Pivotally closing beverage ingredient holder with a lock

A receptacle holding unit (1) for a device for preparing a beverage from an ingredient contained in a receptacle (2). A first part (10) and a second part (20) are movable between a closed position for holding said receptacle and an open position for inserting said receptacle and/or for removal therefrom. A fastening arrangement comprises a locking member (30) movable between: —a locking position for preventing relative rotational movement of the first and second engagement surfaces (11, 21) when the parts (10, 20) are in the closed position; and —an unlocking position for allowing relative rotational movement of the of the first and second engagements surfaces (11, 21) and engagement and disengagement thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/EP2012/063654, filed on Jul. 12, 2012, which claims priority to European Patent Application No. 11173521.3, filed Jul. 12, 2011, the entire contents of which are being incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention pertains to beverage preparation devices using receptacles, such as capsules, of an ingredient of the beverage to be prepared, in particular to devices arranged to prepare the beverage by circulation of a liquid into the ingredient receptacle and centrifugation thereof, typically to brew the beverage in the ingredient receptacle and extract the beverage therefrom.

For the purpose of the present description, a “beverage” is meant to include any human-consumable liquid substance, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, etc. . . . A “receptacle” is meant to include any container such as a packaging for containing a pre-portioned beverage ingredient, e.g. a flavouring ingredient, the packaging forming an enclosure, e.g. a capsule, of any material, in particular an airtight or pervious material, porous or non-porous material, e.g. plastic, aluminium, recyclable and/or biodegradable packagings, and of any shape and structure, including soft pods or rigid cartridges for containing the ingredient.

BACKGROUND ART

Certain beverage preparation machines use capsules containing ingredients to be extracted or to be dissolved and/or ingredients that are stored and dosed automatically in the machine or else are added at the time of preparation of the drink. Some beverage machines possess filling means that include a pump for liquid, usually water, which pumps the liquid from a source of water that is cold or indeed heated through heating means, e.g. a thermoblock or the like.

Especially in the field of coffee preparation, machines have been widely developed in which a capsule containing beverage ingredients is inserted in a brewing device. The brewing device is tightly closed about the capsule, water is injected at the first face of the capsule, the beverage is produced in the closed volume of the capsule and a brewed beverage can be drained from a second face of the capsule and collected into a receptacle such as a cup or glass.

Brewing devices have been developed to facilitate insertion of a “fresh” capsule and removal of the capsule upon use. Typically, such brewing devices comprise two parts relatively movable from a configuration for inserting/removing a capsule to a configuration for brewing the ingredient in the capsule. The actuation of the movable part of the brewing device may be motorized. Such a system is for example disclosed in EP 1 767 129. In this case, the user does not have to provide any manual effort to open or close the brewing device. The brewing device has a capsule insertion passage provided with a safety door assembled to the movable part of the brewing device via a switch for detecting an undesired presence of a finger in the passage during closure and prevent injuries by squeezing. The actuation of the movable part of the brewing device may be manual. WO 2009/043630 discloses a beverage preparation machine including a brewing unit having a front part with a passage for inserting a capsule into the brewing unit. The front part is arranged to telescope out of the machine's housing for uncovering the passage for inserting a capsule into the brewing unit and telescopes into the brewing unit for sliding the passage under the housing and thus covering the passage by the housing. A pivotable arched handle is configured for driving the front part manually. WO 2005/004683 and WO 2007/135136 disclose a device comprising a frame, a fixed holding part for the capsule, a movable holding part which is mounted relative to the frame in a sliding relationship, one or two knuckle joint mechanisms that provide a mechanical system for closing in a steady and fluid-tight manner the holding parts about the capsule while also resisting to the counter-force acting while re-opening and generated by the internal brewing pressure, and a handle for directly levering the knuckle joint mechanism.

