Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/RU2623953C2/en
Timestamp: 2020-01-26 23:16:35
Document Index: 603521537

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 41', 'art 34', 'art 21', 'arts 51', 'arts 34', 'arts 51', 'art 21', 'art 21', 'art 51', 'art 21', 'art 22', 'arts 51', 'art 21', 'art 51', 'arts 51', 'art 21', 'art 21', 'arts 51', 'arts 51', 'art 21', 'art 68', 'art 68', 'art 21', 'arts 51', 'art 21', 'art 68', 'art 66', 'art 21', 'art 21', 'art 21', 'art 21', 'art 21', 'arts 21', 'arts 21', 'art) 142', 'art 21', 'arts 21', 'art 21', 'art.\n20']

RU2623953C2 - Brewing unit - Google Patents
Brewing unit Download PDF
RU2623953C2
RU2623953C2 RU2014133873A RU2014133873A RU2623953C2 RU 2623953 C2 RU2623953 C2 RU 2623953C2 RU 2014133873 A RU2014133873 A RU 2014133873A RU 2014133873 A RU2014133873 A RU 2014133873A RU 2623953 C2 RU2623953 C2 RU 2623953C2
RU2014133873A
RU2014133873A (en
Луи ДОЙБЕР
Кбо Кофи ГмбХ
2012-01-25 Priority to EP12405010 priority Critical
2012-01-25 Priority to EP12405010.5 priority
2013-01-25 Application filed by Кбо Кофи ГмбХ filed Critical Кбо Кофи ГмбХ
2016-03-20 Publication of RU2014133873A publication Critical patent/RU2014133873A/en
2017-06-29 Publication of RU2623953C2 publication Critical patent/RU2623953C2/en
SUBSTANCE: one aspect of the invention relates to a brewing unit comprising a first part of the brewing unit and movable relative to the first part of the second part of the brewing unit, the first and second part of the brewing unit form a removal device for removing the extraction of the product from the capsule and an injector for inputting the extracting liquid into the capsule. In the closed position (for example, when the first and second parts are "together"), the infusion chamber is closed, which at the time of infusion at least partially surrounds the capsule. Additionally brewing model comprises a support piece (21). The support piece (21) is designed so that in the reference position when the brewing unit is in the open position, the support piece takes a capsule inserted in a predetermined position of the insert, so that after insertion of the capsule rests on the bearing part (21) and the support portion of the first part of the brewing unit. When closing the brewing chamber support piece is displaced from the reference position to the inoperative position, the capsule is held simultaneously capture the first part of the brewing unit and/or the second part of the brewing unit.
24 cl, 39 dwg
This invention relates to extraction apparatus for preparing beverages and the like. from the extractable material contained in the capsule, for example, ground coffee. In particular, it relates to a brewing unit for an extraction apparatus and an extraction apparatus comprising such a module.
Extraction apparatus for preparing drinks, etc. of the extractable material available in portioned packaging are known, for example, in the form of coffee makers and coffee makers for making espresso coffee. In many suitable systems, the unit packs are in the form of capsules in which, for example, a sealed, extractable material is closed. For extraction, the capsule is pierced, for example, from two opposite sides of each other. Then, extracting liquid, most often hot water, is introduced from the first side. On the second side, the extraction product is removed from the capsule. This happens in the so-called brewing unit. Such a module comprises a brewing chamber into which the capsule is placed. Especially popular are the brewing modules, in which a capsule is inserted into the brewing module and the brewing chamber is closed, for example, using the control lever, and the next time the brewing chamber is opened after brewing, the capsule is automatically removed from the brewing chamber and discharged into the capsule container. Typically, such infusion modules with automatic ejection of the capsule are made in the form of horizontal infusion modules, i.e. the capsules are inserted from above, the closing of the brewing chamber is carried out by relative horizontal movement of the two parts of the brewing chamber, the brewing liquid flows in a substantially horizontal direction, and the capsule container is made under the brewing chamber.
Examples of apparatus with horizontal brewing chambers are shown in published patent documents EP 1'721'553, EP 1646'305, EP 1495702, WO 2008/004116 and WO 2008/014830. All these devices are designed for capsules with rotation symmetry about the horizontal axis. The capsule is inserted into an intermediate position in which the annular rim of the capsule is held by means of specially provided latches, for example, by means of pivoting levers mounted to the side of the capsule. Then, the two parts of the brewing chamber are moved relative to each other to insert the capsule into the brewing chamber. As a result, the capsule moves from the intermediate position to the brewing position, and the connection between the retainers and the flange also stops. After brewing, the brewing chamber opens and the capsule, which is no longer held by the locks, falls into the capsule container.
Although the principles discussed in the above documents are partially different (horizontal movement or tilt between the first and second position, capsule shape, etc.), they have in common that for holding in an intermediate position and / or positioning the ejection requires an annular rim of the capsule and specially designed fixators for this. The disadvantage of this solution is that it restricts freedom in the design of the capsule, in addition, the brewing chamber, locking and unlocking mechanisms must have a relatively complex and therefore expensive design.
Patent documents 2005/060801, WO 2007/016977 and US 6,182,554 show brewing modules in which a capsule is inserted into a capsule holder containing a cavity, the shape and volume of this cavity exactly matching the capsule. When closing the brewing chamber, the capsule holder is rotated, and the locking part presses on the holder and capsule, and the capsule is punctured. And in these decisions, the main function belongs to the annular rim of the capsule and the cup-shaped form of the capsule. In such solutions, the flange is necessary to seal the injection side with respect to the extraction side, and the cup-shaped form is a prerequisite for simplicity and ease of maintenance. The published document WO 2010/043451 also shows a brewing unit in which the capsule after insertion is held in an intermediate position due to the direction of the flange.
Patent document WO 2010/118545 discloses a brewing model having a first part of the brewing unit and a second part of the brewing unit moving linearly with respect to the first part, the first part of the brewing unit forming a capsule seat with a support and a side guide. The capsule is inserted before closing the brewing chamber so that it is directed by the side guide and lies directly on the support, and after closing the brewing chamber, the support and its side guide form part of the brewing chamber, i.e. the capsule is inserted directly into the part of the brewing chamber. The advantage of this solution in particular is that thanks to it a very compact design and small displacement values are possible, in addition, almost any capsule shape can be selected, and the annular lip of the capsule is optional and optional. However, in brewing systems that use high brewing pressure, it is difficult to place suitable sealing systems that reliably prevent pasting of the brewing fluid introduced into the capsule past the capsule.
FR 2723524 discloses a coffee maker for preparing coffee using small containers (flat portioned packages in which the extractable material is contained in a permeable filter material and which need not be punctured). According to FR 2723524, after insertion, the containers are held by a hinged part before closing the brewing chamber. In order for the container to remain in its intended vertical position, it must be guided along the side flange until the brewing chamber closes. WO 95 17121, also for small containers, shows a similar solution with a support part that is linearly axially movable.
In view of the state of the art, this invention is directed to creating a brewing unit for an extraction apparatus, for example, a coffee maker, for batch preparation of a beverage or other extraction product from an extractable material packaged in a capsule, which would overcome the disadvantages of existing brewing units, had a simple and compact design and provided greater flexibility in the design of capsules. In particular, the brewing unit should be suitable for horizontal placement and preferably operate at high brewing pressures of more than 10 bar, for example up to 20 bar.
According to a first aspect, the brewing unit comprises a first part of the brewing unit and a second part of the brewing unit moved relative to it, the first and second parts of the brewing unit forming a discharge device for removing the extraction product from the capsule and an injector for introducing the extracting liquid into the capsule. In the closed position (for example, the first and second parts of the brewing unit are “together”), the brewing chamber, which when brewing at least partially surrounds the capsule, closes.
In addition, according to the first aspect, the brewing unit has a support part. The supporting part is made so that in the supporting position with the brewing chamber open, it receives a capsule inserted in a certain position of the insert, so that after insertion the capsule lies on the supporting part. As a result of closing the brewing chamber, the supporting part moves from the supporting position to the idle position, the capsule being simultaneously held by the grip of the first part of the brewing module and / or the second part of the brewing module, and the movement from the supporting position to the idle position occurs in a direction that differs from the direction of movement the second part of the brewing unit relative to the first part of the brewing unit when closing the brewing chamber. This movement, for example, is in the form of a turn down or in the transverse direction relative to the axial direction.
