Patent Publication Number: US-2017360244-A1

Title: Interface system for a beverage preparation machine

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns a food or beverage preparation machine, more precisely an interface system for such a food preparation machine. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Liquid food or beverage preparation machines are well known in the food science and consumer goods areas. Such machines allow a consumer to prepare at home a given type of food or beverage, for instance a coffee-based beverage, such as espresso or filter coffee. 
     Today, many beverage preparation machines for in-home use comprise a system which can accommodate portioned beverage ingredients. Such portions may be contained typically in pods, sachets or capsules. 
     The machine comprises a receptacle or cavity for accommodating said portioned beverage ingredients and a fluid injection system for injecting a fluid, such as water, under pressure into the pod or capsule. Thus the fluid, for example hot or cold water, passes through the capsule or pod and delivers a liquid food or beverage. 
     The beverage preparation machine usually comprises a machine head where the receptacle for accommodating said portioned beverage ingredients is situated, and a machine body containing other functional components of the machine, such as a water pump, a water heater and a controlling unit which manage the functional components of the machine in order to prepare a beverage. The beverage is prepared taking into account beverage preparation parameters of the machine. The values of certain beverage preparation parameters are set by a user of the beverage preparation machine by means of a Human-Machine Interface (HMI). 
     The Human-Machine Interface comprises a control panel comprising actuators which allow the user to select and/or to set the values of certain beverage preparation parameters. For example, the control panel of current beverage preparation machines may comprise push buttons or tactile touch screen areas by means of which a user may select a recipe from among a plurality of recipes, a fluid volume, a fluid temperature, a pressure or an infusion time. According to the selections made by the user, certain beverage preparation parameters are set to predetermined values. 
     The Human-Machine Interface also contains electronic circuits and electric/electronic connexions between push buttons and/or tactile touch screen areas of the control panel and the electronic circuits. The user&#39;s selections are electronically treated and transmitted to the controlling unit which takes them into account in preparing the beverage. 
     The Human-Machine Interface is positioned in the machine head, close to the receptacle or cavity for accommodating the portioned beverage ingredients and where the fluid, such as water, is injected. 
     Therefore, due to the proximity of the Human-Machine Interface and the receptacle where fluid is injected, fluid flows close to the Human-Machine Interface. Even if beverage preparation machines are designed to avoid fluid leakage, in the event of leakage, electrical components may be in contact with the fluid which could lead to a short circuit that damages the beverage preparation machines. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a food or beverage preparation machine which resolves at least some of the above difficulties making it possible to improve in the prevention of short circuits and thus to provide additional safety for users manipulating the interface system of the food or beverage preparation machine. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a food or beverage preparation machine, comprising a control panel, the control panel comprising an actuator for setting at least one food or beverage preparation parameter of the food or beverage preparation machine to a predetermined value and a controlling unit for controlling the functioning of the food or beverage preparation machine, the food or beverage preparation machine comprising a pressure sensor electronically connected with the controlling unit and associated with the actuator, the actuator being pressure sensitive and comprising a first end with a first deformable surface which is configured to receive a press action from a user, a second end with a second deformable surface which is in physical contact with the pressure sensor, and an elongate portion connecting the first end and the second end, the elongate portion being configured to transfer to the second end a pressure that has been generated at the first end, such that when a press action is applied to the first deformable surface, the pressure is transferred to the second deformable surface by the elongate portion and is applied to the pressure sensor so as to set the at least one food or beverage preparation parameter. 
     Thus, the elongate portion links the first end and the second end of the actuator and allows positioning of the pressure sensor at a distance from the first end of the actuator. A press action applied to the first end of the actuator is transmitted by the elongate portion to the second end, and the second end which is deformable, applies the received press action to the pressure sensor. Thus, a pressure sensor may be positioned at a distance from the first end while a press action applied to the first end is detected by the pressure sensor. 
     Therefore, the control panel of the food or beverage preparation machine may be positioned such that the pressure sensor is distant from the control panel which is a part of the food or beverage preparation machine which is accessible for a user of the beverage preparation machine. In a case of a beverage preparation machine in which the control panel is situated close to the receptacle for accommodating portioned beverage ingredients in which the fluid is injected, the pressure sensor is situated at a distance from this receptacle. Thus, the risk of a short circuit caused by a fluid coming into contact with an electric/electronic circuit is reduced. 
     According to a feature, the elongate portion is non-deformable and comprises a hollow cavity filled with a fluid. 
