Apparatus and method for automatically filling a liquid and corresponding machine

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for automatically filling a liquid (L) for a machine (100) comprising a removable tank (11) able to assume an inserted position (Pl) in a housing seating (111) of the machine (100) to receive the liquid (L), and an extracted position (P2) from the housing seating (111), and a filling device (12) connectable, upstream, to an inlet hydraulic circuit (13) of the liquid (L).

Description

[0001] “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY FILLING A LIQUID AND CORRESPONDING MACHINE”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for automatically filling a liquid, in particular water, for a machine, in particular a machine for preparing beverages, preferably coffee-based beverages.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Apparatuses for automatically filling a liquid, in particular water, used in machines for preparing coffee beverages, are known. In many cases, the filling apparatus comprises a tank, possibly removable, with one or more water level detection sensors associated with it.

[0006] In general, upstream of the tank there is a water supply circuit connected to the water supply network.

[0007] The supply circuit can comprise at least one inlet solenoid valve which is operationally connected to a system for controlling the water level in the tank. The control system is connected to the detection sensors and its function is to activate the water inlet solenoid valve when the water level inside the tank is below a minimum level.

[0008] These filling apparatuses, however, have the disadvantage that the fluidic disconnection between the water supply network and the tank is strictly linked to the correct operation of the control system and the solenoid valve, therefore in the event of malfunctions, dripping or even substantial water leaks can occur.

[0009] In some cases, in order to guarantee a higher level of safety, there can be provided two inlet solenoid valves and one block valve which is linked to a maximum level of water in the tank being exceeded; however, these solutions are more complex and expensive.

[0010] In addition, in the event that the tank is removable, another disadvantage is that the control system does not take into account the correct positioning of the tank for opening the solenoid valve, therefore unwanted liquid leakages may occur when the tank is removed.

[0011] US 2014 / 069279 Al discloses a coffee making device having a body with a removeable water tank that supplies water to a heat system of the device, where the body has a fluid refill opening that leads to the tank.

[0012] US 2013 / 298777 Al discloses a known beverage preparation machine.

[0013] There is therefore the need to perfect an apparatus for automatically filling a liquid that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0014] To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of perfecting an apparatus for automatically filling a liquid for a machine, in particular a machine for preparing beverages, which allows a safe fluidic disconnection between the water supply network and the tank, preventing any possible liquid leakages in the event that an extractable type tank is extracted.

[0015] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically filling a liquid for a machine that is safe and reliable.

[0016] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically filling a liquid that prevents accidental losses of liquid.

[0017] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically filling a liquid for a machine for preparing beverages that is economical and easy to produce.

[0018] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0021] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, an apparatus for filling a liquid in a machine according to the present invention comprises a removable tank able to assume an inserted position in a housing seating of the machine to receive the liquid and an extracted position from the housing seating, and a filling device connectable, upstream, to an inlet hydraulic circuit of the liquid.

[0022] The machine is preferably a machine for preparing beverages, for example an automatic or super-automatic machine for preparing coffee beverages, although it is not excluded that the filling apparatus may find application in machines of a different type.

[0023] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the filling device comprises an outlet pipe able to cooperate with the tank, at least one valve member able to selectively open a passage for the liquid toward the outlet pipe, and an actuation member operationally connected to the outlet pipe and to the valve member. The actuation member is mechanically drivable by means of a movement of the tank from the extracted position to the inserted position, or vice versa, wherein the drive of the actuation member determines both a displacement of the outlet pipe between a rest position and a work position, and also the passage of the valve member between a closed position and an open position.

[0024] Doing so achieves at least the advantage of determining a fluidic connection or disconnection between the inlet hydraulic circuit and the tank, relative to the latter’s presence or absence.

[0025] During the tank’s movement the actuation member is able to rotate around an axis of insertion, also making the outlet pipe rotate, which is outside of the tank in the rest position and inside it in the work position.

