Electric extraction device

Abstract

To provide a motorized brewing unit for preparing beverages from a powdered product.SOLUTION: A motorized brewing unit 10 for preparing beverages from a powdered product P comprises: a dispensing assembly having a first assembly part 12 provided with a receptacle 13 adapted to receive the powdered product, and a second assembly part 14, relative to which the first assembly part is movable between an open position and a closed position, where the first assembly part and the second assembly part are coupled to each other to define a brewing chamber therebetween; an electric motor 16 adapted to control movement of the first assembly part between the open position and the closed position; and a readout device 40 for a digital image of the powdered product. The readout device includes an optical sensor such that the receptacle faces the optical sensor in a detection position between the open position and the closed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric brewing unit for a machine for preparing a beverage by using a powder product containing one or more components, in particular coffee.

[0002] In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, reference is made to the use of compressed tablets, but the present invention is not limited to a brewing unit operable with tablets, but rather is clearly applicable more generally to brewing units using capsules or alternatively pods, or powder products.

Background Art

[0003] Machines for preparing beverages including an electric brewing unit are known. The brewing unit includes two parts adapted to define a brewing chamber and an electric motor. The electric motor is designed to control the relative movement of the two parts between an open position in which the two parts are separated by a drive mechanism to allow insertion of a capsule and a closed position in which the two parts are joined to each other to surround the brewing chamber.

Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] This object and other objects are fully achieved, according to the present invention, by a brewing unit as defined in appended independent claim 1. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a beverage as defined in the appended independent claim The advantageous embodiments of the brewing unit according to the present invention and the advantageous aspects of implementing the method according to the present invention are defined in the dependent claims, the content of which should be understood as an essential part of the following description.

[0006] ​

[0007] In summary, the present invention relates to an electric brewing unit for preparing a beverage from a powder product containing at least one component, A dispensing assembly comprising: a first assembly having a receptacle adapted to receive the powder product; and a second assembly movable between an open position in which the first and second assemblies are spaced apart from each other to allow insertion of the powder product, and a closed position in which the first and second assemblies are coupled together to define a brewing chamber between them; The system comprises an electric motor adapted to control the movement of the first assembly relative to the second assembly between the open position and the closed position. The first assembly further includes a plunger that is slidable within the receptacle when the first and second assemblies are in the closed position. The plunger has a brewing head adapted to spray water into the brewing chamber. It is a brewing unit.

[0008] Therefore, in the aforementioned unit, the optical sensor does not face the brewing chamber formed when the dispensing assembly is closed, and thus there is no need to provide special means to prevent residues generated by the brewing process from interfering with the proper functioning of the optical sensor. As a result, there are clear advantages in terms of the design of the brewing unit, and more specifically, the brewing chamber.

