability to deform. Its flexibility does not imply anything about its shape or material. And its ability to be deformed will be evaluated relative to the ability of another capsule to be deformed under the same conditions and mechanical stresses.

[0102] It should be noted that the relative characteristics stated above, in particular those relating to the flexibility of the packaging, its ability to be deformed, although working advantageously in synergy when combined, can be exploited independently of each other and nevertheless confer certain technical advantages.

[0103] The invention thus describes packaging which has only one or a combination of only some of the characteristics mentioned above.

[0104] In the context of the present invention, it is possible to use containers 2 containing a product to be infused, for example, ground coffee. The product to be infused is enclosed by a casing 22 within a closed internal volume of the container 2. The internal volume is configured so that a liquid such as water can pass through it during infusion. For example, it is delimited by a casing 22 made of filtering layers, for example, of paper, fiber, or plastic, or by a wall made of a waterproof material, for example, aluminum or plastic, but made perforated to allow filtration.

[0105] When the envelope is formed of filter layers, the latter may for example comprise or be formed of paper, fibers or plastic.

[0106] When the enclosure 22 is formed of a wall made of a sealed material, the latter may for example comprise or be formed of aluminium or plastic.

[0107] By way of non-limiting example, the packaging does not include a metal or rigid plastic casing. By way of alternative example, the packaging includes a metal or rigid plastic casing enclosing the product to be infused.

[0108] According to one example, the packaging includes a perimeter 21. According to a non-limiting example, the closed volume 2 containing the product to be infused has axial symmetry and the perimeter 21 is included in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.

[0109] Without limitation, the volume 2 containing the product to be infused is made up of the assembly of layers joined at their peripheries at the level of a support frame defining a peripheral perimeter 21.

[0110] The present invention is applicable to various types of packaging. In particular, it does not require that the packaging be rigid. It applies to packaging with a flexible or rigid outer casing 22. It applies specifically to any type of single-use packaging for brewing products. It also applies, for example, to packaging whose outer casing is capable of dissolving, at least partially, during brewing. Furthermore, it applies to packaging consisting of a brewing product bound together by a binder and / or by the application of pressure. Such packaging, consisting of a blend of brewing product such as coffee, can be formed outside the machine or be formed by a dedicated module of the machine.

[0111] In the remainder of this description, the terms dose or packaging will be used. These terms should be considered interchangeable and interchangeable with terms such as single-dose or capsule. Unless otherwise stated, the term dose in the remainder of this description is not limited to a specific type of packaging.

[0112] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 1a, Figure 1b, Figure 2 and Figure 3.

[0113] Figure 1a shows an embodiment of at least one part of a beverage preparation machine. A fixed body 1 houses a motor 6 and an infusion group 100. The infusion group 100 comprises two complementary parts 3, 4 to define an internal volume or infusion chamber 5 in which a container 2 can be placed. The two parts 3, 4 are movable relative to each other so as to selectively open or close the infusion group 100. The open position, shown in dashed lines, allows the introduction of a new dose 2 or the ejection of an old dose, used up after infusion. A slide 9 guides the dose 2 during its introduction. The closed position, shown in solid lines, allows a conditioning 2 to be maintained in said internal volume, advantageously sealed, while an injector injects hot water under pressure in order to carry out the infusion and the production of a beverage.

[0114] The mobility of the two parts 3, 4 can be in any direction. In the example illustrated in figure 1a, the movement is rotary. Each part 3, 4 is articulated for rotation relative to the body 1. Part 3 includes, for example, an external gear 7 capable of meshing with a complementary gear of part 4. The motor 6, here rotary, includes a pinion capable of engaging one of the two previous gears 7, for example the gear of part 4, as illustrated.

[0115] As illustrated in figure 1b, the two moving parts can be moved apart and brought together by a translational movement, preferably a linear translation.

[0116] In the example of figure 1b, we find the infusion chamber 5 comprising the moving parts 3, 4. In this example, the moving part 3 is fixed relative to the body 1 of the infusion group 100. The body 1 is attached to a frame of the machine.

[0117] The chamber 4 is movable in translation relative to the body 1 of the infusion group 100. The actuator 61, which in this example includes an electric motor 6, controls the movement of the movable part 4 of the infusion chamber 5.

[0118] This actuator, with electric motorization, may include for example an electric cylinder, a rack and pinion system, a worm gear... etc.

