Fruit and vegetable juice dispensing apparatus, featuring improved cleaning, and its implementation method

Abstract

This apparatus comprises a casing (1) having an inlet (102) for fruits and vegetables, a juice extraction device (2) having a feed chute (26), a receiving basket (23), and a pusher (5) mounted to slide within the chute. According to the invention, the pusher has a hollow body (50), and cleaning means are provided, including a fluid circulation network (53, 54, 55, 58). This network, which extends at least partially inside the hollow body of the pusher, has at least one projection orifice (58) outside the hollow body, so that the fluid flows into an intercalated space provided between the pusher and the chute. The cleaning fluid is thus distributed around the entire circumference of the pusher, which significantly improves the quality of the cleaning. Figure for the abstract: [Fig. 5]

Description

Title of the invention: A fruit and vegetable juice dispensing apparatus, featuring improved cleaning, and its method of dispensing implementation Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of preparing and distributing fruit and vegetable juices. More particularly, it concerns the self-service distribution of these juices, that is, through the sole intervention of the end consumer. That being said, the invention relates firstly to an apparatus for dispensing these fruit and vegetable juices. It also relates to a method for implementing such a dispensing apparatus, particularly in a globally automated manner. State of the art

[0002] Devices for preparing and dispensing fruit and vegetable juice are widespread in both domestic and professional settings. Centrifugal juicers, in particular, are well known. These include 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 extracted juice is then directed to a dispensing device, typically a spout. Meanwhile, the waste from this shredding process, including pieces of fruit and vegetables and their pulp, is retained by a sieve and then discharged into a separate reservoir.

[0003] It is advantageous to integrate the above-mentioned distribution devices into stores where fruits and vegetables are regularly sold. In particular, damaged products, unsuitable for sale, can be processed into juice and consumed. This helps to combat food waste, while supporting stores and their customers in a transition towards a "zero waste" environment.

[0004] In this spirit, EP 3 541 248 provides for the integration of a centrifugal juicer into a larger dispensing unit. This unit is equipped with switches to activate and deactivate both the juicer and a basket rinsing device. During operation, the operator places the selected fruits and vegetables into the basket through a window. They then activate the first switch to prepare the desired juice. The same procedure is then followed to clean the basket, a step that removes the residue from the extraction process.

[0005] This known solution, however, has certain drawbacks. Indeed, it proves practically impossible to clean the machine between each juice extraction, in the This is the case of a usage frequency desired by the economic model. As a result, the juice thus obtained is sometimes unsatisfactory in terms of taste, since this juice may contain residues from the extraction of the previous juice.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, the invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art which have just been detailed above.

[0007] The invention thus aims to provide a device enabling the preparation and distribution of fruit and vegetable juices, which have a high taste value.

[0008] In particular, the invention aims to provide such a device, which makes it possible to efficiently rinse the residues from each juice extraction operation.

[0009] The invention also aims to provide such a device, which can be implemented intuitively and quickly by a consumer, while ensuring perfect safety for the latter.

[0010] The invention finally aims to provide such a device, which can be conveniently integrated into a piece of furniture or a classic display stand, found in fruit and vegetable shops.

[0011] Objects of the invention

[0012] According to the invention, at least one of the above objectives is achieved by means of a first object of the invention, which is a fruit and vegetable juice dispensing apparatus (I), comprising:

[0013] an envelope (1) comprising a communication zone (103) with a user, as well as an entry point (102) for fruits and vegetables

[0014] an extraction device (2) for juice from said fruits and vegetables, comprising:

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

[0016] a fruit and vegetable receiving basket (23) equipped with means for shredding the 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 element (22) for the fruit and vegetable juice, thus extracted

[0019] means for cleaning the basket

[0020] 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 air under pressure, 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 out of the hollow body, so that the fluid is capable of flowing, downstream of each projection orifice, into an intercalated space (J) space provided between the walls opposite the push button and the chute.

