Brewing unit

Abstract

To provide a brewing unit that prevents any residue which may accumulate in the brewing chamber, particularly when using compacted tablets or a bulk powdered product, from entering the hydraulic lines.SOLUTION: A brewing unit 10 for preparing beverages from a powdered product P includes a support structure having an inner cavity 16, and a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a first assembly part 12 configured as a drawer having a receptacle 13, and a second assembly part 14 mounted to slide vertically within an upper part of said cavity, between a raised position and a lowered position, where within said first assembly part there is a filtering element 123 mounted to translate vertically through which there is formed a dispensing duct 124, where a brewing head 145 is carried by a lower end of the second assembly part 14, the brewing head defining a top surface of the brewing chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brewing unit for a machine for preparing beverages using a powdered product containing one or more ingredients, in particular coffee.

[0002] In the following description, for simplicity, reference will be made to the use of compressed tablets, however it will be apparent that the present invention is not limited to brewing units operable with tablets, but rather is more generally applicable to brewing units using capsules or alternatively pods, or bulk powder products. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved brewing unit.

[0004] This and other objects are fully achieved according to the present invention by a brewing unit as defined in the attached independent claim 1. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a beverage as defined in the attached independent claim 11.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the brewing unit according to the invention are defined in the dependent claims, the content of which is to be understood as an integral part of the following description.

[0006] In summary, the present invention provides a brewing unit for preparing a beverage from a powdered product including at least one ingredient, comprising a support structure having an internal cavity; 1. A dispensing assembly comprising: a first assembly part configured as a drawer insertable into or extractable from the lower part of the cavity and having a receptacle adapted to receive the powdered product; - a second assembly part vertically mounted to slide within the upper portion of said cavity, said second assembly part being between a raised position in which said second assembly part allows insertion or extraction of said first assembly part, and a lowered position in which said second assembly part and said first assembly part are coupled to one another to jointly define a brewing chamber; a filtering element mounted for vertical translation within the first assembly part, through which a dispensing duct is obtained; the filtering element defines a bottom surface of a receptacle and a bottom surface of a brewing chamber; a brewing head suitable for injecting water into the brewing chamber is carried by the lower end of the second assembly part; the brewing head defines an upper surface of the brewing chamber and comprises radial sealing means configured to contact the radially inner surface of the receptacle in a lowered position of the second assembly part.

[0007] In the aforementioned units, the brewing head and filtering element act as protective elements, preventing residues that may accumulate in the brewing chamber, especially when using compressed tablet or bulk powder products, from entering the water flow lines of the first and second assembly parts, respectively.

[0008] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a brewing apparatus according to the invention at different stages of operation. [Figure 2] 2 shows perspective views of the brewing apparatus according to the invention at different stages of operation. [Figure 3] 3 shows perspective views of the brewing apparatus according to the invention at different stages of operation. [Figure 4] 4 shows perspective views of the brewing apparatus according to the invention at different stages of operation. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the brewing unit of FIGS. 1 to 4 in different stages of operation. [Figure 6] 6A-6C are cross-sectional perspective views of the brewing unit of FIGS. 1-4 in different stages of operation. [Figure 7] 7A-7C are cross-sectional perspective views of the brewing unit of FIGS. 1-4 in different stages of operation. [Figure 8] 8A to 8C are cross-sectional perspective views of the brewing unit of FIGS. 1 to 4 in different stages of operation. [Figure 9] 9A to 9C are cross-sectional perspective views of the brewing unit of FIGS. 1 to 4 in different stages of operation. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows cross-sectional views of the brewing unit of Figures 1 to 4 at different stages of operation. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows cross-sectional views of the brewing unit of Figures 1 to 4 at different stages of operation. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows cross-sectional views of the brewing unit of Figures 1 to 4 at different stages of operation. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows cross-sectional views of the brewing unit of Figures 1 to 4 in different stages of operation. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows cross-sectional views of the brewing unit of Figures 1 to 4 at different stages of operation. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows cross-sectional views of the brewing unit of Figures 1 to 4 at different stages of operation. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the brewing unit at different stages of operation. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the brewing unit at different stages of operation. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the brewing unit at different stages of operation. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows cross-sectional views of the brewing unit of Figures 16 to 18 at different stages of operation. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows cross-sectional views of the brewing unit of Figures 16 to 18 at different stages of operation. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows cross-sectional views of the brewing unit of Figures 16 to 18 at different stages of operation. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the brewing unit of FIGS. 16-18; and [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a front view of the brewing unit of FIGS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Referring to Figure 1, a brewing unit for a machine for preparing beverages, particularly coffee, from compressed tablets containing one or more ingredients, particularly coffee powder, is indicated generally at 10.

