Machine for preparing beverages, having a sliding lid

Abstract

Machine for preparing beverages from a powdered product (P) containing at least one ingredient, comprising: a product processing unit (20) comprising a receptacle (21) adapted to receive the powdered product (P), a product opening (30) for inserting the powdered product (P) from outside the machine directly into the receptacle (21), a primary lid (40) manually slidable between a closed position and an open position, and a secondary lid (70) hinged to the primary lid (40) and rotatable relative to the primary lid (40), between a lowered position, in which the secondary lid (70) engages an edge (30a) of the product opening (30), and a raised position, in which the secondary lid (70) is rotated upwards with respect to the lowered position as a result of the sliding of the primary lid (40) between the closed position and the open position.

Description

[0001] Machine for preparing beverages, having a sliding lid

[0002] The present invention relates to a machine for preparing beverages using a powdered product containing one or more ingredients, particularly coffee.

[0003] For simplicity, the following description refers to the use of a compacted pod; however, it is clear that the invention is not limited to a machine designed to operate with pods but is more generally applicable to machines using capsules or, alternatively, pouches.

[0004] Machines for preparing beverages, equipped with an opening for inserting the product from outside the machine and a sliding lid movable between a closed position, in which the lid covers the opening and prevents product insertion, and an open position, in which the lid uncovers the opening and allows the product to be inserted into the machine are known.

[0005] It has been observed that, in such machines with sliding lids, even when the lid is in the closed position, the opening for product insertion may not be adequately sealed, resulting in the undesirable generation of condensation in various parts of the machine. Additionally, if the capsule or pod is not properly positioned, there is a risk that such capsule or pod could be crushed by the lid, potentially leading to breakage.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution capable of overcoming the above- mentioned drawbacks.

[0007] This and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by a machine as defined in the appended independent claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the machine according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the content of which is to be understood as an integral part of the following description.

[0009] In summary, the invention concerns a machine for preparing beverages from a powdered product containing at least one ingredient, comprising a product processing unit comprising a receptacle adapted to receive the powdered product; a product opening for inserting the powdered product from outside the machine directly into the receptacle; a primary lid forming or having a handle and being manually slidable between a closed position, in which the primary lid covers the opening and prevents access to the receptacle, and an open position, in which the primary lid uncovers the opening; a secondary lid hinged to the primary lid at a hinge axis arranged transversely to the sliding direction of the primary lid, wherein the secondary lid is rotatable with respect to the primary lid, between a lowered position, in which the secondary lid engages an edge of the product opening, and a raised position, in which the secondary lid is rotated upwards with respect to the lowered position, as a result of the sliding of the primary lid between the closed position and the open position.

[0010] In the aforementioned machine, the presence of the secondary lid helps reduce the generation of condensation in various parts of the machine. Additionally, the secondary lid can guide the capsule or pod into the receptacle in case of incorrect positioning, thus preventing the capsule or pod from being crushed and potentially breaking.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the primary lid is slidable between the closed position and an open position along an arcuate trajectory. The arcuate trajectory allows the lid to cover the area for inserting the powdered product (e.g., a compacted pod or capsule) not "edge-on" with a transverse movement, as would occur if the lid followed a straight trajectory, but with a motion that approaches the product from above. In this way, if the product is slightly misaligned with respect to the receptacle, the arcuate movement of the lid achieves the effect of guiding the product to the correct position and / or prevents j ams or breakages. This guiding effect complements the action provided by the secondary lid.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the detailed description that follows, provided purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine according to the invention, with the primary lid in the open position;

[0014] Figures 2 and 3 are side elevation views of the machine of Figure 1, respectively with the primary lid in the closed position and in the open position;

[0015] Figures 4 and 5 are side elevation views of a housing portion of the machine of Figure 1, respectively with the primary lid in the closed position and in the open position;

[0016] Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of the housing portion, respectively with the primary lid in the closed position and in the open position, in which a cover shell of the primary lid has been removed;

[0017] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the housing portion wherein a secondary lid is shown;

[0018] Figures 9 and 10 are sectional views of the housing portion of Figure 8, respectively with the primary lid in the closed position and in the open position;

[0019] Figures 11 and 12 are enlarged scale views of the details indicated by arrows XI in Figure 9 and XII in Figure 10, respectively.

