Beverage machine with drip tray device for recipients of different heights

[0001] The invention relates to a beverage preparation device with a drip tray assembly shaped to collect dripping liquid or liquid waste from vessels of various sizes, in particular from low and high beverage vessels.

[0002] Beverage makers are becoming very popular, both at home and in offices. There is a need for devices that can prepare and supply various types of drinks; especially coffee and / or milk drinks. For example, there are devices that simultaneously extract coffee from capsules or trays and provide milk froth in this way ensuring the possibility of making both espresso, cappuccino and macchiato. These drinks are served in dishes of different sizes. Espresso coffees are usually served in 40-ml cups, while cappuccino coffees are served in 110-ml cups, and macchiato coffees are served in tall glasses or even larger volumes.

[0003] In addition, for espresso or ristretto coffees, it is important to maintain the quality of the "cream" of coffee by providing a sufficiently short distance between the coffee outlet and the cup.

[0004] Typically, beverage devices have a drip tray for collecting dripping fluid and waste fluid (water or drink) that will not fall straight into the vessel. The drip tray must be emptied and washed by the user. These simple hygiene procedures depend on the operation and rest time of the device, but should be done often enough to avoid odors and organic growth.

[0005] There are devices with drip tray assemblies that are shaped to receive vessels of different heights. However, existing teams have all disadvantages. Some are not stable enough, insufficiently suitable for use, too complicated and / or too expensive to produce. Such a device is disclosed in DE-U-9 109 023.

[0006] US 2003/0034359 relates to a beverage dispenser with drip tray assembly for a portable coffee dispenser.

[0007] Patent application EP 1 440 639 A1 relates to a beverage device comprising a vessel support having a hollow interior forming a drip tray. The upper surface of the vessel support is fitted with a grate on which the vessel is placed. The drip tray is removable from the housing to easily drain the accumulated water.

[0008] The present invention aims to propose a beverage device equipped with a drip tray assembly which overcomes these drawbacks. In particular, it is an object of the invention to propose an assembly that is simpler to use and more efficient.

[0009] Thus, the present invention relates to a beverage device comprising a drip tray assembly disposed at least below the beverage outlet, for collecting dripping liquid and / or foam; wherein the drip tray assembly includes a first dripping support grid for holding the first beverage vessel and a collecting tank for collecting fluid passing through the support grid characterized in that the first support grid is removable from the collecting tank and, when removed, leaves the second dripping grid a carrier shaped below for holding a second beverage container with a greater height.

-1EP 1 731 065 Β1 [0010] The invention consists in that it has a first drip support grid, which can be easily removed to reveal the second drip support below. The user does not have to waste a lot of time and effort on handling or adapting the drip tray for a larger vessel and thus starting to serve the drink. Another advantage is that the beverage outlet and the fluid system attached thereto can be held in a fixed fixed position, while only the flat surface for receiving the beverage container is movable. This makes the device less complex.

[0011] The support grid may be removed either completely or removed partially in such a way as to expose the second vessel carrier below. For example, the support grate may retract or move away from its support position to the retracted or distant position, while still attached to the device or to the collecting tank via connecting means such as a hinge or the like.

[0012] In the example according to the invention, the second support means are placed a few centimeters below the first support grid. The distance is selected depending on the typical size of the drink prepared. Usually, the distance between the first and second carriers is between 2 to 8 cm.

[0013] Preferably, the collection tank comprises a first tank for collecting fluid from the first support grid.

[0014] The second dripping support means comprise a second collecting tank for collecting dripping liquid when a second vessel with a larger height is placed thereon. The tank can be made separate and closed to the tank of the main collecting tank.

[0015] In the example, the first tank is located at the back and / or in the side vicinity, but separately, of the second tank.

[0016] In a preferred example, the first and second tanks are connected in such a way that they communicate with each other. For example, the second tank is shaped with such a slope or height difference that it drains the liquid into the first tank freely. The first tank is preferably a larger capacity tank.

[0017] In one example, the first support grate comprises a sewer. The sewer may be shaped to direct the collected fluid that passes through the grate to the first collection tank. The sewer can be arranged above the second support means so that the drainage fluid is drained to the first tank of the main collecting tank without contaminating the drainage fluid from the first support grid of the second support means. Usually, second support means are used less frequently. Thus, the fluid lost does not fall on the second support means below and thus can remain cleaner until they are used.