[0011] As explained above, the present invention has been described with respect to the use of a compressed tablet containing an ingredient or ingredients for the preparation of a beverage, but it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to brewing units adapted for operation with tablets, but rather includes the provision of a powder contained in capsules, pods, or other similar packages suitable for preparing a beverage by brewing, instead of tablets. The present invention also includes the use of bulk powder products. Therefore, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "powder product" covers both bulk powder products and powder products packaged in capsule or pod form or compressed into tablet form.

[0012] 5 to 15, the brewing unit 10 basically has a dispensing assembly including a first assembly part 12 and a second movable assembly part 14 made as a drawer, and a support structure 20 that supports the first assembly part 12 and the second assembly part 14 and defines an internal cavity 16. An insertion opening 16a formed in the front wall of the support structure 20 provides access to the cavity 16.

[0013] The first assembly part 12 is insertable into or extractable from the lower part of the cavity 16 and has a receptacle 13 adapted to receive the powdered product P, which in the illustrated example is represented as a compressed tablet. Figures 2, 6, and 11 show the first assembly part 12 fully extracted from the cavity 16. In this state, the first assembly part 12 is freed from the support structure 20 and can be used to insert the powdered product P into the receptacle 13 or for cleaning operations. Figures 8-9 and 14-15 show the first assembly part 12 in an insertion end position. Figures 3, 7, 12-13 show the first assembly part 12 in intermediate positions.

[0014] The second assembly part 14 is mounted to slide vertically within the upper portion of the cavity 16 between an upper end position depicted in Figures 5-8 and 10-14 and a lower end position depicted in Figures 9 and 15. In the upper end position, the second assembly part 14 allows the first assembly part 12 to be inserted into or extracted from the internal cavity 16. In the lower end position, the second assembly part 14 and the first assembly part 12 are coupled together to jointly define a brewing chamber.

[0015] In addition to being adapted to receive the powdered product P, the receptacle 13 is adapted to form, together with a second assembly part 14, a brewing chamber.

[0016] As mentioned above, the first assembly part 12 is made as a drawer and has a main part 121 made as a sleeve and a handle 122 connected to the main part 121 and allowing manipulation of the first assembly part 12. At the upper end of the main part 121, a receptacle 13 is obtained. The lateral sides of the main part 121 of the first assembly part 12 are adapted to be coupled to respective main guides 201 formed on opposite lateral sides of the support structure 20, allowing the first assembly part 12 to slide relative to the support structure 20 and thus allowing insertion / extraction of the first assembly part 12.

[0017] In the first assembly part 12, more particularly in its main part 121, a filtering element 123 is mounted for vertical translation, through which is formed a central discharge duct 124 for dispensing the beverage. In particular, the filtering element 123 is slidable between a raised end position, depicted in Figures 6-7 and 11-12, and a lowered end position, depicted in Figures 9 and 15, in which position the filtering element abuts against a shoulder 121a formed in the main part 121 of the first assembly part 12.

[0018] The filtering element includes a main body 123a and a filtering screen 123b attached to the main body 123a. The filtering screen 123b is secured, for example, by a heat lock, to a spindle pin 123c extending from the main body 123a. Advantageously, this arrangement provides a planar surface that reduces potential dust accumulation. The filtering element 123, more specifically the filtering screen 123b, defines the bottom surface of the receptacle 13 and, therefore, the bottom surface of the brewing chamber when the first assembly part 12 and the second assembly part 14 are joined together. The filtering element 123 thus provides a support surface for the powdered product P placed in the receptacle 13.

