阅读说明：本技术 以人体工程学方式保持饮用容器的饮料分配系统及其操作方法 (Beverage dispensing system for ergonomically holding a drinking container and method of operating the same ) 是由 M·F·刚萨雷斯·马丁斯 R·M·纳贝罗 J·A·德菲格雷多·布兰科 于 2019-07-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种饮料分配系统,特别地是用于制备意式浓缩咖啡和类似芳香饮料的系统,该饮料分配系统包括例如玻璃杯、杯子或类似类型的饮用容器(1、1’)、与饮料制备装置(3)操作地相关联的饮料排放机构(2),其中,所述饮料排放机构(2)被设计成使得饮料排放流沿着与重力相反的方向以给定的流动压力撞击在饮用容器(1、1’)上的流动调节装置(13)上,其中,所述饮用容器(1、1’)具有容器保持装置(17),该容器保持装置被设计成使得所述饮用容器(1、1’)仅能相对于所述饮料排放机构(2)在一个或两个预先限定的角度延伸范围内放置在所述容器放置支撑件(22)上。(The present invention discloses a beverage dispensing system, in particular a system for preparing espresso coffee and similar aromatic beverages, the beverage dispensing system comprises a drinking container (1, 1') such as a glass, cup or similar type, a beverage discharge mechanism (2) operatively associated with a beverage preparation device (3), wherein the beverage discharge means (2) are designed such that the beverage discharge flow impinges on the flow regulating device (13) on the drinking vessel (1, 1') in a direction counter to gravity at a given flow pressure, wherein the drinking vessel (1, 1 ') has a vessel retaining device (17) which is designed such that the drinking vessel (1, 1') can be placed on the vessel placement support (22) only within one or two predefined angular extensions with respect to the beverage discharge device (2).)

1. A system for dispensing a beverage, in particular for preparing a beverage, the system comprising:

-at least one type of drinking vessel (1, 1') comprising a base wall (111) holding a flow regulating device (13) provided in a single piece, a side wall (112) formed upwards to define a beverage collecting space (a) and a top opening around a longitudinal axis (X), and further having vessel retaining means (17) on opposite edges;

-at least one type of beverage device (3) having a beverage discharge mechanism (2) comprising a beverage discharge element (21) capable of discharging a flow in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity and a container placement support (22) comprising a support holding means (24),

wherein the container holding means (17) and the support holding means (24) are formed in a mutual engagement configuration along a direction substantially transverse to the flow discharge direction and are adapted such that a holding of the drinking container (1, 1') is provided by means of a rotational movement of the drinking container about the longitudinal axis (X) between a container placing position (I) on the container placing support (22) and a container holding position (II) in which the drinking container is held by the support holding means (24) and vice versa,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the drinking vessel (1, 1') and the beverage discharge means (2) are adapted such that at least one of the following is provided:

-the drinking container (1, 1') can only be set in one or two predefined angular positions relative to the beverage discharge means (2) on the placement position (I); and

-in said resting position (I), at least a portion of said base wall (111) is seated on said beverage discharge means (2) at least along an extension that surrounds said flow regulating means (13) along a direction orthogonal to said beverage discharge direction.

2. The system of claim 1,

said drinking container (1, 1') having a flow regulating means (13) held in a fixed manner on a region upstream of the flow channel (110) such that an outer portion thereof is formed outwardly therefrom in a direction substantially transverse to the beverage discharge direction and is adapted such that a flow seal can be provided with respect to said beverage discharge element (21),

wherein a central area of the central support portion (25) is provided in the form of a recess, preferably having a lateral dimension similar to or larger than a lateral dimension of the outer portion of the flow regulating means (13), such that the flow regulating means is capable of collecting at least partially in the recess around the beverage discharge element (21) providing a flow seal with respect to the beverage discharge element (21), and

wherein the container holding means (17) and support holding means (24) are adapted such that in the holding position (II) the outer part of the flow regulating means (13) interacts with, preferably is compressed by, the beverage discharge means (2), preferably in a main flow direction, preferably through an upwardly directed surface of the support central part (25), providing a flow seal in the interface of the drinking container (1, 1') and the beverage discharge element (21), and

wherein the container holding means (17) and the supporting holding means (24) are arranged such that a holding position (II) corresponds to a reduction of the level of the drinking container (1, 1') relative to the beverage discharge means (2) and the resting position (I), in which holding position (II) the flow regulating means (13) is in the vicinity of the beverage discharge means (2), the level reduction being only sufficient to thereby exert a compressive force on the flow regulating means (13).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2,

the drinking container (1, 1 ') has one or two container holding means (17), preferably opposite with respect to the longitudinal axis (X), formed from an edge region within a cavity defined above by the free surface of the base wall (111) along respective angular extensions corresponding to a section of the periphery of an edge portion of the side wall (112) located on the base region of the drinking container (1, 1'), and

wherein the beverage discharge mechanism (2) has one or two supporting and retaining means (24) formed on a central support portion (25), preferably in an opposed manner, along a respective angular extension greater than the angular extension optionally corresponding to the container retaining means (17), and such that the container placement position (I) is provided only along one or two predefined sections of the angular extension of the central support portion (25), wherein the container retaining means (17) can pass between the supporting and retaining means (24) in a downward movement along an at least substantially vertical direction and provide the retaining position (II) in the case of being actuated in a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis (X) from the placement position (I) by at least a given angle, and vice versa.

4. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3,

the one or two container holding means (17) are formed along respective angular extensions, each of which is at least 10 ° and at most 50 °, preferably 20 ° to at most 40 °, and

wherein the one or two support and retention means (24) are formed along a respective angular extension of at least 90 DEG and at most 160 DEG, preferably of 110 DEG and at most 140 DEG,

such that the holding position (II) corresponds to a rotational movement of the drinking container (1, 1') on the container placement support (22) around the longitudinal axis (X) from the placement position (I) of less than 110 degrees, preferably less than 90 degrees, and in the opposite direction vice versa.

5. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4,

at least one of the container holding means (17) and the support holding means (24) is arranged such that a holding position (II) can be reached from a placement position (I) in only one direction of rotation, wherein the direction of rotation towards the holding position (II) is preferably clockwise.

6. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 5,

at least one of the container holding means (17) and the support holding means (24) is arranged to: such that the rotation position (II) also comprises a retention of the type of press-fitting of said container holding means (17) on said supporting and holding means (24), wherein said retention of the type of press-fitting is preferably associated with a rotation movement between said deposition position (I) and holding position (II); and such that the user is provided with a perception of increased resistance to said rotational movement.

7. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 6,

the container holding means (17) has at least one first edge along a respective extension transverse to the longitudinal axis (X), having a first transverse section that is smaller and progressively increasing at least along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis until a second transverse section of the container holding means (17), having a wedge shape or the like, so that the holding position (II) is also provided by a press-fit type engagement of the container holding means (17) on the support and holding means (24).

8. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7,

the container holding means (17) and support holding means (24) are adapted such that the angular position providing a placement position (I) is provided relative to the container placement support (22) as at least one of:

-at least substantially in one of the second and third quadrants, preferably at least substantially over a transition area of at least one of: from the first quadrant to the second quadrant; and from the third quadrant to the fourth quadrant;

-at least substantially opposite each other;

-in different quadrants;

-in adjacent quadrants;

-in the same quadrant.

9. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 8,

the beverage discharge means (2) has a container rest support (22) which is delimited on the outside by an outer delimiting wall and on the inside by a central support portion (25), wherein preferably the intermediate space between the outer delimiting wall and the inner delimiting wall has an annular shape with a free width which is greater than the thickness of the peripheral wall of the outer periphery of the drinking container (1, 1') and which is less than the lateral extension of the container holding means (17) along a part of its extension.

10. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 9,

the one or two container holding means (17) are provided as lateral protrusions or laterally oriented cavities and are formed as at least one of:

-outwardly from an edge wall of an inner periphery of the drinking container (1, 1'), in particular associated with the passage opening (110);

preferably inwardly from an edge wall of the outer periphery of the drinking container (1, 1'),

such that the outer surface of the drinking container (1, 1') does not have any container retaining means (17) visible on its outer surface.

11. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 10,

the one or two support retaining means (24) are provided as lateral protrusions or laterally directed cavities configured to engage in corresponding container retaining means (17) and formed as at least one of:

-inwardly from an outer delimiting wall of the container placement support (22); and

-preferably, outwardly from a central support portion (25) of said container placement support (22), and

wherein, in the resting position (I), at least a majority of the peripheral area of the base wall (111) located in the vicinity of the supporting and retaining means (24) is seated on the beverage discharge means (2), in particular on a central support portion (25).

12. The system of any one of the preceding claims,

a central support portion (25) is formed in a radial extension from a top area of the beverage discharge element (21) in a direction transverse to the beverage discharge direction, forming a support plane for the base wall (111) of the drinking container (1, 1 ') around the beverage discharge element, such that in the rest position (I) at least a major part of a central area of the base wall of a drinking container (1, 1') is seated in a surface on the support plane provided by the central support portion (25), wherein the support plane is preferably formed below an outer peripheral surface of the container rest support (22), and

wherein at least said outer surface of said side wall (112) is disposed obliquely with respect to said longitudinal axis (X) at least in a respective base region adapted to enable placement on said container placement support (22), wherein preferably said beverage discharge means (2) further have a wall externally defining said container placement support (22), also obliquely with respect to said longitudinal axis (X).

13. The system of any one of the preceding claims,

the drinking container (1, 1 ') has a container reference (18) which is provided such that it can be perceived by a user at least visually, preferably also in a tactile manner, and which indicates at least one angular position of the drinking container (1, 1') which provides a placement position (I) on the beverage discharge means (2), in particular relative thereto, wherein preferably the container reference (18) is provided as at least one of the following: -indicia and structural parts associated with the drinking vessel (1, 1').

