Beverage preparation device equipped with mobile powder dispensing chute

Abstract

The beverage preparation device of the present invention comprises a housing (3), a brewing chamber (11) and a manual powder dispenser (21) comprising a powder introduction opening (22) and a dispensing chute (28) movable between a passive position in which the dispensing chute (28) is arranged inside an inner cavity of the housing (3) and a dispensing position in which the dispensing chute (28) is arranged inside the inner cavity of the housing (3). A distribution chute (28) is close to the brewing chamber (11) and is capable of conveying the milled powder to the brewing chamber (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a beverage preparation device, and more specifically to an automatic coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] In a known manner, a beverage preparation device, more specifically an automatic coffee machine, may include:

[0003] -case;

[0004] - A brewing chamber disposed within the housing and configured to contain ground powder, the brewing chamber including an inlet opening through which ground powder can be introduced into the brewing chamber;

[0005] - Automatic grinder dispenser, configured to automatically supply a predetermined dose of grinder to the brewing chamber;

[0006] - A manual grinder dispenser configured to allow a user to manually introduce grinder into the brewing chamber. The manual grinder dispenser includes:

[0007] • A grinding inlet opening allows the user to manually introduce grinding powder into the manual grinding dispenser; and

[0008] • A distribution chute configured to convey ground powder introduced into the grinding inlet to the brewing chamber; and

[0009] - A grinding collection tray, which is configured to collect used grinding cakes from the brewing chamber.

[0010] This beverage preparation equipment allows users to prepare coffee from coffee beans contained in a coffee bean storage container that is part of an automatic grinder dispenser, or from coffee grounds introduced through a grinder inlet.

[0011] However, the above-mentioned types of beverage preparation equipment have several drawbacks.

[0012] In fact, in order not to impair the displacement of the various moving elements disposed in the housing and involved in beverage preparation, especially the displacement of the compaction member that can compact the ground powder disposed in the brewing chamber, the displacement of the spraying member that can displace the used ground powder cake out of the brewing chamber at the end of the brewing cycle, and the displacement of the scraping member that can push the used ground powder cake displaced by the spraying member out of the brewing chamber toward the ground powder collection tray (and thus to avoid any interference with these moving elements), the dispensing chute is vertically disposed at a certain distance from the inlet opening of the brewing chamber.

[0013] However, this configuration of the distribution chute compromises the compactness of the beverage preparation equipment, and may also cause some of the ground powder conveyed by the distribution chute toward the brewing chamber to fall off to the side of the brewing chamber under gravity, resulting in the accumulation of ground powder inside the housing of the beverage preparation equipment, which may ultimately lead to malfunction of the beverage preparation equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

[0015] The technical problem addressed by this invention is particularly to provide a beverage preparation device that is simple in structure, reliable, compact, and economical, such as an automatic coffee machine.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention relates to a beverage preparation apparatus, such as an automatic coffee machine, comprising:

[0017] -case;

[0018] - A brewing chamber, which is disposed in the housing and configured to contain grounds, such as coffee grounds or any other powdered product to be brewed;

[0019] - An automatic grinder dispenser configured to automatically, for example under gravity, supply a predetermined dose of grinder to the brewing chamber, particularly according to a work cycle selected by the user.

[0020] - A manual grinder dispenser, configured to allow a user to manually introduce grinder into the brewing chamber, the manual grinder dispenser comprising:

[0021] • A grinding mill inlet opening through which the user can manually introduce grinding mill powder into the manual grinding mill dispenser; and

[0022] • A distribution chute configured to convey ground powder introduced into the grinding powder inlet to the brewing chamber.

[0023] The dispensing chute can move between a passive position and a dispensing position. In the passive position, the dispensing chute is away from the brewing chamber, for example, laterally offset relative to the brewing chamber and cannot deliver powder to the brewing chamber. In the dispensing position, the dispensing chute is close to the brewing chamber, for example, laterally close to the brewing chamber and can deliver powder to the brewing chamber. In the passive position, the dispensing chute is located inside the internal cavity of the housing.

[0024] This configuration of the dispensing chute allows it to be kept at a distance from the brewing chamber during the beverage preparation cycle, thus avoiding any interference between the dispensing chute and the moving elements involved in beverage preparation and ensuring that used powder cakes are reliably sprayed onto the powder collection tray. On the other hand, it allows the dispensing chute to be close to the brewing chamber during the operation of filling the brewing chamber with powder manually introduced by the user through the powder inlet, thus limiting the risk of powder falling from the dispensing chute onto the side of the brewing chamber.

[0025] Furthermore, this configuration of the dispensing chute allows excess grinding powder accumulated around the brewing chamber when the dispensing chute is displaced to a distance from the brewing chamber, for example toward the grinding powder collection tray, and thus prevents grinding powder from accumulating at the sealing joint equipped with a compaction member capable of compacting the grinding powder contained in the brewing chamber.

