Reversible mounting system for an accessory to a hot water / steam dispensing outlet, accessory and associated beverage dispensing machine

Abstract

Reversible attachment system for an accessory to a hot water / steam dispensing outlet, accessory and associated beverage dispensing machine. This reversible attachment system (30) for an accessory (22) to a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet (18) of a beverage dispensing machine comprises a main body (40) and a locking element (42). According to the invention, the locking element (42) is received within the main body (40) and comprises two elastically deformable arms adapted to cooperate with at least one locking relief (26) formed on the dispensing outlet. The arms are adapted to be moved between a locking position of the accessory (22) on the dispensing outlet (18) and an unlocking position. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Reversible attachment system for an accessory to a hot water / steam dispensing outlet, accessory and associated beverage dispensing machine technical field

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

[0002] CN109528007 is known to be a coffee machine equipped with a milk frothing device comprising a fastening system to a steam distribution outlet. The fastening system comprises a flexible latch positioned on the coffee machine near the steam distribution outlet and a locking relief formed on a body of the frothing device and adapted to cooperate with the latch.

[0003] Such a fastening system allows reversible fastening of the milk frothing device to the steam distribution outlet.

[0004] However, such a fastening system is not optimized and does not guarantee optimal user safety. Indeed, there is a risk of the foaming device being ejected or of steam being projected towards the user in the event of overpressure, due in particular to fouling of the foaming device. Furthermore, the fastening system is difficult for the user to operate. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the invention consists of proposing a reversible fixing system for an accessory to a hot water and / or steam distribution outlet of a beverage distribution machine, ensuring user safety and facilitating handling.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a reversible fastening system for an accessory to a hot water and / or steam outlet of a beverage dispensing machine, the fastening system comprising a main body and a locking element. According to the invention, the locking element is received in the main body and comprises two elastically deformable arms adapted to cooperate with at least one locking relief formed on the dispensing outlet, the arms being to be moved between an accessory locking position on the distribution outlet and an unlocking position.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the attachment of the accessory to the hot water and / or steam outlet is optimized because the locking element is received / protected by the main body and comprises two elastically deformable arms allowing the accessory to be reliably and securely locked onto the outlet. Furthermore, the operation of the attachment system is simple for the user.

[0009] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a fastening system may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination.

[0010] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the locking element comprises a support surface, and the arms are adapted to be moved into the unlocked position via user pressure on the support surface and to return to the locked position after the user pressure is stopped.

[0011] Such an arrangement makes it easier to manipulate the locking element and, in particular, to move the arms by the user to the unlocking position. Indeed, a simple press on the support surface is sufficient.

[0012] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the main body includes an access hole to the bearing surface.

[0013] Such an arrangement makes it easier for the user to access the support surface and therefore to handle the fastening system.

[0014] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the locking element includes a passage orifice for the distribution outlet extending between the two arms through which the distribution outlet is arranged when the accessory is attached to the distribution outlet.

[0015] Such an arrangement makes it possible to guarantee an optimized fixing of the accessory at the distribution outlet using the fixing system.

[0016] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, each arm includes a hook adapted to cooperate with the or one of the locking reliefs to lock the accessory onto the distribution outlet.

[0017] Such an arrangement allows for optimized locking of the fastening system on the distribution outlet.

[0018] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, each hook is provided with a chamfer adapted to cooperate with a front face of one or more of the locking reliefs to move the corresponding arm into the unlocked position when the accessory is attached to the distribution outlet via a translational movement of the fastening system along the distribution outlet.

[0019] Such an arrangement makes it easier to attach the accessory to the output of the disc distribution via a simple translational movement of the fixing system and the accessory along the distribution outlet.

[0020] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the locking relief or each locking relief defines a receiving housing for the hook or one of the hooks, and each hook includes a proper stop surface, when the accessory is fixed to the distribution outlet, to cooperate with a rear face of the locking relief or one of the locking reliefs delimiting the receiving housing to keep the accessory fixed to the distribution outlet.

[0021] Such an arrangement makes it possible to optimize the locking of the accessory on the distribution outlet when the accessory is fixed to it using the fixing system.

[0022] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the main body includes at least one stop relief suitable for limiting the rotation of the main body relative to the distribution outlet.