[0026] The valve member comprises a first body and a second body which are internally hollow and coupled to each other slidingly along an axis of insertion.

[0027] The outlet pipe is attached to the second body and perpendicular to the first body.

[0028] The actuation member is solidly associated with the second body, on the opposite side with respect to the first body.

[0029] The first body comprises, in succession, a coupling portion connected to the hydraulic circuit and an interface portion provided with one or multiple passage apertures of the liquid, the interface portion being able to be inserted into, and cooperate with, a hollow insertion portion of the second body.

[0030] The interface portion is provided both with a first protruding sealing element, able to contact the insertion portion internally when the valve member is in the closed position, preventing the passage of the liquid from the one or more passage apertures toward the second body, and also with a second protruding sealing element, opposing the first sealing element with respect to the passage apertures, able to contact the insertion portion internally, preventing the passage of the liquid from the one or more passage apertures toward the coupling portion. Moreover, one or more dragging elements are rotatably associated with the first body, which are provided with respective guide pins able to be inserted slidingly into respective recesses of the second body in order to guide the relative movement between them.

[0031] In particular, the one or more dragging elements are associated with an intermediate portion between the coupling portion and the interface portion, and the recesses are made in the insertion portion of the second body.

[0032] The filling device comprises a body for covering the first and second bodies, able to keep the latter coupled, allowing the relative movement between them, and provided with one or more guide slots in which a respective guide pin is sliding, the guide slots having a shape and a disposition such as to determine, by means of the movement of the guide pins, a relative sliding of the second body with respect to the first body in order to open or close the valve member.

[0033] In accordance with one aspect, the second body comprises an insertion portion able to at least partly accommodate the first body, and a connection portion perpendicular to the insertion portion and having an end for the stable coupling to an upper part of the outlet pipe. The actuation member comprises a knob disposed externally to the outlet pipe to cooperate with the tank.

[0034] Moreover, an insert having a through cavity provided with a section narrowing can be disposed in correspondence with the coupling end, and there is an internal separation partition in correspondence with the upper part. In particular, a closing element is disposed between the narrowing and the partition, having a density lower than that of the liquid and being mobile between a passage position, in which it is in contact with the partition and allows the passage of the liquid toward the tank, and an obstruction position, in which in relation to a maximum limit of liquid in the tank being exceeded, it is suitable to be pushed by the liquid against internal walls of the narrowing in order to obstruct the passage of the liquid.

[0035] The present invention also concerns a machine for preparing beverages, which comprises a filling apparatus according to the present invention and one or more operating units operationally associated with it, including at least an infusion unit and a compression unit which are configured to cooperate with each other to produce a certain beverage.

[0036] The present invention also concerns a method for automatically filling a liquid in a machine for preparing beverages using a filling apparatus according to the present invention. The method comprises a filling step, in which the tank is filled with the liquid.

[0037] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method comprises a step of inserting and a step of extracting the tank, in which in relation to the movement of the tank from the extracted position to the inserted position, or vice versa, the actuation member is mechanically driven by the latter, determining both a displacement of the outlet pipe between a rest position and a work position, and also the passage of the valve member between a closed position and an open position to allow or, vice versa, prevent the filling of the tank.

[0038] In the insertion step, the tank passes from the extracted position to the inserted position and makes the rotation member progressively rotate, the rotation member both making the outlet pipe rotate to make it assume the work position, in which it is inside the tank, and also making a second body slide backward relative to a first body of the valve member in order to take the latter into the open position, thus determining a fluidic connection between the inlet hydraulic circuit and the tank, in order to fill the latter.