[0119] The beverage preparation machine also includes a reservoir 20 in fluidic communication with a pump 30 via an outlet conduit 31. The pump 30 supplies water to an inlet of a boiler 40. Alternatively, the boiler 40 is supplied by a pressurized water distribution network. An outlet of the boiler 40 is in fluidic communication with the brewing chamber 5. Typically, a conduit 42 connects the outlet of the boiler 40 to either part 3 or part 4. If the hot water supplied by the boiler 40 reaches the brewing chamber 5 via the movable part 4, the conduit 42 is preferably flexible to accommodate the movement of this movable part 4.

[0120] According to an alternative example, the actuator 61 is not an electric actuator. It comprises a hydraulic cylinder, for example supplied with water by the pump 30 and the reservoir 20.

[0121] According to the alternative example where the actuator is not electric but hydraulic, the first instant t1 and the second instant t2 are determined, for example, when at least one of the following second events is identified: • a moment of final power supply to the actuator; • A second trigger value is reached by a hydraulic parameter supplying the actuator. This hydraulic parameter is chosen from among the pressure, flow rate, and pressure force exerted on the walls of the hydraulic conduit. In one example, the hydraulic parameter is not measured. The device is configured to detect when the hydraulic parameter crosses a first threshold value. Thus, this embodiment does not require precise measurement of the hydraulic parameter. In another embodiment, the hydraulic parameter is measured. • a moment of completion of movement of at least one moving part; • a passage of at least one moving part at a given point, detected by a sensor; • the actuation of at least one moving part by a switch or a microswitch.

[0122] In each of these cases, detection based on a position or passage of the moving part of the infusion chamber can be replaced by the same principle but applied to a part of a moving piston of the cylinder instead of the moving part of the infusion chamber.

[0123] When the two parts 3, 4 are separated, a container 2 can then enter the infusion chamber 5. During the closing phase, the movable parts 3, 4 move towards each other until they enclose the container 2. If the closing phase is successful, the container 2 is enclosed within the infusion chamber 5. The latter can, for example, form a sealed envelope around the container 2. The machine then initiates the supply of hot water from the boiler 40 to the infusion chamber 5. The hot water infuses the product contained in the container 2 and escapes from the infusion chamber 5 through conduits such as conduit 42 leading to a container, typically a cup 15. At the end of the infusion, the two parts 3, 4 move apart. The infusion chamber 5 opens, allowing the container to escape, for example, by gravity.

[0124] An infusion cycle corresponds for example to a cycle comprising the introduction of the packaging 2 into the open infusion chamber 5, the movement of at least one movable part 3, 4 to enclose the packaging 2 in the infusion chamber 5, the infusion of the packaging 2 then the reopening of the infusion chamber 5 and the removal of at least one movable part 3, 4.

[0125] In the example illustrated in Figure 1b, the closing phase does not take place correctly and the packaging is stuck between protruding parts 33, 43 carried respectively by the movable parts 3 and 4. More precisely, and with regard to the packaging example 2 illustrated in Figure 3, the movable parts 3, 4 each have a protruding part 33, 34, here each forming an end for these two parts 3, 4. In this example, the protruding parts 33, 34 form a perimeter for each movable part 3, 4. They are arranged opposite each other and come to clamp the dose 2 on a perimeter 21 of the latter during a normal closing cycle. During an abnormal closing cycle with jamming of a dose 2, the latter becomes pinched between the protruding parts 33, 34. The protruding parts 33, 34 then form two jaws which close on a portion of the dose 2.

[0126] In an example such as illustrated in Figure 3, depending on the position of dose 2 relative to the infusion chamber 5 at the time of its pinching, dose 2 is located pinched along different topological lines 24, 25, 26. In this example, the topological line 23 corresponds to the normal pinching zone of dose 2. The topological line 23 corresponds here to the perimeter 21 of dose 2, in this non-limiting example a ring of cardboard, paper thicker than the rest of dose 2 or plastic.

[0127] Topological lines 24, 25, and 26 correspond to areas of abnormal pinching of dose 2. Line 24 corresponds to pinching on the peripheral part of the clod, close to line 23. Line 25 corresponds to pinching on the peripheral part of the clod, further from line 24. Line 26 corresponds to pinching on the flat part of the clod. Line 26 is located from line 23 at a distance approximately equal to half the thickness of the dose, this distance and thickness being measured along a direction perpendicular to a median plane of dose 2.