[0021] A second object of the invention is a fruit and vegetable juice dispensing apparatus, comprising:

[0022] an envelope (1) comprising a communication zone (103) with a user, as well as an entry point (102) for fruits and vegetables

[0023] an extraction device (2) for juice from said fruits and vegetables, comprising:

[0024] a feed chute (26) connected to the inlet opening

[0025] a fruit and vegetable receiving basket (23) equipped with means for shredding the fruit and vegetables

[0026] 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

[0027] a distribution element (22) for the fruit and vegetable juice thus extracted

[0028] characterized in that the pusher (5) is capable of moving by gravity relative to the envelope (1), from its retracted position to its active position, the device comprising a braking element (6) capable of braking the pusher during its movement by gravity, this device further comprising disengagement means (49) between the pusher and the braking element, adapted to allow, on the one hand, an engaged configuration in which the pusher and the braking element are fixed together, on the other hand, a disengaged configuration in which the pusher and the braking element have at least one degree of freedom, in particular a single degree of freedom in translation along a vertical direction.

[0029] The following features can be implemented, individually or in any technically compatible combinations, with the dispensing device conforming to the first object of the invention above and / or with the dispensing device conforming to the second object of the invention above:

[0030] - a plurality of projection orifices (58) are provided, in particular between four and sixteen, in particular between six and eight, regularly distributed around the periphery of the hollow body (50).

[0031] - the circulation network includes a fluid pressurization chamber (53), in particular liquid, which is bordered by veils (530, 531) of matter extending into the hollow body, said chamber being provided with said projection orifices (58).

[0032] - the projection orifice or orifices (58) are 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 greater than 135 mm

[0033] - said distance (h58) is between 30% and 50% of the total height (H5) of the push button.

[0034] - the pusher (5) is able to move by gravity relative to the casing (1), from its retracted position to its active position, the device includes a braking element (6) capable of braking the pusher during its movement by gravity.

[0035] - the braking element is a cylinder (6), the body (60) of which is articulated on an armature (3) of the device, and whose rod (62) is articulated on a carriage (4) attached to the pusher (5).

[0036] - the fully deployed 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.

[0037] - this device further includes control means (7), which are configured to control the retraction of the cylinder rod inside the cylinder body, under the effect of an action by a user on the communication area, in particular on a switch (105) or a touch screen (104).

[0038] - this device further includes disengagement means (49) between the pusher and the braking element, adapted to allow, on the one hand, an engaged configuration in which the braking element is fixed to the pushrod, on the other hand, a disengaged configuration in which the braking element has at least one degree of freedom with respect to the pushrod, in particular a single degree of freedom in translation along a vertical direction.

[0039] - the disengagement means (49) are provided on a rail (47) integral with the pusher, this rail cooperating with a clevis (63) provided at the free end of the cylinder rod.

[0040] - a clutch end-of-disengagement sensor (48) is provided, capable of detecting the end of the disengagement placement of the cylinder in the disengaged configuration.

[0041] - a limit switch sensor (59) is provided, capable of detecting the active position of the push button.

[0042] - a presence sensor is provided, capable of detecting the presence of a foreign body, in particular from the hand of a user, along the path of the push button.

[0043] The invention also relates to a method for implementing a fruit and vegetable juice dispensing device according to the first object above, comprising the following steps:

[0044] - the pusher is moved to its active position, so as to extract juice from the fruits and vegetables received in the basket

[0045] - in the active position of the push button, fluid is circulated in the circ network culation so as to make this fluid flow, downstream of each projection orifice, into the intercalated space (J) and so as to clean the basket.

[0046] The following features can be implemented, individually or in any technically compatible combinations, with the method of putting into work above:

[0047] - liquid is flowed through each projection orifice at a pressure between 0.5 bar and 1.5 bar.

[0048] - from the retracted position of the pusher, the rod is retracted inside the body of the cylinder, so as to allow the pusher to move by gravity while braking this movement.

[0049] - the pusher is moved by gravity at a speed between 15 and 20 mm / s.

[0050] The invention also relates to a method of implementing a fruit and vegetable juice distribution device according to the second object above, in which, in the event that an obstacle is present on the stroke of the pusher, the cylinder rod is continued to be retracted inside the cylinder body, so as to move the pusher and the cylinder into their disengaged configuration.

