SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES WITH ENHACED REGULATION OF MOTORIZED ACTUATION

Abstract

Systems and process for preparing beverages, in particular espresso coffee and similar aromatic beverages, based upon a beverage preparation apparatus that has a beverage preparation device adapted to be actuated between open and closed positions by an actuation disposition that includes an electric motor whose operation can be regulated by a control mechanism, whereby the actuation disposition includes an actuation monitoring mechanism adapted to provide monitoring of the circular movement of a driving cam so that the control mechanism can therewith better regulate the electric power supplied to said electric motor.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising a beverage preparation device presenting at least one mobile part adapted so that can be driven by an actuation disposition that includes an electric motor and that can be regulated by control means in a movement path between open position, where the beverage preparation device can collect an individual portion of edible substance, and closed position, and in the reverse movement path, wherein the actuation disposition includes actuation monitoring means adapted so that can provide monitoring of at least one movement parameter associated with the circular movement of a driving came along an angular extension smaller than 360°, whereby the control means are configured so that can identify the movement path and regulate the operation of the electric motor in each movement path, based upon the data of movement parameter apprehended by said actuation monitoring means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuation disposition includes a movement generating device, in particular in the form of an electric motor, a velocity and torque conversion device, preferentially in the form of a gear set, and a driving transmission disposition of final rotation movement to a mobile part of linear movement of the beverage preparation device, whereby the actuation disposition is preferentially adapted so that the linear movement path between initial and destination positions, that is, between open and closed positions of the beverage preparation device, and vice-versa, only requires a rotation movement by the driving came in angular extension of at most 110°, preferentially at most 95°, in the clockwork direction and reverse.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuation monitoring means are configured so that can monitor at least one of, preferentially at least two parameters associated with the circular movement of the driving came, in a quadrant interval associated with the movement quadrant thereof, along an angular extension of at least 110°, preferentially of at least 100°, particularly preferentially comprised between 90° and 100°.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuation monitoring means are configured so that, in each movement path, can apprehend at least one of the following movement parameters: rotation direction, number of rotations between the edges of movement path and rotation velocity of the driving came.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuation disposition includes an electric motor operatively connected by means of direct movement transmission to a single gear set that presents a movement exit preferentially oriented in an orthogonal direction relative to the driving axis of electric motor, whereby the gear set is adapted for direct transmission of the rotation movement of driving came that drives at least one mobile part of the beverage preparation device, and whereby all components of the movement transmission of the actuation disposition are provided encapsulated so that they are not exposed to dusts or corrosive agents, whereby the single gear set is preferentially provided inside of a respective gear box, and the driving came is provided inside of a respective driving sleeve, and the actuation disposition includes a driving came adapted so that provides direct movement transmission between a transmission exit of gear set and an actuation part of the beverage preparation device, whereby the driving came preferentially extends along the whole width of the actuation disposition and along at least most part of a transversal extension of the beverage preparation device.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuation monitoring means include a first monitoring mobile part provided so that can be moved together with the driving came and that presents a plurality of openings arranged along an angular alignment, as well as a second monitoring fixed part provided so that can emit a beam of electromagnetic radiation, for example in the infrared, said beam being oriented so that intersects said angular alignment of openings of the mobile part, and the actuation disposition includes position monitoring means adapted so that can detect at least one end of path, for example in the form of an electro-mechanic switch, or similar, including the end of path corresponding to the beverage preparation device in the open position.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuation disposition includes a first fixation support arranged laterally with relation to the movement path associated with the actuation disposition, whereby only the gear box is fixed to said first fixation support, preferentially by fixation means of mechanic type provided on one side only of the gear box, and whereby the beverage preparation device is preferentially supported by a structural support different from the first fixation support, and the actuation disposition includes a second fixation support, whereby said actuation monitoring means are preferentially fixed directly to said second fixation support.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means are configured so that can regulate at least one of: actuation of said actuation device and actuation of said flow pressurization device, as well as display of operative conditions to the user, based upon at least one of: the correct entry and exit of the individual portion, in particular an eventual jamming of the individual portion at the entry of the beverage preparation device; the positions of start and end of movement path of said actuation disposition, thereby inferring the condition of total opening or total closure of the beverage preparation device.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means are configured so that can regulate the operation of said flow pressurization device according to at least one of the following conditions: cannot be initiated in case of not being detected placement of a drinking recipient on a respective placement disposition, and/or in case that the beverage preparation device is not in the completely closed position, even in case that there is detected and/or inferred the presence of an individual portion inside thereof, and can be initiated even in case that there is not detected or inferred the present of an individual portion inside of the closed beverage preparation device; can be interrupted and/or terminated in case of detection of a removal of drinking recipient from said placement disposition, and can be suspended in case of detection of manipulation of a drinking recipient on a respective placement disposition.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means are configured so that can regulate the operation of said actuation disposition based upon the relative position of the individual portion in relation to the beverage preparation device, and based upon the relative position of the actuation disposition with relation to the movement path, including based upon the positions of start and end of movement path thereof, and the control means are configured so that can infer the relative position of the individual portion and eventual jamming thereof at the entry of the beverage preparation device based upon the determination of a previously defined reduction of rate of reduction of the displacement speed associated with the actuation disposition, in particular the driving came, or stop thereof.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means are configured so that can infer the following events based upon the following respective means: presence of individual portion: based upon the actuation of portion detection means, preferentially a first and a second portion sensors associated with said beverage preparation device, position of the beverage preparation device: based upon the actuation of position sensors, for example of optical type and of electro mechanic switch type, associated with at least one of the edges of movement path of said actuation disposition and corresponding to the total opening and total closure of said beverage preparation device; an eventual jamming of the individual portion on the beverage preparation device: based upon a variation of the displacement velocity of driving came.

