DEVICE FOR CONTAINING AND PRESERVING BEVERAGES AND MACHINE FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES COMPRISING SUCH DEVICE

Abstract

A device (5) for containing and preserving beverages, comprising at least one storage chamber (5a) for at least one beverage is described, said storage chamber (5a) being provided with at least one inlet (5b) for the injection of the beverage and with at least one outlet (5c), wherein the outlet (5c) is fluidically connected to a delivering assembly (6) for the delivery of the beverage. The device (5) comprises at least one fluid source (9) fluidically connected with said at least one storage chamber (5a) for the adduction of a fluid flow into said storage chamber (5a) to stir said beverage. A machine (1) for preparing a beverage, preferably by means of percolation, comprising such device (5), and the relative methods of use are also described.

Claims

1. Device (5) for containing and preserving beverages, comprising at least one storage chamber (5a) for at least one beverage, said storage chamber (5a) being provided with at least one inlet (5b) for the injection of the beverage and with at least one outlet (5c), wherein the outlet (5c) is fluidically connected to a delivering assembly (6) for the delivery of the beverage, said device (5) being characterized in that it comprises at least one fluid source (9) fluidically connected with said at least one storage chamber (5a) for the adduction of a fluid flow into said storage chamber (5a) to stir said beverage.

2. Device (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one fluid source (9) is a pressurized fluid flow.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said fluid is air, or a gas or a liquid, or a beverage being the same or different from the one contained in the storage chamber, or part of the beverage which is in the storage chamber and drawn from the storage chamber and released back into the storage chamber, or a combination thereof.

4. Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one level gauge (7) of the beverage contained in said at least one storage chamber (5a).

5. Device (5) according to claim 4, wherein said at least one level gauge (7) is fluidically connected with said storage chamber (5a) and with said at least one fluid source (9), preferably said level gauge (7) being placed between said at least one fluid source (9) and said at least one storage chamber (5a) of said containing device (5).

6. Device (5) according to claim 5, wherein the fluid delivered from said at least one fluid source (9) passes through said level gauge (7) in order to reach said at least one storage chamber (5a).

7. Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising controlling means (10) to control the temperature, which are adapted to maintain or change the beverage temperature.

8. Device (5) according to any one of preceding claims 4 to 7, wherein at least one valve (8) is placed between said at least one fluid source (9) and said at least one level gauge (7).

9. Device (5) according to any one of preceding claims 4 to 8, wherein said at least one level gauge (7) is further fluidically connected with the outer atmosphere (P.sub.0), preferably by said at least one valve (8) placed between said at least one fluid source (9) and said at least one level gauge (7).

10. Device (5) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said at least one valve (8) is of the three-way type, the first way (8a) being fluidically connected with the fluid source (9), the second way (8b) being fluidically connected with the outer atmosphere (P.sub.0) and the third way (8c) being fluidically connected with the level gauge (7).

11. Device (5) according to any one of preceding claims 4 to 10, wherein said at least one level gauge (7) comprises a display pipe (7a), preferably transparent, having a first end (7b) fluidically connected with said storage chamber (5a).

12. Device (5) according to claim 11, wherein said display pipe (7a) comprises a second end (7c) fluidically connected with said fluid source (9).

13. Method of use of at least one device (5) for containing and preserving beverages according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the step of injecting at least one beverage into at least one storage chamber (5a) of the at least one device (5), the method being characterized by comprising at least one step of stirring said beverage contained in said at least one storage chamber (5a) by a fluid flow generated by said at least one fluid source (9).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein during said step of stirring the beverage contained in said at least one storage chamber (5a) of said at least one device (5), the at least one fluid source (9) is fluidically connected with the at least one level gauge (7), the latter being in turn fluidically connected with the storage chamber (5a) to direct the fluid flow generated by the source (9) into said storage chamber (5a).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said step of stirring the beverage contained in said at least one storage chamber (5a) comprises the opening of the first way (8a) of said at least one valve (8) for the fluidic connection of said at least one fluid source (9) with said at least one level gauge (7), in order to direct the fluid flow generated by the source (9) towards the storage chamber (5a).