[0051] Advantageously, the end of the stroke of the cylinder is detected, in its disengaged configuration, and then the stop of the rod relative to the body is commanded. Description of the figures

[0052] The invention will be described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

[0053] [Fig. 1] is a front view illustrating a fruit and vegetable juice dispensing apparatus according to the invention.

[0054] [Fig.2] is a perspective view, with cutouts, illustrating under a first angle inside the door distribution device according to the invention.

[0055] [Fig.3] is a perspective view, with cutouts, illustrating from another angle the interior of the dispensing device according to the invention.

[0056] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal sectional view, along line IV-IV of [Fig.1], illustrating the distribution system of the previous figures.

[0057] [Fig. 5] is a larger-scale perspective view illustrating a push button part of the juice extraction device, forming part of the distribution apparatus according to the invention.

[0058] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view along line VLVI of [Fig.5].

[0059] [Fig.7] is a schematic view, illustrating the control means of the device distribution according to the invention.

[0060] [Fig.8] is a longitudinal sectional view, analogous to [Fig.4], illustrating the pusher in an intermediate position between its retracted position and its active position.

[0061] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal sectional view, analogous to [Fig.4], illustrating the pusher in its active position allowing the extraction of fruit and vegetable juice.

[0062] [Fig. 10] is a longitudinal sectional view, analogous to [Fig. 4], illustrating a cleaning phase of the basket belonging to the juice extraction device.

[0063] [Fig. 11] is a longitudinal sectional view, illustrating on a larger scale a blockage of the pusher during its downward movement.

[0064] [Fig. 12] is a larger scale longitudinal sectional view, analogous to [Fig. 11], illustrating a phase of disengagement of the pusher from a cylinder, under the effect of this blockage.

[0065] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view, analogous to [Fig.2], illustrating from another angle the disengagement phase of [Fig. 12]. Detailed description

[0066] The fruit and vegetable juice dispensing apparatus, according to the invention and designated as a whole by reference numeral I, comprises first of all an enclosure 1 of generally parallelepiped shape (see in particular [Fig. 1]). This enclosure delimits a front wall, referred to as the front or facade 10, while the opposite front wall, referred to as the rear wall, 11, the side walls, 12 the roof wall, and 14 the bottom wall of this enclosure are denoted.

[0067] The front face 10 is recessed, approximately halfway up, with an opening 100 from which flanges 101 extend towards the opposite wall 11. These flanges define an inlet 102, which is generally frustoconical in shape (see in particular Figures 1 and 4). Advantageously, this inlet can be easily removed by an operator for thorough cleaning. As will be seen below, this inlet connects with a chute of a centrifuge, so as to feed fruits and vegetables into the centrifuge. To ensure the safe admission of these fruits and vegetables, the inlet 102 is closed by a rim 108 in the shape of a portion of a cylinder, which delimits a barrel 109 open towards the flanges 101 (see in particular [Fig. 4]).

[0068] The front panel 10 is also equipped with a user communication area 103 (see [Fig. 1]). This area consists of a touchscreen 104, which can be used to display information to the user, and a switch 105. The user can activate this screen and switch to initiate the juice extraction process from the aforementioned fruits and vegetables. Finally, the lower part of the front panel has a recess 106 to accommodate a spout, as described below.

[0069] Apparatus I according to the invention further comprises a juice extraction device, implemented in the illustrated example in the form of a centrifuge 2 (see in particular [Fig. 3] and 4). Most of the constituent elements of the latter are of a type known per se, so they will be described succinctly. Only the pusher belonging to this centrifuge, which conforms to an advantageous aspect of the invention, will be explained in more detail.

[0070] Conventionally, the centrifuge 2 first comprises a base 20, fixed by any suitable means to the bottom 14 of the casing. This base, which allows for the reception of drive means (not shown) of any suitable type, supports a juice container 21 equipped with a spout 22, the end of which extends through the aforementioned notch 106. This spout 22 has a dispensing end, through which the extracted fruit and vegetable juice can be poured into a cup 29 (see [Fig. 4]). The latter rests on a base 290 associated with a sensor 73, the function of which will be detailed below.