14. The system of any one of the preceding claims,

the beverage discharge arrangement (2) has at least one placement reference (26, 26 ') which is provided such that it can be perceived by a user at least visually, preferably also in a tactile manner, wherein at least one first placement reference (26) indicates an angular position which provides a placement position (I) of the drinking container (1, 1 ') on the beverage discharge arrangement (2) and preferably a second placement reference (26 ') indicates an angular position which provides a holding position (II) of the drinking container (1, 1 ') on the beverage discharge arrangement (2), wherein preferably the placement references (26, 26 ') are provided as at least one of: indicia, information displays and structural components associated with the beverage discharge means (2).

15. The system of any one of the preceding claims,

the system comprises at least one of:

-two types of drinking containers (1, 1') having at least one of the following: different materials, different sizes of collecting spaces (a), different numbers of parts and different flow regulating means (13);

-two different types of beverage discharge means (2),

wherein the two types of drinking vessels (1, 1 ') have similar retaining means (17), and wherein it is preferred that the two types of drinking vessels (1, 1') have different vessel references (18).

16. A method for dispensing a beverage, in particular for preparing a beverage,

the method comprises the following steps:

-providing a beverage dispensing system, in particular a system according to any one of claims 1 to 15;

-placing a drinking vessel (1, 1') on a beverage discharge means (2) in a placement position (I) corresponding to a predefined angular position relative to the beverage discharge means (2), preferably such that a vessel reference (18) is at least substantially aligned with a placement reference (26) provided on the beverage discharge means (2);

-rotating the drinking container (1) around the longitudinal axis (X), e.g. in a clockwise direction, at least 15 degrees, preferably at least 45 degrees, preferably with a resulting increased counter force associated with engagement by press fitting, until a holding position (II) on the beverage discharge means (2) is reached, particularly preferably such that a part of the flow regulating means (13) is thereby pressed against a central support portion (25) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (X);

-injecting a beverage discharge flow (BD) through said beverage discharge means (2), preferably as a result of a pressurized Flow (FS) being injected into the brewing device (4) and at a flow pressure greater than the pressure required for flow through said flow regulating device (13);

-rotating the drinking container (1) in the opposite direction, for example in a counter-clockwise direction, in order to return to the resting position (I).

17. The method of claim 16,

the method further comprises the step of displaying a signal to a user, preferably the signal is audible and/or tactile, the signal being associated at least with the holding position (II) of the drinking container (1, 1') on the beverage discharge means (2), preferably while holding.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of:

-comprising removably holding said first container part (11) and second container part (12) in an assembled condition by means of:

-aligning a rim portion of one of the first and second container portions (11, 12) with a rim portion of the other of the first and second container portions (11, 12), preferably inserting a protruding portion of a rim of one of the first and second container portions (11, 12) into an opening portion of a rim of the other of the first and second container portions (11, 12) so as to align initial positions of the respective retaining means (16; 161, 162) of the first and second container portions (11, 12);

-rotating at least one of said first container portion (11) and said second container portion (12) around said longitudinal axis (X) by at least 10 ° and at most 100 °, preferably along a predefined first direction, so as to advance to a retaining position of said first container portion (11) and said second container portion (12) in an assembled condition.

19. The method of claims 16 to 18,

holding the first container part (11) and the second container part (12) in an assembled state further comprises the steps of:

-pressing the first container portion (11) and the second container portion (12) against each other, thereby elastically compressing the sealing means (15), before said rotational movement about the longitudinal axis (X);

-releasing the first container part (11) and the second container part (12) at the end of the rotational movement, so that the first container part (11) and the second container part (12) stretch out under the effect of the elastic force of the sealing means (15), thereby reaching a holding position of the first container part (11) and the second container part (12).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of beverage dispensing systems, and in particular to systems for preparing beverages (e.g., espresso coffee and the like) based on a single portion of a precursor edible substance, the system having a beverage discharge that opens into the interior of a drinking vessel in a direction substantially opposite to gravity.

Background

It is known to provide beverage drainage through the wall of a drinking vessel in a direction opposite to gravity.

The reliable ergonomic holding of the drinking vessel on the respective beverage discharge mechanism provides for the regulation of the beverage discharge flow, which presents several problems to be solved.

In particular, in the case of aromatic beverages, such as espresso coffee, this beverage discharge is a process which is associated with a potential impact on the quality of the beverage obtained in the drinking vessel. In fact, in particular in the case of espresso coffee, the main characteristics of the discharge flow determine several aspects, such as the production and retention of cream in the cup and the temperature variations due to exposure to air during discharge into the cup.

Document EP 1991094B 1 discloses a drinking container adapted to enable filling from a base and having a sealable base wall for this purpose, wherein the beverage is injected with sufficient pressure to open a valve provided as a flow regulating element for the beverage discharge flow.

