Fastening system for reversibly fastening accessory to hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet, accessory and related beverage dispensing machine

Abstract

A securing system (30) for reversibly securing an accessory (22) to a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet (18) of a beverage dispensing machine includes a body (40) and a locking element (42). According to the invention, the locking element (42) is housed in the body (40) and comprises two elastically deformable arms capable of cooperating with at least one locking projection (26) formed on the dispensing outlet. The arm is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position of the attachment (22, 122) on the dispensing outlet (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fastening accessories to a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet of a beverage dispensing machine, in particular a coffee machine. Such accessories are for example hot water dispensing accessories or accessories for milk frothing devices, such as a milk jug, or a steam nozzle or frothing nozzle defining an inlet channel for milk, steam and advantageously air, and an outlet channel for frothed milk. Background Art

[0002] From CN109528007 a coffee machine equipped with a milk frothing device is known, which comprises a fixing system for fixing to a steam dispensing outlet. The fixing system comprises a flexible latch positioned on the coffee machine close to the steam dispensing outlet and a locking projection formed on the body of the frothing device and capable of cooperating with the latch.

[0003] Such a fixing system allows reversibly fixing the milk frothing device to the steam dispensing outlet.

[0004] However, such a fastening system is not optimized and does not allow to ensure optimal safety for the user. In fact, in the event of overpressure there is a risk of the foaming device blowing out or steam being projected in the direction of the user, in particular in connection with fouling of the foaming device. Furthermore, the manipulation of the fastening system is complicated for the user. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to propose a fixing system for reversibly fixing an accessory to a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet of a beverage dispensing machine, which fixing system allows ensuring the safety of the user and which is easy to handle.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to a fixing system for reversibly fixing an accessory to a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet of a beverage dispensing machine, the fixing system comprising a body and a locking element. According to the invention, the locking element is housed in the body and comprises two elastically deformable arms capable of cooperating with at least one locking protrusion formed on the dispensing outlet, the arms being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position of the accessory on the dispensing outlet.

[0008] According to the invention, the fixing of the accessory on the hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet is optimized, since the locking element is housed / protected by the body and comprises two elastically deformable arms which allow the accessory to be locked on the dispensing outlet in a reliable and safe manner. Furthermore, the manipulation of the fixing system is simple for the user.

[0009] According to an advantageous but not mandatory aspect of the invention, such a fixing system may comprise one or more of the following features, which may be combined in any technically possible combination.

[0010] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the locking element comprises a pressing surface and the arm is movable to the unlocking position via user pressing on the pressing surface and is returnable to the locking position after cessation of user pressing.

[0011] This arrangement allows to facilitate the manipulation of the locking element and especially facilitates the user to move the arm towards the unlocking position. In fact, simply pressing the pressing surface is enough.

[0012] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, said body comprises a hole for access to said pressing surface.

[0013] This arrangement allows easier access to the pressing surface and thus facilitates handling of the fastening system.

[0014] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the locking element comprises a through hole of the dispensing outlet, extending between the two arms, through which the dispensing outlet is arranged when the accessory is fastened to the dispensing outlet.

[0015] This arrangement makes it possible to ensure an optimal fixing of the accessory to the dispensing outlet by means of the fixing system.

[0016] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, each arm comprises a hook capable of cooperating with the or one of the locking projections in order to lock the accessory on the dispensing outlet.

[0017] This arrangement allows optimal locking of the fastening system on the dispensing outlet.

[0018] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, each hook is equipped with a chamfer capable of cooperating with the front surface of the or one of the locking projections so as to move the corresponding arm into the unlocked position when the accessory is secured to the dispensing outlet by a translational movement of the securing system along the dispensing outlet.

[0019] This arrangement allows to easily fasten the accessory on the dispensing outlet by a simple translational movement of the fastening system and the accessory along the dispensing outlet.

[0020] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the or each locking projection defines a housing for receiving the plurality or one of the hooks, and each hook comprises a stop surface capable of cooperating with a rear surface of the or one of the locking projections delimiting the housing when the accessory is secured to the dispensing outlet, so as to keep the accessory secured to the dispensing outlet.