12. Process for preparing a beverage including: providing a beverage preparation apparatus; switching the apparatus on, so as to provide operational readiness, optionally, in each beverage preparation cycle associated with an individual portion, confirming the position of the beverage preparation device and functional connection of the control means with operative components of the actuation disposition, including operating condition of the electric motor operatively associated with a driving came; and, in each movement path of the beverage preparation device, between open and closed positions, and vice-versa: monitoring by actuation monitoring means at least one parameter associated with the circular movement of the driving came along an angular extension of less than 360°, and regulating by control means the operation of the electric motor, including the supply of electric power hereto, based upon data of at least one parameter, supplied by the actuation monitoring means and as a function of the relative position in the movement path determined based upon said data.

13. Process according to claim 12, wherein further includes in each movement path: providing data relating to at least one of, preferentially at least two of the following parameters associated with the circular of the driving came: rotation direction, number of rotations and speed of rotation of the driving came; determining the direction of the movement path and the relative position of the beverage preparation device with relation to the movement path.

14. Process according to claim 12, wherein at least in the case of closing movement path, further includes the step: reduction or interruption of supply of electric power to the electric motor after detection of a reduction of actuation velocity, for example rotation velocity of the driving came or immobilization thereof, at least in the region adjacent to the closed position.

15. Process according to claim 12, wherein in case of detection of a jamming of individual portion in the entry/exit region of said beverage preparation device, further includes the step of controlling the actuation disposition according to at least one of: driving at least 1 and up to 3 consecutive movements of partial opening and attempt of closing of said beverage preparation device, in case of apprehension of a supply of an individual portion, for example by means of actuation of a first portion sensor, and no apprehension of total closure of the beverage preparation device, in a previously defined time interval after command of closure thereof; driving at least 1 and up to 5 consecutive movements of closing and opening of said beverage preparation device, in case of apprehension of opening of the actuation device and no apprehension of total exit of the individual portion, for example by means of actuation of a second portion de sensor, in a previously defined time interval after command of opening thereof, so as to unjam an individual portion from the entry/exit region of said beverage preparation device.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0068] The invention shall be hereinafter explained in greater detail based upon preferred embodiments and in the attached Figures.

[0069] The Figures show, in simplified schematic representations:

[0070] FIG. 1: side (on the left-side) and frontal view of an embodiment of beverage preparation apparatus (1) of the type of the present invention;

[0071] FIG. 2: actuation diagram of the beverage preparation device (2) in an apparatus (1) according to the present invention;

[0072] FIG. 3: actuation diagram of an opening cycle in the instant corresponding to the open position of beverage preparation device (2), in an apparatus (1) according to the present invention;

[0073] FIG. 4: actuation diagram of an opening cycle in the instant corresponding to a first displacement position of a mobile part (21) of beverage preparation device (2), in an apparatus (1) according to the present invention;

[0074] FIG. 5: actuation diagram of an opening cycle in the instant corresponding to a second displacement position of a mobile part (21) of the beverage preparation device (2), in an apparatus (1) according to the present invention;

