Beverage machine with non-uniform ingredient extraction configuration
阅读说明：本技术 具有非均匀配料提取配置的饮料机器 (Beverage machine with non-uniform ingredient extraction configuration ) 是由 N·奥布里格 M·玛伽迪 于 2019-03-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了用于由配料(102)制备饮料(110)的机器(1),该机器具有提取单元(2),该提取单元具有：配料提取支座(20)；入口布置结构(21),该入口布置结构用于将水引导到支座(20)中；以及分配布置结构(22),该分配布置结构用于将饮料(110)引导出支座(20)。分配布置结构(22)具有界定支座(20)的下游部件的面(220)。该面(220)由上部部分(220a)和下部部分(220b)组成,该部分由位于面(220)的顶端和底端之间的基本上水平的物理或概念界定线(220c)界定。上部部分(220a)由上部流出通道(222a)和界定上部流出通道的上部不可渗透部件制成。上部部分(220a)具有如下横向于支座(20)中的下游流动方向(200)的上表面面积比率：上部流出通道(222a)的表面积与上部不可渗透部件的表面积之比。下部部分(220b)由下部流出通道(222b)和界定下部流出通道的下部不可渗透部件制成。下部部分(220b)具有如下横向于下游流动方向(200)的下表面面积比率：下部流出通道(222b)的表面积与下部不可渗透部件的表面积之比。面(220)的上表面面积比率与下表面面积比率的总比率大于或小于1。(The invention discloses a machine (1) for preparing a beverage (110) from an ingredient (102), the machine having an extraction unit (2) with: a ingredient extraction support (20); an inlet arrangement (21) for directing water into the support (20); and a dispensing arrangement (22) for guiding the beverage (110) out of the seat (20). The distribution arrangement (22) has a face (220) that defines a downstream component of the support (20). The face (220) is comprised of an upper portion (220a) and a lower portion (220b) that are bounded by a substantially horizontal physical or conceptual delimiting line (220c) located between the top and bottom ends of the face (220). The upper portion (220a) is made of an upper outflow channel (222a) and an upper impermeable member that defines the upper outflow channel. The upper portion (220a) has an upper surface area ratio transverse to the downstream flow direction (200) in the support (20) as follows: a ratio of a surface area of the upper outflow channel (222a) to a surface area of the upper impermeable member. The lower portion (220b) is made of a lower outflow channel (222b) and a lower impermeable member that defines the lower outflow channel. The lower portion (220b) has a lower surface area ratio transverse to the downstream flow direction (200) as follows: a ratio of a surface area of the lower outflow channel (222b) to a surface area of the lower impermeable member. The total ratio of the upper surface area ratio to the lower surface area ratio of the face (220) is greater than or less than 1.)
1. Machine (1) for preparing a beverage (110) from an ingredient (102), the machine comprising an extraction unit (2) having:
-an ingredient extraction seat (20), such as a seat delimiting an ingredient compartment and/or said seat (20) for receiving an ingredient (102) supplied within a capsule (100) into the seat (20);
-an inlet arrangement (21) for guiding water into the seat (20); and
a dispensing arrangement (22) for guiding a beverage (110) out of the seat (20), the dispensing arrangement (22) comprising a face (220) delimiting a downstream component of the seat (20),
said face (220) being made of an upper portion (220a) and a lower portion (220b), said portions (220a,220b) being delimited by a substantially horizontal physical or conceptual delimiting line (220c) located between a top end and a bottom end of said face (220), said upper portion (220a) and lower portion (220b) being generally at least substantially flush, e.g. extending in the same plane, or substantially parallel and slightly offset by a distance of e.g. not more than 2mm or 3mm or 4mm,
the upper portion (220a) is made of an upper outflow channel (222a) and an upper impermeable part delimiting the upper outflow channel, the upper portion (220a) having an upper surface area ratio transverse to a downstream flow direction (200) in the support (20) as follows: a ratio of a surface area of the upper outflow channel (222a) to a surface area of the upper impermeable member,
the lower portion (220b) is made of a lower outflow channel (222b) and a lower impermeable member delimiting the lower outflow channel, the lower portion (220b) having a lower surface area ratio transverse to the downstream flow direction (200) as follows: a ratio of a surface area of the lower outflow channel (222b) to a surface area of the lower impermeable member,
characterized in that the total ratio of the upper surface area ratio to the lower surface area ratio of the faces (220) is greater than or less than 1, such as greater than 3 or less than 0.3, for example greater than 10 or less than 0.1, for example greater than 100 or less than 0.01.
2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the upper portion (220a) and the lower portion (220b) of the face (220) constitute an overall height of the face (220) delimiting the downstream component of the seat, the delimiting line (220c) being located at a height of the face (220) which is in the range of 15% to 85% of the overall height, such as in the range of 30% to 70%, for example in the range of 40% to 60%.
3. The machine of claim 1 or 2, wherein the impermeable member of at least one of the upper portion (220a) and the lower portion (220b) forms a continuous flow inhibiting portion configured such that beverage (110) flowing out of the seat (20) is inhibited, e.g. prevented from flowing therethrough, optionally:
-having a surface area transverse to the downstream flow direction (200) in the range of 25% to 75%, such as in the range of 33% to 66%, for example in the range of 40% to 60% of the surface area of the downstream flow direction (200) transverse to the face (220); and/or
-is:
-an inherently closed part formed by impermeable parts of the face (220); and/or
-an intrinsic opening feature of the face (220), for example provided with at least one through hole (222a,222b) closed by a sealing arrangement (35), for example a movable temporary sealing arrangement (35), closing the opening feature, optionally the sealing arrangement (35) being located: upstream of the intrinsic opening means, for example in the seat (20), and/or downstream of the closed intrinsic opening means, generally as upstream or downstream jacket or plate members; and/or in the opening of the inherent opening feature, for example as a filler.
