WO2017072700A1 - Pod extraction assembly with automatic rejection - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the use in an extraction machine for hot beverages, in particular coffee, of a system for automatically placing and rejecting a pod (containing the product to be extracted) and collecting the same in a container suitable for that purpose. This extraction assembly for hot beverages, in particular coffee, uses monodose pods, in particular coffee pods of the types Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) or Senseo™.

Description

 DESCRIPTION

 AUTOMATIC REJECT PASTE EXTRACTION GROUP

 Technical Domain

[001] The present disclosure relates to the application in a hot beverage extraction machine, in particular coffee, of a system for automatically inserting and discarding a tablet (with the product to be extracted) and collecting it in a proper storage container. the effect. This hot beverage extraction group, in particular coffee, uses single-dose tablets, in particular Easy Serving Express (E.S.E.) or Senseo ™ coffee tablets.

State of the art

Hot beverage extraction machines are known in the state of the art using packages containing the product to be extracted, namely tablets and capsules. However, these approaches to the technical problem at issue are distinct from the invention described herein.

State-of-the-art hot beverage extraction machines which use tablets to support the material to be extracted require manual positioning of the tablet, which is placed horizontally with respect to the base of the machine. After the hot beverage has been extracted, these machines require manual rejection of the tablet. This is the case described in WO2012 / 123003; US2014 / 083302 and WO2014 / 163498.

Hot beverage extraction machines are also known in the state of the art where the tablet is placed manually in the tablet holder and in a horizontal position relative to the base of the machine, but nonetheless the rejection of the tablet is automatic. This is the case reported, for example, in WO2013 / 190261. Hot beverage extraction machines using spherical or conical capsules are also known. However, the extraction of hot beverages using spherical capsules requires the perforation of the respective spherical capsule in order to be able to extract the desired beverage. This is the case illustrated in US8178139 B2. With respect to the use of Nespresso ™ conical shaped capsules, their perforation is also mandatory and perforation should occur at the top of the capsule and rupture at the base of the capsule to allow extraction of the desired beverage. This is the case described in EP0554469 BI.

These facts are described to illustrate the technical problem solved by the embodiments of this document.

General description

Taking into account the disadvantages mentioned in the state of the art, the present solution provides a solution for

• the need to manually position and orient the single-dose tablet containing the product to be extracted into its holder and manually reject it after extraction of the desired beverage or;

• the need to manually position and orient the single-dose tablet in its holder and automatically reject it after mechanical action of the user or;

• the need to automatically operate an opening or closing system or device for the correct and automatic positioning of the single dose tablet of the product to be extracted;

• the need to perforate the packaging containing the product to be extracted in order to extract the beverage, not breaking the filter paper to avoid damage to the coffee machine.

No prior art document mentions or suggests the combination of introducing single-dose tablets, where the position of the single-dose tablet is perpendicular to the extraction flow, i.e. the single-dose tablet is placed upright to the user / machine without the need to operate any system or device for opening or closing the automatic single-dose tablet positioning, beverage extraction without the need for drilling single-dose tablet, subsequent automatic rejection and withdrawal in a dedicated container.

Thus, the present solution solves the problems listed above by allowing a hot drink to be prepared quickly using a hot beverage extraction machine, namely coffee and without having to manually position the single-dose tablet. single-dose tablet receivers and the need to manually reject the tablet without the need to preselect the position in which the single-dose tablet is placed in the machine and without the need to drill to allow correct and efficient product extraction intended.

This solution allows the extraction of coffee using pellets, namely single-dose E.S.E. or Senseo ™.

It is important at this time to define what is meant by single-dose lozenge in the case of the present solution.

E.S.E. Single-dose tablets. They are formed by roasted, ground, pressed and pressed coffee between two filter papers, permeable to water or other liquid that is used for the extraction of the beverage, and which are then sealed.

Senseo ™ type single-dose tablets are roasted, ground coffee and placed between two filter papers which are then sealed, permeable to water or other liquid that is used for the extraction of the beverage. However, Senseo ™ type tablet coffee is not pressed.

ESE and Senseo ™ type single-dose inserts are suitable for use in hot beverage extraction machines as described in the present solution and in which single-dose tablet rupture or puncture does not occur. By the way this This process would cause numerous malfunctions, such as clogging of the filters, preventing the extraction of the respective beverage.