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

[0010] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be revealed by the following detailed description, which is given purely as an example with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a perspective view of a brewing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing different operating positions of the dispensing assembly of the unit in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing different operating positions of the dispensing assembly of the unit in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing different operating positions of the dispensing assembly of the unit in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing different operating positions of the dispensing assembly of the unit in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first assembly component of a dispensing assembly. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first assembly component of a dispensing assembly. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the first assembly part. [Figure 9a] Figure 9a is a cross-sectional view taken at different positions along the longitudinal axis of the first assembly part. [Figure 9b] Figure 9b is a cross-sectional view taken at different positions along the longitudinal axis of the first assembly part. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows cross-sectional views taken at different positions along the longitudinal axis of the first assembly part. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a drive gear associated with a cam member and a position sensor for detecting the position of the first assembly part. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a drive gear associated with a cam member and a position sensor for detecting the position of the first assembly. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a drive gear associated with a cam member and a position sensor for detecting the position of the first assembly part. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric motor for moving the first assembly component. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the brewing apparatus and shows the operating positions of different cam members corresponding to the operating positions of the dispensing assembly shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, respectively. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the brewing apparatus and shows the operating positions of different cam members corresponding to the operating positions of the dispensing assembly shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, respectively. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the brewing apparatus and shows the operating positions of different cam members corresponding to the operating positions of the dispensing assembly shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, respectively. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the brewing apparatus and shows the operating positions of different cam members corresponding to the operating positions of the dispensing assembly shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, respectively. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the interior of the brewing unit and shows different positions of the blade member corresponding to different positions of the first assembly part. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the interior of the brewing unit and shows different positions of the blade member corresponding to different positions of the first assembly part. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the interior of the brewing unit and shows different positions of the blade member corresponding to different positions of the first assembly part. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the interior of the brewing unit and shows different positions of the blade member corresponding to different positions of the first assembly part. [Figure 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. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet to the second assembly part, pre-brewing, brewing, compressing the tablet, and resuming the assembly part and discharging the tablet. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet into the second assembly, pre-brewing the tablet, brewing, compression, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet into the second assembly, pre-brewing, brewing, and compression of the tablet, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet into the second assembly, pre-brewing, brewing, and compression of the tablet, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet into the second assembly, pre-brewing, brewing, and compression of the tablet, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of advancing the tablet into the second assembly, pre-brewing, brewing, and compression of the tablet, and restarting the assembly and ejecting the tablet. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the steps of cleaning the assembly and detaching the tablet. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view showing the steps of cleaning the assembly and detaching the tablet. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the second assembly part. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method for cleaning a dispensing assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Referring to Figure 1, a brewing unit for a machine that prepares a beverage, particularly coffee, from a compressed tablet containing one or more ingredients, particularly coffee powder, is collectively shown as reference numeral 10.

[0013] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the use of compressed tablets containing one or more components for the preparation of beverages, but is not limited to brewing units suitable for operation with tablets, and is understood to also include cases where, instead of tablets, a dosage of powder contained in capsules, pods, or other similar packages suitable for the preparation of beverages by brewing is provided. Accordingly, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “powdered product” covers both bulk powdered products and powdered products packaged in the form of capsules or pods, or compressed in the form of tablets.

[0014] Referring to Figure 2, the brewing unit 10 basically includes a dispensing assembly comprising a first movable assembly 12 and a second stationary assembly 14, an electric motor 16 adapted to drive the 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 component 14 is stationary, i.e., fixed to the support structure 20, while the first component 12 is movable through several intermediate positions (shown in Figures 2-5), particularly along curved and straight sections, between an open position (shown in Figure 2) where the first component 12 is positioned at a distance from the second component 14 to allow the introduction of the tablet P, and a closed position (shown in Figure 4) where the first component 12 is coupled with the second component 14 to jointly define the brewing chamber.

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

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

[0018] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a first assembly 12 is illustrated. The first assembly 12 has a hydraulic cylinder 121, inside which a plunger 123 is mounted that slides in a straight line. An inlet 121a is shown in Figures 6 and 7, and from this inlet 121, liquid, in particular water, can be supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 121 via a duct (not shown) to control the forward movement of the plunger 123 from the retracted position shown in Figures 6 and 7. This forward movement is opposed by an elastic means 124, which in particular consists of a coil spring and is interposed between the plunger 123 and the bottom surface of the hydraulic cylinder 121. Thus, such an elastic means 124 is positioned to deflect the plunger 123 toward its retracted position.

[0019] A receptacle 13 is attached to the plunger side of the hydraulic cylinder 121, allowing the plunger 123 to slide within the receptacle 13. A brewing head 125, which is integrated with the plunger 123, is positioned on the plunger 123. The brewing head 125 is provided with a duct for spraying water into the brewing chamber, as will be described later. The brewing head 125 is also equipped with a brewing interface 126 intended to contact the tablet P. In the illustrated example, the brewing interface 126 is configured as a filter and will be hereinafter referred to as the "inlet filter". If the brewing unit is intended for operation with a capsule, the brewing interface may be configured as an element with a tip for penetrating the capsule casing.

[0020] The duct of the brewing head 125 is connected to a central duct 123a formed via a plunger rod 123, which is adapted to connect to a water supply duct (not shown).

