Machine for the preparation of liquid products via capsules

A machine for the preparation of liquid products via capsules comprising a delivery assembly with a preparation chamber, which comprises a first part and a second part. The second part of chamber comprises an injector device, which is configured for introducing a preparation fluid into a capsule and has a hollow body and includes a first body part and a second body part. Defined between the two body parts is a chamber, housed in which is a perforation device having at least one front perforation element that is axially aligned to a respective through hole, defined in a front wall of the second body part of the injector device. The second body part is slidable, against the action of elastic means, from an advanced position, in which the at least one perforation element does not project substantially beyond the front wall, to a retracted position, where the at least one perforation element projects substantially beyond the front wall. The elastic means comprise a bending spring that extends in a direction transverse to the direction of axial sliding (X) of the second body part with respect to the first body part.

This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/IB2015/058184 filed Oct. 23, 2015 which designated the U.S. and claims priority to IT Patent Application No. TO2014A000919 filed Nov. 6, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to machines for the preparation of beverages and liquid products in general by means of capsules. The invention has been developed with particular reference to delivery assemblies for machines of the type referred to.

PRIOR ART

Delivery assemblies for machines for the preparation of liquid products via capsules usually comprise a preparation chamber made up of two parts, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other. One part of the chamber is constituted by a capsule-holder, whereas the other part is constituted by an injector.

The injector in general has a tubular injector body, associated to which is a perforation device, which usually comprises a plate from which a plurality of tips project at the front. Slidably coupled to the injector body is a front lid, having a wall provided with a plurality of holes, axially aligned to the tips of the perforation device. The perforation device is hence substantially housed in a chamber defined between the injector body and the corresponding lid, with the chamber that is in fluid communication with the source of water and/or steam under pressure used for preparation of the liquid product. The lid is able to displace, against the action of elastic means, from an advanced position to a retracted position, where the aforesaid tips do not project and do project, respectively, beyond the front lid.

When a capsule is loaded into the delivery assembly, with the injector and the capsule-holder in a spaced apart position, the lid of the injector is in the aforesaid advanced position. During passage of the injector and of the capsule-holder to the respective close position, the lid first sets itself up against an end wall of the capsule. As the injector and the capsule-holder continue to approach one another, when the capsule is by now altogether inserted into the capsule-holder, the lid slides backwards with respect to the injector body, against the action of the aforesaid elastic means so as to reach its retracted position: in this way, the tips of the perforation device can perforate the end wall of the capsule and enable the preparation fluid to penetrate therein. After delivery of the liquid product, when the injector and the capsule-holder are brought back into the spaced apart position, the elastic means of the injector bring the lid back into its advanced position.

The aforesaid elastic means are typically constituted by a metal torsion spring, i.e., a helical spring, which extends axially in the direction of sliding of the lid with respect to the injector body. One end of the spring bears upon the inner surface of the lid, and the other end bears upon a bottom or a transverse wall of the injector body.

Solutions of this type are known, for example, from EP 2170133 A and from WO 2008096385 A, on which the preamble of claim1is based.

In these solutions the spring must be housed directly inside the chamber defined between the injector body and the corresponding lid. The spring must moreover have a considerable diameter, to provide the pre-loading necessary to guarantee fluid-tightness of the lid with respect to the body of the capsule, during injection, and for enabling maintenance of the advanced position where the tips are covered. A metal spring of such dimensions is thus potentially subject to the release of contaminating substances in the fluid injected into the capsule, all the more so if it is considered that the spring is, at each delivery cycle, immersed in the fluid at high temperature, which is then introduced into the capsule. The fact that the metal spring has a large diameter has as consequence that also the chamber defined between the injector body and the corresponding lid must have a relatively large volume, which causes significant stagnation of water within the injector following upon a delivery cycle.

The aforesaid drawbacks are overcome in the case of injectors of the type described in EP 1369069 A or EP 1295554 A. Provided in these solutions is a plurality of metal helical springs of small diameter, instead of a single spring of large diameter. Also in this case, the springs extend in the direction of sliding of the lid and interact between the latter and the casing, but are arranged on the outside of the chamber where the perforation device is located. These solutions complicate, however, production of the injector as a whole, in view of the need to provide purposely designed seats for the springs and guide elements for guiding sliding of the lid, and determine an increase of the lateral encumbrance of the injector.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY

In its general terms, the aim of the present invention is to solve the aforesaid drawbacks in a simple and economically advantageous way. This and other aims, which will emerge clearly hereinafter, are achieved according to the present invention thanks to a machine for the preparation of beverages and liquid products in general having the characteristics recalled in claim1. Advantageous developments of the invention form the subject of the dependent claims. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” in the framework of the present description is meant to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as “in an embodiment” or “in one embodiment” and the like that may be present in various points of this description do not necessarily refer to one and the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular conformations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments. The references used herein are merely provided for convenience and hence do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments.

