Field of the invention

The present invention is directed to a food and beverage dispensing device, in particular to a handheld dispensing device, where the actions relating to its process activation are commanded as a function of the spatial positioning or spatial positioning change of the device.

Background of the invention

Different food and beverage machines, typically handheld machines, are known in the state of the art, for example for preparing coffee, tea, foams, or the like. The diverse actions in these machines or devices (such as start and/or stop actions) are usually operated by the user pressing onto a physical and/or sensitive button or onto a mechanical lever provided in the device which typically actuates an electrically powered motor which commands a corresponding activation unit (it can be a foamer, a fluid pump, heating means, etc.).

However, in such devices operated by a button or lever, the quality of the food or beverage dispensed depends on the ability of the user to repeat the correct gesture. Moreover, mechanical buttons are not always reliable nor ergonomic; even more, in some cases, the lack of available space on the device does not allow the proper placement of the buttons, typically on small, handled appliances. Furthermore, in the case of mechanical buttons, each action to be commanded would typically require a dedicated button, resulting in large amount of switches. These mechanical buttons are also less suited for food appliances as they can be a source of potential contamination, so it would be desirable to minimize or even completely avoid its use particularly in portable devices which are used during travelling or in any case when in a location outside of home. In these food and beverage preparation devices, for preparing the food or beverage, the user must hold the device so as to correctly orientate the outlet or dispensing means and, at the same time, press onto the button to activate the corresponding desired action, which can be complex and certainly not comfortable. Moreover, these buttons activate a certain action which enables the preparation and dispensing of a fixed amount of the food or beverage product. As a consequence, the user cannot regulate as desired the quantity of food or beverage product to dispense, neither can a level of the action be easily regulated.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a portable food and beverage dispensing device that can be activated in an easy and simple way, and which also allows convenient, accurate and yet simple regulation.

Object and summary of the invention

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a food and beverage dispensing device: the device comprises at least one spatial sensor configured to measure the positioning of the said device in space and/or to detect a change in the positioning of the device in space; the device further comprises a control unit connected to the at least one spatial sensor and receiving information on the positioning and/or positioning change of the device. The control unit is configured to command at least one action of the device as a function of the spatial positioning of the said device, such that the actions triggered are electrically commanded actions related to process activation, such that the start, end and/or change of the said action is commanded by a change in the positioning of the device in space.

According to the invention, the actions commanded in the food and beverage dispensing device are preferably one or a plurality of: foaming, mixing, pumping, heating, cooling, product recognition, connectivity, or the like. In the food and beverage dispensing device of the invention, the change in the positioning of the device in space can typically be one or a plurality of the following: X displacement, Y displacement, Z displacement, roll rotation, pitch rotation, yaw rotation, among others. Typically, according to the present invention, each specific positioning of the device in space and/or each specific positioning change is linked to a specific commanded action in the said device. Preferably, in the food and beverage dispensing device of the invention, for each specific commanded action in the said device, the level or degree of the said action is a function of the change of the positioning of the device in space.

In the food and beverage dispensing device of the invention, the spatial sensor can preferably be one or a plurality of: accelerometer, gyroscope, inclinometer, or the like.

It is also possible, according to an embodiment of the invention, that a plurality of simultaneous actions are commanded by a certain spatial positioning of the food and beverage dispensing device and/or by a certain positioning change of the said device in space.

In the food and beverage dispensing device according to the present invention, the control unit can also be connected to a wireless communication module allowing its connection to a remote control device. The remote control device will preferably provide information on the process parameters to be applied by the device for the commanded actions.

Typically, the food and beverage dispensing device of the invention comprises a product container where a food or beverage product is stored. The product container can typically be configured as a package holder to receive a package where a food or beverage product is stored. The package can be configured as a capsule, a pod, a sachet or the like and it will typically be made disposable.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent for a skilled person when reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a general overview of a possible activation of a food and beverage dispensing device according to the present invention. Fig. 2 shows different spatial positioning and spatial positioning change of a food and beverage dispensing device according to the present invention, in three different axis, X, Y and Z, thus commanding different activations of the said device.

Figs. 3a-e show different possible spatial positioning or spatial positioning change of a food and beverage dispensing device according to the present invention, commanding different activations of the said device.