[0021] A gasket 127 is integrally positioned with the brewing head 125 between the brewing head 125 and the inner lateral surface 131 of the receptacle 13, and is therefore slidable in contact with the inner lateral surface 131 of the receptacle 13. Advantageously, the gasket 127 provides a scraping and cleaning action against the inner lateral surface 131 of the receptacle 13 during the sliding motion of the brewing head 125.

[0022] Referring to Figure 8, the brewing head 125 is releasably mounted to the plunger 123, and the receptacle 13 is releasably mounted to the hydraulic cylinder 121. In particular, Figures 9a and 9b show that the receptacle 13 is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder 123 by a bayonet coupling. Thus, the receptacle 13 has a pair of engaging teeth 13a that project radially inward and are inserted into respective L-shaped grooves 121a formed on the radially outer surface of the hydraulic cylinder 121. The brewing head 125 is fitted onto the plunger 123. Figure 10 shows that a plurality of restraining teeth 13b are further formed on the inner surface of the receptacle 13, which engage with respective axial grooves 125a formed on 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 comprises a pair of line blocks 128 extending from the hydraulic cylinder 121, each having a rectangular guide groove 129 formed therein. The guide grooves 129 extend along a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the plunger 123.

[0024] Returning to Figures 2 to 5, the drive mechanism 18 is positioned between the electric motor 16 and the first assembly 12. It transmits the motion generated by the electric motor 16 to the assembly 12. As a result, when a predetermined voltage is supplied to the electric motor 16, the first assembly 12 moves from the open position to the closed position relative to the second assembly 14. On the other hand, when the electric motor 16 is supplied with the opposite voltage, the first assembly 12 moves in the opposite direction relative to the second assembly 14, that is, from the closed position to the open position.

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

[0026] Referring also to Figures 11 to 13, it is preferable that the reduction assembly 26 is formed as a gear reduction assembly consisting of a pinion 30 fitted onto the shaft of the electric motor 16 and rotationally driven by the motor, and a gear wheel 32 (a gear wheel sector as shown in the illustrated embodiment) that meshes with the pinion 30. One or more intermediate gear wheels may be interposed between the pinion 30 and the gear wheel 32.

[0027] Referring to Figures 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 rotational 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 that are hinged to each other. The first toggle member 281 is rotatably integrated with a shaft 283, which is rotatably integrated with a gear wheel 32. Thus, the shaft 283 defines the axis of rotation x of the first assembly 12 and the gear wheel 32. The shaft 283 is housed in a 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. As shown in Figure 24, the extension of the hinge pin 284 engages with a guide slot 285 formed in the side wall 202 of the support structure 20.

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

[0029] The second assembly 14 is attached to the support structure 20 and has a system of beverage dispensing ducts, which flow into the main dispensing duct 141, where a pre-pressurized pre-brewing valve 142 is located. The second assembly 14 is equipped with an outlet filter 143 that functions as an interface between the second assembly 14 and the brewing chamber. A radial gasket 145 is provided around one end of the second assembly 14. When the dispensing assembly is closed, the radial gasket 145 provides a seal against the radial inner surface 131 of the receptacle 13.

[0030] Referring specifically to Figure 11, the brewing unit 10 further includes a microswitch 34, the operating state of which is operationally related to the angular position of the gear wheel 32. In particular, the operating state of the microswitch 34 can be switched between two values ​​or states, ON and OFF, respectively, by the mechanical action of a probe member 36 associated with the gear wheel 32.

[0031] More specifically, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, the brewing unit 10 comprises cam members 38 having profiles with a plurality of projections and recesses, each arranged alternately to one another, and each associated with a step of moving the first assembly 12 relative to the second assembly 14 between an open position and a closed position. The cam members 38 are integrally rotatably connected to the gear wheel 32, so that the angular position of the cam members 38 is uniquely associated with the angular position of the gear wheel 32.

[0032] The various positions of the gear wheel 32 correspond to the positions of the first assembly part 12 shown in Figures 2-5. In the illustrated example, the profile of the cam member 38 has three recesses and four alternating protrusions, 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 vary.