[0023] Such an arrangement makes it possible to predetermine the amplitude of rotation of the accessory with respect to the distribution output offered to the user when the accessory is fixed to the distribution output.

[0024] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the locking position is a rest position of the locking element in which the arms are elastically returned when no stress is exerted on the locking element.

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

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

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

[0028] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the passage orifice is delimited by the arms, the support surface and the connecting surface.

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

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

[0031] The invention also relates to a beverage dispensing machine including a hot water and / or steam distribution outlet and an accessory suitable for being attached to the steam distribution outlet, wherein the accessory is as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0032] The objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] The [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a beverage distribution machine comprising a hot water and / or steam distribution outlet and an accessory according to a first embodiment of the invention, equipped with a fastening system according to the invention and fixed to the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet;

[0034] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the accessory of Fig. 1 connected to the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet;

[0035] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the accessory and the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet of [Fig.2];

[0036] The [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view along the horizontal cutting plane along line IV-IV of the accessory and the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet of the [Fig.2];

[0037] The [Fig.5] is a rear view in section along the vertical cutting plane along the VV line of the accessory and the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet of the [Fig.2];

[0038] The [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a locking element of the fastening system of the [Fig.1];

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

[0040] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading the drawings, the same elements bear the same reference numerals from one figure to another.

[0041] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "longitudinal", "transverse", used to describe the beverage distribution machine refer to this device in a situation of use, when it rests flat on a work surface.

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

[0043] The terms "external" and "internal," as well as the terms "outside" and "inside," are defined with respect to a central axis of the beverage dispensing machine. Thus, an internal portion / part will be closer to the central axis than an external portion / part.

[0044] The beverage dispensing machine shown in [Fig.1] is a coffee machine 10. Alternatively, the beverage dispensing machine is a hot water or tea dispensing machine.

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

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

[0047] The coffee machine 10 also includes a beverage dispensing head (not shown) and a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet 18.

[0048] The coffee machine 10 advantageously includes a human machine interface 20 through which a user can select a type of beverage to be dispensed and advantageously enter settings for the coffee machine 10.

[0049] The coffee machine 10 also includes a beverage preparation unit, not shown, integrated into the frame 12.

[0050] The preparation unit includes a control circuit for managing the preparation of a beverage according to instructions given by the user. The preparation unit also includes a heating block, also called a boiler, which produces hot water and / or steam, and a reservoir that forms a cold water reserve. The reservoir supplies the boiler to produce hot water and / or steam.

[0051] The coffee machine 10 also includes an accessory 22, 122 reversibly fixed to the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet 18.

[0052] In [Fig.1] to 6, the accessory 22 is suitable for being immersed in a container of milk to make frothed milk.

[0053] Alternatively, the accessory 22, 122 is a hot water distribution accessory or a milk frothing device such as a milk pot 122, as shown in [Fig.7], or a frothing nozzle advantageously defining a milk inlet channel, a steam inlet channel, an air inlet channel and a frothed milk outlet channel.

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

[0055] As shown in [Fig.3], the distribution outlet 18 includes a locking relief 26 for the accessory 22 on the distribution outlet 18.

[0056] The locking relief 26 comprises a front face 26A and a rear face 26B.

[0057] Alternatively, the distribution outlet 18 comprises several locking reliefs.

[0058] The distribution outlet 18 also includes at least one blocking relief 28 designed to limit the rotation of the accessory 22 relative to the distribution outlet 18. In the example shown in [Fig.3], the distribution outlet includes two blocking reliefs 28.

[0059] The locking reliefs 26 and blocking reliefs 28 are formed on an external envelope of the distribution outlet 18.

[0060] The accessory 22 includes a reversible fixing system 30 for the accessory 22 to the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet 18 and a receiving element 32 for the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet.

[0061] The accessory 22 also includes a cover piece 34, a steam / hot water inlet outlet 36 and a steam nozzle 38 suitable for immersion in a container of milk.

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

[0063] The locking element 42 is suitable for holding the main body 40 and therefore the accessory 22 fixed to the distribution outlet 18.

[0064] Advantageously the main body 40 is monobloc with the receiving member 32 or forms one and the same piece with the receiving member 32.

[0065] Advantageously, the main body 40, the receiving member 42 and the steam / hot water inlet outlet 36 are monoblocs.