[0026] Furthermore, the fact that the dispensing chute is positioned / located inside the housing when it is in a passive position allows for the limitation of contaminating element deposition in the dispensing chute, improving the compactness of the device and its ease of use, since it is no longer necessary to manually fill the grinding powder by removing the dispensing chute from the housing or at a distance from the housing.

[0027] Finally, because the dispensing chute is located away from the brewing chamber during beverage preparation cycles, the risk of moisture from the brewing chamber condensing on the dispensing chute is significantly reduced. This greatly limits the risk of milled powder clumping on the dispensing chute during subsequent beverage preparation cycles performed from milled powder introduced into the brewing chamber through the milling inlet.

[0028] The beverage preparation equipment may also have one or more of the following features, which may be used individually or in combination.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing chute can be displaced between the passive position and the dispensing position in a translational direction, which is configured, for example, to extend substantially horizontally when the housing is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the dispensing chute occupies the dispensing position, the grinding powder inlet portion of the dispensing chute is positioned facing the grinding powder inlet opening, and the user can manually supply grinding powder to the brewing chamber through the grinding powder inlet opening and the dispensing chute.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the dispensing chute occupies the passive position, the grinding powder inlet portion of the dispensing chute is offset relative to the grinding powder inlet opening and covered by a closing wall that prevents grinding powder from being introduced into the grinding powder inlet portion.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grinding inlet portion is generally tubular in shape.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the grinding inlet portion includes an inlet opening configured to face the grinding inlet opening when the dispensing chute occupies the dispensing position, and to be offset relative to the grinding inlet opening when the dispensing chute occupies the passive position.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the brewing chamber includes an inlet opening through which ground powder can be introduced into the brewing chamber, and the dispensing chute includes a ground powder discharge portion configured such that a plumb bob is positioned at the inlet opening when the dispensing chute occupies the dispensing position.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus further includes a grinding collection tray configured to collect used ground powder cake from the brewing chamber, and the grinding powder dispensing portion configured to position a plumb bob in the grinding collection tray when the dispensing chute is in the passive position. This configuration of the dispensing chute allows residual ground powder present on the dispensing chute to fall directly into the grinding collection tray under gravity when the dispensing chute is in the passive position, further limiting the risk of ground powder accumulation within the housing of the beverage preparation apparatus.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing chute includes a body extending between the grinding mill inlet portion and the grinding mill outlet portion, the body having an upward opening shape to facilitate the grinding mill powder descending from the grinding mill inlet portion to the grinding mill outlet portion.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the manual grinding dispenser includes a closing valve that is movable between a closed position and a released position. In the closed position, the closing valve is configured to close the grinding inlet opening, and in the released position, the closing valve is configured to release the grinding inlet opening. In the passive position of the dispensing chute, the closing valve is in the closed position, and in the dispensing position of the dispensing chute, the closing valve is in the released position.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the closing valve can be manually moved between the closed position and the released position.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing chute is mechanically connected to the closing valve such that displacement of the closing valve from the closed position to the released position causes displacement of the dispensing chute from the passive position to the dispensing position, and displacement of the closing valve from the released position to the closed position causes displacement of the dispensing chute from the dispensing position to the passive position. This fact ensures optimal and safe positioning of the dispensing chute during the circulation of beverages from coffee grounds introduced through the grinding inlet.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing chute moves integrally with the closing valve.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing chute is mounted on and supported by the closing valve.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing valve is mounted to slide relative to the housing in a sliding direction substantially parallel to the translation direction.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding direction extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal plane of the beverage preparation device.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing valve includes a carriage that is translatably movable along the translational direction, the carriage being configured to receive the dispensing chute and include a closing portion, for example, the closing portion being substantially flat, the closing portion being configured to close the grinding inlet opening when the closing valve is in the closed position, and the dispensing chute being located upstream of the closing portion along the displacement direction of the closing valve from the closed position to the released position.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing door, and more specifically the carriage, includes a receiving portion, in which the dispensing slot is, for example, detachably mounted.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing valve includes a lower protrusion forming a receiving portion and including a covering wall configured to partially cover the grinding outlet of the grinding dispensing portion. This covering wall allows protection of the sealing joint of the compaction member of the beverage preparation equipment from coffee grinding residue that could affect its performance. Furthermore, the covering wall allows protection of the user from dangerous parts of the beverage preparation equipment, especially in the event that the user inserts their fingers into the receiving portion without the dispensing chute present.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing valve includes two side guide portions configured to cooperate with two guide rails fixed relative to the housing of the beverage preparation apparatus. Advantageously, the two guide rails are positioned on either side of the grinding inlet opening.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the closing valve is disposed in the housing of the beverage preparation equipment, and more specifically in the internal cavity of the housing.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing chute is movable within the internal cavity of the housing between the passive position and the active position.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual grinding dispenser includes a gripping portion accessible from the outside of the housing, the gripping portion being configured to be operated by a user to allow the dispensing chute to shift between the passive position and the dispensing position.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping portion is fixed to the closing valve, for example, to a side portion of the closing valve. Therefore, the gripping portion is configured to be operated by a user to allow the closing valve to shift between a closed position and a released position.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus includes a position detection device configured to detect the position occupied by the dispensing chute and / or the closing valve. "Position detection device" can be understood as any type of proximity sensor, such as a mechanical detector, an electrical contact detector, a magnetic or electromagnetic detector, or an infrared-type ray detector.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the position detection device includes an electrical switch, such as a microswitch, fixed relative to the housing, and configured to occupy a first state, for example, being activated or deactivated, when the dispensing chute is in the passive position and / or when the closing valve is in the closed position, and to occupy a second state, for example, being deactivated or activated, when the dispensing chute is in the dispensing position and / or when the closing valve is in the released position. Advantageously, the closing valve may be configured to cooperate with the electrical switch, and to activate or deactivate the electrical switch when the closing valve moves from the released position to the closed position, and to deactivate or activate the electrical switch when the closing valve moves from the closed position to the released position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the position detection device includes: a Hall effect sensor fixed relative to the housing or fixed to the closing valve; and a magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet, fixed to the closing valve or fixed relative to the housing, the magnetic element being configured to magnetically cooperate with the Hall effect sensor.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grinding inlet leads to a surface of the housing, for example, to the upper surface of the housing.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing chute includes at least one removable portion that is detachable relative to the beverage preparation apparatus and can be removed from the internal cavity of the housing, particularly for cleaning operations of the removable portion. The removable portion may, for example, be a double-layered skin removably housed within the body of the dispensing chute.