[0018] Preferably, the first tank is located behind the collecting tank. The sewer is therefore shaped with a slope backwards and downwards. Thus, the tank is hidden to give a less unpleasant odor, and to stay away from the user's eyes for a better perception of hygiene.

[0019] In one example, second dripping support means are provided at the bottom of the cavity with a sufficient cross-section to allow a second vessel to be received therein; said cavity is shaped on its sides and at the back by the adjacent wall of the collecting tank. It is advantageous to ensure that drops of fluid and / or foam that may fall outside the area of ​​the second dripping support means are also collected by the collection tank. More specifically, the recess of the second drip support means is defined by the walls of the first large tank. Another advantage is having a drip collector with raised sides, which is what

-2EP 1 731 065 najmniej1 least partially surrounds the receding lower drip carrier, which means that lateral fluid dispersions can be better collected in the tank.

[0020] An additional grate may be provided to hide the first collection tank reservoir when the first support grate is removed. This provides a better external visual experience for the user who does not directly see the fluid lost in the collection tank. However, this grate is optional and can be omitted.

[0021] In the example of the invention, the first support grate has a front cover that is designed to close the cavity when it is in place. In this way, the tank of the second drip carrier remains closed when the assembly is removed for emptying. Thus, the "wave" and fluid overflow effects are avoided when removing the unit from the device and during its transfer to the sink for emptying and washing.

[0022] In an example, the collection tank comprises a single tank for collecting fluid and / or foam from both means of the first and second drip grids; said tank being located only below the second drip support means.

[0023] In an example, the device may comprise a container for recovering used capsules associated with a collection tank such that any fluid from the container can be drained into the collection tank.

[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the beverage device may comprise a milk foam dispenser which can prepare and deliver, in a very seconds, in a very hygienic manner, hot milk foam from liquid milk, such as fresh milk contained in a heat insulating dish.

[0025] Thus, the milk foam dispenser comprises: a housing;

and the housing comprises an evaporator adapted to produce steam under pressure through a steam outlet duct, a foam dispensing nozzle which is shaped as removable insertable into the steam outlet duct, a drip tray assembly adapted to receive a vessel in which the dispenser contains a milk container and the housing a cavity for receiving a removable milk container; wherein the nozzle is fed with milk from the milk container through a tube or straw carrying the milk from the container to the milk inlet of the nozzle.

[0026] Next, through the examples highlighted, the features, features and embodiments of the inventions will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage device equipped with a replaceable drip tray assembly according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the beverage device of FIG. 1

-3EP 1 731 065 Β1

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the replaceable drip tray assembly,

FIG. 4 is a side view of the upper drip support grid of the assembly of FIG. 3

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the grid of FIG. 4

FIG. 6 shows the assembly of FIG. 3 with the upper drip support grate removed,

FIG. 7 shows the assembly of FIG. 6 with another additional grate of the collecting tank, removable for emptying and flushing,

FIG. 8 shows an additional assembly grid,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a milk foam production assembly in accordance with a variation of the embodiment of the present invention, and where a low vessel for receiving milk foam from the outlet opening is located,

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the milk foam manufacturing assembly of FIG. 9, where the higher container for receiving milk foam from the outlet opening is located,

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the drip tray assembly of FIG. 9

FIG. 12 is a detail view of the drip tray assembly of FIG. 9

FIG. 13 shows another top view of the drip tray assembly of FIG. 9.

[0027] With reference to the views in the drawings, a beverage device is generally designated as 1, and more specifically coffee dispensing devices that use portioned coffee, such as in capsules, to prepare a beverage. The machine has the typical components needed to dispense and deliver a drink, such as coffee and various types of milk coffee (for example, cappuccino, macchiato, ...). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device consists of a cover and frame structure 2, a front housing 20 for receiving a capsule extraction module (not shown), where the frame structure comprises a capsule-shaped opening 21 for easy insertion of the capsule into the module. The dispensing housing 20 terminates at its lower end with an outlet (beverage) 22 in the form of a collector and a part of the pipe in the form of a funnel. The outlet 22 may be shaped with special means that interrupt the flow of beverage coming out of the dispensing module and / or condition the foam and / or reduce spatter. [0028] The device further comprises a removable water supply tank 3 and internal components (not shown) needed for supplying hot water under pressure in the dispensing module for preparing hot drinks, in particular a heater or boiler, pump, pipes and electronic controller. The device also has appropriate control means 23 and, finally, an information display 24 providing short messages or information regarding the preparation of the drink and / or the operation of the device.

