Dispensing system for subsequently mixed drinks with pressurizable ingredient containers

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a single-serve beverage, and in particular for manufacturing cocktails. State of the art

[0002] Cocktail making machines are available on the market. They allow you to mix ingredients contained in different removable containers to create a cocktail.

[0003] Such devices are described in particular in WO 2017 / 144477 A1, which corresponds to the preamble of claim 1, and in WO 2012 / 128477.

[0004] There is a need for a new device for making a single-serve drink, and in particular a cocktail, that is more robust, more compact, more practical to use and less expensive to manufacture than known devices.

[0005] One aim of the invention is to meet, at least partially, this need. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a single-serve beverage according to claim 1.

[0007] According to a first principal embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises: an emulsifier comprising an X-axis emulsifier shaft having a lower end disposed inside the funnel and an upper end; a drive motor for the emulsifier shaft rotating about the X-axis, comprising a drive shaft mechanically coupled to the upper end of the emulsifier shaft;

[0008] the emulsifier shaft being mounted to move in translation along its axis so as to constitute the obturator.

[0009] Advantageously, the compactness of the device is considerably improved.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the foaming shaft carries an X-axis bearing in which, only in the closed position, the lower end of the foaming shaft is guided for rotation. The guiding function of the bearing is therefore deactivated in the open position. Advantageously, supporting the lower end of the foaming shaft improves the robustness of the device.

[0011] In the closed position, the foaming shaft can block the outlet port directly, or indirectly, notably via the bearing.

[0012] Preferably, in the open position, the bearing, which is integral with the foaming shaft, can only move relative to the foaming shaft by rotation about the X-axis of the foaming shaft. Preferably, in the open position, the bearing is driven in rotation by the foaming shaft.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the funnel is free of any roughness that could impede flow through the outlet.

[0014] In the closed position, the bearing is preferably held stationary relative to the funnel by clamping against the funnel. Preferably, this clamping results from the movement of the foaming shaft from the open to the closed position.

[0015] Preferably, the lower end of the emulsifier shaft carries a sealing plug, preferably made of an elastomeric material, shaped to, in the closed position, penetrate into the outlet orifice of the funnel to a depth greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm.

[0016] Advantageously, the sealing plug thus helps to keep the foaming shaft in position, which is particularly useful when the funnel is disassembled from the base and / or when the funnel cover is removed and the foaming shaft needs to be positioned in order to close the funnel cover.

[0017] Preferably, the lower end of the foaming shaft carries fins, preferably extending substantially radially with respect to the X axis of the foaming shaft, preferably carried by the sealing plug, shaped to limit, in the open position, the formation of vortices when a mixture of ingredients contained in the funnel flows through the outlet orifice of the funnel.

[0018] Preferably, the fins are shaped to be housed, in the closed position, at least partially in the outlet orifice of the funnel, preferably to a depth greater than 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or 6 mm.

[0019] Preferably, the fins are shaped to resist insertion into the outlet. In other words, forced insertion is required. Advantageously, this strengthens the retention of the foam shaft in the closed position.

[0020] Preferably, the bearing comprises an outer ring of a bearing whose inner ring is rigidly fixed to the foaming shaft. Advantageously, the support of the lower end of the foaming shaft by the bearing does not significantly increase the energy required for the rotation of the foaming shaft.

[0021] Preferably, the outer ring of the bearing is elastically compressed by a skirt defined by the sealing plug into which the outer ring is inserted. Advantageously, the skirt protects the bearing. Furthermore, it allows for very simple fastening of the outer ring.

[0022] In an embodiment in which the bearing, in particular the outer ring of the bearing, is held by a skirt of the sealing plug, the friction of the sealing plug on the funnel and the friction of the skirt on the bearing, in particular the outer ring, are adapted to, in the closed position, immobilize the bearing, in particular the outer ring, relative to the funnel.

[0023] The actuator preferably includes: a support on which the drive motor of the emulsifier shaft is fixed, said support being mounted to slide on the base, preferably parallel to the X axis of the emulsifier shaft, and defining a cam track inclined with respect to said X axis, i.e. neither parallel nor perpendicular to said axis; an actuator motor, fixed rigidly on the base, comprising an actuator shaft mechanically coupled to a cam follower sliding on the cam track such that a sliding of the cam follower on the cam track causes a sliding of said support in a first direction, preferably upwards.

[0024] According to a second method of implementation main In the invention, the emulsifier shaft is coupled in translation, along the axis of the emulsifier shaft, with the drive motor shaft by means of a fastener, preferably magnetic, which can be deactivated by pulling on the emulsifier shaft along its axis.

[0025] As will be seen in more detail later in the description, the emulsifier shaft can thus be disassembled, which facilitates its cleaning.

