IT201800004761A1 - EQUIPMENT FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BEVERAGE USING A CAPSULE OR A POD CONTAINING A FOOD SUBSTANCE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

attached to a patent application for industrial invention entitled:

EQUIPMENT FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BEVERAGE USING A CAPSULE OR A POD CONTAINING A FOOD SUBSTANCE

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the sector of beverage preparation equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a beverage which uses a capsule or a wafer containing a food substance.

Currently, many types of equipment capable of preparing beverages are known, which, in general, comprise an infusion unit in which an infusion chamber is obtained in which, in use, a capsule or a pod containing a food substance can be inserted.

The brewing group in turn comprises a first member and a second member which are movable, at least with respect to each other, between a working position, in which the two members are coupled together and close the brewing chamber, and a rest position, in which the two members are spaced apart and in which the infusion chamber is open to allow the capsule or pod to be positioned therein.

Means for preparing a beverage are also provided for circulating water (in particular, hot and pressurized water) through the capsule or pod contained in the closed infusion chamber, thus determining the formation of the beverage, and for dispensing the beverage outside the 'equipment.

In one type of equipment, to which the equipment according to the present invention also belongs, the movement of the two members of the infusion group between the two aforementioned positions is carried out manually by a user by means of a handle or lever. When closing the brewing chamber, near the working position, it is necessary that the force exerted on the movable member is sufficiently high to compress the gaskets that ensure the sealing of the brewing chamber and to overcome a dead point of the mechanism, beyond the which spontaneous opening of the brewing chamber is prevented. A similar force, in the opposite direction, is initially required to overcome the dead point of the mechanism during the opening of the infusion chamber.

These forces in the vicinity of the working position can be significantly greater than those required in the other sections of the movement path of the two members of the infusion chamber. In fact in the other sections the required force is limited to that sufficient to overcome the friction between the movable member and its fixed guides.

Therefore, the user who acts on the handle or lever is required to have a force that varies significantly during the movement of the handle and which can reach high peaks.

There is a need to provide a movement mechanism for the mobile member of the infusion chamber that is easy for the user, that is, which reduces the variation in force required by the user during the movement of the handle and which dampens the peaks of the required force.

This requirement has already been addressed in known apparatuses, however the solutions proposed up to now do not seem to be entirely satisfactory or in any case leave room for alternative solutions which may be advantageous at least in some aspects.

It must also be considered that some of the solutions proposed so far severely limit the freedom of the designer of the equipment as regards the relative position of the handle and the infusion chamber and as regards the extent of the displacement of the handle between the two positions. For example, as project specifications, for some equipment it may be required that the movement of the mobile member of the brewing chamber takes place on a plane that is at a certain distance from the plane on which the handle is in the working position, or that the handle is rotated by a certain angle between the working position and the rest position. In at least some of the known solutions it may be difficult, or even impossible, to reconcile these project specifications with the need for a movement mechanism that is easy for the user.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide an apparatus for preparing a beverage which allows to overcome, or at least reduce, the aforementioned drawbacks or which offers an alternative solution to currently known solutions. The technical task and the indicated aims are substantially achieved by an apparatus for preparing a beverage according to claim 1. Particular embodiments of the present invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

An apparatus according to the present invention comprises an articulated mechanism which connects the handle to the mobile member of the brewing group and which comprises a crank which is pivoted to the support frame, a first connecting rod which is hinged to the mobile member of the brewing group, a second connecting rod which is connected to the handle. The crank and the first connecting rod form a toggle mechanism that transforms a rotation of the crank into a translation of the mobile member of the brewing group, while the second connecting rod transmits the movement of the handle to the toggle mechanism.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the first connecting rod has a first section which extends between the movable member and the crank, and a second section which extends between the crank and the second connecting rod. The first section and the second section extend on substantially opposite sides with respect to the hinge axis on which the crank is hinged to the first connecting rod.