The preparation of a beverage by using centrifugation is also known. Such beverage preparation includes: providing a beverage (flavoring) ingredient, e.g. as powder and/or leaves, in a receptacle, e.g. in a capsule; circulating liquid into the receptacle and rotating the receptacle at sufficient speed to ensure interaction of the liquid with the ingredient while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle. Such pressure increases gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the receptacle. As liquid traverses the ingredient, e.g. coffee bed, extraction of the ingredient, e.g. coffee compounds, takes place and a liquid extract is obtained that flows out at the periphery of the receptacle. WO2008/148601 describes a possible example of a device using such centrifugal principle. In this case, the ingredient receptacle is a sealed capsule which is opened before its use. Hot water is fed in the centre of the capsule via a water interfacing part comprising a water injector aligned in the rotation axis. The receptacle is held in a capsule holder which is rotated by means of a rotary motor. Both the liquid interfacing part and the capsule holding part are mounted along roller bearings. The beverage is extracted from the capsule by a plurality of peripheral needles that creates openings through a lid of the receptacle. As the capsule is centrifuged about its rotation axis, hot water passes through the beverage ingredient, interacts with it to produce a liquid extract and the resulting liquid extract traverses, under the effect of the centrifugal forces, the peripheral openings and is projected against an impact wall of the collector. The liquid extract, thus constituting the beverage, is then drained through a beverage duct of the device and collected into a recipient such as a cup. WO2008/148650 further describes a device wherein a flow restriction is created downstream of the receptacle, in particular a capsule, for example, by a valve system which opens or enlarges under the pressure created by the centrifuged liquid leaving the receptacle. The valve system can be formed by a mobile restriction part of the device which is elastically urged against a rim portion of the capsule. U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,605 relates to a centrifugal type extraction cell having a deformable sealing joint for hot beverage preparation machine. The cell comprises a drum and a cover defining with the drum an internal volume. The cover is connected to the drum by attachment ears that engage in ramps. In these prior art devices, the water interfacing part which supplies the receptacle with water and the holding part which holds the receptacle are rotatable along frame portions of the device which are secured together by a closure mechanism such as a bayonet system or the like. The holding part is generally mounted on a frame part via at least one roller bearing. The liquid interfacing part is also generally part of a frame part also mounted along at least one roller bearing. When the device is rotated at high speed during centrifugation, the liquid extract creates important axial and radial forces which tend to separate these rotating parts.

A problem of the prior art devices comes from the difficulty to provide a closure of the device about the receptacle that properly resists to axial and radial forces created by the centrifugal pressure of the liquid. In order to maintain a sufficient closure that resists to the centrifugal pressure, a complex closure system is usually required that creates long tolerance chains for accurately holding the receptacle. Furthermore, due to the hydrostatic pressure present in the rotating receptacle, the axial forces tend to provide excessive loads on essential support means of the device such as the roller bearings. As a result, the bearings and other load support mechanical pieces of the device can wear prematurely. In order to prevent these problems, the device must be made more robust but this impacts on the cost of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A preferred object of the invention is to alleviate one or more of the prior art drawbacks.

The invention relates to a receptacle holding unit and to a device including such a unit for preparing a beverage from at least one ingredient and dispensing such prepared beverage. For instance, the device is a coffee, tea, chocolate, cacao, milk or soup preparation machine. In particular, the device is arranged for preparing within a beverage processing module that includes the receptacle holding unit, a beverage by passing hot or cold water or another liquid through a receptacle held in the unit, such as a held capsule, containing an ingredient, such as a flavouring ingredient, of the beverage to be prepared, such as ground coffee or tea or chocolate or cacao or milk powder.

Such beverage preparation typically includes the mixing of a plurality of beverage ingredients, e.g. water and milk powder, and/or the infusion of a beverage ingredient, such as an infusion of ground coffee or tea with water. For instance, a predetermined amount of beverage is formed and dispensed on user-request, which corresponds to a serving. The volume of such a serving may be in the range of 25 to 250 ml, e.g. the volume for filling a cup or mug, depending on the type of beverage. Formed and dispensed beverages may be selected from ristrettos, espressos, lungos, cappuccinos, café latte, americano coffees, teas, etc. . . . For example, a coffee machine may be configured for dispensing espressos, e.g. an adjustable volume of 20 to 60 ml per serving, and/or for dispensing lungos, e.g. a volume in the range of 70 to 200 ml per serving.