[0057] According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing chute can be completely disassembled relative to the beverage preparation equipment, for example, relative to the carriage with the closing valve. This configuration of the dispensing chute ensures easy cleaning and avoids any risk of clogging of the manual grinder dispenser.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the beverage preparation apparatus further includes:

[0059] - A compaction member, such as a compaction piston, which is displaceable and, for example, substantially vertically displaced relative to the brewing chamber between an idle position and a working position, wherein in the idle position the compaction member is located outside the brewing chamber and in the working position the compaction member is located inside the brewing chamber and configured to compact the powder contained in the brewing chamber;

[0060] - A spraying element, such as a spray plate, configured to support and displace the used powder cake from the brewing chamber, the spraying element being movable between a low position and a high position within the brewing chamber, in which the spraying element is located near the bottom of the brewing chamber, and in the high position, the spraying element is located near the inlet opening of the brewing chamber; and

[0061] - A scraping member, such as a scraping arm, configured to push the used grinding cake out of the spraying member and toward the grinding collection disc.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus includes a pouring ramp located near the brewing chamber and configured to allow a used grinding cake ejected by the scraping member to slide toward the grinding collection tray.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the scraping member is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing of the beverage preparation device is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the automatic grinder dispenser includes an automatic coffee grinder.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the automatic grinder dispenser includes a coffee bean storage container and a grinder, the grinding mechanism causing the coffee beans from the coffee bean storage container to be ground. Advantageously, the grinder includes a grinder dispensing orifice, and the automatic grinder dispenser includes a conveying chute communicating with the grinder dispensing orifice and configured to convey the ground coffee beans from the grinder dispensing orifice to the brewing chamber.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the brewing chamber has a central longitudinal axis configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing of the beverage preparation apparatus is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus includes a grinding pickup device located near the brewing chamber and extending at least partially around the inlet opening of the brewing chamber. For example, the grinding pickup device is adjacent to the inlet opening and is configured to collect any grinding waste located near the inlet opening of the brewing chamber, such as grinding powder that has fallen from the dispensing chute beside the inlet opening under gravity, or grinding powder that has fallen when the brewing chamber is overfilled by a user using the manual grinding dispenser. Advantageously, the grinding pickup device includes a through opening positioned facing the inlet opening of the brewing chamber, and the compaction member is displaceable through the through opening.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the grinding pickup device includes a pouring ramp.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus includes an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the beverage preparation apparatus. Advantageously, the electronic control unit is configured to prevent the execution of the beverage preparation cycle, particularly the brewing cycle in the brewing chamber, when the dispensing chute is in the dispensing position and therefore when the closing valve is in the release position (and is therefore configured to allow the execution of the beverage preparation cycle, particularly the brewing cycle in the brewing chamber, when the dispensing chute is in the passive position). This configuration of the electronic control unit avoids any risk of collision between the dispensing chute and the moving elements involved in beverage preparation. Attached Figure Description

[0070] The invention will be clearly understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals correspond to elements that are structurally and / or functionally identical or similar.

