Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/ES2699086T3/en
Timestamp: 2019-12-11 15:34:29
Document Index: 464609346

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 20', 'art 16', 'art 16', 'art 16', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 16', 'art 16', 'art 16', 'art 16', 'arts 16', 'art 16', 'arts 16', 'art 16', 'arts 16', 'art 16', 'art 16', 'art 16']

ES2699086T3 - Accessory to automatically supply a beverage machine with a liquid from a distribution network - Google Patents
Accessory to automatically supply a beverage machine with a liquid from a distribution network Download PDF
ES2699086T3
ES2699086T3 ES15734187T ES15734187T ES2699086T3 ES 2699086 T3 ES2699086 T3 ES 2699086T3 ES 15734187 T ES15734187 T ES 15734187T ES 15734187 T ES15734187 T ES 15734187T ES 2699086 T3 ES2699086 T3 ES 2699086T3
ES15734187T
2019-02-07 Publication of ES2699086T3 publication Critical patent/ES2699086T3/en
239000007788 liquids Substances 0 abstract claims description title 97
235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0 abstract claims description title 78
238000009434 installation Methods 0 abstract claims description 140
A connection device (1) for connecting a beverage machine (2) with an external liquid delivery system (3), for example a water distribution network, for supplying a liquid of this type to said machine (2) , said machine (2) being provided with a liquid storage tank (20) with an upper orifice (20a) for supplying liquid inside the tank, such as an orifice (20a) delimited by a tank rim (20). ), optionally said tank (20) being delimited by a bottom part (20b) and a peripheral wall (20c) extending from and above the bottom part (20b) towards the hole (20a) and / or has a tank outlet (20d) for dispensing liquid to a processing and delivery assembly of the beverage (24, 25) of the machine (2), said connection device (1) being provided with: - an inlet (10) for a fluid connection to said outer system (3); - an outlet (13) for the delivery of liquid from said external system (3) through the inlet (10) to said beverage machine (2); - a valve installation (12a, 12b) that can be switched between an open configuration to establish a fluidic connection between the inlet (10) and the outlet (13) and a closed configuration to interrupt the fluidic connection, such as a power installation. valves (12a, 12b) connected to the inlet (10) through a fluid connector (11) for example, a fluid connector (11) attached to a part of the frame (16a) of a body (16) of the device (1) of this type; and - a control assembly (14) for switching the valve installation (12a, 12b) between its open configuration and its closed configuration, optionally, the control assembly (14) being connected to at least one of: a source of feeding through a power connector (14c, 14d); and a user interface (14a, 14b) such as an interface comprising a power and / or reset switch (14a) and / or a control indicator, e.g., a control light (14b), characterized in that A connection device (1) of this type additionally comprises: - a sensor installation (15a, 15b) connected to the control assembly (14) which is configured to switch the valve installation (12a, 12b) in response to a signal of firing from the installation of sensors (15a, 15b); and - a mounting installation (16c, 16d) for reversibly fixing said connection device (1), as an accessory that can be extracted by the user (1), to said tank (20) so that the outlet (13) is positioned to deliver liquid through said upper hole (20a) into said reservoir (20).
Accessory for automatically supplying a beverage machine with a liquid from a distribution network Field of the invention
The present invention concerns the supply of liquid from a liquid distribution network, such as from the water distribution network of a city (typically the network that supplies water to the tap in homes), to a machine for the preparation of drinks that has a liquid storage tank.
For the purpose of the present description, a "beverage" means that it includes any liquid food, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, and so on. A "cartridge" means that it includes any previously portioned beverage ingredient, such as a seasoning ingredient, inside a package enclosed in any material, in particular an air-tight container, eg, plastic, aluminum, a container recyclable and / or biodegradable and of any shape and structure, including soft pods or rigid capsules containing the ingredient. The cartridge may contain an amount of ingredient for the preparation of an individual beverage service or a service of a plurality of beverages.
The machines for the preparation of beverages have been known for a number of years. For example, US 5,943,472 discloses a system for circulating water between a water basin and a hot water or steam distribution chamber of an express machine. The circulation system includes a valve, a metal heating tube and a pump are connected together and to the bucket.
A beverage preparation machine typically includes a housing that contains a module for the processing of beverages and a water reservoir in fluid communication with the beverage processing module. Examples of such machines for the preparation of beverages of this type are disclosed in EP 1 208782, EP 1267687, EP 1686879, EP 1731 065, EP 1829469, EP 1864598, EP 1865815, EP 1867260, EP 1878 368, EP 2222210, EP 2222211, EP 2222212, EP 2227 121, EP 2227 122, US 2008/0006159, US 7,165,488, WO 2007/111884, WO 2009/074553, WO 2010/015427 and WO 2012/055767.
Generally the water tank can be extracted to be filled by a user when empty. Some systems include a continuous supply of water connecting the beverage machine directly to the water distribution network of the city, as for example disclosed in document CN201076369. This publication discloses a system that has a water tank that can be filled, as well as an entrance for a direct connection to the tap. Therefore, the preparation of the beverage can be carried out either using the water directly from the tap or from the water tank.
The invention accordingly relates to a connection device for connecting a machine for the preparation of beverages with an external liquid delivery system, for example, a water distribution network, for supplying a liquid of this type to the machine. Typically, the liquid is supplied to the connection device at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, for example, in the range of 1.1 to 20 bar, typically from 1.2 to 15 bar, such as from 1.5 to 15 bar. 10 bar, for example 2 to 6 bar.
The machine has a liquid storage tank with an upper hole, such as a hole delimited by a reservoir flange. The reservoir can be delimited by a bottom part and a peripheral wall extending from and above the bottom part towards the hole. For example, the tank has an outlet for dispensing liquid to a processing and delivery assembly of the beverage of the machine. An outlet of this type can be placed in the bottom part of the tank.
Examples of machines for preparing beverages with suitable storage tanks are disclosed in EP 2 228 633, WO 2009/074550, WO 2010/046442, WO 2010/128109, WO 2011/083103, WO 2011/089210, WO 2011 / 144723, WO 2012/055767, WO 2013/104643, and US 2011/0212236.
The connection device has: an inlet for a connection of the fluid to an external system; an outlet for delivering liquid from the outside system through the entrance to the beverage machine; a valve arrangement switchable between an open configuration to establish a fluidic connection between the inlet and the outlet and a closed configuration to interrupt the fluidic connection; and a control assembly for switching the valve installation between its open configuration and its closed configuration. The valve installation may be connected to the inlet through a fluid connector, for example, a fluid connector fixed to a part of the frame of a body of the device.