One aspect of the invention relates to a receptacle holding unit for a device for preparing a beverage from an ingredient contained in a receptacle in particular by circulating a liquid into such receptacle and centrifugally driving such receptacle. This unit comprises: a first part; a second part that is movable relative to the first part between a closed position for holding the receptacle in such unit and an open position for inserting the receptacle into such unit and/or for removal therefrom; and a fastening arrangement for fastening the first and second parts together in the closed position.

The fastening arrangement comprises a first engagement surface on the first part and a second engagement surface on the second part, the first and second engagement surfaces are rotationally engaged together about an axis of relative rotation when the parts are in the closed position and disengaged when the parts are in the open position.

For instance, the engagement first and second surfaces may be formed as helical surfaces or bayonet closure surfaces. The first and second parts may each bear one or more engagement surfaces and/or peripherally arranged surfaces. In particular, the engagement surfaces may be peripherally arranged on the first and second parts about a seat for receiving the receptacle in the holding unit.

The first and second engagement surface are typically configured to match each other during the rotational engagement.

The first engagement surface may be formed by a protrusion or projection of the first part and the second engagement surface may be formed by an opening or recess in the second part, or vice versa.

Hence, mechanical connection and disconnection of the first and second parts can be achieved by relative rotation about the axis of rotation of the first and second parts into and out of the connection configuration.

In accordance with the invention, the fastening arrangement comprises a locking member movable between: a locking position for preventing relative rotational movement of the first and second engagement surfaces when the parts are in the closed position; and an unlocking position for allowing relative rotational movement of the first and second engagements surfaces and engagement and disengagement thereof.

Typically, the locking of relative rotation movement between the first and second parts in the closed position prevents axial separation of the first and second parts, i.e. separation of the first and second parts along the direction of the axis of relative rotation.

The locking member can be actuated into the locking and/or unlocking position manually, e.g. by pushing or pulling the locking member, or automatically, e.g. by actuating the locking member by a motor typically via a mechanical transmission.

Such a receptacle holding unit may be static or dynamic during beverage preparation. For instance, the receptacle holding unit is arranged to rotate, in particular at elevated speed, e.g. above 1000 or 2000 RPM, to enhance processing of the ingredient in the receptacle, in particular mixing thereof with a liquid circulated into the receptacle. In the latter configuration, the first and second parts move together during beverage preparation in a manner to be angularly fixed one to another about the axis of relative rotation. The axis of relative rotation may be the same as or different to the axis of relative rotation of the first and second parts into and out of the connection configuration.

Typically, the locking member is arranged to intercept in the locked position at least the second part to prevent relative rotation thereof in the closed position. For example, the locking member and the second part have, respectively, a pin and an opening, or vice versa, the pin entering the opening to lock the second part in rotation.

The locking member can be movable between the locking and unlocking positions along a direction generally parallel to said axis.

In one embodiment, the locking member is configured to relatively drive the first and second parts into the closed and/or open positions. The locking member can be arranged to move along a direction generally parallel to the axis of relative rotation to drive the first and second surfaces in the engagement or disengagement position, by an axial/rotational movement conversion, in particular by a helical conversion.

Hence, the locking member can be driven in a single linear movement, along the axis of relative rotation of the first and second engagement surfaces, first to bring the first and second parts of the holding unit together and then to drive the engagement surfaces in relative rotation into the closed position. The locking member may be driven in a single linear movement, along the axis of relative rotation of the first and second engagement surfaces, first to disengage the engagement surfaces by relative rotation thereof and then to separate the first and second parts of the holding unit.

Thus, a single axial movement of the locking member can be sufficient to bring the first and second parts together, engage the engagement surfaces and lock the engagement surfaces in the closed position. A single axial movement of the locking member may be appropriate to unlock the engagement surfaces, to disengage the engagement surfaces and to separate the first and second parts.

The locking member can thus be used as an actuator for bringing the receptacle holding unit from a configuration for inserting and/or removing an ingredient receptacle to a configuration for processing the ingredient receptacle to prepare a beverage.

Moreover, the locking member may be located away from any receptacle in the holder unit, e.g. on the outside of the first and second parts, so that the locking member is not, or substantially not, exposed to any fluid or pressure rise associated with the processing of the receptacle in the holder unit. Thus, the locking member is not noticeably exposed to any change of condition and mechanical stress due to the processing circumstances of the ingredient receptacle.