[0019] Disposed around the filtering element 123 is a peripheral gasket 125 configured to provide a seal against the radially inner surface of the receptacle 13. Advantageously, when the powder product P is a bulk powder or a compressed tablet, the peripheral gasket 125 allows the radially inner surface of the receptacle 13 to be scraped clean of residual powder as the filtering element 123 slides within the receptacle 13 from the lowered position to the raised end position.

[0020] 12 to 15, the filtering element 123 is associated with a drive element 126, which is mounted for vertical translation within the first assembly part 12, more particularly within the main part 121 of the first assembly part 12. In particular, the filtering element 123 is connected to the drive element 126 via elastic means 127, in particular a coil spring. Between the filtering element 123 and the drive element 126, there is a coupling which allows relative sliding between the filtering element 123 and the drive element 126, limited within a small stroke allowed by the deformation of the elastic means 127.

[0021] A central dispensing duct 128 is formed through the drive element 126 and is fluidly connected to the central dispensing duct 124 of the filtering element 123 via a pre-brewing valve 129 interposed between the filtering element 123 and the drive element 126. The pre-brewing valve 129 consists of a valve member cooperating with a seat formed in the dispensing duct 124 of the filtering element 123, with which seat a resilient means, in particular a spring, is associated. The purpose of this valve will be explained below.

[0022] Located on opposite sides of the lower end of the drive element 126 are respective pins integral with the drive element 126, one of which is visible in Figure 2 and is labeled 131. The pins 131 are adapted to engage respective secondary guides 203 formed on opposing side walls of the support structure.

[0023] 10 to 15, the secondary guide 203 is inclined downwards, unlike the horizontally oriented primary guide 201 that guides the sliding of the first assembly part 12 into the cavity 16 of the support structure 20. Such an arrangement ensures that, during the sliding of the first assembly part 12 in the cavity 16, the drive element 126 is guided by the coupling between the pin 131 and the secondary guide 203 to translate vertically relative to the first assembly part 12, driving therewith the filtering element 123 and the powdered product P that may be placed in the receiver 13.

[0024] Associated with the second assembly part 14 is a hydraulic cylinder 141 in which a vertically sliding plunger 143 is mounted. The plunger 143 is part of the second assembly part 14. In FIGS. 1-4 an inlet 141a is shown to allow a liquid, in particular water, to be supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 141 through a duct (not shown) in order to control the forward movement of the plunger 143 from its retracted position shown in FIGS. 5-8 and 10-14 at the raised end position of the second assembly part 14. The forward movement of the plunger 143 is counteracted by elastic means 144, in particular a coil spring, interposed between the plunger 143 and the hydraulic cylinder 141. The elastic means 144 is thus arranged to bias the plunger 143 towards its retracted position.

[0025] A central duct 143a is formed through the plunger 143 and is connected to a water supply duct 146 obtained via the hydraulic cylinder 141. The plunger 143 has a flange 143b at its lower end.

[0026] At the lower end of the plunger 143, a brewing head 145 is arranged, which is integral with the plunger 143 and forms part of the second assembly 14. A duct for injecting water into the brewing chamber is obtained through the brewing head 125 and is fluidly connected to a central duct 143a of the plunger 143.

[0027] 9 and 15, the brewing head 145 includes a body 145a and an interface element 145b secured to the body 145a. The interface element 145b may be secured and heat-locked, for example, to a spindle pin extending from the body 145a. Advantageously, this arrangement provides a planar surface that reduces possible dust accumulation. The brewing head 145, and more specifically the interface element 145b, defines the upper surface of the brewing chamber.

[0028] The interface element 145b is intended to come into contact with the powdered product P. In the example shown, the interface element 145b is configured as a filter screen, hereinafter referred to as inlet filter. If the brewing unit is intended to operate with capsules, the interface element may be configured as an element with a tip for piercing the capsule casing.

