[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for dispensing a beverage; in particular, the subject matter of the present invention is an infused beverage machine and a method for dispensing an infused beverage, such as tea, coffee, chamomile, or herbal tea.

[0002] A multitude of infused beverages is known to be present and widely distributed on the market. However, the preparation of each beverage requires dedicated instruments and equipment.

[0003] For example, the preparation of filter coffee (also called filtered coffee, American coffee, or drip coffee) requires hot water to be poured over ground coffee contained in a filter so that the water, by percolating through the ground coffee and filter, extracts oils and aromas solely through the effect of gravity. The resulting beverage is then collected in a cup or a container placed beneath the filter and the corresponding filter holder .

[0004] Additional examples of infused beverages include espresso coffee, moka pot coffee, coffee extracted with an Aeropress or with a French Press, cold brew coffee, and so on.

[0005] Tea, chamomile, and herbal teas also come under the category of infused beverages.

[0006] Generally speaking, the term "infused beverage" or "infusion" means any beverage obtained by an infusion process that extracts the active principles and aromas from plants and/or from parts of plants ( leaves , branches , roots , fruit , bark, etc . ) . In particular, the infusion is performed by wetting the plants or parts thereof with an infusion fluid ( e . g . water, alcohol , wine, milk, etc . ) for a period of time of varying length . The temperature of the infusion fluid may vary depending on the type of plant and/or the type of desired infusion .

[0007] As mentioned above , each infused beverage disadvantageously requires the use of dedicated equipment . It is obvious that such a multitude of equipment entails a non-negligible cost for both private users as well as businesses such as bars , pubs , tearooms , and cof fee shops that prepare and sell infusions .

[0008] Another disadvantage comes from the fact that such equipment requires quali fied personnel for its use and the professional expertise of the personnel incurs yet another additional cost in terms of training and updating human resources .

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to propose an infused beverage machine and a method for dispensing an infused beverage that is capable of overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above . In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to limit the costs incurred to acquire equipment to prepare the multitude of infused beverages and the costs for training nonquali fied personnel .

[0010] This purpose is achieved with an infused beverage machine according to claim 1 and with a method for dispensing an infused beverage according to claim 14 . The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention .

[0011] The features and advantages of the machine and method according to the invention wi ll become apparent from the description below of its preferred embodiments , given as nonlimiting examples , with reference to the attached figures , wherein :

[0012] - Figure 1 shows a diagram of an infused beverage machine in a preferred embodiment , and

[0013] - Figure 2 shows a diagram of an infused beverage machine in another preferred embodiment .

[0014] In the following description, elements common to the various embodiments represented in the drawings are indicated with the same reference numbers .

[0015] In said drawings , reference number 1 indicates an infused beverage machine according to the invention as a whole .

[0016] According to the present invention, the infused beverage machine 1 is suitable to dispense an infused beverage , for example tea, cof fee , chamomile , or herbal tea, and comprises a pump group 2 , a dispenser group 3 , a filtration group 4 , a detection group 5 , and a management unit 6 .

[0017] The pump group 2 comprises a pump 20 and a delivery duct 21 . In detail , the pump 20 is configured to draw an infusion fluid from a suction inlet 22 and to pump the infusion fluid to a delivery outlet 23 operatively connected to the delivery duct 21 . In particular, the suction inlet 22 is suitable to be connected to a suction pipe , i . e . a supply line for the infusion fluid .

[0018] The dispenser group 3 is fluidically connected to the pump group 2 by means of the delivery duct 21 , and an infusion fluid is dispensed through this dispenser group 3 .

[0019] The filtration group 4 comprises a filter holder 45 ; 45 ' suitable to contain an organic substance that can be wetted by the infusion fluid di spensed by the dispenser group 3 so as to obtain the corresponding infused beverage . In particular, the organic substance is a plant and/or parts thereo f , for example leaves , branches , roots , flowers , fruit , bark, and so on, and is in solid or granular form, that is made into a powder by means of grinding or milling . Preferably, the organic substance is ground coffee . For the purposes of this discussion, the infusion fluid is preferably water and it is the fluid downstream of the pump 20 , which is pumped through the delivery duct 21 to the organic substance contained in the filtration group 4 .

[0020] The detection group 5 comprises a plurality of measurement devices 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 configured to measure the values of a corresponding plurality of dispensing parameters . For example , said plurality of dispensing parameters comprises a dispensing duration, a quantity of infusion fluid and/or a quantity of infused beverage dispensed, a pressure of the infusion fluid, and a temperature of the infusion fluid . The plurality of measurement devices comprises a duration sensor 50 , a fluid amount sensor 51 , a pressure sensor 52 , and a temperature sensor [0021] The duration sensor 50 measures the dispensing duration of the infusion fluid, the fluid amount sensor 51 measures the quantity of infusion fluid and/or the quantity of infused beverage dispensed, the pressure sensor 52 measures the pressure of the infusion fluid, and the temperature sensor 53 measures the temperature of the infusion fluid . For example , the temperature sensor 53 is a thermocouple .