Figs. 4a-c show different views of a food or beverage preparation device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 5a-b show different views of a food or beverage preparation device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

The invention relates to a food and beverage dispensing device 10, as schematically represented for example in Figure 1 , where the spatial positioning of the said device 10 or a change in the said spatial positioning is detected so certain actions in the device 10 occur as a function of the said positioning or positioning change, as it will be further explained in more detail. The food and beverage dispensing device 10 of the invention is typically a handheld device.

The food and beverage dispensing device 10 comprises at least one spatial sensor connected to a control unit 50. The at least one spatial sensor is configured to measure the position of the device 10 in space and/or to detect a position change occurring in the said device 10 (typically arriving from a gesture on the said device 10). Furthermore, the control unit 50 in the device 10 of the invention receives the information on the position or position change of the device 10 from the spatial sensor to which it is connected. Said control unit 50 is configured to command or to trigger at least one action of the device and to control it according to the positioning and/or to the change in positioning.

The actions triggered in the device 10 are typically electrically commanded actions related to process activation, such that the end and/or change of the said action is commanded by a change in the position of the device in space and/or by a further gesture occurring in the device.

The food or beverage device 10 of the invention is configured in such a way that it is only actuated when it is in a proper spatial position, thanks to the spatial sensor in it. Preferably, the spatial sensor comprises one or a plurality of: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an inclinometer, etc. The food or beverage device of the invention receives as input both the spatial positioning of the device at a certain moment and the change of this positioning typically due to a gesture from the user's part. Thanks to the present invention, the device 10 does not require any physical or sensitive button as the process will start once the device is handheld in an optimal positioning commanding the said start, for example. In order to stop the process, a certain change in that positioning will occur, typically into a standard natural rest position. The device can be configured differently, as desired, for example so that a certain positioning and positioning change will be associated to a certain function or product activation function. Thanks to the configuration of the device of the invention, it is also possible that a same sensor (spatial sensor) triggers or commands a plurality of actions.

The spatial sensor and control unit 50 marked in Figures 4a-c and 5a-b will typically be embedded in the device 10 of the invention: even when referenced as 50 in the attached Figures, they are not actually shown in the said Figures, rather are embedded in their internal configuration. Preferably, the sensor and control unit will be embedded in the lid 40 as shown in the embodiment of the device in Figures 4a-c and will be embedded in an extra part of the device as shown in the embodiment of Figures 5a-b.

The food or beverage device of the invention typically refers to an electrified device, where the main functions to be controlled are electrically commanded. It is therefore configured in such a way that it only works in certain spatial positioning: this avoids any undesired starting of the device when the device is not in a proper working position. In that case, the device would respond to predefined gestures and positions by dedicated actions such as motor start, pumping, heating, detection, mode changing, wake up function, etc. Typical activations or functions commanded by device positioning or positioning change are: foaming, mixing, pumping, heating, cooling, connectivity, product recognition, HMI behavior, adaptation, reaction, data harvest or forecast, wake up, etc.

Further explanations will now follow by referring specifically to the Figures attached.

Figure 1 shows schematically a food or beverage dispensing device 10 handheld by a user: a food or beverage product is arranged inside the device 10 and is dispensed (previously having been processed, preferably heated, foamed, mixed, cooled, etc.) into a cup or container 20, through an outlet 60. The device 10 can be configured for example, as represented in Figure 1 , so that a certain process actuation only occurs when the device is inclined towards its outlet 60 an angle ranging between a1 and a2 (active angle actuation range, shown as ON in the Figure). Out of these values, no product is dispensed (see references OFF in Figure 1 , so the device does not start dispensing any product when held vertically until it is inclined an angle of at least a value α1 , continuing to dispense product until this inclination angle reaches a value a2, when it stops dispensing once again). The function activated can for example be simple dispensing of the product, heating of it, foaming it, mixing it, cooling it, or the like, depending on the specific configuration of the device. It is also possible to configure the device in such a way that the level of the function performed depends on the activation position and/or on the activation position value or degree; that is, in the example represented in Figure 1 , the inclination of the device 10 towards the outlet 60 can activate a certain function (for example, simple pumping or dispensing of the product in it), while the angle value a of the said inclination can for example be linked to the flow of fluid dispensed, this being for example higher as the angle a approaches the value a2, the flow being lower when the value of a is closer to the value a1 .