In the known horizontal brewing modules, the capsule after its insertion is held in an intermediate position due to the fact that the annular flange is guided in the guide groove. Moreover, on the one hand, thanks to the means in which the guide groove is made, the weight of the capsule is maintained. On the other hand, the guide groove must also take up the torque arising due to the fact that the annular flange is not located in the center of gravity of the capsule, but at its end (relative to the axial, almost horizontal direction). Therefore, in devices made in accordance with the prior art, an annular flange is necessary not only for sealing, but also for holding in an intermediate position after inserting the capsule and before closing the brewing chamber.
In contrast to the prior art, in the proposed essentially horizontal brewing unit, the capsule after it is inserted in the open position of the brewing chamber is not only held along the annular edge, but also lies, on the one hand, on the support part, and on the other hand, on the supporting part of the first part of the brewing module. In this case, the supporting part forms a base adjacent from below to the capsule body itself. Together with the supporting part of the first part of the brewing unit, the supporting part forms a support on which the center of gravity of the capsule rests, i.e. in the open position of the brewing module, the capsule lies completely on this support, without the need for perceiving (as in devices made in accordance with the current state of the art) torque with guiding means (i.e. in the brewing module, you can do without guiding means, for example, guiding grooves etc., which perceive the torque of the capsule lying on them after the capsule is inserted). Before closing the brewing chamber, the capsule rests on a support formed by the supporting part and the supporting part, in the equilibrium position determined upon insertion, so that there is no need to perceive the possible torque by the guiding means to prevent capsule from capsizing. Therefore, even capsules without a rigid annular flange can be used.
When the brewing chamber is in the open position, the capsule can rest on the supporting part in a place peripheral with respect to the axial direction, and on the opposite side, on the supporting part of the brewing module. For example, with respect to both axial ends of the capsule, the center of gravity on the support part may lie, for example, at least at a distance of 10% of the axial extension. For example, the center of gravity on the support as a whole (i.e., on the support consisting of the support part and the support part of the brewing unit) is located approximately in the middle of the capsule and, for example, at least 30% from both axial ends of the capsule.
Optionally, there may be an empty space between the support part and the support part. In any case, it is preferable if the support part and the support part form two places of support located in different axial positions.
In addition, the support part can extend across the entire width of the capsule, so that the support part and the support part completely determine the orientation of the capsule.
Alternative to this solution, the support part can support the capsule only on a part of the width of the capsule. According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part has two parts of the support part, which in each case support part of the capsule on one side.
That part of the capsule that lies on the supporting part, for example, has a flat shape, i.e. it forms part of the capsule wall separating the inside of the capsule (filled with extractable material) from the outside of the capsule. For example, the support part presses on the wall of the capsule towards the inside of the capsule. The fact that the capsule wall is pressed in the direction of the inner part of the capsule means that in the place of the supporting part no dimensionally stable stiffening element and supporting mating part exist, on the contrary, using the supporting part, the capsule wall presses on to fill the capsule.
In particular, the support part may be so designed that even a capsule without a flange, such as a cubic, cylindrical or conical capsule, can be held by support.
An annular weld, which is inevitable when using a cylindrical or conical capsule, for example, can be located on the supporting part, in which case its position is suitably adjusted.
As mentioned above, by closing the brewing chamber, the support part is moved from the reference position to the inoperative position. In this case, it can be provided that the support part, in particular, is moved in the downward direction. For example, the supporting part may be in the form of a bracket that forms the supporting part and can rotate around the axis of rotation so that when rotating the supporting part moves down from the capsule (or when opening the brewing chamber, respectively, in the opposite direction).
In addition, in one embodiment, the implementation of the support part may consist of several parts, in particular, it can be formed by several parts of the support part, moved in the same direction or in different directions.
Turning to the side, or translational motion, for example, at an angle downward, is also possible. If the support part consists of several parts, for example, two parts of the support part can be rotated in different directions, for example, in the corresponding direction.
The fact that the movement to the inoperative position occurs in a direction that differs from the direction of movement of the second part of the brewing unit relative to the first part of the brewing unit allows a compact design in combination with a functional sealing of the capsule. It turned out that, in contrast to moving in the direction of movement of the second part of the brewing module during brewing, sealing means for sealing the punctured capsule can also be installed on the sides of the first part of the brewing module so that, thanks to them, the brewing liquid discharged from the capsule completely enters the outlet device (rather than dripping, for example, down). In addition, if necessary, parts of the brewing chamber can be sealed relative to each other, so that the brewing chamber is sealed against the outside. This will be explained in more detail below.
The movement of the support part by closing the brewing chamber is preferably purely mechanical, without an electric drive, in particular, this movement is automatic due to the movement of the second part of the brewing chamber relative to the first part of the brewing chamber. In this case, a different direction of movement of the support part can be achieved, for example, by using deflecting and / or guide parts that convert the movement of the second part of the brewing chamber in the first direction to the movement of the support part in the second direction.
These deflecting and / or guiding parts can be implemented, for example, by installing a support part that can be rotated around a fixed axis of rotation or alternatively by means of guiding parts defining the direction of translational motion.
In particular, the supporting part can be mounted on a stationary, stationary part of the brewing module (for example, on the first part of the brewing module, in particular on a separating device) or other object stationary with respect to the first part of the brewing module, for example, on the module case, with the possibility of turning or other movement. At the same time, there is a functional connection with the second part of the brewing unit, since due to its movement the supporting part moves.
The opposite is also possible, i.e. fastening the support part on the movable part of the brewing unit.
When the brewing chamber is opened, the supporting part moves back to the supporting position only when the brewing chamber is open to a certain, predetermined degree, for example, completely open. In particular, a predetermined degree is selected so that when the support part moves to the support position during opening, the brewing chamber is opened to a greater extent than when the support part moves from the support position when closing (hysteresis characteristic).
In one embodiment, when closing the brewing chamber, the support part moves against the elastic force of the spring and is held so that when the brewing module is opened again, the support part first remains inoperative and the capsule may fall into the capsule container. The release of the support part occurs only by opening the brewing chamber, for example, as a result of full opening.
For example, there may be a latch that, after closing the brewing chamber, holds the support part in an inactive position, for example, against the spring's elastic force. The supporting part is moved back to the supporting position only by fully opening the brewing chamber. This can occur, for example, due to the fact that under certain conditions the release part of the movable part of the brewing unit moves the latch so that the connection with the engagement or other connection with the support part is disconnected, and the support part can return to the support position. The functional relationship between the latch and the movable part of the brewing unit can be direct (for example, due to the release part pushing the latch) or indirect, via a separate release part).
Another option is that the support part is installed so that due to the action of at least one spring, it has two stable positions. For example, when closing the brewing chamber, the support part can move against the elastic force of the spring until it moves beyond the dead center position, after which the support part continues to move under the action of the elastic force of the spring until it comes up against the stop. When the brewing unit is opened again, the support part moves back again, beyond the dead center. In this case, the corresponding return mechanism may be so designed that it only starts when the brewing unit is opened so that the capsule is pushed out or pushed out and can fall down.
For example, a bracket that serves as an uncoupling part and is actuated when the second part of the brewing unit is opened can be designed so that when opened, it makes joint movement only in the last section of the path (for example, only in the last third of the path). In addition, there may be appropriate cushioning to prevent the backing member from moving quickly back into the support position.
Alternatively, the deflecting and / or guide parts may be in the form of a rocker guide. The rocker guide can be provided, for example, in the movable (second) part of the brewing module, while the support part can be mounted on another part of the brewing module with the possibility of rotation or other movement and provide a guided part included in the rocker guide, or vice versa.
The desired hysteresis characteristic can be achieved, for example, because the rocker guide has a first guide groove and a second guide groove. During closing, the guided part (for example, a guide pin) is guided in the first guide groove, which extends so that the support part remains in the support position until the brewing chamber is almost closed, and only then, i.e. only when fully closed or before the fullest closure of the brewing chamber, the supporting element moves to the inoperative position. During the opening of the brewing chamber, the guided part is guided in a second guide groove, which is positioned so that the support part remains inoperative until the brewing chamber opens almost completely and the capsule is ejected. Then, by fully opening the support part again moves back to the support position.
