Abstract:
An apparatus for preparing a brewed beverage includes a device for heating and delivering water, a brewing chamber, into which the heated water is introduced, a positioning device for positioning a capsule, with contents for brewing the beverage, at a lateral opening of the brewing chamber, and an outlet with a switchable valve on an underside of the brewing chamber, wherein an inlet for introducing the hot water is provided on an upper side of the brewing chamber. A method is also described for preparing a brewed beverage.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a U.S. National Stage Application of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2015/062360, filed Jun. 3, 2015, which claims benefit of German Patent Application No. 10 2014 109 760.2, filed Jul. 11, 2014. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a brewed beverage, comprising a device for heating and delivering water, a brewing chamber, into which the heated water is introduced, a positioning device for positioning a capsule, having an ingredient for brewing a beverage, at a lateral opening of the brewing chamber, and an outlet with a switchable valve on a bottom side of the brewing chamber, as well as a method for preparing a brewed beverage. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    EP 2 119 385 discloses a brewing unit for brewing a capsule, in which a capsule is fixed to retaining elements via a closure mechanism. The capsule is pierced during the brewing process and then brewed under pressure. Such brewing units are not capable of producing tea because the brewing unit operates with high pressure and no infusion time is provided. 
         [0004]    An apparatus for producing a brewed beverage has therefore been disclosed in EP 2 159 167, in which the capsule is arranged adjacent to a brewing chamber in which the brewed beverage can remain for a specific infusion time. The capsule is pierced on the rear side for the brewing process and a liquid is then injected via a needle, which can then flow through a screen on a side of the capsule into the brewing chamber. This brewing apparatus can operate in a substantially pressureless manner and can also be used for producing tea. It is disadvantageous however that the capsule is damaged by being piercing and leakage flows can occur at a specific filling level. Furthermore, tea can adhere to the tip protruding into the capsule, which soils the brewing chamber and optionally the brewing beverage for the next brewing process. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for preparing a brewed beverage which offer optimised water guidance and avoid the aforementioned disadvantages. 
         [0006]    This and other objects are achieved by an apparatus for preparing a brewed beverage which, in one embodiment, includes: a device to produce heated water and to convey the heated water; a brewing chamber including a lateral opening, a bottom side and an upper side including an inlet through which the heated water is introduced into the brewing chamber; a positioning device for positioning a capsule with an ingredient for brewing a beverage at the lateral opening of the brewing chamber; and an outlet including a switchable valve on the bottom side of the brewing chamber. 
         [0007]    The object is also achieved by a method for preparing a brewed beverage which, in one embodiment, includes the following steps: positioning a capsule with an ingredient for brewing the beverage at a lateral opening of a brewing chamber; heating water and conveying the heated water to the brewing chamber; introducing the heated water on an upper side of the brewing chamber; preparing the brewed beverage in the brewing chamber by filling the capsule with heated water; and after a brewing time, opening a valve on a bottom side of the brewing chamber on an outlet and filling a vessel with the brewed beverage. 
         [0008]    In the apparatus in accordance with the invention, a positioning device is provided in order to position a capsule with an ingredient for brewing the beverage at a lateral opening of the brewing chamber, which is arranged above an outlet but beneath an inlet on an upper side of the brewing chamber. Hot water can be introduced via the inlet on the upper side of the brewing chamber, so that the capsule can be inserted without any damage for the brewing process. This prevents potential damage or leakage flows. The brewing volume can further be varied by the lateral positioning of the capsule on the brewing chamber and the supply of the hot water on an upper inlet because the degree of filling of the brewing chamber is not limited by the inlet. Handling is also simplified because the capsule is able to drop downwardly through an insertion chute in order to be positioned by a mechanical positioning means laterally on the brewing chamber. The used capsule can drop further in the downward direction after the brewing process and can be disposed of. Furthermore, the brewing chamber can be rinsed and cleaned in a better way. 
         [0009]    According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the volume of the brewing chamber is at least twice as large as the volume of the capsule, especially at least four times as large. The volume of the capsule lies in a range of between 20 ml and 100 ml for example. The volume of the brewing chamber without the capsule lies in a range of between 0.1 l and 1 l, preferably 0.15 l to 0.7 l. Tea can thus be prepared especially well in the brewing chamber, which needs to brew for a specific period of time in the brewing chamber. The volume of the capsule is preferably dimensioned in such a way that it is at least twice as large as the volume of the cut tea so that there is sufficient space for the swelling of the tea during the preparation. 