Figure 2 shows different possible activations for a device 10 according to the invention. The device can be activated by moving (displacing or rotating, for example) in axis +X and - X, axis +Y and -Y and/or axis +Z and -Z. When rotating in these axis, rotation of the device referenced as Wx, Wy or Wz will occur.

Referring now to Figures 3a-b, a first activation of a schematic device 10 is represented: when the device is maintained in a vertical position (as shown in Figure 3a) no function is activated. When the device is inclined (in this example in a forward direction, preferably towards the outlet) an angle comprised between a range as the one represented in dotted lines both in Figures 3a and 3b (typically a1 and a2 as represented in Figure 1 ), activation of the function takes place. As previously discussed, not only activation can take place but also the level or degree of the said activation can be configured depending on the said value of inclination angle or degree.

Referring now to Figures 3c and 3d (top view), another possible activation of the device 10 according to the invention is represented where, in the position of Figure 3c, the device is not moved and so no action is commanded or actuated in it. Referring to Figure 3d, the device 10 has been rotated about its longitudinal axis, with a rotation marked as W in Figure 3d, so that a certain function (heating or cooling or foaming, for example) is activated in it. It is also possible that either the rotational speed W and/or the total angle rotated by the device 10 match the corresponding function level or degree.

Finally, referring to Figure 3e, another possible activation of the device 10 is shown, for example by shaking vertically the said device 10 (as shown by the arrows in figure 3e). This shaking movement can command a certain function in the device 10, and also the degree of shaking can further be related to the function level or degree. All movements, rotations, shakings can occur in several directions and be the result of a combination of positioning or position changes.

Turning now to Figures 4a-b-c, they show a first possible embodiment of the food and beverage dispensing device 10 according to the invention. The said device 10 typically comprises a product container (typically cleanable or disposable) 30 where a certain food or beverage product is stored, and an upper lid 40. The food or beverage product, once having been typically processed, is dispensed through an outlet 60. The lid 40 typically comprises embedded in it a spatial sensor and a control unit 50 to detect the positioning and/or change in positioning of the device 10 in space. The lid 40 can have inside of it a motor embedded, the motor actuating for example a foaming unit. It is also possible that the foaming unit is arranged in the container 30, the motor being arranged in the lid 40, so that when the lid is removed from the rest of the device 10 (as represented schematically in Figure 4b) it can be easily cleaned as it comprises no parts having contacted the food or beverage product. It should be understood that this would only be a possible embodiment of the device of the invention.

Another possible embodiment of the food and beverage dispensing device 10 of the invention is for example represented in Figures 5a and 5b. The device 10 comprises an outlet 60, arranged on the upper part of the device 10, through which the food or beverage product is dispensed. The device 10 comprises a product container or package holder 30 where the food or beverage product is stored, either directly in the container or in a package from which it is dispensed. The package embedded into the package holder 30 can be configured as a capsule, a pouch, a pod, or any other suitable pack: typically, this pack will be disposable and will therefore allow an easy cleaning and handling of the device of the invention. A possible configuration of the food and beverage device 10 in Figures 5a-b will comprise for example a foaming unit embedded into the upper part of the device 10, where also inside there will be embedded the spatial sensor and the control unit 50. Other configurations will be possible of the device of the invention, these having only been mentioned as a way of non-limiting examples.

Some of the main advantages of the food and beverage device of the invention can be cited as follows: - the device is more reliable, as mechanical switches are avoided, these being possibly subjected to malfunctioning or wear after time; the device of the invention can also be cleaned more easily, as no apparent switch is provided in it (there is no hollow body, and the switch can be fully embedded in the device housing, for example), so a higher hygiene is provided; - defining dispensing positions prevents any unwanted actions by the user (for example spilling) and guarantees repeatability; a single spatial sensor can drive several actions (start, stop, wake up, change mode, etc.); there is a very intuitive functioning of the device (natural movements) for innovative human machine interfaces. the device is further configured to save energy, as it can work with auto sleep mode and wake up mode when positioned or changed in its positioning. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and alternations may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of this invention which is defined by the appended claims.