In some known solutions a connecting rod connected to the handle is hinged directly to the hinge of the toggle mechanism. In the solution of the present invention, however, the second connecting rod is hinged on the connecting rod of the toggle mechanism at a point spaced from the hinge of the toggle mechanism itself, farthest from the movable member of the infusion chamber. Compared to these known solutions, the connecting rod of the toggle mechanism (i.e. the first connecting rod) is longer and extends beyond the hinge, thus allowing the point of application of the force to be moved by the second connecting rod connected to the handle.

This is useful to give the designer additional degrees of freedom, such as the length of the extension of the first connecting rod beyond the hinge and the relative angle formed by the two sections of the first connecting rod, to meet as much as possible the requirements in relation to the forces. requests from the user and the location of the equipment components.

In particular, this is useful to reduce, with respect to known solutions, the maximum force that is required for closing the infusion chamber and specifically to overcome the dead point of the mechanism.

Basically, the handle, the connecting rods and the crank constitute a lever for the movement of the mobile member of the infusion group.

In an embodiment of the present invention, this leverage comprises a second type lever (which is represented by the handle that can be moved by the user) which, by means of the second connecting rod, is in sequence with a first type lever (which is represented by the first connecting rod). The inventors have verified that this is useful to obtain a particular advantage in terms of reducing the force required to overcome the dead point of the mechanism.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of an apparatus for the preparation of a beverage. Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of an apparatus for preparing a beverage according to the present invention, in a first condition corresponding to a working position;

Figure 2 shows a sectional side view of the apparatus of Figure 1, in the first condition;

figure 3 shows a perspective view in section of the apparatus of figure 1, in the first condition;

Figure 4 shows a side view of a unit forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1, in the first condition;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the unit of Figure 4, in the first condition;

Figure 6 shows a sectional side view of the unit of Figure 4, in the first condition;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view in section of the unit of Figure 4, in the first condition;

Figure 8 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1, in a second intermediate condition between the first condition and a third condition corresponding to a rest position;

Figure 9 shows a sectional side view of the apparatus of Figure 1, in the second condition;

figure 10 shows a perspective view in section of the apparatus of figure 1, in the second condition;

Figure 11 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1, in the third condition corresponding to a rest position;

figure 12 shows a sectional side view of the apparatus of figure 1, in the third condition;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view in section of the apparatus of Figure 1, in the third condition;

Figure 14 shows a side view of the unit of Figure 4, in the third condition;

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the unit of Figure 4, in the third condition;

Figure 16 shows a sectional side view of the unit of Figure 4, in the third condition;

Figure 17 shows a perspective view in section of the unit of Figure 4, in the third condition;

Figure 18 shows a sectional side view of a mechanism (or linkage) of the apparatus of Figure 1, in which a component is shown disconnected from the other components and in which the other parts of the apparatus are not shown.

In the aforementioned figures, an apparatus for the preparation of a beverage in accordance with the present invention has been globally indicated with the reference number 1. For the preparation of a beverage, the apparatus 1 uses a capsule or a pod (not shown) , in particular a disposable capsule, which contains a food substance, such as coffee powder, suitable for producing the drink when water is injected into the capsule. In the following reference will be made to a capsule, however it is understood that what described is also applicable to a pod, a cartridge or other similar disposable article containing a powdered food substance for preparing a drink. The apparatus 1 is represented schematically and in particular some details relating to aspects known per se and not relevant to the understanding of the present invention have been omitted from the figures.

The apparatus 1 has a support frame 10, which supports the internal components of the apparatus 1 itself, and a shell 11, or outer casing, fixed to the support frame 10 (or itself forming the support frame) and which encloses and protects internal components.

The apparatus 1 comprises an infusion unit 2 in which an infusion chamber 20 is obtained which is adapted to receive the capsule containing the food substance. It should be noted that the support frame 10 indicated above must be understood in a broad sense, so that also the fixed structure of the infusion group 2, which in turn supports the components indicated below, must be understood as part of the support frame 10.