This solution is therefore intended for use with single-dose tablets and not capsules. By capsules is meant a closed, cone-shaped or cylindrical or square-shaped plastic or aluminum cartridge which may be internally film-coated to prevent direct contact between the product to be extracted. and aluminum. The capsules may also contain filter paper or the like at the water entry point. The capsule contains the substance to be used to prepare the desired beverage. However, the drink is only extracted after the capsule has been pierced at the top and ruptured at the bottom.

The self-discarding tablet extraction group presented herein is therefore intended for use with single-dose tablets which do not need and should not be drilled or punctured to allow the extraction of the respective hot beverage, namely coffee.

Conventional systems require more than two steps to be taken in order to obtain the extraction of a hot beverage when single-dose tablets are used, namely the need to open the hot beverage extraction system, position the tablet or the tablet. capsule in its own enclosure, operate the extraction system, stop the extraction system for manual equipment and re-open the extraction system to allow automatic or manual rejection of the tablet or capsule.

The extractor system of the present disclosure allows the user only to perform two actions in order to obtain the desired hot beverage: inserting the single-dose tablet into the single-dose tablet receptors and triggering the hot beverage extraction mechanism. When the user introduces the single-dose tablet into the extraction mechanism, particularly the tablet holder, it falls into the single-dose tablet receptors by gravity. Due to the radius on the underside of the single-dose tablet receivers, the single-dose tablet is supported and centered on the hot beverage extraction mechanism as the receivers go apart. approaching each other until the system closes for later extraction. After the process of inserting the single-dose tablet into the extraction mechanism, in particular into the single-dose tablet holder, the user only needs to perform one more action to obtain the hot beverage, which is to activate the machine mechanism. The hot beverage extraction machine will automatically, and without the user having to perform any other action, start extracting the desired beverage at a volume predetermined by the configuration of the hot beverage extraction machine. Subsequently the single dose tablet is discarded.

Rejection of the single-dose lozenge is possible because the receivers are further apart than in the receiving position and therefore the single-dose lozenge can be rejected automatically as a result of the gravity action and for own container, this is a current deposit. However, if the single-dose tablet is glued to any of the single-dose tablet receptors, the extraction pin always rotates to assist the gravity drop of the single-dose tablet. After the above mentioned processes, the mechanism returns to the receiving position also automatically.

[0020] The coffee industry is one of the busiest in the world. According to the World Coffee Organization, this primary product is one of the most valuable products traded in terms of world trade, surpassed only by oil as a source of foreign exchange for the respective producing countries. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended for use by worldwide consumers of this product and therefore has worldwide industrial application.

The present disclosure relates to an automatic tablet rejecting single-dose tablet hot beverage extraction group comprising the following elements: a fixed press for housing the single-dose tablet or tablet press, a movable tablet holder which in the beverage extraction position binds to said press, coupled so that the position of the insert is perpendicular to the extraction flow; two single-dose tablet receivers housed respectively in said press and the tablet holder, which allow positioning of the single-dose tablet in the extraction group; at least two flexible elastic elements coupled to the press and insert holder respectively, which allow a set of water and coffee studs and their receptacles to be translated relative to the insert holder and insert press, which enables the insert to dose do not stick to these elements, thus being within reach of an extraction pin and in order to allow the reception of the tablet; the extraction pin located on a tie rod, preferably the left tie rod, which rotates by means of an extraction wedge expelling the insert; a transmission system for activating the extraction group, a beverage outlet, a deposit for collecting the single-dose tablet after extraction.

In one embodiment for best results, the elastic elements are springs.

In one embodiment for best results, the single-dose lozenge receptors comprise a protrusion at its lower that allows the single-dose lozenge to be retained.

In one embodiment for best results, the beverage outlet is a device that allows the formation of cream in the beverage (19), in particular a cream maker.

In one embodiment for best results, the present disclosure further comprises an automatic single-dose tablet rejection system by decompression of flexible elastic elements. In one embodiment for best results, single-dose tablets are coffee tablets in particular Easy Serving Express (ESE) or Senseo ™ type tablets.

In one embodiment for better results, the present disclosure further comprises a depot for the monodose and the discarded extracted liquid.

The present disclosure also relates to the use of the extraction group without elements that pierce or puncture the single dose tablet.

The present disclosure also relates to a coffee extraction machine comprising the self-rejecting tablet extraction group and further comprising a coffee output lifting group.

Throughout the description and claims the word "comprises" and variations of the word are not intended to exclude other technical characteristics, such as other components, or steps. Additional objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the disclosure or may be learned by practicing the present disclosure. The following examples and figures are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure encompasses all possible combinations of particular or preferred embodiments described herein.