For example, the control assembly is connected to at least one of: a power supply through a power connector, such as an electrical connector (e.g., a plug or plug) to the power grid with a voltage transformer and / or an electrical connector (e.g., plug or plug) to the beverage machine with or without a voltage transformer; and a user interface such as an interface comprising a reset switch (such as an on / off switch and / or a switch to restart the device, for example after an incident) and / or a control indicator for example a control light. The control indicator for example may indicate: whether the device is connected or disconnected, and / or whether the valve installation is in the open or closed configuration; and / or if the device is functioning properly or malfunctioning; and / or if the device is in a programming mode.
The connection device additionally comprises: a sensor installation connected to the control assembly that is configured to switch the valve installation in response to a trigger signal from the sensor installation; and a mounting installation for reversibly fixing the connection device, as an accessory that can be removed by the user, to the reservoir so that the outlet is positioned to deliver liquid through the upper orifice to the interior of the reservoir.
In an embodiment that is not part of the present invention, the connection device may be connected and use sensors that are integrated in the beverage machine to monitor the deposit.
In another embodiment that is not part of the present invention, the control assembly of the connection device is integrated into the control set of the beverage preparation machine, the electrical activation of the connection device being optionally supplied by the machine of drinks.
The mounting installation can include any connector that directly or indirectly reversibly fixes the connection device to the machine, for example, to a machine magazine and / or a main body of the machine, such as a mechanical or physical connector , for example one or more hooks, clamps, sockets, clamps, screws, friction fasteners, geometric fasteners and magnetic connectors.
In an embodiment that is not part of the present invention, the connecting device can be integrated into the beverage machine in a manner that is not intended to be disassembled by a user. Therefore, the connection device can be installed in new or existing beverage machines (re-equipment) and does not alter the integrity of the machine. Therefore, the connection device can be removed from the machine so that the beverage machine can be operated by manually filling its reservoir. The connection device being provided as an accessory that can be extracted by the user, the connection device can be installed on machines that can be operated without the connection device or with the connection device. The connecting device is provided as a detachable assembly that can be installed by a user to a beverage machine that has a liquid reservoir.
Typically, the mounting installation is configured to attach such a device to the reservoir so that the sensor installation extends into the interior of the reservoir through said upper orifice or is positioned adjacent to a peripheral reservoir wall externally. to the deposit. Whether it extends inside or outside the tank, the sensor installation is installed so that it generates a trip signal when the liquid reaches a predetermined level in the tank.
The sensor installation may comprise a low level sensor for detecting a low level of liquid in the reservoir to generate a tripping signal to switch the valve arrangement to the open configuration so as to fill the reservoir with the liquid delivered by the reservoir. exit. The control set may be installed to switch the valve installation to the closed configuration when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the switching of the valve installation to the open configuration, the previously determined period of time being optionally adjustable by the user, for example to adjust the flow rate of the liquid supplied from the external delivery system and / or to adjust to a maximum storage volume of the reservoir. The control set may be installed to switch the valve installation to the closed configuration when an additional level sensor, which detects an overfill level above the high level, generates a trip signal to switch the valve installation or when a The previously determined volume of liquid, measured by a flowmeter connected to the control set, has been delivered through the outlet, the previously determined volume being optionally adjustable by the user, for example to adjust a maximum storage volume of said deposit.
The sensor installation may include a high level sensor for detecting a high level of liquid in the reservoir to generate a trip signal to switch the valve arrangement to a closed configuration.
Optionally, the control set is configured to intermittently read the high level sensor, for example read the high level sensor intermittently at long intervals of time, for example at intervals in the range of 1 to 20 minutes, and maintains the installation of valves in the closed configuration all the time that is detects a high level of liquid and then temporarily switches the valve installation to the open configuration until the high liquid level is detected again so the high level sensor is read continuously or at short time intervals by the control set , such as intervals of less than 5 seconds for example intervals in the range of 0.1 to 3 seconds. The time intervals can be adjusted by the user and / or set according to the maximum speed to empty the tank (maximum speed of liquid extraction by the machine) for the establishment of the long time intervals and / or the existence and the storage size available above the high level and the flow rate of the liquid supplied from the external delivery system for the establishment of the short time intervals.
Therefore, the device can be operated with a high level sensor and a low level sensor for filling the reservoir when it is empty or close to being empty and in a manner to prevent overflow.
Alternatively, the device can be operated with a single high or low level sensor to detect when the tank needs to be filled (or not filled) and a time measurement system (eg, as described earlier in this document) and / or a flow meter installation to avoid overfilling or emptying (open loop control of the tank filling status).
In a more secure embodiment, the device operates with both low and high level sensors on the one hand and with a time measuring system and / or a flowmeter system on the other hand. Therefore, an isolated failure of a sensor, a flow meter or the time measurement system does not lead to an overflow of the tank.
For example, the sensor installation comprises at least one of an optical sensor, an electrical sensor, for example, a capacitive sensor and a float sensor to detect a float the reservoir. The technical details of such sensors are well known in the field and for example are described in EP 2228633 and US 8 387455.
The valve installation may include one or more valves. For example, the valve installation comprises two or more valves that are in a fluidic configuration in series between the inlet and the outlet.
Two valves of this type that are in fluid configuration in series can be controlled in parallel by the control set so that both open simultaneously to establish the fluidic connection between the inlet and the outlet or that both close simultaneously to interrupt the fluidic connection .
Two valves of this type which are in fluid configuration in series can be controlled separately so that: a first valve (eg, a main or control valve) of such valves is opened or closed to establish or interrupt the fluidic connection between the inlet and outlet as required for the supply of liquid to the machine; and a second valve (eg, a reserve or safety valve) of such valves is open as long as the first valve is opened and closed controlled by the control assembly and then closed when the first valve is malfunctioning (for example, mechanical and / or electrical failure so that they do not close (completely) more). For example, at least one sensor, for example, a flowmeter and / or an overfill level sensor, is connected to the control assembly to detect a fluid flow in the flow through the inlet and outlet after the Control unit has attempted to switch the first valve to its closed configuration and to trigger the control assembly to switch the second valve to its closed configuration.