-4EP 1 731 065 Β1 [0029] The device may then have a steam supply unit 4 which is arranged on the milk foam preparation side. The steam supply assembly may be a straight steam pipe 40 with a steam outlet 41 and, finally, a Venturi type foam nozzle (not shown) known in the art that plugs the steam outlet and which draws milk from a milk source and foam them hot in a mixture of steam and air.

[0030] The versatility of the device is such that both pure coffee beverages (e.g., ristretto or espresso) and coffee beverages with milk foam (cappuccino, macchiato) can be produced.

[0031] According to the invention, the beverage device comprises a drip tray assembly shaped to be adapted to beverage vessels of different heights. An exemplary drip tray assembly 5 is shown in FIG. 3 after complete disconnection from the rest of the device for regular user operation (namely, emptying, washing, cleaning). As shown in FIG. 2, the assembly is partially inserted into the recess of the device frame.

[0032] The drip tray assembly comprises a collection tank 6 and an upper drip support grate 7 that covers the collection tank during normal use with a small beverage container. The upper drip support grid 7 is removable relative to the collection tank 6 to reveal the lower second drip carrier 8 made in the recess 60 of the collection tank.

[0033] The collecting tank houses a main tank 51 for collecting dripping fluid and waste, as shown in Figure 6. The tank has a part 54 which is U-shaped transversely but can also be O-shaped to completely surround cavity 60. Thus, the reservoir defines cavity 60 along at least three sides, eventually four sides, through the upwardly extending wall 52. The advantage is mainly the simplicity of the design with the integrated bottom drip carrier 8 and also to ensure that the reservoir 51 catches lateral fluid dispersions outside the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity.

[0034] The collection tank then extends at the back of the U-shaped tank to form a rear extension of the tank 53 with a smaller width and lower height to facilitate connection and insertion into the device. The back extension of the tank also ensures that a large amount of fluid is kept away from the user's eyes and, accordingly, bad smells are also reduced. This also allows the drip tray assembly to be combined with other device components to collect lost fluid from these components, if necessary. In particular, the reservoir is positioned at least partly under a container for recovering used capsules to recover the effluent from the coffee capsules used. The used capsule recovery container thus has drainage means, such as one or more holes or tubes, or a basket connected to the bottom of the container.

[0035] FIG. 4 and 5 show the detail of the upper support grate 7. The grate is formed of a horizontal metal or plastic perforated plate 70, front cover wall 71 and a sewer 72 located under plate 70.

[0036] Drain 72 is designed to recover fluid from the central area of ​​the plate and lead it to the back of the collecting tank in the main tank 51. The duct has a shape that substantially matches the portion of the cavity of the lower dripping carrier. It is located above the recess and is inclined downwards and backwards. As a result, when a low dish with the upper drip support is used, the fluid does not fall on the lower drip support for the higher dishes, but is transferred to the back of the tank, thereby allowing the lower support to be kept substantially clean.

-5EP 1 731 065 Β1 [0037] At the front of the upper grid, a cover wall 71 is arranged, which mainly performs the function of closing the front of the cavity when the grid is positioned. As a result, the fluid at the bottom of the bottom drip carrier cannot leave the assembly when removing the entire assembly and transferring to the sink.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the collecting tank has a second grate 9, which is also preferably removable from the tank body, whose function is mainly to hide the inside of the tank when the upper grate 7 is removed and the lower carrier 8 is used. This grate 9 is located just below the first grate 7 and is fitted to the peripheral inner ridge of the periphery on the outer wall and the wall defining the recess 52 of the tank. Figure 8 also shows that the grate 9 may include a rear wall 90 that partially separates the main tank 51 and the rear tank 53. [0039] As also shown in FIG. 6, the lower drip support 8 has vessel support elements 81 in the form of a plurality of support ridges protruding upwardly in the second tank 82. The support elements can also be replaced by a simple removable plate grate. The advantage of the ridges is that they can be made of the same piece as the rest of the collecting tank by molding plastic.

[0040] The second tank 82 can be made separately from the main tank 51 without fluid communication means as illustrated in the example. Alternatively, there may be a passage, sewer, opening or other connection through the wall 52 so that the tank 82 has a drain to the main tank 51.

