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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to the field of the systems and processes of beverage preparation based upon an individual portion of beverage ingredients, and in particular whereby the actuation of a beverage preparation device is driven by an electric motor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art presents several solutions of beverage preparation apparatus, such as for example coffee machines, whereby the extraction device is adapted so that can collect an individual portion of edible substance, for example roasted and ground coffee beans, and can be actuated by an electric motor between open and closed positions.

The document US 2010/0098823 A1 discloses a portable espresso coffee machine de café that includes an extraction device operated by a piston that is actuated by an electric motor with a power of less than 100 W.

The document EP 2177393 B1 also discloses a coffee machine with an extraction device actuated by a low energy consumption motor. The electric motor can be a direct current and low voltage motor, for example stabilized 24 V. The electric motor is provided in operative connection with a control unit so that the latter can activate and deactivate the electric motor. It is further foreseen a current sensor operatively connected to the control unit and based upon which the latter can determine the electric current absorbed by the electric motor in several stages of opening and closing of the infusion chamber. This document further discloses several graphics of energy use representative of the operation of the electric motor for actuation of the extraction device, in particular evolution of the current intensity in time, between respective initial and final actuation paths. Said graphics disclose maximum consumptions below 50 W of electrical power, in particular below 25 W. moreover, said graphics of energy use disclose consumption evolution patterns whereby a first actuation phase of the electric motor consumes a fraction of the current used in a second phase next to the destination position. The document is silent in what regards an active control of the power consumed along most part of the movement path generated by the electric motor, including in the region of movement path in the proximity of the destiny position, but not in the region of displacement path adjacent to the destiny position.

The document WO 2012/025259 A1 also discloses an extraction device actuated by electric motor, in this case a low consumption motor that requires an electric power of no more than 50 W and/or generates a torque of no more than 50 mN·m to move the extraction device between open and closed positions.

The document WO 2012/025258 A1 discloses a control method of motor that includes the measurement of at least one electric parameter representative of the power consumed by the motor, and the comparison of the evolution of this representative parameter in time with a previously defined reference.

The document CN 201452867 U discloses a coffee machine for coffee capsules that presents an extraction device by electric motor. In particular, the electric motor is disposed so that extends along a direction generally parallel to the direction of the driving came and, therefore, to the movement of the extraction device, and along a generally longitudinal direction of the machine. The transmission of movement of the electric motor to the driving came is provided by a gear set, whereby each one of the three movement components is supported by a common support structure.

The document WO 2012/072764 A1 seems to present a similar disposition of the three components, that is, electric motor, transmission gear set and driving came, both in terms of relative disposition to each other, as well as in terms of relative disposition inside of the machine. Moreover, the electric motor and a plurality of elements of movement transmission are each one directly fixated to a single element of common mechanic support.

The document WO 2008/129033 A1 also seems to disclose an extraction unit of a coffee machine whereby the electric motor and elements of transmission of movement are fixated to a common support element. Moreover, also in this case the electric motor is disposed so that a bigger extension thereof extends along a direction parallel to the direction of movement of a mobile part of the extraction device.

None of the documents in the prior art thus discloses a solution that provides an apparatus with a beverage preparation device actuated by electric motor in conditions of adjustment to effective torque requirements, and, therefore, of electric power, as well as presenting actuation monitoring means adapted so as to provide regulation of the electric motor based upon movement parameters along the movement path, and further with a more advantageous disposition of transmission of movement between the electric motor and a driving came operatively associated with at least part of said beverage preparation device, both in terms of transmission efficiency as well as in terms of construction simplicity and reduction of the volume required by the actuation disposition inside of a beverage preparation apparatus.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation apparatus including a beverage preparation device, for example an extraction device, adapted so that can collect an individual portion of edible substance, for example a portion of roasted and ground coffee beans, and further including an actuation disposition adapted so that can open and close said beverage preparation device, and comprising actuation monitoring means adapted so that provide reliable data of simple apprehension for regulating the actuation disposition by control means of the apparatus.

At least one mobile part of the beverage preparation device can be actuated by the actuation disposition in linear movement along a movement path between an initial position and a destiny position, said positions corresponding alternatingly to open condition, whereby the beverage preparation device can collect an individual portion of edible substance, and closed condition, whereby said individual portion is confined inside thereof.

In particular, the objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus with enhanced monitoring means of an actuation disposition of beverage preparation device, thereby providing better energy efficiency of the movement actuation and possibility of detection and correction of eventual operation errors, such as for example jamming of individual portion and the entry or exit region of the beverage preparation device.

This objective is attained according to the present invention by means of an apparatus according to claim 1.

In particular, the aforementioned objective is solved according to the present invention by means of a beverage preparation apparatus that present an actuation disposition including actuation monitoring means adapted so that provide data of at least one, preferentially of a plurality of movement parameters associated with each movement path, and based upon which the control means can accurately and reliably determine the relative position of the beverage preparation device between the closed and open positions, and vice-versa, as well as eventual cases of jamming of individual portion.