Document EP 2029470B 1 discloses a system of the type of the present invention. In particular, the drinking vessel has a base region adapted to enable retention on the beverage discharge mechanism, wherein the mechanism has a guide configured to cooperate with a complementary guide on the base region of the drinking vessel so as to guide displacement of the discharge syringe relative to the vessel by means of rotation of the vessel on the structure such that the discharge syringe penetrates into the filling opening and the one-way valve of the vessel. In particular, the outer surface on the base region of the beverage container has two guiding structures configured in an "L" shape formed in a direction transverse to the direction of gravity, wherein the guiding structures work together with corresponding protrusions of a tooth type provided on the surface of the beverage discharge means. From said mechanism it is possible to place the glass in a first angular position and then to manually rotate it in a given angular direction through a given angle up to a second angular position in which the glass is held, in the opposite way when releasing the glass after the beverage has been discharged.

Document EP 2120652B 1 discloses another system of the type of the invention in which the base region of the drinking vessel can be held by means of a screw thread on a placement mechanism configured as a brewing device, so that capsules containing edible substances of the beverage precursor can be collected downstream of the fluid discharge and upstream of the base portion of the drinking vessel. Furthermore, the base region of the placement mechanism has three inwardly formed transverse projections which correspond to three outwardly formed transverse projections associated with the fluid discharge mechanism and provide placement and retention of the placement mechanism on the fluid discharge mechanism by means of rotation of the placement mechanism about a respective central axis, thereby providing a connection of the upstream fluid discharge in fluid communication with the downstream drinking container.

The placement mechanism fitted may be associated with a base region of a drinking container (e.g. a coffee cup), in particular by means of a screw-type connection, and is adapted to provide retention on the beverage discharge support in a removable manner, in particular by placing and actuating a mechanical engagement element engaged with an engagement portion on the base region of the placement mechanism.

The placement mechanism as assembled has a flow adjustment mechanism that provides a flow channel when the placement mechanism is placed on the fluid discharge mechanism such that the flow adjustment mechanism is mechanically actuated by a corresponding protrusion in the beverage discharge support to allow the flow channel to be formed.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage dispensing system with a beverage discharge mechanism that injects a beverage discharge flow under pressure through a base region of the drinking container into the interior of the drinking container in a direction opposite to gravity, which system is adapted such that a more simply constructed container can be provided that integrates at least one of a flow regulating means, a flow restricting means and a flow sealing means, wherein the base portion of the drinking container is more reliably and effectively retained on the respective beverage discharge mechanism.

According to the present invention, this object is solved by means of a beverage preparation system according to claim 1, wherein preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

In particular, the above object is solved by means of a system wherein the drinking container and the beverage discharge means are adapted such that the resting position is provided only at one or two predefined angular positions of the drinking container relative to the beverage discharge means, and wherein at least a major part of the downwardly directed free surface of the base wall of the drinking container is supported on the upwardly directed surface of the central support portion of the beverage discharge means, thereby providing a firm support for the drinking container, and also providing a compression of the outer portion of the flow regulating device extending around the beverage discharge element, thereby enhancing the sealing of the interface between the drinking container and the beverage discharge element.

The drinking container has a flow regulating means which is adapted such that a flow passage is only provided when the flow pressure is greater than a predefined value and which is arranged in alignment with the beverage discharge element at least in a holding position, wherein the drinking container is held on the container resting surface.

The system may comprise a plurality of different types of drinking vessels having similar dimensions and similar holding areas of the holding means and differing in at least one of the shape and dimensions of the collecting space of the first material portion, the construction material of at least one of the vessel portions, the flow regulating means, the flow restriction means and the flow sealing means.

The system may provide for the preparation of at least one type of beverage, comprising at least one brewing device adapted to collect a single portion of edible substance, optionally provided inside a respective capsule, preferably for the preparation of espresso and other aromatic beverages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a beverage preparation method comprising the use of a drinking vessel and a beverage discharge mechanism, wherein the beverage discharge flows through a base region of the drinking vessel such that retention of the drinking vessel is provided in a more ergonomic manner.

According to the present invention, this object is solved by means of a beverage preparation method according to claim 16, wherein preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

Drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

The figures show, in a simplified schematic representation:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the major components of a system according to the prior art;

fig. 2 is a schematic view of a drinking vessel 1 on a beverage discharge support 2 operatively associated in fluid connection with a beverage apparatus 3 of a system according to the prior art;

fig. 3 is a side view (left side) and a bottom view (right side) of a first embodiment of a drinking vessel 1 of the system according to the invention;

fig. 4 is a corresponding AA side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the drinking container 1 shown in fig. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view (top) and an AA side cross-sectional view (bottom) of an embodiment of the beverage discharge mechanism 2;

FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view BB of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

fig. 7 is a side sectional view of a drinking vessel 1' and a second embodiment of a beverage discharge means 2 in a disassembled state of the system according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view (left side) and a side cross-sectional view (right side) of the second portion 12 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 of a system according to the present invention;

fig. 9 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the drinking container 1' of fig. 7 and the beverage discharge means 2 in a disassembled state according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the drink container 1' of FIG. 7 in an assembled state and placed on the beverage discharge mechanism 2 in accordance with the present invention;

fig. 11 is a top view (above) and a side view (below) of a drinking vessel 1' and a beverage discharge means 2 in a placement position I in a system according to the invention;

fig. 12 is a top view (above) and a side view (below) of a drinking vessel 1' and a beverage discharge means 2 in a holding position II in a system according to the invention;

fig. 13 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the beverage discharge means 2 in the system according to the invention, wherein the holding positions of two types of drinking containers 1' of different sizes are indicated;

fig. 14 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of fig. 13, only indicating the holding position of a second type of drinking container 1';

fig. 15 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the beverage discharge means 2 in the system according to the invention, wherein the holding positions of two types of drinking containers 1' of different sizes are indicated;

fig. 16 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of fig. 13, only indicating the holding position of the second drinking container 1'.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a side view (left side) and a front view (right side) of a system for dispensing a beverage according to the prior art.