The supporting part may have lateral guides that are consistent with the shape of the capsule so that thanks to them the capsule is positioned with the required accuracy with respect to the transverse directions (horizontal directions across the axis). Such lateral guides can be made as protrusions, protruding upward from the supporting surface on both sides; a slightly conical shape with a nest opening under the capsule may make sense.
The grip supporting the capsule during the departure of the support part can be made, for example, in the form of a female seal of the first and / or second part of the brewing unit. In particular, this female seal may have a female seal sleeve that positions and holds the capsule. In the region of the sealing lip, the seal may cover the capsule along the circumferential surface and, due to its flexibility, press against the capsule wall so that the seal holds the capsule.
Due to the interaction of the support and the covering, in particular flexible, elastically deformable seal, for example, a seal having elasticity of rubber and / or made of elastomer, the capsule can be centered for the brewing process in an optimal way. This is very useful especially when the capsule during the entire brewing and after brewing is not held and positioned by the side guide in contact with the flange, and therefore we can expect a certain residual inaccuracy in the position of the capsule.
For the sealing effect, one or more sealing ribs or sealing bumps may be provided on the sealing collar. This at least one sealing rib and / or sealing thickening can be made so as to abut the surface of the capsule in the form of a line or strip and to press on the wall of the capsule in the direction of the inside of the capsule. In particular, the seal may optimally have a plurality of perimeter sealing ribs and / or sealing bulges which, due to their flexibility, press against the capsule wall in the direction of the inner part of the capsule, and in each case, between the successive sealing ribs and / or sealing bulges are located a recess in such a way that a perimeter cavity is formed between successive sealing ribs and / or sealing thickenings and the capsule in working condition. Additionally or alternatively, it can also be provided that the seal provides a seal both in the direction of the end and in the direction of the perimeter surface. To this end, at least one of the perimeter sealing ribs or sealing thickenings may press on the end face of the capsule, and at least one of the perimeter sealing ribs or sealing thickenings may press on the perimeter surface.
Capsule seals can be provided on both sides, i.e. on the side of the injector and on the side of the outlet device. In various embodiments, the sealing lip located on the injection side has a greater extension and / or seal located on the injection side, has more sealing lips than the seal located on the extraction side, or there is no elastomeric seal at all on the extraction side. Therefore, in these embodiments, in general, the capsule on the injection side is also held with more friction than on the extraction side. In combination with devices in which the injector forms the movable part of the brewing unit, this gives the advantage that when the brewing chamber is opened, the capsule first moves with the injector. The release from the covering action of the seal located on the injector side can be accomplished, for example, by means of the removal means described in more detail below.
The seal (s) of the capsule and / or, as the case may be, the seal of the brewing chamber described below generally consists of (consist of) a flexible, elastically deformable material, in particular a material having elasticity of rubber and / or an elastomeric material. As in the embodiments of the invention described below, in the brewing unit, the first part of the brewing unit may form a discharge device, and the second part may be an injector. Alternatively, the opposite case may occur, i.e. the first part of the brewing unit forms an injector, and the second part is a diverting device. Even configurations are possible in which both the diverting device and the injector are formed by the same part of the brewing unit, in which case the second part of the brewing unit in particular may have a function of applying a pressure force to the capsule and / or a sealing function.
The exhaust device and the injector are preferably mounted against each other and, for example, have an exhaust device plate having at least one piercing protrusion protruding from this plate into the infusion chamber, or an injector plate also having at least one injector tip protruding from this plates in the brewing chamber. The piercing protrusions are, for example, for piercing the polymer walls of a deep-drawing capsule, for example, of propylene, for example, from 0.2 to 0.4 mm thick, for example, from 0.25 to 0.35 mm; as such they are very different from the piercing protrusions for aluminum capsules. In this case, it is possible to provide piercing means not for polymers of deep drawing, but for other materials of the capsule walls.
In addition, although the annular rim of the capsule is still possible, it is no longer necessary. Moreover, the nest for the capsule forming the support may have any shape corresponding to the shape of the capsule.
Capsule forms without annular flanges are even more preferred. As a result of this, one can also consider capsule shapes that no longer have anisotropic amplification in the form of annular flanges, which makes it possible to have a greater number of degrees of freedom.
In accordance with a particular embodiment, for example, the brewing chamber, in contrast to the state of the art, is designed not to receive a capsule expanding conically toward the outlet device or injector, but to receive a cubic capsule or capsule in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Here, the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped or cube is understood to mean a form that is not too different from the geometrically accurate shape of a rectangular parallelepiped or cube, while in functional terms the capsules can be very different; for example, they can be in the form of a truncated pyramid with a rectangular or square base, and the side surfaces adjacent to the base can be inclined relative to the perpendicular to the base only by a small angle of inclination α, for example, not more than 2 °, preferably approximately not more than 1 °. The shape of a rectangular parallelepiped or cube excludes an annular flange protruding from the capsule body beyond the plane of the end surface and provided for holding the capsule in the guide grooves. However, a capsule in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped or cube may have circumferential edges (for example, a weld bead) due to the technology, which protrude laterally, for example, by no more than 1.5 or 1 mm, or less and, for example, form a step relative to the plane of the end surface.
To close the brewing chamber, the second part of the brewing module can move linearly relative to the first part of the brewing module along the axial direction, i.e. progressively or essentially progressively. The rotation of the parts of the brewing chamber relative to each other is not excluded, but in the general case is not needed. In particular, when closing the brewing chamber, the capsule is preferably not rotated, i.e. when the brewing chamber is closed, the orientation of the capsule is essentially maintained.
In embodiments of the invention, the brewing unit may be designed such that when the brewing chamber is closed, the capsule does not move substantially, excluding axial movement of approximately the length of the piercing protrusion to pierce the capsule. In particular, the brewing module is designed so that when the brewing chamber is closed, the capsule does not tilt, but retains its orientation.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the support or the entire slot for the capsule or the entire brewing unit is inclined relative to the horizontal; in the direction of the first part of the brewing unit, the support is tilted down. This means that the part of the brewing unit is secured in the coffee maker so that it tilts when the coffee maker is properly installed on a horizontal base. To this end, the brewing unit, for example, may have a fastener connected to the housing of the brewing unit so as to provide the aforementioned tilt. Alternatively, the tilt is provided by the shape of the housing of the brewing unit. The inclination of the injector-outlet axis relative to the horizontal is preferably from 2 to 15 or 10 °, preferably from 3 to 7 °. In the case of a substantially cubic capsule, this simultaneously means the inclination of the horizontal axis of symmetry of the capsule relative to the horizontal from 2 to 15 ° or from 2 to 10 °, preferably from 3 to 7 °.
Preferably, the brewing chamber surrounds the capsule completely, i.e. the capsule socket and the second part of the brewing unit have parts that are precisely fitted to each other and in the closed position together form the brewing chamber. In the axial direction (relative to the direction of the brewing liquid and / or the relative direction of movement of the parts of the brewing unit), the walls, for example, form an injector plate having at least one injector tip protruding from this plate into the brewing chamber, and a plate of the outlet device also having at least one protrusion of the outlet device protruding from this plate into the brewing chamber. The upper, lower and side walls are formed by the corresponding adjacent to each other wall parts of the first and second parts of the brewing unit. Those parts of the wall that are formed by the first part of the brewing unit, and those parts of the wall that are formed by the second part of the brewing unit, in the closed position can be sealed relative to each other, for example, by means of a shaped seal located around the perimeter. This seal, for example, may have a cuff that is fixed to one of the parts of the brewing unit and, when the brewing chamber is closed, adjoins the surface of the other part of the brewing unit. The brewing chamber thus closed makes it possible to rinse the extraction apparatus or brewing unit without the need to insert a capsule, which is a significant advantage for the user. However, this does not preclude the use of a washing or replacement capsule with a closed or not completely closed brewing chamber during washing or cleaning.