[0039] In the extraction step, the tank passes from the inserted position to the extracted position and makes the rotation member progressively rotate, the rotation member both making the outlet pipe rotate to make it assume the rest position, in which it is outside of the tank, and also making a second body slide forward relative to a first body of the valve member in order to take the latter into the closed position, thus physically preventing a fluidic connection between the inlet hydraulic circuit and the tank. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0041] - fig. 1 is a schematic and simplified view of an apparatus for automatically filling a liquid according to the present invention;

[0042] - fig. 2 is a schematic and simplified three-dimensional view of a filling device of the filling apparatus of fig. 1 ;

[0043] - figs, from 3 to 5 are lateral, schematic and partly sectioned views showing an operating sequence of insertion of a tank into the filling apparatus of fig. 1 ;

[0044] - figs, from 6 to 8 are a top view and lateral section views, respectively, showing an operating sequence of operation of the filling device of fig. 2;

[0045] - fig. 9 is a schematic and simplified view of a machine for preparing beverages comprising the filling apparatus of fig. 1.

[0046] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0047] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0048] With reference to fig. 1 , a filling apparatus 10 according to the present invention is suitable and usable to automatically fill a liquid L in a machine 100, in particular for preparing beverages. The liquid L is preferably water, suitable to be used for preparing the beverages.

[0049] The machine 100 is preferably a machine for preparing coffee-based beverages.

[0050] The machine 100 (fig. 9) comprises a rest base 101 on which there is mounted a frame 102 shaped so as to have, internally, a compartment 103 in which one or more operating units and the filling apparatus 10 are housed.

[0051] The machine 100 can comprise at least an infusion unit 105 and a compression unit 106 which are configured to cooperate with each other to produce a certain beverage. The aromatic blend is advantageously coffee based.

[0052] The machine 100 can also comprise a grinding unit 107 for grinding, for example, coffee beans and obtaining a correct dose of aromatic blend.

[0053] The filling apparatus 10 is connectable, upstream, to the water network 110 for the supply of the liquid L (figs. 1 and 9). Downstream, the filling apparatus 10 is connected at least to the infusion unit 105 to feed the liquid L necessary to prepare a beverage.

[0054] The filling apparatus 10 (fig. 1) comprises at least one removable tank 11 for containing the liquid L and a filling device 12 for automatically filling the liquid L operationally associated with the tank 11. The filling device 12 is connected, upstream, to an inlet hydraulic circuit 13 of the liquid L. The inlet hydraulic circuit 13 is fluidically connected to the water network 110. The tank 11 is open at the top to allow the liquid L to be fed with the filling device 12 disposed above it.

[0055] The tank 11 is removably housed in a housing seating 111 of the machine 100, and is able to assume an inserted position Pl in the housing seating 111 and an extracted position P2 from the housing seating 111. Preferably, the extraction of the tank 11 can occur by means of a horizontal translational movement.

[0056] The filling apparatus 10 comprises detection means 15 operationally associated with the tank 11.

[0057] The detection means 15 comprise a first sensor 16 for detecting the presence of the tank 11, that is, when it is in the inserted position Pl. Advantageously, the first sensor 16 can even be able to detect if the tank 1 1 is disposed in a correct position to receive the liquid L. The first sensor 16 can be of a mechanical type, that is, an electrical micro-switch. Alternatively, the first sensor 16 can be of the inductive or capacitive type.

[0058] Preferably, the first sensor 16 is disposed in a hollow seating 112 so as to be inaccessible even if the tank 11 is in the extracted position P2.

[0059] The detection means 15 also comprise at least a second 19 and a third 20 detection sensor for detecting a minimum level LM1 and a maximum level LM2 of the liquid L inside the tank 11. For example, the second 19 and third 20 sensor can be reed type magnetic sensors, known to the people of skill in the art. Alternatively, the second 19 and third 20 sensors can be of a capacitive or other suitable type.

[0060] Downstream of the tank 11 there is a hydraulic outlet circuit 21 of the liquid L, which is connected at least to the infusion unit 105.

[0061] We must clarify that the presence of the tank 11 and of the automatic filling device 12 allows to prevent there being a direct fluidic connection between the water network 110 and the outlet hydraulic circuit 21, the operating units 105, 106 and the mechanics of the machine 100. Advantageously, this allows the outlet hydraulic circuit 21 not to be subjected to the pressures of the water network 110, and allows the machine 100 itself to operate more safely.