The beverage preparation apparatus can present actuation monitoring means configured so that, in each movement cycle, can apprehend movement parameters associated with a driving element of the beverage preparation device that is driven by the electric motor, including at least one of:

• • direction of rotation of the driving element, thereby enabling to infer the direction of movement, forward or backward, in the movement path of at least one mobile part of the beverage preparation device;
  • velocity of rotation of the driving element, thereby enabling to infer the progression and/or the rate of progression of movement;
  • the number of rotations completed by the driving element, thereby enabling to infer the relative position of the driving element relative to the movement path.

The actuation monitoring means can be associated with a driving element of the actuation disposition, such as for example a driving came, so that can apprehend at least one of, preferentially all of the following movement parameters: direction of rotation, number of rotations between edges of movement path, position on at least one edge of the movement path, velocity of rotations.

The actuation monitoring means can be adapted so that can apprehend the relative position of the driving cam relative to previously defined references of the rotation movement thereof, by mechanical manner, by optical manner or by electromagnetic manner.

The actuation monitoring means can be in the form of an optical device adapted so that can monitor successive positions in a mobile support, for example of the optical “encoder” type, or similar.

An associated objective is to provide an apparatus with a beverage preparation device actuated by an actuation disposition that provides a more efficient movement transmission, of more compact construction and occupying a more advantageous position inside the apparatus.

This objective is solved according to the present invention by means of an apparatus comprising an actuation disposition that includes a single movement generating device—an electric motor—, a single velocity and torque conversion device—a gear set—, and a final driving disposition for transmission of rotation movement to linear movement of a mobile part of the beverage preparation device.

The actuation disposition can be adapted so that the movement path between the initial and final positions, that is, between open and closed positions, only requires rotation movement of a driving element by a rotation angle of at most 110°, preferentially at most 95°.

The actuation disposition can be adapted so that the final transmission of rotation movement to a mobile part for the linear movement along the entire movement path, requires only one driving came directly operatively connected to a piston-like disposition, or similar.

The gear set can be directly operatively connected to a driving came that generates the forward and backward translation movement by at least one mobile part of the beverage preparation device.

The actuation cycle can include the actuation of a driving came adapted so that can move a mobile part of the beverage preparation device in a translation movement along a single direction, and thereby push and/or position an individual portion of edible substance, to an operative position, without including a compression of the edible substance.

The electric motor can be a low voltage electric motor, in particular of less than 50 V, for example between 12 V DC and 44 V DC, preferentially a motor of 24 V, or a motor of 12 V.

The electric motor can be an electric motor of direct current, DC.

The electric motor can be supplied with direct current, DC, by an AC-DC transforming device comprised in the apparatus, whereby the apparatus can be supplied with alternated current, AC, for example 110 V AC, or 230 V AC.

The electric motor can be an electric motor with a nominal electric power (P_N), or rated electric power, of at least 60 W, preferentially of at least 30 W, particularly preferentially at least 10 W and less than 25 W.

The electric motor can be operatively associated with a transmission box with a transmission ration comprised between 1:100 and 1:500, preferentially between 1:200 and 1:400.

The movement path generated by the actuation disposition, of at least one mobile part of beverage preparation device, can be linear, for example along a direction transversal to the direction of the gravity force, and include a first and a second edge of complete movement path, corresponding to an open and closed position of beverage preparation device.

The actuation disposition can be adapted so that can regulate the supply of electric power to the electric motor according to the relative position along the movement path, and so that the actuation between open and closed positions, and vice-versa, does not require more than 5 seconds, preferentially does not require more than 3 seconds.

An associated objective is to provide a beverage preparation apparatus whereby the electric motor associated with the actuation disposition of the beverage preparation device, can be regulated according to at least one of: relative position and progression velocity of the driving came, along the movement path between the open and closed positions, so as to regulate a limitation of power, imposed for example by electronic manner, to the power supplied to, and therefore, power effectively consumed by, the electric motor.

The limitation of electric power supplied to the electric motor can be imposed along at least the most part of the movement path, excluding the destination position, at least in the case of the closing movement path.

The limitation of electric power supplied to the electric motor can be imposed by control means based upon data apprehended by actuation monitoring means, along at least 90% of the movement path, at least in the case of the closing movement path.

The limitation of electric power supplied to the electric motor can be imposed according to at least one of:

• • a first regulation rule based upon the limitation of electric power supplied to the electric motor;
  • a second regulation rule including reduction and/or cut of electric power supplied to the electric motor in case of apprehension of a previously defined variation of an operative parameter of the actuation disposition.

The first and second rules can be applied according to at least one of: velocity of movement and relative position of the mobile part apprehended along the movement path.

The first rule of limitation of electric power consumed by the electric motor can be of the type limit-value and/or interval of limit-values, previously defined and at least approximately constant of the electric power supplied along at least the most part of the movement path, including the initial position and excluding the region adjacent to the destination position, at least in the case of the closing movement of the beverage preparation device.

The limit-value of electrical power supplied can be of up to 20%, preferentially of up to 10%, particularly preferentially of up to 8%, of the nominal or rated power, P_N, of the electric motor.