4. The machine of claim 3, wherein the dispensing arrangement (22) comprises a flow restriction member (35), the flow-restricting member being movably arranged relative to the face (220) between a normal outflow position and a reduced outflow position, -the surface area transverse to the downstream flow direction (200) of the upper and/or lower outflow channel (222a,222b) in the reduced outflow position is reduced compared to the standard outflow position by blocking a portion of the upper and/or lower outflow channel (222a,222b), the blocked upper and/or lower outflow channel (222a,222b) being partially or completely closed in the reduced position, optionally the flow restriction member (35) having at least one of:
-an elastically deformable face (36) configured to control the level of reduction by the pressure exerted by the flow-limiting member (35) towards the face (220);
-one or more protruding members (37) configured to be inserted in the upper outflow channel (222a) and/or the lower outflow channel (222 b);
-one or said faces (36) delimited by a delimiting portion (37) so that a portion of said upper outflow channel (222a) and/or said lower outflow channel (222b) remains free of obstruction in said reduced outflow position, or extends over the entire upper outflow channel (222a) and/or said lower outflow channel (222 b);
-a plurality of individually positionable distinct components, each component being configured to block only a portion of the upper outflow channel (222a) and/or the lower outflow channel (222b) in its reduced outflow position; and
-an actuating member (38) actuated manually or automatically, for example by a motorized actuator.
5. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion (220a) and the lower portion (220b) are capable of being in different positions relative to the seat (20), for example pivotable about the downstream flow direction (200), so as to control the flow path of water through the ingredient (102) when in the seat (20) as a function of the position of the flow-through portion (221).
6. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the face (220) is made of a wall (223), such as a plate-like or sheet-like member (223), forming a beverage guiding structure, the outflow channels (222a,222b) extending through the wall, at least one of the outflow channels (222a,222b) optionally being formed by at least one of: one or more through holes; a network structure; a porous structure; and a porous structure extending through the wall (223).
7. The machine of claim 6, wherein the outflow channel (222a,222b) is configured to guide a total flow of beverage (110) from the support (20) through the wall (223) via a total guide inlet at a support side of the wall (223) and out from the total guide outlet of the wall (223) via a beverage outlet (220') towards a dispensing area (1'), such as a dispensing area defined by a support for supporting a user-receptacle, the wall (223) being associated with a flow control device (23a,23b) configured to control the flow of beverage (110) guided along the outflow channel (222a,222b), the flow control device (23a,23b) having:
-a blocking portion (230a,230b), such as an at least substantially beverage impermeable portion, extending adjacent to said wall (223) so as to block at least a portion of said general introduction inlet and/or outlet, thereby preventing or inhibiting beverage (110) from passing through such blocked introduction portion; and
-one or more control sides (231a,231b) adapted to delimit from the blocking portion (230a,230b) a controlled channel (233) through which the total beverage (110) flow passes through a non-blocking portion of the total guide inlet and/or outlet, said non-blocking portion being adjacent to the blocking portion (230a,230b),
said obstruction portions (230a,230b) and said control sides (231a,231b) are manually and/or automatically operable, e.g. relatively translatably and/or rotatably, on said wall (223) so as to change the relative position and/or relative size and/or shape of said obstruction portions and said non-obstruction portions of said total lead-in and/or out-let, such as operable on said wall (223) to selectively enter a plurality of different configurations, such as at least two configurations, such as in the range of 3 to 30, e.g. 4 to 20 or 5 to 10 configurations, in terms of relative size and/or relative position and/or shape, optionally said control sides (231a,231 b):
-comprising at least one of a circular side, a radial or diametrical side and a polygonal side; and/or
-defining the controlled passage (233) with a cross-section having a shape that is at least one of polygonal, curvilinear, such as circular, convex and concave, for example the shape is a curved sector or a circular sector.
8. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the extraction support (20) is configured for receiving the capsule (100) provided with an outlet membrane (101), optionally the inlet arrangement (21) is associated with a piercing and/or cutting arrangement (21a) configured to pierce and/or cut a water inlet into the ingredient capsule (100) in the ingredient extraction support (20) such that water circulating along the inlet arrangement (21) enters the capsule (100) via the water inlet, the dispensing arrangement (22) comprises one or more piercing and/or cutting elements (225,33) projecting upstream and configured for forming a beverage outlet aperture in the outlet membrane (101), the holes are provided in the outlet membrane, for example by the piercing and/or cutting elements (225,33) as follows:
-providing the holes in the outlet membrane before supplying water into the seat (20) via the inlet arrangement (21), e.g. while or after inserting the capsule into the seat (20); and/or
-causing a pressure increase in the capsule (100) by supplying water, for example, at a supply pressure in the range of 5 to 20 bar, such as in the range of 8 to 15 bar, thereby pushing the outlet membrane (101) against the piercing and/or cutting elements (225,33),
optionally at least one such piercing and/or cutting element (225,33) comprises at least one of:
-piercing and/or cutting elements (225) formed by or fixed to the face (220), such as piercing and/or cutting elements extending from adjacent to the upper outflow channel (222a) or the lower outflow channel (222b) or a portion of the channel, optionally a plurality of such piercing and/or cutting elements (225) formed by or fixed to the face (220);
-a piercing and/or cutting element (33) movable through the face (220), for example via a corresponding channel (32), between:
-a deployed position in which the movable piercing and/or cutting element (33) extends beyond the face (220) into the seat (20) for providing the hole in the outlet membrane (101) in the seat (20) by such piercing and/or cutting element (33); and
-a retracted position in which the movable piercing and/or cutting element (33) is so retracted with respect to its deployed position, for example away from the seat (20), as to prevent the formation of the hole in the outlet membrane (101) in the seat (20) by such piercing and/or cutting element (33),
typically, said movable piercing and/or cutting element (33) is fixed to, or integral with, a support (31), for example a support supporting a plurality of such piercing and/or cutting elements (33), said support being driven by a driving member (30), for example actuated by a manual or automatic, for example motorized, actuator; and
-a piercing and/or cutting element (225) associated with an opening control arrangement (240) configured to control the formation of the hole in the exit membrane (101) by the at least one piercing and/or cutting element (225), the opening control arrangement (240) comprising at least one neutralizing member (240a) movable adjacent to the piercing and/or cutting element (225) between an operative position, in which the element (225) is prevented from forming the hole in the exit membrane (101), and a rest position, in which the piercing and/or cutting element (225) is capable of forming the hole in the exit membrane (101), optionally the piercing and/or cutting element (225) being along an opening direction (225'), a, Projecting upstream from said face (220), for example in an opening direction substantially parallel to said downstream flow direction (200), said neutralizing member (240) being movable between its operating position and rest position as follows: at least substantially parallel to said opening direction (225'); and/or transverse to said opening direction (225').