[0026] Preferably, the funnel comprises a bowl and a lid for closing the bowl through an opening, the upper end of the foaming shaft being housed, at least partially, within the opening regardless of the position of the foaming shaft between the closed and open positions, the opening being shaped to limit the displacement of the foaming shaft perpendicular to its axis. In a preferred embodiment, the opening has a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the upper end of the foaming shaft, preferably a circular shape.

[0027] Preferably, the upper end of the foaming shaft has a cylindrical skirt housed in said opening, regardless of the position of the foaming shaft between the closed position and the open position.

[0028] Advantageously, the foaming shaft can thus be held in position in the funnel when the latter is removed from the base.

[0029] Preferably, the upper end of the foaming shaft is rotationally coupled, around the axis of the foaming shaft, to the drive shaft by means of a dog clutch. Advantageously, the rotational coupling between the foaming shaft and the drive shaft is efficient and does not require angular pre-positioning.

[0030] According to a third method of implementation mainIn the invention, the funnel comprises, as described above, a bowl and a lid for sealing the bowl, and the lid is removably attached to the bowl, preferably by inserting tabs on the lid into corresponding grooves in the bowl. When the funnel is disassembled from the base (disassembled position), the bowl and lid advantageously isolate any mixture of ingredients that might remain inside the funnel from the outside. Advantageously, this limits the risk of accidentally dispersing this mixture.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the emulsifier shaft is held inside the bowl by the cooperation of its upper end with an opening in the lid, as described previously, and by the cooperation of the lower end of the emulsifier shaft with the funnel's outlet. In one embodiment, when the funnel is disassembled, the emulsifier shaft seals the funnel's outlet, this seal being maintained, in one embodiment, solely by the effect of gravity.

[0032] Preferably, the lid defines drums which, in an assembled funnel position, are each inserted into a housing outlet of a respective housing, and in fluid communication with the interior of a container housed in said housing, via a drain valve of said container. Each drum thus allows the introduction into the bowl of an ingredient exiting through the corresponding housing outlet.

[0033] Advantageously, the ingredient exiting the container is in direct contact with the funnel, ensuring optimal hygiene. Furthermore, inserting the drums into the housing outlets prevents any rotation of the lid relative to the base around the funnel's axis.

[0034] Preferably, the assembly formed by the bowl and the lid is removably fixed to the base, preferably by means of at least one magnet, preferably fixed to the lid, and at least one respective metal insert, preferably fixed to the base.

[0035] Preferably, the lid has several magnets and the base has several respective metal inserts, the magnets and inserts being positioned to be fixed to each other in one or more predetermined angular positions of the funnel relative to the base, around the axis of the funnel.

[0036] Advantageously, the magnets and metal inserts thus facilitate the positioning of the funnel when it has to be assembled to the base.

[0037] Preferably, the funnel, or more precisely the bowl, includes a slide, preferably defined by a peripheral protrusion, and the base includes a rail, preferably extending parallel to the axis of the barrels, shaped to guide, in conjunction with the slide, the insertion of the barrels into their respective housing outlets. Advantageously, the rail also prevents rotation of the bowl relative to the base when the funnel is assembled on the base. Only a pull on the funnel, parallel to the axis of the barrels, against the pull of the magnets on the metal inserts, allows the funnel to be disassembled from the base. In particular, no rotation of the funnel, and especially no torque exerted on the bowl around the axis of the funnel, allows the funnel to be disassembled from the base. This reduces the risk of mishandling by the user.

[0038] Preferably, the peripheral protrusions serving as slides also define the grooves receiving the lid's ears.

[0039] According to a fourth method of implementation main of the invention, the device comprises an electronic board and, for each housing, an antenna adapted for contactless reading of a marker from a container placed in said housing, said antenna being fixed on a substrate connected to the electronic board by a hinge, preferably a flexible film.

[0040] Advantageously, the position of the substrate relative to the general plane of the electronic board can thus be easily modified, which facilitates assembly on the base.

[0041] Preferably, the substrate extends in a general plane forming with the general plane of the electronic board an angle greater than 45°, 60°, 80° and / or less than 120°, 110°, 100°, preferably substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the electronic board.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the electronic board extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the emulsifier shaft and the antenna substrates extend substantially parallel to this axis.

[0043] Preferably, the main electronic board is positioned, preferably substantially horizontally, within the space between the housings, preferably above and facing the drive motor of the emulsifier shaft, and, even more preferably, the antenna substrates extend substantially vertically, preferably resting on said housings. The substantially vertical arrangement of the antennas significantly improves the compactness of the device.

[0044] Preferably, the means for transferring an ingredient out of a container placed in a housing include a pressurization pump whose outlet is in fluid communication with the interior of said container.

[0045] The activation of the pressurization pump, controlled by the control module, advantageously increases the pressure inside the container and pushes the ingredient contained in this container through the outlet of the housing into the funnel.