[0020] With reference to Figure 1, a machine for preparing beverages, in particular coffee, from a compacted pod (P) containing one or more ingredients, particularly powdered coffee, is generally denoted by 10.

[0021] As previously explained, although the invention is described with reference to the use of a compacted pod containing the ingredient or ingredients for preparing the beverage, it should not be understood as limited to a machine designed to operate with pods, but as including also the case wherein a dose of powder contained in a capsule, pouch, or other similar package suitable for preparing beverages through infusion is provided instead of a pod. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "powdered product" therefore includes both powdered product packaged in capsules or pouches and compacted in the form of pods.

[0022] The machine 10 comprises a product processing unit 20 (inside the machine 10), including a cup-shaped receptacle 21 adapted to receive the product; a product opening 30 for inserting the product (P) from outside the machine 10 directly into the receptacle 21; and a primary lid 40 forming or having a handle for a user and manually movable between a closed position, in which the primary lid 40 covers the opening 30 (Figures 2, 4, 6), and an open position, in which the primary lid 40 uncovers the opening 30 (Figures 1, 3, 5, 7). In the illustrated example, the primary lid 40 has a hollow construction and is formed by a bottom portion 41 and a cover shell 42 assembled together.

[0023] The product processing unit 20 may have an outlet for dispensing beverages prepared in the product processing unit. Unit 20 may be configured to automatically circulate water and / or steam into the receptacle 21 containing the product, so as to prepare a beverage in a manner known per se.

[0024] The receptacle 21 may be movable between an insertion configuration for receiving the product (P) (represented in Figure 1) and a processing configuration for transferring the product (P) within the processing unit 20. An automatic product recognition system may be used to parameterize and automatically adjust the processing of the product based on the type of ingredient.

[0025] The beverage preparation machine 10 typically includes one or more of the following components: a) the product processing unit 20, for example, a fluid circuit comprising an infusion unit operable to form, via the receptacle 21, an infusion chamber inside the machine 10, the infusion chamber is configured to receive and house the product (P), and to guide a flow of water and / or steam through the product (P) via an inlet, until the beverage is produced and exits from an outlet of the infusion chamber; b) an inline heater for heating the flow of liquid to be supplied to the product (P); c) a pump for pumping the liquid through the inline heater; d) one or more connecting elements to channel the liquid from a liquid source, such as a liquid reservoir; e) an electronic control unit for receiving instructions from a user via a user interface and for controlling the inline heater and pump; and / or f) one or more sensors to detect at least one selected parameter among the operating parameters of the processing unit, inline heater, pump, liquid reservoir, liquid flow rate, liquid pressure, and liquid temperature, and to communicate these parameters to the control unit. In particular, the product processing unit 20 includes, or is connected to, an upstream fluidic system, such as for example a system incorporating a engine for liquids like a pump, and a thermal conditioner like a heater, to circulate a thermally conditioned liquid, such as water, from a water source, for example, a liquids reservoir, into the receptacle 21 in the processing configuration.

[0026] Additionally, the product processing unit 20 includes a downstream fluidic arrangement arranged downstream with an outlet for dispensing the beverage to a user, for example, in an area designed to accommodate a user's cup.

[0027] The primary lid 40 is manually slidable, preferably along an arcuate trajectory, between the closed position (Figures 2, 4, 6) and the open position (Figures 1, 3, 5, 7). As can be observed from a comparison between Figures 2 and 3, the primary lid 40, when in the open position, is at a higher elevation than when the primary lid 40 is in the closed position.

[0028] The machine 10 may have an outer housing 50, including a top housing portion 51 on which the primary lid 40 is slidably mounted. The product opening 30 for introducing the product (P) is formed through the top housing portion 51. In the shown example, when in the closed position, the primary lid 40 is located within the perimeter of the top housing portion 51 (see Figures 2 and 4). Instead, when in the open position, the primary lid 40 protrudes laterally beyond an edge of the top housing portion 51 (see Figures 3 and 5).

[0029] At the edge of the product opening 30, the wall thickness of the top housing portion 51 is smaller than the thickness of the product (P). In the position shown in Figure 1, the top edge of the receptacle 21 is substantially in contact with the edge of the product opening 30. The depth of the receptacle 21 is such that a user can manually position the product (P) directly at the bottom of the receptacle 21 without having to let it fall. For example, the depth of the receptacle 21 may be smaller than the thickness (H) of the product (P).

