Abstract:
A device for the preparation of a liquid food or beverage, such as tea, coffee or soup from a preferably portioned ingredient, in particular in the form of capsules, housed within a beverage preparation chamber. The device includes a housing, a pump comprising a pump chamber, in particular a pump chamber containing a piston moveably mounted therein, the pump further comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a liquid supply which is in fluid connection with the liquid inlet of the pump, a pump support connected to the housing of the device at which the pump is mounted, and a pre-suction chamber connected to the liquid inlet of the pump and being designed to intermittently provide liquid to the liquid inlet of the pump.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/994,024 filed Dec. 22, 2010, which is the U.S. national phase of PCT/EP2009/056292 filed May 25, 2009, which claims priority to European application no. 08157066.5 filed May 28, 2008, the entire content of each earlier application being expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a pump for a device for the preparation of liquid food or a beverage. More particularly, the present invention relates to an elastic support member for resiliently supporting the pump within the housing of the device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Beverage preparation machines have been known for a number of years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,472 discloses a water circulation system between a water reservoir and a hot water or vapour distribution chamber of an espresso machine. The circulation system includes a valve, a metallic heating tube and a pump that are connected to the reservoir via different silicone hoses, which are joined using clamping collars. 
         [0004]    The known beverage preparation devices are equipped with various types of pumps for promoting liquid within the device. 
         [0005]    For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 2,715,868 discloses a beverage preparation machine for extracting a beverage ingredient within an extraction chamber supplied in a cartridge by water guided into the extraction chamber and forced through the cartridge. The pump is of the rotary type and has blades operating in a pump chamber to transfer liquid under pressure to the extraction chamber. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,694 discloses an espresso machine with a piston pump mounted in the machine&#39;s housing. The pump has a reciprocating piston that is actuated by an eccentric drive having a connecting rod that is engaged with the piston. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,298 discloses a beverage preparation machine with a vibrating pump suspended in mobile or overhung manner, the vibrations being transferred to an in-line heater to vibrate the heater with the view of reducing liming in the heater. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,588 discloses a composite piston for vibration pumps suitable for use in espresso machines. 
         [0009]    In general, during operation of the pump of such a device, vibrations occur due to an oscillating or rotational movement of a driven part, e.g. a piston or a number of blades, housed within a pump chamber of the pump. These vibrations may then be transferred to the housing of the device and thus negatively affect the quality or operational feel of the beverage preparation device. Moreover, the vibrations may negatively affect other components housed within the housing of the device. 
         [0010]    To overcome this problem, a device is sought-after to reduce these vibrations of the pump which are transmitted to the housing of the device. 
         [0011]    Therefore, based on the prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a support for mounting a pump of the device in the housing in order to prevent a transmission of vibrations from the pump to the housing. 
         [0012]    The present invention seeks to address the above described problems. The invention also provided particular solutions for related problems as will appear herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for the preparation of a liquid food or beverage composition on the basis of portioned ingredients housed within a beverage preparation chamber, the device comprising: a housing, a pump comprising a pump chamber that vibrates during use, in particular a pump chamber containing a piston moveably mounted therein, the pump further comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a liquid supply which is in fluid connection with the inlet of the pump, the beverage preparation chamber being in fluid connection with the outlet of the pump, a pump support connected to the housing of the device at which the pump is mounted. 
         [0014]    Preferably, the pump support comprises an elastic support member, in particular one or more leaf springs or a bellow-shaped elastic support member, for resiliently supporting the pump. The elastic support member can be arranged to be deformable around a plurality of flexion axes to absorb vibrations from the vibrating pump chamber. In particular, a single elastic element may have a plurality of spaced apart flexion axes, especially flexion axes oscillating in opposition to one another. 
         [0015]    Moreover, the device may include a rigid duct that is mechanically connected to the housing and to the pump inlet and/or to the pump outlet and that is arranged to guide liquid away from the pump or towards the pump. The duct is preferably connected with the pump inlet and/or the pump outlet by an elastic sealing member for resiliently connecting the rigid duct to the vibrating pump chamber. 
         [0016]    The elastic support member and elastic sealing member are preferably arranged to inhibit transmission of vibrations from the pump chamber. 
         [0017]    With a device according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid to portioned ingredients housed within the beverage preparation chamber. Accordingly, said liquid provided by the liquid supply is made to interact with portioned ingredients within the beverage preparation chamber in order to form a liquid comestible, for example a soup or a beverage. 
