Electric extraction device

Abstract

The electric brewing unit (10) for preparing a beverage from a powdered product (P) includes a dispensing assembly including a first assembly (12) having a receptacle (13) adapted to receive the powdered product, and a second assembly (14), the first assembly (12) being movable between an open position and a closed position, the first assembly (12) and the second assembly (14) being coupled to each other to define a brewing chamber therebetween; and an electric motor (16) adapted to control the movement of the first assembly (12) between the open and closed positions. The unit further includes a readout device (40, 41) for providing a digital image of the powdered product. The readout device includes an optical sensor (40) facing the receptacle (13) at a detection position intermediate between the open and closed positions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric brewing unit for a machine for preparing beverages by use of 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 invention is not limited to brewing units operable with tablets, but rather has more general application to brewing units using capsules, or alternatively pods, or powdered products. [Background technology]

[0003] Machines for preparing beverages are known that include an electrically powered brewing unit. The brewing unit includes two parts adapted to define a brewing chamber and an electric motor. The electric motor is designed to control, by means of a drive mechanism, the relative movement of the two parts between an open position in which the two parts are spaced apart to allow the insertion of a capsule, and a closed position in which the two parts are coupled to each other to enclose the brewing chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved electric brewing unit.

[0005] 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 invention further relates to a process for preparing a beverage as defined in the attached independent claim 13.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the brewing unit according to the invention and advantageous ways of carrying out the method 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.

[0007] In summary, the present invention provides an electric brewing unit for preparing a beverage from a powdered product comprising at least one ingredient, a dispensing assembly having a first assembly having a receptacle adapted to receive the powdered product and a second assembly, the first assembly being movable between an open position in which the first assembly and the second assembly are spaced apart from one another to allow insertion of the powdered product, and a closed position in which the first assembly and the second assembly are coupled to one another to define a brewing chamber therebetween; an electric motor adapted to control movement of the first assembly relative to the second assembly between the open position and the closed position. The dispensing assembly further comprises a read-out means adapted to make available a digital image of the powder product; The read-out means is an electric brewing unit including an optical sensor facing the receptacle in a detection position intermediate between the open and closed positions.

[0008] Thus, in the aforementioned unit, the optical sensor does not face the brewing chamber formed when the dispensing assembly is closed, and therefore no special measures need to be provided to prevent residues generated by the brewing process from interfering with the correct functioning of the optical sensor, which results in clear advantages from the point of view of the design of the brewing unit, and more particularly of the brewing chamber.

[0009] Preferably, the brewing unit further comprises an electronic control unit configured to adjust brewing parameters based on said digital image of the powder product.

[0010] 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 attached drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a brewing apparatus according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing different operational positions of the dispensing assembly of the unit of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing different operational positions of the dispensing assembly of the unit of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing different operational positions of the dispensing assembly of the unit of FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing different operational positions of the dispensing assembly of the unit of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first subassembly of the dispensing assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first subassembly of the dispensing assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the first assembly. [Figure 9a] FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view taken at a different position along the longitudinal axis of the first assembly. [Figure 9b] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view taken at a different position along the longitudinal axis of the first assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken at different positions along the longitudinal axis of the first assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a drive gear with associated cam members and position sensors for detecting the position of the first assembly. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a drive gear with associated cam members and position sensors for detecting the position of the first assembly. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a drive gear with associated cam members and position sensors for detecting the position of the first assembly. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric motor for moving the first assembly. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the brewing apparatus illustrating different operative positions of the cam members which correspond to the operative positions of the dispensing assembly shown in FIGS. 2-5, respectively. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the brewing apparatus illustrating different operative positions of the cam members which correspond to the operative positions of the dispensing assembly shown in FIGS. 2-5, respectively. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the brewing apparatus illustrating different operative positions of the cam members which correspond to the operative positions of the dispensing assembly shown in FIGS. 2-5, respectively. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the brewing apparatus illustrating different operative positions of the cam members which correspond to the operative positions of the dispensing assembly shown in FIGS. 2-5, respectively. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the interior of the brewing unit showing different positions of the blade members corresponding to different positions of the first assembly. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the interior of the brewing unit showing different positions of the blade members corresponding to different positions of the first assembly. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the interior of the brewing unit showing different positions of the blade members corresponding to different positions of the first assembly. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the interior of the brewing unit showing different positions of the blade members corresponding to different positions of the first assembly. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is an additional cross-sectional view of the brewing unit. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an additional cross-sectional view of the brewing unit. [Diagram 25]FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet to the second assembly, pre-brewing, brewing, and compressing the tablet, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet to the second assembly, pre-brewing, brewing, and compressing the tablet, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet to the second assembly, pre-brewing, brewing, and compressing the tablet, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet to the second assembly, pre-brewing, brewing, and compressing the tablet, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet to the second assembly, pre-brewing, brewing, and compressing the tablet, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet to the second assembly, pre-brewing, brewing, and compressing the tablet, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the steps of cleaning the assembly and releasing the tablet. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing the steps of cleaning the assembly and releasing the tablet. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the second assembly. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of cleaning the dispensing assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Referring to FIG. 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.