[0075] FIG. 6: actuation diagram of an opening cycle in the instant corresponding to the closed position of the beverage preparation device (2), in an apparatus (1) according to the present invention;

[0076] FIG. 7: perspective view from above of a preferred embodiment of a beverage preparation device (2) and respective actuation device (3) according to the present invention;

[0077] FIG. 8: exploded perspective view from above of the preferred embodiment represented in FIG. 7;

[0078] FIG. 9: side view of a preferred embodiment of mobile (341) and stationary parts (342) of actuation monitoring means (34) in an actuation disposition (3) of an apparatus (1) according to the invention;

[0079] FIG. 10: frontal view of a preferred embodiment of mobile (341) and stationary parts (342) of actuation monitoring means (34) in an actuation disposition (3) of an apparatus (1) according to the invention;

[0080] FIG. 11: first side view of the embodiment represented in FIG. 7;

[0081] FIG. 12: second side view of the embodiment represented in FIG. 7;

[0082] FIG. 13: side-cut view (on the left-side) of preferred embodiment of the actuation disposition (3) with beverage preparation device (2) in the open position, on an apparatus (1) according to the present invention;

[0083] FIG. 14: side-cut view (on the left-side) of preferred embodiment of the actuation disposition (3) with beverage preparation device (2) in the closed position, on an apparatus (1) according to the present invention;

[0084] FIG. 15: schematic graphic of application of preferred embodiment of a first rule of limitation of electric power supplied to the electric motor (31) in a closing movement, according to the present invention;

[0085] FIG. 16: schematic graphic of application of preferred embodiment of a first rule of limitation of electric power supplied to the electric motor (31) in a closing movement, according to the present invention;

[0086] FIG. 17: schematic graphic of preferred embodiment of a second rule of limitation of electric power supplied to the electric motor (31) in a closing movement, according to the present invention;

[0087] FIG. 18: schematic graphic of preferred embodiment of a second rule of limitation of electric power supplied to the electric motor (31) in a closing movement, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0088] The present invention shall be described based upon embodiments of a beverage preparation system, in particular one based upon the extraction of an individual portion of edible substance, for example roasted and ground coffee beans, for example provided inside a container such as capsule, that is supplied to an extraction device so as to discharge the resulting beverage to a drinking recipient, such as for example a cup of a glass, placed on a respective placement disposition.

[0089] FIG. 1 represents side view (on the left-hand side of the drawing) and frontal view of a beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to the present invention adapted so that can collect an individual portion (7) when at an open position.

[0090] Said apparatus (1) can include a fluid reservoir (not represented), as well as a flow pressurization device (5), for example a hydraulic pump, and fluid heating means (6), so that can provide a flow supply (FS) at a temperature comprised between 60 and 100° C. and under a pressure comprised between 1 and 20 bar, preferentially between 8 and 16 bar, so as to interact with said edible substance. The expert in the field knows these means such that one herewith abdicates from a more detailed representation or description thereof.

[0091] Moreover, said apparatus (1) presents a beverage preparation device (2), hereinafter also referred to as extraction device, provided so that can collect said individual portion (7), and impinge the latter with said pressurized flow (FS) so that mixes with the edible substance and results in a beverage. Said beverage preparation device (2) can be actuated between open and closed positions, and vice-versa, by means of an actuation disposition (3) that includes an electric motor (31).

[0092] The apparatus (1) further comprises control means (4) adapted so that can control the operation of the several components of apparatus (1), including the actuation disposition (3).

[0093] Said control means (4) are adapted so that can apprehend data of a plurality of operation parameters, including: data relating to the presence of the individual portion (7) in the apparatus (1), as well as to the position of the actuation disposition (3), in particular on the edges of the movement path, thereby inferring the corresponding position of the beverage preparation device (2), in particular completely closed and open.

[0094] The electric motor (31) can advantageously be a direct current DC and low voltage motor, for example between 12 V and V. In this particular, the nominal power of the electric motor (31) can be of 50 W, or less. In particular, the value of nominal power, or value of maximum power that can be consumed by the electric motor (31), can be of at most 40 W, preferentially of at most 25 W.

[0095] FIG. 2 represents the main components of a preferred embodiment of the actuation disposition (3) associated with the beverage preparation device (2) adapted for collection of an individual portion (7) of edible substance, but not for the compression of the edible substance, in a beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to the present invention.

[0096] The actuation disposition (3) comprises an electric motor (31) disposed with respective motor driving axis (X) along a direction orthogonal with relation to the actuation direction associated with the movement path of the beverage preparation device (2).