[0033] Specifically, according to the embodiments shown in Figures 15 to 18, the cam member 38 is positioned radially outward of the gear wheel 32. In this case, the recess is located at a first radial distance from the rotation center of the gear wheel 32, while the projection is located at a second radial distance greater than the first radial distance from the rotation center of the gear wheel 32.

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

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

[0036] In particular, the electronic control unit (ECU) is programmed to associate each switching 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 predetermined speed profile depending on the achieved step of movement.

[0037] The brewing unit 10 may further include an optical sensor 40, which is schematically shown only in Figures 2 to 5. The optical sensor 40 is housed in a seat 201 formed in the support structure 20. The optical sensor 40 is positioned such that the receptacle 13 faces the first assembly 12 when it is in a detection position intermediate between the open and closed positions, as depicted in Figures 3 and 16. In the detection position, the inside of the receptacle 13, and therefore the tablet P inside it, is within the field of view of the optical sensor 40. The optical sensor 40 is connected to a circuit 41 controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) and works with it to make a digital image of the tablet P available. Thus, the electronic control unit (ECU) is programmed to perform recognition of the product housed in the receptacle 13, for example, by reading an identification code or drawing affixed to the product, or other surface features of the product. For bulk products or compressed tablets, the reading may consist of recognizing the blend, roast, and grind type based on the color and particle size of the powder. The reading may be performed dynamically, and therefore without stopping at the detection position, while the first assembly 12 is detected. In an alternative embodiment, the reading may be performed statically, while the first assembly 12 momentarily stops at the detection position.

[0038] If the tablet is successfully recognized, the ECU is programmed to advance the first assembly 12 and adjust the brewing parameters based on the recognized tablet. These parameters may be, for example, the amount of water injected into the brewing chamber, or the stroke applied to the plunger 123 before the brewing stage, as will be described later.

[0039] If recognition fails, repeated reading is expected. In the case of dynamic reading, this repetition may be performed at a slower speed. If recognition fails after a predetermined number of reading attempts, it may be provided that the first assembly part 12 is nevertheless advanced or returned to the open position.

[0040] Referring particularly to Figures 19-22, the brewing unit further comprises a movable blade member 51 rotatably positioned facing the second assembly 14. The blade member 51 is thereby attached to a support structure 20 rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the output filter 143, indicated by y in the figure. The blade member 51 carries a first scraping member 52 on the side facing 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] Figures 19 to 22, in particular, clearly illustrate the synchronization between the movement of the first assembly 12 and the movement of the blade member 51. The blade member 51 can vibrate between a first corner end position, hereafter referred to as the lowered position and shown, for example, in Figure 19, and a second corner end position, hereafter referred to as the raised position and shown, 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 the operation of the brewing apparatus 10.

[0042] The movement of the blade member 51 is controlled by the movement of the first assembly 12, via an auxiliary transmission device 54, for example, shown in Figures 2-5, which is connected to a drive mechanism 18. The auxiliary transmission device 54 has a control plate 55 that is slidably mounted horizontally on the support structure 20 (see also Figures 23 and 24). As shown in Figure 24, the control plate 55 is positioned on the opposite side of the side wall 202 from the first assembly 12. The control plate 55 carries a cam groove 56, which is sequentially engaged between the second toggle member 282 and the first assembly 12 by a hinge pin extension 284. 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 motion of the rod 58 into rotational motion of the blade member 51. Furthermore, the blade member may be associated with a first movable assembly component having a different motion than described above, and therefore, the associated auxiliary drive device may have a different configuration than described above.

[0043] The brewing unit 20 further includes a stationary scraping member 61 positioned to obstruct the receptacle 13 during the movement of the first assembly 12 between an open position and a closed position. The stationary scraping member 61 is mounted on the support structure 20 above the seat 201 on which the optical sensor 40 is located.