It is moreover pointed out that the machine according to possible embodiments of the invention will be illustrated and described limitedly to some parts of a delivery assembly thereof, which constitutes a specific aspect of the invention, taking for granted that associated to this assembly are all the other elements in themselves known for operation of an ordinary machine for the preparation of beverages via capsules, amongst which, for example, a water tank, an electrical pump, an electric heater, a user interface, etc.

Partially and schematically represented inFIGS. 1-4is a machine1for the preparation of liquid products via capsules, in particular for the preparation of coffee. The machine1has a delivery assembly2having a casing3, located in which is a preparation chamber comprising two parts, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other. In the example illustrated, the first part includes a capsule-holder4, defining a housing configured for receiving at least partially a capsule and delivering the liquid product obtained by means thereof, and for this purpose the capsule-holder4has an outlet4aof its own. In the example, the capsule-holder4is stationary and at least part of its structure is defined by the casing3.

The second part of the infusion chamber comprises an injector device5, referred to hereinafter for simplicity as “injector”, configured for introducing into a capsule water and/or steam under pressure, supplied by means of a respective inlet5a. In the example illustrated, the injector5is substantially coaxial with the capsule-holder4and is mounted so as to displace linearly inside the casing3according to an axis designated by X inFIG. 1, via guides of any known conception. For instance, in one embodiment, defined on each of the two opposite sides of the casing3is a linear guide, and engaged in the two guides—which are parallel to one another and with respect to the axis of the assembly2—are respective lateral guide elements for the injector5, for example the ends of a pin belonging to an actuation system of the assembly2. Preferably, associated to the injector5is a one-way valve (not represented), designed to open only when the pressure of the incoming preparation fluid (in particular, water and/or steam) has reached a given value; one such valve can be integrated inside the injector5or else be set outside it.

The assembly2includes an arrangement for loading a capsule, which comprises an inlet passage and means that can assume a condition where they withhold the capsule introduced into the assembly2and a condition where they release it. Preferably, the aforesaid means are also configured so as to guide the capsule as far as the aforesaid withholding position, all according to techniques in themselves known. In one embodiment, for example, the withholding and guide means are of the type described in WO 2012/168917 A, the teachings of which are to be considered incorporated herein for reference.

A capsule that can be used in the assembly2is designated by6inFIG. 2. In the example, the capsule6, of a conception in itself known, has a substantially cup-shaped body, with a peripheral wall6aand a bottom6b, and a closing wall6copposite to the bottom6b, preferably formed by a sealing foil. The body6adefines, at its mouth opposite to the bottom6b, a flange6don which the closing wall6cis fixed, for example via heat sealing. Housed inside the cup-shaped body is a dose of a precursor that is able to form a liquid product via a preparation fluid, such as water and/or steam under pressure, the precursor comprising, for example, ground coffee.

In one embodiment, such as the one exemplified in the figures, the casing3has, in its upper part, an entry opening3a, forming part of the aforesaid loading arrangement. In the example, the profile of the opening3asubstantially corresponds to the cross section of the capsule6so as to enable guided introduction thereof with relative precision into the assembly2. To the opening3athere corresponds, in the lower part of the casing3, an opening for discharging the capsule (not indicated but partially visible for example inFIGS. 3 and 4).

Provided at the two sides of the injector5, substantially a little beyond its front, are vertical guides7for the capsule6, preferably configured for being engaged by the flange6dof the capsule itself. The guides7may be fixed to the body of the injector5, or else may be configured as distinct components, but fixed in motion with respect to the injector, at a fixed distance from one another. Provided in the lower part of the injector5is a lower support8for the capsule6, which can be switched between an operative position and an inoperative position, for example according to the teachings of the aforementioned WO 2012/168917 A. As already mentioned, in any case, the means for guiding and withholding the capsule6inside the assembly2may be of any type known in the sector.

