WO2014174462A1

WO2014174462A1 - Machine for dispensing beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2014174462A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/060941
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianni Rossi
Original assignee: Imper SpA
Current assignee: Imper SpA
Priority date: 2013-04-23
Filing date: 2014-04-23
Publication date: 2014-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2015-10-23
Also published as: ITMI20130667A1

Abstract

An infusion group (100) to be used in a machine for dispensing infused beverages extracted from capsules, in particular coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, which infusion group (100) comprises: - an infusion head (102), equipped with translational motion along a direction (L) of infusion, cooperating with a capsule-holding assembly (1) for extracting the beverage; and - the above-mentioned capsule-holding assembly (1), in turn made up of a body (10), defining an infusion chamber (20) suitable to receive a capsule (C); and compensating means (301, 302), with wedge-like shape, received inside said infusion chamber (20) so as to result to be interposed, in use, between the body (10) and the capsule (C), which compensating means (301, 302) are apt to assume a first operating configuration, wherein they exert a pressing action on the capsule (C) and which corresponds, in use, to an infusion step wherein the infusion head dispenses a liquid through the capsule (C), and a second resting configuration, wherein they do not exert said pressing action.

Description

MACHINE FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a capsule-holding assembly to be used in a machine for dispensing beverages under the form of infuse extracted from a capsule or disposable pod, in particular coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like.

Background of the invention

Many models of machines for the extemporary preparation of hot beverages under the form of infuse, for example coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, starting as from a capsule or a pod, are widely know. The machines at issue can be found in the working environments, public places in general and even in the domestic environment.

The - generally disposable and single-dose - used pods or capsules indeed contain a product under the granule or particulate form. The final beverage is obtained by means of a so-called "extraction" process consisting in make the pod or capsule to be crossed by a liquid at high temperature, typically water. The liquid, downstream of such "infusion" through the pod or capsule, implements the wished beverage which is delivered to the user.

Such extraction and delivery process is implemented in a dedicated group of the machine, indeed called infusion group, which must be able:

- to receive the single-dose capsule,

- to perform the real infusion step,

- to eject or allow the ejection of the used capsule, and

- to arrange for receiving a new capsule.

Such sequence of procedures typically is performed in automatic way, through mechanisms controlled in coordinated way for:

- allowing the insertion of a new capsule;

- moving selectively an infusion head having the ducts for supplying the liquid towards the capsule,

- determining the liquid dispensing through the capsule by the infusion head,

- moving away the infusion head from the capsule, and

- determining the ejection of the used capsule.

In the known machines, the infusion head generally moves towards and away from the capsule by means of a translational motion taking place along a longitudinal direction of the infusion group.

In some known machines, the infusion head has directly integral a capsule- holding body. In this type of configuration, the head makes the capsule- holding body to move forwards towards a "new" capsule as far as the latter is wholly housed inside an infusion chamber of the above-mentioned body. Such configuration is shown schematically in the sequence of Figures 1A to 1 D.

In particular, Figure 1A shows a step wherein a new capsule C has been loaded in the infusion group and the latter is ready to be closed. Figure 1 B shows a step of moving the capsule-holding body A, having the containment chamber of the capsule, towards the capsule itself. Figure 1 C shows a step of completing the stroke of the capsule-holding body A and the beginning of shifting the capsule C, now wholly housed inside the infusion chamber and thus movable integrally thereto, towards a fixed contrast element B. At last, Figure 1 D shows the position of dispensing the beverage, coffee in the present example. In such step, the combined action of the capsule-holding body A and of the fixed contrast element B determines a compression of the capsule C in the longitudinal direction (according to the same direction shown by the arrows f of figure 1 B), required for the hydraulic/mechanical fighting during the real infusion.

The shift of the infusion chamber according to the direction shown in the arrows of figure 1 B required in the herein considered known systems has to be greater than the length of the body of the capsule C. This is requested for a correct containment and holding of the capsule itself, and above all to guarantee the sealing to the infusion pressure, that is to bring the capsule C to abut on the contrast element B. However, due to such shifting the mechanical and/or hydraulic means for driving the infusion head must guarantee strokes and efforts not always compatible with the reduced sizes of the involved mechanisms.

Other known machines provide a capsule-holding body separated from the infusion head and mobile with respect to the latter.