[0062] The inlet hydraulic circuit 13 comprises at least one solenoid valve 22 drivable to allow the passage of the liquid L coming from the water network 110. If necessary, two solenoid valves 22 can be provided to guarantee greater safety for the supply of the liquid L. The function of a second solenoid valve 22 is to guarantee, or prevent, the passage of the liquid L in the event that a first solenoid valve 22 does not operate correctly.

[0063] Furthermore, as can be seen in fig. 1, the inlet hydraulic circuit 13 comprises a pressure reducer member 25, disposed downstream of the solenoid valve 22 and able to guarantee a certain pressure and maximum flow rate of the liquid L in a feed pipe 26 connected to the filling device 12.

[0064] The filling device 12 comprises a valve member 30 (figs, from 6 to 8) configured to pass between a closed position PC and an open position PA to prevent and, respectively, allow the passage of the liquid L toward an outlet pipe 31 associated therewith which, during use, is positioned inside the tank 11.

[0065] The valve member 30 comprises a first body 32 and a second body 33 coupled to each other slidingly along an axis of insertion X.

[0066] The filling device 12 further comprises a covering body 35 conformed so as to adapt to the shape of the first body 32 and second body 33, allowing the relative movement between them. According to some embodiments, the covering body 35 can comprise a first shell 36 and a second shell 37 integrally attached to each other.

[0067] The first body 32 has a structure that is symmetrical with respect to the axis of insertion X and is internally hollow.

[0068] The first body 32 comprises a coupling portion 39 protruding from the covering body 35 to allow the connection with the feed pipe 26.

[0069] The first body 32 comprises, on the opposite side with respect to the coupling portion 39, an interface portion 40 able to be inserted into a hollow insertion portion 42 of the second body 33. The interface portion 40 is provided with passage apertures 43 for the liquid L made on the lateral surface of the interface portion 40 itself.

[0070] The interface portion 40 comprises a first sealing element 46 disposed in a housing seating 45 created downstream of the passage apertures 43 with respect to the coupling portion 39. The first sealing element slightly protrudes to contact the insertion portion 42 internally when the valve member 30 is in the closed position PC, thereby preventing the passage of the liquid L from the passage apertures 40 to the second body 33.

[0071] Furthermore, the interface portion 40 externally comprises also a first annular protrusion 49 upstream of the passage apertures 43.

[0072] We must clarify that the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used with reference to the direction of feed of the liquid L, that is, from the inlet hydraulic circuit 13 to the tank 11.

[0073] The first body 32 further comprises also an intermediate portion 50 between the coupling portion 39 and the interface portion 40. The intermediate portion 50 is able to be inserted, or positioned, at least partly inside the insertion portion 42.

[0074] The intermediate portion 50 is externally delimited by a second 51 and third 52 annular blocking protrusion, between which one or more dragging elements 53 are disposed rotatable.

[0075] The dragging elements 53 are preferably two, able to cooperate with each other. Specifically, the dragging elements 53 mirror each other with respect to the axis of symmetry X and each is provided with a guide pin 55 (fig. 2) with the function of guiding the relative movement between the first 32 and second 33 body. The dragging elements 53 are also able to be at least partly inserted into the insertion portion 42.

[0076] It is clear that there can also be a single dragging element 53 provided with two guide pins 55.

[0077] In addition, in correspondence with the interface portion 40 there is a second sealing element 57 (figs, from 6 to 8) disposed in another housing seating 56 defined between the first protrusion 49 and the second protrusion 51.

[0078] The second sealing element 57 protrudes slightly to contact the insertion portion

[0079] 42 internally, thus preventing the passage of the liquid L from the passage apertures

[0080] 43 toward the coupling portion 39.

