SYSTEM FOR PREPARING AROMATIC BEVERAGES WITH OPTMIZED BEVERAGE DISCHARGE DISPOSITION AND PROCESS OF OPERATION OF SAID SYSTEM

Abstract

A system (1) for preparing beverages, in particular aromatic beverages such as espresso coffee and similar, comprising at least one type of brewing device (2), at least one beverage discharge disposition (3) that provides beverage discharge in a direction opposite that of the gravity force, and at least one type of beverage recipient (4), for example of the type glass, cup or similar. The system (1) presents at least one introduction opening (8) configured for the introduction of portions (7) of edible substance, arranged next to said beverage discharge disposition (3), so that both are accessible on a common exterior surface of the apparatus casing (6) of said beverage preparation apparatus (5). Also, a process for preparing beverages having a step of confirmation the correct placement of a beverage recipient (4) engaged in said beverage discharge disposition (3) and display of corresponding information.

Claims

1. A system (1) for preparing beverages, such as for example aromatic beverages, from an edible substance, and that includes: at least one type of beverage recipient (4, 4) providing a beverage collection space (A); at least one type of beverage preparation apparatus (5) comprising, from upstream to downstream along the flow direction: a flow pressurization device (9), for example a pump, adapted so that can supply a fluid flow (FS) at a pressure comprised between 1 and 20 bar, a brewing device (2) adapted so that can collect a portion (7) of edible substance, optionally provided inside of a capsule, and so that can supply a resulting beverage discharge flow (BD), a beverage discharge disposition (3) adapted so that provides support for placing at least one, preferentially a plurality of types of beverage recipient (4, 4), and discharge of said beverage discharge flow (BD) to the interior of said collection space (A), whereby said apparatus (5) presents an exterior surface that includes at least one disposition for introducing portions including a closable introduction opening (8) provided in connection with, and adapted for supplying said portion (7) of edible substance, to said brewing device (2), said introduction opening (8) and said beverage discharge disposition (3) are provided on a same exterior surface of said beverage preparation apparatus (5), preferentially an exterior surface associated with the apparatus casing (6), whereby said exterior surface preferentially corresponds to the only exterior surface on a common plane provided by the top part or by the front part of said beverage preparation apparatus (5).

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said introduction opening (8) is provided at a similar height and in front or back, preferentially back, of said beverage discharge (3) with relation to a front part of said beverage preparation apparatus (5), on a common at least approximately horizontal exterior surface.

3. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said introduction opening (8) is provided at a different height and above or under, preferentially above, of said discharge disposition (3) with relation to the top part of the beverage preparation apparatus (5), on a common at least approximately vertical exterior surface.

4. The system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of said introduction opening (8) and beverage discharge disposition (3) is provided movable so that can be moved outwards and inwards relative to said common exterior surface, between a respective closed and open position, and vice-versa.

5. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said introduction opening (8) and beverage discharge disposition (3) are provided so that said common exterior surface develops along a single plane and extends beyond, preferentially hat at least twice the dimension of the area delimited by said introduction opening (8) and beverage discharge disposition (3).

6. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said apparatus (5) further comprises a utilization interface comprising means for actuating upon the beverage preparation cycle and provided on the same exterior surface as the introduction opening (8) and the beverage discharge disposition (3), so that the manual operations of utilization of said apparatus (5) can unfold on a similar plane.

7. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said beverage preparation apparatus (5) further comprises means for detecting the placement of a beverage recipient (4), preferentially associated with said beverage discharge disposition (3), adapted so that can recognize a correct placement, in particular a correct engagement, of the beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3).

8. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said beverage discharge disposition (3) comprises state display means (34) adapted so that can communicate to the user at least one correct placement of a beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3), preferentially also on the state of operation readiness and of operation on-going and of operation concluded, whereby said state display means (34) are of at least one type including of visual type and of acoustic type.

9. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said beverage discharge disposition (3) comprises state display means (34) provided so that extend at least in part on said common exterior surface, preferentially along of at least part, preferentially of the total perimeter of an edge associated with said beverage discharge (3), so as to ensure the visibility of said state display means (34) to a user of said beverage preparation apparatus (5).

10. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said beverage discharge disposition (3) presents a beverage discharge device (31) that includes at least one generally upwards oriented flow exit, and a sealing element of o-ring type, or similar, whereby said beverage discharge device (31) is connected with said brewing device (2) by means of a tube, preferentially a flexible tube.

11. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said beverage discharge disposition (3) comprises a beverage discharge device (31) that presents a plurality of engagement elements (33) configured as cavities or projections so that can engage by means of a hook-like connection in corresponding fitting elements (47) provided on a cavity part of said base zone (41) of at least one type of beverage recipient (4, 4).

12. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said beverage discharge disposition (3) presents a collection part (32) provided as a cavity presenting at least one surface lowered relative to the remanding top surface of the beverage discharge disposition, preferentially in inclined manner towards the centre or the perimeter region, and presenting at least one passageway for fluid collection towards an inferior level.

13. A process for preparing a beverage including the steps: providing a beverage preparation apparatus (5) presenting a flow pressurization device (9), at least one brewing device (2) adapted so that can collect a portion (7) of edible substance inside thereof, and at least one beverage discharge disposition (3) adapted so that can discharge a discharge beverage flow (BD) into a beverage recipient (4) placed thereupon, whereby each beverage preparation cycle includes the steps: detecting the operational state corresponding to at least one of readiness of the flow pressurization device (9), placement and correct placement of said beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3); displaying operational state information relating to at least one of placement and correct placement of said beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3) by state display means (34) preferentially provided on said beverage discharge disposition (3); characterized in that the flow pressurization device (34), for example a pump, is prevented from operating as long as there is detected at least one of non placement and incorrect placement of said beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3).

14. The process according to claim 13, characterized in that further includes the following steps: placement of a beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3); supply of a portion (7) of beverage precursor substance to a brewing device (2) through an introduction opening (8); actuation of start of supply by flow pressurization device (9) of a pressurized flow to said brewing device (2), so that results a beverage discharge flow with a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure out of said brewing device (2); conduction of said beverage discharge flow (BD) to a beverage discharge disposition (3) comprising a discharge element (31) provided so that the beverage discharge flow (BD) flows along a direction that is generally opposite the gravity force direction, and discharge of the beverage upwards through said discharge element (31), with a previously defined pressure into the interior of the beverage recipient (4) through the base zone (41) thereof.

15. The process according to claim 13, characterized in that the step of placing a beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3) includes an engaging retention of a fitting part (45) that is provided on said base zone (41), with a discharge element (31) of said beverage discharge disposition (3).

16. The process according to claim 13, characterized in that the step of placing a beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3) includes the actuation of a sensor of recipient placement adapted so that can recognize the presence and correct retention of a beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3), whereby said sensor of recipient placement is associated to a respective discharge element (31) and provided in functional connection with a control device of said apparatus (5), so that the start of each beverage preparation cycle only takes place after reception of a signal of correct placement and retention of said beverage recipient.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The invention shall now be explained in greater detail based upon preferred embodiments and the attached Figures.

[0025] The Figures show, in simplified schematic representations:

[0026] FIG. 1: side (on the left-side) and front views of a first embodiment of an apparatus (5) for preparing beverages comprised on a system (1) according to the invention;

[0027] FIG. 2: side (on the left-side) and front views of a second embodiment of an apparatus (5) for preparing beverages comprised on a system (1) according to the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 3: side (on the left-side) and front views of an embodiment of an apparatus (5) for preparing beverages comprised on a system (1) according to the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 4: side view (on the left-side) and respective cut of a first preferred embodiment of a beverage recipient (4) included in a system (1) for preparing aromatic beverages according to the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 5: side view (on the left-side) and respective cut of a second preferred embodiment of a beverage recipient (4) included in a system (1) for preparing aromatic beverages according to the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 6: detail side cut view of a first preferred embodiment of a beverage discharge disposition (3) and beverage recipient (4) in a system (1) for preparing aromatic beverages according to the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 7: Top views of connection parts of the beverage discharge disposition (3) (on the left-side) and beverage recipient (4) in a system (1) for preparing aromatic beverages according to the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 8: detail side cut view of a second preferred embodiment of a beverage discharge disposition (3) and beverage recipient (4) in a system (1) for preparing aromatic beverages according to the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 9: diagram of a preferred embodiment of a process for preparing beverages according to the invention;

[0035] FIG. 10: diagram of a second preferred embodiment of a process for preparing beverages according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] FIG. 1 represents side views (on the left-side of the drawing) and front views of a first embodiment of an apparatus (5) for preparing beverages includes in a system (1) according to the present invention.