[0046] The manufacturing apparatus comprises a plurality of containers, at least one, preferably each container comprising a receptacle containing an ingredient of said beverage, and a head fixed, preferably screwed, in a removable manner, onto said receptacle, said receptacle being housed in a respective housing of the cellar, the head of said receptacle comprising a pressurization valve and a drain valve in communication with a pressurization inlet and a housing outlet of the housing, respectively; the receptacle and the head of said receptacle comprising receptacle and head anti-misalignment surfaces, respectively, configured to constitute together, in a predetermined head fixing position on the receptacle, preferably in a maximum screwing position of the head on the receptacle, a receptacle surface of the receptacle capable of cooperating with a receptacle surface of the housing to ensure a predetermined positioning of the receptacle relative to the housing.

[0047] Advantageously, the pressurization and drainage valves can thus be easily coupled to an outlet of the pressurization pump and an outlet of the housing, respectively. They can then allow air from the pressurization pump to enter the container and allow the ingredient to exit under the effect of this air intake.

[0048] The container anti-mislead surface is configured to, in cooperation with the head anti-mislead surface, lock the head in position on the container.

[0049] Preferably, the container and housing keying surfaces extend, preferably vertically, against each other, preferably in contact with each other or separated from each other by a distance of less than 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm, in an inserted position of the container in said housing.

[0050] Preferably, the container and head anti-mislead surfaces are aligned surfaces, preferably planar, which together define a planar container anti-mislead surface.

[0051] The orientation surface of the housing is also preferably a flat surface, preferably vertical, against which each of the flat surfaces of the container and the head extends, at least partially, when the container is inserted into the housing (inserted position). Advantageously, the container can then only be moved parallel to the orientation surface of the housing. The head is also advantageously locked onto the container.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the head has an externally cylindrical surface with a circular cross-section, locally interrupted by a flat surface constituting said head-proofing surface. Preferably, the container has an externally cylindrical surface with a circular cross-section, locally interrupted by a flat surface constituting said container-proofing surface.

[0053] Preferably, the container is equipped with a marker suitable for long-range electromagnetic communication, preferably an NFC marker, fixed to the top of the container. Preferably, the marker extends over one of the keying surfaces of the container and the top.

[0054] The head can be permanently mounted on the container. In particular, it can be tamper-proof and clipped in place, which is well-suited when the container is a consumable item.

[0055] In particular, in this embodiment, the head is preferably shaped to be mounted on the head by sliding and then, preferably by clipping, preferably by irreversible clipping, the sliding being preferably in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the head.

[0056] In particular, the head can be configured so that, when assembled onto the container, it is guided by sliding along the container, preferably to an extreme position in which it clips onto the container, preferably permanently. The head may include a sliding element, for example a pin, configured to cooperate with a rail formed on the container. Alternatively, the sliding element may be on the container and the rail on the container. The rail, preferably straight, extends preferably parallel to the axis of the container or the head, depending on whether it is formed on the container or the head, respectively.

[0057] Advantageously, such an assembly, by sliding and then clipping, is quick and allows a predetermined positioning of the head on the container, and in particular a predetermined angular positioning around the axis of the head.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the head and container anti-missing surfaces are configured so that the container cannot be housed in a respective housing, so as to couple the pressurization valve with the pressurization inlet of the housing, on the one hand, and the drain valve with the housing outlet of the housing, only when said anti-missing surfaces are arranged in a predefined position.

[0059] Each dwelling unit is preferably of a shape substantially complementary to the part of the container housed within it.

[0060] Preferably, the head has a side wall, generally cylindrical in shape, provided with an internal thread for fixing to an external thread of a neck of the container.

[0061] Of course, the features, possibly optional, of the different main embodiments can be combined. Definitions

[0062] A "check valve" is sometimes still called a "non-return valve". Unless otherwise specified, the check valves of a device according to the invention are preferably of the "cross-slit" type, preferably of the "umbrella valve" type.

[0063] The "upstream" and "downstream" positions are defined in relation to the flow of the ingredient.

[0064] The apparatus according to the invention is described with reference to a service position in which the apparatus is placed on a horizontal floor and ready to make a beverage, the containers being arranged in their respective compartments. The adjectives "upper" and "lower", "vertical" and "horizontal" or the adverbs "above" and "below" refer to this position. Brief description of the figures

[0065] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, and upon examination of the attached drawing, in which: there figure 1 (1a and 1b) ) represents in perspective a device according to the invention, the funnel on the figure 1b being shown disassembled from the base; the figure 2 ( 2a and 2b ) represents cross-sections of this device; the figure 2c represents in perspective the funnel bowl and an emulsifier shaft in the closed position; the figure 2drepresents in longitudinal section the funnel and the foaming shaft in the closed position; the figure 3 (3a-3c) illustrates the assembly of the control module of the device shown on the figure 1 ; there figure 4a represents, in perspective, the drive motor of the emulsifier shaft and the actuator allowing its position to be changed in the vertical direction; the figure 4b represents an exploded view of the foam concentrate shaft; the figure 4c represents a cross-section of the device, illustrating the closed position. Detailed description Generalities

[0066] There figure 1 represents an apparatus for manufacturing a beverage by unit, i.e. by the glass, according to the invention.