In contrast to the solutions known from the prior art, embodiments of the invention with a brewing chamber completely surrounding the capsule and with mutually sealing parts of the brewing chamber have a two-stage seal. The first stage of compaction is formed by the compaction or seals of the capsule surrounding the capsule and preventing the flow of the extracting liquid or of the extracted extraction product past the capsule. This first stage of sealing seals the capsule relative to the injector or outlet device. The second stage of the seal seals against each other parts of the brewing module. On the one hand, during brewing, this step can serve as an additional seal. On the other hand, as mentioned above, it can serve as a seal during washing.
Compared to the embodiments in which the annular flange is held, holding the capsule in the brewing chamber due to the perimeter seal, as the case may be, in combination with the sealing of the brewing chamber, provides another noticeable advantage. This advantage is that substantial technological tolerances, i.e. the accuracy of positioning the parts of the brewing module relative to each other can be at least one tenth of a millimeter, and, depending on the circumstances, several tenths of a millimeter. However, holding the capsule with a perimeter seal or perimeter seals can compensate for these tolerances.
The technical solution in accordance with the first aspect of the invention primarily makes it possible to implement a very compact design, since the capsule does not have to be flanged and, therefore, the brewing chamber does not have to be equipped with an appropriate socket and flange mount.
In embodiments of the invention in accordance with its first aspect and optionally also independently of this, according to the second aspect of the invention, the brewing unit may have movable capsule removal means.
In particular, the latches of the second part of the brewing module, for example, gripping, in particular, sealing the capsule with a sealing collar located around the perimeter, when opening the brewing chamber, can first move the capsule together with the second part of the brewing module, after which the capsule removal means when the brewing chamber is further opened will automatically engage with the capsule and prevent the capsule from moving further along with the second part of the brewing unit.
The means for removing the capsule, for example, can be made in the form of parts (legs) that protrude horizontally radially inward from the sides in the direction of the capsule and which can be folded out from the movable part of the brewing unit and in the outward direction. Leaning away from the movable part of the brewing module can occur, for example, when closing the brewing chamber by means of the movable part of the brewing module and against the elastic force of the spring.
When the brewing chamber is opened after brewing — in this state, due to high pressures and temperatures, during brewing, the capsule acting inside the radial direction of the capsule is often slightly larger than before brewing — these parts for removal are blocked / clamped with the capsule or encounter reinforcement or rim of the capsule and prevent the joint movement of the capsule and the movable part of the brewing unit.
The retention of the capsule by means of parts for removal can be provided, for example, by the following means.
Friction. The force with which the detachment parts are applied to the capsule creates friction resistance, preventing the capsule from moving relative to the inner edges of the detachable parts.
Jamming. The parts for removal and the capsule are sized so that the capsule prevents the folding of parts for removal. In addition, due to friction during further removal of the capsule, the inner edges of the parts for removal are pressed into the capsule and cause jamming that prevents further removal of the capsule.
Placing on a reinforcing or similar element of a capsule. For example, the capsule may have a weld seam and the like located around the perimeter, forming a local reinforcement or a slightly prominent element. A similar reinforcing element can also be formed by the annular rim known per se. The positioning of the parts for removal is such that when opening the brewing chamber they are adjacent to the capsule in that part of the reinforcing element that is located on the injection side, and such that the reinforcing element cannot pass past the parts for removal.
In addition, combinations are possible, in each case including two or all three of the listed possible options, as well as other options and combinations (moreover, with the option using jamming, friction is somehow connected with this).
Preferred features of the brewing unit according to the first aspect, for example, relating to the seal covering the capsule and / or the sealing of the brewing chamber, can also be implemented in embodiments of the brewing unit in accordance with the second aspect.
As an alternative to the stripping means in accordance with the second aspect, the brewing unit may have at least one ejector. When the brewing chamber is opened or closed, the ejector moves approximately in the axial direction relative to that part of the brewing module in which the capsule is stuck when the module is opened. So, in those embodiments in which a capsule seal is provided covering the capsule on the injection side, at least one ejector moves when opening / closing the brewing chamber relative to the injector, moreover, so that when the brewing chamber is opened, it pushes the capsule out of the injector, t. e., depending on the circumstances, also from the capsule covering seal.
For example, such an ejector can be installed in the corresponding part of the brewing unit (for example, in the injector) with the possibility of axial movement and ejection of the capsule, like a piston, after brewing.
If the corresponding part of the brewing module is that part of the module that, when opening / closing, moves relative to the housing, then the ejector can be mounted, for example, motionless relative to the housing, so that joint movement in the opening or closing direction does not occur.
Despite this, it is often particularly preferred if the ejector, together with the corresponding part of the brewing unit, makes relative motion with respect to the other part of the brewing unit, but at a reduced distance. For example, it may be envisaged that the ejector moves together by actuating the control lever, but, for example, a shorter distance. This can be done, for example, by actuating the control lever, in which the connecting rod moving the ejector is fixed closer to the axis of rotation of the control lever than the corresponding connecting rod for the movable welding module.
The subject of the invention is also an extraction apparatus, in particular a coffee maker, comprising one of the above-mentioned brewing units made in accordance with the first or second aspect of the invention. In addition, an object of the invention in accordance with its first aspect is a method for brewing a brewed beverage using a capsule. This method, carried out, for example, by means of a brewing unit or extraction apparatus of the type described above, may include the following steps:
- insert a portion capsule containing extractable material into the open chamber of the brewing module, for example, through a positioning mounting hole, so that it at least partially lies on the support part in the supporting position;
- close the brewing chamber by moving the second part of the brewing module relative to the first part of the brewing module so that the supporting part, by moving in a direction different from the direction of movement of the second part of the brewing module relative to the first part of the brewing module, moves from the supporting position to the idle position, and pierce the capsule at least by piercing the protrusions of the injector formed by the first and / or second part of the brewing module, with receiving in the capsule TIFA input;
- injecting the extraction liquid into the capsule through the inlet openings (for example, hot water using a pump and check valve)
- extracting liquid is withdrawn from the capsule through the outlet openings created by the piercing protrusions of the outlet device formed by the first and / or second part of the infusion unit;
- immediately after the withdrawal, the brewing chamber is opened by moving the second part of the brewing module relative to the first part of the brewing module until the capsule falls down from the open brewing chamber;
- continue to open the brewing chamber until then, until there is a withdrawal of the support part in the reference position.
Below, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings. The same or similar elements in the drawings refer to the same reference signs. The elements corresponding to each other in different drawings partially have different sizes. The drawings depict the following.
FIG. 1 is an image of the proposed brewing unit in the insertion position of the capsule.
FIG. 2 is a view of the brewing unit of FIG. 1 in the closed position.
FIG. 3 is a section (sectional view) of a part of a brewing unit in an open position.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a detail of an open brewing unit with a capsule inserted.
FIG. 5 and 6 are sectional views of a brewing unit with a capsule according to FIG. 4 in open and closed position.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a first seal.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a second, alternative embodiment of a seal; The brewing unit is in the closed position.
FIG. 9 is an image of parts of the brewing unit in the closed position.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment in an open position.
FIG. 11 and 12 are sectional views of the embodiment of FIG. 10 with the capsule inserted, in the open position and during closing.
FIG. 13-18 are images on the other side of the embodiment of FIG. 10 in the closed position during closing and subsequent opening of the brewing chamber.
FIG. 19 is a detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.
FIG. 20 is a diagram of a coffee machine comprising a horizontal brewing unit of the type described and defined herein.
FIG. 21 and 22 are an image (with body parts removed) and a sectional view of a third embodiment of a brewing unit with an inserted capsule.
FIG. 23 is another image of a third embodiment without housing parts.
FIG. 24 is an image of parts of the brewing case cut in the plane AA (see Fig. 23).
FIG. 25, 26, 27 are images corresponding to FIG. 21 in various positions during closing.
FIG. 28 is a sectional view in the position of FIG. 27.
FIG. 29 is a detail of FIG. 27.
FIG. 30 - brewing module, made in accordance with the third embodiment, in the closed position.
FIG. 31 is another view of the details of the brewing unit in the closed position;
FIG. 32 is a brewing module made in accordance with the third embodiment, when opened.
FIG. 33 is a detail of FIG. 32.
