Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juices, having improved safety, and method for implementing same

Abstract

This apparatus comprises a casing (1) having an inlet opening (102) for the fruits and vegetables, a juice extraction device (2) having a feed chute (26), a receiving basket (23), and a pusher (5) slidably mounted in the chute. According to the invention, the pusher (5) is capable of moving by gravity relative to the casing (1) from its retracted position to its active position. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a braking member, in particular a cylinder (6) capable of braking the pusher when it is moved by gravity. According to the invention, the cylinder or the like is not used in a drive function, but only in a function of braking the pusher against gravity. Therefore, by adapting the mobilization of the braking member, the pusher can be moved by exerting a pushing force that is markedly lower than that of the drive cylinders of the prior art. Thus, in the event of a user's hand (M) being wedged, the risks of injuries are significantly reduced.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING FRUIT AND VEGETABLE JUICE, WITH IMPROVED SAFETY, AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING SAME

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of preparing and then distributing fruit and vegetable juices. It relates more particularly to the distribution of these juices in self-service, namely through the sole intervention of the end consumer. That being said, the invention relates first of all to an apparatus allowing the distribution of these fruit and vegetable juices. It also relates to a method allowing the implementation of such a distribution apparatus, in particular in a generally automated manner.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Devices for preparing and dispensing fruit and vegetable juices are widespread in both domestic and professional settings. Centrifuges are particularly well known, comprising a rotating basket for receiving the fruit and vegetables. Under the action of a pusher, the fruit and vegetables are pressed and shredded in this basket. The juice thus extracted is directed towards a dispensing device, typically a spout. Furthermore, the waste resulting from this shredding, in particular pieces of fruit and vegetables and their pulp, are retained by a sieve and then evacuated towards a remote tank.

[0006] It is advantageous to integrate the above distribution systems into stores where fruit and vegetables are usually sold. In particular, damaged produce, unfit for sale, can be transformed into juice and consumed. This helps to combat food waste, while supporting stores and their customers towards a so-called "zero waste" transition.

[0007] In this spirit, EP 3 541 248 provides for the integration of a juice extractor, of the centrifuge type, into a larger dispensing device. This device is equipped with switches to activate and then stop, on the one hand the juice extractor, and on the other hand a basket rinsing device. In operation, the operator inserts the fruits and vegetables that he has selected into the basket, via a window. He then activates the first switch, so that the desired juice is prepared. Then he proceeds in the same way to clean the basket, a step which eliminates the residues from the extraction which has just been carried out. Also mentioned are US-A-2013 / 064034, as well as ES-A-2 921 404 which both concern devices for dispensing a food product. In each of these documents, there is a pusher which is driven by a motor.

[0008] That being said, there is a need to provide a fruit and vegetable juice dispensing apparatus that is improved over existing prior art.

[0009] Under these conditions, the invention aims first of all to propose such a dispensing device which can be implemented intuitively and quickly by a consumer, while ensuring perfect safety for the latter.

[0010] The invention also aims to provide such an apparatus allowing the preparation and then distribution of fruit and vegetable juices, which have a high taste value.

[0011] In particular, the invention aims to propose such an apparatus, which makes it possible to effectively rinse the residues from each juice extraction operation.

[0012] The invention finally aims to propose such a device, which can be conveniently integrated into a piece of furniture or a classic display unit, present in fruit and vegetable stores.

[0013] Objects of the invention

[0014] According to the invention, at least one of the above objectives is achieved by means of a first object of the invention, which is an apparatus (I) for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice, comprising: an envelope (1) comprising a communication zone (103) with a user, as well as an inlet mouth (102) for the fruits and vegetables; a device (2) for extracting juice from said fruits and vegetables, comprising:

[0015] - a feed chute (26) connected to the inlet mouth

[0016] - a basket (23) for receiving fruit and vegetables, provided with means for shredding fruit and vegetables

[0017] - a pusher (5) mounted to slide in the chute, this pusher being movable between an inactive or retracted position, in which it is located at a distance from the basket, and an active position in which it is located in the immediate vicinity of the basket so as to push said fruits and vegetables against the shredding means of the basket

[0018] - a distribution member (22) for the fruit and vegetable juice thus extracted, characterized in that the pusher (5) is capable of moving by gravity relative to the casing (1), from its retracted position to its active position, the apparatus further comprising a braking member (6) capable of braking the pusher during its movement by gravity.