[0066] As shown in [Fig.4], the receiving member 32 includes an insertion port 44 for the distribution outlet 18.

[0067] The receiving member 32 also includes, as seen in [Fig.3], an access port 46 to the locking element 42 for a user through which the user is able to manipulate the locking element 42. The access port 46 is located on an upper part of the receiving member 32.

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

[0069] The housing 48 is delimited by the access port 46, the insertion port 44 and a lower wall 50 supporting the locking element.

[0070] As seen in [Fig. 5], the receiving housing 49 includes at least one stop relief 49A adapted to cooperate with at least one blocking relief 28 to limit the rotation of the main body 40 relative to the distribution outlet 18. Preferably, the receiving housing includes two stop reliefs 49A, 49B adapted to cooperate with the blocking reliefs 28. The stop reliefs 49A, 49B are, for example, receiving housings for the blocking reliefs 28 defining a left stop and a right stop for limiting the rotation of the accessory 22 around the distribution outlet 18 in the two possible directions of rotation.

[0071] Advantageously, the receiving member 32 defines a water circulation conduit Hot / steam not visible in the figures.

[0072] The cover piece 34 is suitable for covering at least partially the receiving member 32 and defines passage orifices 51, 52, visible in [Fig.3], opposite the insertion orifice 44 and the access orifice 46.

[0073] The hot water / steam supply outlet 36 is fluidly connected to the hot water / steam circulation duct which is itself fluidly connected to the distribution outlet 18 when the accessory 22 is attached to it.

[0074] The steam nozzle 38 is suitable for being removably fixed on the hot water / steam inlet outlet 36 and for receiving hot water / steam from the outlet 36.

[0075] In the example shown, the main body 40 is advantageously combined with the receiving member 32 and therefore includes the insertion port 44, the access port 46, the receiving housing 48 and the receiving housing 49.

[0076] As shown in [Fig. 6], the locking element 42 comprises two elastically deformable arms 54, 56 adapted to cooperate with the locking relief 26. The arms 54, 56 are adapted to be moved between a locking position (shown in the figures) of the accessory 22 on the distribution outlet and an unlocking position. The locking position is advantageously the rest position in which the arms 54, 56 are elastically returned when no stress is exerted on the locking element 42.

[0077] The locking element 42 also includes a support surface 58 on which the user is able to exert an effort to move the arms 54, 56 from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0078] In other words, the arms 54, 56 are designed to be moved into the unlocked position via user pressure on the support surface 58 and to return to the locked position after the user pressure is stopped.

[0079] The support surface 58 is accessible to the user through the access opening 46.

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

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

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

[0083] The locking element 42 includes an orifice 62 for the passage of the distribution outlet 18 extending between the two arms 54, 56 through which the distribution outlet- distribution 18 is arranged when the accessory 22 is attached to the distribution outlet 18.

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

[0085] The connecting surface 60 is intended to be in contact with the lower support wall 50.

[0086] Each arm 54, 56 includes a hook 64, 66 suitable for cooperating with the locking relief 26 to lock the accessory 22 onto the distribution outlet 18.

[0087] As seen in [Fig.4], each hook 64, 66 is provided with a chamfer 64A, 66A suitable for cooperating with the front face 26A of the locking relief 26 to move the corresponding arm 54, 56 into the unlocking position when attaching the accessory 22 to the distribution outlet 18 via a translational movement of the fastening system 30 along the distribution outlet 18 represented by arrow A.

[0088] The locking relief 26 defines a receiving recess for the hooks, 64, 66, and each hook includes a clean stop surface 64B, 66B, which, when the accessory 22 is attached to the distribution outlet 18, cooperates with the rear face 26B of the locking relief 26 to keep the accessory attached to the distribution outlet. The rear face 26B delimits the receiving recess.

[0089] Advantageously, the receiving housing 49 defines an axial stop suitable for contacting a face of the distribution outlet 18 to define a maximum insertion position of the distribution outlet 18 in the receiving housing 49. The maximum insertion position advantageously corresponds to a fixing position in which the stop surfaces 64B, 66B are opposite the rear face 26B, preferably close to the rear face 26B of the relief 26, so that the axial stop and the stop surfaces 64B, 66B, by their cooperation with the distribution outlet 18, keep the accessory locked onto the distribution outlet 18.