[0071] Figure 1 This is a perspective side view of the beverage preparation apparatus according to the present invention;

[0072] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial three-dimensional top view of the beverage preparation equipment;

[0073] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective top view of a beverage preparation device, showing the closing valve of the beverage preparation device in the closed position and the dispensing chute of the beverage preparation device in the passive position;

[0074] Figure 4 It belongs to Figure 1 A partial three-dimensional bottom view of the closing valve and dispensing chute of a beverage preparation equipment;

[0075] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional side view of the distribution chute;

[0076] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial three-dimensional top view of the beverage preparation equipment, showing the closing valve in the closed position;

[0077] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective top view of the beverage preparation equipment, showing the closed valve in the release position and the dispensing chute in the dispensing position;

[0078] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective top view of the beverage preparation equipment, showing the closed valve in the release position and the dispensing chute in the dispensing position;

[0079] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective top view of the beverage preparation equipment, showing the closed valve in the release position and the dispensing chute in the dispensing position;

[0080] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A partial side view of the beverage preparation equipment, showing the dispensing chute in a passive position;

[0081] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective side view of a beverage preparation device, showing the dispensing chute in the dispensing position;

[0082] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A partial longitudinal sectional view of the beverage preparation equipment, showing the dispensing chute at the dispensing position;

[0083] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A partial longitudinal sectional view of the beverage preparation equipment, showing the dispensing chute in a passive position. Detailed Implementation

[0084] It should be noted that in this document, the terms “level,” “upper,” “above,” and “lower” used to describe beverage preparation equipment refer to the use of the beverage preparation equipment when it is placed on a flat and level surface, such as a working plane.

[0085] Unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” in this document means “precisely or within 10% or 10° of the exact amount”.

[0086] Figures 1 to 13A beverage preparation device 2 is shown, such as an automatic coffee machine, which is particularly suitable for preparing coffee, milk beverages, or even tea.

[0087] The beverage preparation equipment 2 includes a housing 3, which is, for example, generally parallelepiped in shape, and is configured to rest on a working surface, such as a working plane. The housing 3 contains the main functional components of the beverage preparation equipment 2.

[0088] The housing 3 includes a front panel, which is advantageously equipped with a user interface 4, such as a display screen, allowing the user to select different operating cycles of the beverage preparation equipment 2. The beverage preparation equipment 2 also includes an electronic control unit 5, which is functionally connected to the user interface 4 and configured to control the operation of the beverage preparation equipment 2, particularly according to the operating cycle selected by the user.

[0089] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes: a container support 6, which is equipped with a support grid, for example, on which a container, such as a cup, can be disposed; and a beverage dispensing head 7 through which the beverage prepared by the beverage preparation apparatus 2 can flow into a container positioned on the container support 6.

[0090] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes: a water reservoir 8, which is located, for example, in the first side of the housing 3; and a grinding collection disc 9, which is located, for example, in the second side of the housing 3, and is configured to collect used grinding cakes.

[0091] like Figure 6 and Figure 12 As shown, the beverage preparation apparatus 2 includes a brewing chamber 11 disposed within the housing 3 and configured to contain ground powder, such as coffee grounds or any other powdered product to be brewed. The brewing chamber 11 has a cylindrical container shape and includes a bottom 11.1 and an inlet opening 11.2 through which the ground powder can be introduced into the brewing chamber 11. Advantageously, the brewing chamber 11 has a central longitudinal axis configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing 3 is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0092] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes a heating block 12, such as a boiler, which is located below the brewing chamber 11 and configured to supply hot water to the brewing chamber 11. For this purpose, the heating block 12 contains a water circuit and an electric heating element.

[0093] like Figure 6As shown, the beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes a compaction member 13, such as a compaction piston, configured to cooperate with the brewing chamber 11 in a sealed manner. The compaction member 13 is vertically displaceable relative to the brewing chamber 11 between an idle position and a working position. In the idle position, the compaction member 13 is located outside the brewing chamber 11; in the working position, the compaction member 13 is located inside the brewing chamber 11 and configured to compact the ground powder contained within the brewing chamber 11. The beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes a displacement mechanism, such as a hydraulic jack, mechanically connected to the compaction member 13 and capable of vertically displacing the compaction member 13 between the idle and working positions.

[0094] More specifically, when the compaction member 13 is in the working position, hot water is conveyed through the grinding contained in the brewing chamber 11, and then the brewed beverage is discharged from the brewing chamber 11 and toward the beverage dispensing head 7 through the inner channel provided on the compaction member 13 and the connecting conduit connecting the inner channel to the beverage dispensing head 7.