         [0010]    A screen is preferably arranged between the brewing chamber and the interior space of the capsule. The screen can be provided both on the capsule and also the brewing chamber, wherein the arrangement on the capsule offers the advantage that the capsule is positioned as a unit on the brewing chamber and can be disposed of again, which simplifies cleaning. 
         [0011]    A nozzle is provided in an advantageous embodiment on the inlet, which nozzle protrudes with a tip into an interior space of the brewing chamber. Several openings distributed over the circumference can be provided on the nozzle, so that the supply of hot water for the brewing process one the one hand and also for a rinsing process on the other hand is ensured. Furthermore, hot water for heating or warming up the brewing liquid can also be added. 
         [0012]    According to a further embodiment, a drive device is provided by means of which the brewing chamber is movable. For the purpose of sealing an interface between the capsule and the brewing chamber, the brewing chamber can be moved in order to provide a sealing. Furthermore, the method of the brewing chamber is further advantageous if the displacement of the brewing chamber can be used in order to eject a capsule from the brewing position after use. 
         [0013]    An outlet nozzle is preferably arranged in the brewing position above a passage for filling the vessel, e.g. a cup, and in a rinsing position spaced from the passage above a guide element for collecting rinsing liquid. The displacement of the brewing chamber can then be used to fill a vessel in a brewing position which is arranged beneath the passage. If cleaning of the brewing chamber is carried out after the brewing process, it is merely necessary to move the outlet nozzle from the passage to the guide element so that the rinsing water within the apparatus can be guided via the guide element to a collecting basin. The region of the brewing chamber and the guide element which is wetted by the tea is rinsed completely, which is especially hygienic. 
         [0014]    The apparatus further preferably comprises a collecting container for waste. The collecting container is preferably arranged beneath the lateral opening of the brewing chamber, so that the capsule can drop into the collecting container during the displacement of the brewing chamber of the brewing process. Furthermore, rinsing liquid which emerges from the lateral opening of the brewing chamber can be diverted to the collecting container. A screen or a grate can be provided on the collecting container in order to collect used capsules above the collecting basin for liquid. 
         [0015]    In the method in accordance with the invention, a capsule with an ingredient for brewing a beverage is positioned at first at a lateral opening of a brewing chamber in order to heat water and to convey the water to the brewing chamber. The heated water is then introduced on an upper side of the brewing chamber via an inlet and the beverage is prepared in the brewing chamber by filling the capsule with heated water. After a dwell time, i.e. the brewing or infusion time, which can be at least 30 seconds for example, preferably at least one minute, a valve on a bottom side of the brewing chamber on an outlet is opened and a vessel is filled with the brewed beverage. Gravity is thus used in the method in accordance with the invention in order to allow a pressureless preparation of a brewed beverage to be carried out without damaging the capsule, so that leakage flows can be avoided, irrespective of the filling volume of the brewing chamber. 
         [0016]    The brewing chamber is preferably displaced after the brewing process in order to eject the capsule to a collecting container. The displacement of the brewing chamber can thus be used on the one hand for sealing the capsule and on the other hand for ejecting the capsule. Furthermore, the brewing chamber can be displaced together with an outlet nozzle in order to move the outlet nozzle from a filling position above the passage to a vessel in a rinsing position above a guide element in order to then rinse the brewing chamber. 
         [0017]    In the method in accordance with the invention, the capsule preferably comprises a coding or marking which is read out after the positioning of the capsule. A controller of the apparatus can then control the preparation parameters such as brewing temperature, infusion time and/or filling volume according to the marking. 
         [0018]    Tea is preferably prepared in the method in accordance with the invention as a brewed beverage. It is obviously also possible to prepare other brewed beverages, especially brewed beverages which require a specific brewing time. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The invention will be explained below in closer detail by reference to an embodiment shown in the enclosed drawings, wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an apparatus for preparing a brewed beverage; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  without the housing; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  shows a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  without the housing prior to the insertion of the capsule; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  shows a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  without the housing during insertion of the capsule; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  shows a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the capsule in the brewing position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  shows a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  after the ejection of the capsule in a rinsing position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective detailed view of the brewing chamber of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the capsule in the brewing position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  shows a top view of the insertion chute of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  shows a sectional perspective view of the capsule, and 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  shows a sectional perspective view of a further embodiment of the capsule. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    An apparatus  1  for preparing brewed beverages comprises a removable collecting container  2  which is arranged in a housing  50 . The collecting container  2  preferably consists of two parts: a container with a water-permeable base for accommodating capsules and a container underneath for collecting water. A support  3  with openings for depositing a vessel  4  is arranged on the collecting container  2 . A gripping section  5  for pulling out the collecting container  2  is provided beneath the support  3 . 