[0044] Next, we will describe in detail an example of the operation of the brewing apparatus 10 described above.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the operating procedure for this machine can be specified as follows. 1. Installation of tablet P to receptacle 13. 2. Electrical movement of the first assembly component 12. 3. Tablet P's reading position and recognition. 4. Sweep the outlet filter 143 when closing the assembly. 5. Complete the assembly closure. 6. Proceed to the exit filter 143 with tablet P. 7. Pre-brewing, waiting, brewing, and compression steps of tablet P. 8. Reopen the assembly and eject tablet P. 9. Sweep the filters at inlet 126 and outlet 143. 10. Reposition receptacle 13 for the next cycle. A. Disassemble receptacle 13 for cleaning. B. A cleaning cycle in which the water flow of the filter is reversed.

[0046] As will be shown below, the above steps are not necessarily sequential, and some overlap in their temporal development.

[0047] In step 1, the first assembly 12 having the receptacle 13 is positioned vertically (see, for example, Figures 2 and 6). This position allows the product, in particular the compressed tablet P, to be inserted into the receptacle 13 by a simple vertical drop-in insertion. Due to the fact that the spring 124 holds the plunger 123 having the brewing head 125 in a stored position within the receptacle 13, it is possible to accommodate tablets of different heights within 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 via a gear mechanism consisting of gear wheels 30 and 32 to toggle mechanisms 281 and 282 (Figures 3 and 4), which enable 90° rotation and linear stroke of the receptacle 13. A cam member 38 located on the sub-gear wheel 32 can activate a position sensor 34, which signals the electronic control unit (ECU) when it is time to stop the motor 16 in order to perform other operations in the operating cycle.

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

[0050] The detection / recognition position is detected by a projection 38c of a cam member 38 located on the secondary gear wheel 32, which activates the position sensor / microswitch 34. At this position, the electronic control unit ECU stops the rotation of the electric motor 16 and the unit for the time required for the system to recognize the presence and type of the 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. The dimensions of the helical coupling 59 and the guide groove 56 of the control plate 55 allow for adjustment of the operating timing of the blade member 51 according to the position of the first assembly 14. The same mechanism is tasked with reversing the rotation of the blade member 51 to clean the outlet filter 143 in the step following dispensing (ejection of used tablets) while the first assembly 12, which has the receptacle 13, is returned to the open position for the next cycle.

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

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

[0054] Compression is performed by pumping chilled water CW from a tank (not shown) into a hydraulic cylinder 121, and the pressure is maintained until the used tablets P are discharged. As the pressure of the chilled water CW supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 121 increases, the tablets P are expected to become approximately identical to the discharge filter 143.

[0055] If the height of the tablet differs, the amount of water sent to the hydraulic cylinder 121 will also differ. Therefore, the operating time of the pump is measured to determine the volume of water sent into the hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively, volume measurement may be performed using a flow meter.

[0056] More generally, different sizes can be used for the dosage of powder products 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 dosage size, and in some cases to skip one or more steps in the extraction, as will be revealed below.

[0057] Referring to Figures 27-29, the preparation of the beverage typically consists of three different substeps, though not always: pre-brewing and waiting, brewing, and tablet compression (step 7).

[0058] In the pre-brewing and waiting step (Figure 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 does not allow the pre-brewing valve 142 to open. This small amount of water is injected and then left to wait, which serves to wet the tablet P in preparation for the brewing step.

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

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

[0061] Throughout all of the above substeps, the assembly remains in the closed position, with the motor stopped and the toggle mechanism held at its dead center.

[0062] Depending on the type of powdered product used, one or more of the above steps may be omitted. In particular, for filter preparation 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 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 removal or bypass of the valve in order to perform dispensing without operating the pre-brewing valve 142 (for example, when using filter preparation).

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

[0065] Therefore, the electric motor 16 is reversed to move the first assembly 12 to the ejection and discharge position (Figures 5 and 18). The ejection position is identified by a projection 38e of a cam member 38 dedicated to that position, located on the gear wheel 32. At 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 (Figure 30), at which point the discharge filter 126 becomes substantially horizontal with the edge of the receptacle 13. The pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 123 is maintained until the first assembly 12 reaches the open position.