[0095] The beverage preparation equipment 2 also includes an automatic grinder dispenser 15, which is configured to automatically, for example, supply a predetermined amount of ground powder to the brewing chamber 11 under gravity. The amount of ground powder dispensed by the automatic grinder dispenser 15 can be changed, for example, according to a work cycle selected by the user via the user interface 4.

[0096] More specifically, the automatic grinder dispenser 15 includes: a coffee bean reservoir, located, for example, in the upper part of the housing 3; and a grinder that grinds the coffee beans from the coffee bean reservoir. Advantageously, the grinder includes a grinder dispensing orifice through which ground coffee can be discharged from the grinder, and the automatic grinder dispenser 15 also includes a conveying chute communicating with the grinder dispensing orifice and configured to convey the ground coffee from the grinder dispensing orifice to the brewing chamber 11. Advantageously, the lower part of the conveying chute is located above the brewing chamber 11 and the plumb bob is positioned in the brewing chamber 11.

[0097] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes a manual grinder dispenser 21, which is configured to manually introduce ground coffee into the brewing chamber 11 when the user wishes to prepare coffee without using a grinder, i.e., from pre-ground coffee rather than from coffee beans contained in a coffee bean storage container.

[0098] More specifically, the manual grinding dispenser 21 includes a grinding powder inlet opening 22 through which the user can manually introduce grinding powder into the manual grinding dispenser 21. Advantageously, the grinding powder inlet opening 22 leads to the upper surface of the housing 3.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the manual grinding distributor 21 also includes a closing valve 23, which can be manually displaced between a closed position and a released position. In the closed position, the closing valve 23 is configured to close the grinding inlet opening 22, and in the released position, the closing valve 23 is configured to release the grinding inlet opening 22.

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the closing valve 23 is disposed within the housing 3 of the beverage preparation apparatus 2, and the manual grinder dispenser 21 includes a gripping portion 24 located outside the beverage preparation apparatus 2. This gripping portion 24 is configured to be operated by a user to allow the closing valve 23 to move between a closed position and a released position. Advantageously, the gripping portion 24 is located in the upper portion of the housing 3 and is mechanically connected to the closing valve 23 via a connecting portion 25, which is fixed to the closing valve 23 and slidably mounted in a passageway 26 provided on the housing 3.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the closing valve 23 is mounted so as to slide relative to the housing 3 along a sliding direction D1, which is substantially horizontal when the housing 3 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the sliding direction D1 extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal plane of the beverage preparation device 2.

[0102] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the closing valve 23 includes: a carriage 230 mounted to slide along a sliding direction D1, the carriage 230 including a closing portion 231, which is substantially flat and configured to close the grinding mill inlet opening 22 when the closing valve 23 is in the closed position; and two side guide portions 232 configured to cooperate with two guide rails 27 fixed relative to the housing 3. Advantageously, the two guide rails 27 are disposed on both sides of the grinding mill inlet opening 22.

[0103] The manual grinder dispenser 21 also includes a dispensing chute 28 configured to deliver ground powder introduced into the grinder inlet 22 to the brewing chamber 11.

[0104] The dispensing chute 28 can be, for example, fully removable to allow for easy cleaning. According to this embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus 2 can advantageously include a presence detection device (not shown), such as an electrical switch, configured to detect the presence of the dispensing chute 28, and the electronic control unit 5 can advantageously be configured to prevent the execution of beverage preparation cycles, particularly the brewing cycle within the brewing chamber 11, when the dispensing chute 28 is absent. For example, the electronic control unit 5 will not allow selection of a working cycle as long as the dispensing chute 28 is absent.

[0105] More specifically, the dispensing chute 28 can be translated between a passive position and a dispensing position along a translation direction D2 parallel to the sliding direction D1. In the passive position, the dispensing chute 28 is away from the brewing chamber 11, particularly offset relative to the brewing chamber 11, and cannot convey the powder to the brewing chamber 11. In the dispensing position, the dispensing chute 28 is close to the brewing chamber 11 and can convey the powder to the brewing chamber 11.

[0106] More specifically, the dispensing chute 28 includes a grinding mill inlet portion 29, which is, for example, generally tubular in shape, and includes an inlet opening 31 configured to face the grinding mill inlet opening 22 when the dispensing chute 28 is in the dispensing position, and to be offset relative to the grinding mill inlet opening 22 when the dispensing chute 28 is in the passive position. Advantageously, the inlet opening 31 is configured to be covered by the upper wall of the housing 3 when the dispensing chute 28 is in the passive position.

