Centrifugal chamber with capsule positioning guide

Abstract

The machine 1 is configured to prepare a beverage 4 from flavour raw materials 5a provided in a capsule 5b by mixing the flavour raw materials 5a with water 4' in the capsule 5b in a processing cavity and centrifuging about a processing axis 30'. The machine has a handling system including a first ingredient handler 10 and a second ingredient handler 20 movable relative to each other from a capsule transfer configuration to a capsule processing configuration. The machine has a capsule feed passage 60 provided with capsule guides 61, 61a. The guides are associated with capsule stops 61b for fixing the provided capsules between the first ingredient handler and the second ingredient handler. The guides are integrated with or fixed to elastic arms 61c so as to be movable towards and away from the processing axis between a capsule fixing position and a discharge position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The field of the invention relates to beverage preparation machines by centrifuging capsules containing the ingredients of the beverage to be prepared.

[0002] For the purposes of this specification, "beverage" is intended to include any liquid substance that can be consumed by humans, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, etc. "Capsule" is intended to include any container, such as a package for containing pre-portioned beverage ingredients, such as flavor ingredients, forming an enclosure of any material, in particular airtight or permeable materials, porous or non-porous materials (e.g. plastic, aluminum, recyclable and / or biodegradable packaging), as well as any shape and structure, including soft pods or rigid cartridges containing the ingredients. [Background technology]

[0003] Some beverage preparation machines use capsules that contain the ingredients to be extracted or dissolved and / or ingredients that are stored in the machine and automatically dispensed or added during preparation of the beverage. Some beverage machines have a filling means that includes a pump for a liquid, usually water, which pumps from a water source either cold water or indeed a liquid that is heated by a heating means, for example a thermoblock.

[0004] In particular, in the field of coffee preparation, machines have been widely developed in which a capsule containing the beverage ingredients is inserted into a brewing device that is sealed around the capsule, injects water into a first face of the capsule to produce a beverage in the sealed volume of the capsule, and expels the brewed beverage from a second face of the capsule where it can be collected in a receptacle such as a cup or glass.

[0005] Brewing devices have been developed to facilitate the insertion of a "new" capsule and the removal of said capsule during use. Examples of such brewing devices are disclosed in EP 1646305, EP 1767129, WO 2009 / 043630, WO 2005 / 004683, and WO 2007 / 135136, WO 2014 / 056821. It is known to fasten the brewing chamber using a hook system, as disclosed for example in WO 2006 / 005755 and WO 2006 / 005756.

[0006] The opening of capsules using capsule openers is known, for example, from EP 0 512 470, EP 2 068 684, WO 02 / 00073, WO 02 / 35977, US 3 260 190, US 5 649 472, CH 605 293, EP 512 468, EP 242 556, WO 2014 / 076041, WO 2015 / 022342, WO 2015 / 022344, WO 2015 / 022345 and WO 2015 / 144356.

[0007] The preparation of beverages using centrifugation is also known, and examples of centrifugation processes and corresponding devices are disclosed in WO 2008 / 148601, WO 2008 / 148650, US 5566605, WO 2013 / 007776, WO 2013 / 007779 and WO 2013 / 007780.

[0008] It has also been proposed to facilitate the handling of the capsules by a system for performing extraction on the capsules, in particular by motorizing the opening and / or closing of the extraction system for inserting and / or removing the capsules. Examples of such systems are disclosed for example in EP 1 767 129, WO 2009 / 113035, WO 2012 / 025258, WO 2012 / 025259, WO 2012 / 041605, WO 2013 / 127476, WO 2014 / 096122, WO 2014 / 096123 and EP 2015185946.9.

[0009] Beverage preparation by centrifugation involves providing beverage (flavor) ingredients in capsules, e.g. powders and / or tea leaves, and rotating the capsule at a speed sufficient to ensure the liquid interacts with the ingredients while passing a liquid through the capsule and creating a pressure gradient of the liquid within the capsule. Such pressure increases gradually from the center to the periphery of the capsule. As the liquid passes through the ingredients, e.g. the coffee layer, extraction of the ingredients, e.g. the coffee mixture, occurs, resulting in a liquid extract that flows out at the periphery of the capsule. Examples of such systems are disclosed in WO 2008 / 148601, WO 2013 / 007776, WO 2013 / 007779, WO 2013 / 007780, WO 2017 / 046294, WO 2017 / 068134 and WO 2017 / 202746. WO 2021 / 122502 discloses a centrifugal beverage machine having a rotatable valve arrangement for controlling the flow rate of water towards a centrifugal beverage mixing chamber. The capsules can be secured between opposing capsule handlers secured by a fastening device, as disclosed, for example, in WO 2012 / 007293, WO 2013 / 007776, WO 2013 / 007779, WO 2013 / 007780 and WO 2014 / 102048.

[0010] WO 2008 / 148646 and WO 2008 / 148650 describe beverage preparation devices, in which downstream of the receptacle, in particular the capsule, a flow restriction is created, for example by a valve that opens or expands under the pressure generated when the centrifuged liquid leaves the receptacle. The higher the rotation speed, the more the valve opens or expands. The valve can be formed by a movable restriction part of the device elastically biased against the rim of the capsule. In WO 2017 / 068134, the centrifugal brewing chamber is equipped with an outlet valve that can be controlled by the inertia of the machine that rotates with the centrifugal brewing chamber. The valve leads to a collector forming a crema chamber, in which the beverage that has undergone the pressure reduction at the valve is adapted for pouring into a receptacle of the user, for example a cup or a mug. Such a collection chamber is typically arranged around the centrifugal brewing chamber, as for example disclosed in WO 2020 / 201469.