[0128] It should be considered that in one example, a pinching occurs symmetrically with respect to the median plane of dose 2 illustrated in Figure 3. Consequently, identical lines are located symmetrically on the other side of dose 2.

[0129] These examples of incorrect pinching lead to delays in the closure of the infusion group 5, due to a crushing of the conditioning element 2, which slows down the confinement phase. These examples of slowing down are visible in Figure 2. Curves 14b, 14c, and 14d show the closure delays due respectively to pinching of the protruding parts 33 and 34 at the topological lines 24, 25, and 26. Curve 14a illustrates the closure time of a cycle that has run correctly.

[0130] This example illustrates that pinching can occur within a variable thickness of the dose, since the pinched thickness varies according to the pinched lines. At line 23, the thickness is thinner than at line 24, which is in turn thinner than at line 25, and in turn, thinner than at line 26.

[0131] When the pinching occurs in a thicker area, such as on line 26, the duration of the closing phase of the infusion chamber 5 will tend to differ from the duration of a closing phase at the perimeter 21 and line 23. If the dose 2 is pinched, it may, for example, be ruptured or torn during the closing phase of the infusion chamber 5.

[0132] The principle of the invention makes it possible to discern quickly and reliably in which cases a dose is actually pinched between the heads of the mechanical device.

[0133] Thus, a tear in a dose or the jamming of a poorly positioned dose can be detected by the present invention through a determination of the measured duration 12.

[0134] An example of this process is detailed below.

[0135] In a first step, it is determined, for example using a calculation unit, a measured duration 12 equal to the duration between a first instant tla, tlb, tic, tld and a second instant t2 of the displacement of at least one of the two parts 3,4.

[0136] Generally speaking, the first instant corresponds to the beginning of the movement of at least one moving part. The second instant t2 corresponds to the end of this movement, preferably at the end of the closing phase of the infusion group 100.

[0137] The measured time 12 is then compared to a nominal time 11 in order to detect an anomaly. This nominal time 11 covers the closing phase of the brewing group 100. Typically, this nominal time 11 is recorded in a memory of the brewing group 5, or more generally of the machine, ideally by the measured time determination process 12. This step is carried out by the process during the closing of the brewing group 100. During each cycle, the measured time 12 is then compared with the nominal time 11.

[0138] Depending on the machine's characteristics, the first instant can be associated with one of several events. Some of these events are mentioned below. For example, the first instant tla, tlb, tic, tld, could correspond to one of the following non-limiting examples:

[0139] At the moment the actuator is first powered. For example, the start of power supply or electricity consumption by an electric motor forming the actuator 61. In Figure 2, this moment corresponds to the reference tla. This is the power-up of the motor. In the case of a hydraulic or pneumatic power supply, the reference tla should be associated with the start-up of said power supply, such as the power supply to a pump pressurizing the actuator (a hydraulic cylinder, for example) or the opening of a valve that would allow fluid to flow to supply the actuator responsible for closing the infusion unit.

[0140] At the instant when the motor is subjected to a specific value of at least one electrical parameter, such as current, voltage, or power. This could, for example, be a minimum trigger value (in absolute value), strictly greater than 0, such as 1 ampere. This minimum trigger value is, for example, a current threshold above which the mechanism can function correctly to move the moving part of the infusion chamber 5. In an example such as that of Figure 2, this instant could correspond to the reference tlb. This embodiment has the advantage of not requiring a sensor for the movement of the moving part or a switch actuated by the moving part.

[0141] In view of the two preceding examples, a device for detecting an electrical parameter of the motor, for example the current and / or the voltage, can thus be provided. and / or the power consumed by the motor during the closing phase. In Figure 2, this device measures the current during the closing phase.

[0142] This measurement can be performed continuously or intermittently. In another embodiment, the device can be simpler and not measure the electrical parameter. In this case, it can, for example, detect when a trigger value is exceeded. If this trigger value is exceeded, the device only identifies the event associated with the first occurrence.

[0143] For example, if the intensity (I) becomes non-zero (1^0), then the device triggers the measurement of the duration. Alternatively, as indicated above, this trigger value can also be specified as the trigger value strictly greater than 0.

[0144] Thus, in the context of the present invention, the aim is not to identify a closing anomaly based on a comparison of a current or voltage value with a predetermined current or voltage value. In the context of the present invention, the current or voltage is used only to detect the first and / or second instant. The closing anomaly is identified based on a comparison of a time value with a predetermined time value.