In particular, the two parts may be arranged to undergo substantially no movements along the said axis during the processing of the ingredient receptacle. Optionally, the two parts are arranged to be rotated about the said axis. Hence, in such a case, when the locking member is arranged to be movable along the said axis between the open and the closed positions, the first and second parts do not substantially move along this direction and do not interfere with the (locked) state of the locking member.

The first part bearing the first engagement surface may comprise a first index, in particular a plurality of first indexes, and the second part can comprise an assembly of:a pre-positioning body that bears a second index, in particular a plurality of second indexes; andan engaging body that bears the second engagement surfaces and that is pivotally mounted to the pre-positioning body.

In particular, the first index is arranged to cooperate with the second index for pre-orienting the second engagement surface relative to the first engagement surface to guide mutual engagement thereof at closure of the first and second parts. The engaging and the pre-positioning bodies may be angularly biased into a relative angular orientation for guiding the mutual engagement, in particular biased by one or more springs and/or other elastically deformable elements. Suitable springs include traction and compression springs, helicoidal and spiral and blade springs, discrete and integrated springs. In particular, a spring may be formed integrally with the engaging and/or pre-positioning body(ies), e.g. by moulding, or a spring may be formed as a separate component directly or indirectly assembled to the engaging and pre-positioning bodies.

The first and second parts may have angled first and second indexes, e.g. arrow and counter-arrow like indexes. Preferably, a plurality of indexes are provided corresponding to a plurality of angular pre-positionments for guiding the mutual engagements. Hence, proper relative angular positioning of the first and second parts can be achieved geometrically by the indexes by their interaction at closure.

The locking member may be arranged to intercept in the locked position at least the prepositioning body to angularly block: the engaging body; the prepositioning body; and the first part, so as to prevent relative rotation of the first and second parts.

At least one of the first and second parts may comprise a piercing device for piercing the receptacle. The piercing device may comprise a piercer associated with a liquid channel for guiding a liquid into said receptacle. The piercing device may include a piercer for forming an outlet opening in the receptacle.

In one embodiment, the piercing device is comprised in the second part and the piercing device is angularly fixed relative to the first part when the first and second engagement surfaces are rotationally engaging and disengaging. The piercing device may be in particular angularly fixed to the pre-positioning body when present. The piercing device can comprise a piercer that is off-axis relative to said axis.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a beverage preparation device that has a receptacle holding unit as described above.

The receptacle holding unit can be connected to an actuator for rotatably driving the unit to prepare a beverage. The first and second parts of the unit can be rotatably driven altogether (or en bloc) about an axis that is generally identical to the axis of rotational engagement and disengagement of the first and second engagement surfaces.

The first or the second part can be actuatable by a motor to drive the unit altogether about an axis that is generally identical to this axis, the actuated part driving the other part preferably in a direction of engagement of the first and second engagement surfaces.

The receptacle may be in the form of a capsule that has a flange, e.g. a rim, that can be secured inbetween the first and second parts. The capsule may have a body that is symmetric or asymmetric, conical or frusto-conical or cylindrical or spherical or hemispherical or frusto-spherical, containing the ingredient, e.g. ground coffee, tea or cacao or another beverage ingredient.

The invention also relates to the use of a receptacle containing a beverage ingredient for a receptacle holding unit or for a beverage preparation device as described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 7aillustrate an exemplary embodiment of a receptacle holding unit1and parts thereof in accordance with the invention.

Receptacle holding unit1can be incorporated into an ingredient processing module of a beverage preparation device, typically of the centrifugal type, e.g. as disclosed in EP 2 000 062, EP 2 155 020, EP 2 152 128, WO 2008/148646, WO 2009/106175, WO 2009/106589, WO 2010/026045, WO 2010/026053 and WO 2010/066736. Unit1has a seat5for receiving and housing an ingredient receptacle2, e.g. of the type disclosed in the same references or in WO 2008/148650, WO 2008/148834, WO 2010/066705, WO 2010/063644 and WO 2011/023711. The receptacle may be of the type described above under the header “field of the invention”. Receptacle2may be a capsule that has a container-body2′, e.g. a generally cup-shaped or hemispherical or hemi-ellipsoidal body, having a rim or a flange2″ to which a cover lid2′″ is attached, in particular sealed, as illustrated inFIG. 4.