[0029] Disposed around the brewing head 145 is a peripheral gasket 147 configured to contact the radially inner surface of the receptacle 13 in the lowered position of the second assembly part 14. Advantageously, if the powder product P consists of bulk powder or compressed tablets, the peripheral gasket 147 allows the radially inner surface of the receptacle 13 to be scraped clean of residual powder as the brewing head 145 slides within the receptacle 13.

[0030] 1, 5, and 10, the brewing head 145 is integral with an intermediate member 150 that is removably attached to the lower end of the plunger 143. Figures 1, 5, and 10 precisely show the intermediate member 150 disengaged from the lower end of the plunger 143, allowing the brewing head 145 to be cleaned. However, in the other figures, the intermediate member 150 remains attached to the lower end of the plunger 143.

[0031] The intermediate member 150 is configured as a drawer and has a main frame portion 151 on which the brewing head 145 is mounted, and a handle 152 connected to the main frame portion 151 and capable of operating the intermediate member 150.

[0032] The lateral sides of the main portion 151 of the intermediate member 150 are coupled to respective auxiliary guides 205 formed on the opposing lateral walls of the support structure 20, and are adapted to allow the intermediate member 150 to slide relative to the support structure 20, thus allowing the intermediate member 150 to be inserted / pulled out. Therefore, the intermediate member 150 is selectively removable from or attachable to the lower end of the plunger 143 according to a sliding direction parallel to the sliding direction of the first assembly part 14.

[0033] The main portion 151 of the intermediate member 150 has a slit 153 that surrounds the upper end of the brewing head 145. The slit 153 is adapted to receive a flange 143b formed on the lower end of the plunger 143 when the intermediate member 150 is attached to the lower end of the plunger 143. An upper portion 145c of the body 145b of the brewing head 145, intended to contact the lower end of the plunger 143 to provide a seal between the brewing head 145 and the plunger 143, is made of an elastomeric material and is preferably molded. Advantageously, the portion 145c made of an elastomeric material materially connects the brewing head 145 to the main portion 151 of the intermediate member 150. There are teeth 154 formed on the intermediate member 150 and disposed in the slit 153 between the brewing head 145 and the handle 152 of the intermediate member 150. The teeth 154 are configured to resiliently engage corresponding seats 143c formed on the lower end of the plunger 143. This arrangement allows the intermediate member 150 to snap-lock onto the lower end of the plunger 143.

[0034] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the brewing head 145 may be a part that is permanently attached to the plunger 123 .

[0035] The brewing unit 10 may further comprise an optical sensor 40, shown only diagrammatically in FIG. 12 . This optical sensor 40 is arranged in a window 207 formed in the upper wall of the support structure 20. The optical sensor 40 is positioned so that the receptacle 13 faces it when the first assembly part 12 passes through the insertion opening 16a and enters the cavity 16. In the detection position, the interior of the receptacle 13, and therefore the tablet P therein, is within the field of view of the optical sensor 40. This optical sensor 40 is connected to a circuit 41 controlled by the electronic control unit ECU and cooperates with it to provide a digital image of the tablet P. The electronic control unit ECU is thus programmed to recognize the product contained in the receptacle 13, for example by reading an identification code or drawing attached to the product or other surface features of the product. The reading may be performed dynamically, i.e., while the first assembly part 12 is detected, without stopping at the detection position. In an alternative embodiment, the reading may be taken statically, with the first assembly part 12 stopping momentarily at the detection position.

[0036] If the tablet is successfully recognized, the ECU is programmed to allow the first assembly part 12 to proceed and adjust brewing parameters based on the recognized tablet. These parameters may be, for example, the amount of water injected into the brewing chamber.

[0037] To protect the optical sensor 40 from possible contamination by the powder product P, a movable closure element 45 is disposed in the window 207. This closure element 45 is normally in a closed position, blocking the window 207. An opening mechanism is associated with this closure element 45, consisting of a lever 45a (seen, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 6) that can rotate about a vertical axis. The lever 45a is rotatably integrated with the closure element 45 via an axis 45c. Upon entering the cavity 16, the first assembly part 12 engages and rotates the lever 45a, opening the window 207. During the extension of the first assembly part 12's sliding movement within the cavity 16, the first assembly part 12 remains engaged with the lever 45a, thus keeping the window 207 open. Upon reaching a predetermined position within the cavity 16, the first assembly part 12 disengages from the lever 45a. Thus, the closure element 45 can return to its closed position, biased by the coil spring 45d. The lever 45a is configured so that it is not engaged by the first assembly part 12 during extraction from the cavity 16, thereby preventing the opening of the window 207 and therefore preventing vapor from entering the readout area.