FIG. 34, 36 are images of a fourth embodiment of a brewing unit in an open position.
FIG. 37 is an illustration of a fourth embodiment in the closed position.
FIG. 38, 39 are sectional views of a brewing unit made in accordance with a fourth embodiment, in a horizontal section over a brewing chamber, during closing and, accordingly, opening of the brewing chamber.
The brewing unit of FIG. 1-6 has a diverting device 3 (which in various embodiments can be formed by the first and / or second part of the brewing unit) and an injector 4 (which in various embodiments can be formed by the second and / or first part of the brewing unit) located in the housing 1. The exhaust device 3 and the injector 4 can be moved relative to each other by turning the control lever 5. To this end, the control lever is mounted to rotate around a pivot pin 6, which is or is mounted on the outer casing 1. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the injector 4, by turning the control lever 5 down, can be moved in the direction of the outlet device 3, while the latter is stationary relative to the outer casing 1.
The outer casing 1 may, as in this embodiment, consist of two halves 1.1, 1.2 of the casing (see Fig. 1-2). On the inside, halves 1.1, 1.2 can be shaped to accommodate and position parts placed in the housing, for example, a tapping device or an injector mounted with the ability to move. So, these details, depending on the circumstances, can be installed even without separate fasteners (screws, etc.), of course, except for the screws (etc.) that fasten both halves to each other.
In working condition, the brewing module is a horizontal brewing module of the coffee maker, which, in addition to the brewing module, has a water tank, a device for heating water (for example, a direct-flow heater) and a pump for supplying water for brewing into the injector 4. The corresponding supply channels 18, and possible check valve, etc. injectors that can be made in a known manner are not the subject of this invention and are not described in more detail here. In addition, the injector has at least one piercing protrusion 12 with a supply opening associated therewith, so that the capsule can be pierced and provided with extracting fluid through the supply opening. In addition, the coffee maker has, for example, a capsule container located under the brewing chamber, into which the capsule is automatically ejected after brewing by raising the control lever.
The outlet device 3 also has at least one piercing protrusion 11 and an associated outlet hole 19. In addition, depending on the configuration, there is an outlet pipe through which coffee (or the like) exiting the outlet hole 8 of the outlet device , is directed so as to flow into a cup installed in an appropriate place. The channels leading to the outlet 8 are not described in detail here either.
In the presented embodiment, the injector 4 consists of four parts: the injector supports as the first injector part 41 with a supply channel for supplying hot water, mounted on the first injector part of the injector plate holder with piercing protrusions 12 located on the injection side, capsule seals 43 (in particular made in the form of clamps) and located on the injection side of the portion 44 of the housing of the brewing chamber, at least partially surrounding the capsule seal. Here, the outlet device also consists of several parts: from the housing 31 of the outlet device with an outlet channel 19 or outlet channels 19 for the brewed beverage and the piercing projections 11 located on the extraction side located on the extraction side of the capsule seal 33 and on the extraction side of the brewing body part 34 cameras. In addition, the brewing chamber body portion 44 located on the injection side and / or the brewing chamber body portion 34 located on the extraction side may have a brewing chamber seal 81, which is located, for example, in the groove 45 and in the closed position of the brewing chamber to another part of the brewing unit and thus seals the brewing chamber in the outer direction. The fact that the injector and / or the outlet device consists of several parts is a preferred option from a technological point of view, but is not a prerequisite for the functioning of the invention.
Corresponding piercing protrusions 11, 12 can be formed on the most appropriate portion 31, 41 of the brewing unit or performed as shown in FIG. 19-24 of patent document WO 2010/118544, so that they are located on a separate piercing part (plate), or they can be made in any other suitable way. Apart from the type of attachment, the tingling protrusions and the parts on which they are attached can be made according to WO 2010/118544.
In FIG. 1 and 3, the installation hole 7 for inserting the cubic portioned capsule 10 is clearly visible. The installation hole is formed in the outer part of the housing 1 in the region of the outlet device 3 and, like this device, remains stationary when the control lever is moved. From top to bottom, the mounting hole may taper slightly to form a cone, so that when the capsule is inserted, it has a centering effect on the capsule without creating too much danger of the capsule twisting.
As shown in FIG. 3, the brewing module is configured so that the direction of the axis — the axis connecting the injector and the outlet device, along which the movable part of the brewing module (i.e., the injector) moves when closing and opening the brewing chamber — has a small, for example, approximately 5 °, the inclination relative to the horizontal, so that when the movable part of the brewing module (i.e., in this case, the injector) approaches the fixed part of the brewing module (i.e., in this case, the outlet device), it is slightly moves down . In FIG. 6 also shows the axis 14 of the injector - outlet device, and the angle 15 relative to the horizontal 16; the axis of the injector - outlet device essentially corresponds to the axis of symmetry of the capsule or parallel to the axis of symmetry of the capsule.
In addition, as shown, for example, from FIG. 3, the brewing unit also has a support part 21. Together with the support protrusion 36 of the outlet device 3, it forms a support for the capsule inserted through the mounting hole 7.
In FIG. 3 also shows the capsule-releasing parts 51 (hereinafter referred to as capsule-releasing means in a generalized wording), the function and principle of operation of which will be explained in more detail below.
In FIG. 4 shows a detail of the brewing unit in the open state, with the capsule 10 inserted. As shown, the mounting hole 7 and the discharge device 3 are mounted relative to each other so that the capsule lies directly in front of the piercing protrusions 11, i.e. either already touching them, or located at a distance from them no greater than the height of the protrusion.
In FIG. 4 and 5, the capsule seal 33 on the extraction side and the capsule seal 43 on the injection side are also particularly clearly visible. The injection side seal 43 of the capsule has a plurality of consecutive sealing ribs 48 which are formed on the sealing sleeve and provide sealing of the capsule. In general, capsule seals 33, 43 can be made as described in patent document PCT / CH2010 / 000249.
When closing the brewing chamber, by approaching the injector 4, the annular lip of the seal 43 of the capsule 10 is put on and covers the part of the perimeter walls of the capsule that are located on the injection side. After that, the protrusions of the perforating parts (piercing protrusions 11, 12) begin to perforate the walls of the capsule located on the injection and / or extraction side.
FIG. 6 illustrates the brewing chamber in the closed position of the brewing unit. The parts 34, 44 of the housing of the brewing chamber, formed by a diverting device and an injector, are precisely fitted to each other. In the closed position, the parts of the brewing chamber body 34, 44 formed by the diverting device and the injector and extending around the perimeter around the capsule are adjacent to each other and thus close the brewing chamber. (In the case of the capsule shape shown here) they form the side walls of the closed brewing chamber. For this, on the contact surface (from the end), in addition, there may be a seal of the brewing chamber. The result is a two-stage seal. In this case, the seal of the brewing chamber can be attached to the injector or the outlet device and pressed against the corresponding sealing surface of the other part. It is often preferable if the seal is mounted on the injector, since in the open state the injector is in the retracted position and therefore is better protected.
In FIG. 7 and 8 show two examples of this principle of compaction. According to FIG. 7, the seal 81 of the brewing chamber has an axially protruding sealing lip 82 that engages in the corresponding groove 35 of the other part of the brewing chamber. In addition, it also forms a shoulder 83 pressed against the corresponding surface of another part of the brewing chamber. The rear mounting portion 84 secures the seal in the corresponding portion of the brewing chamber. As shown in FIG. 8, the sealing of the brewing chamber on the front side is made according to the principle of a sealing ring of square cross section with two sealing lips 82 included in the common wide groove of the other part of the brewing chamber. Other sealing principles are also possible, for example, with one sealing lip or sealing lip, which are pressed against the surface, for example, in the form of an O-ring, or, respectively, with several sealing lips or sealing lips.
In FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view without showing one of the two halves of the outer casing 1. FIG. 9 brewing chamber is closed. Parts 51 for removing the capsule on both sides are thrown outward by an approaching injector, and the support part 21 is shifted down to the inoperative position. The latch 61, made in the form of a rod rotating around an axis 62, fixed relative to the housing, with its end located on the extraction side, is engaged with the support part 21. That end of the latch 61, which is located on the extraction side, when closing the brewing chamber by turning the latch was snapped onto the corresponding part of the support part. When opening the brewing chamber by turning the control lever 5, the injector translationally moves from the outlet device (in Fig. 9 - back to the left). As soon as the front edge of the injector moves beyond the capsule removal part 51, these parts rotate inward toward the capsule and clamp it, preventing further backward movement. At the same time, the latch 61 prevents the support part from turning back into the support position under the action of the holding spring (s) (s) (not shown in the drawing). Thus, as soon as the brewing chamber is opened sufficiently, the capsule may fall down into the capsule container. The support part again moves back to the support position only when the brewing chamber is fully opened by moving the control lever almost to the stop. In the shown embodiment, this is due to the fact that the intended (releasing) part of the injector presses on the inclined surface 63 of the latch 61, and the latch rotates outward. The latched connection with the support part is disconnected, and the support part is rotated back up to the support position under the action of the spring elastic force.
In FIG. 9, two connecting rods 9 are clearly visible, converting the rotational movement of the control lever 5 into the linear motion of the injector 4.
Using the following drawings, based on the second embodiment of the brewing unit, the principle of operation of the individual parts is explained in more detail. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment, firstly, by the excellent design of the outer casing, which is not discussed in detail here. Secondly, the mechanism of functional communication between the injector and the support part is differently made. Thirdly, in comparison with the above embodiment, different parts are also made differently with respect to the shape, in particular the supporting part. Of course, these differences can be made independently of each other. For example, the design of the release mechanism of the support part does not depend on the shape and design of the individual parts, of course, excluding the functional features specifically discussed here.
In FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative capsuleless brewing unit. In this drawing, a clearly visible supporting part 21, which in this embodiment has an optional flat lateral guide part 22, as well as one of the parts 51 for removing the capsule. Due to the action of the respective springs, both the support part 21 and the capsule removal part 51 are in the position and orientation shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 11 shows a brewing unit with a capsule 10 inserted through the mounting hole, which is also shown in section. To brew a drink, close the brewing chamber. To this end, the first part of the brewing unit, for example, also by actuating the control lever, is moved relative to the second part of the brewing unit. In this case, the injector 4 moves in the direction of the discharge device 3. In FIG. 12, the brewing unit is shown during this movement. In FIG. 13, as in the following drawings, the uncut brewing module is shown on the other side (compared to the orientation according to FIG. 13, the module is rotated about 180 ° about the vertical axis), with details of the outer casing not shown here. Parts 51 for removing the capsule are still in the non-turned inoperative position. In FIG. 14, the brewing chamber is almost closed; FIG. 15 it is completely closed. Details 51 for removing the capsule, mounted with the possibility of rotation around the vertical axis, the approaching injector is diverted against the elastic force of the spring in the direction of extraction and out. The optional part protruding outward behind the pivot axis serves here for fixing the spring; in this regard, there are other solutions, for example, the use of a spiral spring mounted coaxially to the axis of rotation, a leaf spring, a coil spring fixed on the inside, etc.
In addition, from FIG. Figure 15 shows how, by approaching the injector, the support part was also retracted, namely, downward, in the direction of the extraction side. Here, the latch 61 is a plate that can pivot around the pivot pin 65 of the latch and includes a holding portion 64 that slides into a suitably shaped receiving recess 24 of the support part 21 if the support part is rotated to its inoperative position. Accordingly, a prestressed spring rotates the lock to this position.
As shown in FIG. 16, when the brewing chamber is opened, the support part 21 is first held in place by the latch 61 in the idle position, since it remains engaged with it. Due to the withdrawal of the injector, the parts 51 for removing the capsule under the action of elastic force, the springs can lean back and lie against the capsule 10 with their inner edge. With the further withdrawal of the indicator, the parts 51 for removing the capsules hold the capsule (Fig. 16), so the capsule as soon as the injector is already does not provide enough support for her, falls down into the capsule container.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the holding action of the parts for removal is based on a combination of a capsule located along the perimeter of the weld (resulting from the simultaneous ultrasonic cutting and welding described in patent document WO 2010/118543) and friction forces. In the embodiment of FIG. 1-6 and 9, it is provided that the parts for removal are designed so that when they are near the capsule they are not fully folded inward, but remain at an angle to the radial direction. Thus, (also) jamming occurs, depending on the circumstances, in combination with being at the reinforcement (weld; bead). In FIG. 17, the location of the weld seam 10.1 located around the perimeter of the part for removal is shown even more clearly.
In FIG. 18, the brewing unit is shown with the brewing chamber fully open. The capsule fell down into the capsule container and is no longer visible. In the embodiment of FIG. 11-19, the movement of the support part 21 back to the support position is called as follows. The uncoupling pin 66, which serves as the release part and is fixed or molded on the injector, is directed in the elongated recess (elongated hole) 69 of the disconnecting part 68. At the end located on the extraction side, the uncoupling part 68 is connected to the latch 61. When the brewing unit is fully opened In the chamber, the uncoupling pin collides with the end of the elongated hole 69 located on the injection side and pulls the release part with it, so that the release part tilts the latch 61 against the elastic force springs and, thus, disconnects the snap connection with the support part. The support part rotates back to the support position.
In FIG. 19 still shows the details of the brewing unit with an open brewing chamber, the relative position of the support part 21, parts 51 for removing the capsule and the outlet device 3 is shown especially clearly.
As schematically shown in FIG. 20, an extraction apparatus, in particular a coffee maker with a brewing module, in addition to the brewing module has a water tank 71, a pump 72 for supplying water for brewing into the injector 4 and a device 73 for heating water (for example, a direct-flow heater). A container 75 for capsules is installed under the brewing module, into which, after brewing, the capsules 10 fall or move.
The supply of heated water to the injector 4 occurs through flexible sections of the water supply (hoses) and supply channels. In addition, the coffee maker has, for example, a capsule container 75 located under the brewing chamber, into which the capsule is automatically ejected after brewing by raising the control lever 5.
Another embodiment, for example, for the coffee maker of FIG. 20 is shown in FIG. 21-33. The following description, in particular, demonstrates differences from the embodiment of FIG. 1-9. The features by which the third embodiment differs from the first two options are independent of each other, even if the advantages they provide are complementary. Therefore, these signs can be implemented both individually and (as in the present embodiment) in combinations, or any subcombinations.
The return spring 91 of the brewing unit (or return springs mounted one on either side of the injector 4) is cocked by closing the brewing chamber. Due to this, the spring creates a return force, which, when re-opened, facilitates actuation. In FIG. 21 shows the entire return spring 91 of the brewing unit, in the following drawings only both ends of the spring.
On the extraction side, the brewing unit does not have an elastomeric capsule seal. Conversely, on the extraction side, the seal is carried out by the fact that during brewing, the inside of the capsule is under pressure and the wall of the capsule softens, as a result of which it is pressed over the entire area to the corresponding surface of the outlet device. The brewed beverage withdrawn from the capsule can drain from the extraction apparatus to the outlet, therefore, there is no pressure difference (at least significant) between the brewed beverage emerging from the capsule and the ambient pressure. This means that the discharged brewing fluid is no longer under pressure. Therefore, due to the pressure inside the capsule due to the adherence of the capsule wall over the entire area to the corresponding surface of the outlet device, a sufficient sealing effect is provided.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the brewing unit does not have a means of removal. On the contrary, after brewing, the capsule is ejected. This is done by ejectors 101, which in the form of pistons can move axially relative to the injector 4, and the ends of which when opening the brewing chamber move relative to the injector 4 inside the brewing chamber so that they eject the capsule. The drive mechanism is described in more detail below.
The support member 21 has side guides 120 that protrude upward on both sides of the support surface. In the depicted embodiment, they have a slightly pyramidal shape, so that the nest under the capsule slopes slightly downwards, as a result, when the capsule is inserted, the capsule is centered in the transverse directions (see, in particular, Fig. 24).
