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: System for reversibly attaching an accessory to a hot water / steam dispensing outlet, associated accessory and beverage dispensing machine Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of attaching an accessory to a hot water and / or steam dispensing 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 milk, steam and advantageously air inlet channels and a frothed milk outlet channel. State of the art

[0002] CN109528007 discloses a coffee machine equipped with a milk frothing device comprising a system for attachment to a steam distribution outlet. The attachment 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 suitable for cooperating with the latch.

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

[0004] However, such a fixing system is not optimized and does not guarantee optimal safety for the user. Indeed, there is a risk of ejection of the foaming device or projection of steam towards the user in the event of overpressure, linked in particular to fouling of the foaming device. In addition, handling the fixing system is complex for the user. 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 dispensing outlet of a beverage dispensing machine, ensuring user safety and making handling easier.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a reversible attachment system for an accessory to a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet of a beverage dispensing machine, the attachment 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 capable of cooperating with at least one locking relief formed on the dispensing outlet, the arms being capable of cooperating with at least one locking relief formed on the dispensing outlet. to be moved between a locking position of the accessory on the distribution outlet and an unlocking position.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the fixing of the accessory on the hot water and / or steam distribution 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 on the distribution outlet. In addition, the handling of the fixing system is simple for the user.

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

[0010] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the locking element comprises a bearing surface, and the arms are capable of being moved into the unlocking position via user pressure on the bearing surface and of returning to the locking position after stopping the user pressure.

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

[0012] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the main body comprises an orifice for access to the support surface.

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

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

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

[0016] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, each arm comprises a hook suitable for cooperating with the or one of the locking reliefs to lock the accessory onto the dispensing outlet.

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

[0018] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, each hook is provided with a chamfer suitable for cooperating with a front face of the or one of the locking reliefs to move the corresponding arm into the unlocking position when fixing the accessory to the dispensing outlet via a translational movement of the fixing system along the dispensing outlet.

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

[0020] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the or each locking relief defines a housing for receiving the or one of the hooks, and each hook comprises a stop surface suitable, when the accessory is fixed to the dispensing outlet, for cooperating with a rear face of the or one of the locking reliefs delimiting the receiving housing to keep the accessory fixed to the dispensing outlet.

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

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

[0023] Such an arrangement makes it possible to predetermine the amplitude of rotation of the accessory relative to the dispensing outlet offered to the user when the accessory is attached to the dispensing outlet.

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

[0025] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the locking element has a hexagonal overall 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 characteristic of the invention, the bearing surface, the two arms and the connecting surface are formed by a single piece.

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

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

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

[0030] According to an advantageous characteristic 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 frothing nozzle.

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

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

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

[0034] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the accessory of [Fig.l] 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] [Fig.4] is a sectional view along the horizontal section plane along line IV-IV of the accessory and the hot water and / or steam distribution outlet of [Fig.2];

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

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

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

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

[0041] It will be noted that in this document, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lower”, “upper”, “high”, “low”, “front”, “rear”, “longitudinal”, “transverse”, used to describe the beverage dispensing machine refer to this device in use, when it is resting flat on a work surface.

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

[0043] The terms "external" and "internal" as well as the terms "exterior" and "interior" are defined relative 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.l] 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 comprises a beverage dispensing head (not shown) and a hot water and / or steam dispensing outlet 18.

[0048] The coffee machine 10 advantageously comprises a human-machine interface 20 via which a user is able to select a type of beverage to be dispensed and advantageously to enter adjustment parameters for the coffee machine 10.

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

[0050] The preparation unit comprises a control circuit for managing the preparation of a beverage based on instructions given by the user. The preparation unit also comprises a heating block, also called a boiler, producing hot water and / or steam and a tank forming a cold water reserve. The tank is used to supply the boiler to produce hot water and / or steam.

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

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

[0053] Alternatively, the accessory 22, 122 is a hot water dispensing accessory or a milk frothing device such as a milk jug 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 fluidically connected to the boiler.

[0055] As shown in [Fig.3], the distribution outlet 18 comprises a relief 26 for locking 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 comprises at least one blocking relief 28 suitable for limiting the rotation of the accessory 22 relative to the distribution outlet 18. In the example shown in [Fig.3], the distribution outlet comprises two blocking reliefs 28.