Therefore, by providing a fluidic installation in series of a plurality of valves (for example, two valves) which are controlled in parallel (for example, in the same way) or separately, the possibility of a malfunction of a valve, by For example, due to mechanical failure or electrical failure or lime clogging this valve, it does not prevent the other valves from being closed and the fluid connection to be interrupted. It turns out that a malfunction of a valve (for example, unable to completely interrupt the fluid connection) does not lead to an overflow of the reservoir.
Optionally, the control assembly is installed to detect a malfunction of any valve to then indicate to a user a malfunction of this type through an indicator and / or block the valve that does not malfunction in its closed configuration with or without automatically disconnect a device of this type. The connection device can comprise a body of the device and a protruding arm installed to extend over the hole of the storage tank and optionally inside the storage tank through the hole, the protruding arm being formed of or holding the outlet and / or the installation of sensors. A protruding arm of this type may include a connecting part for connecting a cover element that is configured to cover the hole of the storage tank. Optionally, the output and / or installation of sensors extend through the connection part or form the connection part or is integral with the connection part and the cover element.
Generally speaking, the connecting device may include a cover element that is configured to close the hole in the storage container (eg, to prevent contamination of the liquid in the reservoir by dust or other impurities that could otherwise enter into the reservoir). the reservoir through this orifice), the cover element delimiting a passage, such as a through hole, through which the outlet extends or through which the outlet can deliver liquid into the storage tank. Optionally, the sensor installation is extended within the storage tank through this step or through a different passage delimited by the cover element or the sensor installation is confined outside the storage tank.
Generally speaking, the cover member may include a mounting assembly for reversibly mounting the cover member to at least one of the storage container, such as a flange defining the orifice of the container, and / or to a body of the container. main machine of the beverage machine, for example, being hung from the main body. The mounting of the cover element to the storage tank and / or to the main body of the machine can be implemented in the manner by which ordinary tank covers are mounted thereon, for example, as described in the references cited above in this document.
The connection device can have a body of the device and a mounting device for reversibly mounting the body of the device to the reservoir and / or to a main body of the machine of the beverage machine. The mounting installation may include a lower mounting installation, such as a foot, for reversibly mounting the body of the device to a lower part of the tank and / or to a lower part of the main body of the machine, optionally the mounting installation bottom comprising a platform extending from a bottom part of the body of the device and / or extending below the outlet.
The mounting installation can have a top mounting assembly, such as an upper part, for reversibly mounting the body of the device to an upper part of the tank and / or to an upper part of the main body of the machine, optionally the installation of top assembly comprising an arm extending from an upper part of the body of the device and / or extending above the outlet.
The mounting installation may comprise a first mounting installation, such as a lower mounting installation, for example, a foot, and a second mounting installation, for example, a top mounting installation such as an upper part, which may be to be fixed in a reversible manner to the machine, for example to the machine's tank and / or to the main body of the machine, by fixing the first and second installations to each other by means of a fixing installation.
The fixing installation can include any connector that directly or indirectly fixes directly the connection device to the machine, for example, the deposit of the machine and / or the main body of the machine, such as a mechanical or physical connector, for example, one or more hooks, clamps, sockets, clamps, screws, friction fasteners, geometric fasteners and magnetic connectors.
Optionally, when they are fixed together, the first and second facilities can:
- extending over two ends of the machine, for example, on two ends of the machine tank and / or the main body of the machine, to form a clamp secured to the machine, for example, to the tank and / or to the main body of the machine, the two ends forming for example an upper part and the bottom of the machine, for example, the tank and / or the main body of the machine; I
- extending externally on and around the machine, for example, externally on and around the tank and / or the main body of the machine, and optionally passing through a hole in the tank and / or the main body of the machine; I
- delimit an orifice between them so that the external system is connected to the entrance.
In one embodiment, the body of the device is composed of a first piece and a second piece. The first part comprises the first installation installation and the second part comprises the second installation installation. The first and second mounting installations are fixed reversibly to the machine by assembling the first and second parts together by the fixing installation.
For example, at least one of the first and second pieces includes an outer housing through which it is mounted to the other piece, for example, each piece being provided with an outer housing so that the pieces are assembled together through their parts. respective external accommodations. For example, a part of the first and second parts comprises the inlet, the outlet, the valve installation and the control assembly, optionally the inlet and / or the outlet extending through the other part of the first and second parts such as through a hole delimited by a housing of the other piece for example, a hole delimited by a housing of the first piece and a housing of the second piece.
Therefore, the connection device can be mounted very easily in the machine, for example in the machine magazine and / or the main body of the machine. For example, the connection device is mounted on the machine as a two-part installation and secured to the machine (for example, the tank and / or the main body of the machine) by fixing the two pieces of the device. connection together by the fixing installation. The fixing of the two pieces can be "accessible", that is, they can be easily released by a user without effort (for example, by using a user lever or latch), can be "quickly accessible", this is it can be released by a trained user without damaging the connection device (for example, by using screws). In general, the mounting installation resulting from such a fixation, for example by using a corresponding fixing device, is considered to be reversible.
In an embodiment not covered by the present invention, the fixation is "not accessible", that is to detach it involves a destruction of at least one piece of the connection device or of the fixing installation or requires a special tool or a physical key (for example, not widely used) or requires special knowledge (provided by a corresponding special training, for example, an intellectual key) of the connection device and its structure to know how to disassemble it. In general, the installation installation resulting from the fixing of this type, for example, by using a corresponding fixing installation, is considered to be irreversible.
The connection device typically includes an element that supports the installation of sensors. The element may extend in a globally vertical direction and / or in a globally horizontal direction installed to generally engage a wall of the machine, such as a peripheral wall of the tank, along a corresponding direction or directions, when the device Connection is fixed to the reservoir. The element may extend in a generally vertical direction in a manner that generally extends along the wall of the reservoir inside or outside the reservoir, when the connecting device is fixed to the reservoir. The element can form a wall of a body of the device of the connection device. The element can be formed by a printed circuit board (PCB) which interfaces with at least one or two sensors of the sensor installation to the control unit.
The invention also relates to an assembly formed by a beverage machine and a connection device as has been described globally hereinbefore.
The device is installed to connect the machine to an external liquid delivery system, for example, a water distribution network, to supply a liquid of this type to the machine.
The machine has a liquid storage tank with an upper hole for supplying liquid inside the tank, such as a hole delimited by a tank flange. Optionally, the reservoir is delimited by a bottom part and a peripheral wall extending from and above the bottom wall towards the orifice and / or has an outlet from the reservoir to dispense the liquid to the processing and delivery assembly of the reservoir. drink of the machine.