[0145] At the starting instant of the moving part 3,4, that is to say, at the instant when the moving part leaves its initial position and consequently begins to move. In an example such as that of Figure 2, this instant may correspond to the reference point tic.

[0146] At the instant when one of the two parts 3,4 passes in front of a sensor. This could, for example, be an optical, mechanical, or electromechanical sensor. The sensor is fixed relative to the machine frame. In an example such as that in Figure 2, this instant could correspond to the reference tld.

[0147] At the instant when one of the two parts 3,4 actuates a switch or micro-switch.

[0148] At the moment when the infusion chamber 5 is sufficiently open for introduction of the dose and that the containment process is initiated.

[0149] At any other time that can be reliably measured as the start of a closure cycle of infusion group 5.

[0150] The method of detecting the first instant tla, tlb, tic, tld will be repeated identically at each cycle in order to obtain measured duration values ​​12 comparable to each other.

[0151] It should be noted that the present invention does not require the complex study of variation of intensity but only the exceeding of a threshold allowing the detection of the event tla, tlb, tic, tld.

[0152] The second instant t2 corresponds to an event linked to the end of the movement of au minus one of the two moving parts 3,4 relative to each other. This event t2 can be chosen from at least one of the following non-limiting examples:

[0153] At the instant when the actuator ceases to be powered. For example, the end of the power supply or electricity consumption of an electric motor forming the actuator 61.

[0154] When an electrical parameter supplying the actuator (current, voltage or power) falls below a trigger value for an electrical parameter. For example, when the current falls below 0.2 amperes.

[0155] At the instant when the moving part 3 or 4 ceases to move relative to the body 1.

[0156] At any other time that can be reliably measured as the end of a cycle of the closure of the infusion group 5.

[0157] Similarly, the method of detecting the second instant t2 will be repeated identically at each cycle in order to obtain measured duration values ​​12 that are comparable to each other.

[0158] Preferably, the measurement principle of the first instant will be identical to the measurement principle of the second instant.

[0159] An anomaly is detected when a measured duration determination 12 deviates too much, either above or below, from the nominal duration 11, i.e., from the value in units of time indicated by the nominal duration 11, at the corresponding instant, in the closing phase. This deviation can be indicated by means of at least one threshold 13, also referred to as the threshold value.

[0160] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the nominal duration 11 is determined by learning on the beverage preparation machine itself, where the anomaly detection method is implemented. The nominal duration 11 is obtained from at least one measurement phase performed on said machine, during at least one correctly executed closing phase. A correctly executed closing phase corresponds to a closing phase during which the packaging 2 is not jammed by the two movable parts 3, 4 of the infusion chamber 5. The result of a correctly executed closing phase is that the packaging 2 is clamped between the two parts 3, 4 and positioned optimally for the implementation of an infusion. The infusion cycle can then proceed.Typically, hot water, preferably under pressure from the boiler 40, enters the infusion chamber 5 and infuses the product contained in the packaging 2.

[0161] Thus, the nominal time 11 provides a reference for the correct behavior of the infusion chamber 5 during the closing phase. To determine whether the closure of the infusion chamber 5 occurs without anomaly, a measured time 12 is compared in real time to a nominal time 11. This allows for closure monitored by the anomaly detection method of the present invention. If the measurement of a time measured 12, carried out in real time, during a closure, is very close to the nominal duration 11, it can be considered that the monitored closure takes place without anomaly.

[0162] The advantage of establishing the nominal duration 11 on the machine itself where the anomaly detection process is implemented is that this nominal duration 11 is customized in that it intrinsically incorporates all the specific characteristics of that machine, such as dimensional variations due to the manufacturing of the machine's parts, and thus eliminates the need for them. Furthermore, it turns out that the closing time of a normally occurring closing cycle changes over time for the same machine. Indeed, the natural wear of many parts, which depends in particular on the frequency of use and maintenance conditions, impacts the closing time of the infusion chamber.

[0163] In Figure 2, a measured duration 12 can be read from a curve showing the supply current flowing through the motor 6 as a function of time. On this type of curve, a nominal duration 11 is positioned centered within a range whose amplitude has a threshold value of 13.

[0164] This electrical parameter profile can be determined by any means such as, for example, a clock, a stopwatch, a counter, a tool for acquiring the power supplied by the actuator as a function of time, or a calculation unit that allows determining a time difference between the first instant and the second instant.