The limit-value of electrical power supplied can be of an interval of between 1 and 10%, preferentially between 2 and 9%, particularly preferentially of between 3 and 8% of the nominal or rated power, P_N, of the electric motor.

The limit-value of electrical power can provide a consumption of electrical energy by the electric motor of less than 10 mWh, preferentially of less than 8 mWh, particularly preferentially of less than 5 mWh, in each movement path.

The first rule of limitation of electric power supplied to the electric motor can be of the function type with only one variable, so that said limit-value is applied only as a function of the relative displacement of a mobile part of the beverage preparation device along and with reference to the previously defined movement path thereof. Said relative position can be considered along a previously defined first part of the movement path and that includes at least the region in the proximity, and excludes the region adjacent to the closed position. Said first path of movement path can advantageously include the open position and the entire extension of movement path between the open position and a region in the proximity of the closed position. The first part can correspond to at least 80% of the movement path, preferentially to at least 90%, particularly preferentially to at least 95% of the movement path the mobile part of the beverage preparation device that includes the open position and a region in the proximity of the closed position.

The second rule can be of the function type with more than one variable.

The second rule can be applied as a function of a given relative position along the movement path and as a function of the displacement direction along the movement path.

The second rule can include the cancelling or temporary interruption of electric power supply to the electric motor in the case that there is detected a previously defined variation of at least one of: velocity of displacement, rate of variation of the velocity of displacement, current intensity, rate of variation of the current intensity consumed by the electric motor.

The second rule can be applied at least in a region adjacent to the closed position, preferentially in a region corresponding to 10% of the movement path, or in at least most part of the movement path.

It is herewith advantageously provided the possibility of having an electric motor with sufficient electric power, and, therefore, torque, in the closing region, including for uniting the parts of the beverage preparation device, eventually further for pushing the individual portion inside of one part of the device, while simultaneously minimizing the risk of overheating of the electric motor.

Moreover, there is advantageously provided the possibility of detecting an eventual jam, or incorrect positioning of the individual portion in the beverage preparation device, before the closing thereof and constraining its closure, and preventing the that electric motor provides an excessive torque in the closing movement path.

The beverage preparation apparatus can include an actuation disposition that includes an electric motor operatively connected to a gear set provided so that actuates a driving came in rotation, whereby said rotating driving came can be provided in functional association with the beverage preparation device so that can generate a translation movement of at least one of the parts of the beverage preparation device, between initial and destination positions.

The beverage preparation apparatus can include control means adapted so that can control the supply of energy to the electric motor and provided in functional connection with actuation monitoring means and adapted so that can receive data therefrom.

The control means can be configured so that can limit the electric power effectively supplied to the electric motor, for example during at least the most part of the movement path, according to the relative position of displacement of a mobile part of the beverage preparation device, with reference to the movement path.

The control means can be configured so that can limit the voltage and/or current intensity supplied and, therewith, the maximum power supplied to the electric motor, preferentially to a previously defined maximum value and/or previously defined interval of values, as a function of the velocity of movement and/or the relative position of displacement of a mobile part of the beverage preparation device, with reference to the movement path.

The control means can be configured so that the power effectively consumed by the electric motor can vary along the movement path, notably according to variations of the load required along the movement path, but is limited to the maximum power that is made available to the electric motor.

The control means can be configured so that can determine the relative position of displacement of a driving came with relation to the edges of movement path, based upon the direction of rotation and the number of rotations apprehended by actuation monitoring means associated with the driving came.

The control means can be configured so that can regulate at least one of: maximum voltage and maximum electric current intensity supplied to the electric motor, in particular based upon data of parameter received from said actuation monitoring means.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing beverages that provides better use efficiency of electric energy, in particular by the electric motor, while simultaneously providing a sufficient torque for certain requirements associated with the operation of the beverage preparation device.

This objective is solved according to claim 12.

In particular, the process can be associated with the operation of a beverage preparation apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11.

Preferred embodiments are presented in the depending claims.

In the scope of the present description, the expression “nominal power” should be understood as equivalent to the classification of rated power attributed to the device by respective fabricant, and corresponding in general to the biggest energy input that can flow through the equipment, that is the maximum power, or “stall” power of electric motor.

In particular, the nominal power of an electric motor of 24 V DC corresponds to the product of such voltage by the current intensity rated by the fabricant as the maximum admissible, eventually admitting a tolerance.

In the absence of an explicit value, provided by the fabricant of deductible from the type of operation of the electric motor, and at least in the case of 24 V DC motors, the value of the “nominal power”, P_N, shall be considered as equal to or less than 50 W.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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

The Figures show, in simplified schematic representations:

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;

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

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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

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;

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;

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

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

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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).

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

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

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°.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 (P₁) (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).

It is herewith ensured that, despite of an eventually relatively bigger maximum or nominal power (P_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 (P₁).

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 (P₁, P₂) along at least the most part of the movement path (see FIG. 16).

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_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).

In case of detection of a variation of electric power (Delta_P) higher than a previously defined maximum value of variation of electric power (Delta_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).

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).

The combination of said first and second regulation rules advantageously provides the possibility of using an electric motor (31) with a nominal power (P_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.

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).

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.