In particular, the International Application Nr. WO 2012/120549 therewith the same owners are charged - herein incorporated by this reference - describes a configuration wherein a capsule-holder is provided made of two parts, or half-cradles, revolvingly connected to one another. The two parts forming the capsule-holder are movable between a first open position, wherein they are spaced apart to receive a new capsule, a second closed position, wherein they are put near to define a capsule seat to allow the infusion step, and a third open position, generally distinct from the first position and suitable to allow the ejection of the used capsule. Such related motions of the two parts of the capsule-holder are mechanically synchronized with the translational motion of the infusion head.

This particular arrangement - as well as configuration the described above with reference to Figures 1A to 1 D - results to be perfectible with respect to the possibility of guaranteeing an optimum infusion of capsules with different shape, size and arrangement, in particular as far as the pressure and sealing conditions are concerned.

Summary of the invention

Based upon what illustrated in the preceding section, the technical problem placed and solved by the present invention is to provide a capsule-holding assembly and a related infusion group to be used in a machine for dispensing beverages starting from a single-use capsule or pod allowing to obviate the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the known art. Such problem is solved by a capsule-holding assembly and by an infusion group comprising it according to claim 1 .

Preferred features of the present invention are subject of the depending claims. In the present context, the term "capsule" is to be meant in its widest meaning to include pods or any receptacle or portion of single-dose or pluri- use particulate infusion.

The capsule-holding assembly of the invention allows obtaining optimum infusion conditions, in particular as to the sealing and the pressure exerted on the capsule, even with capsules with shape, size and/or arrangement different from the ones provided in a capsule-holding main body. In particular, the capsule-holding assembly of the invention, thanks to the compensating means provided therein, allows using a same infusion group even with capsules with tapered, for example substantially truncate conical or truncate pyramidal, shape, wherein the inlet of the infusion liquid must take place at a minimum base and the dispensing of the beverage at a maximum base of the capsule itself. The capsules of this type are used, for example, in machines for dispensing beverages commercialized with the registered trademark Nespresso.

In fact, the compensating means of the invention allow a volume compensation and an effective pressing action in a longitudinal direction of the capsule in case of capsule-holding main bodies with different shape or sizes from those of the capsule in use, for example cylindrical bodies or with a taper opposite to that of the capsule itself.

Furthermore, the compensating means of the invention assume an operating configuration for compressing the capsule in a selected step of the cycle for dispensing the beverage, in particular in the step of real infusion, by allowing to avoid strokes and/or additional efforts by the infusion head and/or the capsule-holding main body.

Such advantages are particularly emphasized in a preferred embodiment of the compensating means, wherein they are slidingly coupled to a capsule- holding body, and in particular to the walls of an infusion chamber defined by the latter. This solution allows obtaining two different configurations, respectively a first operating configuration wherein the compensating means exert a pressing action on the capsule and which corresponds, in use, to an infusion step, and a second resting configuration, corresponding, in use, to a step of ejecting the capsule, wherein the compensating means does not exert any pressing action on the capsule, by facilitating the ejection thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the compensating means is associated to a capsule-holding body made of two portions selectively revolving one with respect to the other one in the different steps of the cycle for dispensing the beverage, that is a capsule-holding body as described in WO 2012/120549. Such implementation allows a drastic structural and functional simplification of the known machines, to the advantage of the reliability thereof. Such structural and functional simplification even involves an important reduction in the dispensing, and thus waiting, time between one beverage and the subsequent one.

Furthermore, in such preferred embodiment an additional reduction in the level of driving and stressing force of the different parts of the infusion group and of the machine as a whole.

Other advantages, features and use modes of the present invention will result evident from the following detailed description of some embodiments, shown by way of example and not with limitative purpose.

Brief description of the figures

The figures of the enclosed drawings will be referred to, wherein:

^■ Figures 1 A to 1 D, already illustrated above, show, each one, a schematic representation of a respective step of the cycle for dispensing a beverage in a system of known art;

^■ Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an infusion group according to the present invention;

^■ Figure 3 is a view in longitudinal section of the infusion group taken along the line Ill-Ill of figure 2;

■ Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a capsule- holder of the infusion group of figure 2;

^■ Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of the capsule-holder of figure 4;

^■ Figures 6 to 12 are view in longitudinal sections analogous to that of figure 3, showing schematically the infusion group during the subsequent steps of the infusion process.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

With reference to Figures 2 to 5, a capsule-holding assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is designated as a whole with 1 . Hereinafter, such assembly 1 will be called, for sake of simplicity, capsule- holder.