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

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

[0061] The accessory 22 also comprises a covering part 34, an outlet 36 for supplying steam / hot water and a steam nozzle 38 suitable for being immersed 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 in one piece with the receiving member 32 or forms a single piece with the receiving member 32.

[0065] Advantageously, the main body 40, the receiving member 42 and the steam / hot water supply outlet 36 are in one piece.

[0066] As shown in [Fig.4], the receiving member 32 comprises an orifice 44 for inserting the distribution outlet 18.

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

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

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

[0070] As visible in [Fig.5], the receiving housing 49 comprises at least one stop relief 49A suitable for cooperating with the at least one blocking relief 28 to limit the rotation of the main body 40 relative to the dispensing outlet 18. Preferably, the receiving housing comprises two stop reliefs 49A, 49B suitable for cooperating with the blocking reliefs 28. The stop reliefs 49A, 49B are, for example, housings for receiving the blocking reliefs 28 defining a left stop and a right stop for limiting the rotation of the accessory 22 around the dispensing 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 covering part 34 is capable of at least partially covering 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 fluidically connected to the hot water / steam circulation conduit which is itself fluidically connected to the distribution outlet 18 when the accessory 22 is attached thereto.

[0074] The steam nozzle 38 is suitable for being removably attached to the hot water / steam supply outlet 36 and for receiving hot water / steam from the outlet 36.

[0075] In the example shown, the main body 40 is advantageously merged with the receiving member 32 and therefore comprises the insertion orifice 44, the access orifice 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 suitable for cooperating with the locking relief 26. The arms 54, 56 are suitable for being moved between a locking position (shown in the figures) of the accessory 22 on the dispensing 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 comprises a bearing surface 58 on which the user is able to exert a force to move the arms 54, 56 from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0078] In other words, the arms 54, 56 are capable of being moved into the unlocking position via user pressure on the support surface 58 and of returning to the locking position after stopping the user pressure.

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

[0080] In the example shown, the locking element 42 has a hexagonal overall 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 by 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 comprises an orifice 62 for the passage of the distribution outlet 18 extending between the two arms 54, 56 through which the distribution outlet distribution outlet 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 comprises a hook 64, 66 suitable for cooperating with the locking relief 26 to lock the accessory 22 onto the distribution outlet 18.

[0087] As can be 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 fixing the accessory 22 to the dispensing outlet 18 via a translational movement of the fixing system 30 along the dispensing outlet 18 represented by the arrow A.

[0088] The locking relief 26 defines a housing for receiving the hooks, 64, 66 and each hook comprises a stop surface 64B, 66B suitable, when the accessory 22 is fixed to the distribution outlet 18, for cooperating with the rear face 26B of the locking relief 26 to keep the accessory fixed to the distribution outlet. The rear face 26B delimits the receiving housing.

[0089] Advantageously, the receiving housing 49 defines an axial stop suitable for coming into contact with a face of the dispensing outlet 18 to define a maximum insertion position of the dispensing outlet 18 in the receiving housing 49. The maximum insertion position advantageously corresponds to a 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 virtue of their cooperation with the dispensing outlet 18, keep the accessory locked on the dispensing outlet 18.

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

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

[0092] Then, the user translates the accessory and in particular the main body 40 along the dispensing outlet 18 in the direction of the arrow A so that the dispensing 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 on the distribution outlet 18 and cannot be removed from the distribution outlet via a translational movement in a direction opposite to that of the arrow A. Advantageously, following this step, the locking reliefs 28 are received in the housings formed by the stop reliefs 49A, 49B and make it possible 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 dispensing outlet 18 by exerting a bearing force on the bearing 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, then by moving the accessory 22 and in particular the main body 40 along the dispensing outlet 18 in the direction opposite to that of the arrow A.

[0095] Handling the accessory is thus easy 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 via the presence of the two elastically deformable hooks 64, 66. Thus, the safety of the user is guaranteed when using the accessory and when handling it.

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

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

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

[0099] Advantageously, the foaming member 126 forms an upper cover of the container 124.

[0100] The accessory 122 comprises a fastening system 130 generally similar to the fastening system 30 of the first embodiment.

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

[0102] The accessory 122 differs from the accessory 22 in that it does not have a steam / hot water supply outlet and a steam nozzle as described in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0103] The fixing 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 comprises an outlet 134 for dispensing frothed milk on a second lateral face of the accessory 122 and in particular of the container 124. The outlet 134 is fluidically 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 as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution 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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