[0013] As explained above, the present invention is described with reference to the use of an ingredient or compressed tablets containing multiple ingredients for the preparation of a beverage, but is not limited to brewing units suitable for operation with tablets, but rather is understood to include the provision of powder doses contained in capsules, pods or other similar packages suitable for the preparation of a beverage by brewing, instead of tablets. Thus, 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 in tablet form.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 2, the brewing unit 10 basically includes a dispensing assembly including a first movable assembly 12 and a second stationary assembly 14, an electric motor 16 adapted to drive relative motion of the first assembly 12, a drive mechanism 18 interposed between the electric motor 16 and the first assembly 12, and a support structure 20 supporting the first assembly 12, the second assembly 14, the electric motor 16 and the drive mechanism 18.

[0015] The second part 14 is stationary, i.e. fixed with respect to the support structure 20, while the first part 12 is made movable through a number of intermediate positions (shown in Figures 2 to 5), in particular along curved and straight sections, between an open position (shown in Figure 2) in which the first part 12 is spaced from the second part 14 to allow the introduction of a tablet P, and a closed position (shown in Figure 4) in which the first part 12 is coupled with the second part 14 thereby jointly defining a brewing chamber.

[0016] The first portion 12 has a receptacle 13 adapted to receive a tablet P and form a brewing chamber together with the second portion 14 .

[0017] 2 and 4, in the open position the first assembly 12 is disposed substantially vertically to facilitate insertion of a tablet P into the receptacle 13, while in the closed position it is disposed substantially horizontally in alignment with the second assembly 14. When moving between the open and closed positions the first assembly 12 thus rotates through an angle of approximately 90°. The axis of rotation of the first assembly 12 is indicated in the figures by the letter x.

[0018] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the first assembly 12 is shown. The first assembly 12 has a hydraulic cylinder 121, in which a plunger 123 is mounted, sliding along a rectilinear direction. Figures 6 and 7 show an inlet 121a, from which a liquid, in particular water, can be supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 121 through a duct, not shown, to control the advancement of the plunger 123 from the retracted position shown in Figures 6 and 7. This advancement is opposed by elastic means 124, in particular consisting of a coil spring, interposed between the plunger 123 and the bottom surface of the hydraulic cylinder 121. Such elastic means 124 are thus arranged to bias the plunger 123 towards its retracted position.

[0019] The plunger side of the hydraulic cylinder 121 is fitted with a receptacle 13, which allows the plunger 123 to slide in the receptacle 13. A brewing head 125 is arranged on the plunger 123, which is integral with the plunger 123. The brewing head 125 is provided with ducts for injecting water into the brewing chamber, as will be described below. The brewing head 125 is also provided with a brewing interface 126 intended for contacting the tablets P, which in the illustrated example is configured as a filter and will be referred to below as the "inlet filter". If the brewing unit is intended to operate with capsules, the brewing interface can be configured as an element with a tip for penetrating the casing of the capsule.

[0020] The ducts of the brewing head 125 are connected with a central duct 123a formed via a plunger rod 123, this duct being adapted to be connected with a water supply duct (not shown).