16. Method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein in said step of stirring the beverage contained in said at least one storage chamber (5a), the fluidic connection of said level gauge (7) with the outer atmosphere (P.sub.0) is inhibited, preferably the second way (8b) of said at least one valve (8) is closed to inhibit the fluidic connection of said at least one level gauge (7) with the outer atmosphere (P.sub.0).

17. Method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the step of stirring the beverage contained in said at least one storage chamber (5a) lasts more than 1 second, preferably more than 3 seconds and/or wherein the stirring step lasts for a maximum of about 10 seconds, preferably about 7 seconds, more preferably about 5 seconds.

18. Method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the step of stirring the beverage inside the storage chamber (5a) is manually operated or automatically operated by a control unit (12).

19. Method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized by comprising the step of detecting the level of said beverage in the storage chamber (5a) of the device (5) by said at least one level gauge (7).

20. Method according to claim 19, wherein in said step of detecting the level of said beverage in the storage chamber (5a), said level gauge (7) is fluidically connected with the outer atmosphere (P.sub.0), preferably the second way (8b) of said at least one valve (8) is open to allow the fluidic connection of said at least one level gauge (7) with the outer atmosphere (P.sub.0).

21. Method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, comprising the step of injecting fluid into at least one storage chamber (5a) of one or more beverage containing devices of a plurality of beverage containing devices (5), preferably said step comprising the activation of at least one valve (15) arranged downstream of said fluid source (9) and connected to two or more beverage containing devices (5).

22. Machine (1) for preparing a beverage, especially coffee, comprising at least one device (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 having at least one storage chamber (5a) for containing and preserving at least one beverage prepared in said machine.

23. Machine for preparing a beverage, especially coffee, according to claim 22, comprising at least one chamber (4), preferably a percolation chamber, adapted to house at least one ingredient and to receive a water flow for making the beverage, said beverage exiting from said chamber (4) being collected in said at least one storage chamber (5a) of said device (5).

24. Machine for preparing a beverage, and especially coffee, according to claim 23, wherein the water for making the beverage, and especially coffee, is warm water.

25. Method of use of a machine (1) according to any one of claims 22-24, the method comprising the step of preparing said beverage in said machine and collecting the beverage prepared in said at least one storage chamber (5a) of said device (5), the method being characterized in that it comprises at least one step of stirring said beverage contained in said storage chamber (5a) of said at least one beverage containing device (5) by a fluid flow generated by said at least one fluid source (9).

26. Method of use of a machine (1) according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized by comprising one or more steps according to any one of claims 13 to 21.

27. Use of at least one fluid source (9) for stirring the beverage, preferably coffee, contained in at least one storage chamber (5a) of at least one device (5) for containing beverages.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] These and other advantages of the present invention will become clearer in the following description and accompanying drawings, provided by way of example and without limitations, in which:

[0076] FIGS. 1 and 1A are respectively a partial sectional view and a schematic view of a possible embodiment of a beverage containing device according to the invention;

[0077] FIG. 2 schematically shows a possible embodiment of the machine for preparing the beverage, by percolation, according to the invention in which there is a percolation chamber and a corresponding beverage containing device according to the invention;

[0078] FIG. 3 schematically shows a further possible alternative embodiment of the machine for preparing the beverage, by percolation, according to the invention in which there are two percolation chambers and two corresponding beverage containing devices;

[0079] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the machine for preparing the beverage by percolation, according to the invention, in which there are two percolation chambers and two corresponding beverage containing devices according to the invention;

[0080] FIG. 5 is a partial view in section of the machine in FIG. 4, in which the fluidic connection of the storage chamber of the beverage containing device with the level gauge and the delivering assembly is shown.

METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0081] With reference to the accompanying figures, some possible embodiments of the device 5 for containing and preserving a beverage, as well as the machine 1 for preparing the beverage, will now be described, starting from the initial injection of the beverage into the storage chamber 5a of the containing device 5.