[0011] Capsule centrifugation for preparing coffee is commercialized by NESPRESSO® under the trademark VERTUO®.

[0012] It has been proposed to prepare the beverage by centrifugal processing along a horizontal axis.

[0013] WO 2015 / 173123 and WO 2015 / 173124 disclose a centrifugal brewing chamber formed between two enclosing parts that are relatively translatable between an open position and a closed position. The enclosing parts cooperate with a pair of jaws that are movable between a capsule holding position for holding the capsule between the enclosing parts in the open position and a capsule releasing position for releasing the capsule. The jaws are actuated by a first actuator and a second actuator that are actuated by the enclosing parts during their relative translational movement. The jaws guide the capsule into a position between the enclosing parts in the open position and fix the capsule therebetween. The jaws then release the capsule when the enclosing parts are translated together to enclose the capsule, so that a brewing chamber is formed around the capsule. The enclosing parts are rotated about a horizontal axis to centrifuge the capsule to prepare a beverage using the ingredients in the capsule. At the end of the beverage preparation, the centrifugation process is stopped and the enclosing part is translated relatively to an open position, thereby allowing the used capsule to fall out of the enclosing part. The jaws are then returned to the capsule-holding position. Further centrifugal beverage machines are disclosed in European Patent Application Publication Nos. 2021201687.7, 2021202356.8, 2021216919.7, 2021216927.0, 2021216930.4, 21216965.0, 2021216970.0 and 2021216976.7. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention relates to a machine for preparing a beverage from at least one ingredient. Typically, such a beverage is then dispensed for a user, for example into a user's cup or a user's mug.

[0015] For example, the machine is a coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, milk or soup preparation machine, for example configured to prepare a beverage in a beverage processing module including an ingredient holder by passing hot or cold water or other liquid through ingredients held in the holder, such as the flavour ingredients of the beverage to be prepared, such as ground coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa or milk powder.

[0016] Such beverage preparation typically involves mixing a number of beverage ingredients, e.g., water and milk powder, and / or infusion of the beverage ingredients, e.g., infusion of ground coffee or tea with water. One or more of such ingredients may be provided in loose and / or agglomerated powder form, and / or in liquid form, particularly concentrated form. A carrier or diluent, e.g., water, may be mixed with such ingredients to form the beverage. Typically, a predetermined amount of the beverage is formed and dispensed in response to a user request, corresponding to one serving (e.g., one scoop). Such a serving may be in the range of 15-1000 mL, e.g., 25-600 mL (e.g., 40-250 mL), e.g., the amount to fill a cup or mug, depending on the type of beverage. The beverage formed and dispensed may be selected from ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, caffe latte, americano coffee, tea, and the like. For example, the coffee machine may be configured to brew an espresso in an adjustable amount, e.g., between 20 and 60 mL per serving, and / or to brew a lungo in an amount, e.g., in the range of between 70 and 200 mL per serving, and / or to dispense an americano in an amount, e.g., in the range of between 150 and 750 mL.

[0017] One aspect of the invention relates to a machine for preparing a beverage from flavour ingredients provided in a capsule in a processing cavity, the ingredients being mixed with water in the capsule, the ingredients and the water being centrifugally driven about a processing axis to form the beverage.

[0018] Centrifugal processes for preparing beverages are described, for example, in EP 2000062, EP 2155020, EP 2152128, WO 2008 / 148646, WO 2009 / 106175, WO 2009 / 106589, WO 2010 / 026045, WO 2010 / 026 053, 2010 / 066736, 2008 / 148650, 2008 / 148834, 2010 / 066705, 2010 / 063644, 2011 / 023711, 2014 / 096122 or 2014 / 096123.

[0019] Typically, the machine includes one or more of the following components: a) a fluid system in fluid communication with flavor ingredients during beverage preparation; b) a thermal conditioner, such as an in-line heater and / or cooler, for thermally conditioning a flow of liquid to be passed through the flavor raw materials, or a batch thermal conditioner, for passing the thermally conditioned liquid from the batch thermal conditioner through the flavor raw materials; c) a liquid drive, such as a pump, for driving the liquid to the flavor raw material, specifically a low pressure pump in the range of 1 to 5 bar, for example 1.5 to 3 bar; d) a motor for driving the flavor ingredients in rotation during beverage preparation; e) an electronic control unit, specifically comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) for receiving instructions from a user via an input user interface and for controlling the thermal regulator, the fluid drive, and the motor; f) one or more sensors for sensing at least one characteristic selected from the characteristics of the fluid system, the thermal regulator, the liquid drive, the liquid tank, the raw material collector, the flow rate of the liquid (e.g., via a flow meter), the pressure of the liquid, and the temperature of the liquid, and for communicating such characteristic to the control unit.

[0020] The capsules described above may have a body containing the ingredients and a peripherally projecting flange, for example a cup-shaped body and a lid covering the mouth of the cup and extending beyond the mouth to form a peripherally projecting flange.

[0021] The capsule can have a symmetrical or asymmetrical, conical, frusto-conical, cylindrical, spherical, hemispherical, or frusto-spherical body that contains the ingredient (e.g., ground coffee, tea, cocoa, or other beverage ingredient).