[0038] Next, an example of the operation of the brewing apparatus 10 described above will be described in detail.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the working steps of the machine can be defined as follows: 1. The first assembly part 12 with the tablet P in the receptacle 13 is inserted into the cavity 16. 2. Tablet P reading and recognition position. 3. The first assembly part 12 reaches the insertion end position. 4. The second assembly part 14 is lowered and the assembly is closed. 5. Tablet P pre-brewing, waiting, and brewing steps. 6. The second assembly part 14 rises and the assembly parts open again. 7. The first assembly part 12 is extracted. 8. The intermediate parts are disassembled for cleaning.

[0040] During introduction into cavity 16, first assembly part 12 reaches the readout and recognition position for tablet P (step 2). This step allows the system to recognize the presence of tablet P in receptacle 13, recognize the type of tablet inserted and adapt the timing of compression and preparation before completing the closure of the preparation assembly.

[0041] During insertion of the first assembly part 12 , the filtering element 123 descends, preventing the tablet P from colliding with the intermediate member 150 .

[0042] When the first assembly part 12 reaches an end-of-insertion position, which can be detected by a sensor (not shown), the electronic control unit ECU controls the movement of the plunger 143 until the second assembly part 14 is coupled to the first assembly part 12. At this position, the brewing head 145 fits into the receptacle 13 until it contacts the tablet P. The movement of the plunger 143 continues until it brings the filtering element 123 into contact with a shoulder 121 a formed on the main part 121 of the first assembly part 12 (compression of the tablet P), where the peripheral gasket 125 of the filtering element 123 also performs a front sealing function. Since the driving element 126 is vertically restrained by the secondary guide 203, the filtering element 123 moves relative to the driving element 126 against the action of a spring 127 interposed between the filtering element 123 and the driving element 126.

[0043] The displacement of the plunger 143 may be determined by the electronic control unit ECU as a function of the height of the tablet P, which may be determined using the optical sensor 40. More generally, doses of powdered product in different forms (compressed tablets, capsules or simple bulk products) and different sizes may be used for different preparations (espresso, lungo, double, filter). The recognition system provided by the sensor 40 and the control unit ECU may be configured to set different extraction parameters depending on the dose size, possibly skipping one or more steps in the extraction, as will be made clear below.

[0044] Once the biased position of the filtering element 123 against the shoulder 121a is reached, pressure is maintained in the hydraulic cylinder 141.

[0045] The beverage is prepared in two distinct sub-steps: pre-brewing and waiting, and brewing the tablets.

[0046] During the pre-brewing and waiting step, an initial small amount of hot water is sent into the brewing chamber through the central duct 143a of the plunger 143, an amount that is not enough to open the pre-brewing valve 129. This small amount of hot water, followed by waiting, serves to wet the tablets P and prepare them for the brewing step.

[0047] In the brewing step, a second amount of hot water is sent to the tablet P, sufficient to open the pre-brewing valve 129. In this step, the amount of hot water is much greater than in the previous step and is used to dispense the correct amount of beverage according to the tablet inserted in the receptacle 13. The pressure exerted by the plunger 143 of the hydraulic cylinder 141 is maintained throughout the pre-brewing and brewing steps.

[0048] A compression step may be provided in which the hot water inlet to the central dispensing duct is closed and cold water is sent to the hydraulic cylinder 141 in order to compress the used tablets and expel any hot water remaining therein.

[0049] Once the beverage preparation is complete, the used tablet P must be removed so that a new tablet can be inserted into the receptacle 13 for the next preparation.

[0050] For this purpose, pressure is removed from hydraulic cylinder 121, which causes plunger 143, biased by spring 144, to rise. Such rise causes filtering element 123, biased by spring 127, to return to its raised position.