Unit1is usually configured to circulate a liquid into receptacle2, typically for mixing with the ingredient, e.g. brewing the ingredient, contained in receptacle2. A flavoured beverage may be prepared by circulating a carrier liquid, such as water, into the receptacle for mixing the carrier with the ingredient and form the beverage, e.g. by brewing. An automatic receptacle recognition system may be used to parameterize and adjust the processing of the ingredient automatically in line with the type of ingredient.

When closed or partly-closed receptacles2of flavouring ingredients, e.g. ingredient capsules, are used, unit1may include a receptacle opener27,29such as blades and/or a tearing tool. Alternatively, receptacle2may be a partly or fully self-opening capsule, e.g. under the effect of centrifugation and/or pressure of liquid circulated into receptacle2. Receptacle2may be of the open-type, in which case no opener is needed. For instance, before use in unit1, receptacle2has a lid2′″ that is entirely closed, or at least closed at its periphery facing openers29and pre-opened or liquid pervious in a central area facing opener27. In the latter case, opener27can be omitted and replaced by a non-opening liquid feed channel. Conversely, before use in unit1, lid2′″ may be closed in its centre facing opener27and pre-opened or liquid pervious in its periphery facing openers29. In this case, openers29can be omitted.

Typically, a beverage preparation device comprising unit1of the invention further includes one or more of the following components:a) a fluid system in which unit1is in fluid communication;b) an in-line heater for heating a flow of liquid circulated through unit1or a batch heater for circulating heated liquid from the batch heater to unit1;c) a pump for pumping liquid to unit1, in particular a low pressure pump e.g. within the range of 1 to 5 bar, such as 1.5 to 3 bar;d) a motor for driving unit1in rotation during beverage preparation;e) an electric control unit, in particular comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), for receiving instructions from a user via an input user-interface and for controlling the heater, pump and motor; and/orf) one or more sensors for sensing at least one characteristic selected from characteristics of fluid system including unit1, the heater, the pump, a liquid tank, an ingredient collector, a flow of the liquid (e.g. by a flowmeter), a pressure of the liquid and a temperature of the liquid, and for communicating such characteristic(s) to the control unit.

Moreover, receptacle holding unit1is typically associated with a beverage collection and dispensing system, e.g. as disclosed in WO 2009/106175 and WO 2010/089329.

Receptacle holding unit1comprises: a first part10; a second part20that is movable relative to first part10between a closed position (FIG. 6) for holding receptacle2in such unit1and an open position (FIGS. 1 and 4) for inserting receptacle2into such unit1and/or for removal therefrom. Unit1further includes a fastening arrangement for fastening first and second parts10,20together in the closed position.

For instance, second part20is freely separable from first part19in the open position. Alternatively, first and second parts10,20may be associated with a guiding arrangement (not shown), e.g. guiding rails or slots with end-of-movement stoppers, for guiding the relative movement of first and second parts10,20from the open and closed position so that first and second parts10,20are permanently mechanically linked together during the normal use of unit1(excluding servicing or repairing operations involving a dismantling of unit1).

First part10may have a cavity10′ for containing receptacle2and second part20may form a lid or cover over cavity10′.

The fastening arrangement comprises a first engagement surface11on first part10and a second engagement surface21on second part20. First and second engagement surfaces11,21are rotationally engaged together about an axis1′ of relative rotation when the parts10,20are in the closed position and disengaged when parts10,20are in the open position.

Engagement first and second surfaces11,21are formed as helical surfaces as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. Alternatively, these surfaces may be formed as bayonet closure surfaces. In the illustrated embodiment of unit1, first and second parts10,20each bear a plurality of engagement surfaces11,21peripherally arranged about receptacle seat5.

As illustrated by way of example, second engagement surfaces21can be formed by helical fingers that protrude from second part20and first engagement surfaces11may be formed as corresponding openings or recesses substantially matching the shape of the fingers. Other shapes of engagement surfaces are also contemplated.

Hence, mechanical connection and disconnection of first and second parts10,20can be achieved by relative rotation about axis1′ of the first and second parts into and out of the closed configuration, as shown in the sequence illustrated inFIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7.