         [0018]    The liquid supply may be a water reservoir connected to the device or a connection to a water tap. The liquid supply is preferably connected to the housing of the device in a detachable manner. 
         [0019]    The pump is preferably a magnetically activated vibrating pump well known in the field of beverage preparation machines, in particular coffee machines. An example for the kind of pump to be used with the present device is described in EP 288216 A1. Thereby, the pump comprises a piston which is magnetically interacting with a solenoid arranged about the periphery of the pump chamber in which the piston is moveably mounted. Hence, by activation of the piston due to the solenoid, liquid can be sucked from the liquid inlet of the pump and can be delivered under pressure to the liquid outlet thereof. 
         [0020]    It should be understood that the pump of the present device is not limited to the above explained embodiment and principle. Any other pump suitable for delivering a liquid to the beverage preparation chamber of the device may be applied to the device. Thereby, in particular a pump of a rotary type which is equipped with blades operating in the pump chamber may be applied to the device. 
         [0021]    As the pump is mounted at the housing of the device by means of an elastic support member, in particular a bellow-shaped support member, vibrations which occur during operation of the pump can be effectively inhibited from being transmitted to the housing of the device. Hence, the elastic support member is arranged to dampen and/or substantially absorb the vibrations of the pump chamber and thus, to prevent a transmission of the vibrations from the pump chamber to the housing of the device. 
         [0022]    A bellow-shaped pump support is one example for a resilient mounting of the pump. Moreover, the bellow-shaped support member enables a movement of the pump in all three degrees of freedom. Hence, a lateral, axial and rotative movement of the pump is enabled which results in an enhanced absorption of the vibrations emitted by the pump. Thereby, the movement of the pump with respect to the housing is dependent on the rigidity of the bellow-shaped support member. 
         [0023]    Moreover, with a bellow-shaped elastic support member, an effective absorption of vibrations of the pump is enabled independent of the type of pump. Hence, axial, lateral and radial vibrations emitted by the pump due to an axial or rotational movement of a piston or blades housed within the pump chamber are effectively absorbed by the support member. 
         [0024]    In a preferred embodiment, the support member is of elastic material such as resilient plastic and/or elastomer. According to this embodiment, the vibrations of the pump can effectively be suppressed by the elastic support member, since a movement of the support member is facilitated due to its elasticity and low rigidity. 
         [0025]    Preferably, the elastic support member and the pump support are formed as integral parts. Hence, mounting of the support member with the elastic member to the pump is facilitated. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the elastic support member comprises electric connection means for connecting the pump of the device. Thereby, the electrical connection means are preferably wires or any conductive materials suitable for conducting an electric current. Hence, the pump of the device can be connected to a control unit or a power supply for example by means of the electric connection means. 
         [0027]    In a preferred embodiment, the electric connection means are incorporated into the support member. Preferably, the connection means are fully coated by the elastic support member and comprise at least a connection at either side of the support member for electrically connecting the pump to a control unit or a power supply. The electric connection means may be coated by means of injection moulding process for example. 
         [0028]    Accordingly, no additional wires have to be provided for the operation of the pump. Thus, a very space-saving arrangement of the support member and the pump is obtained. 
         [0029]    By combining the support member with the electric connection of the pump, no additional assembly step is needed for establishing an electric connection to the pump. In particular, by avoiding standard deformable cables for the electric connection of the pump, the assembly process may be fully automatic, without the need for a human intervention. 
         [0030]    The pump support is preferably connected to the liquid inlet and/or the liquid outlet of the pump. Accordingly, an effective absorption of the vibrations of the pump can be achieved and the transmission of vibrations from the pump to the housing or other parts of the device housed therein can be effectively prevented. 
         [0031]    In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the liquid outlet of the pump and the beverage preparation chamber is established by a rigid duct in particular a rigid tube member. The duct is preferably connected to the outlet of the pump by means of a connector. Such connector preferably comprises an elastic sealing member to resiliently connect the outlet of the pump and thus the pump chamber to the rigid duct. 
         [0032]    Hence, the vibrations due to the operation of the pump are dampened by said elastic sealing member. Accordingly, transmission of the vibrations of the pump to other parts within the housing of the device and in particular the transmission of vibrations to the duct or tube member and to other parts connected thereto can be suppressed. 