[0037] As represented, said apparatus (5) presents a brewing device (2), in this case provided inside of the apparatus casing (6) of said apparatus (5), whereby said brewing device (2) is provided so that can collect a portion of beverage precursor edible substance contained inside of a capsule (7). The apparatus casing (6) of said apparatus (5) presents an exterior surface that includes at least one introduction opening (8) adapted so that can be closed and opened up for the supply of said capsule (7), and in connection with said brewing device (2).

[0038] Moreover, said apparatus (5) can include a fluid reservoir (not represented), as well as a fluid pressurization device (9) and a fluid heating device (not represented), so that can supply a flow (FS) at a temperature comprised between 60 and 100 C. and at a pressure comprised between 1 and 20 bar, so as to interact with said edible substance. The expert in the art knows these means so that it is abdicated from a more detailed representation or description thereof.

[0039] After brewing the beverage, the beverage discharge flow (BD) is conducted to an exit of said brewing device (2) to a beverage discharge disposition (3) disposed downstream thereof so that the beverage discharge into said beverage recipient (4) flows through said base zone (41) thereof.

[0040] According to a first inventive aspect, said introduction opening (8) is provided next to the beverage discharge disposition (3) so that both are accessible on a common exterior surface of the apparatus casing (6) of said beverage preparation apparatus (5), whereby said common exterior surface preferentially corresponds to a single exterior surface on a common plane provided by the top part or by the front part of the apparatus casing (6) of said beverage preparation apparatus (5). In particular, according to the represented preferred embodiment, said beverage discharge disposition (3) is disposed on the top surface and in front of an introduction opening (8) adapted for introduction of a portion (7) of edible substance, on a same exterior surface of the apparatus casing (6) of said beverage preparation apparatus (5). It is herewith advantageously provided a more ergonomic and particularly compact configuration of said beverage preparation apparatus (5).

[0041] In the case of the represented preferred embodiment, said beverage discharge disposition (3) is advantageously provided on a more elevated plane relative to said brewing device (2), so that any remanding of beverage discharge (BD) falls under the action of the gravity force back to the interior of the beverage discharge disposition (3), preferentially to a lowered collection part (32) that surrounds a respective discharge element (31), as shall be presented further below.

[0042] Moreover, in the case of the represented embodiment, the beverage discharge disposition (3) advantageously presents a plurality of discharge elements (31), so that beverage can be supplied simultaneously to two beverage recipients (4).

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, said introduction opening (8) and beverage discharge disposition (3) are provided so that said common exterior surface develops in a single plane and extends beyond, preferentially has at least twice the dimension of the area delimited by said beverage discharge disposition (3) and introduction opening (8), so that advantageously provides an optional support surface for recipients.

[0044] It is further preferred when a utilization interface of said apparatus (5), not represented so as to simplify the comprehension of the drawing, is also provided on the same exterior surface, so that all manual utilization actions of said apparatus develop at a same level.

[0045] In the case of the embodiment represented in FIG. 2 of a particularly compact apparatus (5), the introduction of portions (7) of edible substance is done along a horizontal direction, through an introduction opening (8) provided on the front zone of the apparatus casing (6) of said apparatus (5), whereby a respective beverage discharge disposition (3) is provided on a lower plane relative to the brewing device (2).

[0046] According to another preferred embodiment, the introduction opening (8) and the beverage discharge disposition (3) are provided mobile, so that can be moved outside and inside, between a respective open and closed position, and vice-versa, relative to said exterior surface of the apparatus casing (6), so that when on a respective closed position, the introduction opening (8) and the beverage discharge disposition (3) develop on a single common plane of exterior surface of the beverage preparation apparatus (5).

