METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage is described, comprising: at least one infusion assembly (2a, 2b); a hydraulic circuit (3) connecting the infusion assembly or assemblies (2a, 2b) to an external water-supply system (100) and comprising a first and a second fluidic path (31) to connect said infusion assembly (2a, 2b) alternatively to said external supply system (100) or a pump.

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage, comprising: at least one infusion assembly (2a, 2b); a hydraulic circuit (3) adapted to connect said at least one infusion assembly (2a, 2b) with an external water-supply system (100), said hydraulic circuit (3) defining, for at least one infusion assembly (2a, 2b), at least one first fluidic path (31) to connect said infusion assembly (2a, 2b) to said external water-supply system (100), and a second fluidic path (32) to connect said infusion assembly (2a, 2b) to said external water-supply system (100), said hydraulic circuit (3) being provided with at least one pump (4), said at least one pump (4) being arranged on said second fluidic path (32); wherein said first fluidic path (31) joins said second fluidic path (32) downstream of said at least one pump (4), so as to have a portion in common with said second fluidic path (32) downstream of said at least one pump (4), and wherein a unidirectional-flow control element (5) is arranged on said first fluidic path (31).

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said unidirectional-flow control element (5) is a non-return valve.

3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said unidirectional-flow control element (5) is a passively operating element.

4. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said unidirectional-flow control element (5) is configured to allow water flow when the upstream pressure is greater than the downstream pressure, and to prevent water flow when the upstream pressure is less than the downstream pressure of said unidirectional-flow control element (5).

5. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first fluidic path (31) branches off from that second fluidic path (32) upstream of said at least one pump (4), so as to bypass said at least one pump (4).

6. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said hydraulic circuit (3) comprises at least one volumetric dosing unit (3f, 3f′) to dose the amount of water entering said at least one infusion assembly (2a, 2b).

7. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said hydraulic circuit comprises a pressure regulator (3e) placed on said first fluidic path (31).

8. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein only one pump (4) serves two or more infusion assemblies (2a, 2b) and each infusion assembly comprises a circuit having a first fluidic path and a second fluidic path.

9. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein an electrovalve (3c) is positioned on a second fluidic path, downstream of the pump (4) and upstream of the junction point (B, B′) between the first and the second fluidic paths, for each of said at least one infusion assembly.

10. Method for preparing a beverage, comprising the steps of: i) connecting an infusion assembly (2a, 2b) of an apparatus (1) according to claim 1 to an external water-supply system (100); ii) opening said first fluidic path (31), while keeping said second fluidic path (32) closed, so that water flows from said external water-supply system (100) to said infusion assembly (2a, 2b); iii) operating said at least one pump (4), to bring water to said infusion assembly (2a, 2b), while keeping said first fluidic path (31) closed, wherein the water pressure is greater with respect to said step ii).

11. Method according to claim 10 wherein, by operating the pump (4), pressurized water is brought downstream of the unidirectional-flow control element (5), so that the fluid is prevented from passing through the first fluidic path (31).

12. Method according to claim 10, wherein step ii) is a beverage pre-infusion step, and wherein step iii) is a beverage delivery step.

13. Method according to claim 10, wherein said beverage is prepared in an apparatus comprising: at least one infusion assembly (2a, 2b); a hydraulic circuit (3) adapted to connect said at least one infusion assembly (2a, 2b) with an external water-supply system (100), said hydraulic circuit (3) defining, for at least one infusion assembly (2a, 2b), at least one first fluidic path (31) to connect said infusion assembly (2a, 2b) to said external water-supply system (100), and a second fluidic path (32) to connect said infusion assembly (2a, 2b) to said external water-supply system (100), said hydraulic circuit (3) being provided with at least one pump (4), said at least one pump (4) being arranged on said second fluidic path (32); wherein said first fluidic path (31) joins said second fluidic path (32) downstream of said at least one pump (4), so as to have a portion in common with said second fluidic path (32) downstream of said at least one pump (4), wherein a unidirectional-flow control element (5) is arranged on said first fluidic path (31) and wherein only one pump (4) serves two or more infusion assemblies (2a, 2b) and each infusion assembly comprises a circuit having a first fluidic path and a second fluidic path, said apparatus having at least two infusion assemblies and two electrovalves (3a, 3c′) downstream of said pump on the paths of said infusion assemblies (2a, 2b), said method comprising the steps of operating said pump (4); for a first infusion assembly (2a), carrying out a pre-infusion step (ii) while keeping the respective electrovalve (3c) of the first path of the circuit of said first infusion assembly closed; for a second infusion assembly (2b), carrying out the infusion and delivery step (iii) by opening the electrovalve (3c′) of the first fluidic path of said second delivering assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] With reference to the figures attached, exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are now introduced, in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of FIG. 1, in which many elements were omitted for simplicity;

[0035] FIGS. 3 and 4 are views in which the operation of the apparatus, as shown in FIG. 2, is schematically shown.

METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0036] An apparatus 1 according to the present invention comprises at least one infusion assembly 2a, 2b.

[0037] There are two infusion assemblies in the embodiment shown. Embodiments, not shown, which are equipped with a single infusion assembly, and also embodiments with a greater number of infusion assemblies, are however possible. In the preferred embodiment shown, the pump of the apparatus is shared by several infusion assemblies.

[0038] As known, the term infusion assembly (for example a machine for preparing espresso coffee) means a device adapted to receive an input liquid (water in the present invention) for preparing the beverage and to supply an output beverage prepared with such liquid by means of an infusion process.

[0039] An infusion assembly 2a, 2b is thus typically equipped with an infusion chamber, in which water meets a basic substance, typically powdered, for preparing a beverage and a nozzle or similar element to allow the delivery of the beverage. As known, for example in the machines for preparing espresso coffee, the infusion assembly, and in particular the infusion chamber, can comprise (or at least partly be constituted by) a filter-holder. A boiler or heater can be provided to heat the water. The infusion chamber can be configured, in a known way, to directly receive a substance, for example powdered, or to receive a container (capsule, pod, or similar element) containing such substance. As mentioned, the infusion chamber can be at least partly constituted by a filter-holder, which is manually connected by the bartender to the machine for preparing espresso coffee.

[0040] The apparatus 1 further comprises a hydraulic circuit 3 adapted to connect each infusion assembly 2a, 2b to an external water-supply system 100.

[0041] Typically, the hydraulic circuit 3 comprises a plurality of tubes or ducts 3a, and one or more water flow regulating and/or measuring elements 3b, 3c-3c″, 3d-3d′, 3e, 3f-3f′. Various water flow regulating and/or measuring elements are known in the art.

[0042] For example, in a possible embodiment, the hydraulic circuit 3 is equipped with a distributor valve 3b adapted to receive water from an inlet and to channel water towards one or more of the outlets connected to it. The valve 3, or distribution element, is further connected to a boiler for the production of steam 6, for supplying water to said boiler.

[0043] According to an aspect, the hydraulic circuit 3 comprises electrovalves 3c-3c′ adapted to selectively allow and prevent the passage of water through the different ducts 3a of the hydraulic circuit 3. As stated above, the valve 3c, 3c′ are positioned between the pump 4 and the junction point B, B′ between the first and the second fluidic paths.

[0044] According to an aspect, the hydraulic circuit comprises manually operated valves 3d. In the embodiment shown, such manually operated valves 3d regulate the inflow of water into the infusion assembly 2a.

[0045] According to an aspect, the hydraulic circuit 3 comprises a pressure regulator 3e, preferably a pressure reducer, adapted to reduce to a predefined value the water pressure entering from the external system 100, as better discussed below.

[0046] According to an aspect, the hydraulic circuit 3 comprises a volumetric dosing unit 3f upstream of one (and preferably upstream of each) infusion assembly 2a, 2b.

[0047] In possible embodiments, the hydraulic circuit could be equipped with a combination of some of such elements, and in particular, hydraulic circuits having different combinations of the regulating and measuring elements 3e-3f are possible.

[0048] The external system 100 is typically the urban water-supply system.

[0049] According to a possible aspect shown in the figures, the apparatus 1 (such as for example a machine for preparing espresso coffee) can comprise a boiler 6 for producing steam (typically connected to a respective steam-delivering devices known in the art and not shown in detail).

[0050] For at least one infusion assembly 2a, 2b, and preferably for each infusion assembly 2a, 2b, the circuit 3 is configured so that to provide a first fluidic path 31 and a second fluidic path 32.

[0051] Such first and second fluidic paths 31, 32 are shown in detail in FIG. 2, with reference to the infusion assembly 2a. As better discussed below, although not explicitly denoted by numerical references, a first and a second fluidic path having the characteristics discussed herein are also provided for the second infusion assembly 2b.