[0021] This arrangement allows optimizing the locking of the accessory on the dispensing outlet when the accessory is fastened to the dispensing outlet by means of the fastening system.

[0022] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, said body comprises at least one stop projection capable of limiting the rotation of said body relative to said dispensing outlet.

[0023] This arrangement allows the magnitude of rotation of the accessory relative to the dispensing outlet to be predetermined for the user when the accessory is secured to the dispensing outlet.

[0024] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the locking position is a rest position of the locking element in which the arm returns elastically when no stress is exerted on the locking element.

[0025] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the locking element has an overall hexagonal shape and the two arms extend between the pressing surface forming the upper end of the locking element and a connecting surface forming the lower end of the locking element.

[0026] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, said pressing surface, said two arms and said connecting surface are formed from a single piece.

[0027] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, in the unlocked position, the pressing surface is closer to the connecting surface than in the locked position.

[0028] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, said through hole is delimited by said arm, said pressing surface and said connecting surface.

[0029] The invention also relates to an accessory for a beverage dispensing machine comprising a fixing system for reversibly fixing the accessory to a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet of the beverage dispensing machine, wherein the fixing system is a fixing system as described above.

[0030] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the accessory is chosen from: a hot water dispensing accessory or a milk frothing device, such as a milk jug, or a steam nozzle or a frothing nozzle.

[0031] The invention also relates to a beverage dispensing machine comprising a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet and an accessory that can be fixed to the dispensing outlet, wherein the accessory is an accessory as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention, which are shown by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing machine comprising a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet and an accessory according to a first embodiment of the invention, the accessory being equipped with a fixing system according to the invention and fixed to the hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet;

[0034] Figure 2 is connected to the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet Figure 1 A stereogram of the attachment;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of accessories and hot water and / or steam distribution outlets;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the accessories and the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet along the horizontal section IV-IV;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A rear cross-sectional view of the attachment and the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet in a vertical section along the line VV;

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a locking element of a fixing system;

[0039] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an accessory according to a second embodiment of the invention, equipped with a fastening system according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Only elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. To facilitate reading of the drawings, identical elements between different drawings have the same reference numerals.

[0041] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "high", "low", "front", "rear", "longitudinal" and "lateral" used to describe the beverage dispenser refer to the use of the device when it is placed horizontally on a work plane.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" or "inlet" and "outlet" are defined according to the flow direction of the beverage or steam in the beverage dispensing machine.

[0043] The terms "outer" and "inner" and the terms "exterior" and "interior" are defined relative to the central axis of the beverage dispenser. Thus, the inner / inner part will be closer to the central axis than the outer / outer part.

[0044] Figure 1The beverage dispensing machine shown is a coffee machine 10. As a variant, the beverage dispensing machine is a hot water or tea dispensing machine.

[0045] The coffee machine 10 is advantageously an automatic coffee machine.

[0046] The coffee machine 10 comprises a frame 12 and an area 16 for receiving a receptacle or container, on which a receptacle / container (not shown) can be placed.

[0047] The coffee machine 10 further comprises a beverage dispensing head, not shown, and a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet 18 .

[0048] The coffee machine 10 advantageously comprises a human-machine interface 20 , through which a user can select the type of beverage to be dispensed and advantageously input setting parameters of the coffee machine 10 .

[0049] The coffee machine 10 further comprises a beverage preparation unit, not shown, which is integrated into the frame 12 .

[0050] The preparation unit comprises a control circuit for managing the preparation of the beverage according to the instructions given by the user. The preparation unit also comprises a heating block, also called a boiler, which produces hot water and / or steam, and a reservoir forming a cold water reserve. The reservoir allows the boiler to be supplied with water to produce hot water and / or steam.

[0051] The coffee machine 10 further comprises an accessory 22 , 122 reversibly securable to the hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet 18 .

[0052] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiment, the attachment 22 can be inserted into the milk container to make frothed milk.

[0053] As a variant, the accessory 22, 122 is a hot water dispensing accessory or a milk frothing device, such as a milk tank 122, such as Figure 7 As shown, or advantageously defines a frothing nozzle having a milk inlet channel, a steam inlet channel, an air inlet channel and a frothed milk outlet channel.

