Beverage distribution apparatus with support system and droplet recuperation for containers with different sizes

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage delivery device, such as a coffee machine, having a drop recovery system adapted to containers of various sizes. [0002] There is a consumer demand for beverage delivery machines, such as coffee machines, which can supply different drinks to containers of different sizes, especially machines of the type disclosed in US Patent 5,161,455. For example, there are coffee machines that allow you to make espresso or long coffee in a small or medium cup and "macchiato" coffee in a large glass.

[0003] Furthermore, it is important to keep the distance between the beverage outlet and the container in such a way as to ensure good quality of the coffee crema ("crema") and on the other hand to avoid the risk of ejaculation. A system is therefore needed that would prevent the user from making a mistake with respect to the cradle used and the appropriate distance between the beverage outlet and the container.

[0004] Furthermore, it is equally important to propose a drop recovery system that is effective to ensure adequate cleanliness in the handling area.

[0005] It is equally important to propose a system that would be easy to use and that would not be technically complicated.

[0006] The system must also be easy to maintain.

[0007] The devices existing in the prior art do not adequately meet these objectives.

[0008] Some devices are formed of several superimposed base elements. The user must manipulate one or more of these elements so that he can properly adjust the stand to the size of the desired container, bearing the risk of spilling the collected liquid. There is also a risk that the user will not maintain an adequate distance between the outlet and the container depending on the beverage being delivered. For example, he may place the stand too low for coffee served in a cup.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to propose a solution that would meet the said requirements and overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a beverage production device, such as a coffee machine. The device includes a base, a beverage outlet and a stand system and for droplet recovery. The system includes a base element placed under the beverage outlet to receive a relatively small container. According to one aspect of the invention, the stand element is movable between an unfolded position of the stand adapted to receive a small size container and an at least partially repulsed position in which the element is pushed away so that it frees up the space below, which allows a second container with a larger size to be placed in size, in the place of the first container, under the beverage outlet.

[0011] The cup holder element is preferably suspended from the base in an unfolded position for the beverage in a small container and is intended to repel it in such a way as to free space, allowing a larger container to be placed under the beverage outlet.

[0012] Preferably, the base element is suspended at a predetermined vertical distance from the bottom plane of the base. For example, the distance is such that the small size container cannot repel the stand element sufficiently, while the large size container can push said element away.

[0013] According to the invention, the base and collecting means used for the small-size tank (e.g. cup) is simply repelled when a larger-size container is used.

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It can also be repelled by the container itself, for example a large glass. This principle also ensures an optimal distance for delivering the drink, in particular avoiding any risk of confusion when controlling the positioning of the container under the beverage outlet.

[0014] According to one possible implementation, the stand element is rotatable. It is preferably rotatably pushed up when placing a container of sufficient height that can rest on the element and thus hold it in a pushed position. For example, the stand element is pivotally connected to the device on a substantially horizontal axis of rotation allowing said element to be pushed upwards.

[0015] Preferably, the stand element is hinged to the device in such a way that it can be repelled at least partially when positioning a larger container and that it falls again gravityly under the beverage outlet when the user removes said container. The last drops from the beverage outlet can be recovered using the base element itself when the user takes the large-size container from the handling area.

[0016] According to another possible aspect of the invention, the system comprises a fluid collection tank that is positioned to collect the fluid recovered by the base element when it is placed in the pushed position. The stand element can be emptied regularly; this reduces the risk of spillage, improves machine cleanliness, and reduces hygiene problems.

[0017] According to a preferred construction, the base element and the collection tank are connected so as to form a drawer which is removable from the base. In this case, the stand element may be hinged removably on the collection tank itself or on any other part connected to the drawer. This modular drawer design facilitates maintenance and allows cleaning of the entire rack and collecting system.

[0018] The device according to the invention may also comprise a device that locks the stand element in the fully retracted position. The locking device may be positioned so that it automatically releases the stand component to the extended position. After releasing by means of the locking device, the stand element can fall again, e.g. by gravity, into the extended position. Blocking can be used especially for maintenance purposes and / or when the device is not used to reduce its dimensions. Putting the stand element back in place can be automatic, i.e. it does not require manipulation of the stand itself. In this way, the risk of placing the small size container while the element is still locked in the raised or pushed position is reduced.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking means are controlled by the "on / off" power supply means of the device. More specifically, when the device is powered by the power button, the pressure applied to the button unlocks the locking means. The control by means of a button with blocking means may for example be mechanical, electromagnetic and / or electrical in nature.

[0020] The invention is not necessarily limited to a pivotally mounted pedestal element. It is also possible to envisage a method in which the element is repelled by other means such as by sliding the drawer into the socket in the device.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a detail of the stand and recovery system according to the invention in an exploded state.

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Figure 3 shows a detail of the tray and recovery system according to the invention in the form of a drawer; Figure 4 is a detailed perspective view of a part of the device in which the pedestal and droplet recovery system is in the locked position;

Figure 5 shows a detailed view of a part of the device with an exploded system for receiving small to medium sized containers.