[0066] After beverage dispensing, cleaning is performed on both filters 126 and 143 by the blade member 51 and the scraping member 61. In the step of reopening the dispense assembly, the blade member 51 rotates in the opposite direction to that described above. As a result, in addition to sweeping the discharge filter 143, the blade member 51 interferes with the used tablet P, detaching it and causing it to fall into the lower compartment (Figure 31).

[0067] As the rotational movement to return to the open position continues, the receptacle 13, with the inlet filter 126 in its maximum forward position, is swept against the scraping member 61 (Figure 32).

[0068] The aforementioned apparatus removes any dust that settles on filters 126 and 143 and does not remain attached to the used tablets during the compression step, and drops it into the used tablet collection section.

[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 subsequent cycles. Due to some friction caused by different gaskets attached to the first assembly 12, the spring 124 allows the inlet filter 126 to return to its position for the next cycle, i.e., the position shown in Figure 6, when the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 121 is released.

[0070] In this case, the determination that the open position has been reached is made by the projection of the cam member 38, that is, the projection shown as 38a in Figure 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 it, the receptacle 13 must be rotated by 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 as a single unit.

[0072] The brewing head 125 is removed together with the receptacle 13 by restraining teeth 13b (Figure 10) located radially inward of the receptacle 13, blocking the rotation of the brewing head 125 in the open position of the first assembly part 12 and restraining the brewing head to the receptacle 13. The brewing head may be slid onto the receptacle 13 and removed from it.

[0073] After cleaning the brewing head 125 with the inlet filter 126, the components can be reassembled by reversing the disassembly steps and ensuring that the brewing head 125 is kept at the end of the stroke. Proper assembly of the brewing head 125 is confirmed by a click when it is reattached to the plunger 123.

[0074] An alternative method 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 any tablets present in the receptacle 13. Once the closed position is reached, cold water is sent through a secondary passage 144 located on the second assembly 14 (see Figure 33). This passage allows the water to pass through the outlet filter 143 (where most dust accumulates) in the reverse of normal operation, removing the accumulated dust. A predetermined amount of water is sent to clean both filters 126 and 143, but without pressurizing the brewing chamber (Figures 33 and 34). The tray 13 is retracted sufficiently to create a small opening at the bottom, allowing the water used for cleaning to be transported directly to the used tablet collection section. In Figures 33 and 34, the path of the cleaning water is represented by dashed arrows.

[0075] Naturally, without impairing the principles of the present invention, the details of the embodiments and structures can be broadly modified from those described and illustrated as purely non-limiting examples, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric brewing unit (10) for preparing a beverage from a powder product (P) containing at least one ingredient, wherein the brewing unit (10) (a) A dispensing assembly, A first assembly (12) having a receptacle (13) adapted to receive the aforementioned powder product, A second assembly (14) wherein the first assembly (12) is movable between an open position in which the first assembly (12) and the second assembly (14) are separated from each other to allow insertion into the receptacle (13), and a closed position in which the first assembly (12) and the second assembly (14) are coupled to each other to define a brewing chamber between the first assembly (12) and the second assembly (14), A dispensing assembly including, (b) an electric motor (16) adapted to control the movement of the first assembly (12) relative to the second assembly (14) between the open position and the closed position, Equipped with, (c) The first assembly (12) further has a plunger (123) that is slidable within the receptacle (13) when the first assembly (12) and the second assembly (14) are in the closed position, (d) A brewing unit having a plunger (123) and a brewing head (125) adapted to spray water into the brewing chamber.

2. The system includes reading means (40, 41) configured to provide a digital image of the powder product (P), The brewing unit according to claim 1, wherein the reading means (40, 41) has an optical sensor (40) facing the receptacle (13) at a detection position intermediate between the open position and the closed position.

3. The brewing unit according to claim 2, wherein the optical sensor (40) is capable of detecting the powder product (P) statically or dynamically.

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

5. The brewing unit according to claim 4, wherein the electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to determine the dosage size of the powder product from the digital image and to adjust the brewing parameters as a function of the dosage size.