[0019] The following characteristics can be implemented, individually or in any technically compatible combinations, with the dispensing apparatus according to the first subject of the invention above: the pusher is able to move solely by gravity relative to the casing, from its retracted position to its active position;

[0020] - this device is devoid of motor means, allowing the pusher to be moved relative to the envelope;

[0021] - this apparatus further comprises declutching means (49) between the pusher and the braking member, adapted to allow, on the one hand, an engaged configuration in which the braking member is integral with the pusher, and on the other hand, a declutched configuration in which the braking member has at least one degree of freedom relative to the pusher, in particular a single degree of freedom in translation in a vertical direction; the declutching means (49) are provided on a rail (47) integral with the pusher, a yoke (63) provided at the free end of the cylinder rod being free to slide relative to the rail in the declutched configuration; an end of declutching sensor (48) is provided, capable of detecting the end of the movement of the braking member relative to the pusher in the declutched configuration, in particular the end of the movement in the low position;the braking member is a jack (6), the body (60) of which is articulated on a frame (3) of the device, and the rod (62) of which is articulated on the pusher, in particular on a carriage (4) secured to the pusher (5); the fully deployed position of the rod relative to the body of the jack corresponds to the retracted position of the pusher, while the fully retracted position of the rod in the body corresponds to the active position of the pusher;

[0022] - this apparatus further comprises control means (7), which are configured to control the mobilization of the braking member, in particular the withdrawal of the rod of the cylinder inside the body of the cylinder, under the effect of an action of a user on the communication zone, in particular on a touch screen (104) or a switch (105); an end-of-travel sensor (59) is provided, capable of detecting the active position of the pusher. a presence sensor is also provided, capable of detecting the presence of a foreign body, in particular the hand of a user, on the path of the pusher;the pusher comprises a hollow body (50) and the cleaning means comprise a network (53, 54, 55, 58) for circulating a fluid, in particular a liquid or pressurized air, this network extending at least partly inside the hollow body of the pusher, which circulation network is capable of being connected to a source (56) of said fluid, this network comprising at least one projection orifice (58) for the fluid outside the hollow body, advantageously a plurality of projection orifices (58), in particular between four and sixteen, in particular between six and eight, distributed regularly around the periphery of the hollow body (50), so that the fluid is capable of flowing, downstream of each projection orifice, into an intermediate space (J) formed between the facing walls of the pusher and the chute;the circulation network comprises a chamber (53) for pressurizing the liquid, which is bordered by veils (530, 531) of material extending into the hollow body, said chamber being provided with said projection orifices (58); the or each projection orifice (58) is located at a distance from the lower end (52) of the pusher, the distance (h58) along the vertical axis between said orifice and said lower end being in particular greater than 125 millimeters, in particular 135 millimeters, said distance (h58) being advantageously between 30% and 50% of the total height (H5) of the pusher.;

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for implementing a fruit and vegetable juice dispensing device according to the first object above, in which, from the retracted position of the pusher, the braking member is mobilized, in particular the rod of the cylinder is retracted inside the body of the cylinder, so as to allow the movement by gravity of the pusher while braking this movement.

[0024] The following characteristics can be implemented, individually or in any technically compatible combinations, with the above implementation method: - in the case where an obstacle is present in the stroke of the pusher, the braking member continues to be mobilized, in particular the cylinder rod continues to be retracted inside the cylinder body, so as to move the pusher and the braking member into their disengaged configuration;

[0025] - the end of the movement of the braking member is detected, in its disengaged configuration, then the stopping of the braking member is commanded, in particular the stopping of the cylinder rod relative to the body;

[0026] - the pusher is moved by gravity at a speed between 15 and 20 mm / s.

[0027] It should be noted that it is to the applicant's credit that the drawbacks of prior devices in terms of safety have been identified. Indeed, the applicant has highlighted that, in the state of the art, the pusher is generally set in motion by the effect of a jack or the like. However, the minimum thrust force of a jack generally has a relatively high value. Under these conditions, when a user's hand is trapped in the device, it is subjected to a substantial force resulting from the operation of this jack. Injuries may then be observed, which is very detrimental to the successful commercial development of this type of device.

[0028] On the contrary, in accordance with the invention, the cylinder or similar member is not used in a motor function, but only in a function of braking the pusher against gravity. Consequently, by modulating the resistive force of the braking member, the pusher can be moved by exerting a thrust force significantly lower than that of the motor cylinders of the prior art. Thus, in the event of the user's hand being trapped, the risk of injury is significantly reduced.

[0029] A second object of the invention is an apparatus (I) for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice, comprising: an envelope (1) comprising a communication zone (103) with a user, as well as an inlet mouth (102) for the fruits and vegetables a device (2) for extracting juice from said fruits and vegetables, comprising:

[0030] • a feed chute (26) connected to the inlet mouth

[0031] • a basket (23) for receiving fruit and vegetables, provided with means for shredding fruit and vegetables

[0032] • a pusher (5) mounted to slide in the chute, this pusher being movable between an inactive or retracted position in which it is located at a distance from the basket, and an active position in which it is located in the immediate vicinity of the basket so as to push said fruits and vegetables against the shredding means of the basket

[0033] • a distribution member (22) for the fruit and vegetable juice, thus extracted from the cleaning means of the basket, characterized in that the pusher comprises a hollow body (50) and in that the cleaning means comprise a network (53, 54, 55, 58) for circulating a liquid, this network extending at least partly inside the hollow body of the pusher, which circulation network is capable of being connected to a source (56) of said liquid, this network comprising at least one projection orifice (58) for liquid outside the hollow body, so that the liquid is capable of flowing, downstream of each projection orifice, into an intermediate space (J) formed between the facing walls of the pusher and the chute.