The capsule-holder 1 is apt to be used in an infusion group of a machine for dispensing beverages extracted from disposable capsules, in particular for example coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like. Such infusion group, which will be described later, is designated as a whole with 100 and comprises a frame 101 wherein, in use, the capsule-holder 1 is housed.

On the infusion group 100 it is possible defining a longitudinal direction, designated with L, which corresponds to a motion direction of a head 102 of the group itself and ultimately to the infusion direction. For sake of simplicity, hereinafter each element nearest to the infusion head 102 along such direction L will be designated "proximal" and each element indeed farest from such head 102 will be designated "distal".

The capsule-holder 1 comprises a hollow body 10 which is apt to define a chamber 20 for receiving a capsule C. The capsule C is shown schematically in dotted lines in the longitudinal section of figure 3. Inside such chamber 20, which as said implements a seat or receptacle for the capsule C, the infusion step takes place which will be described later. The infusion chamber 20 is substantially cup-like shaped or however it has suitable convex shape. In the present example, the infusion chamber 20 and the main body 10 have a substantially cylindrical geometry. Still in the present example, the infusion chamber 20 has a tapered, in particular substantially truncate conical shape, with a maximum base arranged at an inlet of the infusion liquid, that is in a proximal position, and a minor base arranged on the opposite side, that is at a portion for dispensing the beverage and therefore in a distal position.

In the present embodiment, the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 is made up of a first part 1 1 and of a second part 12 connected or connectible to the use and movable to one another. Each one of such two parts 1 1 and 12 defines a respective half-seat of capsule or half-chamber 21 , 22 complementary to that defined by the other one.

In the present example, the two parts 1 1 and 12 are at least partially substantially symmetrical to one another.

Still in the present example, the above-mentioned connection between the two parts 1 1 and 12 is of revolving type. In particular, by referring to Figure 5, such revolving connection provides for example the alignment of cylindrical seats 1 10 and 120 obtained respectively in the first part 1 1 and in the second part 12 and the coupling thereof by means of a pin 30 inserted in such cylindrical seats 1 10, 120.

Advantageously, the above-mentioned revolving connection is obtained at a rotation axis A substantially orthogonal to the direction L therealong the infusion head 102 moves.

In an embodiment variants, the two parts 1 1 and 12 can be joined by means of a connection cam, allowing trajectories even different from the peripheral one.

Integrally to the pin 30 and to the first part 1 1 in general, an actuating lever 50 or equivalent means is further provided to activate the relative and absolute motion of the two parts 1 1 and 12. The first part 1 1 is connected in rotation to the pin 30 by means of a shape coupling, obtained for example by providing on the pin 30 a pair of counterbores 31 symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation A and shaping correspondingly one of the cylindrical seats 1 10 of the first part 1 1 . As shown in figure 2, the pin 30, in turn, is connected in rotation to the actuating lever 50 by means of a set of rods 51 , 52 constrained to the frame 101 of the infusion group 100, therefore by rotating the actuating lever 50 in a direction moving away from the frame 101 a corresponding rotation of the first part 1 1 with respect to the second part 12 is caused, by determining the opening of the infusion chamber 20.

As it will be illustrated in details hereinafter with reference to the operating modes of the capsule-holder 1 and of the infusion group 100, the mutual mobility of the two parts 1 1 and 12 of the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 makes that it can assume two open configurations - shown in Figures 6, 7, 8 and 12 - wherein such parts 1 1 and 12 are spaced apart to allow the ejection and the insertion, respectively, of the capsule C, and a closed configuration - shown in Figures 9, 10 e 1 1 - wherein such parts 1 1 and 12 are put near to define the infusion chamber 20 of the capsule C so as to allow the beverage extraction.

More specifically, in the present example the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 can assume, in use, two distinct open configurations, and in particular:

- a first open configuration of inserting the capsule C, shown in Figures 7 and 8, wherein the first part 1 1 is rotated towards the outside of the capsule-holder 1 whereas the second part 12 is arranged substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction L, and

- a second open configuration of ejecting the capsule C, distinct from the first open configuration of inserting and shown in Figures 6 and 12, wherein the second part 12 is rotated towards the outside of the capsule- holder 1 with respect to the first part 1 1 , which is arranged substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction L.