[0021] Between the brewing head 125 and the inner lateral surface 131 of the receptacle 13, a gasket 127 is disposed integrally with the brewing head 125 and is thus slidable in contact with the inner lateral surface 131 of the receptacle 13. Advantageously, the gasket 127 exerts a scraping and cleaning action on the inner lateral surface 131 of the receptacle 13 during sliding of the brewing head 125.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 8, the brewing head 125 is releasably attached to the plunger 123, and the receptacle 13 is releasably attached to the hydraulic cylinder 121. In particular, FIGS. 9a and 9b show that the receptacle 13 is attached to the hydraulic cylinder 123 by a bayonet coupling. The receptacle 13 thus has a pair of engagement teeth 13a that protrude radially inwardly and are inserted into respective L-shaped grooves 121a formed in the radially outer surface of the hydraulic cylinder 121. The brewing head 125 is fitted onto the plunger 123. FIG. 10 shows that a plurality of retention teeth 13b are further formed on the inner surface of the receptacle 13, which engage respective axial grooves 125a formed in the radially outer surface of the brewing head 125 when the plunger 123 and the brewing head 125 are in the retracted position.

[0023] The first assembly 12 further includes a pair of line blocks 128 extending from the hydraulic cylinder 121 and each having a rectangular guide groove 129 formed therein. The guide groove 129 extends in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the plunger 123.

[0024] Returning to Figures 2 to 5, the drive mechanism 18 is disposed between the electric motor 16 and the first assembly part 12 and transmits the motion generated by the electric motor 16 to the assembly part, whereby, when a predetermined voltage is supplied to the electric motor 16, the first assembly part 12 moves in the direction from the open position to the closed position relative to the second assembly part 14, while, when a voltage opposite to the previous voltage is supplied to the electric motor 16, the first assembly part 12 moves in the opposite direction relative to the second assembly part 14, i.e., from the closed position to the open position.

[0025] The drive mechanism 18 includes a reduction gear assembly 26 and a motion conversion assembly 28 .

[0026] 11 to 13, the reduction assembly 26 is preferably formed as a gear reduction assembly including a pinion 30 fitted to the shaft of the electric motor 16 and rotated by the motor, and a gear wheel 32 (a gear wheel sector as in the illustrated embodiment) meshing with the pinion 30. Note that one or more intermediate gear wheels may be interposed between the pinion 30 and the gear wheel 32.

[0027] 2-6 and 13-14, the motion conversion assembly 28 is configured to convert the rotational motion of the end element (driven gear wheel) of the reduction assembly 26 into the rotational motion and translational motion of the first assembly 12. In the illustrated example, the motion conversion assembly 28 includes a toggle mechanism having a first toggle member 281 and a second toggle member 282 hinged to each other. The first toggle member 281 is rotatably integrated with a shaft 283, which is rotatably integrated with the gear wheel 32. Thus, the shaft 283 defines a rotation axis x of the first assembly 12 and the gear wheel 32. The shaft 283 is received in the guide groove 129 of the line block 128 of the first assembly 14. The second toggle member 282 is hinged to the first assembly 12, more specifically, the hydraulic cylinder body 121, via a hinge pin 284. The extension of the hinge pin 284 engages a guide slot 285 formed in the side wall 202 of the support structure 20, as shown in FIG.

[0028] With the above-described arrangement, the angular position of the gear wheel 32 is related to the relative position of the first assembly 12 with respect to the second assembly 14 .

[0029] The second assembly 14 is mounted on the support structure 20 and comprises a system of beverage dispensing ducts, which flow into a main dispensing duct 141 in which a pre-brewing valve 142 with pre-pressure is arranged. In the second assembly 14, an outlet filter 143 is arranged, which serves as an interface between the second assembly 14 and the brewing chamber. Around one end of the second assembly 14, a radial gasket 145 is arranged. In the closed state of the dispensing assembly, said radial gasket 145 exerts a seal against the radially inner surface 131 of the receptacle 13.

[0030] 11, the brewing unit 10 further comprises a microswitch 34, the operational state of which is operatively related to the angular position of the gear wheel 32. In particular, the operational state of the microswitch 34 is switchable between two values ​​or states, an ON operational state and an OFF operational state, respectively, by, for example, mechanical action of a probe member 36 associated with the gear wheel 32.