[0067] The device includes a base 1 having a platform 2 for receiving a glass to be filled, a mast 4 fixed on the platform 2 and a storage compartment 8, fixed on the mast 4 above the platform 2 and having a plurality of housings 14. Each housing 14 is adapted to receive a container 16 containing an ingredient.

[0068] Preferably, the device has more than three, more than four, more than five, or even more than six or more than seven, and / or less than twenty, less than fifteen, or even less than ten dwellings, preferably less than eight dwellings, preferably six dwellings.

[0069] A funnel 18 is removably fixed to the cellar 8 and receives the ingredients coming out of the containers.

[0070] The base also supports a control module 20 and pumps 22 for pressurizing the containers. Containers

[0071] All containers are preferably identical. They may contain the same or different ingredients. Preferably, at least two containers contain different ingredients.

[0072] Containers 16 are removable, meaning they can be taken out of the housings and then put back into the housings, in the service position, as often as desired.

[0073] Each housing 14 is preferably of a shape substantially complementary to the part of the container housed therein, so as to be able to receive and immobilize said container in position.

[0074] Each container 16 comprises a receptacle 24, preferably made of glass, defining a volume in which an ingredient is placed, and a head 28, fixed, preferably screwed, onto the receptacle 24 ( fig. 2a ).

[0075] A container 24 preferably has an internal volume greater than 0.1 litre, preferably greater than 0.2 litre, and / or less than 1.5 litre, preferably less than 1 litre, preferably about 0.5 litre.

[0076] The wall of a container 24 can be made of any "food-grade" material suitable for the ingredient contained in the container. Its thickness is preferably greater than 1 mm, 2 mm or 3 mm.

[0077] The head 28 has a side wall 30, generally cylindrical in shape, provided with an internal thread for fixing to an external thread of a neck of the container, and a bottom 32 through which pressurization valves 34 and drain valves 36 are passed, fixed to the bottom 32, for example, by gluing or clipping.

[0078] The fixing threads are preferably configured to ensure maximum tightening in less than one turn, preferably less than half a turn. Preferably, in the maximum tightening position, a flat 38 of the head, defined by the outer surface of the side wall 30, extends in line with a flat 40 defined by the outer surface of the container 24.

[0079] The flat surfaces 38 and 40 are head and container orientation surfaces that must be positioned in a predefined way for the container to be inserted into its housing. In this predefined position, these flat surfaces form a container orientation surface and, in cooperation with a housing flat surface 41, which forms a housing orientation surface, provide a means of preventing the user from incorrectly inserting the container into its housing.

[0080] Advantageously, the head and container alignment surfaces cooperate with each other and with the housing alignment surface to assure the user that the head is fixed to the container in a predetermined fixing position and that the container is housed in the housing with a predetermined positioning. This cooperation is particularly advantageous when the container is cylindrical in shape.

[0081] The predetermined fixing position can correspond to a leak-proof fixing position, preferably with the head screwed in as far as possible onto the container. In this case, the interaction between the various keying surfaces ensures that the head is securely fixed to the container. This greatly reduces the risk of leakage of the ingredient inside the container.

[0082] This cooperation also prevents the head from unscrewing after the container has been placed in its housing.

[0083] Each container 16 also bears a marker 42, or "tag", preferably of the NFC type. The marker 42 is preferably fixed to the flat 40 of the container or to the flat 38 of the head. Preferably, it extends vertically when the container is placed in its housing.

[0084] Marker 42 preferably contains information about the ingredient contained in the container, for example its composition, volume, density, origin, the number of calories it provides or its expiry date.

[0085] The device includes a reader equipped with an antenna 44, arranged to read, without contact, preferably by NFC (in English "near field communication"), the marker 42.

[0086] Preferably, the reader is also able to write to marker 42. Preferably, it is able to write to marker 42 information relating to the use of container 16, for example relating to the quantity of ingredient already extracted from the container, or the date of first use of the container.

[0087] The reader is preferably in communication with the control module 20. Advantageously, the control module 20 can inform the user of the need to change a container or to plan for the upcoming replacement of the container, but also to inform them of the expiry of the ingredient contained in the container.

[0088] Recording information on marker 42 by the reader also advantageously maintains traceability of this information, even if the container is removed from its housing, for example, for use on another device. This significantly reduces health risks and improves the quality of information provided to users.