Brief Description of the Figures

For an easier understanding of the present disclosure, attached are the figures, which represent various preferred embodiments of the disclosure which, however, are not intended to limit the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Figure 1: Sectional view of an extraction mechanism at the receiving position of the single-dose tablet, wherein:

 1. represents the single-dose tablet press;

2. represents the single-dose tablet holder; 3. represents the outlet of the single-dose tablet on the outlet side of the hot beverage;

 4. represents the receiver of the single-dose tablet on the water inlet side;

5. represents the recipient pin of the beverage to be extracted;

 6. represents the water bolt;

 7. represents the valve cap;

 8. represents the worm screw holder;

 9. represents the worm screw;

 10. represents the worm nut;

 11. represents the transmission system;

 12. represents the left rod;

 13. represents the right riser;

 14 represents the spring cap of the tablet press pin;

 15. represents the extraction wedge;

 16. represents the extraction pin;

 17. represents the spring of the insert holder pin;

 18. represents the spring of the tablet press pin;

 19. represents the device that allows the formation of cream in the beverage.

Figure 2: Side view of an extraction mechanism in the receiving position of the single-dose tablet:

 15. represents the extraction wedge;

 16. represents the extraction pin;

 20. represents the microswitch set.

Figure 3: Top view of an extraction mechanism in the receiving position of the single-dose tablet.

Figure 4: Isometric perspective of an extraction mechanism at the receiving position of the single-dose tablet.

Figure 5: Top view of an extraction mechanism in the rejection position of the single-dose tablet. Figure 6: Isometric perspective of an extraction mechanism in the rejection position of the single-dose tablet.

Figure 7: Side view of an extraction mechanism in the reject position of the single dose tablet.

Figure 8: Isometric perspective of the extraction mechanism in the extraction position of the single-dose tablet.

[0040] Figure 9: Sectional view of an extraction mechanism in the single-dose tablet rejection position, wherein:

 23. represents the support plate of the mechanism.

[0041] Figure 10: Side view of an extraction mechanism in the single-dose tablet rejection position, wherein:

 24. represents the support of the sensors;

 21. represents the housing of the light sensor;

 22. represents the light sensor.

Figure 11: Top view of an extraction mechanism in the reject position of the single-dose tablet.

Figure 12: Isometric perspective of an extraction mechanism in the rejection position of the single-dose tablet.

Figure 13: Top view of an extraction mechanism in the beverage extraction position.

Figure 14: Isometric perspective of an extraction mechanism in the beverage extraction position.

[0046] Figure 15: Side view of an extraction mechanism in the beverage extraction position.

Figure 16: Isometric perspective of an extraction mechanism in the position of receiving the single-dose tablet. Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to a hot beverage extraction machine, in particular coffee, which features:

• a single dose insertion and positioning system without the need to operate any opening or closing device;

• single-dose tablet rejection system (upon completion of the extraction process) automatically without any user intervention and

• collect the single-dose tablet in its own container.

This disclosure allows the extraction of hot beverages, in particular coffee, using tablets for this purpose, namely E.S.E. or Senseo ™.

In one embodiment, the single-dose tablet is introduced into the mechanism and by gravity falls into the single-dose tablet receptors (3, 4) which, in addition to supporting it, position it. The system is provided with a linear movement of the single-dose insert holder (2) to which it is connected, through the water pin (6), with an elastic element, in particular the spring (17) and the worm nut. (10), the monodose tablet receiver on the water inlet side (4). The monodose tablet receptacle on the outlet side of the hot beverage (3) is connected to the tablet press (1) identically via the coffee receptacle pin (5) of the elastic element, in particular of the spring (18). ) and the elastic element cap or spring (14). The single-dose tablet press (1) makes no (fixed) movement. In each of these two subsets the respective pins may perform linear movements with respect to (1) and (2). The linear movement of the single-dose insert holder (2) is guided by the risers (12, 13) and transmitted by a power screw system. This system is comprised of the worm screw (9) and the worm screw nut (10). The rotation of the worm screw (9) causes the linear movement of the worm screw nut (10) which, because it is coupled to the single-dose insert holder (2), causes its linear movement, since the axial movement of the screw (9) is found limited by its support (8). This support (8), in turn, is attached to the tie rods (12, 13), thus forming, together with the single-dose tablet press (1), a closed and rigidly connected system. Rotational motion transmission to the worm screw (9) is performed using an electric motor driven transmission system (11).