[0071] The centrifuge also includes a basket 23, the base of which 230 is equipped with means for shredding fruits and vegetables. This base 230 is extended upwards by a sieve 231, which is frustoconical in shape and flares upwards. This sieve 231 is configured so that the fruit and vegetable juice, extracted at the basket level, flows towards the tank 21. Furthermore, this sieve retains the residues resulting from this extraction, in particular the unshredded pieces as well as the fruit and vegetable pulp. These residues are discharged from the sieve into a pulp container 24. The top of the basket 23 is closed by a lid 25, which has an opening through which a chute 26 extends.

[0072] The distribution device I according to the invention further comprises a frame 3, which is received inside the casing 1 (see in particular Figures 3, 4, 8 and 9). This frame includes several vertical posts 30, which are provided at the various corners of the casing, when viewed from above. These posts are firstly mutually connected at their lower end by cross members 31. Horizontal bars 32 are also provided, extending between opposing posts, approximately at mid-height of the latter. Finally, the posts are connected at their upper end by additional cross members 33. The fastening of the various mechanical elements described above is ensured by any suitable means.

[0073] One of the upper cross members 33 supports two vertical rods 34 and 35, which extend parallel to each other to form a slide 36 (see in particular [Fig. 3]) for guiding a carriage 4 (see in particular Figures 2 and 3). The carriage comprises, firstly, a body formed by two wings 40 and 41, extending symmetrically about 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 defines connection areas for sliding along the rods of the slide 36.

[0074] In the vicinity of the median vertical axis, the carriage is equipped with a lower flange 46 for attaching the centrifuge pusher, as will be seen below. Immediately above this flange, a vertical rail 47 is also provided. ensuring the reception of a yoke of a cylinder described below. At the top of the rail, a disengagement mechanism 49 is provided, of a type known per se, which is, for example, one of those marketed by IGUS. At the bottom of the rail, a disengagement end sensor 48 is provided, capable of detecting contact with said yoke (see in particular Figures 11 and 12).

[0075] With particular reference to [Fig. 5], the centrifuge 2 has a pusher 5 whose structure conforms to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention. This pusher is integral with the carriage 4 above, it being understood that, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "integral" means that the mechanical elements in question have no degree of freedom between them. This pusher 5 comprises, firstly, a cylindrical hollow body 50, mounted to slide within the chute 26.

[0076] If we denote D26 and D50 as the respective diameters of these mechanical elements (see [Fig. 6]), the difference (D26 - D50) is preferably between 2 and 5 mm (millimeters). This allows for a clearance, denoted J in [Fig. 6], which forms an intercalated space ensuring satisfactory fluid flow between the walls opposite the chute and the hollow body 50.

[0077] At its upper end, the hollow body 50 terminates in a peripheral ring 51, allowing the pusher to be attached to the carriage above. Preferably, this attachment should be removable, notably by means of nuts. The lower end 52 of the hollow body is referred to as the pressing end, insofar as it exerts an action during operation 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 opening 102. The angled profile of this lateral zone 522 is advantageous in the event that the pusher inadvertently comes into contact with the user's hand. Indeed, this shape allows the pressure exerted by the pusher to be distributed over a larger surface area.

[0078] In its middle section, with reference to the vertical axis of the pusher 5, the hollow body defines a chamber 53, referred to as the pressurization chamber. This chamber is bordered by a lower, solid material layer 530 and an upper material layer 531 with a central opening 532. A bent tube 54 is also provided, the vertical portion 540 of which opens into the aforementioned opening. Conversely, the horizontal portion 541 of the tube is fitted with a fitting 55 of any standard type used in plumbing.

[0079] This fitting cooperates with means for supplying a fluid, which in the illustrated example is a liquid supply pipe 56, typically for drinking water. According to a first possibility, this pipe is directly connected to the The drinking water network is not shown, thanks to a solenoid valve 57, visible in particular in [Fig. 4]. As an alternative, also not shown, the pipe 56 is connected to an independent container via a pump. As a further variant, also not shown, this fluid could be pressurized air supplied by any suitable means, such as a compressor.