         [0033]    Moreover, the elastic sealing member is arranged to seal the connection between the liquid outlet of the pump and the duct such that no liquid may leave the connection. In addition, the elastic sealing member is designed to enable a pivotally movement of the duct with respect to the liquid outlet of the device to further dampen the transmission of vibrations of the pump. 
         [0034]    It should be understood that a rigid duct according to the invention may be connected to the liquid inlet of the pump as well. Hence, the transmission of vibrations from the pump chamber to other parts within the housing of the device and in particular the transmission of vibrations to the duct at the liquid inlet and to other parts connected thereto such as the liquid supply can be suppressed. 
         [0035]    In a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for the preparation of a liquid food or a beverage, the device comprising: a housing, a pump comprising a pump chamber, the pump further comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a liquid supply which is in fluid connection with the liquid inlet of the pump, the beverage preparation chamber being in fluid connection with the liquid outlet of the pump, a pump support connected to the housing of the device at which the pump is mounted, and a pre-suction chamber connected to the liquid inlet of the pump and being designed to intermittently provide liquid to the liquid inlet of the pump. 
         [0036]    With a device according to this invention, it is possible to provide a liquid to portioned ingredients housed within the beverage preparation chamber of the device and to hence enable an interaction of the ingredients and the liquid to form a liquid comestible, for example a soup or a beverage. Thereby, liquid from the liquid supply is provided to the beverage preparation chamber by means of the pump of the device. 
         [0037]    As the pre-suction chamber is designed to intermittently provide liquid to the liquid inlet of the pump, the suction efficiency of the pump is enhanced. Preferably, the pre-suction chamber is designed to be driven by the vibrations of the pump. Thereby, the vibrations of the pump induce an oscillating movement of the pre-suction chamber such that the volume of the chamber is intermittently changing. 
         [0038]    The pre-suction chamber preferably comprises a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid inlet being in fluid connection with the liquid supply, the liquid outlet being in fluid connection with the liquid inlet of the pump. Accordingly, the pre-suction chamber is disposed within the fluid connection between the liquid supply and the pump. 
         [0039]    Due to the intermittently change of volume of the pre-suction chamber caused by the vibrations of the pump, the pre-suction chamber acts as a pre-pump membrane thus enhancing the fluid load behaviour of the pump. Accordingly, the pump performance is increased. 
         [0040]    In a preferred embodiment, the pre-suction chamber is at least partially enclosed by an elastic support member, in particular a bellow-shaped support member, of the pump support disposed at the liquid inlet of the pump. Thereby, the vibrations of the pump are absorbed by the elastic support member, thus resulting in an oscillating or intermittent movement of the elastic member. Accordingly, the vibrations of the pump can be used to enhance the pump efficiency. Moreover, no additional drive means for driving the pre-suction chamber have to be provided. Furthermore, the transmission of vibrations of the pump to the housing of the device is suppressed by the pump support due to the elastic support member. 
         [0041]    In a preferred embodiment, the pre-suction chamber is enclosed between the elastic support member and a rigid support member of the pump support. Thereby, a lower part of the elastic support member forms a moveable membrane which is designed to be driven by the vibrations of the pump. Accordingly, the lower part of the elastic support member is oscillating with respect to the rigid support member due to the vibrations exerted thereon by the pump. Hence, due to the oscillating movable membrane at the inlet of the pump, the suction efficiency of the pump is increased. 
         [0042]    Preferably, the rigid support member is connected to the housing of the device and comprises fluid guiding means. The fluid guiding means may be a duct or tube integrally formed within the rigid support member. 
         [0043]    It should be noted that when there is only one pump support connected to the liquid inlet of the pump, all the vibrations of the pump can be used to drive the pre-suction chamber of the pump. However, it may as well be possible to provide an additional pump support at the liquid outlet of the pump to further dampen and suppress the transmission of vibrations from the pump to the housing of the device or other parts arranged within the device. 
         [0044]    In a third aspect, the invention proposes a device for the preparation of a liquid food or beverage composition, the device comprising: a housing, a pump comprising a pump chamber that vibrates during use, in particular a pump chamber containing a piston moveably mounted therein, the pump further comprising a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a liquid supply which is in fluid connection with the liquid inlet of the pump, a rigid duct which is connected to the liquid inlet and/or outlet of the pump by means of a connector, wherein the connector comprises at least one elastic sealing member designed to absorb vibrations from the pump and to enable a relative movement of the duct and the liquid inlet and/or outlet of the pump. 