[0022] The capsule may be of the type described above under the heading "Technical Field". The capsule may be a capsule having a container body (e.g. a generally cup-shaped, hemispherical or hemi-ellipsoidal body) with a flange to which a cover lid (or membrane) is attached, in particular sealed. Typically, the capsule contains a beverage ingredient. Examples of suitable capsules are disclosed in WO 2008 / 148601, WO 2008 / 148604, WO 2008 / 148646, WO 2008 / 148650, WO 2008 / 148656, WO 2008 / 148834, WO 2011 / 141532, WO 2011 / 141535, WO 2013 / 072239, WO 2013 / 072297, WO 2013 / 072326, WO 2015 / 044400. The capsule may be of the type marketed by Nespresso under the trademark Vertuo.

[0023] The machine comprises a rotatable ingredient handling system for holding and rotating the flavour ingredients and water contained in said capsules about a processing axis during the centrifugal process, the ingredient handling system comprising at least one beverage outlet and at least one water inlet for supplying water to the flavour ingredients, e.g., in said capsules.

[0024] The handling system includes a first material handler and a second material handler, the first material handler and the second material handler being: from an ingredient transfer arrangement for receiving flavor ingredients by the first capsule handler and the second capsule handler and / or for discharging such ingredients from the first ingredient handler and the second ingredient handler; into a raw material processing arrangement for centrifugal processing of flavor raw materials and water by rotation about a processing axis; And vice versa, are movable relative to each other.

[0025] During processing, for example raw material contained in capsules may be collected in a raw material (or raw material capsule) collector downstream from the handling system, as disclosed for example in WO 2009 / 074559 or WO 2009 / 135869.

[0026] The machine has a handler actuator, such as a motor or a user handle, configured to relatively move the first capsule handler and the second capsule handler between a transport configuration and a processing configuration, for example via a knee lever.

[0027] The machine has a machine frame and / or housing that is stationary and supports the raw material handling system when the raw material handling system is rotated for centrifugation, for example, the first handler and the second handler are rotatably mounted to the frame and / or housing via one or more bearings, such as ball bearings.

[0028] The machine frame and / or housing defines a raw material feed passage configured to allow raw materials in the capsules to be fed by gravity towards the rotatable raw material handling system, and a waste discharge passage configured to allow waste, e.g., used capsules, to be discharged by gravity from the rotatable raw material handling system.

[0029] The feed passage is provided with a guide for guiding the capsule. The guide is configured to cooperate with a complementary capsule shape, e.g. a capsule flange. The guide forms, for example, a recess and / or a rail. The guide is associated with a capsule stop configured to fix the capsule guided by the guide at a level between the first and second raw material handlers, e.g. substantially coaxial with the processing axis. The stop, e.g. a capsule holder, can be fixed to or integrated with the guide.

[0030] The guide, or a portion thereof, is mounted for movement toward and away from the processing axis.

[0031] The feed passage may comprise two such guides opposite each other, such that the capsule is guided between the guides.

[0032] The guide or a part thereof is integral with or fixed to a resilient arm which is movable, e.g. by flexure, between a fixed position for fixing the capsule at a level between the first and second raw material handlers by the stop, and a release position for releasing the capsule from the stop.

[0033] The stop may be configured to be biased to the retaining position or the releasing position by at least one of a first feedstock handler and a second feedstock handler movably mounted relative to the stop.

[0034] The stop may be located at or towards one end of a resilient arm having an opposite end at or towards which the arm is fixed to a machine frame and / or housing, or to a rotatable material handling system.

[0035] The resilient arms may be substantially wire-like and / or blade-like and / or may be made of metal, for example steel, and / or of a plastic material.

[0036] The machine may include at least one fastener selectively movable between a fastening position, which fastens the first and second capsule handlers together in a processing configuration, and an unfastened position, in which the first and second capsule handlers are movable from the processing configuration to the transfer configuration and / or vice versa. The fastener may be actuated to the fastening and / or unfastened positions by a handler actuator. The fastener may be biased, for example, to the fastening or unfastened positions by a resilient member, such as an elongated arm.

[0037] The handler actuator may be angularly stationary relative to the frame and / or housing about the process axis when the material handling system is rotated for centrifugal processing.

[0038] The fastener may be angularly stationary about the process axis relative to the first material handler and / or the second material handler, for example, when the material handling system is rotated for centrifugal processing.

[0039] The machine may include a fastener lock configured to lock the fastener in a fastening position and configured to unlock the fastener such that the fastener is moved and / or movable to an unfastened position, for example, the fastener lock is angularly stationary about the processing axis relative to the fastener when the raw material handling system is rotated for centrifugal processing.

[0040] The handler actuator is from the fastener unlocked position to the fastener locked position after the first capsule handler and the second capsule handler are moved relative to the processing arrangement by the handler actuator; and / or The fastener lock may be configured to be actuated from the fastener locked position to the fastener unlocked position before the first capsule handler and the second capsule handler are moved relative to one another from the processing configuration towards the transfer configuration by the handler actuator.

[0041] The handler actuator may be configured to drive the fastener locks via a transmission device that is angularly stationary about the process axis relative to the frame and / or housing when the material handling system is rotated for centrifugal processing. For example, the transmission device may be translatable to drive the fastener locks between their fastener unlocked position and their fastener locked position, e.g., the transmission device may be movable parallel to the process axis.

[0042] The fastener may be integral with or mounted on one of the first and second capsule handlers and may cooperate with a fastener receiver integral with or mounted on the other of the first and second capsule handlers. The fastener may have a substantially hook shape and the fastener receiver may have a substantially hook cooperating shape.

[0043] The machine may include a plurality of fasteners distributed around a processing axis, for example circumferentially around at least one of the first capsule handler and the second capsule handler, for example the fasteners being integral with, fixed to or assembled to the base.

[0044] The base may extend at least partially circumferentially around one of the first capsule handler and the second capsule handler.