The infusion unit 2 comprises a first member 21 and a second member 22 which are mutually movable between a working position and a rest position. In the working position, to which Figures 1 to 7 refer, the first member 21 and the second member 22 are coupled to each other and define the brewing chamber 20 in which, in use, can be enclosed the capsule. In the rest position, to which figures 11 to 17 refer, the first member 21 and the second member 22 are spaced from each other and allow, in use, to insert or remove the capsule into / from the chamber. infusion 20. Figures 8 to 10 refer to an intermediate position of transition between the working position and the rest position.

In practice, in the rest position the two members 21, 22 are sufficiently spaced from each other to allow the insertion of a capsule between them, while when they are in the working position (or infusion position) the two members 21, 22 clamp the capsule in the infusion chamber 20. The reciprocal movement of the first member 21 and of the second member 22 between the rest position and the working position, and vice versa, is carried out manually by a user through a handle or lever 12 which is hinged to the support frame 10 of the apparatus 1 on a rotation axis 120. This aspect will be described in greater detail below.

In particular, the first member 21 is a member movable with respect to the support frame 10 and is moved by means of the handle 12, while the second member 22 is substantially fixed with respect to the support frame 10. The first member 21 is mounted slidingly with respect to the frame support 10 and its movement between the working position and the rest position, and vice versa, is a translation movement with respect to the support frame 10. The support frame 10 comprises suitable guides, rails or other elements to constrain the first member 21 to perform said translation movement. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the infusion unit 2 is of the horizontal type: the first member 21 and the second member 22 are movable with respect to each other according to a direction of horizontal movement, which is parallel to a central axis defined by the brewing chamber 20. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the brewing chamber 20 is formed substantially entirely in one between the first member 21 and the second member 22 (specifically, in the first member 21), while the another member acts as a clamping element of the brewing chamber 20.

For positioning the capsule, the apparatus 1 comprises an insertion opening 13 and a transfer channel 14 which connects the insertion opening 13 to the brewing chamber 20. The capsule, after being inserted into the apparatus 1 through the opening insertion 13, runs through the transfer channel 14 until it reaches a receiving seat between the first member 21 and the second member 22 of the infusion unit 2 in the rest position.

In particular, the insertion opening 13 is an opening at the top of the transfer channel 14 and faces upwards. As shown in the figures, the insertion opening 13 is located in the top region of the shell 11 and the transfer channel 14 has a development substantially from top to bottom (vertical or possibly inclined), so that the capsule moves in it thanks to the force of gravity, falling downwards.

When the first member 21 and the second member 22 of the infusion group 2 are in the rest position, the bottom of the transfer channel 14 opens onto the receiving seat which is formed by the space interposed between the first member 21 and the second member 22 When the first member 21 and the second member 22 of the brewing unit 2 are in the working position, the bottom of the transfer channel 14 is closed by a movable wall which moves with the first member 21.

The apparatus 1 can comprise an image acquisition device 15 which is intended to acquire at least one image of a portion of the capsule, in particular to acquire one or more images of at least an identifying portion of the capsule itself, i.e. a portion on which it is there is a barcode or other graphic element that is in itself visible and recognizable. In the illustrated embodiment, the image acquisition device 15 is positioned laterally with respect to the transfer channel 14 and in use acquires at least one image of a portion of the capsule before the latter reaches the infusion chamber 20.

The apparatus 1 can comprise means for retaining the capsule, which can be produced per se in a known way, for retaining the capsule in a waiting position when the first member 21 and the second member 22 are in the rest position and during at least a portion of the their displacement towards the working position, and capsule ejection means (which can also be manufactured in a known way) which cause the capsule to be ejected from the infusion chamber 20 at the end of delivery during the return of the first member 21 and of the second member 22 towards the rest position.

