Gripper retention device for a capsule or the like in a machine for the preparation of beverages, in particular espresso coffee

Abstract

The gripper device () comprises a pair of opposite movable jaws () having respective coordinated gripping profiles () intended to cooperate with corresponding predetermined portions of the lateral surface of a capsule (C) of a first predetermined type so as to define a retaining position for such a capsule (C) in which the capsule (C) is essentially coaxial with a predetermined reference direction (R-R). The jaws () are able to assume a relative rest or standby position in which they are close together and inlet portions thereof () are capable of being splayed and passed beyond by a capsule (C) introduced into the machine (), so as to allow said capsule (C) to be positioned and gripped between the gripping profiles () in the retaining position. Moreover, the jaws (), adjacent to said coordinated gripping profiles (), have respective further coordinated gripping profiles () able to cooperate with corresponding predetermined portions of the lateral surface of a capsule (CX) of a further and different type able to be introduced into the machine as well as to splay and pass beyond the inlet portions () of the jaws (). These further coordinated profiles () are shaped and/or arranged such that they are capable of defining, for a capsule (CX) of the further type, a corresponding retaining position in which the capsule (CX) of the further type is axially offset by a predetermined amount (Δ) with respect to the predetermined reference direction (R-R).