The machine may have an inlet for delivering an ingredient, such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge, to be processed with said liquid in the processing and delivery assembly for preparing a beverage. The entrance usually has an ingredient step with or without a loading device to transport the ingredient to the entrance. Examples of installations of this type are disclosed in EP 1447034, WO 01/84993, WO 02/078499, WO 03/056987, WO 2012/072766, WO 2012/093107, WO 2012/126971, WO 2014/056821, WO 2014/056641 and WO 2014/056642.
The machine can have an outlet to deliver a beverage from the processing and delivery set. Any exit is contemplated. Examples of advantageous outputs are disclosed in WO 2006/050769, WO 2011/095502, WO 2012/055765, WO 2012/072758 and WO 2013/127907.
The outlet can be placed above a support for placing a container of the user, for example, a cup or a jug, to collect the beverage delivered by the outlet. Suitable examples of supports of this type are disclosed in EP 1943931, EP 1867260, EP 2189087, EP 2189088, EP 2189089, WO 2009/074557, WO 2011/154492, WO 2012/007313 and WO 2013/104636.
The machine may have a drive, such as a crank or motor, to drive the beverage processing and delivery assembly to receive and / or evacuate an ingredient from the assembly, such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge. Suitable examples of such drives and processing and delivery assemblies of powered beverages are disclosed in US 8272319, WO 2004/071259, WO 2005/004683, WO2007 / 135136, WO 2009/043630, WO 2010/015427, WO 2012/025258. , WO 2012/025259, WO 2013/127476, WO 2014/056810, WO 2014/056862, WO 2014/060370, WO 2014/096122 and WO 2014/096123.
The machine may have a pump for pumping the liquid from the tank to a delivery outlet for the beverage. Examples of suitable pumps and / or their integration into the fluid line of the machines for the preparation of beverages are disclosed in WO 2009/024500, WO 2009/150030, WO 2010/006953, WO 2011/107574, WO 2010 / 108700 and WO 2013/098173.
The machine may include a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid directed by the pump with an ingredient such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge. Examples of mixing chambers can be found in the related references in relation to the processed beverage delivery and processing assembly.
The machine may include a thermal conditioner such as a heater and / or a refrigerator, for thermally conditioning the liquid supplied from the tank, for example through a tank outlet. Example of thermal conditioners and / or their integration into the fluid line of machines for the preparation of beverages are disclosed in US 8646377, WO 01/54551, WO 2004/006742, WO 2006/029763, WO 2009/092746, WO 2009/043851, WO 2009/043865 and WO 2011/157675.
The machine can include a control set of the machine such as a control set with a user interface. The implementation of examples of control assemblies and user interfaces in machines for the preparation of beverages are disclosed, for example, in WO 2008/138710, WO 2009/043865, WO 2009/135821, WO 2010/003932, WO 2010 / 037806, WO 2010/046442, WO 2011/020779, WO 2011/026853, WO 2011/029813, WO 2011/144719, WO 2011/144720, WO 2012/007260, WO 2012/032019 and WO 2012/072764.
The machine may comprise an electrical connector for supplying power through a power connector to the connection device, for example, as disclosed in WO 2009/074555.
The machine can have a removable tank lid to cover the tank. The tank lid can be compatible with the connection device when the connection device is used with the machine or the tank lid can be removed from the tank for the use of the connection device. When the lid of the tank is removed, the connection device may comprise a cover element that replaces the cover of the tank and allows the tank to be filled through the connection device (generally through the cover element). The reservoir cap (or the device cover element) may be attached to the main body of the machine or the reservoir or both. An example of a reservoir cap (which can be modified by the connection device, either as a part of the connection device (such as its cover element) as a part of the beverage machine or that can be used as such when the beverage machine is not combined with the connecting device) is taught in WO 2011/089210.
The machine for the preparation of beverages can be a domestic or non-domestic machine. The machine can be for the preparation of coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, milk, soup, baby food, and so on. The machine can be installed for the preparation inside a beverage processing module of a beverage by passing hot or cold water or another liquid through a cartridge containing an ingredient, such as an aromatic ingredient, of the beverage that it is going to be prepared, such as ground coffee, or tea, or chocolate, or cocoa, or milk powder. The preparation of the beverage typically includes mixing a plurality of beverage ingredients, for example, water and milk powder, and / or infusing an ingredient of a beverage, such as an infusion of ground coffee or tea with water. . One or more of such ingredients can be supplied in the form of a loose and / or agglomerated powder and / or in the form of a liquid, in particular in the form of a concentrate. A carrier liquid or diluent, for example water, can be mixed with such an ingredient to form the beverage. The liquid can be supplied manually and / or through the external delivery system.
For example, a predetermined amount of beverage is formed and dispensed at the request of the user, which corresponds to a service. The volume of such a service can be in the range of 25 to 200 ml and even up to 300 or 400 ml, for example, the volume to fill a cup, depending on the type of beverage. The drinks formed and dispensed can be selected from short, express, long, cappuccinos, cut, coffee with milk, American coffees, teas, etc. For example, a coffee machine can be configured to dispense shorts, for example an adjustable volume of 20 to 60 ml per service and / or to dispense lengths, for example, a volume in the range of 70 to 150 ml per service.
The invention will now be described with reference to the schematic drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 illustrates a machine for the preparation of beverages having a reservoir which may be equipped with an exemplary connection device according to the invention;
Figures 2 and 3 show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a connection device of that type;
- Figure 4 illustrates a machine for the preparation of beverages equipped with such a connection device; Y
- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of part of a beverage machine equipped with such a connection device.
Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a machine for the preparation of beverages 2 which can be re equipped with a connecting device 1 shown in Figures 2 to 4 in a manner illustrated in Figure 5.
The exemplary machine 2 shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 5 has a liquid storage tank 20, for example, a water storage tank, with an upper hole 20a for supplying liquid inside the tank 20, such as a orifice 20a delimited by a rim of the reservoir 20. For example, the reservoir 20 is delimited by a bottom part 20b and a peripheral wall 20c extending from and above the bottom wall 20b towards the orifice 20a and / or that it has a tank outlet 20d for dispensing liquid to a processing and delivery assembly of the beverage 24, 25 of the machine 2.
The machine 2 may have an inlet 24 for supplying an ingredient, such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge, to be processed with the liquid from the reservoir 20 in the processing and delivery assembly 24, 25 so that a beverage is prepared .