[0045] The base may be connected to the fasteners by at least one corresponding resilient member, for example, each fastener is connected to the base by a corresponding resilient member, and each resilient member connects one, two, or at most three fasteners to the base.

[0046] The handler actuator may be configured to move the first capsule handler and the second capsule handler relative to one another and / or actuate the fastener, if present, via a connection including at least one of a gear connection, a lever connection, a cam follower and cam connection, and a magnetic connection, via the transmission device described above.

[0047] The machine may include a beverage passage, e.g. a beverage conduit, in fluid communication with the beverage outlet and configured to guide the beverage from the outlet towards a beverage dispense outlet, For example, the passage is associated with a valve, e.g. a centrifugal valve and / or an electrically operated valve, for controlling the flow rate and / or pressure of the beverage along the beverage passage.

[0048] The machine may include a beverage conditioner, for example, defining a regulation cavity between two surfaces that are movable, for example rotatably movable, relative to one another. The regulation cavity may be fluidly connected to the beverage passage. The regulation cavity may be configured to refine a beverage delivered from the beverage outlet via the beverage passage. For example, a valve is fluidly disposed between the beverage outlet and the regulation cavity.

[0049] The frame and / or housing may include or be fixed to a bottom configured to rest on an external support surface of such machine when the raw material handling system is rotated about a process axis for centrifugal processing. Typically the external support surface is formed by a table top. The process axis may form an angle with such bottom in the range of 0°-60°, such as 0°-45°, for example 0°-30°, for example 0°-15°, typically substantially 0°.

[0050] The frame and / or housing can support a motor that is connected to the material handling system, for example, by a direct connection or via a transmission device such as at least one of a belt, such as a toothed belt, a gear, such as a spur gear, and a connecting rod.

[0051] One or more of the beverage outlet and the water inlet may be associated with one or more capsule openers, such as capsule piercers.

[0052] The processing cavity may have a plurality of beverage outlets arranged circumferentially in the processing cavity about a central processing axis, and / or may have a water inlet arranged in the processing cavity on or adjacent to the processing axis.

[0053] The invention also relates to a system combining such a machine with the above-mentioned capsules containing flavour ingredients.

[0054] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for preparing a beverage in a machine (as described above) from flavour ingredients provided to the machine in capsules.

[0055] The method comprises: feeding the capsules through a feed passage by guiding the capsules along a guide to a level between the first and second raw material handlers; securing the capsule by a capsule stop between the first feedstock handler and the second feedstock handler in a transfer configuration; moving the first and second raw material handlers together with the capsule relative to the raw material processing arrangement by actuation by the handler actuators; - moving the resilient arm from the fixed position to a release position, thereby releasing the capsule from the stop, e.g. during or at the end of the step of moving the first and second raw material handlers together with the capsule relative to the raw material processing arrangement, and optionally the resilient arm being actuated therefor by the first and / or second raw material handler; supplying water into the capsule in the processing cavity via the water inlet and centrifuging the flavor ingredients together with the water to produce a beverage; expelling a beverage from the capsule via a beverage passage; moving the first feedstock handler and the second feedstock handler relative to the feedstock transfer configuration to eject the capsule; Includes.

[0056] A further aspect of the present invention is a capsule as described above, comprising: As mentioned above, handling by machines, An implementation of a system as described above, or The present invention relates to a method for carrying out a method as described above.

[0057] In the framework of such a use, the capsules In the transfer configuration, the stop may be secured between the first and second feedstock handlers; may be brought together with the first feedstock handler and the second feedstock handler to the feedstock processing arrangement by moving the handlers relative to the feedstock processing arrangement; for example during or at the end of moving the first and second raw material handlers together with the capsules relative to the raw material processing arrangement, the capsules may be released from the stop by moving the resilient arms from a fixed position to a release position, optionally the resilient arms being actuated therefor by the first and / or second raw material handlers; By supplying water into the capsule through the water inlet in the processing cavity, the water is supplied and the flavor ingredients can be centrifuged with the water to produce a beverage; A beverage may be discharged through the beverage passage; The feedstock may be released from the first and second handlers by relatively moving the first and second handlers from the feedstock processing configuration to the feedstock transport configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0058] The invention will now be described with reference to schematic drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a machine having a rotatable ingredient handling system and at least one guide having a capsule stop according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the handling system of the machine of FIG. 1, the handling system being in a raw material transfer configuration. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the handling system of the machine of FIG. 1, the handling system being in an ingredient processing configuration without any ingredient capsules. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the handling system of the machine of FIG. 1 , the handling system being in an ingredient processing configuration with an ingredient capsule; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fastener of the machine of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional top view of the handling system of the machine of FIG. 1, in which the handling system has a pair of guides in fixed positions, each guide associated with a capsule stop, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view from above of the handling system of the machine of FIG. 1, the handling system being in a processing configuration without any ingredient capsules. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the machine of FIG. 1, with the handling system in an ingredient processing configuration and holding a capsule, the machine having a beverage conditioner and a heat conditioner. [Figure 9] 7 shows the guide in a fixed position of the machine shown in FIG. 6 together with the capsule. [Figure 10] 9 shows the guide of the machine shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 in the discharge position, without the capsule. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ingredient handler fitted with a beverage outlet and corresponding capsule opener, as well as a water inlet with a corresponding capsule opener, where the capsule opener of the beverage outlet is bent towards the processing axis to provide an opening of increased size in the capsule at the level of the opener. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of several capsule openers (alternative to the one shown in FIG. 11 ) associated with one or more beverage outlets, where the capsule opener is bent tangentially about the processing axis to provide an opening of increased size in the capsule at the level of the opener. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of several capsule openers (alternative to that shown in FIG. 11 ) associated with a water inlet, the capsule opener having a radially narrowed cross section at the level of the capsule upon opening thereof to provide an opening in the capsule of increased size at the level of the opener; [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of several capsule openers (alternative to those shown in FIGS. 11 and 13) associated with a water inlet, the capsule opener having a tangentially narrowed cross section at the level of the capsule upon opening thereof in order to provide an opening in the capsule of increased size at the level of the opener; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] 1 to 14 show an exemplary embodiment of a part of a machine 1 according to the invention as well as its components and variants.