[0031] More specifically, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the brewing unit 10 comprises a cam member 38 having a profile with a number of protrusions and recesses that are interleaved with one another and each associated with a respective step of moving the first assembly 12 relative to the second assembly 14 between the open and closed positions. The cam member 38 is integrally rotatably connected to the gear wheel 32 such that an angular position of the cam member 38 is uniquely related to an angular position of the gear wheel 32.

[0032] The various positions of the gear wheel 32 correspond respectively to the positions of the first assembly 12 depicted in Figures 2 to 5. In the illustrated example, the profile of the cam member 38 has four protrusions alternating with three recesses, namely a first protrusion 38a, a first recess 38b, a second protrusion 38c, a second recess 38d, a third protrusion 38e, a third recess 38f, and a fourth protrusion 38g. Of course, the number of protrusions and recesses may also be different.

[0033] 15 to 18, the cam member 38 is disposed radially outward of the gear wheel 32. In this case, the recess is located at a first radial distance from the center of rotation of the gear wheel 32, whereas the protrusion is located at a second radial distance from the center of rotation of the gear wheel 32 that is greater than the first radial distance.

[0034] With the above-mentioned configuration of the microswitch 34, the probe member 36, and the cam member 38, the operational state of the microswitch 34 switches between ON and OFF during rotation of the gear wheel 32. Essentially, as the gear wheel 32 rotates, the probe member 36 comes into contact with a subsequent protrusion or recess, causing the operational state O of the microswitch 34 to change from ON to OFF, or vice versa.

[0035] The brewing unit 10 further comprises an electronic control unit ECU (only shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2) designed to control the electric motor 16 .

[0036] In particular, the electronic control unit ECU is programmed to associate each change of the operating state of the microswitch 34 with the achievement of a subsequent step of moving the first assembly 12 relative to the second assembly 14 and to control the electric motor 16 according to a predefined speed profile depending on the step of movement achieved.

[0037] The brewing unit 10 may further comprise an optical sensor 40, shown only diagrammatically in figures 2 to 5. Said optical sensor 40 is accommodated in a seat 201 formed in the support structure 20. The optical sensor 40 is positioned so that the receptacle 13 faces it when the first assembly 12 is in a detection position intermediate the open and closed positions and depicted in figures 3 and 16. In the detection position, the interior of the receptacle 13 and therefore the tablet P therein, are within the field of view of the optical sensor 40. Said optical sensor 40 is connected to a circuit 41 controlled by the electronic control unit ECU and cooperates with it in order to make available a digital image of the tablet P. The electronic control unit ECU is thus programmed to carry out recognition of the product accommodated in the receptacle 13, for example by reading an identification code or drawing affixed to the product or other surface features of the product. In the case of bulk products or compressed tablets, the readout may consist of recognition of the blend, roast, and grind type based on powder color and granularity. The readout may be taken dynamically, thus with the first assembly 12 detected, without stopping at the detection position. In an alternative embodiment, the readout may be taken statically, with the first assembly 12 stopping momentarily at the detection position.

[0038] If the tablet recognition is successful, the ECU is programmed to proceed with the first assembly 12 and adjust the brewing parameters based on the recognized tablet. These parameters may for example be the amount of water to inject into the brewing chamber or the stroke to impart to the plunger 123 before the brewing stage, as will be explained below.

[0039] In case of failure of recognition, it is envisaged to carry out a repeated read. In case of dynamic read, this repetition may be carried out at a slower speed. In case of failure of recognition after a predetermined number of read attempts, it may nevertheless be provided that the first assembly 12 is advanced or returned to the open position.

[0040] 19-22 in particular, the brewing unit further comprises a movable blade member 51 rotatably arranged facing the second assembly 14. The blade member 51 is mounted on a support structure 20 whereby it is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the output filter 143, indicated by y in the figures. The blade member 51 carries a first scraping member 52 on the side facing towards the second assembly 14 and a second scraping member 53 on the side facing away from the second assembly 14. The first scraping member 51 is used to scrape the second assembly 14 and the second scraping member 53 is used to scrape the receptacle 13 of the first assembly 12.