[0030] The top housing portion 51 may include an arrangement for guiding the primary lid 40 between the closed position (Figures 2, 4, 6) and the open position (Figures 1, 3, 5, 7). In the example illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, this guiding arrangement includes a pair of guide ribs 62 coupled to a pair of respective guide grooves 63. The guide ribs 62 are formed on the top housing portion 51 so as to protrude vertically from an upper surface of the housing. The guide grooves 63 are formed through a wall of the bottom portion 41 of the primary lid 40. The guide ribs 62 are provided with laterally projecting portions 62a that serve to retain the bottom portion 41 of the primary lid 40 against the top housing portion 51. The primary lid 40 may also be equipped with rollers 43 that rest against a support surface 51a of the top housing portion 51. The shapes of the primary lid 40, the guide ribs 62, the guide grooves 63, and the support surface 51a are such as to allow the primary lid 40 to slide between the closed position (Figures 2, 4, 6) and the open position (Figures 1, 3, 5, 7) along an arcuate trajectory. End-stop elements may also be provided interposed between the primary lid 40 and the top housing portion 51 to stop the primary lid 40 in the closed position and in the open position, respectively. These stop elements may, for example, be formed in the guide grooves 63 and engaged by the guide ribs 62 when the primary lid 40 reaches the closed or, respectively, open position.

[0031] As illustrated in the example of Figures 6 and 7, the primary lid 40 may be associated with an automatic return device 71 to bring the primary lid 40 into a stable position, in particular the closed position and / or the open position. The automatic return device may be a bistable device 71 to bring the primary lid 40 into two distinct stable positions, specifically the closed position (Figures 2, 4, 6) and the open position (Figures 1, 3, 5, 7).

[0032] The automatic return device 71 may include an elastic arrangement, for example, a spring arrangement, such as torsion springs, compression springs, and / or extension springs, which relaxes when the stable positions are reached.

[0033] In particular, the automatic return device 71 may be directly or indirectly connected to the top housing portion 51 and / or the primary lid 40. For instance, the device 71 may be located inside a cavity of the primary lid 40. For example, the automatic return device 71 may be implemented as a torsion spring. In this case, the device 71 has a first end 71a mounted on a shaft 52 fixed to the top housing portion 51 and a second end 71b mounted on a shaft 43 fixed to the primary lid 40, more specifically to the bottom portion 41. The device 71 also includes a pair of arms 72a and 72b movable relative to each other, which respectively connect the ends 71a and 71b to a helically coiled central body 72c.

[0034] When the primary lid 40 is moved from the closed position (Figures 2, 4, 6) to the open position (Figures 1, 3, 5, 7), the end 71a rotates around the axis 52 fixed to the top housing portion 51, and the end 71b rotates around the axis 43 fixed to the primary lid 40. The lid 40 slides on the end 71a and on the axis 52, while the end 71b follows the primary lid 40 along its trajectory from the first stable final position to the second stable final position.

[0035] When the device 71 rotates, driven by the primary lid 40 moving away from one of its two terminal positions, the ends 71a and 71b are pushed toward each other until the primary lid 40 reaches an unstable intermediate position (semi-open) between the closed position and the open position. After this, the ends 71a and 71b are moved away from each other. When the ends 71a and 71b are pushed toward each other, the spring arrangement of the device 71 is stressed. When the ends 71a and 71b are moved apart, the spring arrangement of the device 71 relaxes. In this way, the spring arrangement of the device 71 forces the separation of the ends 71a and 71b into the stable positions of Figures 6 and 7. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the return device 71 operates in torsion. Naturally, it is possible to modify the device 71 so that the spring arrangement operates in tension or compression.

[0036] Consequently, the device 71 guides or assists the movement of the primary lid 40 from an intermediate position to stable positions on both sides of the intermediate position, particularly in the closed position (Figures 2, 4, 6) and the open position (Figures 1, 3, 5, 7). Additionally, the device 71 may prevent improper placement of the primary lid 40 by automatically moving it into stable positions. This improves the ergonomics associated with the primary lid 40.