[0054] The hot water and / or steam distribution outlet 18 is fluidly connected to the boiler.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the dispensing outlet 18 includes a protrusion 26 for locking the accessory 22 on the dispensing outlet 18 .

[0056] The locking projection 26 includes a front surface 26A and a rear surface 26B.

[0057] As a variant, the dispensing outlet 18 comprises a plurality of locking projections.

[0058] The dispensing outlet 18 further includes at least one blocking protrusion 28, which can limit the rotation of the attachment 22 relative to the dispensing outlet 18. Figure 3 In the example shown, the dispensing outlet comprises two blocking projections 28 .

[0059] A locking protrusion 26 and a blocking protrusion 28 are formed on the outer envelope of the dispensing outlet 18 .

[0060] The accessory 22 comprises a fixing system 30 for reversibly fixing the accessory 22 to the hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet 18 and a member 32 for housing the hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet.

[0061] The attachment 22 further comprises a cover 34 , a steam / hot water guide outlet 36 and a steam nozzle 38 which can be inserted into the milk container.

[0062] The fastening system 30 includes a body 40 and a locking element 42 received in the body 40 .

[0063] The locking element 42 is able to keep the body 40 and therefore the accessory 22 fixed to the dispensing outlet 18 .

[0064] Advantageously, the body 40 is integral with the receiving member 32 or forms a single and identical part therewith.

[0065] Also advantageously, the body 40 , the receiving member 42 and the steam / hot water guiding outlet 36 are integral.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the receiving member 32 includes an insertion hole 44 for the dispensing outlet 18 .

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the receiving member 32 also includes an aperture 46 for providing a user with access to the locking element 42, through which the user can manipulate the locking element 42. The access aperture 46 is located on an upper portion of the receiving member 32.

[0068] The receiving member 32 defines a receiving housing 48 for the locking element 42 and a receiving housing 49 for the dispensing outlet 18 .

[0069] The receiving accommodation portion 48 is defined by the access hole 46 , the insertion hole 44 , and the lower pressing wall 50 of the locking element.

[0070] like Figure 5As shown, the receiving housing 49 includes at least one stop protrusion 49A, which can cooperate with at least one blocking protrusion 28 to limit the rotation of the main body 40 relative to the dispensing outlet 18. Preferably, the receiving housing includes two stop protrusions 49A, 49B that can cooperate with the blocking protrusion 28. The stop protrusions 49A, 49B are, for example, housings for receiving the blocking protrusions 28, which define left and right stops for limiting the rotation of the accessory 22 around the dispensing outlet 18 in two possible rotation directions.

[0071] Advantageously, the containment member 32 defines a hot water / steam flow duct not visible in the figures.

[0072] The cover 34 can at least partially cover the storage member 32 and define Figure 3 Visible in the figure are through holes 51 , 52 opposite to the insertion hole 44 and the access hole 46 .

[0073] The hot water / steam guiding outlet 36 is fluidly connected to a hot water / steam flow conduit that is fluidly connected to the dispensing outlet 18 when the accessory 22 is secured to the dispensing outlet 18 .

[0074] The steam nozzle 38 can be detachably fixed to the hot water / steam guide outlet 36 and receive the hot water / steam from the outlet 36 .

[0075] In the example shown, the body 40 advantageously coincides with the housing member 32 and therefore comprises an insertion hole 44 , an access hole 46 , a housing housing 48 and a housing housing 49 .

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, the locking element 42 comprises two elastically deformable arms 54, 56 capable of cooperating with the locking projection 26. The arms 54, 56 are movable between a locked position (shown in the figure) and an unlocked position of the accessory 22 on the dispensing outlet. The locked position is advantageously a rest position to which the arms 54, 56 elastically return when no stress is exerted on the locking element 42.

[0077] The locking element 42 also includes a pressing surface 58 against which a user can apply a force to move the arms 54 , 56 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0078] In other words, the arms 54 , 56 can be moved to the unlocked position by user pressure on the pressure surface 58 and returned to the locked position after the user pressure ceases.

[0079] The pressing surface 58 is accessible to a user through the access hole 46 .