         [0045]    With a device according to this invention, it is possible to provide a liquid to portioned ingredients housed within the beverage preparation chamber and to hence enable an interaction of the ingredients and the liquid to form a liquid comestible, for example a soup or a beverage. Thereby, liquid from the liquid supply is provided to the beverage preparation chamber by means of the pump of the device. 
         [0046]    During operation of the device, as there is an elastic sealing member provided between the duct and the pump of the device, vibrations of the pump are absorbed and thus, a transmission of vibrations from the pump to the beverage preparation chamber, to the liquid supply or to other parts of the device connected to the liquid outlet or the liquid inlet of the pump is prevented. Moreover, as a relative movement of the duct and the liquid outlet and/or inlet of the pump is enabled by the described embodiment, the absorption of vibrations emitted by pump can be further enhanced. 
         [0047]    Moreover, due to the application of rigid ducts within the device, flexible deformable ducts, such as silicon tubes, are avoided and thus, the pump and the duct may be assembled without human intervention and can be carried out automatically. 
         [0048]    In a preferred embodiment, the connector is designed to pivotally connect the duct and the liquid outlet and/or the liquid inlet of the pump. Hence, as a pivotal movement of the duct with respect to the liquid outlet and/or liquid inlet of the pump is enabled, the absorption of axial and lateral vibrations of the pump is enhanced. Accordingly, an effective absorption of vibrations of the pump is enabled independent of the type of pump. Hence, axial, lateral and rotative vibrations are absorbed. 
         [0049]    Preferably, the connector further comprises fastening means, such as a clip, designed to secure the position of the elastic sealing member of the connector. Accordingly, a stable and fluid tight connection is established between the pump and the duct by means of the connector. The fastening means are preferably detachable such that the maintenance and the exchange properties of the pump and the duct are enhanced. 
         [0050]    In addition, the pump support is preferably connected to the liquid inlet of the pump. Thereby, the pump support preferably comprises an elastic support member such as an elastic bellow-shaped support member. 
         [0051]    Hence, as the pump is resiliently mounted within the housing of the device, for example by means of the elastic support member at its liquid inlet and by means of the elastic sealing member at its liquid outlet and/ or its liquid inlet, vibrations of the pump can be effectively dampened or substantially suppressed. Thus, a transmission of vibrations from the pump chamber to other parts of the device is suppressed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0052]    Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent for the skilled person when reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, when taking in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings. 
           [0053]      FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of the pump and a support member being connected to the liquid outlet of the pump according to the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 2  shows a preferred embodiment of the pump and a pre-suction chamber being disposed at the liquid inlet of the pump according to the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the connector used for connecting the tube members and the pump according to the present invention. 
           [0056]      FIG. 4   a  shows a sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of the connector used for connecting the tube members and the pump according to the present invention. 
           [0057]      FIG. 4   b  shows an exploded assembly drawing of a preferred embodiment of the connector according to  FIG. 4   a.    
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0058]      FIG. 1  shows a sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of a pump  1  according to the present invention. The pump  1  is preferably a vibrating pump known in the field of beverage preparation machines. Thereby, a piston  3  is movably mounted within a pump chamber  2 . Preferably, at least one spring (not shown) is provided within the pump chamber  2  in order to exert a force on the piston  3 . Moreover, electromagnetic solenoid  15  is provided in the periphery of the pump chamber  2  in order to interact with the piston  3 . Hence, an axial reciprocating movement of the piston  3  within the pump chamber  2  is enabled due to activation by means of the solenoid  15 . The pump chamber  2  is connected to a liquid inlet  4   a  and a liquid outlet  4   b  of the pump  1 . The piston  3  comprises at least one bore  3   a  which can be selectively closed by at least one valve  3   b  in order to pump liquid from the liquid inlet  4   a  to the liquid outlet  4   b  of the pump  1  during the reciprocating movement of the piston  3 . 
         [0059]    Instead of the shown pump  1  any other pump may be used within the device in order to pump liquid from a liquid inlet  4   a  to the liquid outlet  4   b.  In particular, the present invention may also be applied for pumps of the rotary type which are commonly used in beverage preparation devices. 