[0089] Finally, the marker advantageously allows the control module 20 to know the contents and the space occupied by the container, without the user of the device needing to configure it for this purpose. Funnel filling circuit

[0090] The process for filling the funnel with an ingredient initially contained in a container is similar regardless of the container. Therefore, only one of these processes is described in the following section.

[0091] Each housing 14 has a pressurization inlet 46 connected, by a pipe not shown, to the outlet of a respective pressurization pump 22.

[0092] Each housing 14 also has a housing outlet 47 through which the ingredient extracted from the container 16 enters the funnel 18.

[0093] The pressurization pump 22 is configured to pressurize, via the pressurization inlet 46 of the housing and the pressurization valve 34 of the head, the interior of each container 16.

[0094] The funnel is removable so that it can be cleaned.

[0095] The funnel 18 includes a bowl 48 into which the ingredients exiting the housing outlets 47 of the housings are poured, by overpressure, into the containers 24, and a lid 50 ( figure 2b ).

[0096] Preferably, the lid 50, preferably discoidal, has peripheral lugs, not shown, which fit into corresponding grooves 52 of the bowl 48 ( figure 2c ). Once the funnel 18 has been detached from the base, the lid 50 can thus be easily disassembled from the bowl 48.

[0097] The lid 50 has barrels 54 which, in the assembled position of the funnel on the base, are inserted into respective outlets of the housing 47 ( figure 2a ) so as to put the inside of the bowl 48 and the inside of the container 24 into sealed fluid communication, via the drain valve 36.

[0098] Inserting the drums 54 into the housing outlets 47 prevents any rotation of the lid 50 around its axis.

[0099] The lid 50 has magnets 56 cooperating with metal inserts in the base, not shown. This cooperation keeps the funnel 18 pressed against the base in the assembled position.

[0100] The bowl 48 has a substantially conical side wall, with a vertical axis, and a base 58.

[0101] The bowl 48 also includes slides, in the form of peripheral protrusions 60, which, in the assembled position of the funnel, are housed in respective rails 62, preferably substantially vertical, formed in the base, which prevents the rotation of the bowl 48 around the X axis. Therefore, detachment of the funnel 18 from the base is not possible by rotation around the X axis.

[0102] The number and positioning of the magnets 56 and the metal inserts are preferably determined so that, when the funnel is assembled onto the base, under the effect of magnetic attraction, the funnel adopts an angular position around the X-axis in which the peripheral protrusions 60 of the bowl 48 are aligned with the corresponding rails 62. This facilitates the assembly of the funnel 18 onto the base.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the bowl 48 is positioned immediately below the housing outlets 47. Preferably, each housing outlet 47 opens downstream directly into the funnel, so that an ingredient exiting through the drain valve 36 of a container falls directly into the bowl 48, without passing through a conduit such as a flexible or rigid hose. Hygiene conditions are then optimal.

[0104] The bottom 58 of the funnel 18 is crossed by an outlet orifice 64 which can be selectively closed by means of a shutter described below, the movement of which is controlled by the control module 20.

[0105] The outlet 64 opens above the receiving platform 2 for a glass to be filled. The outlet 64 thus allows the mixture contained in the funnel to flow by gravity into the glass. Emulsifier

[0106] The device also includes an emulsifier 66 which allows an emulsion to be created from the mixture of ingredients contained in the bowl 48.

[0107] The emulsifier includes an emulsifier shaft 68, with axis X, and a drive motor 70 having a drive shaft 72 coupled in rotation with the emulsifier shaft 68 around the axis X.

[0108] The emulsifier shaft 68 is provided with an emulsifying element which can be, as in the embodiment shown, made up of a helical spring 76 closed on itself and encircling the emulsifier shaft 68 by bearing on paddles 78 extending substantially radially with respect to the X axis and preferably equi-angularly distributed around the X axis.

[0109] In the embodiment shown, the emulsifier shaft 68 has an upper end 80 coupled in rotation with the drive shaft 72, via a dog clutch 82, and a lower end 84 on which is fixed the inner ring 86 of a bearing, preferably a ball bearing.

[0110] In the preferred embodiment shown, the emulsifier shaft 68 is mounted to move along the X-axis between open and closed positions, so as to selectively block the outlet orifice 64 at the bottom of the bowl 48, thus acting as a shutter. In the closed position, the outer ring 88 of the ball bearing acts as a bearing that guides the rotation of the drive shaft 68 about the X-axis.

[0111] Preferably, a sealing plug 90, preferably made of an elastomer, is fixed to the outer ring 88 and shaped to hermetically seal the outlet orifice 64 of the bowl in the closed position, as shown in the figure 4c .

[0112] The sealing cap 90 preferably has a flexible skirt 92 in which the outer ring 88 is housed. The dimensions of the skirt 92 are determined so that it elastically compresses the outer ring 88, in order to be rigidly attached to it.