9. The beverage extraction unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the extraction mount is configured for receiving the ingredient capsule, the ingredient capsule being provided with an outlet membrane, optionally the inlet arrangement being associated with a piercing and/or cutting arrangement configured to pierce and/or cut a water inlet into the ingredient capsule in the ingredient extraction mount, such that water circulating along the inlet arrangement enters the capsule via the water inlet, the face being devoid of any piercing and/or cutting elements for piercing and/or cutting the outlet membrane, optionally a beverage outlet aperture being provided in the outlet membrane as follows:
-before receiving the capsule in the extraction seat, for example when the capsule is manufactured or subsequently conditioned before reaching the seat, for example in such a machine; and/or
-by supplying water into the capsule causing a pressure rise in the capsule tearing and/or breaking the membrane, for example in order to open a pre-weakened part of the membrane and/or to actuate a membrane opening element comprised within the capsule.
10. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the face (220) has an at least substantially disc shape, optionally at least one of the lower impermeable member and the upper impermeable member forming:
-a circular sector or ring sector, for example a generally semicircular disc, such as a circular sector or ring sector having a centre at least substantially concentric with the circle of the face, optionally the circular sector or ring sector extends to the circular edge of the circular shape of the face, for example the central angle of the circular sector or ring sector is in the range of 60 ° to 300 °, such as in the range of 90 ° to 270 °, for example in the range of 120 ° to 240 °, for example in the range of 150 ° to 210 °; or
-a disc segment, optionally: the disk segment having a disk center at least substantially concentric with the shape of the face; and/or the surface area ratio of the disc segments and the flow-through portion is in the range of 0.2 to 5, such as 0.5 to 2, for example 0.66 to 1.5, for example 0.75 to 1.33.
11. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the upper outflow channel (222a) and the lower outflow channel (222b) together have a total number of flow holes (222a,222b) of:
-in the range of 3 to 35, such as in the range of 5 to 30, for example in the range of 10 to 25; and/or
-each flow opening (222a,222b) has a smallest diameter transverse to the beverage outflow direction along the opening in the range of about 0.1mm to 1mm, such as in the range of 0.3mm to 0.8mm, for example in the range of 0.4mm to 0.6 mm; and/or
-the flow holes (222a,222b) have the same size or different sizes.
12. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the support (20) is defined by a first part (24) and a second part (25) that are relatively movable between:
-an open position for inserting, for example, the ingredients (102) inside the capsule (100) into the extraction seat (20) and/or for removing such ingredients (102) from the seat (20); and
a closed position for extracting the ingredient (102) in the seat (20),
optionally, the first component (24) and the second component (25) are configured such that:
-the first part (24) supports the face (220) and the second part (25) supports the inlet arrangement (21); and/or
-said first part (24) and said second part (25) are relatively movable by an actuator, such as by a user handle or by an electric motor (3), e.g. an actuator connected to at least one of said first part (24) and said second part (25) by a transmission (4), such as one or more of a gear (41), a belt, a cam (42) and a cam follower, a lever and/or a hydraulic transmission, e.g. said electric motor (3) is controlled by a control unit (10) for controlling a water supply arrangement (5), such as a unit (10) comprising processing means, such as a controller (11) and/or a user interface (12); and/or
-one of the first and second parts (24, 25) is stationary relative to an external machine casing (1 ") and the other of the first and second parts (24, 25) is movable relative to the external machine casing (1").
13. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet arrangement (21) is fluidly connected to a water supply arrangement (5) via a water guide (9),
optionally, the water supply arrangement (5) comprises at least one of: a water source (6) for supplying water to the inlet arrangement (21), such as a water tank and/or a connector to an external water supply line; a water drive (7), such as a pump, for driving water to the inlet arrangement (21); and a thermal regulator (8), e.g. a heater and/or a cooler, for thermally regulating the water supplied or to be supplied to the inlet arrangement (21), such as a water flow thermal regulator or a water reservoir thermal regulator,
optionally, the water supply arrangement (5) is associated with a control unit or the control unit (10) for controlling the water supply arrangement (5), such as a unit (10) comprising processing means, e.g. a controller (11) and/or a user interface (12).
14. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein the seat (20) is associated with an unextracted ingredient insertion channel (20a), for example extending from the outside of such machine, and/or an extracted ingredient evacuation channel (20b), for example towards a waste ingredient collector, optionally at least one of said channels (20a,20b) is associated with a guide (20c), such as a rail or groove, for cooperating with the capsule (100) and guiding it along said channel to and/or from the seat (20), and/or with a stop (20d) for fixing the capsule (100) at about the level of the seat (20).
15. Use of an ingredient (102), such as an ingredient (102) contained in the capsule (100), for extraction in a machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, optionally the ingredient (102) being selected from at least one of tea, coffee and cocoa.
Technical Field
The field of the invention relates to beverage preparation machines provided with a specific extraction arrangement, for example machines using capsules in which ingredients to be prepared a beverage are contained.
For the purposes of this specification, "beverage" is intended to include any liquid substance that is edible to humans, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate drink, milk, soup, baby food, and the like. "capsule" is intended to include any kind of pre-portioned beverage ingredient, such as a flavouring ingredient, placed in a closed package, in particular an airtight package, made of any kind of material (e.g. plastic, aluminium, recyclable and/or biodegradable packages) and which may be of any shape and configuration, including a soft pod or a rigid cartridge containing said ingredient. The capsule may contain a quantity of ingredients for preparing a single-serving beverage or multiple-serving beverage.
Background
It is well known to prepare beverages by extracting an extractable ingredient, such as a brewable ingredient, e.g. roast and ground coffee and/or tea, in particular an extractable ingredient contained in a serving container such as a capsule, a portion pack or a sachet.
EP0512468 relates to capsules having a cup-shaped body and a tearable beverage outlet membrane. This film is typically a thin aluminium film which tears against a tear-open extraction panel of the beverage extraction device, such as described in EP 0512470.
EP0512470 relates to a system for extracting coffee using a beverage extraction unit with a tear-open extraction plate comprising a plurality of raised elements and channels therebetween (called "flow grid and embossed surface elements") adapted to receive a sealed capsule to introduce water under pressure into the capsule via a water injector, deform an outlet membrane or cover (e.g. an aluminium membrane) and tear it under the pressure of the liquid rising in the capsule to allow the beverage to be released from the capsule.