[0080] In the example shown, the locking element 42 has an overall hexagonal shape, and two arms 54 , 56 extend between a pressing surface 58 forming an upper end of the locking element 42 and a connecting surface 60 forming a lower end of the locking element 42 .

[0081] Advantageously, the pressing surface 58 , the two arms 54 , 56 and the connecting surface 60 are formed from a single piece.

[0082] In the unlocked position, the pressing surface 58 is closer to the connecting surface 60 than in the locked position.

[0083] The locking element 42 comprises a through hole 62 of the dispensing outlet 18 , which extends between the two arms 54 , 56 and through which the dispensing outlet 18 is arranged when the accessory 22 is fixed to the dispensing outlet 18 .

[0084] Advantageously, the hole 62 is delimited by the arms 54 , 56 , the pressing surface 58 and the connecting surface 60 .

[0085] The connection surface 60 is in contact with the lower pressing wall 50 .

[0086] Each arm 54 , 56 comprises a hook 64 , 66 which is capable of cooperating with the locking projection 26 to lock the accessory 22 on the dispensing outlet 18 .

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, each hook 64, 66 is equipped with a chamfer 64A, 66A, which is capable of cooperating with the front surface 26A of the locking protrusion 26 so as to move the corresponding arm 54, 56 to the unlocked position when the accessory 22 is fixed to the dispensing outlet 18 by a translation movement of the fixing system 30 along the dispensing outlet 18 indicated by the arrow A.

[0088] The locking projection 26 defines a receptacle for receiving the hooks 64, 66, and each hook includes a stop surface 64B, 66B that can cooperate with the rear surface 26B of the locking projection 26 to keep the accessory fixed to the dispensing outlet when the accessory 22 is fixed to the dispensing outlet 18. The rear surface 26B defines a receiving receptacle.

[0089] Advantageously, the receiving housing 49 defines an axial stop that can come into contact with one surface of the dispensing outlet 18 to define a maximum insertion position of the dispensing outlet 18 in the receiving housing 49. The maximum insertion position advantageously corresponds to a fixed position in which the stop surfaces 64B, 66B face the rear surface 26B, preferably close to the rear surface 26B of the protrusion 26, so that the axial stop and the stop surfaces 64B, 66B keep the accessory locked on the dispensing outlet 18 due to their cooperation with the dispensing outlet 18.

[0090] The operation of the fastening system 30 will be described below with the aid of a description of the installation / removal phases of the accessory 22 on the dispensing outlet 18 .

[0091] During a first step, the accessory 22 is provided to the user.

[0092] The user then translates the accessory and in particular the body 40 along the dispensing outlet 18 in the direction of arrow A so that the dispensing outlet 18 is inserted through the insertion hole 44. During this step, the chamfers 64A, 66A come into contact with the front surface 26A, which exerts a lateral force on the hooks 64, 66 so as to move the arms 54, 56 to the unlocked position.

[0093] Then, once the hooks 64, 66 have passed the locking projection 26, this no longer exerts the above-mentioned lateral force and the arm returns to its locked position so that the stop surfaces 64B, 66B face the rear surface 26B and the accessory is fixed / locked on the dispensing outlet 18 and cannot be removed from the dispensing outlet by a translation movement in a direction opposite to that of the arrow A. Advantageously, after this step, the blocking projection 28 is housed in the housing formed by the stop projections 49A, 49B and allows limiting a possible rotation of the accessory relative to the dispensing outlet 18.

[0094] When the user has finished using the accessory 22, the user can remove the accessory 22 from the dispensing outlet 18 by applying a pressing force to the pressing surface 58, thereby moving the arms 54, 56 from the locked position to the unlocked position, in which the stop surfaces 64B, 66B no longer face the rear surface 26B, and then moving the accessory 22, in particular the main body 40, along the dispensing outlet 18 in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow A.

[0095] Thus, the handling of the accessory is easy for the user, since a simple translation allows the attachment to be fixed, and a simple press followed by a translation allows the attachment to be separated from the dispensing outlet 18. Furthermore, the firmness of the fixation is optimized by the presence of two elastically deformable hooks 64, 66. Thus, the safety of the user is guaranteed when using the accessory and when handling the accessory.