[0097] The electric motor (31), for example of 30 W of nominal or rated power, and 24 V DC, is directly connected to a single gear set (32) disposed along the direction of said motor driving axis (X). Said single gear set (32) is advantageously provided inside of a respective box, and presents a driving exit disposed along a direction orthogonal to the direction of the motor driving axis (X).

[0098] The gear set (32) is operatively connected with a driving came (33) connected with a first edge directly to the driving exit of the gear box (32) and extending in the most of its extension transversally with relation to the beverage preparation device (2) and to the actuation direction thereof, so that the movement transmission between the gear box (32) and the beverage preparation device (2) is driven only by said driving came (33).

[0099] The actuation disposition (3) is devoid of other movement transmission elements, including devoid of isolated gears, elements of lever type, and similar.

[0100] All the main components of the actuation disposition (3) are provided encapsulated so that are not exposed to dusts or corrosive agents.

[0101] The driving came (33) can be actuated in each movement path in rotation movement in the clockwork direction and in the opposite direction, in an angular extension that corresponds approximately to a quadrant, that is, of up to at most 110°, preferentially of up to 95°.

[0102] In the case of the represented embodiment, the driving came (33) is operatively connected directly to moving means of a mobile part (21) of said beverage preparation device (2), so that said mobile part (21) can be moved between an initial position corresponding to the device (2) in the open position, and a final position corresponding to the device (2) in the closed position.

[0103] FIGS. 3 to 6 represent successive instants of a movement path of the actuation disposition (3), between open and closed position of the device (2).

[0104] The electric motor (31) generated rotation movement that is converted by the gear box (32) so that the direction is changed, from a first rotation axis (R1) to a second rotation axis (R2) orthogonal relative to the first, and so that the speed is reduced, in terms of number of rotations per minute, and torque is increased.

[0105] The driving came (33) is associated with a driving actuation disposition of the beverage preparation device (2), for example a disposition of piston type, or similar, so that the rotation movement of the driving came (33) is converted into a linear movement along a previously defined movement path corresponding to the path delimited by the open and closed positions of the device (2).

[0106] The rotation movement of the driving came (33) advantageously presents an angular extension of at most 160°, preferentially at most 120°, particularly preferentially at most 95°, corresponding to the extension of linear movement path generated by the driving came (33) on a mobile part (21, 22) of the beverage preparation device (2).

[0107] The actuation disposition (3) includes actuation monitoring means (34) operatively associated with the driving came (33) and adapted so that can apprehend at least one of: rotation direction (in the clockwork direction, or opposite hereto), angular rotation speed and number of rotations.

[0108] In particular, the actuation monitoring means (34) are provided so that apprehend a plurality of relative angular positions in a previously defined angular extension and corresponding to fractions of the linear movement path generated by the driving came (33).

[0109] As represented in greater detail in FIGS. 7 to 10, the actuation monitoring means (34) can be provided in the form of optic means of apprehension of variation of position, for example of “encoder” type.

[0110] FIGS. 7 and 8, as well as FIGS. 11 and 12, represent a preferred embodiment of the beverage preparation device (2) and actuation disposition (3) thereof.

[0111] The electric motor (31) and gear box (32) are disposed along a first alignment orthogonal with relation to the movement path by one mobile part (21, 22) of the beverage preparation device (2).

[0112] The electric motor (31) is operatively connected to the gear box (32) as the latter is fixed to a first support (36).

[0113] The reference volume occupied by these components of the actuation disposition (3) can be similar, preferentially smaller than the constructive volume of the beverage preparation device (2). Moreover, it is advantageous when no element of movement transmission of the actuation disposition (3) elevates above the beverage preparation device (2).

[0114] The transversal extension, with relation to the direction of the movement path, of the set formed by the electric motor (31) and gear set (32) is smaller than the transversal extension of the beverage preparation device (3).

[0115] At least part of the transversal extension, with relation to the direction of the movement path, of the set formed by the electric motor (31) and gear box (32) can be aligned in projection with at least part of the transversal extension of the beverage preparation device (2).

[0116] It is herewith advantageously provided a construction that is simple, compact and effective in terms of movement transmission of the actuation disposition (3) and beverage preparation device (2), reducing the volume required by the set inside a beverage preparation device (1).

[0117] FIGS. 9 and 10 represent the two parts (341, 342) of the actuation monitoring means (34) of optical type that are provided in functional connection with control means (4) of the apparatus (1) according to the invention.