         [0031]    The apparatus  1  for preparing brewed beverages further comprises a brewing chamber  6 , which is provided adjacent to an insertion chute  7  for capsules. 
         [0032]    As is shown in  FIG. 2 , the insertion chute  7  for capsules is disposed between the brewing chamber  6  and a drive device  8 . The brewing chamber  6  can be moved relative to the insertion chute  7  via the drive device  8 . An electric motor  80  is provided for this purpose, which drives a spindle  81  via a gear, on which spindle a spindle nut  82  is mounted in a torque-proof manner. Arms  83  which are connected to the spindle nut  82  are displaced linearly by rotation of the spindle  81 . The arms  83  engage around the brewing chamber  6  on opposite sides and are guided on linear guides  85 . The guide  85  can be formed as a groove or rail for example. The brewing chamber  6  is thus linearly movable. 
         [0033]    The apparatus  1  for preparing brewed beverages further comprises a schematically shown tank  9  for freshwater, which can be formed in a removable manner. The tank  9  is provided with a pump  10 , via which a heating device  11  in form of a boiler is supplied. A line  12 , which is only partly shown in  FIG. 2 , leads from the heating device  11  to an inlet line  13  above the brewing chamber  6 . A filter can optionally also be provided between the inlet line  13  and the tank  9 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  shows the apparatus  1  in detail. A capsule  15  is provided above the insertion chute  7 , which capsule is formed in a cup-like manner and comprises an opening on one side which is sealed with a screen  31 . The screen  31  is fixed to an edge  16  which is formed in an asymmetric manner and comprises a protruding section  17  as a gripping region. As a result of guide means on the base of the capsule  15  which are also asymmetric, said capsule is thus inserted in a predetermined position and orientation into the insertion chute  7 , which comprises a respective recess with guide means for the positioning of the capsule  15 . On the side opposite the opening, the capsule  15  comprises a base  18  on which markings are arranged for identifying the capsule  15 . Such markings can be formed as a colour coding, an optical coding, an electromagnetic coding or in any other way in order to identify a specific type of capsule in a predetermined position. By reading the coding of the capsule  15  on the apparatus, the filling quantity of hot water for the brewing chamber  6 , the temperature and the brewing time can be set via the controller. The control of other parameters via the coding is also possible. 
         [0035]    The capsule  15  is inserted at first into the insertion chute  7  for the brewing process, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The capsule  15  slides downwardly until it is arranged at a lateral opening  20  of the brewing chamber  6 . Retainers  19  are provided for this purpose on the exterior side of the brewing chamber  6 , which retainers prevent that the capsule  15  slips in the downward direction beyond the position shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  shows the brewing position to which the brewing chamber  6  is moved after the insertion of the capsule  15 . The spindle  81  is twisted for this purpose by the electric motor  80  in order to move the arms  83  along the guide  85  in  FIG. 5  to the left, and in order to thus press a seal adjacent to the opening  20  at the brewing chamber  6  against the edge  16  of capsule  15  and to ensure sealing. The capsule  15  and an interior space  21  of the brewing chamber  6  thus form a unit, wherein the interior space  21  of the brewing chamber  6  and the interior of the capsule  15  are separated from each other by the screen  31 . The interior space  21  of the brewing chamber  6  is several times larger than an interior space of the capsule  15 , e.g. more than four times as large, so that the brewing beverage is mainly disposed in the brewing chamber  6  and only a minor portion in the capsule  15 , which simplifies the dispensing of the brewing beverage. 
         [0036]    In the brewing position, hot water is introduced via the inlet line  13  from the heating device  11  into the brewing chamber  6 , for which purpose a nozzle  14  is provided at the end of the inlet line  13  which protrudes with a tip into the interior space  21  of the brewing chamber  6 . The brewing chamber  6  comprises an outlet  22  at the bottom end, which outlet is connected via a line  24  to a valve  23 . The introduced hot water is collected in the brewing chamber  6  by closing the valve  23  and rises over the outlet  22  in order to reach the material contained in the capsule  15  for brewing a beverage, especially tea. The preparation of the brewed beverage can be adjusted individually via the controller by previous reading of the coding on the capsule  15  via a reader device  35 , e.g. green tea can be prepared differently than black tea, fruit tea or any other brewed or infusion beverage. Furthermore, a cleaning or service program can be started by reading the coding. 