6. A gasket (127) is positioned on the brewing head (125) so as to slide in a sealing manner against the radially inner surface (131) of the receptacle (13). The brewing head (125) has a duct, The plunger (123) has a central duct (123a) that penetrates the plunger (123), The duct of the brewing head (125) and the central duct (123a) of the plunger (123) are connected. The end of the duct of the brewing head (125) on the opposite side of the plunger (123) opens into the brewing chamber. The brewing unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the end of the central duct (123a) of the plunger (123) on the opposite side of the brewing head (125) is configured to be connected to a water supply duct.

7. Further comprising elastic means (124), The elastic means is interposed between the plunger (123) and the hydraulic cylinder (121) fixed to the receptacle (13). The brewing unit according to claim 6, wherein the elastic means is adapted to bias the plunger (123) toward the stowed position.

8. The system further comprises a drive mechanism (18) interposed between the electric motor (16) and the first assembly part (12), The brewing unit according to claim 7, wherein in the closed position, the drive mechanism (18) is in an irreversible state.

9. The drive mechanism (18) rotates the first assembly (12) about the horizontal axis (x) during the first interval movement between the closed position and the open position. The brewing unit according to claim 8, wherein the first assembly part (12) is configured to undergo translational motion along a direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis during a second interval movement between the closed position and the open position.

10. The brewing unit according to claim 9, in combination with claim 8, 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 motion of the first assembly part (12).

11. The brewing unit according to claim 10, further comprising a blade member (51) rotatably positioned facing the second assembly part (14).

12. The brewing unit according to claim 11, wherein the blade member (51) is connected to the drive mechanism (18) via an auxiliary transmission (54).

13. The blade member is rotatable between a first end angular position which is a lowered position and a second end angular position which is an raised position. In the lowered position, the blade member (51) is below the second assembly part (14). The brewing unit according to claim 12, wherein in the raised position, the blade member (51) is aligned with the second assembly part (14).

14. The blade member (51) is During the first section movement of the first assembly part (12), it rotates from the lowered position to the raised position, or vice versa. The brewing unit according to claim 13, wherein the first assembly part (12) is configured to remain stationary during a second section of translational motion.

15. The brewing unit according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the blade member (51) is configured to remove the powder product from the receptacle (13) after the brewing step, with the first assembly (12) moving away from the second assembly (14) and the powder product being carried to the edge of the receptacle (13).

16. The brewing unit according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the blade member (51) is configured to rub or sweep the inlet filter (126) of the first assembly (12) and / or the outlet filter (143) of the second assembly (14), following the brewing step, such that the first assembly (12) moves away from the second assembly (14) and the inlet filter (126) is carried to the edge of the receptacle (13).

17. The brewing unit according to any one of claims 7 to 16, further comprising a stationary scraping member (61) positioned to obstruct the receptacle (13) during the movement of the first assembly part (12) between the open position and the closed position.

18. A method for preparing a beverage from a powder product (P) containing at least one component, comprising a brewing unit according to any one of claims 7 to 16, (a) With the first assembly (12) in the closed position, the plunger (123) is advanced and cold water is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder (121) to transport the powder product (P) to the second assembly (14), (b1) A step of wetting the powder product (P) by supplying a first amount of heated water into the brewing chamber via the plunger (123) and the brewing head (125), (b2) A step of waiting for a predetermined time, (c) A step of preparing a beverage by supplying a second amount of heated water, which is greater than the first amount, to the brewing chamber via the plunger (123) and the brewing head (125), (d) A method comprising the step of supplying more cold water to the hydraulic cylinder (121) to further advance the plunger (123) and compress the used powder product (P) against the second assembly (14).

19. The method according to claim 18, 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 powder product (P).

20. The steps include: moving the first assembly part (12) in translation to separate it from the second assembly part (14); The method according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising the step of advancing the plunger (123) and supplying more cold water to the hydraulic cylinder (121) to remove the used powder product (P) from the receptacle (13).

21. A method for preparing a powder product (P) containing at least one component using a brewing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the method is: This includes supplying heated water to the brewing chamber via the plunger (123) and the brewing head (125) to prepare the beverage in the infusion step, The brewing head (125) applies pressure to the powder product (P) inserted into the receptacle (13) during the brewing step.

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