[0037] In one embodiment, the product processing module 20 has an insertion configuration (Figure 1) for positioning the product (P) in the receptacle 21 and a processing configuration (not illustrated) for transferring the receptacle 21 into the product processing unit 20 and processing the product (P) to obtain the beverage. The primary lid 40 cannot be moved to the open position when the product processing unit 20 is processing the product (P). Therefore, a locking system may be provided to act on the primary lid 40 when the product processing unit 20 is operational. Alternatively, a safety system may be provided to interrupt the operation of the product processing unit 20 if the primary lid 40 is moved from the closed position.

[0038] Typically, the machine 10 is equipped with a control unit, in particular a unit for controlling the product processing unit 20, as known in the art. The primary lid 40 may constitute or form part of a user interface in communication with the control unit of the machine 10. The user interface may include one or more interface devices 44, such as input devices, for example, buttons, and / or output devices, for example, LEDs or displays. Optionally, the primary lid 40 comprises or is associated with a sensor connected to the control unit for detecting the position of the primary lid 40, which may be, for example, an electromechanical switch sensor, a magnetic sensor, or an optical sensor.

[0039] The control unit may be configured to automatically start the beverage preparation process when the product (P) is inserted into the receptacle 21 and the primary lid 40 is moved to the closed position. The control unit may also be configured to automatically start a shutdown or standby process and / or a service process when no product (P) is inserted into the receptacle 21, and the primary lid 40 is moved to the closed position.

[0040] As shown in Figures 8-12, the machine also includes a secondary lid 70 configured to engage an edge 30a of the product opening 30. According to a preferred embodiment, the secondary lid 70 is provided with a gasket through which the secondary lid 70 engages the edge 30a of the product opening 30. The secondary lid 70 is hinged to a lower side of the primary lid 40 at a hinge axis y arranged transversely with respect to the sliding direction of the primary lid 40. In the illustrated example, the hinge axis y is defined by a shaft 71, the opposite ends of which are inserted into respective seats (not illustrated) formed in the primary lid 40. Note that in Figure 8, the primary lid 40 has been omitted to make the underlying secondary lid 70 visible.

[0041] The secondary lid 70 is therefore rotatable relative to the primary lid 40 between a lowered position (shown in Figures 9 and 11), in which the secondary lid 70 engages the edge 30a of the product opening 30, and a raised position (shown in Figures 10 and 12), in which the secondary lid 70 is rotated upwards with respect to the lowered position. This rotation occurs as a result of the sliding of the primary lid 40 between the closed position and the open position.

[0042] The secondary lid 70 includes a closure portion 72 and a control portion 73 arranged on opposite sides of the secondary lid 70 relative to the hinge axis y. The closure portion 72 is configured to engage the edge 30a of the product opening 30, and the control portion 73 is configured to be engaged between the primary lid 40 and the top housing portion 51, so as to be driven into rotation relative to the primary lid 40 during the sliding motion of the primary lid 40 along the top housing portion 51. The secondary lid 70 therefore defines a first-class lever, wherein the arm defined by the closure portion 72 is much longer than the arm defined by the control portion 73.

[0043] In particular, a slide profile 53 is formed on the support surface 5 la of the top housing portion 51, which is engaged by the control portion 73 of the secondary lid 70. The slide profile 53 includes a main portion 53a and a cam portion 53b located at one end of the slide profile 53 adjacent to the product opening 30. In the illustrated example, two parallel cam portions 53b are formed on respective ribs of the top housing portion. This arrangement is not mandatory. Between the main portion 53a and the cam portion 53b, a slope change point 53c is formed, configured to guide the rotation of the secondary lid 70 during the sliding of the primary lid 40.

[0044] In this regard, the control portion 73 of the secondary lid 70 is provided with a curvilinear follower profile 74 engaging the slide profile 53 formed on the top housing portion 51, and a step profile 75 configured to be engaged by the primary lid 40 when in the closed position of the primary lid 40.

[0045] When the primary lid 40 is in its closed position, as shown in Figures 2, 4, 9, and 11, the secondary lid 70 is in its lowered position, as shown in Figures 9 and 11. The control portion 73 is engaged between the cam portion 53b of the slide profile 53 and a surface 45 of the primary lid 40. More specifically, the curvilinear follower profile 74 of the control portion 73 engages the cam portion 53b of the slide profile 53, and the step profile 75 of the control portion 73 engages the surface 45 of the primary lid 40.