[0165] It should be noted that in the context of the present invention it is not necessary to have an intensity measurement tool, a fortiori it is not necessary to have a complex and expensive intensity measurement tool.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the measured duration 12 is recorded, preferably during a closing phase.

[0167] If a single nominal duration 11 is used, common to all machines, while taking into account the dimensional and functional variation inevitably linked to series production, this can lead to very high threshold values. Indeed, from one machine to another, the measured duration 12 must be as close as possible to a nominal duration 11 in order for the closing cycle to be considered correct. If there is only one fixed and predefined nominal duration 11, then the margin of error is necessarily wider. Therefore, the threshold value 13 is also higher.

[0168] On the contrary, if, according to an example of the invention, the nominal duration 11 is determined specifically for the monitored machine, dimensional dispersion is thus eliminated and a single threshold 13 can be defined so as to create an acceptance range centered around the much smaller nominal duration 11. Thus when the nominal duration 11 is compared with a measured duration 12, the risks of false detection are greatly reduced.

[0169] Since the sensitivity of a closure anomaly is much lower than the sensitivity to dimensional dispersion, the personalization characteristic of a nominal duration 11 to a machine, provided by the invention, proves to be particularly advantageous.

[0170] To further enhance this customization, the nominal duration 11 is updated; at regular operating intervals, it is replaced by the average duration of cycles that have successfully completed. Only closing phases that occur correctly, without anomalies, should be considered. This update is advantageously performed regularly throughout the machine's lifespan. By integrating a specific characteristic, namely the nominal duration 11, the machine's anomaly detection system takes into account dimensional variations or other characteristics that may occur, for example, due to aging or wear of mechanical, electrical, and / or electronic components. Thus, the nominal duration 11 reflects the machine's condition and its proper closing operation throughout its lifecycle.

[0171] In this sense, the proposed method does not take into account a tolerance range with respect to a given nominal characteristic determined for a type of machine or brewing groups or for a set of machines. The method does take into account a tolerance range for the given brewing group and for the given machine in which the method is implemented.

[0172] During the initial use of the machine, a first nominal duration 11 must be determined. This first nominal duration 11 is obtained by performing one or more operating cycles, each including at least one closing phase. During these closing phases, the closing time is measured. Preferably, this operation is performed n times. It is then verified that each closing phase proceeds correctly and without anomaly. If not, the resulting characteristic is rejected. n is an integer, preferably between 1 and 10, preferably greater than or equal to 2, and again preferably equal to 2. For n greater than or equal to 2, the different characteristics retained are advantageously averaged to make the resulting first nominal duration 11 more relevant.

[0173] Once this nominal duration 11, first or initial, has been obtained and recorded, the process can detect an anomaly during subsequent closing phases and can be fully implemented. It is thus also possible to automatically differentiate between a correctly executed closure and an anomaly.

[0174] Any correctly executed closing phase can be used to determine a new measured duration 12 and then be used to update the Nominal duration 11. In one embodiment, the update is performed continuously. This update can be performed using a sliding window. For example, this sliding window includes at most p and at least q duration values ​​for a cycle that has run correctly.

[0175] For example, this sliding window comprises at most p measured durations 12. To this end, for any correctly executed closing phase, after determining the first nominal duration 11, it is possible to determine a characteristic. For each new such characteristic, a new nominal duration 11 can, for example, be recalculated by averaging the first nominal duration 11 with the subsequent determined characteristics. The window is referred to as having width p in that it averages at most p measured durations 12, including the nominal duration 11. The window is sliding in that, when more than p measured durations 12 are available, only the most recent p are retained to calculate the average. The range p is an integer, preferably between 2 and 100. Satisfactory results have been obtained with p equal to 10.

[0176] A new characteristic can be determined and considered for determining the average of the measured durations 12 for any correctly executed closing phase. Alternatively, a new calculation of the nominal duration 11 can be carried out regularly every x operating cycles or every y operating hours or machine lifetime.

[0177] When an anomaly is detected, a maintenance process can be triggered, for example including a return to factory.

[0178] A special case arises when the machine is significantly modified. This is the case, for example, following maintenance or the replacement of a major part, including the brewing unit 100 or one of its components. The machine's behavior may be greatly altered. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to re-establish a nominal duration 11. To inform the device / process of this change, the latter advantageously includes a reset device. This reset device, which can be used by the user or the maintenance technician, allows the device / process to be informed of the modification.It allows a reset step to be initiated which has the effect of returning the device / process to an initial, or similar, state in which a new nominal duration 11 must be determined, starting from zero, like the initial first nominal duration 11 described above.