In accordance with the invention, the fastening arrangement further comprises a locking member30movable between: a locking position (FIG. 7) for preventing relative rotational movement of first and second engagement surfaces11,21when parts10,20are in the closed position; and an unlocking position (FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) for allowing relative rotational movement of first and second engagements surfaces11,21and engagement and disengagement thereof.

Typically, the locking of relative rotation movement between first and second parts10,20in the closed position prevents axial separation of first and second parts10,20, i.e. separation of first and second parts10,20along the direction of axis1′ of relative rotation.

Locking member30can be actuated into the locking and/or unlocking position manually, e.g. by pushing or pulling locking member30, or automatically, e.g. by actuating locking member30by a motor (not shown) for instance via a mechanical transmission (not shown).

Such a receptacle holding unit1may be static or dynamic during beverage preparation. For instance, receptacle holding unit1is arranged to rotate, e.g. centrifuged, in particular at elevated speed, e.g. above 1000 or 2000 RPM, to enhance processing of the ingredient in receptacle2, in particular mixing thereof with a liquid circulated into receptacle2. In the latter configuration, first and second parts10,20move together during beverage preparation in a manner to be angularly fixed one to another about axis1′ of relative rotation into and out of the connection configuration. Axis1′ of relative rotation of first and second parts10,20may be the same as or different to the axis of ingredient processing rotation of first and second parts10,20. For instance, parts10,20are rotated about axis1′ during beverage preparation by driving part10or part20by a motor, in particular into the direction of engagement of engaging surfaces11,21to enhance closure of parts10,20. Typically, a motor (not shown) drives part10in rotation about axis1′, e.g. via connector12. In the configuration shown inFIG. 1, the motor can drive part10about axis1′ in the clockwise direction to drive surface11against surface21into the direction of mutual engagement.

Typically, locking member30is arranged to intercept in the locked position (FIG. 7) at least second part20to prevent relative rotation thereof in the closed position. Locking member30and second part20may include a pin32and a cooperating opening22, respectively, or vice versa, pin32entering opening22to lock second part20in rotation about axis1′ relative to locking member30and first part10.

Locking member30can be movable between the locking position (FIG. 7) and the unlocking position (FIG. 6) along a direction generally parallel to axis1′.

Locking member30may be configured to relatively drive first and second parts10,20into the closed and/or open positions as illustrated in the sequence shown inFIGS. 4 to 6a. For example, locking member30is used to push second part20during the closing movement, in particular opening22and pin32are non-aligned until the closed position is reached (FIG. 6) so that pin32of locking member30pushes second part20. During the re-opening movement, locking member30may be used to pull second part20, for example via one or more appropriate traction arms26extending between locking member30and second part20. Traction arm26, for instance fixed to or integral with second part20, may allow small axial movements of locking member30relative to second part20to permit a locking movement of locking member30between the locking position (FIG. 7) and the unlocking position (FIG. 6).

Locking member30can be arranged to move along a direction generally parallel to axis1′ to drive the first and second surfaces in the engagement or disengagement position, by an axial/rotational movement conversion, in particular by a helical conversion.

Hence, locking member30can be driven in a single linear movement, e.g. along axis1′ of relative rotation of first and second engagement surfaces11,21, first to bring first and second parts10,20of holding unit1together, as illustrated in the sequence ofFIGS. 4 to 6, and then to drive engagement surfaces11,21in relative rotation into the closed position as illustrated in the sequence ofFIGS. 6 and 7.

In an inverted actuation, locking member30may be driven in a single linear movement, e.g. along axis1′ of relative rotation of the first and second engagement surfaces11,21, first to disengage engagement surfaces11,21by relative rotation thereof and then to separate first and second parts10,20of the holding unit1.

Thus, a single axial movement of locking member30can be sufficient to bring first and second parts10,20together (FIGS. 4 to 5), engage engagement surfaces11,21(FIGS. 5 to 6) and lock engagement surfaces11,21in the closed position (FIGS. 6 to 7). Likewise, a single axial movement of locking member30may be appropriate to unlock engagement surfaces11,21, to disengage engagement surfaces11,21and to separate first and second parts10,20.