[0081] The second body 33 comprises the insertion portion 42 and a connection portion 59 at the end of which the outlet pipe 31 is attached. The connection portion 59 is perpendicular to the insertion portion 42 so as to form a right-angle connection.

[0082] The insertion portion 42 is provided with one or more longitudinal recesses 60, each able to accommodate slidingly, with minimum play, a corresponding guide pin 55. The recesses 60 are disposed mirroring each other with respect to the axis of insertion X. It should be noted that each guide pin 55 protrudes with respect to the respective recess 60.

[0083] One or more guide slots 61, having an oblong shape and each able to accommodate slidingly a protruding part of the guide pins 55, are made on the covering body 35. The guide slots 61 are made on the surface of the first 36 and second 37 shell, inclined and mirroring each other with respect to the axis of insertion X.

[0084] Furthermore, the guide slots 61, with their disposition and size, contribute to determining the extent of the relative sliding between the first 32 and second 33 body, when the valve member 30 passes from the closed position PC to the open position PA, and vice versa.

[0085] The guide slots 61 substantially have an arcuate shape and allow a relative roto- translation between the first 32 and second 33 body.

[0086] The connection portion 59 comprises a coupling end 63 able to be stably coupled to an upper part 64 of the outlet pipe 31. For example, the upper part 64 can be provided with attachment elements 68 to determine a same-shape coupling between the coupling end 63 and the upper part 64.

[0087] The filling device 12 comprises an actuation member 65 able to cooperate, during use, with the tank 11.

[0088] The actuation member 65 is operationally connected to the outlet pipe 31 and to the valve member 30, and it is mechanically drivable by means of the movement of the tank 11 from the extracted position P2 (fig. 3) to the inserted position Pl (fig. 5), or vice versa, wherein the drive of the actuation member 65 determines both a displacement of the outlet pipe 31 between a rest position PR and a work position PL, and also the passage of the valve member 30 from the closed position PC to the open position PA.

[0089] According to some embodiments, the actuation member 65 is attached to the second body 33, in particular on the opposite side with respect to the first body 32. In other embodiments, the actuation member 65 and the second body 33 are a single piece.

[0090] The actuation member 65 is able to rotate around the axis of insertion X and comprises an actuation knob 66. The knob 66 is able to cooperate with a rear wall 1 la of the tank 11, when the latter passes between the extracted position P2 and the inserted position Pl , in order to make the actuation member 65, and with it also the second body 33 and therefore the outlet pipe 31, rotate between the nonoperating position PN (fig. 3) and the operating position PO (fig. 5). The outlet pipe 31 is outside the tank 11 in the rest position PR (fig. 3) and inside it in the work position PL (fig. 5). We must clarify that the rotation of the outlet pipe 31 is coordinated with the direction of extraction and insertion of the tank 11.

[0091] Furthermore, we must clarify that during the passage between the non-operating position PN and the operating position PO of the actuation member 65 (figs, from 3 to 5), the guide pins 55 are able to slide inside the guide slots 61 , thus determining the relative sliding between the second 33 and the first 32 body.

[0092] Specifically, the actuation member 65, in relation to the tank 11 passing from the extracted position P2 to the inserted position Pl, is able to rotate around the axis of insertion X from the non-operating position PN to the operating position PO, thus determining both the rotation of the outlet pipe 31 , being integral with it, in order to make it reach the work position PL, and also a relative sliding of the second body 33 with respect to the first body 32, in particular backward, in order to take the valve member 30 into the open position PA. Conversely, the actuation member 65, in relation to the tank 11 passing from the inserted position Pl to the extracted position P2 (figs, from 3 to 5), is able to rotate around the axis of insertion X from the operating position PO to the non-operating position PN, thus determining both a rotation of the outlet pipe 31 , in order to make it reach the rest position PR, and also a relative sliding of the second body 33 with respect to the first body 32, in particular forward, which takes the valve member 30 into the closed position PC.