[0046] When the primary lid 40 begins its movement from the closed position to the open position, the combined effect of the control portion 73 passing through the slope change point 53c and the approaching of the surface 45 of the primary lid 40 to the slide profile 53 of the top housing portion 51, due to the arcuate trajectory of the primary lid 40, causes the engagement of the control portion 73 between the slide profile 53 and the surface 45 of the primary lid 40 to induce the secondary lid 70 to rotate from its lowered position to its raised position.

[0047] The secondary lid 70 remains in its raised position until the primary lid reaches its open position, as shown in Figures 3, 5, 10, and 12.

[0048] During the movement from the closed position to the open position of the primary lid 40, when the control portion 73 of the secondary lid 70 reaches the slope change point 53c, the secondary lid 70 falls into its lowered position. Immediately afterward, the secondary lid 70 is locked in this position due to the engagement between a hump defined by the cam portion 53b of the slide profile 53 and the surface 45 of the primary lid 40.

[0049] The presence of the secondary lid 70 allows to reduce the generation of condensate in various parts of the machine. Furthermore, the secondary lid 70 can guide the capsule or pod into the receptacle 21 in case of incorrect positioning, thereby preventing the capsule or pod from being crushed and potentially breaking.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Machine for preparing beverages from a powdered product (P) containing at least one ingredient, comprising a product processing unit (20) comprising a receptacle (21) adapted for receiving the powdered product (P), a product opening (30) for inserting the powdered product (P) from outside the machine directly into the receptacle (21); a primary lid (40) forming or having a handle and being manually slidable between a closed position, in which the primary lid (40) covers said opening and prevents access to the receptacle (21), and an open position in which the primary lid (40) uncovers said opening, and a secondary lid (70) hinged to the primary lid (40) at a hinge axis (y) arranged transversely with respect to the sliding direction of the primary lid (40), wherein the secondary lid (70) is rotatable with respect to the primary lid (40), between a lowered position in which the secondary lid (70) engages an edge (30a) of the product opening (30), and a raised position in which the secondary lid (70) is rotated upwards with respect to the lowered position, due to the sliding of the primary lid (40) between the closed position and the open position.

2. Machine according to claim 1, further comprising a top housing portion (51) on which the primary lid (40) is slidably mounted.

3. Machine according to claim 2, wherein the primary lid (40) in the open position protrudes laterally beyond an edge of the top housing portion (51).

4. Machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the secondary lid (70) comprises a closure portion (72) and a control portion (73) arranged on opposite sides of the secondary lid (70) with respect to said hinge axis (y), wherein the closure portion (72) is configured to engage the edge (30a) of the product opening (30), and the control portion (73) is configured to be engaged between the primary lid (40) and said top housing portion (51) so as to be driven in rotation with respect to the primary lid (40).

5. Machine according to claim 4, wherein a slide profile (53) engaged by the control portion (73) of the secondary lid (70) is formed on the top housing portion (51), a slope change point (53c) configured to guide rotation of the secondary lid (70) during the sliding of the primary lid (40) is formed along said slide profile (53).

6. Machine according to claim 5, wherein the control portion (73) of the secondary lid (70) is provided with a curvilinear follower profile (74) engaging the slide profile (53) formed on the top housing portion (51), and a step profile (75) configured to be engaged by the primary lid (40) in the closed position of the primary lid (40).

7. Machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the secondary lid (70) is provided with a gasket through which the secondary lid (70) engages the edge (30a) of the product opening (30).

8. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary lid (40) is slidable between the closed position and the open position along an arcuate trajectory.

9. Machine according to claim 8, wherein the primary lid (40) in the open position is at a higher elevation than the primary lid (40) in the closed position.

10. Machine according to claim 8 or 9 in combination with any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein an arrangement (62, 63, 43, 51a) is interposed between the top housing portion (51) and the primary lid (40) to guide the primary lid (40) between the closed portion and the open position.

11. Machine according to claim 10, wherein the guide arrangement comprises a pair of guide ribs (62) coupled with a pair of respective guide grooves (63), wherein the guide ribs (62) are formed on the top housing portion (51) so as to protrude vertically from the top housing portion (51), and wherein the guide grooves (63) are formed through a wall of a bottom portion (41) of the primary lid (40).

12. Machine according to claim 11, wherein the guide arrangement further comprises a plurality of rollers (43) resting against a support surface (51a) of the top housing portion (51).

13. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary lid (40) is coupled with a bistable automatic return device (71) configured to urge the primary lid (40) towards the closed position and towards the open position.

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