The machine 2 typically includes an outlet 25 for delivering a beverage from the processing and delivery assembly 24, 25, such as an outlet 25 positioned above a support 26 for placing a user container, eg, a mug or a jug , to pick up the drink delivered by the exit 25.
For example, the machine 2 has a drive, such as a handle 23 or a motor, for driving the beverage processing and delivery assembly 24, 25 to receive and / or evacuate from the assembly 24, 25 an ingredient, such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge.
Typically, the machine 2 comprises a pump for pumping the liquid from the tank outlet 20d to a delivery outlet for the beverage 25, optionally through a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid with an ingredient such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge.
The machine 2 may also include a thermal conditioner, such as a heater and / or a refrigerator, for thermally conditioning the liquid supplied from the tank 20, for example, through the tank outlet 20d.
Typically, the machine 2 comprises a machine control assembly such as a control assembly with a user interface 27, for example, an on / off switch.
Optionally, the machine 2 may also include an electrical connector (not shown) for supplying power to an external device, such as a connection device 1, through a power connector 14c, 14d of the device 1.
Additionally, the reservoir 20 can have a (solid) reservoir lid 20 'to cover the orifice 20a, the cap 20' being removable to fill the reservoir 20. When the connecting device 1 is fixed to the reservoir 20, the cap 20 ' it can be removed so that the hole 20a remains open or is covered by a cover element 16d which is fixed to the connection device 1 and can be removed in block with the device 1. Therefore, the tank 20 can nevertheless remain covered when it is (re-) equipped with the connection device 1.
An exemplary connection device 1 is illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, Figures 4 and 5 showing the device 1 when mounted on a machine for the preparation of beverages 2, typically of the type described hereinabove.
The connecting device 1 is installed to connect the machine 2 to an external liquid delivery system 3, for example, a pipe 3 and a water distribution network or a pipe 3 connected to a network of this type, to supply liquid from system 3 to machine 2.
The connection device 1 typically has: an inlet 10 for a fluid connection to an external liquid delivery system 3; an outlet 13 for delivery of liquid from the external system 3 through the inlet 10 to the beverage machine 2; a valve arrangement 12a, 12b that can be switched between an open configuration to establish a fluidic connection between the inlet 10 and the outlet 13 and a closed configuration for interrupting the fluidic connection, such as a valve installation 12a, 12b connected to the inlet 10 through a fluid connector 11 for example, a fluid connector 11 fixed to a frame part 16a of a body 16 and a device 1 of this type; and a control assembly 14 for switching the valve installation 12a, 12b between its open configuration and its closed configuration.
Optionally, the control assembly 14 is connected to at least one of: a power supply through a power connector 14c, 14d; and a user interface 14a, 14b such as an interface comprising a power and / or reset switch 14a (e.g., an on / off switch and / or a switch to reset the device 1) 14a and / or a control indicator, for example, a control light 14b. The power supply can be provided by the beverage machine 2 itself or it can be external to the device 1 and to the machine 2, for example, the electrical network. The power connector 14c, 14d may include an electrical cable 14c of a pin 14d. The power connector 14 c, 14d may include a voltage transformer, for example, inside the pin 14d or in the control assembly 14.
The connection device 1 may comprise an installation of sensors 15a, 15b connected to the control assembly 14 which is configured to switch the valve installation 12a, 12b in response to a trigger signal from the sensor installation 15a, 15b.
The connection device 1 can have a mounting installation 16c, 16d for reversibly fixing the connection device 1, as an accessory that can be extracted by the user 1, to the tank 20 so that the outlet 13 is positioned to deliver the liquid through the upper hole 20a into the interior of the tank 20.
Alternatively, the connecting device may be integrated in the beverage machine in a manner not intended to be disassembled by a user.
The connecting device can be connected to and use sensors that are integrated in the beverage machine to monitor the tank.
Typically, the mounting installation 16c, 16d is configured to attach the device 1 to the reservoir 20 so that the sensor installation 15a, 15b extends into the interior of the reservoir 20 through the upper orifice 20a or is positioned adjacent to the reservoir 20a. peripheral wall of the tank 20c externally to the tank 20, so that a trigger signal is generated when the liquid reaches a predetermined level 15a ', 15b' in the tank 20.
The sensor installation 15a, 15b typically comprises a low level sensor 15a for detecting a low level 15a 'of liquid in the tank 20 to generate a trigger signal for switching the valve installation 12a, 12b to the open configuration so that the tank 20 is filled with the liquid delivered by the outlet 13.
The control assembly 14 can be installed to switch the valve installation 12a, 12b to the closed configuration when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the switching of the valve installation 12a, 12b to the open configuration, the period of time previously determined being optionally adjustable by the user or programmable by the user.
The control assembly 14 may be installed to switch the valve installation 12a, 12b to the closed configuration when an additional level sensor that detects an overfill level above the high level 15b 'generates a trip signal to switch the installation of valves or when a previously determined volume of liquid measured by a flowmeter 15c connected to the control assembly 14 has been delivered through the outlet 13, the volume previously determined being optionally adjustable by the user, for example, to adjust a storage volume maximum of deposit 20.
The sensor installation 15a, 15b may comprise a high level sensor 15b for detecting a high level 15b 'of liquid in the tank 20 to generate a trigger signal for switching the valve installation 12a, 12b to the closed configuration.
The control assembly 14 can be configured to intermittently read the high level sensor 15b, for example intermittently read the high level sensor 15b at long time intervals, for example, at intervals in the range of 1 to 30 minutes and keep the valve installation 12a, 12b in the closed configuration all the time that the high level 15b 'of liquid is detected and then temporarily switch the valve installation 12a, 12b to the open configuration until the high level 15b' of liquid is detected again so that the high level sensor 15b is read continuously or at short intervals in time by the control set 14, for example, intervals of less than 5 seconds such as intervals in the range of 0.1 to 3 seconds .
The time intervals can be adjusted by the user and / or set according to the maximum speed to empty the tank 20 (the maximum speed of liquid extraction by the machine 2) to establish the long time intervals and / or the existence and the size of the available storage space above the high level and the liquid flow rate supplied from the external delivery system to establish the short time intervals.
The sensor installation 15a, 15b may comprise at least one of an optical sensor, an electrical sensor, for example, a capacitive sensor, and a float sensor for detecting a float in the tank 20.
The valve installation 12a, 12b may comprise at least one valve 12a, 12b.