[0041] In particular, Figures 19 to 22 clarify the synchronization of the movement of the first assembly 12 with the movement of the blade member 51. The blade member 51 can oscillate between a first corner position, hereinafter called the lowered position and represented, for example, in Figure 19, and a second corner position, hereinafter called the raised position and represented, for example, in Figure 22. In the lowered position, the blade member 51 is located below the second assembly 14, and in the raised position, the blade member 51 is located on one side of the second assembly 14. The blade member 51 is configured to rotate from the lowered position to the raised position or vice versa during the rotational movement of the first assembly 12, while remaining stationary during the translational movement of the first assembly 12. This prevents interference between the two members during operation of the brewing device 10.

[0042] The movement of the blade member 51 is controlled by the movement of the first assembly 12 via an auxiliary transmission 54 connected to the drive mechanism 18 and shown, for example, in Figs. 2-5. The auxiliary transmission 54 has a control plate 55 slidably mounted on the support structure 20 along the horizontal direction (see also Figs. 23 and 24). As shown in Fig. 24, the control plate 55 is arranged on the opposite side of the lateral wall 202 to the first assembly 12. The control plate 55 carries a cam groove 56 which is in turn engaged by a hinge pin extension 284 between the second toggle member 282 and the first assembly 12. A rod 58 integral with the control plate 55 is connected to the blade member 51 by a helical coupling 99 which is configured to convert the translational movement of the rod 58 into a rotational movement of the blade member 51. It should be noted that the blade member may be associated with a first moveable assembly having a different motion than that described above and therefore the associated auxiliary drive may be of a different configuration than that described above.

[0043] The brewing unit 20 further comprises a stationary scraping member 61 arranged to intercept the receptacle 13 during movement of the first assembly 12 between the open and closed positions. The stationary scraping member 61 is mounted to the support structure 20 above the seat 201 in which the optical sensor 40 is located.

[0044] Next, an example of the operation of the above-mentioned brewing device 10 will be described in detail.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the operation procedure of the machine can be specified as follows: 1. Introduction of tablet P into receptacle 13. 2. Electrical operation of the first assembly 12. 3. Tablet P reading position and recognition. 4. Sweep the outlet filter 143 as the assembly is closed. 5. Complete the assembly closure. 6. Advance tablet P to exit filter 143. 7. Pre-brewing, waiting, brewing and compression steps of tablet P. 8. Reopening the assembly and ejecting tablet P. 9. Clean the inlet 126 and outlet 143 filters. 10. Reposition receptacle 13 for the next cycle. A. Disassemble receptacle 13 for cleaning. B. Reversed filter water flow wash cycle.

[0046] As will become apparent below, the above steps are not necessarily sequential and some may overlap with one another in their temporal progression.

[0047] In step 1, the first assembly 12 with the receptacle 13 is positioned vertically (see for example Figures 2 and 6). With this positioning, the product, in particular the compressed tablet P, is inserted into the receptacle 13 by a simple vertical drop-in insertion. Due to the fact that a spring 124 holds the plunger 123 with the brewing head 125 in a retracted position in the receptacle 13, it is possible to accommodate tablets of different heights in the receptacle 13.

[0048] The electrical movement of the assembly (step 2) is performed by an electric motor 16 located at the bottom of the machine. This movement is transmitted through a gear mechanism consisting of gear wheels 30, 32 to a toggle mechanism 281, 282 (figures 3, 4) that allows a 90° rotation and linear stroke of the receptacle 13. A cam member 38 located on the secondary gear wheel 32 can activate a position sensor 34 that signals the electronic control unit ECU when to stop the motor 16 to perform other operations of the operating cycle.

[0049] During the movement from the open to the closed position, the first assembly 12 reaches a tablet P read and recognition position (step 3), which is necessary for the system to recognize the presence of a tablet P in the receptacle 13, recognize the type of tablet inserted and adapt the compression and dispensing timing, before completing the closure of the dispensing assembly.

[0050] The detection / recognition position is detected by a protrusion 38c of a cam member 38 present on the secondary gear wheel 32, which activates the position sensor / microswitch 34. At this position, the electronic control unit ECU stops the electric motor 16 and the rotation of the unit for the time required for the system to recognize the presence and type of tablet.