[0022] In a preferred embodiment , the plurality of measurement devices is connected to the pump group 2 , for example to the delivery duct 21 and/or to the dispenser group 3 .

[0023] According to the invention, the management unit 6 is operatively connected to the pump group 2 and is operatively connected to the detection group 5 in a closed loop . In other words , the management unit 6 forms a closed-loop control together with the pump group 2 and the detection group 5 . In addition, the management unit 6 is configured to simultaneously control and adj ust the plurality of dispensing parameters .

[0024] In particular, the closed-loop control allows the management unit 6 to acquire the values of the plurality of dispensing parameters measured by the measurement devices 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , and to adj ust , i . e . modi fy, the values of said dispensing parameters .

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment , the management unit 6 comprises a plurality of control members that can be actuated by a user, and said plurality of control members makes it possible to set and/or adj ust the plurality of dispensing parameters .

[0026] For the purposes of this discus sion, the term "to set" means to set the value of at least one dispensing parameter of the aforementioned plurality of dispensing parameters before the pump 20 starts pumping the infusion fluid through the delivery duct 21 , that is before starting the dispensing of the infused beverage . The term "adj ust , " however, means to adj ust and modi fy the value of at least one dispensing parameter while the infusion fluid is being pumped through the delivery duct 21 , that is during the dispensing of the infused beverage .

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment , the management unit 6 comprises a plurality of selection members that can be actuated by a user, wherein each selection member of said plurality of selection members is associated with a type of infused beverage to be dispensed . In other words , actuating a selection member selects the infused beverage associated with the actuated selection member, and the beverage is then dispensed .

[0028] Preferably, the plurality of selection members comprises pushbuttons in which each pushbutton is associated with a type of infused beverage , so that , when a pushbutton is pressed, dispensing of the desired infused beverage is selected .

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment , the management unit 6 comprises a memory unit in which multiple sets of dispensing parameters are stored .

[0030] In particular, each set of dispensing parameters of the aforementioned multiple sets of dispensing parameters comprises , for each dispensing parameter, the setting, i . e . the value that the parameter takes on before dispensing starts , and the adj ustment , i . e . how the value of the parameter is modi fied in the course of dispensing .

[0031] In addition, the memory unit is also configured to gather and store the values of the dispensing parameters measured by the measurement devices 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 during operation of the infused beverage machine 1 .

[0032] Preferably, by actuating at least one control member of the plurality of control members so as to set and/or adj ust a corresponding dispensing parameter, the management unit 6 modi fies the remaining dispensing parameters , i . e . the dispensing parameters that have not been set and/or adj usted by means of the at least one control member, as a function of the multiple sets of dispensing parameters stored in the memory unit .

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment , by actuating a selection member so as to select the type of desired infused beverage , the management unit 6 controls the dispensing of the infused beverage as a function of the set of dispensing parameters associated with the aforementioned selected type of beverage .

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment , the dispensing duration of the infusion fluid is between 3 s and 24 h . In other words , controlling the dispensing duration by means of the management unit 6 makes it possible to have a very short infusion of j ust a few seconds , or an extremely slow percolation on the order of several hours .

[0035] Preferably, the dispensing duration of the infusion fluid is between 5 s and 12 h . For example , cold brew cof fee requires about 12 hours of percolation .

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment , the fluid amount sensor 51 comprises a flow sensor 510 , which detects in a range between 0 . 1 to 20 g/ s . Preferably, the flow sensor 510 detects in a range between 0 . 3 to 12 g/ s . For example , the flow sensor 510 is a flowmeter that measures the volume or mass flow rate .

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment , the fluid amount sensor 51 comprises a scale 510 ' for measuring the quantity of infused beverage dispensed . In particular, the scale 510 ' is configured to record the weight of the infused beverage dispensed .

[0038] In a preferred embodiment not shown in the figures , the pump group 2 also comprises a fluid supply container, for example a tank, where the infusion fluid is stored . Said fluid supply container is fluidically connected to the suction inlet 22 in such a way that the pump 20 draws the infusion fluid from the fluid supply container in order to pump it through the delivery duct 21 . Preferably, the fluid amount sensor 51 further comprises a second scale operatively connected to the fluid supply container, in which said second scale measures the weight of the infusion fluid contained in the fluid supply container .