EP0602203 relates to a sealed flexible pouch, in the form of a separate portion suitable for extraction under pressure, containing at least one powdery substance for the preparation of a beverage, such as roast and ground coffee; the pouch comprises two identical flexible sheets of circular, elliptical or polygonal shape, which provide space for the substance between each other and are sealed on their periphery such that the pouch is substantially symmetrical with respect to its sealing plane, the pouch being opened under the effect of the pressure increase in the pouch when the extraction liquid is injected.
EP0870457 relates to an extraction unit similar to EP0512470, but adapted for a closed impermeable pouch containing a coffee substance such as described in EP 0602203. The device includes: an upper member comprising means for perforating an upper surface of the pouch and allowing water to be introduced into the pouch; a lower member having a receptacle for receiving a capsule and a raised portion and a hollow portion; wherein the extraction surface of the pouch is gradually and locally pulled against the raised portion and the hollow portion; in order to make the liquid flow after extraction, the extraction surface tears open at a plurality of locations according to a path predetermined by the positions of the raised portions and the hollow portions and reaches its breaking tension there. The lower portion typically includes flow apertures that allow beverage to flow therethrough. The raised portions and hollow portions are preferably in the form of truncated pyramids separated by a network of channels.
Thus, a convenient prior art beverage extraction system utilizes a replaceable capsule (e.g., a rigid capsule, a pouch, or a flexible dosing bag) that includes a tearable beverage outlet membrane (e.g., a thin aluminum foil) that can only be torn when the membrane is sufficiently deformed against the raised elements of the tear-away plate. Tearing typically occurs at the edges of the raised elements, which are typically a plurality of small truncated pyramids or linear ridges. The tearing results in the formation of small holes along the edges of the raised elements. These apertures are relatively small (e.g., 0.1mm to 1.0mm long and 0.1mm to 0.3mm wide) and typically the exit film at least partially conforms to the top and upper sides of the raised elements, further reducing the flow opening area. Therefore, the pressure drop at this interface is relatively high. Furthermore, the filtering of the coffee particles takes place at this restricted interface, which is advantageous in that no additional filter is required inside the capsule. This extraction geometry thus corresponds to the geometry that may be generally referred to in this application as an extraction plate with raised elements. The beverage flow is then collected in the channel and discharged through a small opening of well-defined size in the channel.
In the known systems of the prior art, the flow rate and pressure are determined by the inherent characteristics of the capsule and the performance of the pump.
The back pressure is highly dependent on the degree of compaction of the ground coffee in the capsule. The variability of pressure can be very high for the same brewed coffee. In particular, for certain coffee blends, particularly low particle size coffee, the pressure may vary from 5 bar to 15 bar.
Although the ingredient extraction space (e.g. with the capsule and/or the extraction chamber) is typically symmetrical along the general flow direction, such that the ingredient can be easily handled, it may be advantageous to obtain a directional flow path at the time of extraction, e.g. to obtain or increase or decrease certain extraction effects, such as crema formation or extraction intensity.
Disclosure of Invention
The present invention relates to a machine for preparing beverages. The beverage preparation machine may be a domestic or non-domestic machine. The machine can be used for preparing coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, milk, soup, baby food, etc.
Beverage preparation typically involves mixing a variety of beverage ingredients, such as water and powdered milk; and/or brewing beverage ingredients, such as brewing ground coffee or tea with water. One or more of such ingredients may be supplied in loose and/or agglomerated powder form and/or in liquid form, in particular in concentrate form. A carrier or diluent liquid (e.g., water) can be mixed with such ingredients to form a beverage.
Typically, a predetermined quantity of beverage corresponding to a portion (e.g., a serving) is formed and dispensed upon request by a user. The volume of this portion may be in the range of 25mL to 200mL, even up to 300mL or 400mL, for example the volume of a filled cup, depending on the type of beverage. The beverage formed and dispensed may be selected from the group consisting of pistachio (ristretto), espresso, extension coffee, cappuccino, latte macchiato, latte, american coffee, tea, and the like. In particular, the coffee machine may be configured to dispense espresso, e.g., with an adjustable volume of 20mL to 60mL per serving; and/or for dispensing extended length coffee, e.g. in a volume in the range of 70mL to 150mL per serving.
The present invention relates to a machine for preparing a beverage from ingredients. The machine comprises an extraction unit.
The extraction unit has an ingredient extraction seat, such as a seat delimiting an ingredient compartment and/or a seat for receiving an ingredient supplied within the capsule into the seat. A suitable capsule holder may be in the shape of a capsule chamber.
Thus, in one possible embodiment, the beverage may be prepared from a capsule containing beverage ingredients. The capsule may be of the type described above under the heading "technical field" and/or the capsule may comprise the ingredients described under the same heading.
The capsule may comprise a capsule body, for example a substantially straight or tapered body. The capsule may have a circular peripheral annular flange, e.g. a flexible or rigid flange, extending from a peripheral portion, e.g. an edge or surface of the capsule body. The capsule may be provided with an outlet membrane. The capsule may contain flavour ingredients for preparing tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold chocolate, milk, soup or baby food.
Examples of ingredient extraction holders, such as extraction chambers, are disclosed in EP 1767129, WO 2012/025258, WO 2012/025259, WO 2013/127476, WO 2014/056641, WO 2014/096122, WO 2014/096123, WO 2015/155144 and WO 2015/155145.
The extraction unit (e.g. a holder) may be configured to extract ingredients not supplied within the capsule (e.g. loosely supplied ingredients or agglomerated or compacted ingredients without capsules) into the holder.
The extraction unit has an inlet arrangement for guiding water into the holder and a dispensing arrangement for guiding beverage out of the holder. The distribution arrangement has a face defining a downstream component of the seat.
The face is comprised of an upper portion and a lower portion, which portions are defined by a substantially horizontal physical or conceptual demarcation line located between the top and bottom ends of the face. Typically, these portions are substantially flush. For example, the portions extend in the same plane, or are substantially parallel and slightly offset, for example by a distance of no more than 2mm or 3mm or 4 mm.
This face may be realized in a dispensing arrangement, wherein the delimiting line is in its horizontal orientation or in a different orientation, i.e. at an angle to the horizontal with respect to the machine in its beverage dispensing orientation. Also, this face may be realized in a dispensing arrangement with its upper portion on top and its lower portion on bottom, either inverted or at an angle relative to the machine in its beverage dispensing orientation.