In the present example, in the above-mentioned open configurations the parts 1 1 and 12 are rotated towards the outside of the capsule-holder 1 by about 90 degrees to one another.

Advantageously - and to the purpose of a coordinated motion of the two parts 1 1 and 12 - it is provided that the first part 1 1 comprises means for engaging the second part 12. In the present example and with particular reference to figure 4, such engaging means is a pair of shaped side arms 13, 14 integral with the first part 1 1 at the end thereof wherein the cylindrical seats 1 10 are obtained and apt to abut on an end of the second part 12, in particular the one wherein the cylindrical seats 120 are obtained, when the capsule-holder 1 is in an open configuration.

As it will be illustrated in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the operating modes of the capsule-holder 1 and of the infusion group 100, the arms 13, 14 are apt to define stopping means in the relative motion of the two parts 1 1 and 12.

Furthermore, the second part 12 of the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 has holding means, which in the present example is under the form of a pair of pins 15, 16 arranged at the mouth of the half-seat 22. Such holding means is used during the infusion step, which will be described later.

Still, the second part 12 further comprises a portion 17 of temporary holding or locking suitable to lock it in closing position to receive a new capsule C. In the illustrated embodiment the holding portion 17 comprises a wedge-like element projecting laterally from the second part 12. The wedge-like element 17 is arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L with the pointed end faced towards the plane surface of the second part which comes in contact with the plane surface of the first part 1 1 .

As it will be described later, such holding portion is used before the infusion step.

According to the invention, the capsule-holder 1 comprises compensating means suitable to allow to house in the infusion chamber 20 a capsule C with specific shape and/or arrangement. To this purpose, the compensating means is housed within the infusion chamber 20 so as to result to be arranged, in use, between the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 and the capsule C.

Advantageously, in the present embodiment such compensating means comprises a first and a second shaped element, respectively designated with the reference numbers 301 and 302, each one housed inside a respective part 1 1 and 12 of the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 . In the present example, each element 301 , 302 has a substantially half-toric side profile, so as to adapt to the truncate conical shape of the infusion chamber 20.

Still in the present embodiment, the compensating elements 301 , 302 are meant to allow the infusion of a capsule C with truncate conical or truncate pyramidal shape, and in general with tapered shape wherein the minor base C1 of the capsule is suitable to allow the perforation and the insertion of the infusion liquid from a supplying source (and then arranged, in use, proximal with respect to the infusion head 102), and the maximum base C2 is suitable to allow to dispense the beverage (and then arranged, in use, distal with respect to the infusion head 102). Therefore, each compensating element 301 , 302 has a tapered, or wedged, shape arranged in opposite way to that of the capsule C, indeed to implement a volume compensation in the infusion chamber 20 and to exert a pressure on the capsule C. Each compensating element 301 , 302, thus has a maximum base 305 arranged, during the infusion, on the side of the infusion head 102 along the direction L, and a minor base 306 arranged on the side of the beverage dispensing. As it will be better explained hereinafter with reference to the operating modes of the capsule-holding assembly 1 and of the infusion group 100 as a whole, the compensating means 301 , 302 are apt to assume two different configurations, and in particular:

^■ a first operating configuration, wherein they exert a pressing action onto the capsule and which corresponds, in use, to an infusion step wherein the head 102 dispenses a liquid through the capsule itself, and

^■ a second resting configuration, corresponding, in use, to a step of ejecting the capsule or initial moving the infusion head 102 towards the chamber 20 and therefore to the capsule received therein.

In order to assume said two configurations, the compensating elements 301 and 302 are slidably coupled each one to the respective part 1 1 , 12 of the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 . In particular, each element 301 , 302 results to be guided in a translation motion along the inner wall of the respective part 1 1 , 12 by guides or tracks, for example under the form of through grooves 1 1 1 , 121 obtained in said inner wall. Each compensating element 301 , 302 has then corresponding engaging profiles, for example under the form of ridges or projections in general 303, indeed suitable to engage a respective guide or track 1 1 1 , 121 . In the illustrated embodiment, in each part 1 1 , 12 in particular a pair of through grooves 1 1 1 , 121 is obtained and each compensating element is correspondingly equipped with a pair of engaging profiles 303.

When the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 is closed, the sliding motion of the compensating elements 301 and 302 takes place substantially in the longitudinal direction L.