[0060] The machine 1 is configured to prepare a beverage 4 from flavour ingredients 5a provided in capsules 5b in a processing cavity 5. The ingredients 5a are mixed with water 4' in the capsules 5b. The ingredients 5a and the water 4' are centrifugally driven about a processing axis 30' to form the beverage 4. The machine 1 comprises a rotatable ingredient handling system 10, 20 for holding the capsule 5b and for rotating the flavour ingredient 5a and the water during a centrifugal process about a process axis 30'. The ingredient handling system 10, 20 has at least one beverage outlet 25 and at least one water inlet 24 for supplying the water 4' to the ingredient 5a. The system 10, 20 comprises a first ingredient handler 10 and a second ingredient handler 20, which are from a raw material transfer arrangement for receiving raw material 5a into capsules 5b by the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20 and / or for releasing capsules 5b from the first raw material handler 10 and the second raw material handler 20; into a raw material processing arrangement for centrifugal processing of the raw material 5a and water 4' in the capsule 5b by rotation about a processing axis 30'; and vice versa.

[0061] The machine 1 comprises a handler actuator 41, such as a motor or a user handle, configured to relatively move the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20 between a transport configuration and a processing configuration.

[0062] The machine 1 includes a machine frame and / or housing 40 which is stationary and supports the raw material handling systems 10, 20 as they are rotated for centrifugation.

[0063] The first handler 10 and the second handler 20 may be rotatably mounted to a frame and / or housing 40 via one or more bearings 19, 29, such as ball bearings.

[0064] The machine frame and / or housing 40 defines a raw material supply passage 60 configured to allow raw material 5a in capsules 5b to be fed by gravity towards the rotatable raw material handling system 10, 20, and a waste discharge passage 70 configured to allow waste, e.g. used capsules 5b, to be discharged by gravity from the rotatable raw material handling system 10, 20.

[0065] The feed passage 60 is provided with guides 61, 61a for guiding the capsule 5b. The guides 61, 61a are configured to cooperate with a complementary capsule shape, for example a capsule flange 5b'. The guides 61, 61a may form recesses and / or rails.

[0066] The guides 61, 61a are associated with a capsule stop 61b, e.g. a capsule retainer, configured to secure the capsule 5b (typically when guided by the guides 61, 61a), e.g. substantially coaxial with the process axis 30', at a level between the first material handler 10 and the second material handler 20. For example, the stop 61b is fixed to or integral with the guides 61, 61a.

[0067] The guide, or part thereof 61a, is mounted for movement towards and away from the process axis 30'.

[0068] The feed passage 60 may be provided with two such guides 61, 61a facing each other, such that the capsule 5b is guided between the guides 61, 61a. For example, the capsule 5b is provided with a flange 5b', which is circular and diametrically spaces the guides 61, 61a.

[0069] The guide or part thereof 61a is integrated with or fixed to a resilient arm 61c which is movable, e.g. by flexure, between a fixed position for fixing the capsule 5b at a level between the first raw material handler 10 and the second raw material handler 20 by means of a stop 61b, and a release position for releasing the capsule 5b from the stop 61b.

[0070] In the fixed position, the capsule 5b may have a central axis that is substantially collinear with the central axes of the first and second raw material handlers 10 and 20 in the transport configuration, e.g. with the processing axis 30', or that is non-collinear with respect to the central axes of the first and second raw material handlers 10 and 20 in the transport configuration.

[0071] In the first case (collinear central axes), the first and second raw material handlers 10 and 20 may be brought to their processing configurations without substantial recentering of the capsule's central axis and with or without displacing the capsule 5b along the handler's central axis. In the second case (non-collinear central axes), the first and second raw material handlers 10 and 20 may substantially recenter the capsule 5b and its central axis relative to the handler's central axis while the handler 5b is being brought to their processing configurations.

[0072] The stop 61b may be configured to be biased into a holding position or an ejecting position by at least one of a first feedstock handler 10 and a second feedstock handler 20 that are movably mounted relative to the stop 61b.

[0073] The stop 61b may be located at or towards one end 61c' of the resilient arm 61c having an opposite end 61c'' at or towards which the arm 61c is fixed to the machine frame and / or housing 40 or to the rotatable material handling system 10, 20.

[0074] The resilient arm 61c may be substantially wire-like and / or blade-like and / or made of metal, for example steel, and / or of a plastic material.

[0075] The machine 1 may include at least one fastener 41' selectively movable between a fastening position for fastening the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20 to each other in a processing configuration and an unfastened position in which the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20 are movable from the processing configuration to the transfer configuration and / or vice versa. The fastener 41' may be actuated to the fastened and / or unfastened position by a handler actuator 41. The fastener 41' may be biased, for example, to the fastened or unfastened position by, for example, a resilient member 41", for example an elongated arm.

[0076] The handler actuator 41 may be angularly stationary relative to the frame and / or housing 40 about the process axis 30' when the material handling system 10, 20 is rotated for centrifugal processing.