In a particular embodiment, the valve installation 12a, 12b comprises two or more valves 12a, 12b that are in a fluidic configuration in series between the inlet 10 and the outlet 13.
At least two such valves 12a, 12b that are in fluid configuration in series can be controlled in parallel by the control assembly 14 to be both open simultaneously for the establishment of the fluidic connection between the inlet 10 and the outlet 13 or both closed simultaneously to interrupt the fluid connection.
At least two such valves 12a, 12b which are in fluid configuration in series can be controlled separately by the control assembly 14. A first valve 12a (eg, a main valve, a control valve) of such valves 12a, 12b it can be opened or closed to establish or interrupt the fluidic connection between inlet 10 and outlet 13 as required to supply liquid to the machine. A second valve 12b (eg, a check or safety valve) of such valves 12a, 12b is typically open as long as a first valve 12a is opened and closed controlled by the control assembly 14 and closed when the First valve 12a is malfunctioning. At least one sensor 15c, for example, a flowmeter and / or an overfill level sensor, may be connected to control assembly 14 to detect a continuous flow of liquid through inlet 10 and outlet 13 after which the control unit 14 has attempted to switch the first valve 12a to its closed configuration and to trigger the control assembly 14 to switch said second valve 12b to its closed configuration.
The control assembly 14 can be installed to detect a malfunction of at least one valve 12a, 12b to then indicate to a user a malfunction of this type through an indicator 14b and / or block the valve that does not malfunction in its closed configuration with or without automatic disconnection of the device 1.
The connection device 1 typically comprises a body 16 and a protruding arm 16b installed to extend over the opening 20a of a storage tank 20 and optionally inside the storage tank 20 through the orifice of the tank 20a, protruding arm 16 which is formed of or holding the exit 13 and / or the installation of sensors. The projecting arm 16b may comprise a connection part 16e for connecting a cover element 16d which is configured to cover the orifice 20a of the storage tank 20. Optionally, the outlet 13 and / or the sensor installation extends through the the connection part 16e or forms the connection part or are integral with the connection part and the cover element 16d. The connecting device may have a cover element 16d which is configured to close the hole 20a of a storage device 20, the cover element 16d delimiting a passage 16e, such as a through hole, through which the outlet extends 13 or through which the outlet can deliver the liquid inside the storage tank 20. Optionally, the installation of sensors 15a, 15b extends inside the storage tank 20 through this step or through a different step delimited by the cover element or the sensor installation 15a, 15b is confined outside the tank 20.
The cover element 16d may comprise a mounting device 16f for reversibly mounting the cover element 16d to at least one storage tank 20, such as to a flange delimiting the orifice of the tank 20a, and / or to a body of the machine 22 of the beverage machine 2, for example, being hung from the main body of the machine 22.
The mounting installation may include a lower mounting assembly 16a, such as a foot, for reversibly or irreversibly mounting the body of the device 16 to a lower part 20b of the container 20 and / or to a lower part of the main body of the machine 22. For example, the mounting installation 16c has a platform that extends from a bottom part of the body of the device 16 and / or extends below the outlet 13. The mounting assembly can have a top mounting installation 16b, 16d , 16e, 16f, such as a top part, for reversibly or irreversibly mounting the body of the device 16 to an upper part 20a of the tank 20 and / or to an upper part of the main body of the machine 22. For example, a mounting installation 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, includes an arm 16b extending from an upper part of the body of the device 16 and / or extending above the outlet 13, such as an arm that or is fixed to a cover element 20d.
The mounting installation may comprise a first mounting installation 16c, such as a lower mounting installation , for example, a foot, and a second mounting installation 16 b, 16d, 16e, 16f, for example a top mounting installation, which can be fixed reversibly or irreversibly to the machine 2, for example to the tank 20, by fixing the first and second installations 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, one to the another by a fixing installation 16bc. The fixing installation 16bc can include any connector that directly or indirectly reversibly fixes the connection device 1 to the machine 2, for example, a machine reservoir 20 and / or a main body of the machine 22, such as a mechanical or physical element, for example, one or more of hooks, clamps, sockets, clamps, screws, friction fasteners, geometric fasteners and magnetic connectors. For example, when the first and second installations 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f are fixed together:
- they extend over two ends of the machine 2, for example, on the tank of the machine 20, to form a clamp fixed in the machine 2, for example, in the tank 20, said two ends forming for example an upper part and lower of the machine 2, for example, of the tank 20; I
- extend externally above and around the machine 2, for example, externally above and around the reservoir 20, and optionally passing through an upper opening of the reservoir 20a of the reservoir 20 inside the reservoir 20; I
- they delimit an orifice 16c 'between them so that the external system 3 is connected to the inlet 10.
The body of the device 16 can be composed of a first part 16 'and a second part 16 ", the first part 16' comprising a first mounting installation 16c and the second part 16" comprising the second mounting installation 16b, 16 d, 16e, 16f, the first and second mounting facilities 16c; 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, being fixed reversibly or irreversibly to the machine 2 by assembling the first and second parts 16 ', 16 "together by the fixing installation 16bc.
At least one of the first and second pieces 16 ', 16 "may include an outer housing 161', 161" by which it is mounted on the other part. For example, each piece 16 ', 16 "has an outer housing 161', 161" so that the pieces 16 ', 16 "are assembled together through their respective outer housings 161', 161".
A part 16 "of the first and second parts 16 ', 16" may comprise the inlet 10, the outlet 13, the valve installation 12a, 12b and the control assembly 14. For example, the inlet 10 and / or the outlet 13 extend through the other part 16 'of the first and second parts 16', 16 "such as through a hole 16c 'delimited by a housing 161' of the other part 16 ', for example, a delimited orifice by a housing 161 'of the first part 16' and a housing of the second part 16 ".
The connection device 1 can have an element 15 that supports the installation of sensors 15a, 15b. Optionally, element 15 has one or more of the following characteristics a) to d):
a) the element 15 extends in a globally vertical direction 15 'and / or in a globally horizontal direction 15 "installed to globally couple a wall 20c of the machine 2, such as a peripheral wall 20c of the tank 20, along the an address or corresponding addresses 20c ', 20c ", when the device 1 is fixed to the tank;
b) the element 15 extends in a generally vertical direction in a manner extending overall along the wall of the tank 20c inside or outside the tank 20, when the device 1 is fixed to the tank 20;
c) the element 15 forms a wall 15 of a body 16 of the device 1;
d) the element 15 is formed by a PCB which interfaces with at least one or two sensors 15a, 15b of the sensor installation 15a, 15b with the control assembly 14.