[0034] The following features can be implemented, individually or in any technically compatible combinations, with the dispensing apparatus according to the second subject of the invention above: a plurality of projection orifices (58) are provided, in particular between four and sixteen, in particular between six and eight, distributed regularly around the periphery of the hollow body (50). The circulation network comprises a chamber (53) for pressurizing the fluid, in particular the liquid, which is bordered by webs (530, 531) of material extending into the hollow body, said chamber being provided with said projection orifices (58).the or each projection orifice (58) is located at a distance from the lower end (52) of the pusher, the distance (h58) along the vertical axis between said orifice and said lower end being in particular greater than 125 mm, in particular 135 mm, said distance (h58) is between 30% and 50% of the total height (H5) of the pusher. the pusher (5) is able to move by gravity relative to the casing (1), from its retracted position to its active position, the apparatus comprising a braking member (6) able to brake the pusher during its movement by gravity. the braking member is a jack (6), the body (60) of which is articulated on a frame (3) of the apparatus, and the rod (62) of which is articulated on a carriage (4) secured to the pusher (5).the fully extended position of the rod relative to the cylinder body corresponds to the retracted position of the pusher, while the fully retracted position of the rod in the body corresponds to the active position of the pusher.

[0035] - this apparatus further comprises control means (7), which are configured to control the withdrawal of the rod of the cylinder inside the body of the cylinder, under the effect of an action of a user on the communication zone, in particular on a switch (105) or a touch screen (104).

[0036] - this device further comprises disengaging means (49) between the pusher and the cylinder, adapted to allow, on the one hand an engaged configuration in which the pusher and the cylinder are integral, on the other hand a disengaged configuration in which the pusher and the cylinder have at least one degree of freedom, in particular a single degree of freedom in translation in a vertical direction. the disengaging means (49) are provided on a rail (47) integral with the pusher, this rail cooperating with a yoke (63) provided at the free end of the cylinder rod. an end-of-travel sensor (48) is provided, capable of detecting the end of travel of the cylinder in the disengaged configuration. a presence sensor is provided, capable of detecting the presence of a foreign body, in particular the hand of a user, on the path of the pusher.

[0037] The invention also relates to a method for implementing a fruit and vegetable juice dispensing device according to the second subject above, comprising the following steps:

[0038] - the pusher is moved to its active position, so as to extract juice from the fruits and vegetables received in the basket;

[0039] - in the active position of the pusher, fluid is circulated in the circulation network so as to cause this fluid to flow, downstream of each projection orifice, into the intermediate space (J) and so as to clean the basket.

[0040] Advantageously, the liquid is made to flow through each projection orifice at a pressure of between 0.5 bar and 1.5 bar.

[0041] Description of figures

[0042] The invention will be described below, with reference to the appended drawings, given solely as non-limiting examples, in which: [Fig. 1] is a front view illustrating an apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice, in accordance with the invention.

[0043] [Fig. 2] is a perspective view, with cutaways, illustrating from a first angle the interior of the door pour dispensing apparatus according to the invention.

[0044] [Fig. 3] is a perspective view, with parts cut away, illustrating from another angle the interior of the dispensing apparatus according to the invention.

[0045] [Fig. 4] is a longitudinal sectional view, along line IV-IV of Figure 1, illustrating the distribution apparatus of the preceding figures.

[0046] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view, on a larger scale, illustrating a pusher belonging to the juice extraction device, forming part of the dispensing apparatus according to the invention.

[0047] [Fig. 6] is a sectional view, along line VI-VI of Figure 5.

[0048] [Fig. 7] is a schematic view, illustrating the control means of the dispensing apparatus according to the invention.

[0049] [Fig. 8] is a longitudinal sectional view, similar to Figure 4, illustrating the pusher in an intermediate position between its retracted position and its active position.

[0050] [Fig. 9] is a longitudinal sectional view, similar to Figure 4, illustrating the pusher in its active position allowing the extraction of fruit and vegetable juice.

[0051] [Fig. 10] is a longitudinal sectional view, similar to Figure 4, illustrating a cleaning phase of the basket belonging to the juice extraction device.

[0052] [Fig. 11] is a longitudinal sectional view, illustrating on a larger scale a blockage of the pusher during its downward movement.