To the compensating elements 301 , 302 return means are operatively associated, acting in the longitudinal direction L, preferably elastic means, suitable to return the elements themselves in the resting configuration. In the present embodiment, such return means comprises for example coupling elements 401 with substantially cylindrical shape, respectively equipped with recesses suitable to receive the ridges or projections 303 of the compensating elements, and compression helicoidal springs 402 inserted in such coupling elements 401 in the longitudinal direction L. The springs 402 rest upon wing-like portions 18 of the parts 1 1 , 12, which act as reaction elements.

On the frame 101 of the infusion group 100 means for locking or holding the capsule-holder 1 in the above-mentioned closed configuration are mounted, in particular of the second part 12 thereof, because, as explained above, the first part 1 1 is associated to the actuating lever 50.

The (not shown) locking means is configured to engage the wedge-like element 17 to the purpose of holding the second part 12 in closed configuration during the insertion of a new capsule C and they can comprise for example an elastic arm arranged at a side skirt of the frame 101 .

As it will be illustrated later, the above-mentioned locking means can be selectively disengaged from the wedge-like element 17 by means of the infusion head 102, during the motion of the latter towards the capsule-holder 1 .

As already said above, the infusion head 102 is equipped with translational motion along the longitudinal direction L, which is also the direction of a longitudinal axis of the frame 101 and corresponds even substantially to an axis of longitudinal symmetry of the head 102 itself and to the already mentioned infusion direction.

Still with reference to the longitudinal section shown in figure 3, the infusion head 102 has one or more nozzles or channels 103 for supplying an extraction fluid, typically water. The head 102 is further in fluid communication with relative means 104 for supplying the fluid at least partially outside the frame 101 . Since these last components are well known on themselves for a person skilled in the art, one will not dwell upon the description thereof.

The infusion head 102 further comprises (not shown) releasing means, apt to determine the disengagement of the locking means holding the wedge-like element 17 of the second part 12 by keeping the latter in closed position. Such releasing means for example can comprise a pair of arms apt to interfere with the arms constrained to the frame 101 during the moving forward motion of the head 102 towards the capsule-holder 1 .

To the head 102 even elastic contrast means, for example springs, can be associated, arranged in several places - schematically represented in figure 3 - and apt to connect the head 102 itself to the frame 101 . As even such arrangement of elastic means is known on itself, one will not further dwell upon on the related description.

The operating modes of the capsule-holding assembly 1 and of the infusion group 100 wherein it is inserted are illustrated hereinafter, starting from the first open configuration of the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 mentioned above wherein the capsule C has been just ejected, configuration shown in Figure 6.

In such configuration and in the exemplifying arrangement shown in Figure 6, the second part 12 of the main body 10 is rotated downwards whereas the first part 1 1 is substantially aligned to the frame 101 according to the longitudinal direction L. The actuating lever 50 is arranged equally substantially parallelly to such axis L.

Still in such configuration, the infusion head 102 is in a position retracted and spaced apart from the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 and in reality it is completing its own return stroke wherein indeed it moves away from the capsule-holder 1 . Such return stroke is obtained by means of the action of the above-mentioned elastic means connecting the head 102 to the frame 101 . The compensating elements 301 and 302 are in the resting configuration, that is in the proximally retracted configuration, on the side of the infusion head 102.

As shown in figure 7, to the purpose of a new beverage dispensing, a user actuates the actuating lever 50 by lifting is in position substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. Such actuation can be direct, that is manual, or performed by means of specific control means of a dispensing machine wherein the infusion group 100 is mounted.

As explained previously the actuation of the lever 50 integral to the first part 1 1 involves a corresponding rotation of the latter. The shaped arms 13, 14 associating the motions of the first and of the second part 1 1 and 12 of the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 determine a corresponding rotation towards the first part 1 1 of the second part 12, which arranges in a position substantially aligned to the axis L of the frame 101 . The wedge-like element 17 engages in the locking means arranged on the side skirt of the frame 101 by locking the second part 12 in this position.

In this second open configuration of the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 , a new capsule C can be inserted in the half-seat 22 defined by the second part 12 thereof, as still shown in Figure 8.

At this point, as shown in Figure 9, by actuating the lever 50 the first part 1 1 is closed again on the second part 12, so that the capsule C results to be wholly received in the infusion chamber 20. The infusion head 102 in this step has started its own moving forward stroke, by moving towards the capsule-holder 1 . In this step, the releasing means associated to the infusion head 102 determine the disengagement of the wedge-like element 17, and more in general of the means for holding the second part 12, by the locking means constrained to the frame 101 in the moment wherein the infusion head 102 abuts on the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 , condition shown in figure 10. Under this condition the infusion head 102 holds in closing position the second part 12 by engaging the pins 15, 16 obtained thereon.