[0047] According to another preferred embodiment, said apparatus (5) presents a height (H) of at most 10 cm, preferentially at most 8 cm, particularly preferred at most 6 cm. In particular, in the case represented, the apparatus (5) can advantageously present means for connection to external fluid reservoirs (not represented), such as for example standard-like bottles of water, so as to ensure a reduced construction height of said apparatus (5).

[0048] FIG. 3 shows another type of apparatus (5)identified in merely indicative manner by the dotted line in the drawingthat includes a system (1) for preparing beverages according to the invention, whereby said apparatus (5) can be, for example, a household appliance that provides other functions additionally to the preparation of beverages, such as for example as part of a refrigerator, and integration in other apparatuses, such as for example as part of a vehicle, or as part of a piece of furniture, or similar.

[0049] As one can observe, said apparatus (5) includes a brewing device (2) inside, as well as a respective introduction opening (8) that enables the introduction of said portion (7) of edible substance, and at least one beverage discharge disposition (3).

[0050] The system (1) for preparing beverages according to the invention can further include a plurality of types of beverage recipients (4, 4) presenting different dimension, in particular different dimensions of respective base zones (41), but adapted so as to engage on the same type of beverage discharge disposition (3), in particular presenting similar engaging means with a respective flux regulation disposition (42).

[0051] FIG. 4 represents in side (on the left-side) and cut views of a first embodiment of a beverage recipient (4), of the type cup, glass or similar, of a system (1) for preparing beverages according to the invention.

[0052] As one can observe, said beverage recipient (4) comprises a base zone (41) including a flux regulation disposition (42) that, in this case, is provided as a plurality of flow passageways (43), provided as micro-holes with a dimension adapted so that the fluid flow only passes through them when under a flow pressure bigger than a previously determined value. In particular, said flow passageways (43) present a characteristic cross dimension, for example a diameter, smaller than 0.5 mm, preferentially smaller than 0.2 mm, so that a liquid only passes through them when injected with a flow pressure bigger than a previously defined flow pressure. Moreover, said flow passageways (43) are provided substantially adjacent to each other, in a mesh-like, honeycomb-like disposition, or similar.

[0053] According to an inventive aspect, the beverage recipient (4) further presents a flow deflecting element (45) provided in the proximity downstream from said flux regulation disposition (42) and adapted so that deflects the direction of the beverage discharge flow (BD) and substantially occults the holes associated with said flow passageways (43). It is this ways advantageously provided a discharge of aromatic beverage, such as for example of espresso type coffee, that is more favourable in terms of formation and retention of creme and in terms of less exposition to ambient temperature, thus contributing to enhanced quality in the cup. In fact, the discharge to the interior of a beverage recipient (4) through a respective base zone (41) provides a better distribution of beverage inside thereof, also thereby avoiding the risk of any hot fluid spill outs.

[0054] In the case of the embodiment of beverage recipient (4) represented on FIG. 5, said flux regulation disposition (42) is provided by a valve-like one-way device, in particular by valve regulated by the upstream flow pressure, such as for example of the type spring vale presenting a spring-like elastic element (44), and provided so that only allows flow passage when the upstream flow pressure is bigger than 1 bar, preferentially bigger than 1.2 bar.

[0055] According to said inventive aspect, the flux regulation disposition (42) presents a disc-like flow deflecting element (45) connected to said elastic element and adapted so that provides at least one flow passageway (46) when impinged upwards under the action of said elastic element (44), whereby said flow deflecting element (45) is provided so that occults said flux regulation disposition (42) and preferentially presents a similar appearance to the remanding interior surface of the beverage recipient (4).

[0056] It is this way provided a simple and economic solution for adapting different types of beverage recipients (4) with the possibility of beverage discharge through a respective base zone (41) in a direction opposite the gravity force.

[0057] As represented in FIG. 6, said flux regulation disposition (42) can be of the type one-way valve, in particular a valve regulated by upstream flow pressure, such as for example of the type spring vale presenting a spring-like elastic element (44), and provided so that only enables flow passage when the upstream flow pressure is bigger than 1 bar, preferentially bigger than 1.2 bar.