[0113] The sealing cap 90 also has a nipple 94 extending downwards from the skirt 92 and shaped to penetrate into the outlet orifice 64 of the bowl 48, which makes it possible to effectively maintain the emulsifier shaft in position relative to the bowl 48 when the funnel is disassembled from the base.

[0114] Preferably, the nipple 94 has fins 96, extending preferably substantially radially with respect to the X axis and preferably distributed substantially equi-angularly around the X axis.

[0115] The number of fins 96 is preferably greater than 2, preferably greater than 3 and preferably less than 8, preferably less than 6. The presence of fins 96 facilitates the insertion of the nipple 94 into the outlet 64 of the bowl 48. Furthermore, in the open position, the fins 96 advantageously guide the flow of the mixture of ingredients contained in the bowl 48, preventing the formation of vortices.

[0116] To engage the lower end of the drive shaft and the upper end 80 of the emulsifier shaft 68, these ends have respective teeth that mesh with each other. When the funnel 18 is disassembled from the plate by sliding it downwards along the X-axis, the meshing is broken without the operator having to perform any specific operation.

[0117] Preferably, the teeth at the lower end of the drive shaft and / or the teeth at the upper end of the emulsifier shaft each have an inclined face 98 facilitating coupling regardless of the initial angular position of the drive shaft or the emulsifier shaft.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, the upper end 80 of the emulsifier shaft 68 has a rigid upper skirt 100 which, when the lid 50 closes the bowl 48 ( figure 2b The funnel is housed in a complementary opening 102 in the center of the lid. When the funnel is disassembled from the base, the foaming shaft 68 advantageously remains in position along the funnel's axis, thus keeping it closed, at least until the funnel is inverted. Advantageously, if the funnel still contains liquid, this liquid is not spilled during handling.

[0119] To allow the emulsifier shaft 68 to move between the closed position, in which it seals the outlet 64, and the open position, in which it is free from this outlet and allows the flow of the mixture contained in the bowl 48, the emulsifier shaft 68 is translationally movable along the X-axis. For this purpose, the drive motor 70 is fixed in a support 104 mounted to slide on two vertical rods 106. A helical spring 108 is threaded onto each rod 106 and compressed between the support 104 and a stop 110 at the upper end of the rod 106, so as to elastically push the support 104 downwards.

[0120] The upward translation of the support 104 is ensured by means of an actuator 112. The actuator 112 comprises an actuator motor 114, a first gear 116 fixed on the shaft of the actuator motor, and a second gear 118, driven by the first gear 116 around the axis of rotation Y of the shaft of the drive motor 70, coinciding with the X axis.

[0121] The second toothed wheel 118 includes a cam follower which bears against an inclined cam surface of the support 104 so that its rotation changes the altitude of the drive motor 70. Of course, the invention is not limited to these means for changing the altitude of the drive motor 70.

[0122] Furthermore, the upper end of the foaming shaft 68 is fixed to the lower end of the drive shaft by magnetic fastening means. The vertical movement of the drive motor therefore causes the foaming shaft 68 to move, thus opening or closing the outlet orifice 64.

[0123] In particular, the magnetic fastening means may include a magnet 120 fixed on the lower end of the drive shaft cooperating with a magnet 122 fixed on the upper end of the emulsifier rod 68. Control module

[0124] The control module 20 typically includes an electronic board 124 ( figure 3) on which are fixed in particular a processor and a memory containing code instructions enabling the processor to operate, in particular to control the electrical components, and in particular the motors ensuring the operation of the pressurization pumps and the drive and emulsifier motors.

[0125] Each antenna 44, supported by a substrate 126, is electrically connected to the electronic board 124 via conductive tracks arranged on a flexible hinge 128, preferably made of a polymer film. As shown in the figures 3a and 3b , the antennas 44 can thus be moved away from the general plane of the electronic card 124, and in particular extend substantially perpendicularly to the electronic card 124.

[0126] As depicted on the figure 3cThe electronic card 124 is preferably arranged between the housings 14, preferably substantially perpendicular to the X-axis, each substrate 126 extending in support of a housing 14 (see also figure 2b ). The device's compactness is improved.

[0127] In the preferred embodiment, the substrate of an antenna 44 associated with a housing extends against the flat 41 of this housing 14. Functioning

[0128] In the preferred embodiment, the device operates as follows.

[0129] Initially, the funnel is in a disassembled position, as shown in the figure 1b The foaming shaft rests, by its lower end, in the outlet of the funnel and its upper end passes through the central opening of the lid, which keeps the foaming shaft along the axis of the funnel.

[0130] The lid is fixed to the bowl by a rotation around its axis, the lugs at the periphery of the lid being inserted into the grooves 52 of the bowl.