The upper portion is made up of an upper outflow channel and an upper impermeable member bounding the upper outflow channel. The upper portion has an upper surface area ratio transverse to the downstream flow direction in the seat as follows: the ratio of the surface area of the upper outflow channel to the surface area of the upper impermeable member. The upper surface area ratio defines an upper permeability value of the upper portion.
The lower portion is made up of a lower outflow channel and a lower impermeable member bounding the lower outflow channel. The lower portion has a lower surface area ratio transverse to the downstream flow direction as follows: the ratio of the surface area of the lower outflow channel to the surface area of the lower impermeable member. The lower surface area ratio defines a lower permeability value of the lower portion.
The upper permeability value and the lower permeability value may each range from about 0 to infinity.
The upper and lower outflow channels are generally configured to direct the beverage towards the beverage dispensing area.
The machine may have a droplet stop arrangement between the (upper and lower) outflow channel and the beverage dispensing area. Examples of droplet stoppers are disclosed in WO 2006/050769, WO 2012/072758, WO 2013/127907, WO 2016/050657, WO 2016/083488, WO 2018/069266 and EP 2017208722.3.
The dispensing region may be defined by a support for supporting a user-receptacle (e.g., a cup or mug). For example, the support is a support means connected to the external machine housing and/or machine frame, or the support means is external to such a machine, e.g. the machine itself is placed for dispensing a beverage. Typically, the external support means has a substantially horizontal surface for placing such machines, such as a table or a shelf.
The user-receptacle support may be associated with a drip tray, such as a drip tray supporting the support; and/or can move vertically relative to the housing below the outlet and/or away from the housing below the dispensing outlet, thereby enabling placement of user containers of different heights below the outlet.
Examples of suitable vessel supports are disclosed in EP 0549887, EP 1440639, EP 1731065, EP 1867260, US5,161,455, US5,353,692, WO 2009/074557, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/135869, WO 2011/154492, WO2012/007313, WO 2013/186339, EP 2014198710, EP 2014198712 and EP 2014198715.
The total ratio of the upper surface area ratio (e.g., upper permeability value) to the lower surface area ratio (e.g., lower permeability value) of the face is greater than or less than 1, such as greater than 3 or less than 0.3, for example greater than 10 or less than 0.1, for example greater than 100 or less than 0.01.
The flow of water is facilitated on the upper part of the support when the permeability value on the top part of the face is greater than on the bottom part of the face. If the seat is only partially filled with the ingredient, for example when using a partially filled capsule, part of the water flowing through the seat is not or only rarely exposed to the ingredient contained in the seat. Therefore, the resulting beverage is less concentrated. Furthermore, when the extraction is an infusion process of, for example, tea or coffee, then the dilution of the beverage does not require the exhaustion of the ingredients (over-extraction) and possible dissolution of the undesired elements in the ingredients. The dilution may be obtained by mixing water containing an extract of the ingredient with water bypassing the ingredient.
When the permeability value on the top part of the face is smaller than on the bottom part of the face, all water is forced through the ingredient even when the seat is only partially filled with ingredient, for example when using a partially filled capsule. In this case, the concentration of the resulting beverage is higher. In order to avoid over-extraction when the extraction is an infusion process of, for example, tea or coffee, the volume of water passing through the ingredients should be limited in order to avoid or minimize undesired extraction elements in the resulting beverage.
Obviously, by varying the position and/or orientation of the face with respect to the extraction seat with respect to the machine in its beverage dispensing orientation, the same face can be used for concentrated or diluted extraction types, or possibly for intermediate extractions.
The position and/or orientation of the face with respect to the seat can be changed during the extraction of the ingredient in the seat and/or between two successive extractions.
The upper and lower portions of the face may constitute the overall height of the face of the downstream component defining the seat. The defining line may be located at a height of the face in the range of 15% to 85%, such as in the range of 30% to 70%, for example in the range of 40% to 60% of the total height.
The impermeable member of at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion may form a continuous flow-inhibiting portion. The flow-inhibiting portion can be configured such that beverage flowing out of the seat is inhibited (e.g., prevented) from flowing through the flow-inhibiting portion.
The flow-inhibiting portion may have a surface area transverse to the downstream flow direction in the range of 25% to 75%, such as in the range of 33% to 66%, for example in the range of 40% to 60% of the surface area transverse to the downstream flow direction of the face.
The flow-inhibiting portion may be an inherently closed member formed by the impermeable members of the faces.
Possible details of such a flow-inhibiting portion and its implementation in a machine are disclosed in co-pending patent application EP 18214475.8.
The flow-inhibiting portion may be an inherently open part of the face, for example provided with at least one through-hole closed by a sealing arrangement (e.g. a movable temporary sealing arrangement) closing the open part. The sealing arrangement may be located: upstream of the intrinsic opening means, for example in the seat, and/or downstream of the closed intrinsic opening means, generally as upstream or downstream jacket or plate members; and/or in the opening of the inherent opening feature, for example as a filler.
The distribution arrangement may comprise a flow-restricting member movably arranged relative to the face between a normal outflow position and a reduced outflow position in which a surface area transverse to a downstream flow direction of the upper and/or lower outflow channel is reduced compared to the normal outflow position by blocking a portion of the upper and/or lower outflow channel. The blocked upper and/or lower outflow channel can be partially or completely closed in the reduced position.
The flow restriction member may have an elastically deformable face configured to control the level of reduction by pressure applied by the flow restriction member towards the face.
The flow-restricting member may have one or more protruding members configured to be inserted into the upper outflow channel and/or the lower outflow channel.
The flow restriction member may have one or more of the above-mentioned faces: is delimited by a delimiting part such that a part of the upper outflow channel and/or the lower outflow channel remains free of obstructions in the reduced outflow position or extends over the entire upper outflow channel and/or the lower outflow channel.
The flow-restricting member may have a plurality of different components that are individually positionable, each component being configured to block only a portion of the upper and/or lower outflow passages in its reduced outflow position.
The flow-restricting member may have an actuating member that is automatically actuated, for example by a manual or motorized actuator.
Possible details of such flow-limiting means and their implementation in a machine can be found in co-pending patent application EP 18214451.9.