[0096] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the accessory 122 is a milk can.

[0097] To this end, the attachment 122 includes a container 124 capable of receiving milk and a frothing member 126, the frothing member 126 including a milk inlet channel, a steam inlet channel and a frothed milk outlet channel, which are arranged at the bottom of the container 124 and the bottom of the container 126. Figure 7 Not clearly visible.

[0098] Advantageously, the foaming member further comprises an air inlet channel.

[0099] It is also advantageous that the foaming member 126 forms an upper cover of the container 124 .

[0100] The attachment 122 includes a securing system 130 that is generally similar to the securing system 30 of the first embodiment.

[0101] The attachment 122 also comprises a member 132 for housing a hot water and / or steam distribution outlet, which member 132 is advantageously integral with the foaming member and is fluidly connected to the steam inlet channel.

[0102] The difference between Attachment 122 and Attachment 22 is that Attachment 122 does not have Figures 1 to 6 The steam / hot water guide outlet and the steam nozzle described in the first embodiment.

[0103] The fastening system 130 and the receiving member 132 are positioned on a first side surface of the accessory 122 , in particular the container 124 .

[0104] The attachment 122 further comprises an outlet 134 for dispensing frothed milk on a second side surface of the attachment 122, in particular the container 124. The outlet 134 is fluidly connected to the frothed milk outlet channel.

[0105] The first side surface and the second side surface are oriented substantially transversely to each other.

[0106] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown, which are given merely as examples. Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, in particular from the point of view of the composition of the various elements or by substituting technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A fixing system (30, 130) for reversibly fixing an accessory (22, 122) to a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet (18) of a beverage dispensing machine (10), the fixing system (30) comprising: - a main body (40); and - a locking element (42), The invention is characterized in that the locking element (42) is housed in the body (40) and comprises two elastically deformable arms (54, 56), the arms (54, 56) being capable of cooperating with at least one locking protrusion (26) formed on the dispensing outlet, and the arms (54, 56) being capable of moving between a locking position and an unlocking position of the accessory (22, 122) on the dispensing outlet (18).

2. The fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that The locking element (42) includes a pressing surface (58), and the arms (54, 56) are movable to the unlocked position via user pressing on the pressing surface (58) and are returnable to the locked position after user pressing ceases.

3. The fixing system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The body includes an aperture (46) for accessing the pressing surface (58).

4. A fixing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The locking element (42) comprises a through hole (44) of the dispensing outlet (18), the through hole (44) extending between the two arms (54, 56) and through which the dispensing outlet (18) is arranged when the accessory (22, 122) is fixed to the dispensing outlet (18).

5. Fixing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each arm (54, 56) includes a hook (64, 66) capable of cooperating with the or one of the locking projections (26) to lock the accessory (22, 122) to the dispensing outlet (18).

6. The fixing system according to claim 5, characterized in that Each hook (64, 66) is provided with a chamfer (64A, 66A) capable of cooperating with a front surface (26A) of the or one of the locking projections (26) in order to move the corresponding arm (54, 56) into the unlocked position when the accessory (22, 122) is secured to the dispensing outlet (18) by a translational movement of the securing system (30, 130) along the dispensing outlet (18).

7. The fixing system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The or each locking projection (26) defines a receiving portion for receiving the plurality of or one of the hooks (64, 66), and each hook (64, 66) includes a stop surface (64B, 66B) capable of cooperating with a rear surface (26B) defining the receiving portion of the or one of the locking projections (26) when the accessory (22, 122) is fixed to the dispensing outlet to keep the accessory (22, 122) fixed to the dispensing outlet (18).

8. Fixing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The body (40) includes at least one stop protrusion (49A, 49B) capable of limiting the rotation of the body (40) relative to the dispensing outlet (18).

9. An accessory (22, 122) for a beverage dispensing machine (10), comprising a fixing system (30, 130) for reversibly fixing the accessory to a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet (18) of the beverage dispensing machine (10), characterized in that The fixing system (30, 130) is according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A beverage dispensing machine (10) comprising a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet (18) and an accessory (22, 122) that can be fixed to the dispensing outlet (19), characterized in that The attachment (22, 122) is according to the preceding claim.

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