The system comprises at least one type of drinking container 1, 1', such as a cup or glass, having a base wall 11 comprising a passage opening 110 and a flow regulating means 12, wherein the drinking container 1 is adapted to enable to be held on a beverage discharge means 2.

The system comprises a beverage device 3, for example in the form of a machine for preparing espresso coffee and similar aromatic beverages, having at least one brewing means 4 provided as an internal or external part of the housing of the device 3 and enabling the collection of a portion 5 of edible substance, for example a precursor of a beverage contained in a capsule or the like, and preferably supplied through an introduction opening 8, for example arranged in the vicinity of the beverage discharge means 2.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the beverage device 3 comprises a fluid reservoir (not shown) as well as flow pressurizing means 7 and fluid heating means (not shown) such that the flow FS may be supplied at a temperature of 60 ℃ to 100 ℃ and a pressure of 1 bar to 20 bar, preferably more than 10 bar, for interaction with the edible substance.

The discharge flow BD is then directed to the outlet of the brewing device 4 and to a beverage discharge means 2 arranged downstream thereof, which comprises at least one beverage discharge element 21 adapted to be able to hold the drinking container 1, 1 ', preferably by means of a mechanical engagement with the base region 11 of the drinking container 1, 1'.

The system comprises a plurality of types of drinking vessels 1, 1 'having different dimensions, in particular respective base walls 11 having different dimensions, such as diameters, but adapted to be engaged in the same type of beverage discharge means 2, wherein at least one of said types of drinking vessels 1, 1' is not a disposable vessel.

As shown in fig. 2, a drinking container 1, 1' of the type described may have a flow regulating mechanism 12, for example of the one-way valve type (symbolically represented by a triangle), arranged to be retained in the opening of the passage 110 of the base wall 11 and adapted so as to provide passage of a pressurized flow BD of the beverage discharge downstream to the collection space a only in the direction opposite to gravity if impinged by a flow pressure greater than a predefined flow pressure value.

According to a particularly relevant aspect, the side walls 112 of the drinking container 1, 1' are free of externally directed protrusions on the base area, so that all container holding means are arranged inside the cavity formed by the edge portions of the side walls 112 protruding beyond the base wall 111.

With reference to the embodiment shown in fig. 3 to 6 and according to a first inventive aspect, the drinking container 1, 1 'and the beverage discharge device 2 are adapted such that the placement position I is provided only in one or two predefined angular extensions of the drinking container 1, 1' relative to the beverage discharge device 2.

The drinking container 1, 1 'can have one or two container holding means 17 which are formed along a respective angular extension corresponding to a section of the circumference in the interior of the cavity formed on the base region of the drinking container 1, 1'.

In particular, said container holding means 17 may be formed outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis X from a first edge wall surrounding the flow channel 110 and/or inwardly from a second edge wall formed along the outer periphery of the base region of said drinking container 1, 1'.

It is further preferred that said beverage discharge means 2 has one or two supporting and retaining means 24 formed on a supporting central portion 25 around the beverage discharge element 21 along a respective angular extension greater than the angular extension of said container retaining means 17 and such that said container placement position I is provided only along one or two predefined segments of the angular extension of said container placement support 22, wherein the container retaining means 17 can pass between said supporting and retaining means 24 in a downward movement along an at least substantially vertical direction and provide said retaining position II when actuated in a rotational movement about said longitudinal axis X from said placement position I by at least a given angle, and vice versa.

In the case of the embodiment shown in fig. 3 and 4, the drinking container 1, 1 ' has two container holding means 17 which are formed as radial projections, for example of the tooth type, from at least one edge wall of the drinking container 1, 1 ' in a direction transverse to the direction of gravity and are adapted such that the holding of the drinking container 1, 1 ' is provided between a container placing position I, in which the container holding means can pass between two support holding means 24, and a container holding position II, in which the container holding means are held by the support holding means 24, by means of a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis X by at least a given angle, and vice versa.

This solution advantageously provides greater constructional simplicity and greater reliability of the retention of the drinking container 1, 1'.

Furthermore, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, it is preferred that the beverage discharge means 2 have a support and holding device 24 associated with a central support portion 25, the support and holding device 24 being arranged such that the container placement position I can only take place along one or two predefined segments of the angular extension of the container placement support 22.

Preferably, said one or two support and retention means 24 are formed along respective angular extensions of at least 90 ° and at most 160 °, preferably 110 ° and at most 140 °, when said one or two container retention means 17 are formed along respective angular extensions of at least 10 ° and at most 50 °, preferably 20 ° and at most 40 °.