Preferably, the assembly2also includes means for extraction or expulsion of a spent capsule from the housing defined by the capsule-holder4. Also these means may be of any type known in the sector. In one embodiment, such as the one exemplified in the figures, these means include an ejector member9, which is mounted movable in an opening provided in the bottom of the capsule-holder4. The specific construction and the modalities of actuation of the ejector member9do not fall within the purposes of the invention, and consequently will not be described herein. To the bottom wall of the capsule-holder4there may be associated a perforation device, comprising one or more tips or reliefs. Once again with reference to the example illustrated, one such perforation device, which is also of any known type, is designated by10and has a central passage for the ejector member9. Irrespective of the specific conformation of such a device10, the liquid that flows out of the capsule6, which is torn at the bottom by the aforesaid tips, can reach the passage4a. The latter can be connected, for example via a suitable duct, to a nozzle for delivery of the liquid product. The invention may in any case be applied also to the case of delivery assemblies for capsules having a pre-perforated bottom wall, in which case it is not necessary to provide a perforation device inside the capsule-holder4.

Displacement of the injector5in the two opposite directions indicated by the arrow F1ofFIG. 2is obtained by means of an actuation system, designated as a whole by11. In various embodiments, the actuation system11comprises a mechanism substantially of a toggle type or comprising a rocker and at least one connecting-rod member, for example one that may be operated manually by a user via a purposely provided lever, of the type as the one designated by12inFIG. 1. In other embodiments, the actuation mechanism may include gears or an electric driving motor. Also the actuation system11may in fact be of any type known in the sector.

In one embodiment, such as the one exemplified in the figures, the actuation system11includes a rocker13, with two opposite pins13a(see alsoFIG. 5) rotatably constrained in respective seats (one of which is designated by3binFIG. 1), defined in the two opposite sides of the casing3, there being associated to these pins of the rocker13the ends12aof the lever12. The rocker13is articulated to a connecting-rod member14via a pin15, movable in arched guide slits defined on the two opposite sides of the casing3, one of which is designated by16inFIG. 1. The connecting-rod member14is constrained, via a second pin17, to the body of the injector5, as will emerge hereinafter. The axes of rotation of the actuation system11identified by the pins13aof the rocker13and by the pins15and17are hence substantially perpendicular to the direction of linear displacement F1of the injector5with respect to the capsule-holder4.

With reference, in particular, toFIGS. 2-5, the injector5has a generally hollow body that includes at least one first body part20and one second body part21, which is axially slidable with respect to the first body part20. In the example illustrated in the figures, the axis of sliding between the body parts20and21substantially corresponds to the axis X of displacement of the injector5with respect to the capsule-holder4. In what follows, for simplicity, the parts20and21will be defined as “injector body” and “lid”, respectively.

In one embodiment, such as the one exemplified, the injector body20is approximately cylindrical and has an intermediate transverse wall20a, provided with the inlet5afor the preparation fluid. In the example, the injector body20is connected to the actuation system11. For this purpose, in a position set behind the intermediate wall20a, the injector body20has, on two opposite sides, circular through seats20b(FIG. 5), which can be engaged by the pin17connected to the connecting-rod member14.

Also the lid21has a substantially cylindrical hollow shape, with an end wall21athat basically provides a front wall of the injector5. In the example, the injector body20and the lid21have different diameters and are mounted in a substantially telescopic way with respect to one another. Operative between the injector body and the lid is at least one sealing member22, preferably but not necessarily mounted on the injector body20.

In one embodiment, such as the one represented, the lid21has a plurality of rear projections21b, configured for engagement with the injector body20. Preferably, in this case, the intermediate wall20aof the injector body20has a plurality of passages for coupling of the ends of the projections21b. In an advantageous embodiment, the aforesaid ends of the projections21bdefine respective engagement teeth, which can co-operate with respective portions20cof the injector body20in order to prevent sliding out of the lid from the injector body. Coupling between the aforesaid passages and projections moreover makes it possible to guide substantially linear sliding between the parts20and21of the injector5.

Defined between the injector body20and the lid21is a chamber23, at least partially housed in which is a perforation device, designated as a whole by24. In the example illustrated, the intermediate wall20aof the injector body20is shaped to define the chamber23together with the front wall21aand with a tubular peripheral portion21c(FIG. 5) of the lid, the projections21bdeparting backwards from the tubular portion21c. The perforation device24is associated to a front of the injector body20, here represented by at least one portion of the first side of the intermediate wall20a.