[0179] For example, the reset device is activated by pressing a dedicated button located on the brewing group 100 or more generally on the machine. This button is, for example, accessible to an operator manually or by means of a tool. Alternatively, this button can be activated automatically by the introduction of a brewing group into the machine or the removal of a brewing group from the machine.

[0180] Preferably, access to this function is restricted to the maintenance technician. Typically, a reset can be initiated either via a dedicated button located in the machine, or via a sequence of buttons that grants special access privileges to the technician, or via a technician-only access menu for machines with a screen interface and menus.

[0181] As illustrated in Figure 2, the threshold value 13 used for the comparison step is modeled by a range of values ​​centered around the nominal duration 11. The comparison then verifies that the measured duration 12 remains between the nominal duration 11 + the threshold value 13 and the nominal duration 11 - the threshold value. As soon as the measured duration 12 falls outside these limits, an anomaly is detected.

[0182] According to another feature, the threshold value 13 has a value substantially equal to X% of the nominal duration value 11. As detailed above, the invention makes it possible to determine a highly reliable nominal duration 11. The threshold value 13 has a value substantially equal to a percentage X of the nominal duration value, with X > 0 and X less than or equal to 20, preferably X less than or equal to 10, preferably X less than or equal to 5.

[0183] Thus, at each instant, as in the example shown in Figure 2, the threshold value 13 is less than the nominal duration 11 and defines an acceptance range of the measured duration 12 which must be between a lower bound 16a and an upper bound 16b in order to validate the non-detection of an anomaly and consequently a cycle which has taken place correctly.

[0184] According to another example, the value of the lower bound 16a is equal to the difference between the value of the nominal duration 11 and the threshold value 13. Similarly, the value of the upper bound 16b can be equal to the sum of the value of the nominal duration 11 and the threshold value.

[0185] Thus the threshold value 13 is defined by a lower bound 16a and an upper bound 16b, distributed at an equidistant time, equal to the threshold value 13, of the nominal duration 11.

[0186] In this embodiment, it is provided that when the detection device detects a closing anomaly, the machine performs at least one of the following actions: - emitting a visual alarm signal to a user, - emitting an audible alarm signal, - sending a message to a maintenance center, - interrupting the closing phase. - triggering a separation phase of the two moving parts 3,4, - interruption of water circulation in a circuit of the machine, for example by Stopping of a water circulation pump in a machine circuit.

[0187] The invention further relates to a device configured to implement such a method. In view of the preceding description, it is clear that by carrying out a continuous self-learning of its own measured duration characteristic 12 of a cycle that has run correctly and by systematically comparing each closing phase to it, the proposed machine makes it possible to detect a variation in measured duration 12 with a very small margin of error since it is free from all parasitic variations due to the manufacturing of the multiple components of the machine.

[0188] Thus, the proposed machine makes it possible to reduce to a minimum the margin of error necessary around the optimal operation of the cycles and makes it possible to measure and detect small variations in closing times, these variations being able to indicate a closing anomaly.

[0189] In view of the foregoing description, it is clear that the invention offers a simple and robust solution for improving the reliability of beverage preparation machines, by more accurately identifying a closure anomaly.

[0190] Although a preferred embodiment of the invention is described herein, it should be clearly understood that the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and that variations may be made within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for detecting a closure anomaly in an infusion group of a beverage preparation machine, the infusion group (100) comprising an infusion chamber (5) delimited by at least two parts (3, 4) having mobility relative to each other, at least one of the two parts (3, 4) being mobile and moved by an actuator (61), the actuator (61) being configured to bring the two parts (3, 4) together during a closing phase of the infusion group (100) in order to enclose a container (2) and to move the two parts (3, 4) apart during an opening phase of the infusion group (100), the method being characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: • during the closing phase, i.determination of a first instant (tla, tlb, tic, tld) corresponding to a first event of the displacement of at least one moving part (3,4) by the actuator (61) then determination of a second instant (t2) corresponding to a second event of the displacement of at least one moving part (3,4), ii. determination of a measured duration (12) which corresponds to the duration which separates the first instant (tla, tlb, tic, tld) from the second instant (t2), iii. detection of a closure anomaly as a function of a difference between said measured duration (12) and a nominal duration (11).

2. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein a closure anomaly is detected when this difference is greater than or equal to a threshold value (13).