[0093] Coupled to the actuation member 65 is a coil spring 67 having a first blocking end 67a associated with the knob 66 and a second blocking end 67b associated with a blocking seating of the covering body 35. The function of the spring 67 is to guarantee both a forced return of the actuation member 65 from the operating position PO to the non-operating position PN, that is, when the tank 11 is progressively removed, and also to keep the actuation member 65 in the nonoperating position PN until a subsequent insertion of the tank 11.

[0094] A hermetically sealed insert 70 is disposed in correspondence with the coupling end 63, having a through cavity provided with a cross-section narrowing 72, wherein the larger cross-section is close to the outlet pipe 31.

[0095] Inside the outlet pipe 31 , in correspondence with its upper part 64, there is an internal separation partition 73.

[0096] A mobile safety closing element 75 is disposed between the narrowing 72 and the partition 73. The closing element 75 has a lower density than that of the liquid L. The closing element 75 is disposed above the third sensor 20 for detecting the maximum level LM2. In the example given here, the closing element 75 is a ball.

[0097] In particular, the closing element 75 is able to assume at least a passage position PP (fig. 7), in which it is in contact with the separation partition 73 and it allows the passage of the liquid L toward the tank 11 , and an obstruction position PS (fig. 8), in which in relation to the maximum limit LM2 being exceeded, the closing element 75, subjected to the hydrostatic thrust, is pushed against the internal walls of the narrowing 72 to obstruct the passage of the liquid L.

[0098] The machine 10 (fig. 9) also comprises a central control unit 76 able to command and control the drive of the operating units 105, 106, 107 of each solenoid valve 22 and of the reducer member 25. The central control unit 76 is connected to the detection means 15 to coordinate the activation of each solenoid valve 22 and of the reducer member 25, in relation to the minimum LM1 or maximum LM2 level of the liquid L present in the tank 11.

[0099] The operation of the filling apparatus 10 and of the machine 100 described heretofore, which corresponds to the method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps.

[0100] In an initial connection step, the automatic filling apparatus 10 is connected to the water network 110, so that the inlet hydraulic circuit 13 is connected to the latter. In this step, the solenoid valve 22 is closed.

[0101] If the tank 11 is not inserted in the housing seating 111 , the actuation member 65 is in the non-operating position PN, the valve member 30 is in the closed position PC and the outlet pipe 31 is in the rest position PR. In this case, even if the solenoid valve 22 were open, there could be no passage of liquid L toward the outlet pipe 31 (fig. 3).

[0102] In an insertion step (fig. 4), the tank 11 is inserted into the housing seating 111 entailing the activation of the actuation member 65, which progressively passes from the non-operating position PN to the operating position PO.

[0103] During this passage, through the cooperation of the knob 66 and the rear wall 11 a of the tank 11 , the actuation member 65 rotates around the axis of insertion X and consequently makes the outlet pipe 31 rotate, in order to make it assume the work position PL, in which it is inside the tank 11.

[0104] Moreover, the rotation of the actuation member 65 entails the sliding of the guide pins 55 inside the guide slots 61, which causes the second body 33 to slide backward relative to the first body 32. In this way, the valve member 30 passes into the open position PA (fig. 7) to allow the fluidic connection between the inlet hydraulic circuit 13 and the tank 11.

[0105] Each solenoid valve 22 can be driven by the central control unit 76 which, by means of the first sensor 16, detects that the tank 11 is in the inserted position P2 (fig- 5).

[0106] Then, in a subsequent filling step, the tank 11 is filled with the liquid L until the maximum level LM2 indicated by the third sensor 20 is reached. The central control unit 76 then closes each solenoid valve 22.

[0107] We must clarify that the drive of the solenoid valves 22 usually occurs when the second sensor 19 indicates that the minimum level LM1 has been reached.

[0108] In the event of malfunction of the control unit 76, or of each solenoid valve 22, the tank 11 continues to be fed, thus exceeding the maximum level LM2.