The perforation device24has at least one front perforation element that is axially aligned to a respective through hole defined in the front wall of the lid21. In the embodiment exemplified, the device24basically consists of a base24aconfigured like a plate, from which a plurality of perforation tips24bproject at the front. InFIGS. 2-3the tips24b, axially aligned to holes26of the wall21aof the lid, are clearly visible.

Preferably, the base24ais coupled to the first side of the intermediate wall20aof the injector body20, for example via snap-action couplings or bayonet couplings. The parts of these couplings corresponding to the base24aof the device24are designated by24cinFIG. 5. Once again preferably, moreover set between the intermediate wall20aof the injector body20and the base24aof the perforation device is a seal gasket25. In the region circumscribed by this gasket the base24apreferably has at least one through opening, in fluid communication with the inlet5aof the injector5. In this way, the fluid entering the injector5can reach the chamber23.

The lid21is slidable against the action of elastic means, from an advanced position (visible inFIGS. 2-4) to a retracted position (visible inFIGS. 6-7). As may be appreciated, in the aforesaid advanced position of the lid21(seeFIG. 2), the tips24bof the perforation device24do not project substantially beyond the front wall21aof the lid. Instead, in the aforesaid retracted position (seeFIG. 6), the tips24bproject considerably beyond the wall21ain order to be able to perform their perforating function, as described hereinafter.

According to a main aspect of the invention, the elastic means that urge the lid21towards the respective advanced position comprise a bending spring, which extends in a direction transverse to the direction of axial sliding of the lid21with respect to the injector body20. As may readily be noted, for example, inFIGS. 2 and 6, the aforesaid bending spring—designated as a whole by30—extends transversely with respect to the axis X of sliding of the lid21, i.e., to the axis of relative displacement between the capsule-holder4and the injector5.

In a preferred embodiment, such as the one illustrated, the bending spring is a leaf spring, preferably made of a metal material, for example steel.

In one embodiment, the spring30has an intermediate portion30athat is constrained to the injector body20and from which there extend in opposite directions at least two spring arms30b, designed to co-operate with the lid21.

With reference to the preferred embodiment exemplified, the intermediate portion30aof the spring is shaped for coupling with an element that is associated to the injector body20. In the case illustrated, the aforesaid element is represented by the pin17, which, as has been seen, provides an element for connection of the injector body20to the connecting rod24belonging to the actuation system11, and the intermediate portion30ahas a generally arched conformation. Of course, according to possible variant embodiments (not represented), the intermediate portion of the spring30may be shaped for direct coupling with the body of the injector body20, for example with its intermediate wall20a, the back of which may for this purpose be provided with seats for positioning and engagement of the spring.

The spring arms30bhave respective end regions that are urged elastically against respective rear portions of the lid21of the injector and are able to slide with respect to them during passage between the aforesaid advanced and retracted positions of the lid. In the embodiment exemplified, the aforesaid rear portions of the lid21, on which the spring arms30brest, are represented by the ends of the engagement projections21b, as may be clearly seen, for example, inFIGS. 2-3 and 6-7.

In the preferred embodiment, the bending spring30extends outside the chamber23defined between the injector body20and the corresponding lid21, as emerges clearly in the figures, and hence without coming into contact with the fluid that is to reach the capsule set inside the assembly2.

Advantageously, the injector body20may present positioning seats for the bending spring. In one embodiment, for example, at least two opposite peripheral seats are provided, each for one end region of a respective spring arm30b. In the example illustrated, these seats are defined by pairs of walls parallel to one another and with respect to the axis of the injector body20, between which an end portion of a corresponding spring arm30bis inserted with the possibility of moving. Only one of the walls of each pair, designated by20d, may be seen in the figures.

Preferably, a seat20eis also provided for positioning the central portion30aof the spring30, which in the example illustrated is defined in a rear formation of the intermediate wall20aof the injector body20.

In use, starting from the retracted position of the injector5visible inFIGS. 2-4, a capsule6is inserted in the passage3aand guided, by means of the side guides7, as far as the withholding position determined by the lower support8carried by the injector body20. In this position, the capsule6is substantially coaxial with the injector5and the capsule-holder4, with its wall6dgenerally parallel to the front wall20aof the lid21of the injector5, which is kept in its advanced position thanks to pre-loading of the spring30(inFIGS. 2-4 and 6-7, the capsule6has not been represented for reasons of greater clarity of the drawings).