[0051] During the movement of the first assembly 12 from the open position to the closed position, the outlet filter 143 (step 4) is swept by the blade member 51. Due to the dimensions of the helical coupling 59 and the guide groove 56 of the control plate 55, it is possible to adjust the timing of the actuation of the blade member 51 depending on the position of the first assembly 14. The same mechanism is tasked with the reverse rotation of the blade member 51 to clean the outlet filter 143 also in the step following dispensing (ejection of used tablets), while the first assembly 12 with the receptacle 13 is returned to the open position for the next cycle.

[0052] At the end of the rotational part of the movement of the first assembly 14, this first assembly 14 comes to rest on a slide block 203 located at the bottom of the support structure 20. From this point until the closed position is reached, the first assembly 14 is restricted to performing exclusively translational movements. The closed position of the dispensing assembly is identified through a projection 38g of the cam member 38 dedicated to this position, present on the secondary gear wheel 32 (Figures 4 and 17). In this position, the receptacle 13 is engaged in the second assembly 14. This position is maintained during the step of configuring the beverage delivery by stopping the motor 16 and placing the toggle mechanism in its dead center (irreversible state).

[0053] 25 and 26, the movement of the tablet P towards the outlet filter 143 and the automatic adjustment according to the height of the tablet (step 6) occurs by a hydraulic cylinder 121 located at the rear of the receptacle 13 and a hot water inlet filter 126.

[0054] Compression is achieved by pumping cold water CW from a tank (not shown) into the hydraulic cylinder 121, where the pressure is maintained until the used tablets P are discharged. The tablets P are expected to become approximately equal to the discharge filter 143 as the pressure of the cold water CW fed to the hydraulic cylinder 121 increases.

[0055] Different tablet heights result in different amounts of water being pumped into the hydraulic cylinder 121. For this reason, the pump run time is measured to determine the volume of water pumped into the hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively, a flow meter may be used to measure the volume.

[0056] More generally, it is possible to use different sizes for doses of powdered product in different forms (compressed tablets, capsules or simple bulk products) and for different preparations (espresso, long, 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.

[0057] Referring to Figures 27-29, the preparation of a beverage typically, but not necessarily, consists of three distinct sub-steps: pre-brewing and waiting, brewing, and tablet compression (step 7).

[0058] In the pre-brewing and waiting step (FIG. 27), a small amount of hot water HW is initially sent to the brewing chamber via the central duct 123a of the plunger 123 in an amount that is not sufficient to open the pre-brewing valve 142. This injection of a small amount of water, followed by waiting, serves to wet the tablets P and prepare them for the brewing step.

[0059] In the brewing step (Figure 28), a second amount of hot water HW is sent to the tablet P, which allows the pre-brewing valve 142 to be opened. In this step, the amount of hot water is much higher than in the previous step and is used to dispense the correct amount of beverage depending on the tablet inserted in the receptacle 13. The pressure exerted by the plunger 123 of the hydraulic cylinder 121 is maintained throughout the pre-brewing and brewing steps.

[0060] In the compression step (Figure 29), the sprue is closed and cold water is sent to the hydraulic cylinder 121 to compress and expel any hot water remaining in the used tablet.

[0061] During all the above sub-steps, the assembly is in the closed position with the motor stopped and the toggle mechanism maintained at its dead center.

[0062] Depending on the type of powder product used, one or more of the above steps may not be present. In particular, for filter preparations and soluble coffee, the compaction and pre-brewing steps are omitted. In other cases, post-compaction 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 the recognition of the product type performed after processing of the digital image captured by the sensor 40.

[0063] The compaction step is provided by the action of the pre-brewing valve 142. By not performing the compaction step, it is possible to selectively provide for the removal or bypass of the pre-brewing valve 142 in order to perform dispensing without actuation of this valve (e.g., when using filter preparation).

[0064] Once the beverage has been dispensed, the used tablet P must be ejected (step 8) so that a new tablet can be inserted into the receptacle 13 for the next dispense.

[0065] For this purpose, the electric motor 16 is reversed to bring the first assembly 12 into the ejection and discharge position (FIGS. 5, 18), identified by a projection 38e of the cam member 38 dedicated to that position, present on the gear wheel 32. In this position, the electric motor 16 is stopped and additional cold water CW is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder to advance the plunger 123 to the end stroke position (FIG. 30), where the ejection filter 126 is substantially level with the edge of the receptacle 13. Pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 123 is maintained until the open position of the first assembly 12 is reached.