This configuration provides that the holding position II corresponds to a rotation of the drinking container 1, 1' on the container placement support 22 around the common longitudinal axis X from the placement position I of less than 110 degrees, preferably less than 90 degrees.

It is further preferred that the two support holding means 24 are adapted such that two placement positions I are provided at least substantially opposite to each other, wherein preferably both placement positions I are provided at least substantially in the transition region from the first quadrant to the second quadrant and from the third quadrant to the fourth quadrant with respect to the delimiting wall of the container placement support 22.

More preferably, said beverage discharge means 2 has a container rest support 22, which is delimited on the outside by an outer delimiting wall and on the inside by a central support portion 25, wherein preferably the intermediate space between said outer delimiting wall and inner delimiting wall has an annular shape with a free width which is greater than the thickness of the edge wall of the outer periphery of the drinking container 1, 1' and less than the lateral extension of said container holding means 17 along a part of its extension.

According to another preferred embodiment, the one or two container holding means 17 are provided as lateral protrusions or laterally oriented cavities and are formed as at least one of: outwardly from the edge wall of the inner periphery of the drinking container 1, 1'; and preferably inwardly from the peripheral edge wall of the outer periphery of said drinking container 1, 1 'such that the outer surface of the drinking container 1, 1' is free of any container retaining means 17 visible on its outer surface.

It is further preferred that the one or two support retaining means 24 are provided as lateral protrusions or laterally oriented cavities configured to engage in the corresponding container retaining means 17 and formed as at least one of: inwardly from the outer defining wall of the container placement support 22; and preferably outwardly from said central support portion 25 of said container placement support 22.

In particular, it is advantageous if, in the resting position I, at least a major part of the peripheral region of the base wall 111 located in the vicinity of the supporting and retaining means 24 is seated on the beverage discharge device 2, in particular on the central support portion 25.

With regard to the general construction of the holding of the drinking container 1, 1 ' on the beverage discharge means 2, it is further preferred that said central support portion 25 is formed in a radial extension from the top area of said beverage discharge element 21 in a direction transverse to said beverage discharge direction, so as to form a support plane for said base wall 111 of said drinking container 1, 1 ' around said beverage discharge element, such that in said resting position I at least a major part of the central area of said base wall of the drinking container 1, 1 ' is seated in a surface provided by said central support portion 25 on said support plane, wherein said support plane is preferably formed below the outer peripheral surface of said container resting support 22.

It is further preferred that at least the outer surface of said side wall 112 is arranged inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis X, at least in a respective base region adapted to enable placement on said container placement support 22, wherein preferably said beverage discharge means 2 also have a wall externally delimiting said container placement support 22, also inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis X.

According to another advantageous aspect, the central area of the central support portion 25 is preferably provided in the form of a recess having a transverse dimension similar to or greater than the transverse dimension of said outer portion of said flow regulating means 13, so that said flow regulating means 13 can collect at least partially in said recess around said beverage discharge element 21, providing a flow seal with respect to said beverage discharge element 21.

Furthermore, the container holding means 17 and the support holding means 24 are adapted such that in the holding position II the outer portion of the flow regulating means 13 interacts with the beverage discharge means 2, preferably by means of an upwardly directed surface of the central support portion 25, preferably being compressed by the beverage discharge means in the main flow direction, thereby providing a flow seal in the interface of the drinking container 1, 1' and the beverage discharge element 21.

Furthermore, the container holding device 17 and the supporting holding device 24 are arranged such that the holding position II, in which the flow regulating device 13 is in the vicinity of the beverage discharge means 2, corresponds to a reduction of the level of the drinking container 1, 1' relative to the beverage discharge means 2 and the placement position I, which is only sufficient to thereby exert a compressive force on the flow regulating device 13.

According to a preferred embodiment, said beverage discharge means 2 further comprises a liquid-residue discharge device 23, which is provided with at least one discharge opening in downward fluid communication, provided in at least one surface formed at least substantially transversely to the beverage discharge direction and around said discharge element 21, which comprises at least one of the following: a first surface, which places a support 22 close to the discharge element 21 and the capsule, so that the final remainder of the beverage infusion can be discharged into the interior of the beverage device 3.

Fig. 7 to 10 show a second embodiment of a drinking vessel 1' of the system according to the invention.

In particular, in this case, the drinking container 1 comprises a first container portion 11 and a second container portion 12 which are adapted to enable removable assembly together and thereby provide a fluid connection through a flow passage 110 which restricts the flow of beverage downstream of said flow regulating means 13 and upstream of the inlet of the flow of beverage in the region of the base wall 111 of said collection space a.

Preferably, at least one of said first and second container portions 11, 12, preferably said second container portion 12, comprises said flow channel 110 formed in a single direction, having a tubular shape with a similar transverse cross-section and a similar transverse dimension along at least a major part of its extension up to said inlet region for the beverage flow, wherein said flow channel 110 preferably has a smaller transverse cross-section at an upstream edge, particularly adapted to retain said flow regulating means 13, and a larger transverse cross-section at a downstream edge, particularly adapted to retain the flow sealing means 15 in the vicinity of the area of the base wall 111 of said collecting space a.