The upper and lower portions can be in different positions relative to the seat, for example pivotable about a downstream flow direction, so as to control the flow path of water through the ingredient when in the seat depending on the position of the flow-through portion.
When the upper and lower portions are in different positions, the defined line generally follows such positions.
The face may be made of a wall (e.g. a plate-like or sheet-like member) forming the beverage guiding structure, through which wall the outflow channel extends. At least one of the outflow channels may be formed by at least one of: one or more through holes; a network structure; a porous structure; and a porous structure extending through the wall.
The outflow channel may be configured to guide the total beverage flow from the seat through the wall via a total guide inlet at the seat side of the wall and out from a total guide outlet of the wall via a beverage outlet towards a dispensing area (such as a dispensing area defined by a support for supporting a user container). The wall may be associated with a flow control device configured to control the flow of beverage directed along the outflow channel.
The flow control device may have a blocking portion, such as an at least substantially beverage impermeable portion, extending adjacent the wall so as to block at least a portion of the general guide inlet and/or outlet to prevent or inhibit beverage from passing through such a blocked guide portion.
The flow control device may have one or more control sides adapted to define a controlled passage from the blocked portion through which the total beverage flow passes through a non-blocked portion of the total guide inlet and/or outlet, which may be adjacent to the blocked portion.
The blocking portion and the control side may be manually and/or automatically operable, e.g. relatively translatable and/or rotatable, on the wall in order to change the relative position and/or relative size and/or shape of the blocking portion and the non-blocking portion of the total guide inlet and/or outlet. The blocking portion and the control side are operable on the wall to selectively enter a plurality of different configurations, for example at least two configurations, such as in the range of 3 to 30, for example 4 to 20 or 5 to 10 configurations, in terms of relative size and/or relative position and/or shape.
The control side may comprise at least one of a circular side, a radial or diametric side, and a polygonal side.
The control side may define the controlled passage with a cross-section having a shape that is at least one of polygonal, curvilinear, such as circular, convex, and concave, for example, the shape is a curved sector or a circular sector.
Further possible details of such a flow control device and its implementation in a machine are described in co-pending patent application EP 18214459.2.
The extraction support may be configured for receiving an ingredient capsule provided with an outlet membrane. The inlet arrangement may be associated with a piercing and/or cutting arrangement configured to pierce and/or cut the water inlet into the ingredient capsule in the ingredient extraction seat such that water circulating along the inlet arrangement enters the capsule via the water inlet. The dispensing arrangement may comprise one or more piercing and/or cutting elements projecting upstream and configured for forming a beverage outlet aperture in the outlet membrane.
The holes may be provided in the outlet membrane by piercing and/or cutting elements as follows: providing an aperture in the membrane prior to supplying water into the seat via the inlet arrangement, e.g. at or after inserting the capsule into the seat; and/or by supplying water at a pressure in the range of 5 to 20 bar, such as 8 to 15 bar, for example, to cause a pressure increase in the capsule to push the outlet membrane against the piercing and/or cutting element.
At least one such piercing and/or cutting element may comprise a piercing and/or cutting element formed from or secured to a face, such as a piercing and/or cutting element extending from adjacent an upper or lower outflow channel or a portion of such a channel. For example, a plurality of such piercing and/or cutting elements are formed by or secured to a face.
At least one such piercing and/or cutting element may comprise a piercing and/or cutting element that is movable through the face, for example via corresponding channels, between: a deployed position in which the movable piercing and/or cutting element extends beyond the face into the holder for providing a hole in the exit membrane in the holder by such a movable piercing and/or cutting element; and a retracted position in which the piercing and/or cutting element is so retracted relative to its deployed position, e.g., away from the holder, to prevent formation of a hole in the exit membrane in the holder by such a movable piercing and/or cutting element. Typically, the movable piercing and/or cutting element is fixed to or integral with a support (e.g. a support supporting a plurality of such piercing and/or cutting elements) driven by a drive member, for example actuated by a manual or automatic, e.g. motorized, actuator. The machine may comprise more than one support supporting one or more piercing and/or cutting elements, which can in particular be actuated independently to be able to pierce and/or cut different areas of the orofilm as required to obtain different extractions. The machine may include an upper support, for example associated with the upper portion, supporting piercing and/or cutting elements, and a lower support, for example associated with the lower portion, supporting piercing and/or cutting elements.
Possible implementation details of such an arrangement can be found in co-pending patent application EP 18214480.8.
At least one such piercing and/or cutting element may comprise a piercing and/or cutting element associated with an opening control arrangement configured to control the formation of a hole in the exit membrane by the at least one piercing and/or cutting element. The opening control arrangement may comprise at least one neutralizing member movable adjacent the piercing and/or cutting element between an operative position in which the piercing and/or cutting element is prevented from forming a hole in the exit membrane, and a rest position in which the piercing and/or cutting element is capable of forming a hole in the exit membrane. The piercing and/or cutting element may project upstream from the upstream along an opening direction, for example an opening direction substantially parallel to the downstream flow direction, the neutralizing member being movable between its operating position and rest position as follows: at least substantially parallel to the opening direction; and/or transverse to the opening direction.
Further possible details of the opening control arrangement and its specific implementation in the machine are disclosed in co-pending patent application EP 18214470.9.
The extraction support may be configured for receiving an ingredient capsule provided with an outlet membrane. The inlet arrangement may be associated with a piercing and/or cutting arrangement configured to pierce and/or cut the water inlet into the ingredient capsule in the ingredient extraction seat such that water circulating along the inlet arrangement enters the capsule via the water inlet. The face may lack any piercing and/or cutting elements for piercing and/or cutting the oral film. For example, the beverage outlet opening is provided in the outlet membrane as follows: prior to receiving the capsule in the extraction seat, for example when the capsule is manufactured or subsequently conditioned before reaching the seat, for example in a machine of this type; and/or by supplying water into the capsule causing a pressure rise in the capsule to tear and/or break the membrane, for example in order to open a pre-weakened part of the membrane and/or to actuate a membrane opening element comprised within the capsule.
Self-opening capsules are disclosed, for example, in CH 605293 and WO 03/059778.
For example, EP 512470 and EP 2068684 disclose opening a capsule by means of piercing elements in a machine plate.
Examples of suitable mixing units with mixing chambers are disclosed in WO 2008/037642 and WO 2013/026843.