[0051] The first assembly part 12 is then extracted by grasping it by the handle 122, allowing removal of the used tablet P, washing / cleaning of the receptacle 13 and the filtering element 123, and possibly also by removing the filtering element 123 from above together with the drive element 126.

[0052] Advantageously, due to the interaction between the pin 131 of the drive element 126 and the secondary guide 203, the translation of the first assembly part 12 brings the previously compressed product P upwards, freeing it from the radial friction of the brewing chamber and allowing it to be ejected (by gravity) solely by the tilt of the first assembly part 12.

[0053] Additionally, the intermediate member 150 may be grasped by the handle 152 and removed so that the filter head 145 can be washed / cleaned.

[0054] Depending on the type of powder product used, one or more of the above steps may not be present. In particular, in the case of filter preparations or soluble coffee, the compaction and pre-brewing steps are skipped. In other cases, post-compacting may not be necessary. In this regard, the control unit ECU may be configured to selectively enable or disable one or more of the above-mentioned steps based on product type recognition performed after processing of the digital image captured by the sensor 40.

[0055] With respect to the compression step, it is observed that the pre-brewing valve member 129 is configured to resiliently bias against its respective seat on the filtering element 123 only when the brewing head 145 presses the filtering element 123 containing the powdered product against the shoulder 121 a. In the absence of such compression action, there is no engagement between the pre-brewing valve 129 and its respective seat on the filtering element 123. This allows for preparation without operating the pre-brewing valve 129 (e.g., when using a filter formulation) and without performing the pre-brewing and compression steps.

[0056] 16 to 23 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to that described above in both structure and operation. Elements corresponding to those of the previous embodiment are assigned the same numerical references. These elements will not be described further.

[0057] Figures 16 and 19 show the first assembly part 12 completely removed from the cavity 16. Figures 18 and 21 show the first assembly part 12 in the insertion end position. Figures 17, 20, 22, and 23 show the first assembly part 12 in an intermediate position, more precisely in the detection position. For convenience, the optical sensor is shown only diagrammatically in Figure 20, while the associated movable closure element is not shown in Figures 16 to 23. However, this movable closure element is positioned in the window 207 in a similar manner to the closure element 45 of the previous embodiment. Figures 16 to 23 also show part of the drive mechanism for the movable closure element, represented by a slider again designated by reference numeral 45a.

[0058] 16-23, the first assembly part 12 is comprised of a partition 12a formed between a main part 121 of the first assembly part 12 and a handle 122 and extending upward from the first assembly part 12. A screen 16b is disposed in the insertion opening 16a of the support structure 20, and this screen is formed so as to partially surround the insertion opening 16a, particularly the upper part of the insertion opening 16a. Depending on the shape of the support structure 20, the screen 16b may not be necessary.

[0059] As can be seen in Figures 17, 20, 22 and 23, when the first assembly part 12 is in the detection position, the partition 12a, in cooperation with the screen 16b, in the example shown, closes the insertion opening 16a so as to prevent light from entering through this opening.

[0060] Such occlusion interrupts the input of light that varies with ambient conditions during acquisition, resulting in controlled and reproducible lighting conditions, which may be provided by a controllable lighting system (not shown) associated with the light sensor 40 and adapted to illuminate the interior to the cavity 16.

[0061] Naturally, without prejudice to the principles of the invention, the details of the embodiments and construction may vary widely with respect to what has been described and illustrated, purely by way of non-limiting example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A brewing unit (10) for preparing a beverage from a powdered product (P) comprising at least one ingredient, a support structure (20) having an internal cavity (16); and a dispensing assembly; The dispensing assembly includes: a first assembly part (12) configured as a drawer insertable into or extractable from the lower part of the cavity and having a receptacle (13) adapted to receive the powdered product; and a second assembly part (14) mounted to slide vertically within the upper portion of the cavity, the second assembly part (14) having a raised position allowing insertion or extraction of the first assembly part (12) and a lowered position in which the second assembly part (14) and the first assembly part (12) are coupled together to form a brewing chamber between the second assembly part (14) and the first assembly part (12); a filtering element (123) mounted in said first assembly part for vertical translation, through which a dispensing duct (124) is formed, said filtering element defining a bottom surface of said receptacle (13) and a bottom surface of said brewing chamber; a brewing head (145) adapted to inject water into the brewing chamber is carried by the lower end of the second assembly part (14); 10. A brewing unit, characterized in that the brewing head defines an upper surface of the brewing chamber and comprises radial sealing means (147) configured to contact the radially inner surface of the receptacle (13) in the lowered position of the second assembly part (14).