The apparatus 1 also comprises a collection chamber 16 for the used capsules: following expulsion from the infusion chamber 20 after use, the capsule falls into the collection chamber 16, which is located under the infusion chamber 20, substantially on the bottom of the apparatus 1, and is connected to the infusion chamber 20 by a drop channel. The collection chamber 16 is part, for example, of a drawer which, being extractable with respect to the main body of the apparatus 1, allows periodic removal and disposal of the used capsules.

A beverage preparation system is associated with the infusion chamber 20, which is configured to feed, in use, water (in particular hot water) inside the capsule enclosed in the infusion chamber 20, thus determining the formation of the beverage, and to collect, in use, the drink that comes out of the capsule enclosed in the infusion chamber 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage preparation system comprises a boiler (not shown in the figures) for heating water, a water supply circuit (pressurized or not) to the infusion chamber 20, a delivery duct which carries the drink prepared to a dispenser 17 under which a cup can be positioned. In this regard, the equipment 1 includes a support 18 for a cup, the support for a cup 18 being under the dispenser 17. The water to be heated is taken from a tank 19 and the water supply circuit includes a pump. For example, the boiler includes an electrical resistance that heats the water by the Joule effect. The beverage preparation system also comprises a first drilling element 23 for making a first hole in the bottom of the capsule and a second drilling element 24 for making a second hole in the lid of the capsule. For example, the water from the water supply circuit is fed into the capsule through the second hole, the drink comes out of the capsule through the first hole to go into the delivery duct. The details of the beverage preparation system can in themselves be similar to those known.

The present invention relates in particular to the aspects relating to the movement of the first member 21 of the infusion group 2 with respect to the second member 22 of the same.

As already mentioned above, a handle 12 (in practice, a lever) is hinged to the support frame 10 and can be moved by a user between a first position (shown in figures 1 to 7) and a second position (shown in figures from 11 to 17), and vice versa.

In particular, the handle 12 is located in the top part of the apparatus 1, on the upper face of the shell 11, and is pivoted on a rotation axis 120 which is substantially horizontal.

In the first position the handle 12 is substantially horizontal and parallel to the upper face of the shell 11. In the second position the handle 12 is angularly displaced upwards, for example with a rotation of 75 ° with respect to the first position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 12 has a flat and elongated shape. The handle 12 has a first end portion 121, in which it is hinged to the support frame 10, and, on the opposite side, a second end portion 122 which is a gripping portion that can be gripped by the user to move the handle 12. The gripping portion 122 is inclined upwards to facilitate gripping by the user himself. Furthermore, at the insertion opening 13, the handle 12 has a passage opening 124 to allow the capsule to be inserted into the transfer channel 14 even when the handle 12 is in the first position.

The apparatus 1 further comprises an articulated mechanism 3 which connects the handle 12 to the first member 21 of the infusion unit 2. The articulated mechanism 3 transmits the movements of the handle 12 to the first member 21, so that the first position of the handle 12 corresponds to the working position of the infusion unit 2 and the second position of the handle 12 corresponds to the rest position of the infusion unit 2. The articulated mechanism 3 comprises: a crank 35 which is hinged to the support frame 10, on a respective axis of rotation 350; a first connecting rod 31 which is hinged to the first member 21 of the infusion assembly 2 on a first hinge axis 310; a second connecting rod 32 which is connected to the handle 12.

The first connecting rod 31 and the second connecting rod 32 are hinged together on a second hinge axis 320, while the crank 35 and the first connecting rod 31 are hinged together on a third hinge axis 330.

Therefore, the first connecting rod 31 has a first section 311 which extends between the first member 21 and the crank 35, and a second section 312 which extends between the crank 35 and the second connecting rod 32. The first section 311 and the second section 312 extend on substantially opposite sides with respect to the third hinge axis 330. In practice, the first connecting rod 31 is a first kind of lever, in which the fulcrum (third hinge axis 330) is movable with the crank 35.

The three hinge axes 310, 320, 330 are distinct and spaced from each other. Consequently, along the first connecting rod 31 there is a first region (for example the first end 316) with the first hinge axis 310, a second region (for example the second end 317) with the second hinge axis 320, a third region (for example the angled intermediate region 318) with the third hinge axis 330. In substance, each of said axes crosses the respective region.