[0058] Said flux regulation disposition (42) in this case presents a disc-like flow deflecting element (45) connected to said elastic element and adapted so that presents at least one flow passageway (46) that results unobstructed when said flow deflecting element (45) is impinged upwards under the action of said elastic element (44). As an expert in the field shall readily understand, said flow deflecting element (45) is provided so that can be moved by the action of said elastic element (44) along a previously defined extension in the interior of an opening of the base zone (41), but recovering an initial position of retention in said opening as soon as stops the hydraulic pressure of the beverage discharge flow (BD). According to another preferred embodiment, said flow deflecting element (45) is provided so that substantially occults said flux regulating disposition (42) and that presents a similar appearance to the remanding interior surface of the beverage recipient (4).

[0059] As one can further observe in FIG. 6, said discharge device (31) presents a cross-section with a plurality of engagement elements (33) in this case provided as projections configured so that can engage by means of a fitting-like connection under pressure into corresponding fitting elements (47) provided on a cavity part of said base zone (41) of beverage recipient (4).

[0060] According to another preferred embodiment, said discharge disposition (3) presents a beverage discharge element (31) that includes at least one flow exit generally oriented upwards, a collection part (32) adapted for collecting the base of beverage recipient (4), and a sealing element (not represented) of type o-ring, or similar, whereby said beverage discharge element (31) is connected with said brewing device (2) by means of a tube, preferentially of flexible type.

[0061] FIG. 7 represents a second embodiment whereby said flux regulating disposition (42) is of the one-way valve type, in particular a valve regulated by the upstream flow pressure, such as for example of the type spring valve.

[0062] Said flux regulation disposition (42) in this case presents at least one, preferentially a plurality of flow passageways (43) oriented upwards on a fixed wall, and an elastic element (44) that is supported on said fixed wall and on an admission part (47) that obstructs the flow passageway when said elastic element (44) is not impinged. When impinged by the beverage discharge flow (BD), said elastic element (44) is displaced upwards, thereby moving said admission part (47) and that way providing (situation represented in the drawing) at least one flow passageway through said flux regulation disposition (42) and to the interior of the collection space (A) of beverage recipient (4).

[0063] The beverage recipient (4) further presents a flow deflection element (45) provided fixed, next to and downstream of the flux regulation disposition (42). Alternatively, the flux regulation disposition (42) and the flow deflection element (45) are provided as a single piece whereby an interior and vertically oriented flow passageway leads the flow into a plurality of flow passageways (43) oriented horizontally along the exterior perimeter (embodiment not represented).

[0064] It is preferred when said flow deflecting element (45) is an integral part of said beverage recipient (4).

[0065] According to another preferred embodiment, said apparatus (5) further comprises state display means (34) adapted so as to communicate to a user the correct placement of the beverage recipient (4) on the beverage discharge disposition (3), whereby said state display means (34) are of at least one type, including of visual and acoustic type, and preferentially provided associated with said beverage discharge disposition (3). Moreover, it is preferred when said state display means (34) are provided so that extend at least in part on said common exterior surface, so that result best visible to the user.

[0066] FIGS. 9 and 10 represent preferred embodiments of a process for preparing beverage according to the present invention.

[0067] According to a first aspect, and as one can observe on FIG. 9, the start of each beverage preparation cycle is preceded by the confirmation of placement of a beverage recipient (4) engaged on a beverage discharge disposition (3). In the affirmative case, a control device of the apparatus (5), releases the readiness to operate of the flow pressurization device (9) so that the cycle of beverage preparation can start, including the discharge of beverage by means of said beverage discharge disposition (3) and through the base zone (41) of said beverage recipient (4). It is herewith ensured that the beverage recipient (4) can effectively collect the beverage discharge in safety conditions.

[0068] Moreover, as represented on FIG. 10, the process further includes the steps of detecting the operational state corresponding to at least one of: readiness of the flow pressurization device (9), and correct placement of said beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3), as well as the steps of displaying information on the operational state relating to at least one of placement and correct placement of said beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3), preferentially by state display means (34) provided on said beverage discharge disposition (3), whereby the flow pressurization device (34), for example a pump, is prevented from operating while there is detected at least one of non placement and incorrect placement of said beverage recipient (4) on said beverage discharge disposition (3).