         [0060]    As schematically shown in  FIG. 1 , the liquid inlet  4   a  of the pump  1  is in fluid connection with a liquid supply  5 . The liquid supply  5  is preferably connected to the liquid inlet  4   a  by means of a hose or tubular member  5   a.  The liquid supply may be a liquid reservoir which is preferably connected to the device in a detachable manner. Moreover, the liquid supply may be a connection to a water tap. 
         [0061]    The liquid outlet  4   b  of the pump  1  is in fluid connection to a beverage preparation chamber  6  of the device. Hence, liquid under pressure can be supplied by means of the pump  1  to the beverage preparation chamber  6  in order to interact with portioned ingredients housed by the beverage preparation chamber  6  to form a liquid comestible such as a soup or a beverage. The liquid comestible may then be discharged by an outlet passage  6   a  to a receptacle (not shown) such as a vessel or a cup provided by an operator of the device. 
         [0062]    The pump  1  is mounted within the housing  20  of the device by means of a pump support  7 . The support  7  is preferably connected to the pump chamber  2  and/or the solenoid  15  of the pump  1 . The support  7  is preferably connected to the pump  1  in a detachable manner. Accordingly, the maintenance of the pump and the exchange of the pump and the support  7  are facilitated. The support member is preferably made of plastics. Moreover, the support  7  may as well be formed as an integral part of the pump  1 , for example by overmoulding of the pump  1 . 
         [0063]    The support  7  comprises an elastic bellow-shaped support member  7   a.  The support member  7   a  is preferably of plastics and is an integral part of the support  7 . In a preferred embodiment, the bellow-shaped support member  7   a  comprises at least one soft portion  13   a  and two rigid portions  13   b  which are formed as integral parts of the soft portion  13   a.  The soft portion  13   a  is preferably arranged between the two rigid second portions  13   b.  In a preferred embodiment, a first rigid portion  13   b  is connected to the pump  1  of the device and a second rigid portion  13   b  is preferably in connection with the housing  20  of the device. Hence, the soft portion  13   a  is sandwiched between the two rigid portions  13   b.  Moreover, as shown by the dark hatching in  FIG. 1 , the soft portion  13   a  constitutes the outer peripheral portion of the bellow-shaped support member  7   a.    
         [0064]    The second rigid portion  13   b  and the housing  20  are preferably connected by connection means  20   a.  The connections means  20   a  may be any connection suitable for providing a stable connection between the pump  1  and the housing  20 . In particular, the connections means  20   a  may be a screw fitting, a clamp fitting or an adhesive fitting. 
         [0065]    As the bellow-shaped elastic support member  7   a  is arranged between the housing and the pump  1 , the transmission of vibrations during operations of the pump  1  can be effectively suppressed. Moreover, the vibrations of the pump  1  are substantially absorbed by the elastic bellow-shaped support member  7   a  which enables a movement of the pump  1  in three degrees of freedom. 
         [0066]    In order to enable a connection of the pump  1  to the beverage preparation chamber  6 , the rigid portion  13   b  of the support member  7   a  connected to the housing  20  comprises an aperture  16  of a predefined diameter d. Thus, a duct  8  can be connected to the liquid outlet  4   b  of the pump  1 . 
         [0067]    During operation of the pump, pump piston  3  vertically reciprocates in pump chamber  2  which then vibrates correspondingly. Such vibrations are then communicated to elastic support member  7   a  that deforms in a corresponding generally vertical motion by flexions around three flexion axes  11   a,   11   b,   11   c  in member  7   a  to absorb such vibrations and prevent communication of the vibrations to housing  20 . 
         [0068]    The pump support  7  preferably comprises electric connection means  12  which are integrated into the bellow-shaped support member  7   a.  Thereby, the electric connection means  12  are connected to the pump  1  of the device. The electric connection means  12  are preferably wires guided within the support  7 . Hence, the electric connection means  12  are insulated by the pump support  7 . An integrated connector  12   b  is connected to at least the solenoid  15  of the pump in order to supply the pump  1  with current. 
         [0069]    Moreover, the support member  7   a  preferably comprises a connector  17  which is integrated into the support member  7   a.  Said connector  17  preferably comprises a connection member  18  for connecting the duct  8  which is in fluid connection with the outlet  4   b  of the pump  1  to an additional duct or tube member  6   b  in fluid connection with the beverage preparation chamber  6 . Moreover, the connector  17  preferably comprises connection means  12   a  for connecting the electrical connection means  12  housed by the support  7  to a power supply (not shown) of the device. As the connector  17  comprises both, the connection for the power supply, as well as the liquid connection of the pump  1 , a very integrated and space saving embodiment is obtained. Accordingly, a simplified assembly of the systems is enabled, since the liquid and electric connection of pump  1  can be assembled in the same step. 