In addition, the second scale is furthermore provided with a second memory unit that stores the quantity of fluid that has progressively been collected in the supply container. Advantageously, measuring the quantity of infusion fluid that has been collected in the supply container is an indicator of the lifecycle status of the infused beverage machine 1.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor 52 detects in a range between 0.1 to 13 bar, preferably from 0.1 to 12 bar.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor 53 detects in a range between -10 to +130°C. Preferably, the temperature of the infusion fluid is between 88 and 99°C. In particular, espresso coffee or filter coffee requires the infusion fluid to have a temperature of between 88 and 96°C.

[0041] For example, when preparing espresso coffee, dispensing is divided into three phase, i.e. the initial pre-infusion phase, the middle infusion phase, and the final extension phase. The initial pre-infusion phase lasts about 4-7 s, during which the infusion fluid wets the coffee powder at a pressure of less than 6 bar and preferably between 4 and 6 bar. The middle infusion phase increases the pressure of the infusion fluid to 9 bar so that the beverage may be dispensed. The duration of the middle infusion phase is between 15 and 35 s, preferably about 25 s, while the temperature of the infusion fluid is between 85 and 99°C. Lastly, the final extension phase decreases the pressure of the infusion fluid to atmospheric pressure in about 3-4 s; it is possible to have at least one intermediate hold at, for example , 6 or 4 bar .

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment , the infused beverage machine 1 comprises a machine body 10 provided with a fluid collection platform 11 that delimits a collection compartment . Said fluid collection platform 11 is positioned beneath the dispenser group 3 so as to collect residues of the infusion fluid in the collection compartment , or of the dispensed infused beverage , or of a generic fluid coming out of the dispenser group 3 . In particular, the term "generic fluid" means any fluid other than the infusion fluid and the dispensed infused beverage ; for example , said generic fluid is milk, an alcoholic liquid, a detergent , and so on .

[0043] The fluid collection platform 11 also further comprises a grid 12 covering the collection compartment and facing the dispenser group 3 .

[0044] In detail , the grid 12 is suitable to support a cup 13 in which the dispensed infused beverage is collected . In addition, the infusion fluid and/or the generic fluid and/or the dispensed infused beverage may pass through the grid 12 so as to be conveyed into the collection compartment . In other words , the grid 12 allows fluid ( infusion fluid, generic fluid, or beverage ) to pass through .

[0045] Preferably, the fluid collection platform 11 also comprises the scale 510 ' . In other words , the scale 510 ' is incorporated into the fluid collection platform 11 . Once the value of the weight of dispensed infused beverage , measured by means of the scale 510 ' , is acquired, the management unit 6 may control and possibly stop dispensing .

[0046] According to the appended figure 1 , the dispenser group 3 is provided with a filter holder seat 35 where the filter holder 45 is housed . The filter holder seat and the filter holder 45 achieve a shape and/or force coupling, such as a threaded or bayonet connection .

[0047] According to the appended figure 2 , the filter holder 45 ' is suitable to be positioned on a cup 13 in a position at a distance from the dispenser group 3 so that the infusion fluid falling from the dispenser group 3 reaches the filter holder 45' by gravity and wets the organic substance contained therein .

[0048] In detail , the filter holder 45 ; 45 ' comprises a fi lter suitable to contain the organic substance .

[0049] In the appended figures 1 and 2 , arrows graphically indicate the flow direction of the infusion fluid .

[0050] According to the preferred embodiment of figure 2 , the filter holder 45 ' is provided with an annular base 40 engageable with a cup upper rim 14 . In particular, in the embodiment variant in which the filter holder 45 ' is suitable to engage with the cup upper rim 14 , said filter holder 45 ' has the shape of an upside-down truncated cone extending from a lower opening 41 , suitable to convey the infused beverage into the cup 13 , and an upper opening 42 suitable to col lect the infusion fluid coming out of the dispenser group 3 . The lower opening 41 lies substantially in the same plane as the annular base 40 and connects to said annular base 40 by means of a plurality of radial arms 43 . In addition, the lateral surface of the filter holder 45 ' is also connected to the annular base 40 by means of a plurality of legs 44 .

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment , the infused beverage machine 1 comprises a control panel , preferably a touch panel , that allows the user to actuate the plurality of control members and/or the plurality of selection members . In other words , the user may use the control panel to set , before dispensing the infused beverage , and/or adj ust , while the infused beverage is being dispensed, the dispensing duration and/or the quantity of infusion fluid and/or the pressure of the infusion fluid and/or the temperature of the infusion fluid .

[0052] It is also possible with the control panel to actuate a selection member associated with a type of infused beverage . The management unit 6 sets and adj usts dispensing us ing the set of parameters for the infused beverage selected using the selection member . The set of dispensing parameters comprises values for dispensing duration, flow rate , pressure , and temperature of the infusion fluid .