[0053] [Fig. 12] is a larger-scale longitudinal sectional view, similar to Figure 11, illustrating a phase of disengagement of the pusher relative to a cylinder, under the effect of this blocking.

[0054] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view, similar to Figure 2, illustrating from another angle the disengagement phase of Figure 12.

[0055] Detailed description

[0056] The fruit and vegetable juice dispensing apparatus, in accordance with the invention and designated as a whole by the reference I, firstly comprises an envelope 1 of generally parallelepipedal shape (see in particular figure 1). This envelope delimits a front wall called the front or facade 10, while 11 denotes the opposite front wall, called the rear, 12 the side walls, 13 the roof wall and 14 the bottom wall of this envelope. The front facade 10 is hollowed out, substantially at mid-height, with an opening 100 from which extend, in the direction of the opposite wall 11, flanges 101. The latter define a mouth 102 called the inlet, of generally frustoconical shape (see in particular figures 1 and 4). Advantageously, this mouth can be easily dismantled by an operator, for the purpose of complete cleaning.As will be seen below, this mouth communicates with a chute of a centrifuge, so as to feed fruits and vegetables towards the latter. In order to ensure the safe admission of these fruits and vegetables, the mouth 102 is closed by a rim 108 in the form of a portion of a cylinder, which delimits a barrel 109 open towards the flanges 101 (see in particular figure 4.

[0057] The front panel 10 is also equipped with a zone 103 called a user communication zone (see figure 1). The latter consists of a touch screen 104 allowing in particular to display information for the user, as well as a switch 105. This screen and this switch are capable of being actuated by the user, so as to initiate the process of extracting a juice from the aforementioned fruits and vegetables. Finally, in the lower part, the front panel is hollowed out with a notch 106 allowing the passage of a pouring spout described below.

[0058] The apparatus I according to the invention further comprises a juice extraction device, produced in the example illustrated in the form of a centrifuge 2 (see in particular figures 3 and 4). Most of the constituent elements of the latter are of a type known per se, so that they will be described briefly. Only the pusher belonging to this centrifuge, which is in accordance with an advantageous aspect of the invention, will be explained in more detail.

[0059] Conventionally, the centrifuge 2 firstly comprises a base 20, fixed by any suitable means to the bottom 14 of the casing. This base, which allows the reception of drive means not shown of any suitable type, supports a juice tank 21 provided with a pouring spout 22, the end of which extends through the aforementioned notch 106. This spout 22 has a so-called dispensing end, through which the fruit and vegetable juice thus extracted can be poured into a cup 29 (see figure 4). The latter rests on a base 290 associated with a sensor 73, the function of which will be detailed below. The centrifuge also comprises a basket 23, the base 230 of which is equipped with means for shredding the fruit and vegetables. This base 230 is extended upwards by a sieve 231, of truncated cone shape flared upwards. This sieve 231 is configured so that the fruit and vegetable juice, extracted at the basket, flows towards the tank 21.Furthermore, this sieve retains the residues resulting from this extraction, in particular the unshredded pieces as well as the pulp of the fruits and vegetables. These residues are evacuated, out of the sieve, towards a pulp tank 24. The top of the basket 23 is closed by a cover 25, pierced with an opening from which a chute 26 extends.

[0060] The distribution apparatus I according to the invention further comprises a frame 3, which is received inside the casing 1 (see in particular figures 3, 4, as well as 8 and 9). This frame comprises several vertical posts 30, which are provided at the various corners of the casing, when the latter is seen from above. These posts are first of all mutually connected, in their lower part, by crosspieces 31. Horizontal bars 32 are also provided, which extend between facing posts, substantially halfway up the latter. Finally, the posts are connected, at their upper part, by additional crosspieces 33. The fixing of the various mechanical elements above is ensured by any suitable means.

[0061] One of the upper crosspieces 33 supports two vertical rods 34 and 35, which extend in parallel so as to form a slide 36 (see in particular figure 3) allowing the guidance of a carriage 4 (see in particular figures 2 and 3). The latter firstly comprises a body formed by two wings 40 and 41, extending in a mutually symmetrical manner with respect to a median vertical axis. The ends of these wings are extended by returns 42 and 43, which are fixed to the wings by nuts 420 and 430. This makes it possible to delimit connection zones, with a view to sliding along the rods of the slide 36.

[0062] In the vicinity of the median vertical axis, the carriage is equipped with a lower flange 46 allowing the attachment of the centrifuge pusher, as will be seen below. Immediately above this flange, there is also provided a vertical rail 47 ensuring the reception of a yoke of a jack described below. In the upper part of the rail, there is provided a declutching member 49, of a type known per se, which is for example in accordance with one of those marketed by the company IGUS. There is also provided a sensor 48 called the end of declutching sensor, capable of detecting contact with said yoke (see in particular figures 11 and 12).