[0082] As for example shown in FIG. 1, the device 5 comprises a beverage storage chamber 5a, which according to a possible embodiment occupies the volume defined by the upper section of such device 5. Such storage chamber 5a is provided with at least one inlet 5b for injecting the beverage and with at least one outlet 5c, wherein the outlet 5c is fluidically connected with a delivering assembly 6 which allows to deliver the beverage through an outlet section 6a towards an outer container of the user, such as for example a cup, a glass or other container (not shown in the accompanying figures).

[0083] The device 5 comprises at least one fluid source 9 (for example schematically shown in FIG. 1), preferably air, for the adduction of a fluid flow into said storage chamber 5a which determines the stirring of the beverage.

[0084] The term chamber is here used to denote a volume defined by walls inside which it is possible to contain a liquid, for example the chamber can comprise, or be constituted by, a container or tank, both of the fixed type and the type removable from the device 5 and from the machine 1. The chamber can have one or more inlets for the beverage and, in general, for a liquid and one or more outlets for the beverage and, in general, for a liquid. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the beverage containing device 5 has cylindrical shape, however other shapes can obviously be used.

[0085] The inlet 5b of the storage chamber is preferably arranged above and the outlet 5c is preferably arranged below, the latter being preferably positioned on the lower wall of such storage chamber 5a. According to a possible embodiment, the outlet has dimensions smaller than the inlet.

[0086] The outlet 5c is preferably arranged on the bottom wall of the storage chamber 5a of the device 5 and, according to a possible embodiment, it is fluidically connected to a delivering assembly 6 and, as will be seen, according to a possible embodiment, to a level gauge 7.

[0087] The inlet 5b allows to collect a beverage, for example a beverage prepared in a machine 1 whenever the device 5 is used in a machine 1 for preparing a beverage.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage enters the storage chamber 5a by gravity.

[0089] It should be noted that the components of the device 5 are in fluidic connection between one another, in other words, the beverage or stirring fluid is channeled among the various components of the device 5 by means of suitable ducts, or similar fluidic channeling means of the known art.

[0090] In other words, the expressions “fluidic connection” or “fluidically connected” are herein used to denote that a component of the beverage containing device is connected to another component thereof to allow the transfer of fluid between them, i.e. allowing the fluidic communication.

[0091] In the accompanying figures, the fluidic connection between the components of the device is schematically illustrated by means of lines and arrows denoting the running direction of the beverage or fluid.

[0092] It should also be noted that the terms “downstream,” “upstream” are used to denote the position of a component of the device with respect to another, with reference to the running direction of the fluid inside the device itself.

[0093] According to a possible embodiment, as known, the beverage is injected into the storage chamber 5a of the device 5, to which is in turn connected a delivering assembly 6, thanks to which the beverage is provided to the user.

[0094] According to an aspect of the present invention, the delivering assembly 6 comprises a lever 20 which allows the user to manually actuate the delivery of the beverage. In alternative, buttons or other input means known in the art allow an actuation of the manual or automatic type, or of a combination thereof, of the delivering assembly 6.

[0095] In a possible embodiment, the device 5 comprises means 10 to control the temperature and which allow to maintain or change the temperature of the beverage injected into the storage chamber 5a. Such means are of the known type and comprise, for example, one or more resistances or similar heating devices.

[0096] According to a possible embodiment, the device 5 further comprises a level gauge 7 which is intended to detect and show, to the user, the level of the beverage present inside the storage chamber 5a of the device 5 itself.

[0097] Level gauges, also known in the art as level indicators, are known in the art and allow to measure a liquid inside a container, or bowl, or tank. In the present invention, the level gauge is used to show the level (and thus the volume) of beverage present inside the storage chamber 5a.

[0098] Generally, the level gauge 7 is a tool that is able to measure the height of the free surface of the liquid contained inside the storage chamber, with respect to a plane of reference, preferably with respect to the lower wall of the storage chamber 5a of the device 5 (and in general of the container housing the liquid to be measured).