2. 2. Brewing unit according to claim 1, wherein said filtering element is resiliently biased towards a raised end position relative to said first assembly part (12).

3. the filtering element is resiliently connected to a drive element (126) that is vertically translatable within the first assembly part; 3. The brewing unit according to claim 2, wherein the drive element is guided by the support structure for vertical translational movement relative to the first assembly part (12) during the sliding movement of the first assembly part (12) into the cavity (16).

4. a preparation duct (128) is formed which is fluidly connected to the discharge duct (124) of the filtering element (123) via a pre-brewing valve (129) interposed between the filtering element (123) and the driving element (126); 4. A brewing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pre-brewing valve (129) is configured to elastically abut the filtering element (123) containing the powdered product when the brewing head (145) presses the filtering element (123) against a shoulder (121 a) formed on the first assembly part (12).

5. the second assembly part (14) further comprises a hydraulically actuated plunger (143) slidable within the upper portion of the cavity; Brewing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said plunger carries said brewing head (125).

6. further comprising elastic means (144) interposed between the plunger (143) and a hydraulic cylinder (141) fixed to the support structure (20); Brewing unit according to claim 5, wherein said resilient means is adapted to bias said plunger (143) towards a retracted position corresponding to said raised position of said second assembly part (14).

7. 7. Brewing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the brewing head is fixed to an intermediate member (150) removably attached to the lower end of the second assembly part (14).

8. 8. The brewing unit according to claim 7, wherein the intermediate member is selectively detachably attached to the lower end of the second assembly part (14) according to a sliding direction parallel to a sliding direction of the first assembly part (12) towards the cavity (16).

9. further comprising reading means (40, 41) adapted to provide a digital image of said powder product, 9. The brewing unit according to claim 1, wherein the reading means comprises an optical sensor (40) facing the receptacle (13) in a detection position where the first assembly part (12) passes over an insertion opening (16a) of the cavity (16).

10. 10. The brewing unit of claim 9, wherein the optical sensor is capable of detecting the powder product statically or dynamically.

11. 11. The brewing unit of claim 9 or 10, further comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to adjust brewing parameters based on the digital image of the powder product.

12. 12. The brewing unit of claim 11, wherein the electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to determine a dose size of the powder product from the digital image and to adjust the brewing parameters as a function of the dose size.

13. the first assembly part (12) has a partition (12a) extending transversely to a sliding direction of the first assembly part (12) toward the cavity (16); 13. A brewing unit according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein in the detection position, the partition blocks the insertion opening (16a) to prevent light from entering through the insertion opening (16a), and the reading means has a controllable lighting system to illuminate the inside of the cavity (16).

14. 14. A method for preparing a beverage from a powdered product (P) comprising at least one ingredient, using a brewing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: a) supplying cold water to the hydraulic cylinder (141) while the first assembly part (12) is in the insertion end position to advance the plunger (143) of the second assembly part (14) and couple the second assembly part (14) with the first assembly part (12); b1) supplying a first amount of heated water into the brewing chamber via the plunger (143) and the brewing head (145) to wet the powdered product (P); b2) waiting a predetermined time; c) supplying a second amount of heated water, greater than the first amount, to the brewing chamber via the plunger (143) and the brewing head (145) to prepare a beverage; d) supplying more cold water to the hydraulic cylinder (141) to further advance the plunger (143) and compress the used powder product (P) against the second assembly part (14).

15. 15. The method for preparing a beverage with a brewing unit according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to selectively enable or disable at least one of steps b1, b2 and d based on the digital image of the powdered product.

Images