[0053] I f the user does not set a suf ficient number of dispensing parameters , the management unit 6 controls the di spensing of the beverage using a set of dispensing parameters that includes the dispensing parameters set by the user, or the infused beverage machine 1 waits until the user enters at least a suf ficient number of dispensing parameters . [0054] Using the control panel, the user may select the type of beverage, but at the same time the user may set and/or adjust at least one value of the plurality of dispensing parameters so as to obtain an infused beverage according to the user's specific requirements. For example, with the infused beverage machine 1 it is possible to obtain a filter coffee extracted with the "V60" process. This process calls for placing about 20-40 g of coffee powder in the filter holder 45; 45' , wetting the powder with 50-100 ml of water at about 94°C, and waiting about 30-60 s; lastly, the percolation process is completed with 300-350 ml of water so that the total quantity of water is about 400 ml.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the method for dispensing the infused beverage, such as tea, coffee, chamomile, herbal tea, and so on, by means of an infused beverage machine 1, comprises the following steps, not necessarily described in chronological order:

[0056] - using the management unit 6 to set and/or adjust the plurality of dispensing parameters, i.e. the dispensing duration, the quantity of infusion fluid and/or the quantity of infused beverage dispensed, the pressure of the infusion fluid, and the temperature of the infusion fluid;

[0057] - dispensing the infused beverage.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the method, the management unit 6 comprises the plurality of control members and the memory unit, and the method further involves the following steps:

[0059] - actuating at least one control member in order to send a control signal to the management unit 6 that modi fies the dispensing parameter associated with the control member actuated by the user ;

[0060] - using the management unit 6 to modi fy the remaining dispensing parameters , i . e . the dispensing parameters not set and/or adj usted by the user, as a function of the multiple sets of dispensing parameters stored in the memory unit .

[0061] According to an embodiment of the method, the management unit 6 comprises the plurality of selection members and the method further involves the step wherein a selection member is actuated . The actuated selection member sends a selection signal to the management unit 6 which controls the di spensing of the infused beverage associated with the actuated selection member . Preferably, the selected infused beverage is dispensed as a function of the set of dispensing parameters corresponding to the actuated selection member .

[0062] In detail , the method for dispensing an infused beverage also involves the following steps :

[0063] - pumping the infusion fluid through the delivery duct 21 ; [0064] - taking a measurement of the dispensing duration of the infusion fluid by means of the duration sensor 50 and adj usting said dispensing duration by means of the management unit 6 ;

[0065] - taking a measurement of the flow rate of the infusion fluid by means of the flow sensor 510 and adj usting said flow rate by means of the management unit 6 and/or taking a measurement of the weight of the infused beverage dispensed by means of the scale 510 ' and adj usting the flow of the infusion fluid by means of the management unit 6 ;

[0066] - taking a measurement of the pressure of the infusion fluid by means of the pressure sensor 52 and adj usting said pressure by the management unit 6 ;

[0067] - taking a measurement of the temperature of the infusion fluid by means of the temperature sensor 53 and adj usting said temperature by the management unit 6 .

[0068] Innovatively, the infused beverage machine and the method for dispensing the infused beverage ful fill the intended purpose .

[0069] Advantageously, the infused beverage machine is extremely versatile because it makes it possible to set the values of the plurality of dispensing parameters before dispensing and to adj ust them in the course of dispensing .

[0070] According to an advantageous aspect , the infused beverage machine of the present invention is capable of making a plurality of infused beverages , such as tea, cof fee , chamomile , or herbal teas . In other words , the infused beverage machine is a sort of universal machine capable of making any type of infused beverage .

[0071] According to yet another advantageous aspect , the infused beverage machine of the present invention may be used as a conventional infusion machine , since it makes it possible to select the des ired beverage using the control panel . Consequently, there is no need to set (before dispensing) and/or adj ust ( during dispensing) the values of the plurality of dispensing parameters ; the type of beverage merely needs to be selected .

[0072] Advantageously, the method for dispensing the infused beverage is flexible because it allows for control and adj ustment of the dispensing parameters , thus making it possible to make any type of infused beverage . In particular, it is possible to adj ust dispensing and have the infusion fluid dispensed at predefined time intervals . Alternatively, the flow rate of the infusion fluid may be adj usted to obtain the desired flow . It is also possible to control dispensing by measuring the weight of dispensed beverage . In addition, the pressure and/or the temperature of the infusion fluid may be adj usted so that dispensing is performed with the correct pressure and temperature values for obtaining the desired beverage .

[0073] A person skilled in the art , in order to meet contingent needs , may make changes , adaptations , and replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent ones to the embodiments of the infusion machine and method for dispensing the beverage according to the invention, without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims . Each of the features described as belonging to a possible pre ferred embodiment may be implemented independently of the other described embodiments .