[0099] As known, the level gauges 7 can use different physical principles to measure the liquid, such as for example the principle of communicating vessels, the Archimedes' principle or the hydrostatic pressure principle.

[0100] Preferably, in the beverage containing device 5, level gauges also known as pipe level indicators, or glass-pipe level indicators, which preferably exploit the principle of communicating vessels, are used.

[0101] In detail, according to a possible embodiment, the level gauge 7 comprises a display pipe 7a, preferably transparent (and generally made of glass) having a first end 7b fluidically connected with said storage chamber 5a of said beverage containing device 5.

[0102] The pipe 7a is fluidically connected with the storage chamber 5a so that part of the beverage flows in the display pipe 7a and, depending on the level present inside the storage chamber 5a, assumes a height inside the display pipe such as to denote the height of the free surface of the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a.

[0103] According to a possible embodiment, the level gauge 7 is connected to the outlet duct of the storage chamber 5a which is in turn connected to the outlet 5b of such storage chamber 5a.

[0104] According to a possible embodiment, such as for example shown in the accompanying figures, the level gauge 7 is combined with the delivering assembly 6.

[0105] More in detail, according to a possible embodiment, the level gauge 7, and in particular the display pipe 7a, constitutes a branch of the outlet duct of the beverage from the storage chamber 5a towards the delivering assembly 6. According to a possible embodiment, the delivering assembly 6 comprises a branch, preferably T-shaped, at which the display pipe 7a of the level gauge 7 is placed.

[0106] According to a possible embodiment, the gauge 7 is connected to the outer environment and thus with the outer atmosphere (schematically denoted by P.sub.0), preferably at its upper end 7c.

[0107] More in detail, the second end 7c of the display pipe 7a is in fluidic connection with the outer environment (atmospheric pressure) so that to allow the part of the beverage coming out of the storage chamber 5a to arrange itself inside the pipe 7a at a certain height, which depends on the height of the free surface of the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a.

[0108] According to an aspect of the invention, the level gauge 7 is connected to a fluid source 9. However, possible embodiments in which the fluid source 9 adapted to stir the beverage is in fluidic connection with the storage chamber 5a by means of a connecting opening or section, for example a hole or opening arranged on one of the walls delimiting the storage chamber, are not to be excluded, or possible embodiments in which the fluid source 9 for stirring the beverage is in fluidic connection with the inlet or the outlet of the storage chamber 5a are not excluded.

[0109] According to the possible embodiment in which the level gauge 7 is connected to the fluid source 9, the connection preferably occurs by means of the second opening 7c, generally the upper opening 7c, of the display pipe 7a.

[0110] As mentioned, such fluid source 9, preferably pressurized air or compressed air, is of the type known in the art and comprises for example a pump or a compressor, preferably a compressor supplied by direct current. However, possible embodiments in which the fluid source comprises a tank or container in which the fluid injected into the storage chamber is housed to stir the beverage contained therein should not be excluded.

[0111] According to an aspect of the present invention, the level gauge 7 is alternatively fluidically connected with the fluid source 9 (when needing to stir the beverage contained inside the storage chamber 5a), or with the outer environment and thus with the atmospheric pressure P.sub.0 (when needing to measure the level of the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a).

[0112] The selective fluidic connection of the level gauge 7, and in particular of the upper end 7c of the display pipe 7a, with the atmospheric pressure P.sub.0 or with the fluid source 9 can be regulated. Preferably, according to an aspect of the invention, means that are able to selectively connect the opening 7c with the fluid source 9 or with the outer environment (atmospheric pressure P.sub.0) are provided.

[0113] According to a possible embodiment, a valve 8, preferably a three-way valve, is arranged between the fluid source 9 and the level gauge 7.

[0114] The valve 8 is of known type and can be preferably actuated electrically, for example the valve is of the solenoid type.

[0115] As mentioned, according to an embodiment, the valve 8 alternatively connects the level gauge 7 fluidically with the atmosphere P.sub.0 or with a fluid source 9.