[0107] The dispensing chute 28 also includes a grinding powder discharge portion 32, which is configured to be located above the brewing chamber 11 and positioned with a plumb bob in the brewing chamber 11 when the dispensing chute 28 is in the dispensing position, and above the grinding powder collection tray 9 and positioned with a plumb bob in the grinding powder collection tray 9 when the dispensing chute 28 is in the passive position.

[0108] Advantageously, the dispensing chute 28 includes a body 30 extending between the grinding powder inlet portion 29 and the grinding powder outlet portion 32. The body 30 has an upward-opening shape, which facilitates the descent of the grinding powder from the grinding powder inlet portion 29 to the grinding powder outlet portion 32 and good centering of the grinding powder for optimal dispensing into the brewing chamber 11.

[0109] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the dispensing chute 28 is mechanically connected to the closing valve 23, such that displacement of the closing valve 23 from the closed position to the released position causes the dispensing chute 28 to move from the passive position to the dispensing position, and displacement of the closing valve 23 from the released position to the closed position causes the dispensing chute 28 to move from the dispensing position to the passive position. Advantageously, the dispensing chute 28 moves integrally with the closing valve 23. For this purpose, the closing valve 23 includes a receiving portion 33 that opens to the upper surface of the closing valve 23, and the dispensing chute 28 is, for example, detachably mounted in the receiving portion 33.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the carriage 230 includes a receiving and accommodating portion 33 and is thus configured to receive and distribute a chute 28, and the chute 28 is located upstream of the closing portion 231 along the displacement direction of the closing valve from the closed position to the released position.

[0111] Advantageously, such as in Figure 10 and Figure 11 As can be seen, the closing valve 23 includes a lower protrusion 34, which forms a receiving and accommodating portion 33 and includes a covering wall 34.1. This covering wall 34.1 partially covers the grinding outlet of the grinding dispensing portion 32 to protect the sealing joint equipped with the compaction member 13 from coffee grinding residue that may affect its performance. Furthermore, the covering wall 34.1 allows protection for the user from dangerous parts of the beverage preparation device 2, especially in the event that the user inserts their fingers into the receiving and accommodating portion 33 when the dispensing chute 28 is not present.

[0112] The beverage preparation equipment 2 may include, for example, a position detection device (not shown) configured to detect a position occupied by the dispensing chute 28 and thus by the closing valve 23, and the electronic control unit 5 may be configured to prevent the operation of the beverage preparation equipment 2 when the dispensing chute 28 occupies the dispensing position and thus when the closing valve 23 occupies the release position.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the invention, the position detection device may include, for example, an electrical switch, such as a microswitch, fixed relative to the housing 3 and configured to occupy a first state when the closing valve 23 is in the closed position, for example, being activated or deactivated, and to occupy a second state when the closing valve 23 is in the released position, for example, being deactivated or activated. Advantageously, the closing valve 23 may be configured to cooperate with the electrical switch, activating or deactivating the electrical switch when the closing valve 23 is displaced from the released position to the closed position, and deactivating or activating the electrical switch when the closing valve 23 is displaced from the closed position to the released position.

[0114] According to another embodiment of the invention, the position detection device may include: a Hall effect sensor fixed relative to the housing 3 or fixed to the closing valve 23; and a magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet, fixed to the closing valve 23 or fixed relative to the housing 3, the magnetic element being configured to magnetically cooperate with the Hall effect sensor.

[0115] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes a spraying member 35, such as a spray plate, configured to support and displace a used powder cake disposed in the brewing chamber 11. More specifically, the spraying member 35 is mounted to be movable between a low position and a high position within the brewing chamber 11. In the low position, the spraying member 35 is located near the bottom 11.1 of the brewing chamber 11, and in the high position, the spraying member 35 is located near the entrance opening 11.2 of the brewing chamber 11 and, for example, substantially flush with or protruding from the upper peripheral edge of the brewing chamber 11. The beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes a spraying mechanism mechanically connected to the spraying member 35 and capable of vertically displacing the spraying member 35 between the high and low positions.

[0116] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes a scraping member 36, such as a scraping arm, configured to push the used powder cake out of the spraying member 35 and toward the grinding collection tray 9. Advantageously, the scraping member 36 is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis and to occupy a removal position, a scraping position, and a spraying position. In the removal position, the scraping portion 36.1 of the scraping member 36 is positioned to be removed relative to the inlet opening 11.2. In the scraping position, the scraping portion 36.1 is located above the inlet opening 11.2. In the spraying position, the scraping member 36 is configured to spray the used powder cake onto the grinding collection tray 9. Advantageously, the pivot axis is configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing 3 of the beverage preparation apparatus 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0117] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes a motion conversion mechanism configured to convert the movement of the compaction member 13 between an idle position and a working position into the movement of the scraping member 36 between a removal position and a spraying position. More specifically, the beverage preparation apparatus 2 is configured such that displacement of the compaction member 13 from the working position to the idle position causes, in particular, displacement of the spraying member 35 from a low position to a high position and displacement of the scraping member 36 from the removal position to the spraying position, to ensure that the used mill cake is sprayed onto the mill collection tray 9, and then causes the scraping member 36 to displace from the spraying position to the removal position.