[0066] After the beverage is dispensed, cleaning is performed on both filters 126, 143 by the blade member 51 and the scraping member 61. In the step of reopening the dispense assembly, the blade member 51 performs a rotational movement opposite to that described above. Therefore, in addition to sweeping out the discharge filter 143, the blade member 51 also interferes with the used tablet P, peeling it off and causing it to fall into the lower compartment (FIG. 31).

[0067] Continuing the rotational movement back to the open position causes the receptacle 13 with the inlet filter 126 in its fully advanced position to be swept against the scraping member 61 (FIG. 32).

[0068] By means of the above described arrangement, any dust that settles on the filters 126 and 143 and does not remain attached to the used tablets during the compression step is removed and dropped into a used tablet collection compartment.

[0069] After passing through the fixed scraping member 61 for cleaning the inlet filter 126, the cold water present in the hydraulic cylinder 121 is returned to the tank for use in the following cycle. As there is some friction due to the different gaskets installed in the first assembly 12, the spring 124 allows the inlet filter 126 to return to the position for the next cycle, i.e. the position of FIG. 6, when the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 121 is released.

[0070] Also in this case, the determination that the open position has been reached is made by a projection on the cam member 38, ie, the projection designated 38a in FIG. 15, which allows the motor 16 to be stopped in the correct position.

[0071] The receptacle 13 together with the brewing head 125 can only be disassembled when the assembly is in the open position. To disassemble, the receptacle 13 must be rotated a certain angle (in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 9b) to bring the teeth 13a into the open position. Once this is done, the receptacle 13 and the brewing head 125 can slide off together.

[0072] The brewing head 125 is removed together with the receptacle 13 by the restraining teeth 13b (FIG. 10) located radially inward of the receptacle 13, which block the rotation of the brewing head 125 and restrain it to the receptacle 13 in the open position of the first assembly 12. Once the receptacle 13 has been slid in, the brewing head may be slid into it and removed from the receptacle 13.

[0073] After cleaning the brewing head 125 with the inlet filter 126, the components can be reassembled by reversing the disassembly steps and making sure to hold the brewing head 125 at the end of its stroke. Proper assembly of the brewing head 125 is confirmed by an audible click when the plunger 123 is reattached.

[0074] An alternative for cleaning the filters is to reverse the normal flow of water from the inlet filter 126 to the outlet filter 143. In this case, the dispensing unit is motorized to the closed position without the presence of tablets in the receptacle 13. Once the closed position is reached, cold water is sent through a secondary passage 144 present on the second assembly 14 (see Fig. 33). This passage allows the water to pass through the outlet filter 143 (where most of the dust accumulates) in the opposite direction to the normal operation, to remove the accumulated dust. The amount of water required for cleaning both filters 126, 143 is sent, but without pressurizing the brewing chamber (Figs. 33, 34), and the catch pan 13 is retracted far enough to create a small opening at the bottom, allowing the cleaning water to be conveyed directly to the used tablet collection section. In Figs. 33 and 34, the path of the cleaning water is represented by dashed arrows.

[0075] Naturally, without prejudice to the principles of the invention, the details of the embodiments and constructions can be varied widely from those described and illustrated purely by way of non-limiting examples, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrically operated brewing unit (10) for preparing a beverage from a powdered product (P) containing at least one ingredient, said brewing unit (10) comprising:

1. A dispensing assembly comprising: a first assembly (12) having a receptacle (13) adapted to receive said powdered product; and a dispensing assembly including a second assembly (14), the second assembly (14) movable between an open position in which the first assembly (12) is spaced apart from one another to allow the first assembly (12) and the second assembly (14) to be inserted into the receptacle, and a closed position in which the first assembly (12) and the second assembly (14) are coupled to one another to define a brewing chamber between the first assembly (12) and the second assembly (14); an electric motor (16) adapted to control movement of the first assembly (12) relative to the second assembly (14) between the open and closed positions; and read-out means (40, 41) adapted to provide a digital image of said powder product, The read-out means comprises an optical sensor (40) facing the receptacle (13) in an intermediate detection position between the open and closed positions.