[0116] More in detail, the three-way valve 8 comprises a first way 8a fluidically connected with the fluid source 9, a second way 8b fluidically connected with the outer atmosphere (P.sub.0) and a third way 8c fluidically connected with the level gauge 7, preferably connected with the end 7c of the display pipe 7a.

[0117] It should be noted that the connection of the valve 8 with the components mentioned above and with the outer environment can occur by known means, for example by means of appropriate connecting ducts.

[0118] Moreover, the term “way” denotes, as known, the passage sections or openings the valve body is provided with and which are in fluidic connection between each other and can be selectively opened/closed by known means, such as for example mobile shutters, for example of the spherical or needle type, etc.

[0119] When the level of the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a is detected, the valve 8 connects the gauge 7 fluidically with the atmospheric pressure and thus inhibits the direct connection with the fluid source 9.

[0120] Instead, the fluid source 9 allows to channel the fluid adapted for the stirring, by means of the valve 8 and the level gauge 7, into the storage chamber 5a, preferably through the lower wall of the storage chamber 5a of the device 5. The beverage placed inside the storage chamber 5a is stirred by means of this fluid flow. In other words, the fluid flow injected into the storage chamber 5a thus determines the beverage stirring effectiveness, avoiding the drawbacks reported in the devices, as well as in the machines, known for the stratification/sedimentation of the beverage.

[0121] In particular, by means of a control unit 12 connected to the valve 8 and to the pressurized fluid source 9 and to a control panel 13, it is possible to activate the fluid flow to stir the beverage. I.e., the fluid source 9 is activated and the valve 8 is opened to allow the passage of fluid from the source 9 itself to the level gauge 7 and, through it, to the storage chamber 5a.

[0122] The control panel 13 is of a known type, for example a touchscreen panel, physical buttons, etc.

[0123] Thus, according to an aspect of the present invention, the device 5 is able to carry out the beverage delivering operation with the usual detection of the level of the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a, and is also able to stir the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a when necessary (for example when desired by the user) or automatically according to predetermined time intervals.

[0124] During the normal operation of the containing device 5, during the beverage delivering operation with the indication of the level of the beverage preserved inside the storage chamber 5a through the level gauge 7, the beverage follows the path denoted by the continuous arrows (shown for example in FIGS. 2 and 3), thus passing from the storage chamber 5a contained in the device 5 through an appropriate duct, towards the delivering assembly 6.

[0125] The level gauge 7 is in fluidic connection with the outer environment so that to be able to ensure the level of the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a to be displayed.

[0126] More in detail, according to a possible embodiment, the second way 8b of the valve 8 is open and allows the fluidic connection of the level gauge 7, and in particular of the opening 7c, with the outer atmosphere P.sub.0. At the same time, the first way 8a of the valve 8 is closed so that to inhibit the fluidic connection with the fluid source 9.

[0127] Instead, while stirring the beverage, once the control unit 12 is activated to operate the fluid source 9 and to appropriately regulate the valve 8, thanks to the action of an operator through the control panel 13, the fluid flow follows the path denoted by the dotted arrows (shown for example in FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0128] More in detail, the second way 8b of the valve is closed so that to inhibit the fluidic connection with the outer environment P.sub.0. The first way 8a is open to allow the fluid flow generated by the source 9 to reach the level gauge 7 and thus the storage chamber 5a. Obviously, the third way 8c of the valve 8 is open to allow the passage of the fluid flow towards the level gauge 7.

[0129] Consequently, once the fluid flow is generated by the source 9, it crosses the valve 8 to be injected into the storage chamber 5a. Therefore, it is possible to activate the stirring of the beverage at a preferred time or to set it in automatic mode, according to predetermined time intervals, through the control panel 13. The beverage stirring step can also advantageously be preset.

[0130] As mentioned, a further embodiment in which there are two containing devices 5 connected to a respective dispenser 6, and each provided with a level gauge 7, is shown in FIG. 3.