In one embodiment, the mechanism has three positions: single-dose tablet reception, hot beverage extraction and single-dose tablet rejection. In the receiving phase of the single-dose tablet the single-dose tablet receptors (3, 4) are positioned out of reach of the single-dose tablet press and single-dose tablet holder (1, 2) due to the "decompression" action of the springs (17, 18) in order to receive the gravity-dropping single-dose tablet and its movement is interrupted by the single-dose tablet receptors (3, 4). With the beginning of the linear movement of the single-dose tablet holder (2) the single-dose tablet receptors (3, 4) approach each other and the single-dose tablet will be centered due to the radius at the underside thereof. As the pad holder (2) advances, the single-dose tablet is compressed by (3) and (4). At the end of the movement the coffee extraction position is reached. Water is injected at this stage by the pin (6), which contains a one-way valve which, in addition to preventing hot drink from entering the water circuit, ensures a minimum injection pressure. The hot beverage exits by (5) containing a device that allows the formation of cream in the hot beverage (19). The pressing of the single-dose tablet and its centering ensures that the water to escape from (5) must pass through the single-dose tablet, always ensuring the desired beverage, namely coffee, to be dispensed. After the extraction of hot beverage, the single-dose tablet holder (2) goes back to the single-dose tablet rejection position. In this position the extraction pin (16) makes a rotational movement, imposed by the linear displacement of the extraction wedge (15), rigidly connected to the single-dose insert holder (2), which helps, by gravity, to drop the insert. By the action of the spring decompression (18), the drink receiving pin to be extracted (5) is disengaged from the spring cap sealing element of the tablet press (14). Thus the hot beverage contained in the downstream piping of the beverage receiving pin (5) due to the Hydrostatic pressure exerted by the "water column" above the hot beverage inlet is drained to the waste container. The single-dose tablet is collected in the current tank and thereafter the mechanism returns to the receiving position of the single-dose tablet.

In one embodiment, the extraction group further comprises a reservoir for the single dose and the discarded extracted liquid, wherein the liquid lodged in the extracted beverage outlet tube and the single dose tablet after extraction are housed in the said deposit.

In one embodiment, the extraction group comprises the existence of a lifting group for the coffee outlet.

In one embodiment, the extraction group allows for the extraction of a beverage with a pressure between 9-12 bar, i.e. at a pressure higher than conventional allowing for a lifting group for the coffee outlet.

In one embodiment, single-dose tablets may be used whose extractable product allows the preparation of a beverage whose extraction process is compatible with its extraction from E.S.E. or Senseo ™.

Although only particular embodiments of the disclosure have been represented and described in the present disclosure, the person skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and substitute equivalent technical characteristics depending on the requirements of each situation, without departing from the scope of protection defined by attached claims.

The achievements presented are combinable with each other. The following claims further define preferred embodiments.

Claims

1. A hot beverage extraction group of a single-dose single-dose rejection tablet comprising the following elements: a tablet press for housing the single-dose tablet, a movable tablet holder which in the beverage extraction position connects to said tablet press, coupled such that the position of the tablet is perpendicular to the extraction flow, two single-dose tablet receivers housed respectively in said press and the tablet holder, which allow positioning of the single-dose tablet in the extraction group; at least two flexible elastic elements coupled respectively to the press and the insert holder which permit a translation of a set of water and coffee studs and their receivers to the insert holder and insert press; an extraction pin located on a strip which rotates by an extraction wedge expelling the insert; a transmission system for activating the extraction group, a beverage outlet, a deposit for collecting the single-dose tablet after extraction. Extraction group according to the preceding claim wherein the elastic elements are springs. Extraction group according to the preceding claims, wherein the single-dose tablet receptors comprise a protrusion at its lower that allows the single-dose tablet to be retained. Extraction group according to the preceding claims, wherein the beverage outlet is a device that allows the formation of cream in the beverage, in particular a cream maker. Extraction group according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an automatic single-dose tablet rejection system by decompression of the flexible elastic elements. Extraction group according to the preceding claims wherein the single-dose tablets are coffee tablets in particular Easy Serving Express (E.S.E.) or Senseo ™ type tablets. Extraction group according to the preceding claims, further comprising a deposit for the single dose and for the discarded extracted liquid. Use of the extraction group according to the preceding claim without elements piercing or puncturing the single-dose tablet. Coffee extraction machine comprising the self-rejecting pellet extraction group described in any one of the preceding claims. Machine according to the preceding claim, further comprising a coffee brewing lifting unit.