[0118] like Figure 6As shown, the beverage preparation apparatus 2 includes a grinding and picking device 37 located near the brewing chamber 11 and extending at least partially around the inlet opening 11.2 of the brewing chamber 11, and for example, the grinding and picking device 37 is adjacent to the inlet opening 11.1.

[0119] The grinding powder pickup device 37 is configured to collect any grinding waste located near the inlet opening 11.2 of the brewing chamber 11, such as grinding powder that has fallen from the conveyor chute or the dispensing chute 28 when it occupies its dispensing position and is adjacent to the inlet opening 11.2, or grinding powder that has fallen when the brewing chamber 11 is overfilled by the user via the manual grinding powder dispenser 21. Advantageously, the grinding powder pickup device 37 includes: a through opening 38 positioned facing the inlet opening 11.2 of the brewing chamber 11, through which the compaction member 13 can be displaced; and a pouring ramp 39 configured to allow the used grinding powder cake ejected by the scraping member 36 from the jetting member 35 to slide toward the grinding powder collection tray 9.

[0120] The operation of the beverage preparation apparatus 2 according to the present invention is described below.

[0121] When the user selects to prepare a beverage from coffee beans contained in the coffee bean storage container via the user interface 4, the electronic control unit 5 controls the automatic grinder dispenser 15 so that a predetermined amount of coffee powder corresponding to a predetermined working time of the grinder is conveyed through the conveyor chute to the brewing chamber 11 to obtain the desired amount of beverage in the brewing chamber 11. Then, the electronic control unit 5 controls the hydraulic jack belonging to the displacement mechanism to move the compaction member 13 from the idle position to the working position and compact the ground coffee contained in the brewing chamber. Then, pressurized hot water is introduced into the brewing chamber 11 through the heating block 12, and the obtained beverage passes through the compaction member 13 and flows through the beverage dispenser 7 into a cup, for example, placed on the container support 6. At the end of the brewing cycle, the electronic control unit 5 then controls the hydraulic jack belonging to the displacement mechanism to return the compaction member 13 to the idle position. Then the spraying member 35 lifts the used grinding cake from the brewing chamber 11 to the grinding pickup device 37 through the through opening 38 of the grinding pickup device 37. From there, the scraping member 36 pushes the used grinding cake into the grinding collection tray 9.

[0122] When a user wishes to prepare coffee from pre-ground coffee, the user grasps the gripper 24 and displaces the closing valve 23 from the closed position to the released position, causing the dispensing chute 28 to displace from the passive position to the dispensing position. The user then introduces ground coffee into the ground coffee inlet 22, which has been released by the closing valve 23, and the ground coffee is conveyed to the brewing chamber 11 through the dispensing chute 28. The user then displaces the closing valve 23 to the closed position (in which case the dispensing chute 28 can displace any excess ground coffee present around the brewing chamber 11 to the ground coffee collection tray 9), causing the dispensing chute 28 to displace from the dispensing position to the passive position. Then, the user selects the appropriate work cycle using the user interface 4, and the electronic control unit 5 then controls the hydraulic jack belonging to the displacement mechanism to move the compaction member 13 from the idle position to the working position so as to compact the ground powder contained in the brewing chamber 11 and allow the preparation of the beverage to be made, and then moves the compaction member 13 from the working position to the idle position so as to spray the used ground powder cake onto the ground powder collection tray 9.

[0123] As previously described, the electronic control unit 5 is advantageously configured to prevent the execution of the beverage preparation cycle when the dispensing chute 28 is in the dispensing position and therefore when the closing valve 23 is in the released position, in order to ensure the safety of the user.

[0124] Advantageously, after a certain number of beverage preparation cycles are performed by the manual grinder dispenser 21, the dispensing chute 28 (or a removable portion of the dispensing chute 28) is removed for cleaning.

[0125] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and shown by way of example only. Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, particularly from the viewpoint of the construction of various elements or by substituting technical equivalents. For example, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the manual grinding dispenser 21 may not have a closing valve. According to another variant embodiment of the invention, the dispensing chute may include a removable portion that can be detached relative to the beverage preparation device 2, and the removable portion can be removed from the internal cavity of the housing 3, particularly for cleaning operations of the removable portion. The removable portion may, for example, be a double-layered skin removably housed in the body 30 of the dispensing chute 28.