A connection device (1) for connecting a beverage machine (2) with an external liquid delivery system (3), for example a water distribution network, for supplying a liquid of this type to said machine ( 2), said machine (2) being provided with a liquid storage tank (20) with an upper hole (20a) for supplying liquid inside the tank, such as an orifice (20a) delimited by a tank rim ( 20), optionally said tank (20) being delimited by a bottom part (20b) and a peripheral wall (20c) extending from and above the bottom part (20b) towards the orifice (20a) and / or having a tank outlet (20d) for dispensing liquid to a processing and delivery assembly of the beverage (24, 25) of the machine (2), said connection device (1) being provided with:
- an inlet (10) for a connection of the fluid to said external system (3);
- an outlet (13) for the delivery of liquid from said external system (3) through the inlet (10) to said beverage machine (2);
- a valve installation (12a, 12b) that can be switched between an open configuration to establish a fluidic connection between the inlet (10) and the outlet (13) and a closed configuration to interrupt the fluidic connection, such as a power installation. valves (12a, 12b) connected to the inlet (10) through a fluid connector (11) for example, a fluid connector (11) attached to a part of the frame (16a) of a body (16) of the device (1) of this type; Y
- a control assembly (14) for switching the valve installation (12a, 12b) between its open configuration and its closed configuration,
optionally, the control assembly (14) being connected to at least one of: a power supply through a power connector (14c, 14d); and a user interface (14a, 14b) such as an interface comprising a power and / or reset switch (14a) and / or a control indicator, e.g., a control light (14b),
characterized in that a connection device (1) of this type additionally comprises:
- a sensor installation (15a, 15b) connected to the control assembly (14) which is configured to switch the valve installation (12a, 12b) in response to a trigger signal from the sensor installation (15a, 15b) ); Y
- a mounting installation (16c, 16d) for reversibly fixing said connection device (1), as an accessory that can be extracted by the user (1), to said tank (20) so that the outlet (13) is placed to deliver liquid through said upper hole (20a) into said tank (20).
The device of claim 1 wherein the mounting installation (16c, 16d) is configured for fixing the device (1) of that type to said tank (20) so that the installation of sensors (15a, 15b) ) extends inside the tank (20) through the upper hole (20a) or is placed adjacent to the peripheral wall of the tank (20c) externally to the tank (20), so that a trigger signal is generated when the liquid reach a predetermined level (15a ', 15b') in the tank 20.
The device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the sensor installation (15a, 15b) comprises a low level sensor (15a) for detecting a low level (15a ') of liquid in said tank (20) to generate a trigger signal for switching the valve installation (12a, 12b) to the open configuration so as to fill said tank (20) with the liquid delivered by the outlet (13).
The device of claim 3, wherein the control assembly (14) is installed to switch the valve installation (12a, 12b) to the closed configuration:
- when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the switching of the valve installation (12a, 12b) to the open configuration, the previously determined period of time being optionally adjustable by the user, for example, to adjust a flow rate of liquid supplied from said external delivery system (3) and / or adjusting to a maximum storage volume of said reservoir (20); I
- when an additional level sensor that detects an overfill level above the high level (15b ') generates a trigger signal for switching the valve installation or when a predetermined volume of liquid measured by a flowmeter (15c) connected to the control set (14) has been delivered through the input (13), the volume previously determined being optionally adjustable by the user, for example, to adjust a maximum storage volume of the tank (20).
The device of any of the preceding claims wherein the sensor installation (15a, 15b) comprises a high level sensor (15b) for detecting a high level (15b ') of liquid in said tank (20) to generate a trigger signal for switching the valve arrangement (12a, 12b) to the closed configuration, optionally the control assembly (14) being configured so that it periodically reads the high level sensor (15b), for example, at long intervals the time, for example, at intervals in the range of 1 to 20 or 30 minutes and maintain the installation of valves (12a, 12b) in the closed configuration all the time that the high level (15b ') of liquid is detected and then temporarily switching the valve installation (12a, 12b) to the open configuration until the high level (15b ') of liquid is detected again so that the high level sensor (15b) is read continuously or at short intervals by the assembly of control (14), such as at intervals of less than 5 seconds for example, intervals in the range of 0.1 to 3 seconds.
The device of any of the preceding claims wherein the sensor installation (15a, 15b) comprises at least one of an optical sensor, an electrical sensor, for example, a capacitive sensor, and a float sensor to detect a float in said tank (20).
The device of any of the preceding claims wherein the valve installation (12a, 12b) comprises at least one valve (12a, 12b).
The device of claim 7 wherein the valve installation (12a, 12b) comprises two or more valves (12a, 12b) that are in fluidic configuration in series between the inlet (10) and the outlet (13), optionally at least two of such valves (12a, 12b) that are in a series fluidic configuration are controlled:
- in parallel by the control set (14) to be both simultaneously open for the establishment of the fluidic connection between the input (10) and the output (13) or both closed simultaneously to interrupt the fluidic connection, or
- separately by the control assembly (14) so that a first valve (12a) of such valves (12a, 12b) opens or closes to establish or interrupt the fluidic connection between the inlet (10) and the outlet (13) ) as required to supply liquid within said tank (20) and so that a second valve (12b) of such valves (12a, 12b) is open as long as the first valve (12a) is opened and closed controlled for the control assembly (14) and is closed when the first valve (12a) is malfunctioning, optionally a sensor (15c), for example, a flow meter and / or an overfill level sensor, may be connected to the set of control (14) to detect a continuous filling flow of said reservoir (20) after the control unit (14) has attempted to switch the first valve (12a) to its closed configuration and to trigger the control assembly (14) so that it commutes the second valve (12b) to its co closed nfiguration,
optionally the control assembly (14) being installed to detect a malfunction of at least one valve (12a, 12b) to then indicate to a user a malfunction of this type through an indicator (14b) and / or block the valve that does not malfunction in its closed configuration with or without automatically disconnecting the device (1) of this type.
The device of any of the preceding claims which comprises a body (16) and a protruding arm (16b) installed to extend over the hole (20a) of said storage tank (20) and optionally inside the tank of storage (20) through the hole (20a), protruding arm (16) being formed of or holding at least one of the outlet (13) and the installation of sensors.