[0131] The user brings the funnel close to the base to insert the lid's barrels 54 into their corresponding slots. When the barrels are near the slots, the magnets on the lid are attracted to the metal inserts in the base, allowing the barrels 54 to be precisely positioned opposite the slots 47 without any further action required from the user. In this position, the protrusions 60 on the periphery of the bowl 48 are aligned with the rails 62. After the peripheral protrusions 60 have engaged with the rails 62, the funnel is guided along its axis to the assembled position, in which the lid is held against the base by the combined action of the magnets on the lid and the metal inserts in the base.

[0132] Rails 62 and housing exits 47, in cooperation with protrusions 60 and barrels 54, respectively, prohibit any rotation of the funnel.

[0133] To use the device, the user must also insert the containers 16, head first, into the slots 14, as shown in the figure 1a .

[0134] The containers can be delivered ready for use, with the container head already mounted on the container. Preferably, a seal, ideally airtight, covers the pressurization and discharge valves. This improves hygiene.

[0135] First, he clamps the head of the container onto the container 24, which aligns the flats 38 and 40 of the head and the container. These flats then act as a keying device, defining a unique position allowing the container to be inserted into its housing.

[0136] Introducing the container into its housing allows its pressurization valve 34 to be coupled with the pressurization inlet 46 of the housing, on the one hand, and the drain valve 36 with the housing outlet 47.

[0137] The coupling of a container in a housing thus leads to the establishment of a sealed circuit from the container 24, through the drain valve 36 and the outlet orifice to the bowl 48 of the funnel.

[0138] The marker 42 fixed on the flat 40 of the container is then close to the antenna 44, in a position allowing exchanges with the antenna 44. These exchanges allow the control module 20 to know that the container is present in the housing, but also, for example, to know the nature of the ingredient, the quantity of ingredient remaining, as well as the date of commissioning.

[0139] Knowing the nature of the ingredient and the remaining quantity in the container allows the container to be placed in any location. Before starting to prepare a beverage, the reader simply needs to read the marker to know the ingredients available, as well as their locations and quantities.

[0140] When a container is inserted into its housing, the two flats 38 and 40 face and, preferably, are in contact with the flat 41 of the housing. Neither the container 24 nor the head of the container can then rotate, which notably prevents any accidental unscrewing of the head.

[0141] When a user requests the preparation of a beverage, the control module commands the closure of the funnel's outlet. More precisely, it commands the drive motor support, and therefore the emulsifier shaft, to descend, under the action of springs 108, to the closed position.

[0142] To transfer an ingredient from its container 16 to the funnel, the control module 20 activates the pressurization pump 22 in the associated housing. This allows pressurized air to be injected into the container 24 via the pressurization valve 34. The pressure inside the container 24 increases accordingly. Once a certain threshold is exceeded, this overpressure causes the discharge valve 36 to open, and the ingredient can flow through the discharge valve 36 and the outlet of the housing into the funnel.

[0143] The different ingredients can be poured into the funnel simultaneously or not. Preferably, they are poured in at roughly the same time, which speeds up the preparation of the drink.

[0144] The nature and quantity of the ingredients are determined by a recipe stored in control module 20. Specifically, to make a cocktail, at least two different ingredients are poured into the funnel. The quantity of each ingredient can be adjusted based on the pressurization time of the corresponding container and / or the pressure applied within the container.

[0145] After a predetermined quantity of ingredient has been measured, according to the recipe, the control module deactivates the pressurization pump. The drain valve closes.

[0146] The control module activates the emulsifier.

[0147] In the closed position, the sealing plug is pressed against the funnel's outlet, thus immobilizing it. The foaming shaft is therefore held laterally by the outer bearing ring, which is locked in position by the sealing plug.

[0148] Once the mixture is emulsified, the control module 20 controls the opening of the outlet orifice. More specifically, it controls the activation of the actuator motor in order to raise, against the springs 108, the support of the drive motor, and thus, due to the magnetic coupling between the drive shaft and the emulsifier shaft, raise the sealing plug.

[0149] The mixture in the funnel flows into the glass. The fins 96 guide the flow.

[0150] The dose of an ingredient extracted from a container is recorded by reader 44 in the container's marker 42. By reading the information contained in the marker, the reader can therefore determine the quantity of ingredient remaining and, if necessary, alert the user.

[0151] To clean the device, the user pulls on the funnel along the X-axis, against the magnetic attraction between the lid and the base on one side, and between the emulsifying shaft 68 and the drive shaft on the other. The assembly consisting of the bowl 48, the lid 50, and the emulsifying shaft 68 then detaches from the base. The emulsifying shaft 68 remains aligned with the funnel's axis, however, being held in place at the top by the central opening 102 in the lid, and at the bottom by the insertion of the sealing cap's nipple into the funnel's outlet. This facilitates handling of the assembly.