It is further preferred that the drinking container 1 has only one component as flow regulating means 13, for example of the one-way valve type, and only one component as flow sealing means 15, both of which are arranged upstream of the beverage flow inlet in the region of the base wall 111 of the collecting space a.

Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one of the first receiving portion 11 and the second receiving portion 12, preferably the second receiving portion 12, has the flow regulating device 13, which is preferably arranged in the region of the edge of the flow channel 110, preferably in the edge region upstream thereof.

It is further preferred that at least one of the first container portion 11 and the second container portion 12, preferably the second container portion 12, has a flow restriction device 14 arranged to restrict the flow by means of at least one of: a flow impingement surface; and a reduction of the cross-section of the flow channel, determining the pattern of the beverage flow at the inlet of the beverage flow in the base wall area 111 of said collection space a, at least in the vicinity of the base wall 111.

It is further preferred that at least one of the first and second container parts 11, 12, preferably the second container part 12, has a flow sealing means 15 held in the interface area between the first and second container parts 11, 12, wherein the flow sealing means 15 is preferably adapted such that when the first and second container parts 11, 12 are assembled together, it is compressed around the flow channel 110 in a direction parallel to the main flow direction, and is preferably provided in the form of a sealing ring, e.g. provided in the form of an "O-ring" or the like.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the first container portion 11 and the second container portion 12 are provided by a rigid material, preferably by different materials comprising at least one of: synthetic material, metallic material, ceramic material, at least partially translucent material and opaque material, wherein preferably at least the second container portion 12 is made of synthetic material.

It is further preferred that at least one, preferably both, of said first and second container portions 11, 12 have an overall configuration of tubular type comprising respective side walls 112, 121 configured on opposite sides to close the edge alignment, wherein one of said first and second container portions 11, 12 has an edge wall protrusion 113 having a characteristic dimension (e.g. outer diameter) smaller than a characteristic dimension (e.g. outer diameter) of the other container portion 11, 12, so as to be insertable inside the other container portion.

As shown in fig. 7, the first container portion 11 and the second container portion 12 have a component holding device 16; 161. 162 adapted to provide a manually removable retention of said second container portion 12 in a base region of said first container portion 11, said component holding means 16; 161. 162 comprises at least two component holding grooves 161, which are arranged in a symmetrical manner on the respective edge wall and are configured to guide a first translational movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X, a rotational movement around the longitudinal axis X and a second translational movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X and in a direction opposite to the first translational movement, and wherein the component holding device 16; 161. 162 are preferably provided on the outwardly directed surface of the retaining projection 113 of one of the container portions 11 and the inwardly directed surface of the other container portion 11, 12, such that when the container portions are retained one on the other, the component retaining means 16; 161, 162 are not visible.

Preferably, the first container portion 11 and the second container portion 12 have a component holding device 16; 161. 162 adapted to provide a blocking holding position in which said first container part 11 and said second container part 12 exert a compressive pressure on the flow sealing means 15 in the longitudinal direction X.

Furthermore, it is preferred that one of said first and second container parts 11, 12, preferably said first container part 11, has at least two component holding grooves 161 arranged in a symmetrical manner on the respective edge wall, preferably on an outwardly directed surface thereof, wherein said component holding grooves 161 comprise a first section 161a formed in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal direction X, a second section 161b in a second direction at least substantially transverse to said first direction and a third section 161c in a direction parallel to said first direction and in an opposite direction relative to said first direction, wherein the other of said first and second container parts 11, 12, preferably said second container part 12, has an equal number of counter elements 162 of engagement portions arranged such as to be able to engage on said holding grooves, preferably in the form of serrations or the like in the respective edge wall, preferably in the inwardly directed surface thereof, wherein said two sections 161a, 161c in the longitudinal direction X preferably have an extension of at least 2mm and at most 10mm, and wherein said sections in the transverse direction have an extension of at most 15 mm.

The component holding device 16; 161. 162 may also include mechanical clamping means (not shown) by means of elastic deformation.

Further preferably, the second container portion 12 has: a sidewall 121 formed in a tubular shape; and a base portion 122 provided in the interior of said side wall 121 so as to restrict said flow channel 110 and so as to retain, preferably by means of a press fit, the flow regulating means 13, preferably in the form of a one-way valve, on the upstream edge of the base portion 122 and the flow sealing means 15, preferably in the form of an "O-ring" or the like, on the downstream edge of the base portion 122, in particular on the interface area with said first container portion 11.

The drinking container 1, 1' has a flow regulating means 13 associated with the portion of the base wall 112 defining said container holding means 17 and which may be provided as at least one of:

a pressure-driven device, such as a one-way valve, which is held on the edge of the flow channel connection 110, preferably by means of a press fit;

a microporous structure arranged upstream of, preferably in the vicinity of, an inlet area for the beverage flow in the area of the base wall 111 of the collecting space a.