[0131] These gauges 7 detect the quantity of beverage present inside the storage chamber 5a. Obviously, according to further possible embodiments, the number of devices 5 can be increased depending on the needs.

[0132] According to an aspect of the present invention, such delivering assemblies 6 comprise levers 20 thanks to which the user activates the delivery of the beverage of the single assembly towards the outside.

[0133] The fluid generated by a shared source 9 can thus be directed towards the respective storage chamber 5a of one or more of the containing devices 5, or can be channeled selectively towards a given storage chamber 5a of a given device 5, through a valve 15 or similar sorting means of the fluid flow.

[0134] This way, different devices 5 can be connected to a fluid source 9, thus determining a saving in terms of the components necessary for the operation.

[0135] The valve 15 is of the known type and can be actuated electrically. The valve is preferably of the three-way type and can be actuated electrically, such as for example a solenoid valve.

[0136] A first way 15a of the valve 15 is connected to the fluid source 9, a second way 15b is connected to the duct transporting the fluid towards a first storage chamber 5a of a first containing device 5, whereas the third way 15c is connected to the duct transporting the fluid towards a second storage chamber 5a of a second containing device 5.

[0137] More in detail, according to a possible embodiment, the second way and the third way 15b, 15c are respectively connected with the valves 8 which, as described previously, are arranged upstream of the level gauge 7 and allow to fluidically connect, selectively, the level gauge 7 with the fluid flow coming from the source 9, or with the outer environment and thus with the atmospheric pressure P.sub.0.

[0138] More in detail, as for example shown in the schematic view of FIG. 3, each level gauge 7 is connected with the outer atmosphere (denoted by P.sub.0) by means of a valve 8, preferably of the three-way type. Such valve 8 is further connected, through the interposition of the valve 15, to at least one fluid source 9.

[0139] As already mentioned, for example with reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, during the delivery of the beverage through the delivering assembly 6, the valve 8 allows the fluidic connection of the level gauge 7 with the outer environment and thus with the atmospheric pressure P.sub.0, and allows the user to detect the content of the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a through the level gauge 7.

[0140] When needing to stir the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a, the valve 15 has the task of deviating the stirring fluid flow generated by the source 9 towards at least one valve 8 and thus towards the level gauge 7 and the storage chamber 5a.

[0141] For example, the control unit 12, activated by the user by means of the control panel 13 allows to regulate the operation of the at least one fluid source 9, the valves 8 and the valve 15.

[0142] The user, by means of the control panel 13 and the control unit 12, activates the operations of the fluid source 9 and selects the at least one device 5 to stir the beverage in at least one storage chamber 5a. This way, the valve 8 is controlled so that to allow the passage of the fluid flow coming from the fluid source 9 towards the at least one level gauge 7 and at least one storage chamber 5a, in which the stirring of the beverage occurs. Advantageously, during this process, the at least one valve 8 inhibits the fluidic connection of the beverage inside the level gauge 7 with the outer environment P.sub.0. In other words, during the stirring of the beverage, the second way 8b of the valve 8 is closed, preventing the connection with the outer atmosphere P.sub.0.

[0143] According to possible embodiments, the stirring of the coffee inside the storage chamber 5a, by means of the entering flow fluid coming from the fluid source 9, lasts for more than 1 second, preferably more than 3 seconds. According to possible embodiments, the stirring cycle lasts for a maximum of about 10 seconds, preferably about 7 seconds, more preferably about 5 seconds.

[0144] Still with reference to the accompanying figures, some possible embodiments of the machine 1 according to the present invention, for preparing a beverage, will now be described. Also if particular reference will be made to the preparing of the beverage by percolation hereinafter, other methods of preparing the beverage starting from one or more ingredients are not to be excluded.

[0145] Specifically, reference will be made to the preparing of brewed coffee by percolation starting from ground powdered coffee, however other uses of the machine 1 for preparing other beverages are not to be excluded.