The face may have an at least substantially disc shape.
At least one of the lower and upper impermeable members may form a circular sector or ring sector, for example a generally semicircular disk, such as a circular sector or ring sector having a center at least generally concentric with the circle of the face. The circular sector or ring sector may extend to the circular edge of the circular shape of the face. The central angle of the circular or ring sector may be in the range of 60 ° to 300 °, such as in the range of 90 ° to 270 °, for example in the range of 120 ° to 240 °, for example in the range of 150 ° to 210 °.
At least one of the lower impermeable member and the upper impermeable member may form a disc segment. The disk segments may have a disk center at least approximately concentric with the shape of the face. The surface area ratio of the disc segments and the flow-through portion may be in the range of 0.2 to 5, such as 0.5 to 2, for example 0.66 to 1.5, for example 0.75 to 1.33.
The upper outflow channel and the lower outflow channel together have a total number of flow openings of: in the range of 3 to 35, such as in the range of 5 to 30, for example in the range of 10 to 25; and/or each flow opening has a minimum diameter transverse to the beverage outflow direction along the opening in the range of about 0.1mm to 1mm, such as 0.3mm to 0.8mm, for example 0.4mm to 0.6 mm.
The flow holes may be of the same size or of different sizes.
The extraction support may be defined by a first part and a second part, which are relatively movable between: an open position for inserting ingredients (e.g. ingredients within the aforementioned capsule) into the extraction seat and/or for removing such ingredients from the seat; and a closed position for extracting the ingredient in the seat.
The first and second components may be configured such that the first component supports the face and the second component supports the inlet arrangement.
When using a closed capsule, the first and second parts may comprise a capsule opener, such as a blade and/or a tearing tool, e.g. a plate with a tearing profile, e.g. from NespressoTMPanels with tear profiles known to the machines or disclosed in EP0512470, EP 2068684 and WO 2014/076041 and the references cited therein.
The first and second members may be configured such that the first and second members are relatively movable by an actuator, such as by a user handle, or by an electric motor (e.g., an actuator connected to at least one of the first and second members by a transmission, such as one or more of a gear, belt, cam and cam follower, lever, and/or hydraulic transmission). Such electric motors may be controlled by a control unit for controlling the water supply arrangement, such as a unit comprising processing means (e.g. a controller and/or a user interface).
Examples of motors implemented to actuate such first and second components are disclosed in EP 1767129, WO 2012/025258, WO 2012/025259, WO 2013/127476, WO 2014/056641, WO 2014/096122, WO 2014/096123, WO 2015/155144 and WO 2015/155145.
One of the first and second components may be stationary relative to the external machine housing and the other of the first and second components may be movable relative to the external machine housing.
Examples of suitable first and second component arrangements are disclosed in WO 2005/004683, WO2007/135136, WO 2009/043630, WO 2017/037212, WO2017/037215, PCT/EP18/064138 and PCT/EP 18/064141.
The inlet arrangement may be fluidly connected to the water supply arrangement via a water guide.
Examples of suitable first and second component arrangements are disclosed in WO 2005/004683, WO2007/135136, WO 2009/043630, WO 2017/037212, WO2017/037215, PCT/EP18/064138 and PCT/EP 18/064141.
The water supply arrangement may comprise at least one of: a water source for supplying water to the inlet arrangement, such as a water tank and/or a connector to an external water supply line; a water drive, such as a pump, for driving water to the inlet arrangement; and a thermal regulator, such as a heater and/or cooler, for thermally regulating the water supplied or to be supplied to the inlet arrangement, such as a water flow thermal regulator or a water reservoir thermal regulator.
The thermal regulator may be a water heater, a heating block or an On Demand Heater (ODH), for example of the ODH type disclosed in EP 1253844, EP 1380243 and EP 1809151.
Examples of pumps and their incorporation in beverage machines are disclosed in WO 2009/150030, WO 2010/108700, WO2011/107574 and WO 2013/098173.
The water supply arrangement may be associated with a control unit or the aforementioned control units for controlling the water supply arrangement, such as units comprising processing means (e.g. a controller and/or a user interface).
The seat may be associated with an unextracted ingredient insertion channel (e.g., extending from the exterior of such machines) and/or an extracted ingredient evacuation channel (e.g., toward a waste ingredient collector). At least one of the channels may be associated with a guide (such as a rail or a groove) for cooperating with and guiding the capsule along the channel to and/or from the seat, and/or with a stop for fixing the capsule at about the level of the seat.
Examples of waste ingredient collectors are disclosed in EP 1867260, WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/135869, WO2010/128109, WO 2011/086087, WO 2011/086088, WO 2017/118713, WO 2017/148965 and EP 2018156589.
The insertion channel (when present) may be associated with an ingredient barrier, such as a gate or door or hatch, for selectively allowing and preventing passage of ingredients along the channel. Details of suitable barriers for ingredients, such as ingredients supplied within capsules, are disclosed in WO 2012/126971, WO 2014/056641, WO 2014/056642 and WO 2015/086371.
The interaction between the first and second parts (and optionally the transfer channel) and the ingredient capsule may be of the type disclosed in WO 2005/004683, WO 2007/135135, WO2007/135136, WO 2008/037642 and WO 2013/026856.
When present, the control unit may have a control circuit, for example for controlling the liquid driver or the above-mentioned liquid driver and/or the thermal regulator or the above-mentioned thermal regulator. The control circuit may comprise a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor.
The control unit may comprise an ingredient sensor, such as an ingredient capsule sensor.
Details of suitable capsule sensors are disclosed in WO 2012/123440, WO 2014/147128, WO 2015/173285, WO 2015/173289, WO 2015/173292, WO 2016/005352, WO 2016/005417, PCT/EP18/065613, EP3275345 and EP 3275346.
The control unit may incorporate a user interface, such as a user interface connected to the control circuit or control circuits described above. The user interface may be of a known type, for example as disclosed in WO 2010/037806, WO 2011/020779, WO 2016/083485, WO2017/037215 and PCT/EP 18/064138.
The control unit may have a sensor for sensing the presence of a user-receptacle (e.g. a cup or mug) in or in the area to which beverage is dispensed from the beverage processing line. Such an arrangement is disclosed for example in WO 2018/046400.
The invention also relates to the use of an ingredient, such as an ingredient contained in a capsule as described above, for extraction in a machine as described above. The ingredient may be selected from at least one of tea, coffee and cocoa.