[0063] With particular reference to Figure 5, the centrifuge 2 has a pusher 5 whose structure conforms to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention. This pusher is integral with the carriage 4 above, it being understood that, within the meaning of the present invention, the term “integral” means that the mechanical elements in question do not have any mutual degree of freedom. This pusher 5 firstly comprises a cylindrical hollow body 50, slidably mounted in the chute 26.

[0064] If we denote D26 and D50 the respective diameters of these mechanical elements (see figure 6), the difference (D26 - D50) is preferably between 2 and 5 mm (millimeters). This makes it possible to provide a clearance denoted J in figure 6, which forms an intermediate space ensuring a satisfactory flow of a fluid between the walls opposite the chute and the hollow body 50.

[0065] At its upper end, the hollow body 50 ends with a peripheral crown 51, allowing the pusher to be fixed to the carriage above. It is preferred that this fixing be of the removable type, in particular by means of nuts. The lower end 52 of the hollow body is called the pressing end, insofar as it exerts in use an action aimed at pushing the fruits and vegetables towards the bottom of the basket. This end 52 advantageously comprises a main zone 521, substantially horizontal, as well as a lateral zone 522 adjacent to the mouth 102. The slanted profile of this lateral zone 522 is advantageous, in the case where the pusher unexpectedly comes into contact with the hand of this user. Indeed, this shape makes it possible to distribute the pressure exerted by the pusher over a larger surface.

[0066] In its middle part, with reference to the vertical axis of the pusher 5, the hollow body delimits a chamber 53 called a pressurization chamber. This chamber is bordered by a lower material web 530, which is solid, as well as by an upper material web 531 having a central passage 532. A pipe 54 of elbow shape is also provided, the vertical portion 540 of which opens into the passage above. Conversely, the horizontal portion 541 of the pipe is equipped with a connector 55, of any conventional type used in plumbing. This connector cooperates with means for supplying a fluid, which in the example illustrated is a liquid supply pipe 56, typically drinking water. According to a first possibility, this pipe is put directly into communication with the drinking water network (not shown), thanks to a solenoid valve 57 visible in particular in FIG. 4.As an alternative not shown, the line 56 is connected to an independent container, via a pump. As an additional variant also not shown, it can be provided that this fluid is pressurized air supplied via any suitable means such as a compressor.

[0067] With particular reference to Figure 6, the periphery of the chamber 53 is hollowed out with a plurality of orifices 58 making it possible to project the liquid, admitted via the tubing 54, outside the hollow body 50. Advantageously, a number of orifices of between four and sixteen, in particular between six and eight, is provided. Preferably, these orifices are distributed angularly in a regular manner, at the periphery of this chamber. The diameter d58 is for example between 70 and 78 mm, in particular between 70 and 75 mm. It is possible to provide that the walls 580 of each orifice are cylindrical or flared towards the inside of the chamber knowing that, according to a preferred configuration, these walls 580 are on the contrary flared towards the outside of this chamber. The tubing 54, equipped with its connection 55, forms with the chamber 53 and these orifices 58, a network for circulating a cleaning liquid as will be seen in the following.

[0068] According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, the orifices are provided at a distance from the lower end 52 of the pusher 5. With reference to FIG. 4, h58 denotes the distance, along the vertical axis, between this end 52 and the center of each orifice. This distance h58 is advantageously greater than 125 millimeters, in particular 135 millimeters. Furthermore, H5 denotes the total height of the pusher, namely its distance along the vertical axis between the ends 51 and 52. Advantageously, the ratio h58 / H5 is between 30% and 50%.

[0069] The distribution apparatus I is also equipped with a jack, designated as a whole by the reference 6. The latter firstly comprises a body 60, articulated around a horizontal axis relative to a yoke 61, fixed on one of the bars 32 of the frame. The rod 62 of the jack 6 is mounted to move relative to the body 60, in its main direction. This rod is articulated around a horizontal axis on an additional yoke 63, which is mounted on the rail 47 of the carriage 4, by means of the disengaging member 49. The nature of the jack can be of any suitable type, in particular essentially electric.

[0070] We will now describe, with particular reference to Figure 7, the various means for controlling the dispensing apparatus I. The control unit 7 is capable of receiving information from the following mechanical elements: the switch 105 (or the touch screen 104), via a line 70; the sensor 73 indicating the removal of the cup 29, via a line 74; and the end of disengagement sensor 48, placed at the lower end of the rail 47, via a line 75.

[0071] This control unit 7 is also capable of sending information to the following mechanical elements: the cylinder 6 via a line 76; and the solenoid valve or the pump, via a line 77.

[0072] The implementation of the dispensing apparatus I, described above, will now be explained. In the so-called rest or waiting configuration, shown in particular in FIG. 4, the pusher 5 is in its retracted position, at a distance from the centrifuge basket. Furthermore, the carriage 4 is placed in the vicinity of the upper end of the slide 36.