[0118] Said actuation monitoring means (34) can include a first mobile part (341) including a plurality of observation references, for example in the form of openings or windows, and a second stationary part (342) that includes a sender of electromagnetic radiation, for example an infrared beam. The first and second parts (341, 342) are preferentially provided in a common structural support (37), and disposition in a spatial relation relative to each other so that the infrared beam can successively intersect the openings.

[0119] The first mobile part (341) is jointly associated in movement with the driving came (33), so that can be jointly rotated therewith. Moreover, the first mobile part (341) presents a plurality of openings of similar dimension at constant distances in-between, so that provide windows of observation, enlightened by the second stationary part (342), and corresponding to fractions of angular extension of movement, so that relative positions of the linear movement path can be apprehended.

[0120] FIGS. 11 and 12 represent opposite side views of the presented embodiment.

[0121] FIGS. 13 and 14 represent side and posterior views, with relation to the beverage discharge, with the actuation disposition (3) in open and closed positions, respectively.

[0122] As can be observed in the represented embodiment, the driving came (33) is functionally connected in edge regions thereof to respective arms of a piston-like disposition, so that the rotation movement of the driving came (33) is converted into the linear movement of a mobile part (21) along the movement path between the open and closed positions.

[0123] FIGS. 15 to 18 schematically represent, on an indicative basis, curves of evolution of electric power supplied to the electric motor (31) along the movement path of the actuation disposition (3), according to a first and a second rule of regulation thereof.

[0124] As reproduced in FIGS. 15 and 16, according to a first rule, the control means (4) and the actuation disposition (3) can be adapted so that limit the supply of electric power to the electric motor (31) to a previously defined maximum limit-value (P.sub.1) (see FIG. 15), along of at least the most part of the movement path, including at least a region in the proximity of the closed position, but excluding the region directly adjacent thereto. Said limitation of the electric power supplied to the electric motor (31) can be regulated by control means (4) by means of limitation of the voltage made available in the power supply circuit of the electric motor (31).

[0125] It is herewith ensured that, despite of an eventually relatively bigger maximum or nominal power (P.sub.nom) of the electric motor (31), and eventually necessary so as to be able to generate a sufficient torque for the part of movement path corresponding to the encounter of the parts (21, 22) of the beverage preparation device (3), despite thereof, the electric motor (31) consumes a minimum of energy required during the most part of the extension of the movement path. Naturally, the value of the power that is effectively consumed by the electric motor (31) could have small oscillations, but shall always be kept below said maximum limit-value (P.sub.1).

[0126] In an alternative embodiment, the control means (4) and actuation disposition (3) can be adapted so that the supply of electric power to the electric motor (31) can vary within an interval of previously defined values of power (P.sub.1, P.sub.2) along at least the most part of the movement path (see FIG. 16).

[0127] As represented in FIGS. 17 and 18, the control means (4) and actuation disposition (3) can be adapted so that, according to a second rule, the electric power supplied to the electric motor (31) can be reduced or interrupted, in case that there is detected a previously defined variation (Delta.sub.P), in particular a variation of increase or a rate of increase, of the electric power effectively consumed by the electric motor (31), at least in the region adjacent to the closed position of the beverage preparation device (2).

[0128] In case of detection of a variation of electric power (Delta.sub.P) higher than a previously defined maximum value of variation of electric power (Delta.sub.Pmax), the control means (4) can command a total interruption, as represented in FIG. 17, or a temporary reduction, as represented in the FIG. 18, of the electric power supplied to the electric motor (31).

[0129] It is herewith advantageously provided the possibility of detecting an excessive requirement of torque, for example resulting from a jamming of individual portion (7) between parts (21, 22) of beverage preparation device (2), and preventing that such an excessive increase of torque might damage some part thereof or of the actuation disposition (3).

[0130] The combination of said first and second regulation rules advantageously provides the possibility of using an electric motor (31) with a nominal power (P.sub.nom) that is sufficient for providing required torque, in particular in the region adjacent to the closed position, both in the closing movement path as in the opening movement path, while simultaneously ensuring that the latter operates with an energy consumption profile that is adjusted to the needs of each part of the movement path, and preventing risks associated with eventual anomalous situations.

[0131] The first and second regulation rules of energy supply to the electric motor (31) are preferentially defined in control means (4) and applied by the latter, based upon data apprehended by the actuation monitoring means (34, 35).