[0109] In this case, the closing element 75 (figs. 7 and 8), by means of the liquid L itself, is pushed against the internal walls of the narrowing 72 present in the insert 70, effectively closing the passage of the liquid L. Therefore, the closing element 75 acts as a non- return valve.

[0110] If it becomes necessary to extract the tank 11 , an extraction step begins, in which the tank 11 is progressively extracted from the seating so as to pass to the extracted position P2 (figs. 3 and 4).

[0111] During this extraction, the spring 67 makes the actuation member 65 rotate in order to take it from the operating position PO back to the non-operating position PN. The outlet pipe 31 also rotates together with the actuation member 65, passing to the rest position PR. Furthermore, during this rotation the guide pins 55 slide in the guide slots 61 and cause the second body 33 to slide forward relative to the first body 32, thus taking the valve member 30 into the closed position PC (fig. 6), thus physically preventing a fluidic connection between the inlet hydraulic circuit 13 and the tank 11.

[0112] This offers the advantage that there is a fluid disconnection between the inlet hydraulic circuit 13 and the outlet pipe 31 and, even in the event of a malfunction of each solenoid valve 22, or of the central control unit 76, the liquid L is blocked by the valve member 30.

[0113] Moreover, the configuration of the filling apparatus 10 has the advantage of facilitating the descaling of the outlet hydraulic circuit 21, as well as of all the hydraulic components of the machine 100 downstream of the tank 11.

[0114] In a descaling step, the tank 11 is initially in the extracted position P2 and a descaling substance soluble in the liquid L is put into it. Subsequently, the tank 11 is inserted until it reaches the inserted position Pl and is filled with the liquid L up to the maximum level LM2. Subsequently, the descaling is performed until the liquid L in which the descaling substance has been dissolved is exhausted. The tank 11 is then refilled with the liquid L in order to rinse it.

[0115] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the filling apparatus 10, to the machine 100 and to the method as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0116] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of apparatuses and methods for automatically filling a liquid for a machine for preparing beverages, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0117] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus (10) for automatically filling a liquid (L) in a machine (100) comprising a removable tank (11) able to assume an inserted position (Pl) in a housing seating (111) of said machine (100) to receive said liquid (L) and an 5 extracted position (P2) from said housing seating (111), and a filling device (12) connectable, upstream, to an inlet hydraulic circuit (13) of said liquid (L), characterized in that said filling device (12) comprises an outlet pipe (31) able to cooperate with said tank (11), at least one valve member (30) able to selectively open a passage for said liquid (L) toward said outlet pipe (31), and an actuation 10 member (65) operationally connected to said outlet pipe (31) and to said valve member (30) and mechanically drivable by means of the movement of said tank (11) from said extracted position (P2) to said inserted position (Pl), or vice versa, wherein the drive of said actuation member (65) determines both a displacement of said outlet pipe (31) between a rest position (PR) and a work position (PL), and 15   also the passage of said valve member (30) between a closed position (PC) and anopen position (PA).

2. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said actuation member (65) is configured to rotate around an axis of insertion (X) during the movement of said tank (11), and consequently also make said outlet pipe (31) rotate from said rest 2 0 position (PR), in which it is outside of said tank (11), to said work position (PL), in which it is inside the latter.

3. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said valve member (30) comprises a first body (32) and a second body (33) which are hollow and coupled to each other slidingly along an axis of insertion (X), wherein said outlet pipe (31) 25 is attached to said second body (33) and perpendicular to said first body (32), and said actuation member (65) is solidly associated with said second body (33).

4. Apparatus (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that said first body (32) comprises a coupling portion (39) connectable to said hydraulic circuit (13), and an interface portion (40) provided with one or multiple passage apertures (43) of 3 0   said liquid (L), said interface portion (40) being able to be inserted into, andcooperate with, an insertion portion (42) of said second body (33).