[0073] It will be noted that, in accordance with an advantageous variant of the invention, the carriage and the pusher are slidably mounted on the slide. Consequently, they are movable relative to this slide under the sole effect of gravity. However, in the waiting position, the rod 62 of the jack is blocked relative to the body 60, in its unfolded configuration. The jack 6, the thrust force of which is greater than the weight of the assembly formed by the carriage and the pusher, therefore ensures immobilization of this pusher in its retracted position.

[0074] It is assumed that a user, in particular a customer of the store in which the apparatus according to the invention is integrated, wishes to prepare a juice. As illustrated in Figure 8, he then introduces fruits and vegetables FR, via the inlet mouth 102 then the chute 26, into the basket 23 of the centrifuge. The admission path of these fruits and vegetables is shown by the arrow ADM. The user then presses the switch 105 or the touch screen 104, which alerts the control unit 7, which activates the cylinder 6. The rod 62 is then set in motion, so as to be gradually retracted inside the body 60. The carriage and its pusher 5 are then free to move downwards, according to the arrow f5 in Figure 9, the cylinder now providing a braking function.The speed V62 of retraction of the rod 62 in the body 60 is calculated, so that the speed V5 of movement of the pusher is typically between 15 and 20 mm / s. In Figure 11 we find the forces exerted on the pusher, namely gravity G as well as the force F62 exerted upwards by the rod of the cylinder, so as to brake or accompany this pusher during its descent under the effect of gravity.

[0075] During its movement, the pusher 5 slides successively into the barrel 109, then into the chute 26. When the end 62 of this pusher comes into contact with the fruits and vegetables FR, it exerts on the latter a force tending to press them against the basket of the centrifuge. In a known manner, this causes the extraction, according to the arrows EXT, of a dose D of juice which is collected in the cup 29 (see figure 9).

[0076] The user then removes the cup 29 from its base 290, so as to consume the fruit and vegetable juice thus produced. It will be noted that, when the rod is fully retracted inside the body, this corresponds to a position in which the lower end of the pusher is located in the vicinity of the basket, without however coming into contact with the latter. This prevents damage to the basket, while ensuring optimal extraction quality. Furthermore, the presence of a sensor 59, called the end-of-travel sensor, makes it possible to avoid any risk. This sensor 59, visible in particular in FIG. 4, is used at the end of each normal usage cycle of the machine, so as to define the low or active position of the pusher 5.

[0077] The removal of the cup 29 causes the activation of the sensor 73, which directs a corresponding signal to the control unit 7. After a delay of a few seconds, this unit activates the solenoid valve 57 or the pump in the variant using a liquid, or the compressor in the variant using pressurized air, so as to initiate the cleaning of the basket. As shown more particularly in Figure 10, the liquid L then flows into the pipe 56, then into the tubing 54 before being admitted into the chamber 53. This liquid is then projected via the various orifices 58, into the intermediate space J formed between the walls opposite the pusher and the chute. The liquid flow rate, as well as the number and size of the orifices are determined so that this liquid is projected at a pressure of between 0.5 and 1.5 bars through the aforementioned orifices.

[0078] This liquid then strikes the walls of the basket, so as to detach the fruit and vegetable residues from the extraction that has just been carried out. These residues are then evacuated towards the pulp tank 24, according to the arrow R. During this cleaning operation, the basket 23 can continue to rotate, possibly intermittently. The above steps are identical, in the case where pressurized air is used as the cleaning fluid.

[0079] The basket cleaning operation is carried out either for a predetermined time or using a predetermined amount of fluid. Unit 7 then controls the rod 62 of the cylinder so that it gradually extends out of the body 60 (which is not shown in the figures). This action has the effect of raising the carriage to its retracted position in Figure 4. An additional preparation and dispensing operation can then be carried out by reproducing the steps described above.

[0080] It is now assumed, in particular with reference to Figures 12 and 13, that an obstacle is present in the chute, on the travel of the pusher 5. Typically, this obstacle may be the hand of a user, which is caught in the chute. It may also be an object, which the user mistakenly introduces into the mouth 102. As explained previously, according to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, the risks of injury to the user's hand are significantly reduced. Indeed, the force exerted by the pusher, on this hand, is much lower than that which could be generated by a pusher driven by a motor cylinder.

[0081] In the case of the preceding paragraph, as shown in Figure 12, the forces exerted are different from those of Figure 11, prevailing during normal commissioning. Indeed, the pusher is no longer subject to gravity, which is shown by the crossed-out arrow G'. On the other hand, the rod 62 continues to retract inside the body according to the arrow f62. Under these conditions, this rod exerts, on the pusher 5, no longer a braking force directed upwards as in Figure 11, but a driving force F'62 directed downwards. Consequently, when this force F'62 reaches a predetermined value, the upper yoke 63 is subjected to a disengagement. In other words, it separates from the rail so as to move downwards, along the latter, according to the arrow f63. This separation gives the cylinder rod a degree of freedom in translation relative to the pusher, along the vertical axis.