         [0037]    The valve  23  can be opened after the brewing process so that the brewed beverage flows from the brewing chamber  6  via the outlet  22  and the line  24  into an outlet nozzle  25 , from where it is introduced into a vessel  4 . A passage  26  or an opening is disposed between the outlet nozzle  25  and the vessel  4 , so that the hot beverage can flow without obstruction into the vessel  4 . The valve  23  can be closed again after the preparation of the brewed beverage. 
         [0038]    After the brewing process, the brewing chamber  6  can be displaced via the drive device  8  according to the arrow in  FIG. 6  so that the capsule  15  is removed from the holding position adjacent to the lateral opening  20  on the brewing chamber  6  and drops in the downward direction. The capsule  15  drops into the collecting container  2  and onto a screen  29  or a grate which is arranged above a collecting basin  28 . The displacement of the brewing chamber  6  simultaneously also displaces the line  24  and the outlet nozzle  25 , which is now no longer arranged above the passage  26  but above a guide element  27 . The brewing chamber  6  can now be rinsed, in that hot water is injected from the heating device  11  via the nozzle  14  into the brewing chamber  6 , so that the hot water can remove residues of the brewing process. The hot water can be partly introduced through the opening  20  into the collecting container  2  in a direct manner and is introduced otherwise via the outlet  22  and the line  24  into the outlet nozzle  25 . The rinsing water then reaches the guide element  27  from there, which is formed as a sloping surface above the vessel  4 . The rinsing water reaches the collecting basin  28  of the collecting container  2  via the guide element  27 . The guide element  27  can also be formed as a channel or a groove instead of a sloping surface. 
         [0039]    If after the removal of the vessel  4  a small quantity of liquid is introduced through the passage  26 , then this liquid can be collected in a second collecting basin  30  or a drip tray beneath the screen  31 . The collecting container  2  can be removed as a unit from the housing  50  of the apparatus  1  so that the two collecting basins  28  and  30  on the collecting container  2  can be emptied. Furthermore, the collecting container  2  above the screen  29  is removable so that the used capsules  15  can also be emptied in a simple way. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  shows the brewing chamber  6  in detail. The nozzle  14  is situated on the upper side of the brewing chamber  6 , by means of which hot water is introduced for the brewing process or for the rinsing process. For this purpose, the nozzle  14  comprises several openings  40  which are distributed over the circumference, through which the hot water can be injected into the brewing chamber  6 . A liquid film is thus formed on the side walls of the brewing chamber  6 , which can be used on the one hand for rinsing and on the other hand for the brewing process. Furthermore, an opening  41  is provided downwardly on the nozzle  14  through which hot water can be injected, e.g. when hot water needs to be refilled during the brewing process. The openings  40  and  41  can also be formed to be optionally switchable via valves. Alternatively, the opening  41  can also be formed in the direction of the capsule instead of perpendicularly in the downward direction. 
         [0041]    The brewing chamber  6  is formed in a substantially spherical way and comprises a parabolic section in the upper region on which the nozzle  14  is provided. 
         [0042]    The brewing chamber  6  comprises retainers  84  or pins on its exterior side which are mounted in the guide  85 . 
         [0043]    The brewing chamber  6  can accommodate a volume of between 0.1 l to 1.0 l, especially 0.15 l to 0.7 l, depending on the number of portions of the brewed beverage that need to be prepared at once. 
         [0044]    Furthermore,  FIGS. 7 and 8  show that the insertion chute  7  comprises a surface  70  on the side of the base  18  of the capsule  15 , from which a first guide strip  71  and a second guide strip  72  protrude. The guide strips  71  and  72  have a different width and are arranged asymmetrically in relation to a central plane of the capsule  15  so that the capsule  15  can only be inserted into the insertion chute  7  in a predetermined position. 