The actuation system11is then actuated to cause a clockwise rotation of the rocker13towards the position visible inFIGS. 1, 6, and 7. This rotation of the rocker13determines a displacement of the pin15along the corresponding guide slits16and hence, via the connecting-rod member14, an advance of the injector5and of the guides7that are fixed with respect thereto. As has been said, in the example considered, the injector5is constrained to the linear movement on opposite sides (for example, the two opposite ends of the pin17are constrained directly or indirectly in guides defined on the opposite sides of the casing3). In this way, it is possible to bring about approach of the injector5to the capsule-holder4into the position represented inFIGS. 6-7.

In the course of the aforesaid displacement, the capsule6—still supported laterally by the guides7and by the lower support8—is partially introduced into the capsule-holder4. When the capsule6no longer has any possibility of advancing in the capsule-holder (for example, because it has reached the tips of the perforation device10, if envisaged), further advance of the injector5determines first contact between the front wall21aof the lid and the wall6cof the capsule6.

As the movement of the injector5proceeds, the lid21passes from its advanced position to its retracted position, countering the action of the spring30, the arms30bof which bend backwards with respect to the intermediate portion30a, thereby loading further, as may be clearly seen, for example, from the comparison betweenFIGS. 2 and 6. Hence, in this step, a relative sliding is obtained between the end portions of the spring arms30band the ends of the engagement projections21b, on which the end portions rest elastically.

The tips24bof the perforation device, now in the extracted condition, thus perforate the wall6cof the capsule6, and then supply of the preparation fluid can be started. The fluid under pressure penetrates into the chamber23of the injector5from the inlet5a, traversing the intermediate wall20aof the injector body20and the base of the device24, and then flows on the outside through the gaps present between the tips24band the corresponding holes26of the wall21a. In this step, between the front wall21aof the lid and the wall6cof the capsule a peripheral seal is provided, in particular thanks to an annular gasket present in a position corresponding to the wall21a(this gasket, for example, is clearly visible inFIG. 4, but does not bear any reference number). The fluid under pressure can then reach the inside of the capsule6, traversing the gaps between the tips24band the edges of the openings that the tips have made in the wall6cof the capsule. Inside the capsule6the fluid comes into necessary contact with the precursor, and the liquid product thus formed exits from the bottom6bof the capsule, for example perforated via the perforation device10associated to the capsule-holder4, and then flows out through the outlet4a.

Next, by causing a rotation of the rocker13in a counterclockwise direction, it is possible to obtain an opposite displacement, i.e., a recession of the injector5, away from the capsule-holder4. As has been said, the specific modalities of withholding, guiding, and ejection of the capsule with respect to the assembly do not fall within the purposes of the invention since they may be obtained in any known way, for example as described in WO 2012/168917 A. In the course of the movement of return of the injector5, also the spring30once again assumes the condition illustrated inFIG. 2, with new sliding of the end portions of the arms30bon the projections21b.

From the foregoing description, the characteristics of the present invention emerge clearly, as likewise its advantages. Thanks to the use of a bending spring set transversely with respect to the axis of sliding of the parts of the injector device, the structure of the latter is simple, compact, and reliable in operation. The leaf configuration of the spring is particularly advantageous for the purposes of containment of the overall dimensions. The bending spring is housed on the outside of the chamber defined between the injector body and the corresponding lid, thereby preventing any contact between the spring itself and the liquid for preparation of the liquid product, at the same time enabling a considerable reduction of the volume of the aforesaid chamber, thereby reducing to a minimum any possible stagnation of fluid inside the injector.

Without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the embodiments may vary, even significantly, from what has been illustrated herein purely by way of non-limiting example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the annexed claims.

In alternative embodiments (not represented), the injector device of the assembly may be stationary (obviously except for its perforated lid), and the capsule-holder be movable, or else both the capsule-holder and the injector may be movable with respect to one another in order to obtain approach and recession between the injector and the capsule-holder.

The actuation system of the assembly, of any known type suitable for this purpose, may be operated manually or via an actuator, such as an electric motor.

The invention is such as to be usable also in the case of delivery assemblies with roto-translational motion of the corresponding capsule-holder, for example of the type described in WO 2011/015978 A1.