Locking member30can thus be used as an actuator for bringing receptacle holding unit1from a configuration for inserting and/or removing an ingredient receptacle2to a configuration for processing ingredient receptacle2to prepare a beverage, and/or vice versa.

Moreover, locking member30may be located away from any receptacle2in the holder unit1, e.g. on the outside of the first and second parts10,20, so that locking member30is not, or substantially not, exposed to any fluid or pressure rise associated with the processing of receptacle2in holder unit1. Thus, in such a case, locking member30is not noticeably exposed to any change of condition or mechanical stress due to the processing conditions of ingredient receptacle2.

As illustrated in detail inFIGS. 4a, 5a, 6aand 7a, first part10bearing first engagement surface11may comprise a first index, in particular a plurality of first indexes15, and second part20can comprise an assembly of:a pre-positioning body20B that bears a second index25, in particular a plurality of second indexes; andan engaging body20A that bears second engagement surfaces21and that is pivotally mounted to pre-positioning body20B.

In particular, first index15is arranged to cooperate with second index25for pre-orienting second engagement surface21relative to first engagement surface11to guide mutual engagement thereof at closure of first and second parts10,20as illustrated inFIG. 5a. Engaging and pre-positioning bodies20A,20B may be angularly biased into a relative angular orientation for guiding the mutual engagement, in particular biased by one or more springs20AB, such as helical springs, and/or by other elastically deformable elements. Hence, when the two parts10,20are spaced apart, e.g. as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 4a, engaging surfaces11,21are biased into alignment for engagement when indexes15,25have properly oriented parts10,20as illustrated inFIG. 5a.

First part10and second part20may have angled or tapered first and second indexes15,25, e.g. arrow-like or triangular-like indexes, and correspondingly counter-shaped indexes25,15. Preferably, a plurality of indexes15,25are provided corresponding to a plurality of possible angular pre-positionings for guiding the mutual engagements. Hence, proper relative angular positioning of first and second parts10,20can be achieved geometrically by indexes15,25.

Locking member30,32may be arranged to intercept in the locked position (FIG. 7) at least engaging body20A,22to angularly block: engaging body20A,21; prepositioning body20B,25; and first part10via indexes15and engaging surfaces11, so as to prevent relative rotation of first and second parts10,20in the locked position.

At least one of first and second parts10,20may comprise a piercing device20C for piercing receptacle2. Piercing device20C may comprise a piercer27associated with a liquid channel28for guiding a liquid into receptacle2. Piercer29may be generally coaxial with axis1′.

Piercing device20C may include a piercer29for forming an outlet opening in receptacle2.

In one embodiment, piercing device20C is comprised in second part20and piercing device20C is angularly fixed relative to first part10when the first and second engagement11,21surfaces are rotationally engaging and disengaging. Piercing device20C may be in particular angularly fixed to the pre-positioning body20B when present. Piercing device20C can comprise a piercer29that is off-axis relative to axis1′. In particular, device20C may include a plurality of peripherally-arranged piercers29.

By avoiding rotational movements of piercing device20C during closure of the system, rotation of engaging body20A does not drive in rotation piercing device20C whereby receptacle2is not subjected to annular tearing by peripherally arranged pierces29when they pierce receptacle2.

Receptacle holding unit1is typically mounted in a beverage preparation device as discussed above.

Receptacle holding unit1can be connected, e.g. via connector12, to an actuator for rotatably driving unit1to prepare a beverage. First and second parts10,20of unit1can be rotatably driven altogether (en bloc) about an axis that is generally identical to axis1′ of rotational engagement and disengagement of first and second engagement surfaces11,21.

First part10or second part20can be actuatable by a motor to drive the unit altogether about an axis that is generally identical to axis1′, the actuated part10driving the other part20preferably in a direction of engagement of first and second engagement surfaces11,21, e.g. clockwise driving of part10in the configuration illustrated inFIG. 7.

Receptacle2may be in the form of a capsule that has a flange2″, e.g. a rim, that can be secured inbetween first and second parts10,20. The capsule may have a body2′ that is, symmetric or asymmetric, conical or frusto-conical or cylindrical or spherical or hemispherical or frusto-spherical, containing the ingredient, e.g. ground coffee, tea or cacao or another beverage ingredient.