[0052] Both the first and the second fluidic path 31, 32 (hereinafter also “first path” and “second path”) are adapted to connect the infusion assembly 2a to the external system 100.

[0053] There is at least one pump 4, arranged on the second path 32, on the circuit 3.

[0054] The second path 32 thus allows to supply high pressure water (or anyhow at pressure greater than that supplied by the external system 100), while the first path 31 supplies water at the pressure supplied by the external system 100 (possibly modified by the pressure regulator 3e).

[0055] The first and second fluidic paths have at least one portion in common, placed downstream of the pump 4. The definition “downstream” refers to the path of water inside the second path 32, from the external system 100 to the infusion assembly 2a.

[0056] In particular, the first path 31 is connected to the external system 100 and joins the second path 32 at the junction point B, downstream of the pump 4. The length between point B and the infusion assembly 2a is thus shared between the first path 31 and the second path 32.

[0057] The first path 31 comprises a unidirectional-flow control element 5 (hereinafter also named “unidirectional element” 5).

[0058] The term unidirectional-flow control element means an element adapted to allow water flow in one direction, and to prevent water flow in the opposite direction. In other words, the unidirectional element allows the passage of water through the infusion assembly 2a, but prevents water from crossing the unidirectional element in the opposite direction, i.e. from the infusion assembly 3a towards the external system 100.

[0059] Preferably, the unidirectional element 5 is passive, i.e. can be operated mechanically. In particular, the state of the unidirectional element (i.e. the opening, to allow the passage of water, and the closing, to prevent the passage of water) can be controlled by a pressure difference, without requiring electric power, or another type of active control/command.

[0060] Preferably, in fact, when the pressure upstream of the unidirectional element 5 is greater than the pressure downstream of the unidirectional element 5, the unidirectional element “opens,” i.e. allows the passage of water. Instead, when the pressure downstream of the unidirectional element 5 is greater than the upstream pressure, the unidirectional element “closes,” i.e. preventing the passage of water. The definitions “upstream” and “downstream” refer to a water flow flowing from the external system 100 to the infusion assembly 2a.

[0061] The unidirectional element 5 thus allows the passage of water from upstream to downstream, i.e. prevents the passage of water from downstream to upstream.

[0062] This way, the operation of the pump 4 is sufficient to “close” the unidirectional element, i.e. to bring it to a condition in which it prevents the passage of fluid.

[0063] In fact, the operation of the pump 4 brings water to the junction point B. At this point, the water (in addition to continuing its path towards the infusion assembly 2a) also starts to run through the first path 31 in the opposite direction, until reaching the unidirectional element 5. As mentioned above, the pressure in the length of the hydraulic circuit comprised between the junction point B and the unidirectional element 5 causes the closing thereof, so that the water cannot cross the unidirectional element, thus preventing it from flowing towards the external system 100.

[0064] Preferably, the unidirectional element 5 is a non-return valve.

[0065] As mentioned above, the first path 31 is connected to the external system 100. According to a possible aspect, the first path 31 is directly connected to the external system 100. Preferably, however, as shown in the figures, the first and the second path 31, 32 have a further length in common, upstream of the pump 4.

[0066] More in detail, the portion between the external system 100 and the branching point A is shared between the first and second path 31, 32. At the branching point A, the first path 31 branches off from the second path 32, so that the second path 32 passes through the pump 4, while the first path 31 passes through the unidirectional element 5, thus avoiding the pump 4.

[0067] As described above, the first and the second path 31, 32 join at the junction point B.

[0068] Thus, in other words, the first path 31 preferably provides a bypass of the pump 4.

[0069] The first path 31 preferably also has the pressure regulator 3e mentioned above. According to an aspect, such pressure regulator 3e is placed upstream of the branching point A, i.e. in the portion shared between the first and second path 31, 32.

[0070] In other possible embodiments, the pressure regulator could be placed on the first path 31 only, for example between the branching point A and the junction point B.

[0071] In general, the pressure regulator 3e is preferably placed on the first path upstream of the junction point B.

[0072] The pressure regulator 3e, typically a pressure reducer, is typically a passive element known in the art and configured so that to regulate the pressure of the water entering the apparatus 1 to a predefined value. Such predefined value is typically adjustable, for example manually by a user.

[0073] With reference to FIG. 1, as mentioned above, each infusion assembly 2a, 2b preferably has a first and a second path.