During such stroke of moving forwards towards the capsule-holder 1 the infusion head 102 comes in contact with the maximum bases 305 of the compensating elements 301 and 302 in the longitudinal direction L, by pushing them in the infusion operating configuration wherein they are put forward distally with respect to the infusion head 102, to compress the distal portion of the capsule C. Contemporarily the capsule C is bored both at its proximal end C1 and at its distal end C2 to allow the passage therethrough of an infusion liquid.

The boring of the proximal and distal ends C1 , C2 is performed by means of boring means 106 e 107 respectively associated to the infusion head 102 and to the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 .

In the illustrated embodiment the boring means 106 associated to the infusion head 102 comprises for example three knives arranged in the longitudinal direction L and fastened equidistant in a peripheral direction on an annular element, in turn constrained to the infusion head 102. The boring means 107 associated to the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 comprises a small plate arranged at the distal end of the infusion chamber 20 and equipped with a plurality of cusp-shaped reliefs the points thereof are faced towards the inside thereof.

At this point, as shown in Figures 10 and 1 1 , the infusion head 102 feeds hot liquid into the capsule C, by causing the step of extracting the beverage. As schematically shown by the arrows in figures 1 1 , the action of the compensating elements 301 and 302 on the capsule C produces both a push in the longitudinal direction L, in particular on the distal portion or flange thereof, and a plurality of compression forces radially directed towards the inside of the capsule C, thus allowing to obtain the same sealing and pressure conditions which would be obtained in case of a body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 shaped exactly like the capsule C.

The hot liquid outgoing from the capsule, that is the finished beverage, is dispensed outside the machine through a dispensing duct 60 which, in the illustrated embodiment, results to be misaligned with respect to the longitudinal direction L. In particular, by referring to figure 10, the dispensing duct 60 is connected to the infusion chamber 20 in the half of the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 wherein the first part 1 1 lies and it comprises a first tract 61 aligned in the longitudinal direction L, a second tilted tract 62 with respect to the latter and a third tract 63 aligned in the longitudinal direction L and arranged in the half of the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 wherein the second part lies 12. The three tracts of the dispensing duct 60 are contiguous and in fluid communication therebetween.

This arrangement of the dispensing duct 60 is advantageous as it facilitates the rotation motions of the second part 12 of the body 10 with respect to the first part 1 1 without interfering with the pin 30 allowing the relative rotation thereof, thus limiting the overall dimensions of the capsule-holding assembly 1 .

As schematically shown in figure 12, once ended the step of infusing the infusion head 102 its own return strokes starts, by releasing the pins 15, 16 of the second part 12 which, by gravity, rotates with respect to the first part 1 1 by determining the opening of the infusion chamber 20 and the fall, still by gravity, of the used capsule C. Similarly, the compensating elements 301 and 302, as they are no more stressed in distal direction by the infusion head 102, come back to the resting configuration thanks to the contrast means 401 , 402. It will be understood that even if the assembly of the invention is particularly suitable to the use with single-use and/or single-dose capsules, by principle it can be applied even to re-usable or pluri-use and/or pluri-dose capsules.

In an embodiment variant, between the two parts 1 1 and 12, thereof the body 10 of the capsule-holder 1 is composed, a gasket or an equivalent tighting means can be interposed, for example integral to one of such two parts, so as to guarantee an effective sealing of the beverage and of the granular infuse in the extraction step.

Based upon an additional embodiment variant, the compensating means of the invention can be associated to a capsule-holding body implemented as single part, in case without mobile portions. This can be for example the case of machine for dispensing beverage wherein the infusion chamber is obtained in the infusion head 102 and/or integral thereto. In such embodiment variant, the compensating means can be implemented, too, as single body, instead of two distinct elements.

Furthermore, based upon another embodiment variant, the compensating means can comprise one or more selectively expandable - for example swellable - elements so as to play the same function for compensating volumes and optimizing the tighting and pressure mentioned above.

The present invention has been sofar described with reference to preferred embodiments. It is to be meant that other embodiments may exist, all belonging to the same inventive core, as defined by the protection scope of the herebelow reported claims.