[0077] The fastener 41' may be angularly stationary about the process axis 30' relative to the first material handler 10 and / or the second material handler 20, for example when the material handling systems 10, 20 are rotated for centrifugal processing.

[0078] The machine 1 may include a fastener lock 41b configured to lock the fastener 41' in a fastened position and configured to unlock the fastener 41' such that the fastener 41' is movable and / or movable to an unfastened position. For example, the fastener lock 41b is angularly stationary about the process axis 30' relative to the fastener 41', e.g., when the material handling system 10, 20 is rotated for centrifugal processing.

[0079] The handler actuator 41 is from the fastener unlocked position to the fastener locked position, and / or after the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20 have been moved relative to the processing configuration by the handler actuator 41. The fastener lock 41b may be configured to be driven from the fastener lock position to the fastener unlock position before the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20 are moved relatively from the processing configuration towards the transport configuration by the handler actuator 41.

[0080] The handler actuator 41 may be configured to drive the fastener lock 41b via a transmission 41a that is angularly stationary about the process axis 30' relative to the frame and / or housing 40 when the material handling system 10, 20 is rotated for centrifugal processing. For example, the transmission 41a may be translatable to drive the fastener lock 41b between its fastener unlocked position and its fastener locked position, e.g., the transmission 41a may be movable parallel to the process axis 30'.

[0081] The fastener 41' may be integral with or mounted on one of the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20 and may cooperate with a fastener receiver 21 that is integral with or mounted on the other of the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20. The fastener 41' may have a substantially hook shape and the fastener receiver 21 may have a substantially hook-cooperating shape.

[0082] The machine 1 may include a plurality of fasteners 41' distributed around the processing axis 30', for example in a circumferential direction of at least one of the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20. The fasteners 41' may be integral to, fixed to or assembled to a base 41'''.

[0083] The base 41 ″″ may extend at least partially circumferentially around one of the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20 .

[0084] The base 41''' can be connected to the fasteners 41' by at least one corresponding resilient member 41''. For example, each fastener 41' is connected to the base 41''' by a corresponding resilient member 41'', such that each resilient member 41'' connects one, two, or at most three fasteners 41' to the base 41''''.

[0085] The handler actuator 41 may be configured to move the first capsule handler 10 and the second capsule handler 20 relative to one another and / or to actuate the fastener 41', if present, via a transmission device 41a, via a connection including at least one of a gear connection, a lever connection, a cam follower and cam connection, and a magnetic connection.

[0086] The machine 1 may have a beverage passage 26, for example a beverage conduit, in fluid communication with the beverage outlet 25, the passage 26 configured to guide the beverage 4 from the outlet 25 towards a beverage dispense outlet 54. The passage 26 may be associated with a valve 30, such as a centrifugal valve and / or an electrically operated valve, for controlling the flow rate and / or pressure of the beverage 4 along the beverage passage 26.

[0087] The machine 1 may include a beverage conditioner 50 defining a conditioning cavity 51 between two surfaces 52, 53, e.g. movable, e.g. rotatably movable, relative to one another, the conditioning cavity 51 being fluidly connected to the beverage passage 26. The conditioning cavity 51 may be configured to refine a beverage 4 delivered from the beverage outlet 25 via the beverage passage 26. For example, the valve 30 is fluidly arranged between the beverage outlet 25 and the conditioning cavity 51.

[0088] The frame and / or housing may include or be fixed to a bottom configured to rest on an external support surface of such machine 1 when the raw material handling system 10, 20 is rotated about a process axis 30' for centrifugal processing. The process axis 30' may form an angle with such bottom in the range of 0°-60°, such as 0°-45°, such as 0°-30°, such as 0°-15°, typically substantially 0°.

[0089] The frame and / or housing may support a motor 2 which is connected to the material handling system 10, 20, for example by a direct connection or via a transmission device 3 such as at least one of a belt, such as a toothed belt, a gear, such as a spur gear, and a connecting rod.

[0090] One or more of the beverage outlet 25 and the water inlet 24 may be associated with one or more capsule openers 24', 25', such as capsule piercers 24', 25'.

[0091] The processing cavity 5 may have a number of beverage outlets 25 arranged peripherally about the processing cavity 5 about a central processing axis 30'.

[0092] The processing cavity 5 may have a water inlet 24 disposed in the cavity 5 on or adjacent to the processing axis 30'.