         [0070]    The duct  8  is preferably connected to the outlet  4   b  of the pump by means of a connector  9  which is designed to absorb vibrations from the pump and to enable a relative movement of the duct  8  and the liquid outlet  4   b.  Hence, duct  8  can be designed as being a rigid member which does not require human intervention for the assembly process but allows automation thereof. Thereby, the vibrations of the pump can effectively be suppressed from being transmitted via the rigid duct or tube members  8  to other parts within the device. Optionally, the tube member  6   b  and the duct  8  may also be connected by means of the connector  9  according to the invention, to further suppress the transmission of vibrations from the pump  1 . A detailed description of the connector  9  will be given with respect to  FIGS. 3   a , 3   b,    4   a  and  4   b.    
         [0071]      FIG. 2  shows a sectional side view of another preferred embodiment of the pump and a pre-suction chamber being disposed at the liquid inlet of the pump. Thereby, the pre-suction chamber  14  in section A as indicated in the figure is enclosed by the pump support  7 . 
         [0072]    The pump support  7  comprises a rigid member  7   b  and an elastic bellow-shaped member  7   a.  The bellow-shaped support member  7   a  is connected to the pump  1 . Thereby, the connection between the bellow-shaped support member  7   a  and the pump  1  may be a press fitting, a screw fitting or the like, suitable for stably connecting the elastic support member  7   a  to the pump  1 . 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the elastic support member  7   a  is connected to a rigid support member  7   b  which is connected to the housing  20  of the device. Hence, the pump  1  is mounted by means of the support members  7   a  and  7   b  of the pump support  7  at the housing  20  of the device. 
         [0074]    The elastic support member  7   a  is connected to the liquid inlet  4   a  of the pump  1 . In particular, an upper part  21  a of the elastic support member  7   a  is connected to the solenoid  15 . Thereby, the connection between the solenoid  15  and the upper part  21  a of the elastic support member  7   a  is established by dedicated connection means such as a press fitting or the like, suitable for transmitting vibrations from the pump  1  to the elastic support member  7   a.    
         [0075]    A lower part  21   b  of the elastic support member  7   a  is connected to the liquid inlet  4   a.  In addition, said lower part  21   b  of the elastic support member  7   a  is connected to the rigid support member  7   b.    
         [0076]    The connection between the elastic support member  7   a  and the rigid support member  7   b  as well as with the inlet  4   a  of the pump  1  is a fluid tight connection. The lower part  21   b  of the elastic support member  7   a  comprises an aperture  22  through which the inlet  4   a  of the pump  1  is inserted. Thereby, the inlet  4   a  and the lower part  21   b  preferably comprise sealing means. The sealing means may be a ripped profile or an  0 -ring disposed between the lower part  21   b  and the inlet  4   a.    
         [0077]    Furthermore, the lower part  21   b  is connected to the rigid support member  7   b  by dedicated connection means (not shown). These connection means may be a press fitting, a clamp or screw fitting, or an adhesive fitting. 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the pre-suction chamber  14  is formed between the lower part  21   b  of the elastic member  7   a  and the rigid support member  7   b.  The pre-suction chamber  14  comprises an inlet  5   c  which is in connection with a liquid supply member  5   a  connected to the liquid supply. The outlet of the pre-suction chamber corresponds to the inlet  4   a  of the pump  1 . 
         [0079]    As the pre-suction chamber  14  is formed between the lower part  21   b  of the elastic member  7   a  and the rigid member  7   b,  the elastic lower part  21   b  constitutes a membrane at one side of the pre-suction chamber  14 . 
         [0080]    The elastic support member  7   a  comprises due to its bellow-shaped embodiment three flexion axes  11   a,   11   b,   11   c.  Accordingly, the elastic support member  7   a  enables a relative movement of the pump with respect to the rigid support member  7   b  in all three degrees of freedom. 