The device of claim 9 wherein the protruding arm (16b) comprises a connecting portion (16e) for connecting a cover element (16d) that is configured to cover the hole (20a) of said storage tank (20), optionally, the outlet (13) and / or the installation of sensors extend through the connection part (16e) or forming the connection part or being integral with the connection part and the cover element ( 16d).
The device of any of the preceding claims which comprises a cover element (16d) which is configured to close the hole (20a) of said storage device (20), the cover element (16d) delimiting a passage ( 16e), such as a through hole, through which the outlet (13) extends or through which the outlet can deliver the liquid inside the storage tank (20), optionally, the installation of sensors (15a, 15b) extending through said passage or through a different passage delimited by the cover element into said storage tank or being confined outside the storage tank (20).
The device of claim 10 or 11 wherein the cover member (16d) comprises a mounting installation (16f) for reversibly mounting the cover element (16d) to at least one of said storage tank (20), such as to a flange delimiting the orifice of the tank (20a), and / or to a main body of the machine (22) of said beverage machine (2), for example, being hung from the main body of the machine (22).
The device of any of the preceding claims which has a body of the device (16) and a mounting installation (16c; 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f) for reversibly mounting the body of the device (16) to the reservoir (20). ) and / or to a main body of the machine (22) of said beverage machine (2), such as:
- a lower mounting installation (16c), such as a foot, for reversibly mounting the body of the device (16) to a lower part (20b) of the tank (20) and / or to a lower part of the main body of the machine ( 22), optionally the lower mounting installation (16c) comprising a platform extending from a bottom part of the body of the device (16) and / or extending below the outlet (13); I
- a top mounting installation (16b, 16d, 16e, 16f), such as an upper part, for reversibly mounting the body of the device (16) to an upper part (20a) of the tank (20) and / or to an upper part of the main body of the machine (22), optionally the top mounting installation (16b, 16d, 16e, 16f), comprising an arm (16b) extending from an upper part of the body of the device (16) and / or it extends above the outlet (13), such as an arm that forms or is fixed to a cover element (20d); and / or - a first mounting installation (16c), such as a lower mounting installation, for example a foot, and a second mounting installation (16b, 16d, 16e, 16f), for example a top mounting installation, which can be fixed reversibly to the machine (2), for example to said tank (20), and / or to the main body of the machine (22), by fixing the first and second installations (16b, 16d, 16e) , 16f), to each other by a fixing installation (16bc) which can include any connector that directly or indirectly reversibly fixes such connection device (1) of this type to the machine (2), for example a tank of the machine (20) and / or a main body of the machine (22), such as a mechanical or physical connector, for example one or more of hooks, clamps, clamps, clamps, screws, friction fasteners, elements of geometric fixation and magnetic connectors, optionally, when they are fixed j untas the first and second facilities (16b, 16d, 16e, 16f):
- they extend over two ends of said machine (2), for example on said tank (20) and / or to the main body of the machine (22), to form a clamp fixed on said machine (2), for example in said reservoir (20), and / or the main body of the machine (22), said two ends forming for example an upper part and the bottom of said machine (2), for example from said reservoir (20) and / or main body of the machine (22); and / or - they extend externally above and around said machine (2), for example, externally above and around said reservoir (20), and / or the main body of the machine (22) and optionally passing through of a hole (20a) of said tank (20) and / or said main body of the machine (22); I
- delimiting an orifice (16c ') between them so that said external system (3) is connected to the inlet (10).
The device of any of the preceding claims which comprises an element (15) that supports the installation of sensors (15a, 15b), optionally, the element (15) being provided with one or more of the following characteristics a) ad ):
a) the element (15) extends in a globally vertical direction (15 ') and / or in a globally horizontal direction (15 ") installed to globally couple a wall (20c) of the machine (2), such as a wall peripheral (20c) of the reservoir (20), along a corresponding address or directions (20c ', 20c "), when the device (1) of this type is fixed to the reservoir (20);
b) the element (15) extends in a globally vertical direction in a manner extending overall along the wall of the tank (20c) inside or outside the tank (20), when the device (1) of this type it is fixed to the tank (20);
c) the element (15) forms a wall (15) of a body (16) of said device (1);
d) the element (15) is formed by a PCB which interfaces with at least one or two sensors (15a, 15b) of the sensor installation (15a, 15b) with the control assembly (14).
15. A set consisting of a connection device (1) as defined in any of the preceding claims and a beverage machine (2), the device (1) being installed to connect the machine (2) with a delivery system of external liquid (3), for example, a water distribution network, for supplying a liquid of this type to said machine (2), the machine being provided with a liquid storage tank (20) with an upper hole ( 20a) for supplying liquid inside the tank, such as a hole (20a) delimited by a rim of the tank (20), optionally the tank (20) being delimited by a bottom part (20b) and a peripheral wall (20c) ) extending from and above the bottom wall (20b) towards the hole (20a) and / or having a tank outlet (20d) for dispensing liquid to a beverage processing and delivery assembly (24, 25) of the machine (2), optionally the machine is I am provided with one or more of: - an inlet (24) for supplying an ingredient, such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge, to be processed with said liquid in the processing and delivery assembly (24, 25) so that a beverage is prepared;
- an outlet (25) for delivering a beverage from the processing and delivery assembly (24, 25), such as an outlet (25) positioned above a support (26) for placing a user's container, for example, a cup or a jug, to collect the drink delivered by the exit (25);
- a drive, such as a crank (23) or a motor, for driving the beverage processing and delivery assembly (24, 25) to receive and / or evacuate from the assembly (24, 25) an ingredient, such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge.
- a pump for pumping said liquid from the tank outlet (20d) to a delivery outlet for the beverage (25), optionally through a mixing chamber for mixing said liquid with an ingredient such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge ;
- a thermal conditioner, such as a heater and / or a refrigerator, for thermally conditioning said liquid supplied from the tank outlet (20d);
- a control set of the machine such as a control set with a user interface (27); - an electrical connector for supplying power through a power connector (14c, 14d) to the device (1); Y
- a removable tank cover (20 '), such as a tank cover (20') which can be replaced by a cover element (16) composed of the connection device (1).
ES15734187T 2014-07-09 2015-07-07 Accessory to automatically supply a beverage machine with a liquid from a distribution network Active ES2699086T3 (en)
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ES15734187T Active ES2699086T3 (en) 2014-07-09 2015-07-07 Accessory to automatically supply a beverage machine with a liquid from a distribution network
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