[0152] After removing the lid, the 68 emulsifier shaft and the bowl can be removed. The lid and the emulsifier shaft can then be cleaned separately.

[0153] Remarkably, the drums 54, in the assembled position of the funnel, extend to the housing outlets 47, making a tight seal with the respective drain valves 36. Cleaning the funnel alone is therefore sufficient to maintain optimal hygiene conditions.

[0154] As is now clear, an apparatus according to the invention is compact and robust. It allows for the very rapid and precise preparation of a beverage, and in particular a cocktail. Furthermore, the containers can be easily replaced, offering great flexibility of use.

[0155] An apparatus according to the invention also allows optimal hygiene, in particular because the circuits for the ingredients are extremely short, an ingredient being able to be transferred directly from a container to the funnel, then directly from the funnel to the glass, without passing through pipes.

[0156] Preferably, an apparatus according to the invention does not include any conduit, and in particular any flexible or rigid pipe, between any container and the funnel.

[0157] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented, which are provided for illustrative purposes only.

[0158] In particular, the anti-missing surfaces are not limited to flat surfaces. All surfaces that allow a container to be held in a relative position with respect to the housing into which it is inserted are conceivable.

Claims

1. Appliance for making a drink individually, said appliance comprising: - a plurality of containers (16), each container comprising a vessel (24) containing an ingredient of said drink, and a head (28) that is removably fastened to said vessel, said head comprising - a pressurizing valve (34); - a drain valve (36); - a base (1) comprising a storage rack (8) defining a plurality of housings (14), each housing receiving one said respective container (16), and being provided with a housing outlet (47) and a pressurizing inlet (46) in communication with the drain valve (36) and the pressurizing valve (34) of said container, respectively; - a funnel (18) mounted under the housing outlets, and comprising an outlet orifice (64); - means for transferring by pressurization (22), into the funnel and through the drain valves and the housing outlets of said housings, ingredients contained in the containers housed in said housings; characterized in that the vessel and the head of at least one container comprise polarizing surfaces of the vessel (40) and of the head (38), respectively, configured to form, together, when the head is in a predetermined fastening position on the vessel, a container polarizing surface (40, 38) that can cooperate with a housing polarizing surface (41) to ensure predetermined positioning of the container with respect to the housing, the container polarizing surface cooperating with the housing polarizing surface in order to lock the head in position on the vessel.

2. Appliance according to the immediately preceding claim, wherein the head (28) is screwed onto the vessel (24) and the predetermined position is a maximum screwing position.

3. Appliance according to either one of the preceding claims, wherein the container and housing polarizing surfaces extend vertically.

4. Appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polarizing surfaces of the container (40, 38) and of the housing (41) extend against one another and are separated from one another by a distance of less than 3 mm.

5. Appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polarizing surfaces of the vessel (40) and of the head (38) are flat surfaces that, together, define a flat container polarizing surface.

6. Appliance according to the immediately preceding claim, wherein the housing polarizing surface is a flat surface against which each of said flat surfaces of the vessel (40) and of the head (38) extends, at least partially, when the container (16) is housed in a respective housing.

7. Appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (16) is provided with a suitable tag (42) for remote electromagnetic communication and fastened onto the head (28) of said container.

8. Appliance according to the immediately preceding claim, wherein the tag (42) extends over one of said polarizing surfaces of the vessel (24) and of the head (28) .

9. Appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head (28) has, externally, a generally cylindrical surface of circular section, locally broken by a flat forming said head polarizing surface (38).

10. Appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vessel (24) has, externally, a generally cylindrical surface of circular section, locally broken by a flat forming said vessel polarizing surface (40).

11. Appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polarizing surfaces of the head (38) and of the vessel (40) are configured so that the container (16) can be housed in a respective housing (14), so as to couple the pressurizing valve (34) with the pressurizing inlet (46) of the housing, on the one hand, and the drain valve (36) with the housing outlet (47) of the housing, only when said polarizing surfaces are arranged in a predefined position.

12. Appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each housing (14) is of a form substantially complementary to the part of the container housed therein.

13. Appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head (28) comprises a lateral wall (30), of generally cylindrical form, provided with an internal thread for fastening to an external thread of a neck of the vessel.

14. Appliance according to any one of Claims 1 and 3 to 12, wherein the head (28) is designed to be mounted on the vessel (28) by sliding then, preferably clip-fastening, preferably irreversible clip-fastening, the sliding being preferably in a direction parallel to the axis of the head.

15. Appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vessel and head polarizing surfaces are aligned and flat surfaces, which, together, define a flat container polarizing surface, the housing polarizing surface being a flat surface against which each of said vessel and head polarizing surfaces extends, at least partially, when the container is housed in the housing, so as to lock the head on the vessel.