Claims

1. An infusion group (100) apt to be used in a machine for dispensing infused beverages extracted from capsules, in particular coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, which infusion group (100) comprises:

- a capsule-holding assembly (1 ), in turn comprising:

^■ a body (10), defining an infusion chamber (20) suitable to receive a capsule (C); and

^■ compensating means (301 , 302), received or apt to be received inside said infusion chamber (20) so as to result to be arranged, in use, between said body (10) and the capsule (C), which compensating means (301 , 302) are apt to assume a first operating configuration, wherein they exert a pressing action on the capsule (C) and which corresponds, in use, to an infusion step wherein the infusion head dispenses a liquid through the capsule (C), and a second resting configuration, wherein they do not exert said pressing action; and

- an infusion head (102), apt to cooperate with said capsule-holding assembly (1 ) for extracting the beverage,

the overall arrangement being so that, in said operating configuration of said compensating means (301 , 302), said infusion head (102) is apt to dispense an extraction liquid which crosses a capsule (C) received in said capsule- holding assembly (1 ),

and wherein said compensating means comprises at least a compensating element (301 , 302) with substantially wedge-shaped or tapered-shaped profile, having, in use larger cross section (305) arranged upstream with respect to an infusion direction (L) of the capsule (C).

2. The infusion group (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said compensating means comprises at least a compensating element (301 , 302) slidably coupled with said body (10), and wherein the latter preferably comprises one or more guides or tracks (1 1 1 , 121 ) of said slidable compensating element (301 , 302).

3. The infusion group (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said slidable coupling between said at least a compensating element (301 , 302) and said body (10) is made along a direction corresponding, in use, to a direction (L) of infusion of the capsule.

4. The infusion group (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said compensating means comprises at least a compensating element (301 , 302) having a substantially toric or semi-toric shape.

5. The infusion group (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, comprising preferably elastic return means (401 , 402), suitable to return said compensating means (301 , 302) into said second resting configuration.

6. The infusion group (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said body (10) is made up of a first part (1 1 ) and of second part (12) connected or connectible in use to one another and mutually movable, so that the body (10) may assume an open configuration, wherein said first (1 1 ) and second (12) parts are spaced apart therebetween to allow insertion and/or ejection of a capsule (C), and a closed configuration, wherein said first (1 1 ) and second (12) parts are drawn up to one another to define said infusion chamber (20).

7. The infusion group (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first (1 1 ) and second (12) parts are apt to assume a first open configuration of inserting the capsule (C) and a second open configuration of inserting the capsule (C) distinct from said first open configuration of inserting.

8. The infusion group (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said first (1 1 ) and second (12) parts are rotatably connected or connectible in use to one another.

9. The infusion group (100) according to anyone of the claims 6 to 8, wherein the overall arrangement is such that, in said open configuration(s), said first (1 1 ) and second (12) parts are mutually rotated by about 90 degrees.

10. The infusion group (100) according to anyone of the claims 6 to 9, wherein each of said first (1 1 ) and second (12) parts defines a respective portions (21 , 22) of said infusion chamber (20).

11. The infusion group (100) according to anyone of the claims 6 to 10, comprising a lever (50) for actuating the relative motion of said first (1 1 ) and second (12) parts.

12. The infusion group (100) according to anyone of the claims 6 to 1 1 , wherein said compensating means comprises a first (301 ) and a second (302) compensating element, respectively associated to said first (1 1 ) and second (12) part.

13. The infusion group (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said infusion head (102) is selectively movable relative to said capsule-holding assembly (1 ), preferably according to a translational motion in a longitudinal direction (L) of infusion which is a moving direction towards/away from said capsule-holding assembly (1 ), wherein preferably said direction (L) of infusion is substantially orthogonal to an axis (A) of relative rotation of said first (1 1 ) and second (12) parts of said body (10).

14. The infusion group (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, comprising means apt to drive said compensating means (301 , 302) from said resting configuration to said operating configuration depending upon the position of said infusion head (102), in particular during a motion of the latter towards said infusion chamber (20).

15. A machine for dispensing infused beverages extracted from capsules, in particular coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, comprising a capsule- holding assembly (1 ) and/or an infusion group (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims.

16. A kit comprising a capsule-holding assembly (1 ) and/or an infusion group (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims and a plurality of said compensating means (301 , 302), each suitable to operate with capsules (C) of different type.