Furthermore, the drinking container 1 may comprise a flow restriction device 14 having at least one flow impact surface formed in one transversal direction and in an oblique direction with respect to said main flow direction, wherein said flow restriction device 14 preferably configures preferably a plurality of flow channels along a closed alignment (alignment) at least in the inlet area of the beverage flow in the area of the base wall 111 of said collection space a.

According to another particularly advantageous aspect shown in fig. 8 and 9, at least one of said container holding means 17 and support holding means 24 is arranged such that the holding position II can be reached from the placement position I in only one direction of rotation, wherein said direction of rotation towards the holding position II is preferably clockwise.

It is further preferred that at least one of said container holding means 17 and support holding means 24 is arranged such that the rotational position II also comprises a press-fit type holding of said container holding means 17 on said support holding means 24, wherein said press-fit type holding is preferably associated with a rotational movement between said placing position I and holding position II.

In particular, it is preferred that said one or two container holding means 17 have at least one first edge along a respective extension transversal to said longitudinal axis X, having a smaller first transversal cross section, which gradually increases at least in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis, up to a second transversal cross section of said container holding means 17, having a wedge shape or the like, so that the holding position II is also provided by a press-fit type engagement of said container holding means 17 on said supporting and holding means 24.

Thus, the retention of the drinking container 1, 1 ' is provided by a first engagement acting mainly in the direction of the longitudinal axis x, which retains the drinking container 1, 1 ' against the forces exerted by the beverage discharge flow BD, and a second engagement of the press-fit type, acting substantially in an angular direction, which prevents the drinking container 1, 1 ' from vibrating or possibly rotating during the injection of said beverage discharge flow BD. Furthermore, this second engagement conveys to the user a tactile perception of a preferred direction of less resistance with respect to sufficient retention of the drinking container in the retaining position II and preferably also with respect to rotation of the drinking container 1, 1' towards the retaining position II.

Fig. 11 and 12 show another embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, at least one of the first and second portions 11, 12 has a container reference 18 which is arranged such that it can be perceived by a user at least visually, preferably also in a tactile manner, and which indicates at least one angular position of the drinking container 1, 1' which provides a placement position I on the beverage discharge device 2, in particular relative thereto, wherein preferably the container reference 18 is arranged as at least one of: indicia and structural parts associated with the drinking vessel 1, 1'.

Thereby advantageously providing: although the retaining means are not visible, the user can easily identify in which position the drinking container 1, 1' is placed in the beverage discharge device 2.

It is further preferred that the beverage discharge means 2 has at least one placement reference 26, 26 ' which is provided such that it can be perceived by a user at least visually, preferably also in a tactile manner, wherein at least one first placement reference 26 indicates an angular position providing a placement position I of the drinking container 1, 1 ' on the beverage discharge means 2 and preferably a second placement reference 26 ' indicates an angular position providing a holding position II of the drinking container 1, 1 ' on the beverage discharge means 2, wherein preferably the placement references 26, 26 ' are provided as at least one of: indicia, information displays and structural components associated with the beverage discharge mechanism 2.

In this case, by means of said placement references 26, 26 ', a perceptible indication can be provided to the user that the drinking receptacle 1, 1' has been placed in the support at a first moment in time and then has been held correctly at a second moment in time.

It has further proved advantageous if said first container part 11 and second container part 12 have respective part and container holding means 16, 17 which are arranged such that they can be actuated manually in a similar manner, including preferably by means of a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis X along an extension of less than 110 °, preferably less than 80 °.

Fig. 13 and 14 show the first of the two preferred embodiments of the beverage discharge means 2, while fig. 15 and 16 show the second preferred embodiment in order to provide an operational retention of drinking containers 1, 1' of different sizes. In particular, in the case of the first embodiment, said discharge element 21, comprising at least part of the injection means and the retaining means, is arranged with respect to the container placement support 22 so as to be at least partially, preferably completely, obtained inside a cavity of relatively close dimensions, whereas in the case of the second embodiment, this does not occur, so that the container placement support 22 can coincide with the outer surface of said beverage discharge means 2.

As shown, it is preferred that at least the outer surface of said side wall 111 is provided inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis X, at least in a respective base region adapted to enable placement on said container placement support 22, wherein it is further preferred that the beverage discharge means 2 also have a wall externally delimiting said container placement support 22, which is also inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis X. This configuration facilitates the placement of the drinking vessel 1, 1' in the beverage discharge mechanism.

Fig. 15 and 16 show an embodiment of a second type of beverage discharge means 2, wherein the container placement support 22 is not provided as a cavity, but in the same plane as the outer wall, inside or outside of the beverage apparatus 3.

The beverage discharge means 2 may further comprise a liquid residue discharge device 23 arranged with at least one discharge opening in downward fluid communication, arranged in at least one surface formed around the discharge element 21 at least substantially transversely to the beverage discharge direction, the surface comprising at least one of: a first surface, which places a support 22 close to the discharge element 21 and the capsule, so that the final remainder of the beverage infusion can be discharged to the inside of the beverage apparatus 3.