         [0081]    During operation of the pump  1 , vibrations are transmitted from the pump  1  to the elastic support member  7   a  and are substantially absorbed by said support member  7   a.  Due to these vibrations, the lower part  2  lb of the elastic support member  7   a  vibrates which leads to an oscillating alteration of the volume of the pre-suction chamber  14 . Hence, according to the alteration of the volume, liquid is sucked from the inlet  5   c  which is in fluid connection to a liquid supply of the device into the pre-suction chamber  14  and from there, the liquid is supplied in an intermittent way to the liquid inlet  4   a  of the pump  1 . Hence, the drawing of water from the liquid supply  5   a  by the pump  1  is enhanced due to the oscillating movement of the elastic support member  7   a.  Accordingly, the suction efficiency of the pump  1  is increased. 
         [0082]    As the pump  1  is connected to the housing  20  only by the described support  7 , all the vibrations of the pump  1  are absorbed to enhance the suction efficiency of the pump  1 . However, an additional support may be connected to the pump  1  in order to mount the pump  1  within the housing  20  of the device in a stable manner. Thereby, such an additional support preferably comprises an elastic bellow-shaped support member according to the invention. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the connector  9  for connecting the rigid duct, in particular tube members  8 , of the device. Moreover, the shown connector  9  is preferably used for connecting the pump  1  and the tube members  8  of the device. 
         [0084]    Each of the tube members  8  comprises a bore  8   a  for guiding liquid within the tube members  8 . The bore  8   a  of each tube member  8  is connected to a circular support  10   a  of the tube member  8 . The connector  9  is preferably formed as an integral part of each tube member  8 . 
         [0085]    The circular support  10   a  is preferably a circular recess of a diameter d2 which is wider than an outer diameter d1 of the tube member  8 . The circular support  10   a  is thus designed for receiving a tube member  8 . 
         [0086]    As can be seen in  FIG. 4   a , the connector  9  further comprises an elastic sealing member  10  which is mounted at the circular support  10   a  of the tube member  8 . The elastic member  10  is preferably an O-ring or the like, suitable for sealing the connector  9 . 
         [0087]    Moreover, the connector  9  comprises fastening means  23  which interact with a tube member  8  to be connected to the connector  9 . The fastening means  23  is preferably a locking ring or clip interacting with a preferably circular groove  23   b  provided at a lateral surface of the tube member  8  to be connected to the connector  9 . Thereby, the locking ring  23  is held by a recess  23   a  provided at the connector  9 . Hence, due to the fastening means  23 , a stable connection between two tube members  8  is enabled. 
         [0088]    The connector further comprises a chamfered portion  10   b  which connects the bore  8   a  and the circular support  10   a.    
         [0089]    When a tube member  8  is connected to the connector  9 , the tube member  8  is supported within the circular support  10   a  only by means of the elastic sealing member  10  and by the fasting means  23 . Thereby, the chamfered portion  10   b  ensures that a pivotally motion of the tube member  8  with respect to the connector  9  is enabled. 
         [0090]    As shown in  FIG. 4   b , for the assembly of two tube members  8 , the elastic sealing member  10  is introduced into the circular support  10   a  of the connector  9 . Then, the tube member  8  is introduced into the circular support  10   a.  The position of the tube member  8  with respect to the connector  9  is secured by fastening means  23  which are slid into the dedicated recess  23   a.  The fasting means  23  and the chamfered portion  10   b  of the connector  9  are designed to enable a pivotally movement of the tube member  8  within the connector  9 . Thereby, the position of the elastic sealing member  10  within the connector  9  is secured by the fastening means  23 . 
         [0091]    According to this embodiment, a relative motion of the tube members  8  with respect to each other is enabled. Hence, vibrations exerted thereon may effectively be suppressed. Moreover, due to the elastic sealing member  10  arranged between the tube members  8 , the suppression of vibrations is even further enhanced. 
         [0092]    The described embodiment of the tube members  8  and the connector  9  is preferably used to connect the pump  1  of a device according to the present invention to tube members  8  of the device. Hence, vibrations of the pump are effectively absorbed due to the described embodiment of the connector  9 . The transmission of vibrations from the pump  1  to other parts within the device such as the beverage preparation chamber  6  or the liquid supply  5  can thus be prevented. 
         [0093]    Moreover, by providing the described arrangement, comprising a rigid tube member  8  instead of a flexible tube member being connected to vibrating pump  1 , the assembly process of pump  1  and tube member  8  may be automated. Hence, human intervention during assembly process can be prevented and thus, the assembly costs of the device can be reduced. 
         [0094]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and alternations may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of this invention which is defined by the appended claims.