As evident from the figures, the third region 318 is in a substantially interposed position between the first region 316 and the second region 317. It should be noted that, to allow the entire first connecting rod 31 to be represented, in Figure 18 the crank 35 is shown ( with dotted line) disconnected from the first connecting rod 31 and rotated out of space. The hinge and rotation axes are perpendicular to the plane of the sheet.

In the example, the second section 312 of the first connecting rod 31 is substantially an extension of the first section 311 of the first connecting rod 31 itself, this extension extending beyond the hinge region 318 between the first connecting rod 31 and the crank 35.

As said, the first section 311 and the second section 312 extend on substantially opposite sides with respect to the third hinge axis 330, but this does not mean that the first section 311 and the second section 312 are necessarily aligned with each other. In fact, in the illustrated embodiment the first connecting rod 31 has a substantially L or V shape, in which the first section 311 and the second section 312 are elongated sections which form an obtuse angle between them, for example an angle of 135 °. The three hinge axes 310, 320, 330 are therefore not coplanar. Specifically, the second section 312 of the first connecting rod 21 extends in the direction towards the handle 12, at least when the handle 12 is in the second position.

In the particular embodiment, the distance between the first hinge axis 310 and the third hinge axis 330 is approximately equal to the distance between the second hinge axis 320 and the third hinge axis 330. In other words, the first portion 311 and the second section 312 have approximately the same length.

Returning to the operation of the articulated mechanism 3, it can be noted that the crank 35 and the first connecting rod 31 form a toggle mechanism, which transforms a rotation of the crank 35 into a translation of the first member 21 of the brewing group 2. In fact, the position of the infusion unit 2 corresponds to a first angular position of the crank 35 in which the latter is directed towards the first member 21 and forms an almost flat angle with the first section 311 of the first connecting rod 31; the rest position of the infusion group 2 corresponds to a second angular position of the crank 35 in which the latter is directed upwards (with a rotation of just over 90 ° with respect to the first angular position) and forms an acute angle (for example of about 45 °) with the first section 311 of the first connecting rod 31. The roto-translation of the first connecting rod 31 between the two positions, in cooperation with the constraints which force the first member 21 to a translation movement, moves the first member 21 between the working position and the rest position, or vice versa.

The second connecting rod 32 transmits the movement of the handle 12 to the toggle mechanism, so that the first position and the second position of the handle 12 correspond to respective angular positions of the crank 35.

Thanks to the fact that the second hinge axis 320, in correspondence with which the second connecting rod 32 transmits the force to the first connecting rod 31, and the third hinge axis 330, which is the fulcrum of the toggle, are spaced apart, a advantageous distribution of forces and their moments, which can be optimized by dimensioning the connecting rods 31, 32.

Furthermore, by suitably choosing the length of the second section 312 of the first connecting rod 31 and the angle it forms with the first section 311, during the design phase of the apparatus it is possible to space the handle 12 and the brewing unit 2 as desired without compromising the functionality. In the present case, for example, the presence of the transfer channel 14 and of the image acquisition device 15 imposes a certain distance between the infusion chamber 20 and the upper face of the shell 11 where the handle 12 is located. by adding degrees of freedom in the dimensioning of the first connecting rod 31, it allows to satisfy this need without heavily influencing the position of the handle 12 and its angle of excursion between the two positions.

In particular, the three hinge axes 310, 320, 330 are parallel to each other and, in the specific embodiment illustrated, they are substantially horizontal axes. The rotation axis 350 of the crank 35 is also parallel to the three hinge axes 310, 320, 330.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second connecting rod 32 is hinged to the handle 12 on a fourth hinge axis 340 and, specifically, the fourth hinge axis 340 is parallel to the three hinge axes 310, 320, 330, as well as to the axis of rotation 120 of the handle 12 itself.