[0080] With particular reference to [Fig. 6], the periphery of the chamber 53 is hollowed out with a plurality of orifices 58 for projecting the liquid, admitted via the tubing 54, out of the hollow body 50. Advantageously, the number of orifices is between four and sixteen, in particular between six and eight. Preferably, these orifices are regularly distributed at regular angular intervals around the periphery of this chamber. The diameter d58 is, for example, between 70 and 78 mm, in particular between 70 and 75 mm. The walls 580 of each orifice can be cylindrical or flared towards the inside of the chamber, although, according to a preferred configuration, these walls 580 are instead flared towards the outside of this chamber. The tubing 54, equipped with its fitting 55, forms with the chamber 53 and its orifices 58, a circulation network for a cleaning liquid as will be seen in what follows.

[0081] According to a particularly advantageous feature, the orifices are located 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%. 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 virtually the entire chute.

[0082] The distribution device I is also equipped with a cylinder, designated as a whole by reference numeral 6. The latter comprises, firstly, a body 60, articulated about a horizontal axis relative to a yoke 61, fixed to one of the bars 32 of the frame. The rod 62 of the cylinder 6 is mounted to move relative to the body 60, along its principal direction. This rod is articulated about a horizontal axis on an additional yoke 63, which is mounted on the rail 47 of the carriage 4, via the disengagement mechanism 49. The cylinder can be of any suitable type, in particular primarily electric.

[0083] We will now describe, with particular reference to [Fig. 7], the various means for controlling the distribution device I. The control unit 7 is capable of receiving information from the following mechanical elements:

[0084] - the switch 105 (or the touch screen 104), via a line 70;

[0085] - the sensor 73 indicating the removal of the cup 29, via a line 74; and

[0086] - the end-of-disengagement sensor 48, located at the lower end of the rail 47, via a line 75.

[0087] This control unit 7 is also capable of sending information to the following mechanical elements:

[0088] - the cylinder 6 via a line 76; and

[0089] - the solenoid valve or the pump, via a line 77.

[0090] The implementation of the distribution device I, described above, will now be explained. In the so-called rest or standby configuration, shown in particular in [Fig. 4], the pusher 5 is in its retracted position, away from the centrifuge basket. Furthermore, the carriage 4 is positioned near the upper end of the slide 36.

[0091] It should be noted that, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the carriage and the pusher are slidably mounted on the slide. Consequently, they are movable relative to this slide solely under the effect of gravity. However, in the standby position, the rod 62 of the cylinder is locked relative to the body 60 in its extended configuration. The cylinder 6, whose thrust force is greater than the weight of the assembly formed by the carriage and the pusher, therefore ensures that this pusher is immobilized in its retracted position.

[0092] It is assumed that a user, in particular a customer of the store in which the device according to the invention is installed, wishes to prepare juice. As illustrated in [Fig. 8], they then introduce fruits and vegetables FR, via the inlet 102 and then the chute 26, into the basket 23 of the juicer. The path of these fruits and vegetables is indicated by the arrow ADM. The user then presses the switch 105 or the touchscreen 104, which alerts the control unit 7, which then activates the actuator 6.

[0093] The rod 62 is then set in motion, so as to be progressively retracted inside the body 60. The carriage and its pusher 5 are then free to move downwards, as indicated by arrow f5 in [Fig. 9], the cylinder now acting as a brake. The retraction speed V62 of the rod 62 within the body 60 is calculated, such that the speed V5 of the pusher's movement is typically between 15 and 20 mm / s. [Fig. 11] shows the forces acting on the pusher, namely gravity G and the upward force F62 exerted by the cylinder rod, which brakes or assists the pusher during its descent under the effect of gravity.

[0094] During its movement, the pusher 5 slides successively in the barrel 109, then in the chute 26. When the end 62 of this pusher comes into contact with the fruits and vegetables FR, it exerts a force on them tending to press them against the centrifuge basket. In a known way this causes the extraction, according to the arrows EXT, of a dose D of juice which is collected in cup 29 (see [Fig.9]).

[0095] The user then removes the cup 29 from its base 290 to consume the resulting fruit and vegetable juice. It should be noted that when the rod is fully retracted into the body, this corresponds to a position in which the lower end of the pusher is located near the basket, without, however, making contact with it. This prevents damage to the basket while ensuring optimal extraction quality. Furthermore, the presence of a sensor 59, referred to as the limit switch, prevents any risk. This sensor 59, visible in particular in [Fig. 4], is used at the end of each normal operating cycle of the machine to determine the lower or active position of the pusher 5.