     The pressure of the fluid in the hollow cavity increases when a user applies a press action to the first deformable surface. The increment in the pressure of the fluid produces a press action in the pressure sensor. Thus, the pressure sensor detects a press action which has been applied to the first deformable surface. 
     According to an embodiment, the food or beverage machine further comprises a light source associated with the pressure-sensitive actuator, the pressure-sensitive actuator comprising a third end and a second elongate portion connecting the first end and the third end, the third end comprising a surface which is situated such that it is illuminated by the light source, the second elongate portion being configured to transmit to the first end light originating from the light source. 
     Therefore, the first end is illuminated by the light source which is situated close to the third end of the actuator and which is situated at a distance from the receptacle for accommodating portioned beverage ingredients in which fluid is injected. 
     According to a feature, the second elongate portion is non-deformable and comprises a hollow cavity filled with a fluid. 
     According to a feature, the inner walls of the hollow cavity are formed by a reflective surface. 
     Thus, light originating from the light source is reflected by the inner walls and travels inside the hollow cavity until it arrives at the first deformable surface which is thereby illuminated. 
     According to an embodiment, the fluid comprises a light-transmitting medium. 
     Thus, light originating from the light source is transmitted to the first end which is thereby illuminated. 
     Therefore, transmission of light through the light-transmitting medium improves the illumination of the first end of the actuator. 
     According to an embodiment, the elongate portion comprises a first tube connecting the first end of the actuator and the second end of the actuator and the second elongate portion comprises a second tube connecting the first end of the actuator and the third end of the actuator. 
     According to a particular embodiment, the elongate portion and the second elongate portion form a T-junction. 
     According to an embodiment, the actuator comprises a flexible push button. 
     According to a feature, the flexible push button comprises a surface portion constituting the first deformable surface. 
     Thus, when a user pushes the flexible push button on the first deformable surface, the fluid in the elongate portion transmits a pressure to the second deformable surface. 
     According to another feature, the surface portion is at least partially transparent. 
     This transparent surface may be illuminated by light originating from the light source. 
     According to an embodiment, the flexible push button comprises a transparent pad. 
     Thus, the press action applied to the second deformable surface may be greater enabling a less sensitive pressure sensor may be used. 
     According to an embodiment, the food or beverage preparation machine comprises a machine head having a receptacle for accommodating a portioned beverage ingredient and in which a fluid is injected for preparing a beverage and a machine body having functional components, the control panel being situated at the machine head and the pressure sensor being situated at the body machine. 
     Thus, in this beverage preparation machine, the pressure sensor is not situated close to the receptacle where a liquid is injected in order to prepare a beverage. 
     According to an embodiment, the machine head and the machine body are separated by a leak-tight wall. 
     Thus, the safety in such a beverage preparation machine is further improved. 
     According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an interface system for a food or beverage preparation machine comprising a control panel, the control panel comprising an actuator for setting at least one food or beverage preparation parameter of the food or beverage preparation machine to a predetermined value, further comprising a pressure sensor which may be electronically connected to a controlling unit, and that is associated with said actuator, said actuator being pressure-sensitive and comprising a first end with a first deformable surface which is configured to receive a press action from a user, a second end with a second deformable surface which is in physical contact with said pressure sensor, and an elongate portion connecting said first end and said second end, said elongate portion being configured to transfer to said second end a pressure that has been generated at said first end, such that when a press action is applied to said first deformable surface, said pressure is transferred to said second deformable surface by said elongate portion and is applied to said pressure sensor so as to set said at least one food or beverage preparation parameter. 
     The advantages of the interface system are similar to those of the food or beverage preparation machine. 
     As used in this specification, the words “comprises”, “comprising”, and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean “including, but not limited to. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the description of the presently preferred embodiments which are set out below with reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a beverage preparation machine according to an embodiment the invention; and 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a scheme representing a section view of a part of the machine comprising the control panel and elements in association therewith, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is further described with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a liquid food or beverage preparation machine  1  according to one embodiment. The beverage preparation machine  1  comprises a machine head  2  and a machine body  3 . 
     To simplify the description, the food or beverage preparation machine  1  will be named below as beverage preparation machine  1 . However, the present invention is also suitable for preparing food. 
     The beverage preparation machine  1  comprises a receptacle (not illustrated in the drawings) for accommodating portioned beverage ingredients and a fluid injection system (not illustrated in the drawings) for injecting a fluid into the receptacle when preparing a beverage. The receptacle and the fluid injection system are positioned at the machine head  2 . 