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said difference between said measured time (12) and the nominal time (11) is a difference in absolute value.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first instant (tla, tlb, tic, tld) is determined when at least one of the first of the following events is identified: • an instant of the start of powering the actuator (61); • a crossing, by an electrical power supply parameter of the actuator (61), of a first trigger value, the electrical parameter being chosen from among current, voltage and power, the first trigger value preferably being strictly greater than 0 and preferably greater than or equal to 1 ampere. • an instant of the start of movement of at least one moving part (3,4); • a passage of at least one moving part (3,4) through a given point, detected by a sensor; • the actuation of at least one moving part (3,4) by a switch or a microswitch.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second instant (t2) is determined when at least one of the following second events is identified: • an instant of the actuator (61) being powered off; • a second trigger value being crossed by an electrical parameter supplying the actuator (61), the electrical parameter being taken from among current, voltage, and power, the second trigger value preferably being strictly greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.2 amperes; • an instant of the movement of at least one moving part (3, 4); • the passage of at least one moving part (3, 4) through a given point, detected by a sensor; • the actuation of at least one moving part (3, 4) by a switch or a microswitch.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nominal time (11) is determined from at least one measurement phase carried out with said brewing group or on said beverage preparation machine during at least one properly completed closing phase.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, in in which the nominal duration (11) is updated, from a measured duration, determined during a closing phase which has taken place correctly.

8. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the nominal duration (11) is updated at regular usage intervals, by being replaced by the average duration of n cycles that have run correctly.

9. A method according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the updating of the nominal duration (11) is carried out by averaging the measured durations (12) corresponding to the most recent correctly executed closing phases included in a sliding window of at most p correctly executed closing phases, with p an integer, preferably between 2 and 100.

10. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein p is between 5 and 20 and preferably p is equal to 10.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first nominal duration (11) is obtained by determining n measured durations (12), corresponding to n correctly executed closing phases, and by averaging these n characteristics, with n an integer, preferably between 1 and 10.

12.

13. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein n is equal to 2. A method according to any one of the two claims, comprising a reset step consisting of determining a new first nominal duration (11) and replacing the previously determined first nominal duration with said new first nominal duration.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a closure anomaly is detected when said difference is greater than or equal to a threshold value (13), and wherein the threshold value (13) is defined by a lower bound (16a) and an upper bound (16b), distributed for example at equidistant times, so that the time distance between the nominal duration (11) and the upper bound (16b) is equal to the threshold value (13).

15. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the threshold value (13) has a value substantially equal to X% of the value of the nominal duration (11) with preferably X > 0 and X less than or equal to 20, preferably X less than or equal to 10, preferably X less than or equal to 5.

16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, including the execution of at least one of the following steps when a closing anomaly is detected: • emitting a visual alarm signal to a machine user, • emitting an audible alarm signal to a machine user, sending an electronic message to a maintenance center, • interrupting the closing phase, triggering a separation phase of the two parts (3, 4), • interrupting water circulation in a machine circuit, for example by stopping a water circulation pump (30) in a machine circuit.

17. Device for detecting a closure anomaly of an infusion group of a beverage preparation machine, the infusion group (100) comprising an infusion chamber (5) delimited by two parts (3, 4) having mobility relative to each other, at least one of the two parts (3, 4) being moved by an actuator (61), said two parts (3, 4) being configured so that at least one is mobile, during a closing phase of the infusion group (100) and that at least one of the two parts (3, 4) approaches the other to enclose a packaging (2), the device being configured to carry out the process according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. Beverage preparation machine comprising: • at least one brewing group (100) having a brewing chamber (5) delimited by at least two parts (3, 4) having mobility relative to each other, • an actuator (61), comprising for example an electric motor (6), the actuator being configured to, during a closing phase of the brewing group (100), bring the two parts (3,4) together to enclose a container (2), • a device according to the preceding claim.

19. Machine according to the preceding claim, configured such that, when the detection device detects a closure anomaly, the actuator (61) stops the two parts (3,4) from coming together and / or moves the two parts (3,4) away from each other.

20. Assembly comprising a machine according to any one of the two preceding claims and a packaging (2) configured to be inserted into the infusion chamber (5).

21. Assembly according to the preceding claim wherein the packaging (2) is a dose having an envelope enclosing a product to be infused, the envelope comprising or being made of paper or fibers.

22. Use of a packaging (2) comprising a product to be infused, to carry out the process according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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