[0090] The operation of the fastening system 30 will be described subsequently by means of the description of a mounting / dismounting phase of the accessory 22 on the distribution outlet 18.

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

[0092] Next, the user translates the accessory and in particular the main body 40 along the distribution outlet 18 in the direction of arrow A so that the distribution outlet 18 is inserted through the insertion orifice 44. During this step, the chamfers 64A, 66A come into contact with the front face 26A which exerts a transverse force on the hooks 64, 66 so as to move the arms 54, 56 into the unlocking position.

[0093] Then, once the hooks 64, 66 have passed the locking relief 26, the latter no longer exerts the aforementioned transverse force and the arms return to their locking position so that the stop surfaces 64B, 66B are opposite the face rear 26B and that the accessory is fixed / locked onto the distribution outlet 18 and cannot be removed from the distribution outlet via a translational movement in a direction opposite to that of arrow A. Advantageously, following this step, the locking ribs 28 are received in the housings formed by the stop ribs 49A, 49B and allow to limit the possible rotation of the accessory relative to the distribution outlet 18.

[0094] When the user has finished using the accessory 22, he can then remove it from the distribution outlet 18 by exerting a pressure force on the support surface 58 so as to move the arms 54, 56 from the locking position to the unlocking position in which the stop surfaces 64B, 66B are no longer opposite the rear face 26B, and then by moving the accessory 22 and in particular the main body 40 along the distribution outlet 18 in the opposite direction to that of arrow A.

[0095] The accessory is easy to handle for the user since a simple translation allows the accessory to be fixed and a simple press followed by a translation allows the accessory to be separated from the distribution outlet 18. In addition, the robustness of the fixing is optimized by the presence of the two elastically deformable hooks 64, 66. Thus, the user's safety is guaranteed during the use and handling of the accessory.

[0096] In the embodiment of [Fig.7] the accessory 122 is a milk pot.

[0097] For this purpose, the accessory 122 includes a container 124 suitable for receiving milk and a foaming unit 126 comprising a milk inlet channel, a steam inlet channel and a foamed milk outlet channel not clearly visible on [Fig.7].

[0098] Advantageously, the foaming element also includes an air inlet channel.

[0099] Advantageously still, the foaming element 126 forms a top cover of the container 124.

[0100] Accessory 122 includes a fastening system 130 that is broadly similar to the fastening system 30 of the first embodiment.

[0101] The accessory 122 also includes a receiving element 132 for the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet which is advantageously one-piece with the foaming element and fluidly connected to the steam inlet channel.

[0102] Accessory 122 differs from accessory 22 in that it lacks a steam / hot water inlet outlet and steam nozzle as described in the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 6.

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

[0104] The accessory 122 also includes a frothed milk distribution outlet 134 on a second lateral face of the accessory 122 and in particular of the container 124. The outlet 134 is fluidly connected to the frothed milk outlet channel.

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

[0106] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

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

2. Fastening system according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (42) comprises a bearing surface (58), and in that the arms (54, 56) are capable of being moved into the unlocking position via user pressure on the bearing surface (58) and of returning to the locking position after stopping the user pressure.

3. Fixing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the main body comprises an access orifice (46) to the bearing surface (58).

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

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

6. Fixing system according to claim 5, characterized in that each hook (64, 66) is provided with a chamfer (64A, 66A) suitable for cooperating with a front face (26A) of the or one of the locking reliefs (26) to move the corresponding arm (54, 56) into position unlocking when fixing the accessory (22, 122) to the distribution outlet (18) via a translational movement of the fixing system (30, 130) along the distribution outlet (18).

7. Fastening system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the or each locking relief (26) defines a housing for receiving the or one of the hooks (64, 66), and in that each hook (64, 66) comprises a stop surface (64b, 66B) suitable, when the accessory (22, 122) is fixed to the distribution outlet, for cooperating with a rear face (26B) of the or one of the locking reliefs (26) delimiting the receiving housing to keep the accessory (22, 122) fixed to the distribution outlet (18).

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

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

10. Beverage dispensing machine (10) comprising a dispensing outlet (18) for hot water and / or steam and an accessory (22, 122) suitable for being attached to the dispensing outlet (18), characterized in that the accessory (22, 122) is according to the preceding claim.

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