Even more particularly, on the handle 12 a region with the fourth hinge axis 340 (in particular a portion 123 protruding from the lower face of the handle 12) is in a position interposed between the first end portion 121, in which the handle 12 is pivoted to the support frame 10, and the second end portion 122 can be grasped by the user. In practice, the handle 12 is a second kind of lever. The second portion 312 of the first connecting rod 31 extends towards the handle 12 and furthermore, as shown by a comparison between Figures 6 and 16, the second connecting rod 32 and the second portion 312 of the first connecting rod 31 form an angle between them. whose amplitude in the working position (figure 6) is less than the amplitude in the rest position (figure 16).

Consequently, in the illustrated configuration the distance between the third hinge axis 330 and the fourth hinge axis 340 is smaller in the working position than in the rest position. This is useful because, with the same movement of the toggle mechanism, the handle 12 can perform a greater angular excursion (with consequent reduction of the required force) compared to the case in which the second connecting rod 32 was pivoted directly to the third hinge axis 330 instead than to the second section 312 of the first connecting rod 31. Furthermore, by suitably dimensioning the connecting rods 31, 32, it is possible to obtain a desired angular excursion for the handle 12.

In the particular embodiment illustrated, the articulated mechanism 3 comprises two of said first connecting rods 31. The two first connecting rods 31 are arranged spaced apart on planes parallel to each other and are both hinged to the first member 21 on the first hinge axis 310, to the second connecting rod 32 on the second hinge axis 320 and to the crank 35 on the third hinge axis 330. In practice, the force exerted by the second connecting rod 32 is divided between the two first connecting rods 31.

In the respective hinge regions, the two first connecting rods 31 enclose between them a portion of the crank 35 and a portion of the second connecting rod 32. In other words, the two first connecting rods 31 are kept spaced apart by the thickness of the crank 35 and of the second connecting rod 32. This is useful to increase the structural solidity of the articulated mechanism 3 and to distribute the stresses in the hinges in a symmetrical way.

Starting from the initial position of Figures 1 to 7 (i.e. from the working position with the infusion unit 2 closed), the user inserts a capsule into the insertion opening 13 (through the opening 124 in the handle 12) and acting on the socket 122 pivots handle 12 upward. The movement is transmitted, through the second connecting rod 32, to the first connecting rod 31 which performs a roto-translation movement constrained by the crank 35 (which rotates around its axis 350) and by the first member 21 (which translates along its horizontal movement direction) . In a very first movement, the toggle formed by the crank 35 and the first section 311 of the connecting rod 31 overcomes the dead point (i.e., the third hinge axis 330 passes from under the plane containing the first hinge axis 310 and the rotation axis 350 of the crank a above this plane), then the movement continues and the first member 21 moves away from the second member 22, thus opening the infusion chamber 20.

Transiting through the intermediate condition of figures 8 to 10, when the user has brought the handle 12 to the second position of figures 11 to 17 the infusion unit 2 is in the rest position (i.e. the infusion chamber 20 is completely open ) and the capsule, which after falling along the transfer channel 14 had stopped above the closed infusion chamber 20, falls into the infusion chamber 20 and is positioned in the latter. From the comparison between the figures, the path of the different parts of the articulated mechanism 3 is evident.

The user, by rotating the handle towards the first position, returns the infusion group 2 to the working position (with movements equal and opposite to those of the movement between the working position and the rest position) and, when the chamber is closed. of infusion 20, the preparation of the drink can begin.

In addition to the advantages already discussed, it should also be noted that the present invention is relatively easy to produce and that the cost associated with its implementation is not very high.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the attached claims.