[0096] Removing the cup 29 activates the sensor 73, which sends 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, in order to initiate the cleaning of the basket. As shown more particularly in [Fig. 10], the liquid L then flows into the pipe 56, then into the tube 54 before being admitted into the chamber 53. This liquid is then projected through the various orifices 58 into the intercalated 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 between 0.5 and 1.5 bar through the aforementioned orifices.

[0097] This liquid then strikes the walls of the basket, dislodging the fruit and vegetable residues from the extraction that has just been carried out. These residues are then discharged towards the pulp container 24, as indicated by arrow R. During this cleaning operation, the basket 23 can continue to rotate, possibly intermittently. The above steps are identical when compressed air is used as the cleaning fluid.

[0098] 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 that document, the water ensuring this cleaning is projected essentially at a single point. On the contrary, according to the invention, this water is advantageously misted over the entire circumference of the pusher, which significantly improves the quality of the cleaning.

[0099] The basket cleaning operation is carried out either for a predetermined duration or using a predetermined quantity of fluid. Unit 7 then controls the cylinder rod 62, so that it gradually extends out of the body 60 (which is not shown in the figures). This action has the effect of raise the trolley to its retracted position [Fig.4]. An additional preparation and distribution operation can then be carried out, by reproducing the steps described above.

[0100] It is now assumed, particularly with reference to Figures 12 and 13, that an obstacle is present in the chute, in the path of the pusher 5. Typically, this obstacle could be a user's hand. It could also be an object that the user mistakenly inserts into the opening 102. In this case, as shown in [Fig. 12], the forces exerted are different from those in [Fig. 11], prevailing during normal operation.

[0101] Indeed, the pusher is no longer subject to gravity, as indicated by the crossed arrow G'. However, the rod 62 continues to retract into the body as indicated by arrow f62. Under these conditions, this rod exerts, on the pusher 5, not an upward braking force as in [Fig. 11], but a downward driving force F'62. Consequently, when this force F'62 reaches a predetermined value, the upper yoke 63 is disengaged. In other words, it separates from the rail so as to move downwards along the rail, as indicated by arrow f63. This disengagement gives the cylinder rod a degree of translational freedom relative to the pusher, along the vertical axis.

[0102] When the clevis comes into contact with the end-of-disengagement sensor 48, as illustrated in [Fig. 12], the information is transmitted to the control unit, which then stops the movement of the cylinder rod. Under these conditions, no force is exerted on the obstruction in the chute. It should be noted that, unlike the limit switch 59 above, the end-of-disengagement sensor 48 is activated only when an obstruction is unexpectedly present in the opening.

[0103] The presence of the disengagement means described above constitutes a particularly advantageous feature of the invention. This disengagement capability provides a high degree of safety during operation, since the user's hand, if inadvertently placed in the chute, is subjected to the weight of the trolley and pusher for a very limited time. Consequently, the dispensing device according to the invention can be equipped with an open inlet, as opposed to a closed flap. Such an open inlet ensures faster and more intuitive operation for the user.

[0104] As an additional safety measure, a presence sensor, not shown in Figure 102, may be provided. This sensor may be of any suitable type, particularly optical. It is capable of detecting the presence of the user's hand inside the mouth 102. If the hand is not detected by the sensor, the disengagement described above, particularly with reference to Figures 12 and 13, is then implemented.

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 (102) for the 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 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 basket cleaning means 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.,

2. 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).

3. 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).

4. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of the preceding claims, 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.

5. 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.

6. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pusher (5) is capable of moving by gravity relative to the casing (1), from its retracted position to its active position, the apparatus comprising a braking member (6) capable of braking the pusher during its movement by gravity, in which the braking member is in particular 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).

7. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to the preceding claim, wherein 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).

8. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to one of the preceding claims, in which this apparatus further comprises 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.

9. Apparatus for dispensing fruit and vegetable juice according to the preceding claim, 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.

10. Method of implementing a fruit and vegetable juice dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the next steps: - the pusher is moved to its active position, so as to extract juice from the fruits and vegetables received in the basket - 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.

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