     The beverage preparation machine  1  comprises a control panel  5  allowing a user to command the preparation of a beverage and to set the values of certain beverage preparation parameters or functional parameters. 
     For example, a user may select a recipe, a volume or a temperature respectively from among a set of recipes, a set of volumes or a set of temperatures. Thus, a beverage preparation parameter is set to a predetermined value which depends on the selection made by the user. 
     The control panel  5  is situated at the machine head  2  such that it is accessible to a user of the beverage preparation machine  1 . 
     The control panel  5  comprises at least one actuator  5   1 ,  5   2  . . .  5   7  for setting at least one beverage preparation parameter to a predetermined value. 
     The actuators  5   1 ,  5   2  . . .  5   7  are pressure-sensitive. 
     In the represented embodiment, the control panel  5  comprises a set of actuators  5   1 ,  5   2 , . . .  5   7  forming a selection device, for selecting, for example, a volume for the beverage to be prepared from among a set of volumes. Thus, in this example, each actuator from among the set of actuators  5   1 ,  5   2 ,  5   3  . . .  5   7  is associated with a predetermined value of volume. 
     Of course, the control panel  5  may comprise actuators for setting other beverage preparation parameters, such as a temperature, a pressure, an infusion time, a recipe, or an actuator for turning the machine on and off. 
     The beverage preparation machine  1  comprises a pressure sensor  6   1 ,  6   2  . . .  6   7  associated with each actuator  5   1 ,  5   2  . . .  5   7 . 
     Thus, in the represented embodiment, the beverage preparation machine  1  comprises a set of pressure sensors  6 , each pressure sensor  6   1  . . .  6   7  being respectively associated with each actuator  5   1  . . .  5   7 . 
     The set of pressure sensors  6  is positioned at the machine body  3 , at a distance from the control panel  5 . 
     At the machine body  3 , the beverage preparation machine  1  comprises functional components and a controlling unit (not illustrated in the drawings) for managing the functional components in order to prepare a beverage. 
     The controlling unit communicates with the pressure sensor, the controlling unit setting at least one beverage preparation parameter to a predetermined value when the at least one actuator receives a press action from a user. 
     Thus, a beverage is prepared taking into account beverage preparation parameters, certain of them being set by a user of the beverage preparation machine  1 . 
     In the represented embodiment, a user may select a volume value for a beverage by means of the control panel  5 . For example, the user applies an action, such as a press action, to one of the actuators  5   1  . . .  5   7 . 
     Depending on the selected value, the controlling unit set a beverage preparation parameter relative to the volume of beverage to a predetermined value. 
     The functioning and interactions of the elements presented above will be described in reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     In the represented embodiment, the beverage machine  1  comprises a set of light sources  7 , each light source  7   1  . . .  7   7  of the set of light sources  7  being associated with a respective actuator  5   1  . . .  5   7 . 
     The set of light sources  7  is positioned at the machine body  3 , at a distance of the control panel  5 . 
     Each light source  7   1  . . .  7   7  illuminates a part of the control panel  5  corresponding to the actuator  5   1  . . .  5   7  associated with the light source  7   1  . . .  7   7  when an action, for example a press action, is applied to the actuator  5   x.    
     According to an embodiment, the light source  7   1  . . .  7   7  comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED). 
     According to an embodiment, the machine head  2  and the machine body  3  are separated by a leak-tight wall (not illustrated in the drawings). 
     By virtue of the leak-tight wall, the electric/electronic elements situated in the machine body  3  are isolated from elements in the machine head  2 , in particular from the control panel  5 , which is in contact with a user and which may be in contact with a fluid in an event of leakage. 
     Thus, this leak-tight wall separating the machine head  2  and the machine body  3  provides an additional safety measure for users manipulating the control panel  5 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a scheme of a section view of a control panel and elements interacting with the control panel. 
     In this Figure, it can be seen a single actuator  5   x , a single pressure sensor  6   x  and a single light-source  7   x.    
     The pressure sensor  6   x  and the light source  7   x  are placed for example in a chip board  4 . 
     The general functioning of these elements will be described with reference to this Figure. 