By means of the spring 121, the support part 21 is held in the support position and the idle position, in each case being at the stop, and the spring passes the dead point by moving from the support position to the idle position. This eliminates the need for a separate latch. Here, the spring is a tension spring fixed above the support part on the body of the outlet device 3, as well as on the outlet device (mounting pins 122, 123) and installed so that when the brewing chamber is closed, the attachment point on the support part moves axially beyond the attachment point on the diverting device (dead center). This mechanism is best shown in FIG. 31. Then, as in this case, the disconnecting part 68 can be made in the form of a simple bracket, which, when opening the brewing unit, is carried away by the lug part 66 (pin) of the movable part of the brewing unit and pull the support part 21 back through the dead point.
The support part is provided with a rotation damper 125, which provides the replacement of fast backward movement to slow backward movement.
The abutment protrusion (hereinafter referred to as the abutment part in the generalized formulation) 36 of the outlet device extends towards the injection side of the seal 81 of the brewing chamber (or, if the seal of the brewing chamber is installed on the injection side, beyond the surface on which the seal is located). Due to this, the seal can be installed almost vertically, and should not extend along an inclined plane, as in previous embodiments, so that nothing would interfere with the insertion of the capsules. Here, the sealing of the brewing chamber is made in the form of an elastomeric contact seal.
The brewing module is equipped with a fine adjustment mechanism, which, despite the existing technological tolerances, even in the case of the use of an elastomeric contact seal, makes it possible to precisely close the brewing chamber. This mechanism provides that the pivot pin 6 does not have rotational symmetry and / or is not installed with rotational symmetry about its axis, but has, for example, an eccentric or elliptical shape. By rotating the adjustment plate 111 (see, for example, FIG. 23), the plate 111 can be rotated relative to the control lever 5, and then, using one of the quotation holes 112 and a pin, fix it relative to the lever (the same principle can also be applied to orient the rotary pin 6 relative to the housing). At the final assembly of the brewing unit, the brewing unit is closed and the adjustment plate 111 is fixed in a position in which the seal 81 of the brewing chamber fits snugly against the mating surface. Here, the pivot pin is a shaft that does not have rotation symmetry around its axis, at least either in the area where it is engaged with the control lever or where it interacts with a part that is stationary relative to the housing.
The last principle of the fine adjustment mechanism with a pivot pin without symmetry of rotation, and / or with the installation of a pivot pin without symmetry of rotation, in general, can be implemented in the brewing modules corresponding to the restrictive part of the first paragraph of the invention, regardless of the concepts of the first and second aspects .
FIG. 21-24 illustrate a brewing unit or parts thereof in an open position when a capsule is inserted. In this position, the ejectors 101 extend into the space, which is formed by the seal 43 on the injection side and in the closed position forms a brewing chamber. When inserted, the capsule is centered and positioned by the side guides.
As is particularly well shown in FIG. 22, in addition to the connecting rod 9 for converting the rotation of the control lever 5 into the axial movement of the injector 4, there is also a connecting rod 103 of the ejectors. It is fixed on the control lever 5 at a point which is closer to the axis of rotation (defined by the pivot pin 6) than the connecting point of the connecting rod 9. Due to this, when the control lever is rotated, the ejectors 101 also jointly move in the direction of movement of the injector, but slower and therefore end up with a shorter distance.
FIG. 25-27 show the brewing unit in successive stages of closing. From these drawings it is seen that the injector drive surface 46, made in the form of a ramp, presses the support part 21 from the reference position. The latch 68 can freely move in the axial direction, if necessary, it can make a joint movement (Fig. 27 and 29).
The geometry of this arrangement is chosen so that in the closed position the ejectors 101 are completely retracted from the brewing chamber.
In the embodiment shown here, on the front side, the ejectors (see, in particular, FIG. 22) have a slightly enlarged diameter head 105, on the back of which there may be a perimeter seal (not shown), which is in the rearward position (relative to the injector 4) of the ejectors presses on the flange located inside the injector, and, thus, carries out the seal.
In FIG. 28 shows how, when closing the brewing chamber, the capsule is pierced by piercing protrusions 12, at least from the injector side.
In the closed position (FIGS. 30 and 31), the support part is held by the spring 121 in the idle position due to the above-described mechanism, at this time brewing may occur.
When opening the brewing chamber (Figs. 32 and 33), the capsule is first pushed out of the capsule seal 43 surrounding it, located on the injector side. This is due to the fact that the ejectors 101 are moved back a shorter distance than the injector, therefore, they are moved relative to the injector in the brewing chamber. The pushers are of such dimensions, and the connecting rod 103 of the pushers is mounted so that the capsule is completely released from the seal 43 located on the side of the injector and falls down before the brewing unit is fully opened. Only at the end of the movement in the opening direction, the injector pivot 66 engages the release part (bracket) 68 in motion and moves the support part back to the dead point, after which the spring 121 moves it back to the support position. The rotation damper 125 prevents an immediate bounce back to the support position, as a result of which even when the brewing unit is opened very quickly, the support part cannot again come into the support position until the capsule falls down.
FIG. 34-39 show an embodiment of a brewing module (the brewing module is shown without a control lever and an ejection (ejection) mechanism), in which the support part 21 consists of two parts. It consists of a first part 21.1 of the support part and a second part 21.2 of the support part. In FIG. 34-36 show a brewing unit with a brewing chamber in the open position, in which the capsule can be inserted, or it is already inserted. In FIG. 35 and in particular in the view of FIG. 36, where the brewing unit is depicted with an inclined side, it is shown that the parts 21.1, 21.2 of the support part are made as brackets extending along the side of the capsule and having an end portion supporting the capsule.
In FIG. 37, the brewing unit is shown with the camera in the closed position, the support part in the chamber is in its inoperative position, since both parts of the support part are retracted outward. For this purpose, here the parts of the support part, in addition to the bracket with the end part extending to the side of the capsule, also have a substantially horizontal part with a pivot arm. As is particularly clearly seen in FIG. 38 and 39, parts with a pivot arm using a pivot pin 141, which is stationary relative to the housing, are rotatably mounted on the housing 1.
The movement of the parts 21.1, 21.2 of the support part is caused by the guiding finger (hereinafter referred to in the generalized wording as the guided part) 142 in the wings of the second part of the brewing unit (injector 4). Here, for each of the two parts of the support part in a symmetrical arrangement, there is one link. The wings comprise an outer guide groove 144 and an inner guide groove 146.
When closing the brewing chamber (see Fig. 38, by moving the injector 4 to the left), the guide pin 142 is guided in the outer guide groove 144, due to which the corresponding part 21.1, 21.2 of the supporting part is held in the supporting position. At the end of the movement in the closing direction, the injector pushes the parts of the support part, and at the same time, the guide pin can be located at the first backstop 145. However, as shown in FIG. 38, the passage of the backstage makes it possible at this point to deviate the guide pin 142 inward, as a result of the parts 21.1, 21.2 of the support part are retracted outward. The next time you open the brewing chamber (Fig. 39; the injector 4 moves backward, to the right), the guide finger remains in the inner guide groove 146 until the guide finger is at the second stop 149. Due to the further withdrawal of the injector 4, the guide finger is entrained in backward movement (i.e. toward the injector), which causes the support part 21.1, 21.2 to rotate inward while the guide pin 142 moves outward. The brewing unit is again ready for insertion of the capsule, and the next time you close the guide pin of FIG. 38 is again guided in the outer guide groove 144.
The embodiment depicted in FIG. 34-39, at the same time is an example of the implementation of the brewing module, in which the support element can be moved without a spring.
Due to the possibility of turning the parts of the support part to the side, this embodiment also allows you to insert the capsule with a relatively small movement of the capsule in the transverse direction and without the appearance of opposing friction forces when opening the brewing chamber.
The features of the support part and the corresponding drive mechanism described by the example of embodiments of the invention, as well as the features of the parts for removal and the corresponding mechanism, can be used and varied independently of each other, and embodiments with direct connection between these elements are also possible. The interaction between the support part and the parts for removal is expressed in the fact that when the parts for removal come into engagement with the capsule, the supporting part, depending on the circumstances, is preferably in an inoperative position.