2. 2. The brewing unit of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is capable of detecting the powder product statically or dynamically.

3. 3. The brewing unit of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to adjust brewing parameters based on the digital image of the powder product.

4. 4. The brewing unit of claim 3, 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.

5. the first assembly (12) further comprises a hydraulically actuated plunger (123) slidable within the receptacle (13); the plunger carries a brewing head (125) adapted to inject water into the brewing chamber; 5. The brewing unit according to claim 1, further comprising a gasket (127) arranged on said brewing head (125) for sealingly sliding against a radially inner surface (131) of said receptacle (13).

6. Further comprising elastic means (124); The elastic means is interposed between the plunger (123) and a hydraulic cylinder (121) fixed to the receptacle (13); Brewing unit according to claim 5, wherein said resilient means is adapted to bias said plunger (123) towards a retracted position.

7. a drive mechanism (18) interposed between the electric motor (16) and the first assembly part (12); Brewing unit according to claim 6, wherein in said closed position said drive mechanism (18) is in an irreversible state.

8. The drive mechanism (18) rotates the first assembly (12) about a horizontal axis (x) during a first section of movement between the closed position and the open position; 8. The brewing unit according to claim 7, configured to translate said first subassembly (12) along a direction perpendicular to said horizontal axis during a second section movement between said closed position and said open position.

9. A unit as claimed in claim 8 in combination with claim 7, A brewing unit as claimed in claim 8 in combination with claim 6, wherein in the closed position of the first assembly part (12), the plunger (123) is slidable along a direction parallel to the direction of the translational movement of the first assembly part (12).

10. The brewing unit according to claim 9, further comprising a blade member (51) rotatably arranged facing said second assembly part (14).

11. Brewing unit according to claim 10, wherein said blade member (51) is connected to said drive mechanism (18) via an auxiliary transmission (54).

12. the blade member is pivotable between a first extreme angular position, which is a lowered position, and a second extreme angular position, which is a raised position; In the lowered position, the blade member (51) is below the second assembly part (14); Brewing unit according to claim 11, wherein in said raised position said blade member (51) is aligned with said second assembly part (14).

13. The blade member (51) During the first section movement of the first assembly (12), the first assembly (12) rotates from the lowered position to the raised position or vice versa; The brewing unit according to claim 12, configured to be stationary during a second section of translational movement of the first subassembly (12).

14. 14. A brewing unit according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the blade member (51) is configured to remove the powdered product from the receptacle (13) following a brewing step, with the first assembly part (12) moving away from the second assembly part (14) and the powdered product being carried to an edge of the receptacle (13).

15. 14. A brewing unit as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the blade member (51) is configured to scrape or sweep the inlet filter (126) of the first assembly (12) and / or the outlet filter (143) of the second assembly (14) following a brewing step, with the first assembly (12) moving away from the second assembly (14) and the inlet filter (126) being carried to the edge of the receptacle (13).

16. 16. A brewing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a stationary scraping member (61) arranged to intercept the receptacle (13) during movement of the first assembly (12) between the open and closed positions.

17. A method for preparing a beverage from a powdered product (P) comprising at least one ingredient, comprising a brewing unit according to any one of claims 6 to 15, a) supplying cold water to the hydraulic cylinder (121) with the first assembly (12) in the closed position to advance the plunger (123) and convey the powdered product (P) to the second assembly (14); b1) supplying a first amount of heated water into the brewing chamber via the plunger (123) and the brewing head (125) to moisten the powdered product (P); b2) waiting for a predetermined time; and c) supplying a second amount of heated water, greater than the first amount, to the brewing chamber via the plunger (123) and the brewing head (125) to prepare a beverage; and d) supplying additional cold water to the hydraulic cylinder (121) to further advance the plunger (123) and compress the spent powder product (P) against the second assembly part (14).

18. 18. The method for preparing a beverage with a brewing unit according to claim 3 or 4, 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.

19. translating the first assembly component (12) away from the second assembly component (14); 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, comprising the step of supplying further cold water to the hydraulic cylinder (121) to advance the plunger (123) further and eject the used powder product (P) out of the receptacle (13).

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