         [0045]    A base area  33  with grooves for accommodating the guide strips  71  and  72  are provided at the height of the lateral opening  20  adjacent to the base  18  of the capsule  15 , on which the capsule  15  is supported after insertion when the capsule  15  rests on the positioning means  19 . It is thus prevented in the insertion position and the brewing position that the capsule  15  can drop into the insertion chute  7 . If the brewing chamber  6  is moved after the brewing process and moved away from the insertion chute  7 , the capsule can drop downwardly into the collecting container  2  as a result of gravity. It may occur that the capsule  15  attaches with the edge  16  to an annular seal  32  on the brewing chamber  6  and is moved together with the brewing chamber  6 . In order to definitely ensure a detachment of the capsule  15 , a stop can be arranged in the path of displacement of the capsule, e.g. an upwardly protruding section  17 , so that the capsule  15  is released from the brewing chamber  6  after a specific amount of travel and it is ensured that the capsule  15  drops into the collecting container  2 . 
         [0046]    It is ensured by the electrical drive device  8  that the capsule  15  can be ejected automatically. A rinsing process can thus be initiated after each brewing process, so that it is prevented that the surface of the brewing chamber  6 , the outlet  22  and the line  24  are soiled. The rinsing can be carried out automatically within 30 seconds for example after the brewing process, without the user having to trigger the rinsing process. 
         [0047]    Other drive devices can also be used instead of the illustrated drive device  8  with the spindle  81 , which other drive devices linearly move or also pivot the brewing chamber  6 . The brewing chamber  6  can also be moved along a curve guide for example so as to be moved between an insertion position, a brewing position and an ejection or rinsing position. 
         [0048]    The capsule  15  is shown in  FIG. 9  in a sectional view. It comprises an interior space which is sealed by a screen  31  or a grate. In order to maintain the aroma of the contents of the capsule over a longer period of time, the screen  31  or the grate can be sealed with a cover foil, which is removed entirely or partly prior to the insertion into the insertion chute  7 . At least one light injection surface  46 , at least one light deflection apparatus  42  and  43  and at least one light-output surface  44  are provided, which are used for an optical recognition system. Light conductors  45  are formed for this purpose on the base  18 . A protruding guide profile  49  is further formed on the base, which interacts with the guide strips  71  and  72 . Four light-output surfaces  44  are provided in the illustrated embodiment, on which a respective light detector detects or also does not detect the emission of light. This leads to four types of coding on the base  18  of the capsule  15 , so that 16 different types of capsules can be recognised. It is obviously also possible to vary the number of the light-output surfaces  44  and the light detectors  36 . It is also possible to arrange the light sources and light sensors in a different way, so that the light-output surfaces  44  become the light injection surfaces and the middle light injection surface  46  becomes a light-output surface. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a capsule  15 ′ which is modified over that of  FIG. 9 . Capsule  15 ′ comprises four light-output surfaces  44 ′ and one light injection surface  46 ′ on the base, which are each arranged in a protected way in a cup-shaped receptacle. The light-output and light injection surfaces  44 ′ and  46 ′, which are oriented parallel to the surface of the base  18 , are thus arranged in a protective manner by a downwardly protruding ring. Furthermore, a screen  31 ′ is fixed to the upper edge  16  of the capsule  15 ′. 
         [0050]    In the illustrated embodiment, the brewing chamber  6  is formed with a single wall, e.g. made of plastic, metal or glass. It is also possible to insulate the brewing chamber  6  for the purpose of increasing temperature stability, e.g. with a casing made of insulating material or by a formation with a double wall. In this case, the brewed beverage can also be output in a sufficient tempered manner even in the case of long brewing times of more than 5 minutes for example. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  Apparatus 
           2  Collecting container 
           3  Support 
           4  Vessel 
           5  Gripping section 
           6  Brewing chamber 
           7  Insertion chute 
           8  Drive device 
           9  Tank 
           10  Pump 
           11  Heating device 
           12  Line 
           13  Inlet line 
           14  Nozzle 
           15  Capsule 
           16  Edge 
           17  Section 
           18  Base 
           19  Retainer 
           20  Opening 
           21  Interior space 
           22  Outlet 
           23  Valve 
           24  Line 
           25  Outlet nozzle 
           26  Passage 
           27  Guide element 
           28  Collecting basin 
           29  Screen 
           30  Collecting basin 
           31  Screen 
           32  Seal 
           33  Projection 
           35  Reader device 
           40  Opening 
           41  Opening 
           42  Light deflection apparatus 
           43  Light deflection apparatus 
           44  Light injection surface 
           45  Light conductor 
           46  Light-output surface 
           49  Guide profile 
           50  Housing 
           70  Surface 
           71  Guide strip 
           72  Guide strip 
           80  Electric motor 
           81  Spindle 
           82  Spindle nut 
           83  Arm 
           84  Retainer 
           85  Guide