[0093] In operation, a beverage 4 can be prepared in the machine 1 from flavour ingredients 5a provided in the machine 1 in a capsule 5b by the following steps. The capsules 5b are fed through the feed passage 60 by guiding the capsules 5b along guides 61, 61a to a level between the first material handler 10 and the second material handler 20. The capsule 5b is secured in the transfer configuration between the first and second material handlers 10 and 20 by a capsule stop 61b. The first raw material handler 10 with the capsule 5b and the second raw material handler 20 are moved relative to the raw material processing arrangement by actuation by the handler actuators 41. The resilient arm 61c is moved from the fixed position to the release position, whereby the capsule 5b is released from the stop 61b, for example during or at the end of moving the first raw material handler 10 and the second raw material handler 20 relative to the processing configuration, and optionally the resilient arm 61c is actuated therefor by the first raw material handler 10 and / or the second raw material handler 20. Water 4 ′ is fed into the capsule 5 b in the processing cavity 5 via the water inlet 24 , and the flavour ingredients 5 a are centrifuged together with the water 4 ′ to form the beverage 4 . The beverage 4 is released from the capsule 5b via a beverage passage 26. The first feedstock handler 10 and the second feedstock handler 20 are moved relative to the feedstock transfer configuration and the capsule 5b is ejected.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (4) from flavour raw materials (5a) provided in a capsule (5b) by mixing said flavour raw materials (5a) with water (4') in said capsule (5b) in a processing cavity (5) and centrifugally driving said flavour raw materials (5a) and said water (4') about a processing axis (30') to produce a beverage (4), said machine (1) comprising: A rotatable ingredient handling system (10, 20) for holding the capsule (5b) and for rotating the flavouring ingredients (5a) and water during a centrifugation process about the process axis (30'), the ingredient handling system (10, 20) having at least one beverage outlet (25) and at least one water inlet (24) for supplying the water (4') to the ingredient (5a), the system (10, 20) comprising a first ingredient handler (10) and a second ingredient handler (20), the first ingredient handler (10) and the second ingredient handler (20) being from a raw material transfer arrangement for receiving said raw material (5a) in said capsules (5b) by said first capsule handler (10) and said second capsule handler (20) and / or for releasing said capsules (5b) from said first raw material handler (10) and said second raw material handler (20), into a raw material processing arrangement for centrifugal processing of the raw material (5a) and water (4') in the capsule (5b) by rotation about the processing axis (30'), and vice versa, material handling systems (10, 20) movable relative to each other; a handler actuator (41), such as a motor or a user handle, configured to relatively move the first capsule handler (10) and the second capsule handler (20) between the transport configuration and the processing configuration; a machine frame and / or housing (40) that is stationary and supports the raw material handling system (10, 20) when the raw material handling system (10, 20) is rotated for centrifugation, optionally a first of the handlers (10) and a second of the handlers (20) being rotatably mounted to the frame and / or housing (40) via one or more bearings (19, 29), such as ball bearings; the machine frame and / or the housing (40) defines a raw material supply passage (60) configured to allow the raw material (5a) in the capsule (5b) to be fed by gravity towards the rotatable raw material handling system (10, 20) and a waste discharge passage (70) configured to allow waste, e.g. used capsules (5b), to be discharged by gravity from the rotatable raw material handling system (10, 20); the feed passage (60) is provided with guides (61, 61a) for guiding the capsules (5b), the guides (61, 61a) being configured to cooperate with a complementary capsule shape, e.g. a capsule flange (5b'), the guides (61, 61a) forming, for example, a recess and / or a rail, the guides (61, 61a) being associated with a capsule stop (61b), e.g. a stop (61b), e.g. a capsule retainer, fixed or integral to the guides (61, 61a), configured to fix the capsules (5b) at a level between the first material handler (10) and the second material handler (20), e.g. substantially coaxial with the processing axis (30'), the guides or parts of the guides (61a) being mounted so as to be movable towards and away from the processing axis (30'); Optionally, said feed passage (60) is provided with two guides (61, 61 a) facing each other such that said capsule (5 b) is guided between said guides (61, 61 a), 1. The machine (1), characterized in that the guide or part of the guide (61 a) is integrated into or fixed to a resilient arm (61 c) movable, for example by flexure, between a fixing position for fixing the capsule (5 b) at a level between the first raw material handler (10) and the second raw material handler (20) by means of the stop (61 b), and a release position for releasing the capsule (5 b) from the stop (61 b).

2. 2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the stop (61b) is configured to be biased to a holding position or to the discharge position by at least one of the first raw material handler (10) and the second raw material handler (20) movably mounted relative to the stop (61b).

3. 3. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stop (61b) is arranged at or towards one end (61c') of the resilient arm (61c), the resilient arm (61c) having an opposite end (61c''), at or towards the opposite end (61c'') the arm (61c) is fixed to the machine frame and / or the housing (40) or to the rotatable material handling system (10, 20).

4. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said elastic arm (61c) is substantially wire-like and / or blade-like and / or made of metal, for example steel, and / or of plastic material.

5. at least one fastener (41') selectively movable between a fastening position for fastening together said first capsule handler (10) and said second capsule handler (20) in said processing configuration and an unfastened position in which said first capsule handler (10) and said second capsule handler (20) are movable from said processing configuration to said transfer configuration and / or vice versa, said fastener (41') being actuated to said fastening position and / or said unfastened position by said handler actuator (41), said fastener (41') being biased, for example, to said fastening position or said unfastened position, for example, by an elastic member (41'', for example an elongated arm, and optionally the handler actuator (41) is angularly stationary about the processing axis (30') relative to the frame and / or housing when the material handling system (10, 20) is rotated for centrifugation; and / or The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fastener (41') is angularly stationary about the processing axis (30') relative to the first material handler (10) and / or the second material handler (20), e.g. when the material handling systems (10, 20) are rotated for centrifugal processing.

6. 6. The machine according to claim 5, further comprising a fastener lock (41 b) configured to lock the fasteners (41′) in the fastened position and configured to unlock the fasteners (41′) such that the fasteners (41′) are moved and / or movable to the unfastened position, optionally the fastener lock (41 b) being angularly stationary about the processing axis (30′) with respect to the fasteners (41′), e.g. when the material handling system (10, 20) is rotated for centrifugation processing.

7. The handler actuator (41) from a fastener unlocked position to a fastener locked position after the first capsule handler (10) and the second capsule handler (20) have been moved relative to the processing arrangement by the handler actuator (41); and / or from a fastener locked position to a fastener unlocked position before the first capsule handler (10) and the second capsule handler (20) are moved relatively from the processing configuration towards the transfer configuration by the handler actuator (41); 7. The machine of claim 6, configured to drive the fastener lock (41b).