[0082] When the yoke comes into contact with the end of clutch sensor 48, as illustrated in Figure 12, the information is transmitted to the control unit which then stops the movement of the cylinder rod. Under these conditions, no more force is exerted on the obstacle present in the chute. It will be noted that, unlike the end of travel sensor 59 above, the end of clutch sensor 48 is implemented only when an obstacle is unexpectedly present in the mouth.

[0083] The presence of the disengaging means, described above, constitutes a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention. This disengaging possibility makes it possible to further improve the safety of use since the user's hand, present inadvertently in the chute, is subjected to the weight of the carriage and the pusher for a very limited duration.

[0084] As is clear from the above, the apparatus according to the invention provides a significant safety advantage over the state of the art. Indeed, this apparatus provides safety of use due to its actual design, based on a pusher which is movable by gravity while being associated with a braking member of the jack type or the like. Under these conditions, in accordance with the invention, the pusher is movable solely under the effect of gravity, namely without assistance from a motor means. In other words, the apparatus according to the invention is devoid of motor means allowing the movement of the pusher.

[0085] This is to be compared with the prior art, using a motor jack, in which the safety of the user is guaranteed only by providing numerous additional accessories. As a reminder, in US-A-2013 / 064034 and ES-A-2 921 404, we find devices in which the respective pusher is associated with a motor means.

[0086] Therefore, the dispensing apparatus according to the invention can be very conveniently equipped with an open inlet mouth, as opposed to a closed hatch. Such an open mouth ensures faster and more intuitive operation for the user.

[0087] As an additional safety measure, it is possible to provide an additional so-called presence sensor, which is not shown, of any suitable type, in particular of an optical nature. This sensor is capable of detecting the presence of the user's hand inside the mouth 102. If this hand is not detected by the sensor, the disengagement described above, in particular with reference to Figures 12 and 13, is then implemented.

[0088] The cleaning of the basket, which is carried out according to the invention, proves to be more effective than that of the prior art, as described in particular in EP 3 541 248. Indeed, in this document, the water ensuring this cleaning is projected substantially at a single point. On the contrary, in accordance with the invention, this water is advantageously misted over the entire perimeter of the pusher, which significantly improves the quality of the cleaning.

[0089] The fact of offsetting the orifices, at a distance from the head of the pusher, makes it possible in particular to clean a significant portion of the chute 26, in particular substantially the entirety of the latter. Consequently, the quality of this cleaning is significantly better than according to the teaching of ES 2 921 404, which provides for injecting liquid on the contrary directly from the head of the pusher.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Apparatus (I) for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice, comprising: an envelope (1) comprising a communication zone (103) with a user, as well as an inlet mouth (102) for the fruits and vegetables; a device (2) for extracting juice from said fruits and vegetables, comprising: • a feed chute (26) connected to the inlet mouth • a basket (23) for receiving fruit and vegetables, provided with means for shredding fruit and vegetables • a pusher (5) mounted to slide in the chute, this pusher being movable between an inactive or retracted position, in which it is located at a distance from the basket, and an active position in which it is located in the immediate vicinity of the basket so as to push said fruits and vegetables against the shredding means of the basket • a distribution member (22) for the fruit and vegetable juice, thus extracted, characterized in that the pusher (5) is able to move by gravity relative to the casing (1), from its retracted position to its active position, the apparatus further comprising a braking member (6) able to brake the pusher during its movement by gravity.

2. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to the preceding claim, in which the pusher is capable of moving solely by gravity relative to the casing, from its retracted position to its active position.

3. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to the preceding claim, this apparatus being devoid of motor means, allowing the pusher to be moved relative to the casing.

4. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising disengaging means (49) between the pusher and the braking member, adapted to allow, on the one hand, an engaged configuration in which the braking member is integral with the pusher, and on the other hand, a disengaged configuration in which the braking member has at least one degree of freedom relative to the pusher, in particular a single degree of freedom in translation in a vertical direction.

5. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to the preceding claim, in which the disengaging means (49) are provided on a rail (47) integral with the pusher, this rail cooperating with a yoke (63) provided at the free end of the rod of the jack.

6. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to the preceding claim, in which the yoke (63) provided at the free end of the rod of the jack is free to slide relative to the rail in the disengaged configuration.

7. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of claims 4 to 6, in which an end of disengagement sensor (48) is provided, capable of detecting the end of the movement of the braking member relative to the pusher in the disengaged configuration, in particular the end of the movement in the low position.

8. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of the preceding claims, in which the braking member is a jack (6), the body (60) of which is articulated on a frame (3) of the apparatus, and the rod (62) of which is articulated on the pusher, in particular on a carriage (4) secured to the pusher (5).

9. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fully extended position of the rod relative to the body of the cylinder corresponds to the retracted position of the pusher, while the fully retracted position of the rod in the body corresponds to the active position of the pusher.

10. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of the preceding claims, in which this apparatus further comprises control means (7), which are configured to control the mobilization of the braking member, in particular the withdrawal of the rod of the cylinder inside the body of the cylinder, under the effect of an action of a user on the communication zone, in particular on a touch screen (104) or a switch (105).

11. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of the preceding claims, in which an end-of-travel sensor (59) is provided, capable of detecting the active position of the pusher.

12. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of the preceding claims, in which a presence sensor is further provided, capable of detecting the presence of a foreign body, in particular the hand of a user, in the path of the pusher.

13. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pusher comprises a hollow body (50) and the cleaning means comprise a network (53, 54, 55, 58) for circulating a fluid, in particular a liquid or pressurized air, this network extending at least partly inside the hollow body of the pusher, which circulation network is capable of being connected to a source (56) of said fluid, this network comprising at least one projection orifice (58) for the fluid outside the hollow body, advantageously a plurality of projection orifices (58), in particular between four and sixteen, in particular between six and eight, distributed regularly around the periphery of the hollow body (50), so that the fluid is capable of flowing, downstream of each projection orifice, into an intermediate space (J) formed between the facing walls of the pusher and the chute.

14. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to the preceding claim, in which the circulation network comprises a chamber (53) for pressurizing the liquid, which is bordered by webs (530, 531) of material extending into the hollow body, said chamber being provided with said projection orifices (58).

15. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to claim 13 or 14, in which the or each projection orifice (58) is located at a distance from the lower end (52) of the pusher, the distance (h58) along the vertical axis between said orifice and said lower end being in particular greater than 125 millimeters, in particular 135 millimeters, said distance (h58) being advantageously between 30% and 50% of the total height (H5) of the pusher.

16. Method for implementing a fruit and vegetable juice dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, in which, from the retracted position of the pusher, the braking member is mobilized, in particular the rod of the cylinder is retracted inside the body of the cylinder, so as to allow the movement by gravity of the pusher while braking this movement.

17. Method according to the preceding claim, in which, in the case where an obstacle is present in the stroke of the pusher, the braking member continues to be mobilized, in particular the cylinder rod continues to be retracted inside the body of the cylinder, so as to move the pusher and the braking member into their disengaged configuration.

18. Method according to the preceding claim in which the end of the movement of the braking member is detected, in its disengaged configuration, then the stopping of the braking member is controlled, in particular the stopping of the rod of the cylinder relative to the body.

19. Method according to one of claims 16 to 18, in which the pusher is moved by gravity at a speed of between 15 and 20 mm / s.

20. Apparatus (I) for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice, comprising / • an envelope (1) comprising a communication zone (103) with a user, as well as an inlet (102) for fruits and vegetables • a device (2) for extracting juice from said fruits and vegetables, comprising a feed chute (26) placed in communication with the inlet mouth a basket (23) for receiving the fruits and vegetables, provided with means for shredding the fruits and vegetables a pusher (5) mounted to slide in the chute, this pusher being movable between an inactive or retracted position in which it is located at a distance from the basket, and an active position in which it is located in the immediate vicinity of the basket so as to push said fruits and vegetables against the shredding means of the basket a distribution member (22) for the fruit and vegetable juice, thus extracted from the cleaning means of the basket characterized in that the pusher comprises a hollow body (50) and in that the cleaning means comprise a network (53, 54, 55, 58) for circulating a fluid, in particular a liquid or pressurized air,this network extending at least partly inside the hollow body of the pusher, which circulation network is capable of being connected to a source (56) of said fluid, this network comprising at least one projection orifice (58) for the fluid outside the hollow body, so that the fluid is capable of flowing, downstream of each projection orifice, into an intermediate space (J) formed between the facing walls of the pusher and the chute., 21. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to the preceding claim, in which a plurality of projection orifices (58) are provided, in particular between four and sixteen, in particular between six and eight, distributed regularly around the periphery of the hollow body (50).

22. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to the preceding claim, in which the circulation network comprises a chamber (53) for pressurizing the fluid, in particular the liquid, which is bordered by webs (530, 531) of material extending into the hollow body, said chamber being provided with said projection orifices (58).

23. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of claims 20 to 22, in which the or each projection orifice (58) is located at a distance from the lower end (52) of the pusher, the distance (h58) along the vertical axis between said orifice and said lower end being in particular greater than 125 millimeters, in particular 135 millimeters.

24. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to the preceding claim, wherein said distance (h58) is between 30% and 50% of the total height (H5) of the pusher.

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