[0021] With reference to the figures, the beverage production device is designated 1, and will be referred to for simplicity by "coffee machine" hereinafter. The coffee machine according to the invention comprises a base 2 which may comprise a set of connected parts such as an inner skeleton 3 (illustrated in figures 2-3) on which various outer panels 4, 5, 6 are arranged. The machine comprises a beverage outlet 7, which may have different shapes. For example, the machine also includes means 8 for closing the extraction or percolation module.

[0022] Since the extraction or dissolution technique is not the subject of the invention, there is no need to describe it. For example only, the machine may include an extraction module for extracting, dissolving and / or diluting the food ingredient under pressure and delivering it through the beverage outlet. The food ingredient is preferably contained in a sealed package such as a capsule, sachet or any other package adapted to the machine.

[0023] The device according to the invention comprises a container stand system and for collecting or recovering droplets 9. The system is formed of a base element 10 which is positioned under the beverage outlet and suspended on the machine. By "hanging", it should be understood that the stand element extends the device in at least one direction and is not supported from below to form a kind of balcony. The base element is positioned at a distance D from the beverage outlet so determined to optimize the flow distance when receiving containers of small or medium size (i.e., for example, cups that can contain about 25, 40 or 110 mL, respectively). The element is spaced "d" from the placing surface 11 for positioning the larger container when the element is pushed away by the container. The surface to be placed or the base of the container can be virtual, that is, it can simply be the surface of the kitchen table or another surface that is not part of the machine itself can also be "real", i.e. it can be part of the bearing surface of the machine itself. However, the invention is noteworthy in terms of simplifying the machine, and therefore there is no need to provide a specific stand for a large-size container (hereinafter referred to as "large glass"), which will be explained later.

[0024] The base element 10 can thus be freely rotatable relative to the base about the axis of rotation I. The element can be in a pushed up or "raised" position, in this case it allows for placing a large glass. A large glass simply repels the element of the stand that rises. The elevation may be partial in such a way that the element will not be completely inserted into the seat 12 provided in the base. The beverage outlet 7 is also provided in such a way that the distance D1 between the outlet and the placing surface 11 is optimal for a large glass, in such a way as to reduce, in particular, the risk of splashes and to allow pouring up close, which does not harm the foam which is formed or already formed in glass.

[0025] Figures 2 and 3 show as such a stand and collection system 9. The system is in the form of a drawer assembly. The first collecting tank 13 is provided for recovering fluid coming from the base element 10. The base element is hingedly attached removably to

EP 2189 088 on the lateral sides of the collecting tank 13 by means of projections 14 fastening in the slots 15 on the sides. The base element includes laterally abutment surfaces 16 arranged under the axis of rotation in such a way that they engage abutably with the front surfaces 17 of the tank. In this way, the stand element is held in suspension while freeing the space 18 under the element. The stand element provides a rigid stand for placing a small / medium capacity cup. At the front, the flow tank can be equipped with a gutter 20 that fits under the base element and thus provides better fluid recovery.

[0026] The second reservoir 21 for recovering coffee capsules can fit on the first collection tank 13. After being installed in the machine, the reservoir 21 is intended to recover used capsules ejected by the extraction module.

[0027] The base and collecting system 9 according to the invention is a single modular block that can be easily detached from the base, for example by simply sliding it out, which facilitates maintenance, i.e. draining liquid and used capsules at the same time and cleaning the tanks.

[0028] As shown in figures 4 and 5, the base and collecting system 9 slidably engages in the socket 22 of the machine base. After placing, the system is therefore functionally and aesthetically integrated with the rest of the machine.

[0029] The machine preferably also includes a locking device 23 enabling the base element 10 to be locked in the fully retracted or pushed position, for example at least partially in the seat 22. Any blocking means such as mechanical or electromagnetic means can be provided. According to a preferred method, the locking device comprises locking means that are connected to the control means. The control means acts on the locking means to selectively release the stand element. The stand element can therefore rotate freely up to the unfolded position (figure 5).

[0030] The control means preferably includes a machine "on / off" button 26 enabling the machine to be powered. This means is in itself known in connection with an electric switch 27 enabling the selective power supply of the electrical and electronic components of the machine (cooker, pump, electronic control, etc.). In a particular case, the on / off button 26 is mechanically connected to the resulting latch 28, e.g. by means of a mechanical button 29, which activates the tilting element 30 connected to the retaining finger 31 holding the retaining element 10 on the front edge. The tilting element 30 can be combined with elastic means (e.g. a spring) to provide for automatic return of the finger to the locked position after releasing the pressure on the on / off button as shown in figure 5.

[0031] The advantage of combining locking the stand element in the retracted position with the on / off control is to prevent a situation that allows the user to produce beverages in a small container when the stand element is locked. When the user prepares coffee in a cup, for example unlike a large glass, he must first press the "on / off" button; which activates the latch opening and releases the stand element. On the other hand, if you want to prepare a drink in a large cup, just push the base element 10 partially by turning it upwards with a large glass.

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