1. A brewing unit for an extraction apparatus, such as a coffee maker, for batch preparation of a beverage or other extraction product from an extractable material packaged in a capsule, comprising a first part of the brewing unit and a second part of the brewing unit moved relative to the first part, the first and second parts of the brewing unit forming a discharge a device for removing the extraction product from the capsule and an injector for introducing the extracting liquid into the capsule, as well as a brewing chamber, which is in the process of filling a plug at least partially surrounds the capsule and is configured to move from the open position to the closed position by moving the second part of the brewing unit relative to the first part of the brewing unit, the first and / or second part of the brewing unit provided with piercing protrusions for piercing the capsule by perforating the capsule wall, characterized by the presence of a supporting part (21), which in the supporting position, when the brewing chamber is in the open position, forms the base for the cap sula and which is made with the possibility, by closing the brewing chamber, to move from the reference position to the inoperative position, and the movement of the support part from the reference position to the inoperative position occurs in a direction different from the direction of movement of the second part of the brewing module relative to the first part of the brewing module, and so that the brewing module is made so that the capsule after insertion in a certain position of the insert lies on the supporting part (21) and the supporting part of the first part of the brewing mo muzzle, and the specified supporting part (21) and the supporting part together form a support, which relies on the center of gravity of the capsule.
2. The infusion unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the support part from the reference position to the inoperative position occurs in a downward direction.
3. The brewing module according to claim 1, characterized in that the second part of the brewing module is provided with a gripper covering the capsule when closing the brewing chamber.
4. The brewing unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the grip is formed by the capsule seal, which has elasticity of rubber and / or is made of elastomer and has a sealing collar located around the perimeter.
5. The brewing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the supporting part (21) interacts with the parts of the brewing unit so that when the brewing chamber is opened, said supporting part moves back to the supporting position only when the brewing chamber is open to a predetermined degree, moreover, this degree is chosen so that when the support part moves to the support position during opening, the brewing chamber is opened to a greater extent than when the support part moves from the support position when closing.
6. The brewing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the support part (21) is movable from the support position against the spring elastic force, and when moving to the inoperative position, the support part (21) moves beyond the dead center of the spring elastic force.
7. The brewing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that when closing the brewing chamber, the support part (21) moves against the spring elastic force into the inoperative position and is held there by means of a snap joint, the snap joint being disengaged by opening the brewing chamber.
8. The infusion unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the snap-fit connection is provided between the support part (21) and the movable latch (61) and is configured to be released by the uncoupling part (66) of the second part of the infusion unit.
9. The brewing unit according to claim 1, characterized by the presence of at least one means for removing the capsule, which, when the brewing chamber is opened, automatically engages with the capsule (10) and prevents the capsule from moving together with the second part of the brewing unit to the fully open position of the brewing chamber.
10. The brewing module according to claim 9, characterized in that the capsule removal means has parts that protrude radially inward from the sides and which are adapted to recline from the movable part of the brewing module and outward against the spring elastic force.
11. The brewing unit according to claim 1, characterized by the presence of at least one ejector (101), which is mounted with the possibility of relative movement in the axial direction in the second part of the brewing unit or in the first part of the brewing unit and which, when the brewing chamber is opened, can move relative to the second or the first part of the brewing unit towards the inside of the brewing chamber.
12. The brewing module according to claim 11, wherein the second part of the brewing module is movable relative to the first part of the brewing module by means of a control lever (5), the ejector being mounted axially movable in the second part of the brewing module, characterized in that the ejector (101 ) is functionally connected with the connecting rod (103) of the ejector, which is connected to the control lever at a point closer to the axis of rotation of the control lever than the connecting rod (9), functionally connected with the second part on the module.
13. The brewing module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first part of the brewing module and the second part of the brewing module form a brewing chamber that completely surrounds the capsule, and that between adjacent parts of the wall of the brewing chamber of the first and second parts of the brewing module seal (81) of the brewing chamber.
14. The brewing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the supporting part has side guides (120) protruding upward from the supporting surface.
15. The brewing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the control lever (5) for opening and closing the brewing chamber is mounted to rotate around a pivot pin (6), which does not have, at least in some part, rotation symmetry about its axis , and the fact that the orientation of the pivot pin (6) with respect to the control lever or the case of the brewing unit can be fixed for adjustment purposes.
16. The infusion unit according to any one of paragraphs. 1-15, characterized in that the supporting part has at least two parts (21.1, 21.2) of the supporting part, made with the possibility of movement in one or in different directions.
17. The brewing module according to claim 16, characterized in that the parts (21.1, 21.2) of the support part or two of the parts of the support part are made in each case with the possibility of sideways rotation in opposite directions.
18. The brewing module according to claim 17, characterized in that the parts (21.1, 21.2) of the support part have one bracket extending along the side of the capsule and containing an end portion supporting the capsule from the side.
19. The brewing unit according to claim 16, characterized in that there is a rocker guide for guiding the guided part of the supporting part.
20. The brewing unit according to claim 19, characterized in that the rocker guide has a first guide groove (144) and a second guide groove (146) extending parallel to the first guide groove, the support part being in the supporting position when the guided part is guided in the first the guide groove (144), and in the idle position, when the guided part is guided in the second guide groove (146).
21. The brewing module according to claim 20, characterized in that said brewing module is made in such a way that the guided part is guided in the first guide groove while the second part of the brewing module is moved relative to the first part of the brewing module and is guided to the second guide groove while the second part of the brewing unit moves from the closed position to the open position.
22. An extraction apparatus, such as a coffee maker, for batch preparation of a beverage or other extraction product from an extractable material packaged in a capsule, comprising a liquid tank, a hydraulic pump, a device for heating the liquid, and a brewing unit according to any one of claims. 1-21, in which it is possible through the injector of the infusion unit to inject into the capsule the liquid supplied by the hydraulic pump and heated by the device for heating the liquid.
23. A method of preparing a brewed beverage, comprising the following steps:
- insert a portion capsule containing extractable material into the open chamber of the brewing module so that the capsule at least partially lies on the supporting part (21) in the supporting position and simultaneously on the supporting part of the first part of the brewing module;
- close the brewing chamber by moving the second part of the brewing module relative to the first part of the brewing module so that the supporting part, by moving in a direction different from the direction of movement of the second part of the brewing module relative to the first part of the brewing module, moves from the reference position to the idle position, and pierce the capsule at least by means of piercing protrusions (12) of the injector formed by the first and / or second part of the brewing unit, to obtain Verstov input;
- injected through the holes for entering the extracting liquid into the capsule;
- extracting liquid is withdrawn from the capsule through the outlet openings created by the piercing protrusions (11) related to the outlet device formed by the first and / or second part of the brewing unit;
- after withdrawal, the brewing chamber is opened by moving the second part of the brewing module relative to the first part of the brewing module until the capsule falls down from the open brewing chamber; and
- continue to open the brewing chamber until the support part (21) is retracted to the reference position.
24. The method according to p. 23, and at the stage of opening the brewing chamber, the capsule is first held by the latches of the second part of the brewing module and moved with it, and then at least one capsule removal means is engaged with the capsule, preventing further movement of the capsule together with the second part of the brewing unit and thus releasing the capsule from the retainers.
RU2014133873A 2012-01-25 2013-01-25 Brewing unit RU2623953C2 (en)
RU2014133873A RU2014133873A (en) 2016-03-20
RU2623953C2 true RU2623953C2 (en) 2017-06-29
RU2014133873A RU2623953C2 (en) 2012-01-25 2013-01-25 Brewing unit
DE502007003099D1 (en) * 2006-08-25 2010-04-22 Delica Ag Means for penetrating a portion packaging containing extraction goods, device for extracting the extraction gun contained in the portion packaging, and method for producing the medium
DE502007004474D1 (en) * 2007-01-15 2010-09-02 Swiss Caffe Asia Ltd Capsule, means for penetrating the bottom of a capsule and device for the preparation of a drink
DE202010017802U1 (en) * 2009-02-11 2012-11-22 Ethical Coffee Company Sa Device for preparing a beverage from a capsule
US10004352B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2018-06-26 Qbo Coffee Gmbh Device for discharging an extraction product out of a portion packaging; puncturing device and extraction apparatus
PL2368466T3 (en) * 2010-03-24 2014-06-30 Delica Ag Device for preparing a drink
US9492028B2 (en) 2016-11-15
RU2460451C2 (en) 2012-09-10 Device for preparation of liquid drink from cartridge