The pressure is typically measured downstream of the pump and upstream of the water inlet, for example in the fluid line between the water inlet and the pump. By the presence of a check valve, for example at the water inlet of the injection member, and/or a restriction provided in the water inlet of the injection member, or by a piercing member engaged in the entry wall of the capsule, and/or by ingredients and/or other obstacles in the capsule, it is possible to reduce the pressure in the extraction chamber or the capsule compared to such measured pressure.
Drawings
The invention will now be described with reference to the schematic drawings, in which:
figure 1 shows an embodiment of a portion of a beverage machine according to the invention, a portion of which is schematically shown;
figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the extraction unit of the machine of figure 1, the ingredient capsule being introduced in the seat of the unit;
figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the extraction unit of figure 2, with an ingredient capsule in the seat, ready for extraction;
figures 4 to 6 show examples of specific implementations of the downstream components of an extraction unit according to the invention with a specific seat-defining surface having an upper portion of lower permeability and a lower portion of higher permeability, the surface being rotated upside down, the piercing and/or cutting elements being formed by or fixed to the surface;
figures 7 and 8 are horizontal sectional plan views (from the above) of another embodiment example of the delimiting face of the support through which the piercing and/or cutting element can be moved, the face being further provided with a further piercing and/or cutting element formed by or fixed to the face;
figures 9 and 10 show further examples of implementation of a portion of the dispensing arrangement, i.e. a flow-limiting member shaped to completely (figure 10) or partially (figure 9) close the upper and lower outflow channels;
figures 11 and 12 show the flow-restricting member in combination with the upper and lower outflow channels, the flow-restricting member being shown in a normal outflow position in figure 11 and in a reduced outflow position in figure 12;
figures 13 and 14 show a further example of implementation of a portion of the dispensing arrangement, namely a flow control device configured to control the flow or beverage directed along the outflow channel, the flow control device being shown in a relative arrangement of a minimum obstruction in figure 14 and an intermediate obstruction in figure 13;
figures 15 to 17 show a further embodiment example of a portion of a dispensing arrangement, i.e. a face with piercing and/or cutting elements associated with an opening control arrangement in its rest position in figure 16, in its operative position in figure 15 and also in figure 17;
fig. 18 and 19 show further embodiments of the delimiting surfaces of the holder, in which the piercing and/or cutting elements are provided on the lower part and the outflow channels are provided on the lower part and the upper part in different sizes and numbers in fig. 18 and in different numbers in fig. 19.
Figure 20 schematically shows the flow configuration of water through the ingredients in the machine seat, with the upper permeability value of the face equal to the lower permeability value of the face;
figure 21 schematically shows the flow configuration of water through the ingredients in the machine seat, with the upper permeability value of the face being greater than the lower permeability value of the face; and is
Fig. 22 schematically shows the flow configuration of water through the ingredients in the machine seat, wherein the lower permeability value of the face is greater than the upper permeability value of the face.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 to 3 show an exemplary embodiment of a beverage machine 1 for preparing a
The
The
The
The
The total ratio of the upper surface area ratio (e.g., upper permeability value) to the lower surface area ratio (e.g., lower permeability value) of the
In fig. 20, the
The
When the upper surface area ratio of the
Obviously, by varying the position and/or orientation of the
The position and/or orientation of the
The
The impermeable member of at least one of the
The flow-inhibiting portion may have a surface area transverse to the
The flow-inhibiting portion may be an inherently closed member formed by the impermeable member of
The flow inhibiting portion may be an inherently open part of the
The
The
The
The
The
The flow-restricting
The
The
The
The
The
The blocking
The
The
The
The dispensing
Such holes may be provided in the
At least one such piercing and/or cutting
For example, a plurality of such piercing and/or cutting
At least one such piercing and/or cutting
Typically, a movable piercing and/or cutting element 33 is fixed to or integral with a support 31 (e.g. a support supporting a plurality of such piercing and/or cutting elements 33) driven by a drive member 30, for example actuated by a manual or automatic, e.g. motorized, actuator. The machine 1 may comprise more than one support 31 supporting one or more piercing and/or cutting elements 33, which can in particular be actuated independently to be able to pierce and/or cut different areas of the orofilm as required to obtain different extractions. The machine 1 may comprise an upper support 31, for example associated with the
At least one such piercing and/or cutting
The extraction support may be configured for receiving an ingredient capsule provided with an outlet membrane, optionally the inlet arrangement being associated with a piercing and/or cutting arrangement configured to pierce and/or cut the water inlet into the ingredient capsule in the ingredient extraction support such that water circulating along the inlet arrangement enters the capsule via the water inlet. The face defining the abutment may lack any piercing and/or cutting elements for piercing and/or cutting the aperture membrane. The beverage outlet opening may be provided in the outlet membrane as follows: prior to receiving the capsule in the extraction seat, for example when the capsule is manufactured or subsequently conditioned before reaching the seat, for example in a machine of this type; and/or by supplying water into the capsule causing a pressure rise in the capsule to tear and/or break the membrane, for example in order to open a pre-weakened part of the membrane and/or to actuate a membrane opening element comprised within the capsule.
The
-a circular sector or ring sector, for example a generally semicircular disc, such as a circular sector or ring sector having a centre at least substantially concentric with the circle of the face, optionally extending to the circular edge of the circular shape of the face, for example the central angle of the circular sector or ring sector is in the range of 60 ° to 300 °, such as in the range of 90 ° to 270 °, for example in the range of 120 ° to 240 °, for example in the range of 150 ° to 210 °; or
-a disc segment, optionally: the disk segment has a disk center at least approximately concentric with the shape of the face; and/or the surface area ratio of the disc segments and the flow-through portion is in the range of 0.2 to 5, such as 0.5 to 2, for example 0.66 to 1.5, for example 0.75 to 1.33.
The total number of
The flow holes 222a,222b may all be the same size (fig. 19) or may be different sizes (fig. 18).
The
The first and
The first and
The first and
The
The water supply arrangement 5 may comprise at least one of: a water source 6 for supplying water to the
The water supply arrangement 5 may be associated with a control unit for controlling the water supply arrangement 5 or the control unit 10 described above, such as the unit 10 comprising processing means (e.g. the controller 11 and/or the user interface 12).
The