[0074] In particular, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first path for the infusion assembly 2a meets the following elements: external system 100, pressure regulator 3e, branching point A, unidirectional element 5, junction point B, volumetric dosing unit 3f, manually operated valve 3d, infusion assembly 2a.

[0075] The second path for the infusion assembly meets the following elements: external system 100, pressure regulator 3e, branching point A, pump 4, distributor valve 4b, electrovalve 3c, junction point B, volumetric dosing unit 3f, manually operated valve 3d, infusion assembly 2a.

[0076] The first path for the infusion assembly 2b meets the following elements: external system 100, pressure regulator 3e, branching point A, unidirectional element 5′, junction point B′, volumetric dosing unit 3f, manually operated valve 3d′, infusion assembly 2b.

[0077] The second path for the infusion assembly 2b meets the following elements: external system 100, pressure regulator 3e, branching point A, pump 4, distribution valve 3b, electrovalve 3c′, junction point B′, volumetric dosing unit 3f, manually operated valve 3d′, infusion assembly 2b.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, a further unidirectional element conveniently adjusted can be positioned between the volumetric dosing units 3f, 3f′ and the valves 3d, 3d′, respectively, for the infusion assemblies 2a and 2b.

[0079] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation of the apparatus 1 is now described, with reference to the infusion assembly 2a. Such description is generally applied to any infusion assembly of the apparatus 1.

[0080] In use, in a first step, preferably a pre-infusion step, water is channeled to the infusion assembly 2a without delivering the beverage. Thus, in this step, water fills the infusion chamber and is at a lower pressure than in the successive delivering step. In this step, the pump 4 is not operated.

[0081] The water coming from the external system 100 (and preferably set at a predefined pressure by the pressure regulator 3e) passes through the first path 31, i.e. through the unidirectional element 5.

[0082] With reference to FIG. 3, the water branches off from the shared portion at the branching point A and arrives at the unidirectional element. The water pressure opens the unidirectional element 5 so that the water arrives at the junction point B.

[0083] From here, the water continues its path up to the infusion assembly 2a. An electrovalve 3c, or similar regulating and/or measuring element, can be placed on the second path 32 so that to prevent water from flowing from the junction point B towards the pump 4.

[0084] Preferably, the amount of water supplied to the infusion assembly 2a is monitored by the volumetric dosing unit 3f, so that to determine when to finish the pre-infusion step.

[0085] Successively, with particular reference to FIG. 4, the pump 4 is operated. If present, the electrovalve 3c (or similar regulating and/or measuring element) is opened. This way, the water flows through the second path 32 and is channeled at a greater pressure (with respect to the previous step) to the infusion assembly 2a.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 4 with a dotted arrow, initially the water pressurized by the pump 4 also flows through the length of the first path 31 comprised between the junction point B and the unidirectional element 5. As described above, the unidirectional element prevents the passage of water through the element itself in that direction. In particular, according to a preferred aspect, the water pressure causes the closing of the unidirectional element 5, thus preventing water flow through the first path 31.

[0087] This way, the water can reach the infusion assembly 2a only through the second path, pushed by the pump 4 so that to allow the delivery of a beverage. Preferably, when the volumetric dosing unit 3f has detected that the desired amount of water was supplied to the infusion assembly 2a, the operations of the pump 4 are stopped so that to finish delivering water to the infusion assembly 2a.

[0088] By operating the electrovalves 3c, 3c′ positioned between the pump 4 and each junction point B, B′ between the first and the second fluidic paths, it is possible to contemporaneously deliver two coffees from two different infusion assemblies 2a, 2b, for example. For example, while an infusion assembly 2a is carrying out a pre-infusion (ii), in the adjoining assembly 2b the infusion and delivery (iii) of the beverage can be carried out, with the pump 4 operating. The pump 4, as discussed above, can be connected to all of the infusion assemblies.

[0089] In other word, the beverage is prepared in an apparatus provided with a pump, at least two infusion assemblies and two electrovalves 3c, 3c′ downstream of said pump on the paths of the circuits of said infusion assemblies 2a, 2b, according to a method comprising the steps of operating the pump 4; carrying out a pre-infusion step (ii) for a first infusion assembly 2a, while keeping the respective electrovalve 3c closed of the first path of the circuit of said first infusion assembly; and, at the same time, carrying out the infusion and delivery step (iii) for a second infusion assembly 2b by opening the electrovalve 3c′ of the first fluidic path of said second delivering assembly.