Claims

1. A beverage preparation apparatus (2), comprising: -Shell (3); - Brewing chamber (11), which is disposed in the housing (3) and configured to contain the powder; - Automatic grinding dispenser (15), the automatic grinding dispenser (15) is configured to automatically supply a predetermined amount of grinding powder to the brewing chamber (11); - A manual grinder dispenser (21), configured to allow a user to manually introduce grinder into the brewing chamber (11), the manual grinder dispenser (21) comprising: • A grinding mill inlet opening (22) through which the user can manually introduce grinding powder into the manual grinding mill dispenser (21); and • A distribution chute (28) configured to convey ground powder introduced into the grinding powder inlet (22) to the brewing chamber (11). The feature is that the dispensing chute (28) can move between a passive position and a dispensing position. In the passive position, the dispensing chute (28) is away from the brewing chamber (11) and cannot deliver the grinding powder to the brewing chamber (11). In the dispensing position, the dispensing chute (28) is close to the brewing chamber (11) and can deliver the grinding powder to the brewing chamber (11). In the passive position, the dispensing chute (28) is disposed inside the internal cavity of the housing (3).

2. The beverage preparation equipment (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The dispensing chute (28) can be displaced between the passive position and the dispensing position along a translational direction (D2), which is configured, for example, to extend substantially horizontally when the housing (3) rests on a horizontal surface.

3. The beverage preparation equipment (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the dispensing chute (28) occupies the dispensing position, the grinding powder inlet portion (29) of the dispensing chute (28) is positioned facing the grinding powder inlet opening (22), and the user can manually supply grinding powder to the brewing chamber (11) through the grinding powder inlet opening (22) and the dispensing chute (28).

4. The beverage preparation equipment (2) according to claim 3, wherein, When the dispensing chute (28) occupies the passive position, the grinding inlet portion (29) of the dispensing chute (28) is offset relative to the grinding inlet opening (22) and covered by a closing wall that prevents grinding powder from being introduced into the grinding inlet portion (29).

5. The beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The brewing chamber (11) includes an inlet opening (11.2) through which ground powder can be introduced into the brewing chamber (11). The dispensing chute (28) includes a ground powder discharge portion (32) configured such that a plumb bob is positioned at the inlet opening (11.2) when the dispensing chute (28) occupies the dispensing position.

6. The beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to claim 5, further comprising a grinding collection tray (9) configured to collect used grinding cakes from the brewing chamber (11), the grinding pouring portion (32) configured to position a plumb bob on the grinding collection tray (9) when the dispensing chute (28) occupies the passive position.

7. The beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The manual grinding dispenser (21) includes a closing valve (23) movable between a closed position and a released position, wherein in the closed position the closing valve (23) is configured to close the grinding inlet opening (22), and in the released position the closing valve (23) is configured to release the grinding inlet opening (22), wherein in the passive position of the dispensing chute (28) the closing valve (23) is in the closed position, and in the dispensing position of the dispensing chute (28) the closing valve (23) is in the released position.

8. The beverage preparation equipment (2) according to claim 7, wherein, The distribution chute (28) is mechanically connected to the closing valve (23), such that the displacement of the closing valve (23) from the closed position to the released position causes the distribution chute (29) to be displaced from the passive position to the distribution position, and the displacement of the closing valve (23) from the released position to the closed position causes the distribution chute (29) to be displaced from the distribution position to the passive position.

9. The beverage preparation equipment (2) according to claim 8, wherein, The distribution chute (28) moves integrally with the closing valve (23), and the distribution chute (28) is, for example, mounted on the closing valve (23) and supported by the closing valve (23).

10. The beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to claims 2 and 9, wherein, The closing valve (23) includes a carriage (230) that is translatably movable along the translation direction (D2). The carriage (230) is configured to receive the dispensing chute (28) and includes a closing portion configured to close the grinding inlet opening (22) when the closing valve (23) is in the closed position. The dispensing chute (28) is located upstream of the closing portion along the displacement direction of the closing valve (23) from the closed position to the released position.

11. The beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The dispensing chute (28) can move between the passive position and the active position within the internal cavity of the housing (3).

12. The beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The manual grinding dispenser (21) includes a gripping portion (24) that can be accessed from the outside of the housing (3) and is configured to be operated by a user to allow the dispensing chute (28) to move between the passive position and the dispensing position.

13. The beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The grinding inlet (22) leads to a surface of the housing (3), for example, to the upper surface of the housing (2).

14. The beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The dispensing chute (28) includes at least one removable portion that can be detached relative to the beverage preparation device (2) and is removable from the internal cavity of the housing (3), particularly for cleaning operations of the removable portion.

15. The beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising an electronic control unit (5) configured to control the operation of the beverage preparation apparatus (2), the electronic control unit (5) configured to prevent the execution of the beverage preparation cycle when the dispensing chute (28) occupies the dispensing position.

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