     It should be noted that the beverage preparation machine  1 . comprises in general a set of actuators, a set of pressure sensors and a set of light-sources, each actuator being associated with a pressure sensor and with a light source, such as in the embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     According to an embodiment, the actuator  5   x  comprises:
         a first end  50  comprising a first deformable surface  51  which is configured to receive a press action F from a user;   a second end  52  comprising a second deformable surface  53  which is in physical contact with said pressure sensor  6   x ; and   an elongate portion  54  extending between the first end  50  and the second end  52 .       

     The elongate portion  54  is configured to transfer to the second end  52  a pressure that has been generated at said first end  50 , such that when a press action F is applied to the first deformable surface  51 , the pressure is transferred to the second deformable surface  53  by the elongate portion  54  and is applied to the pressure sensor  6   x.    
     According to the embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 2 , the actuator  5   x  comprises a third end  55  and a second elongate portion  57  extending between said first end  50  and said third end  55 , the third end  55  comprising a surface  56  which is situated such that it is illuminated by the light source  7   x.    
     The second elongate portion  57  is configured to transmit light originating from the light source  6   x  to the first end  50 . 
     The first elongate portion  54  and the second elongate portion  56  are non-deformable and comprise a hollow cavity  58  filled with a fluid. 
     The elongate portions  54 ,  57  being non-deformable, when a user applies a press action F to the first deformable surface  51 , the fluid pressure increases and a press action F′ is applied to the pressure sensor  6   x  by the fluid in the hollow cavity  58 . The pressure sensor  6   x  generates a signal which is transmitted to the controlling unit, the signal indicating that the actuator  5   x  associated with the pressure sensor  6   x  has been pushed. 
     Next, the controlling unit sets a beverage preparation parameter accordingly. 
     In embodiments in which the beverage preparation machine  1  comprises a light source  7   x , the light source  7   x  is triggered by the controlling unit in order to be switched on. 
     The fluid in the hollow cavity  58  comprises a light-transmitting medium such as a fluorescent liquid, which transmits light generated by the light source  7   x  to the first end  50 , the first deformable surface  51  being thereby illuminated. 
     According to an embodiment, the fluid in the hollow cavity  58  comprises fluorescein. 
     The fluorescence of such a fluorescent liquid is very intense and the interval of time elapsed from the excitation of molecules constituting the fluorescein to the light emission by the molecules is very short. 
     Thus, the light originating from the light source is transmitted rapidly to the first end  50 . 
     According to an embodiment, an optical lens  60  may be disposed between the light source  7   x  and the third surface  56  such that light originating from the light source  7   x  is focused before entering the second elongated portion  59 . 
     According to an embodiment, the elongate portion  54  comprises a first tube connecting the first end  50  of the actuator  5   x  and the second end  52  of the actuator  5   x , and the second elongate portion  57  comprises a second tube connecting the first end  50  of the actuator  5   x  and the third end  55  of the actuator  5   x.    
     It should be noted that in the described embodiment the first tube and the second tube communicate with each other. 
     For example, the tube corresponding to the elongate portion  54  and the second tube corresponding to the second elongate portion  57  form a T-junction. 
     According to another embodiment, the first tube and the second tube do not communicate with each other. 
     According to an embodiment, the first elongate portion  54  and the second elongate portion  57  comprise a material able to reflect light. 
     For example, the elongate portions  54 ,  57  comprise a transparent material, for example plastic, the transparent material and the fluid in the hollow cavity  58  being selected such that the respective reflective index are calculated such that the light originating from the light source  7   x  is reflected by the transparent material and travels inside the hollow cavity  58  until it arrives at actuator  5   x.    
     For example, the reflective index of the transparent material is greater that the reflective index of the fluid in the hollow cavity  58 . 
     In this embodiment, in order to enhance the reflection of the light inside the elongate portions  54 ,  57 , the angle of incidence of the light arriving at the inner walls  59  of the hollow cavity  58  is greater than a predetermined value. 
     In another embodiment, the inner walls  59  of the hollow cavity  58  are formed by a reflective surface, for example a metallic reflective surface, such that the light originating from the light source  7   x  is reflected by the inner walls  59  and travels inside the hollow cavity  58  until it arrives at the first end  50  of the actuator  5   x , the first deformable surface  51  being thereby illuminated. 
     According to the example described in reference to  FIG. 2 , the actuator  5   x  comprises a flexible push button comprising a surface portion constituting the first deformable surface  51 . 
     This surface portion may present different shapes, for example a circular, squared or oblong shape. 
     For example, the surface portion constituting the first deformable surface  51  is transparent such that it is illuminated by light originating from the associated light source  7   x.    
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.