[0041] The general rectangular shape and dimensions of the drip tray assembly are not important and many variations can be imagined, although a sufficiently large assembly for collecting all the liquid also containing water or milk drops below the steam supply outlet is preferred.

[0042] Figures 9 to 12 show a different embodiment for a milk foam dispenser 1b. The dispenser according to the invention is shaped to prepare hot foamed milk from fresh milk on demand and in a hygienic manner. The dispenser has a housing 2b. The housing includes a thermoblock evaporator that produces steam on demand. The water supply tank 29 can be provided on the side of the housing. The steam exhaust duct 22b is provided at the top of the front side of the housing. The outlet opening can be protected by a heat-insulating plastic cover to prevent burns. The steam exhaust duct 22b terminates in a steam connector, into which a foam control assembly 41 is inserted, which forms an extension of the connector. The foam dispensing team can be a team as described in Pending European Patent Application No. 05008099.3 filed April 13, 2005 "Replaceable nozzle for producing foamed fluid"; whose content is incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] The housing then comprises a large cavity 20b adapted to receive a heat insulating milk container 25. The vessel is used for feeding liquid milk to the foaming unit. The cavity is preferably thermally insulated to reduce heat transfer from the evaporator to the vessel. The vessel has a lid 26 provided with an opening (not shown) and a U-shaped guide member 27 which protrudes radially from the lid. Liquid milk is fed from the vessel to the foaming nozzle 41 through the dispensing straw 28 or thin-walled tube, which is inserted into the lid opening. The straw 28 is thus guided in the U-shaped guide member 27 up to the milk inlet connector of the nozzle 41. [0044] The milk foam dispenser drip tray 5b is removable as shown in Figures 11 and

12. The drip tray comprises a collection container 51 because it is substantially rectangular in shape, which is removably closed by the upper grate 70b. The grid 70b serves as a carrier for a small dish, such as a coffee cup. The grate can be supported on the inner peripheral edge 51 d of the walls of the collecting tank. At the bottom of the tank, lower drip support means such as many elements are provided

-6EP 1 731 065 Β1 support 81 b (for example, many spaced apart ridges) or a grate that can receive a large vessel, as shown in Figure 10. The support elements 81 b should be sufficiently high (for example between up to 25 mm) so that there is sufficient space for lost fluid. [0045] The collecting tank has an opening 60b to provide space for the large vessel for its convenient placement on the lower dripping support means. The opening 60b is closed by a covering element 71 b which includes stiffening members 71 c with a support part 71 d for stably receiving the upper grid 70b.

[0046] The collecting tank may also include a second tank 51c for receiving water lost through passage 51d from a dispenser, such as water coming from the evaporator, when the evaporator is drained of water to reduce the problems associated with scaling. The tank can have an upper flap 51 e, which can be opened to empty the tank.

[0047] The drip tray assembly further includes a receiving receptacle 55 for the vessel. The seat 55 has a shape that is complementary to the base of the vessel such that the vessel can be inserted into the socket in a removable manner.

[0048] The milk foam dispenser works as follows. The user removes the milk container to fill it with fresh milk by removing the entire drip tray assembly 5b as one block. The dish is preferably again filled with chilled milk. Because the dish has a thermos structure, the milk can be kept at a low temperature for many hours. The lid closes the vessel and a straw is placed in the lid and the U-shaped guide member.

[0049] The filled vessel is placed in the receiving seat 55 of the drip tray assembly and the assembly is inserted backwards into the housing. The foam dispensing nozzle is then inserted into the steam outlet / connector and the milk straw into the steam inlet and the milk inlet respectively. Depending on the size of the dish, the height of the drip tray assembly is adjusted by adjusting the grid. The dish is thus placed below the milk foam outlet. The dispenser is switched on by pressing the command 23b. The evaporator produces steam under pressure, which steam is passed to the foaming nozzle assembly. Due to the Venturi effect produced in the nozzle assembly, the liquid milk is sucked in the nozzle, heated and foamed in the mixing chamber of the nozzle assembly. Hot milk foam is thus delivered to the dish. After several applications, the foaming nozzle assembly is ejected and replaced with a new one.

[0050] The milk foam dispenser may be a single insert system or it may be a part or module of the coffee system.