5. Apparatus (10) as in claim 4, characterized in that said interface portion (40) is provided with a first (46) and a second sealing element (57) disposed on oppositesides with respect to said passage apertures (43).

6. Apparatus (10) as in any claim from 3 to 5, characterized in that one or more dragging elements (53) are rotatably associated with said first body (32), which are provided with respective guide pins (55) able to be inserted slidingly into 5 respective recesses (60) of said second body (33) to guide the relative movement between them.

7. Apparatus (10) as in claim 6, characterized in that said filling device (12) comprises a body (35) for covering said first (32) and second (33) bodies, able to keep the latter coupled slidingly and provided with one or more guide slots (61) in 10 which a respective guide pin (55) is sliding, said guide slots (61) being configured to determine a relative sliding of said second body (33) with respect to said first body (32) to open or close said valve member (30).

8. Apparatus (10) as in any claim from 3 to 7, characterized in that said second body (33) comprises a connection portion (59) perpendicular to said insertion 15 portion (42) and stably coupled with said outlet pipe (31) and said actuation member (65) which comprises a knob (66) disposed externally to said connection portion (59) and configured to cooperate with said tank (11).

9. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a closing element (75) disposed inside said outlet pipe (31) and configured to 2 0 cooperate with a narrowing (72) provided in an upper portion of said outlet pipe (31), wherein said closing element (75) has a density lower than that of said liquid (L) and is configured mobile between a passage position (PP), in which cooperates with a partition (73) disposed below said narrowing (72) and is distanced therefrom, and an obstruction position (PS), in which in relation to a maximum 2 5 limit (LM2) of liquid (L) in said tank (11) being exceeded, it is suitable to be pushed by said liquid (L) against internal walls of said narrowing (72) to obstruct the passage of said liquid (L).

10. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises at least one solenoid valve (22) disposed along said inlet circuit (13) and 30 selectively drivable to allow the passage of said liquid (L) as a function of the detection of the presence of said tank (11) by a first sensor (16) and / or of the detection of respective minimum (LM1) or maximum (LM2) levels of said liquid (L) by a second (19) and / or third (20) sensor.

11. Machine (100) for preparing beverages, characterized in that it comprises an apparatus (10) for automatically filling a liquid (L) as in any claim hereinbefore, and one or more operating units operationally associated with it, including at least an infusion unit (105) and a compression unit (106) configured to cooperate with each other to produce a certain beverage.

12. Method for automatically filling a liquid (L) in a machine (100) for preparing beverages using a filling apparatus (10) as in any claim from 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a step of inserting and a step of extracting said tank (11), in which in relation to the movement of said tank (11) from said extracted position (P2) to said inserted position (Pl), or vice versa, said actuation member (65) is mechanically driven by the latter, determining both a displacement of said outlet pipe (31) between a rest position (PR) and a work position (PL), and also the passage of said valve member (30) between a closed position (PC) and an open position (PA) to allow or, vice versa, prevent the filling of said tank (11).

13. Method as in claim 12, characterized in that in said insertion step, said tank (11) passes from said extracted position (P2) to said inserted position (Pl), making said rotation member (65) progressively rotate, the rotation member (65) both making said outlet pipe (31) rotate to make it assume said work position (PL), in which it is inside said tank (11), and also making a second body (33) slide backward relative to a first body (32) of said valve member (30) in order to take the latter into said open position (PA), thus determining a fluidic connection between said inlet hydraulic circuit (13) and said tank (11), in order to fill the latter.

14. Method as in claim 12, characterized in that in said extraction step, said tank (11) passes from said inserted position (Pl) to said extracted position (P2), making said rotation member (65) progressively rotate, the rotation member (65) both making said outlet pipe (31) rotate to make it assume said rest position (PR), in which it is outside of the said tank (11), and also making a second body (33) slide forward relative to a first body (32) of said valve member (30) in order to take the latter into said closed position (PC), thus physically preventing a fluidic connection between said inlet hydraulic circuit (13) and said tank (11).

Images