[0146] It should also initially be noted that what is here described and/or claimed with reference to the device 5 and to the relative method of use, can be applied to the machine 1, and vice-versa.

[0147] The machine 1 according to the present invention, such as for example shown in FIG. 2, comprises a water source 2, a boiler 3, a percolation chamber 4, a device for containing and preserving beverages 5 according to the present invention, to collect the percolated beverage before its delivery, which occurs through a delivering assembly 6. The percolation chamber 4 is provided, as known, with an inlet 4a to enter coffee powder, or other ingredient. The beverage extraction water is injected into the percolation chamber 4 through an opening which can be at, or separate from, the inlet 4a intended for the entering of the coffee powder.

[0148] The percolation chamber 4 is further provided with at least one outlet 4b, preferably lower and arranged at the bottom of the chamber, for the coming out of the beverage. As known, the percolation chamber 4 is provided with filtering means known in the art and not shown in the accompanying figures. The filtering means can be fixed or removable.

[0149] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage enters the storage chamber 5a of the containing device 5 by gravity, the device 5 being arranged underneath the percolation chamber 4.

[0150] It should be noted that in the possible embodiment schematically depicted in FIG. 2, the machine 1 is provided with only one percolation chamber 4 and with a corresponding device for containing and preserving beverages 5, whereas in the possible embodiments for example schematically depicted in FIGS. 3-4, the machine comprises two percolation chambers 4 and two corresponding devices 5. Obviously, the same components in the embodiments shown are denoted by the same numerical references.

[0151] As mentioned, FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the machine, in which there are two devices 5 according to the present invention, each provided with a level gauge 7 and each connected to a respective delivering assembly 6.

[0152] Obviously, according to further possible embodiments, the number of devices 5 can be increased depending on the needs.

[0153] It should also be noted that the components of the machine 1 are in fluidic connection with each other, in other words, the water or fluid are transported between the various components of the machine 1 by means of appropriate ducts, or similar fluidic transport means known in the art.

[0154] In other words, the expressions “fluidic connection” or fluidically connected” are herein used to denote that a component of the machine is connected to another component of the machine to allow the transfer of fluid between them.

[0155] In the accompanying figures, the fluidic connection between the components of the machine is schematically depicted by means of lines and arrows denoting the running direction of the fluid.

[0156] It should also be noted that the terms “downstream,” “upstream” are used to denote the position of a component of the machine with respect to another, with reference to the running direction of the fluid inside the machine itself.

[0157] According to a possible embodiment, as known, in the machine 1, the water coming from a source 2 is connected, generally by a duct, to a boiler 3. Here, through the heating means known in the art, the water temperature rises towards values preferably lower than the boiling ones.

[0158] The water heated this way, through an appropriate duct reaches the percolation chamber 4 which is previously supplied by the user with ground coffee (or other ingredient) having the desired granulometry.

[0159] The percolation time depends on various factors, among which the granulometry of the powdered ingredient. By exploiting the effect of the force of gravity, the water permeates through the percolation chamber 4 and thus through the powdered coffee contained therein, and extracts its aromas, oils, etc. The beverage obtained is channeled towards a device 5 for containing and preserving the beverage according to the present invention, which is in fluidic connection with a delivering assembly 6, through which the beverage is supplied to the user.

[0160] Thus, according to an aspect of the present invention, the machine 1 is able to carry out the beverage delivering operation with the usual detection of the level of the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a, and is also able to stir the beverage inside the storage chamber 5a when necessary (for example when desired by the user) or automatically at the end of each percolation cycle, or according to predetermined time intervals.

[0161] During the normal operation of the machine for delivering the beverage with the indication of the level of the beverage preserved inside the storage chamber 5a through the level gauge 7, the beverage follows the path denoted by the continuous arrows (shown for example in FIGS. 2 and 3), thus passing from the storage chamber 5a through an appropriate duct, towards the delivering assembly 6.

[0162] What described above with reference to the containing device 5, and in particular with reference to the steps of stirring the beverage, is applied equally to the machine 1 according to the invention as well as to its method of use.