All the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent ones and the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may be any according to requirements.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Equipment (1) for preparing a beverage using a capsule or pod containing a food substance, the equipment including: - a support frame (10); - an infusion group (2) which includes a first member (21) and a second member (22) which are mutually movable between a working position, in which the first member (21) and the second member (22) are coupled with each other and define between them an infusion chamber (20) in which, in use, said capsule or pod can be enclosed, and a rest position, in which the first member (21) and the second member (22) are spaced from each other and allow, in use, to insert or remove the capsule or pod in / from the brewing chamber (20), the first member (21) being mounted slidingly with respect to the support frame ( 10), the movement of the first member (21) between the working position and the rest position, and vice versa, being a translation movement with respect to the support frame (10); - a beverage preparation system configured to feed, in use, water inside the capsule or pod enclosed in the infusion chamber (20) and to collect, in use, a beverage that comes out of the capsule or pod enclosed in the infusion chamber (20); - a handle (12) which is hinged to the support frame (10) and can be moved by a user between a first position and a second position, and vice versa; - an articulated mechanism (3) that connects the handle (12) to the first member (21) of the brewing group (2), so that the first position of the handle (12) corresponds to the working position and the second position of the handle ( 12) corresponds to the rest position; wherein the articulated mechanism (3) comprises a crank (35) which is pivoted to the support frame (10), a first connecting rod (31) which is hinged to the first member (21) of the brewing unit (2) on a first hinge axis (310), a second connecting rod (32) which is connected to the handle (12), the first connecting rod (31) and the second connecting rod (32) being hinged together on a second hinge axis (320), the crank (35) and the first connecting rod (31) being hinged together on a third hinge axis (330), the crank (35) and the first connecting rod (31) forming a toggle mechanism which transforms a rotation of the crank (35) into a translation of the first member (21) of the infusion group (2), the second connecting rod (32) transmitting the movement of the handle (12) to the toggle mechanism, so that the first and second positions of the handle (12) correspond to respective angular positions of the crank (35), in which the first connecting rod (31) has a first section (311) which extends between the first member (21) and the crank (35), and a second section (312) which extends between the crank (35) and the second connecting rod (32), the first section (311) and the second section (312) extending from parts substantially opposite with respect to the third hinge axis (330), whereby, along the first connecting rod (31), there are a first region (316) with the first hinge axis (310), a second region (317) with the second hinge axis (320) and a third region (318 ) with the third hinge axis (330), the third region (318) being in an interposed position between the first region (316) and the second region (317). 2. Apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting rod (31) has a substantially L or V shape, the first section (311) and the second section (312) being elongated sections which form an obtuse angle between them. 3 Apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second section (312) of the first connecting rod (31) is substantially an extension of the first section (311) of the first connecting rod (31). Apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second portion (312) of the first connecting rod (31) extends in the direction towards the handle (12) and in which the second connecting rod (32) and the second portion (312) of the first connecting rod (31) form an angle to each other, the width of said angle formed in the working position being smaller than the width of said angle formed in the rest position. Apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distance between the first hinge axis (310) and the third hinge axis (330) is approximately equal to the distance between the second hinge axis (320) and the third hinge axis (330). Apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second connecting rod (32) is hinged to the handle (12) on a fourth hinge axis (340). 7. Apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage according to claim 6, wherein on the handle (12) a region (123) with the fourth hinge axis (340) is in a position interposed between a first end portion ( 121), in which the handle (12) is hinged to the support frame (10), and a second end portion (122), which can be grasped by a user to move the handle (12). 8. Apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage according to claim 7, wherein the distance between the third hinge axis (330) and the fourth hinge axis (340) in the working position is less than the distance between the third hinge axis (330) and the fourth hinge axis (340) in rest position. 9. Apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the articulated mechanism (3) comprises two of said first connecting rods (31), the two first connecting rods (31) being spaced apart on planes parallel to each other and both being hinged to the first member (21) on the first hinge axis (310), to the second connecting rod (32) on the second hinge axis (320) and to the crank (35) on the third hinge axis ( 330), the two first connecting rods (31) enclosing between them a portion of the crank (35) and a portion of the second connecting rod (32). Apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first hinge axis (310), the second hinge axis (320) and the third hinge axis (330) they are parallel to each other.