8. 8. The machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the handler actuators (41) are configured to drive the fastener locks (41 b) via a transmission device (41 a) that is angularly stationary about the processing axis (30') relative to the frame and / or housing (40) when the material handling system (10, 20) is rotated for centrifugation, and optionally the transmission device (41 a) is translatable to drive the fastener locks (41 b) between a fastener unlocked position of the fastener locks (41 b) and a fastener locked position of the fastener locks (41 b), e.g. the transmission device (41 a) is movable parallel to the processing axis (30').

9. a plurality of fasteners (41') distributed around said processing axis (30'), e.g. circumferentially around at least one of said first capsule handler (10) and said second capsule handler (20), optionally said fasteners (41') being integral with, fixed to or assembled to a base (41'''), said base (41''') being e.g. and / or extending at least partially circumferentially around one of the first capsule handler (10) and the second capsule handler (20); the fasteners (41') are connected by at least one corresponding elastic member (41''); for example, each fastener (41') is connected to the base (41''') by a corresponding elastic member (41''), whereby each elastic member (41'') connects one, two, or at most three fasteners (41') to the base (41'''); A machine according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. 10. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a beverage passage (26), e.g. a beverage conduit, in fluid communication with the beverage outlet (25), the passage (26) configured to guide the beverage (4) from the outlet (25) towards a beverage dispensing outlet (54), the passage (26) optionally being associated with a valve (30), such as a centrifugal valve and / or an electrically operated valve, for controlling the flow rate and / or pressure of the beverage (4) along the beverage passage (26).

11. 11. The machine according to claim 10, comprising a beverage conditioner (50) defining a regulation cavity (51) between two surfaces (52, 53) which are movable, e.g. rotatably movable, relative to one another, said regulation cavity (51) being fluidly connected to said beverage passage (26), said regulation cavity (51) being configured to improve the beverage (4) delivered from said beverage outlet (25) via said beverage passage (26), said valve (30) being, e.g. fluidly arranged between said beverage outlet (25) and said regulation cavity (51).

12. the frame and / or the housing comprises or is fixed to a bottom, the bottom being configured to rest on a support surface external to the machine (1), e.g. an external support surface formed by a table top, when the material handling system (10, 20) is rotated about the processing axis (30') for centrifugation, the processing axis (30') making an angle with respect to the bottom in the range of 0° to 60°, e.g. 0° to 45°, e.g. 0° to 30°, e.g. 0° to 15°, typically substantially 0°; and / or the frame and / or the housing supports a motor (2) which is connected to the material handling system (10, 20), for example by a direct connection or via a transmission device (3), such as at least one of a belt, such as a toothed belt, a gear, such as a spur gear, and a connecting rod; and / or one or more of said beverage outlet (25) and said water inlet (24) are associated with one or more capsule openers (24', 25'), such as capsule piercers (24', 25'); and / or the processing cavity (5) having a plurality of beverage outlets (25) peripherally arranged in the processing cavity (5) about the central processing axis (30') and / or the water inlet (24) arranged on or adjacent to the processing axis (30') in the processing cavity (5); A machine according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A system comprising a machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and said capsule (5b) containing said flavour ingredient (5a).

14. A method for preparing the beverage (4) from the flavour raw materials (5a) supplied to the machine (1) in the capsule (5b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: feeding said capsules (5b) through said feed passage (60) by guiding said capsules (5b) along said guides (61, 61a) to a level between said first raw material handler (10) and said second raw material handler (20); fixing said capsule (5b) by said capsule stop (61b) between said first raw material handler (10) and said second raw material handler (20) in said transfer configuration; moving the first raw material handler (10) and the second raw material handler (20) together with the capsule (5b) relative to the raw material processing arrangement by actuation by the handler actuator (41); - moving said resilient arm (61c) from said fixed position to said release position, whereby for example said capsule (5b) is released from said stop (61b) during or at the end of the step of moving said first raw material handler (10) and said second raw material handler (20) relative to said raw material processing arrangement together with said capsule (5b), optionally said resilient arm (61c) being actuated therefor by said first raw material handler (10) and / or said second raw material handler (20); supplying the water (4') into the capsule (5b) through the water inlet (24) in the processing cavity (5) and centrifuging the flavour ingredients (5a) together with the water (4') to produce the beverage (4); releasing the beverage (4) from the capsule (5b) through the beverage passage (26); moving the first feedstock handler (10) and the second feedstock handler (20) relative to the feedstock transfer arrangement to eject the capsule (5b); A method comprising:

15. The capsule as the capsule (5b), Handling by a machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, An implementation of the system according to claim 13, or Use for carrying out the method according to claim 14, comprising: The capsule (5b) in the transfer configuration, fixed between the first material handler (10) and the second material handler (20) by the stop (61b); being transported together with the first raw material handler (10) and the second raw material handler (20) to the raw material processing arrangement by moving the handlers (10, 20) relative to the raw material processing arrangement; released from said stop (61 b), e.g. by moving said resilient arm (61 c) from said fixed position to said release position, during or at the end of moving said handlers (10, 20) relative to said raw material processing arrangement, optionally said resilient arm (61 c) being actuated therefor by said first raw material handler (10) and / or said second raw material handler (20), supplying the water (4') into the capsule (5b) through the water inlet (24) in the processing cavity (5), and centrifuging the flavor ingredients (5a) together with the water (4') to produce the beverage (4); Discharging the beverage (4) through the beverage passage (26); use, where the first and second raw material handlers (10) and (20) are released from the first and second handlers (10) and (20) by moving the first and second raw material handlers (10) and (20) relatively from the raw material processing configuration to the raw material transfer configuration.

Images