Beverage preparation appliance equipped with a removable container support and a removable coffee grounds collection tray

Abstract

The beverage preparation apparatus includes a housing (3) comprising first and second receiving compartments (11, 14); a beverage dispensing head; a container holder (6) comprising a support portion (8) configured to support a container and a collection tank (9) configured to collect rinse water flowing by gravity from the beverage dispensing head; and a grounds collection tray (13) configured to collect used coffee pucks. The container holder (6) and the grounds collection tray (13) are configured such that removing the container holder (6) from the first receiving compartment (11) results in the removal of the grounds collection tray (13) from the second receiving compartment (14). The grounds collection tray (13) is removable from the housing (3) independently of the container holder (6). Figure 10

Description

Title of the invention: Beverage preparation apparatus equipped with a removable container support and a removable coffee grounds collection tray technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a beverage preparation device, and more particularly to an automatic coffee machine. State of the art

[0002] As is known, a beverage preparation apparatus, and more particularly an automatic coffee machine, may comprise:

[0003] - a housing comprising a first receiving compartment and a second reception compartment,

[0004] - an infusion chamber disposed in the housing and configured to contain ground coffee, or any other powdered product for brewing,

[0005] - a beverage dispensing head configured to be fluidly connected to the infusion chamber and through which a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation appliance is able to flow out of the beverage preparation appliance,

[0006] - a container support that is partially housed in the first compartment receiving and removable from the housing, the container support comprising: • a support part, such as a support grid, configured to support a container, such as a cup, and to be located at least partially below the beverage dispensing head, such that a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation appliance is able to flow by gravity into a container supported by the support part, • a collection tank configured to be located at least partially below the beverage dispensing head and to collect rinse water and beverage droplets flowing by gravity from the beverage dispensing head, and

[0007] - a grinding collection tray which is housed at least partly in the second receiving compartment and which is removable from the housing, the grounds collection tray being configured to collect used grounds pucks from the brewing chamber.

[0008] The container support and the ground coffee collection tray are more particularly mechanically connected to each other such that a removal of the container support Removal from the first receiving compartment results in simultaneous removal of the ground grain collection tray from the second receiving compartment.

[0009] However, such a beverage preparation apparatus requires regular emptying and cleaning of the grounds collection tray because the apparatus is configured to prevent the preparation of a beverage when the grounds in the collection tray exceeds a predetermined level. With such an apparatus, however, such an emptying operation remains complex and requires, in particular, removing the container support from the first receiving compartment and disassembling the grounds collection tray from the container support (at the risk of spilling some of the contents of the collection tank and soiling the work surface or floor), before finally being able to empty the grounds collection tray of its contents and possibly clean it. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a beverage preparation device, such as an automatic coffee machine, which has a simple and ergonomic structure, while allowing easy cleaning of the container support and the grounds collection tray, as well as easy emptying of the grounds collection tray.

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to a beverage preparation device, such as an automatic coffee machine, comprising:

[0013] - a housing comprising a first receiving compartment and a second reception compartment,

[0014] - an infusion chamber disposed in the housing and configured to contain ground product, such as coffee grounds or any other powdered product to be brewed,

[0015] - a beverage dispensing head configured to be fluidly connected to the infusion chamber and through which a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation appliance is able to flow out of the beverage preparation appliance,

[0016] - a container support that is partially housed in the first compartment receiving and removable from the housing, the container support comprising: • a support part configured to support a container, such as a cup, and to be located at least partially below the beverage dispensing head, such that a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation appliance is able to flow by gravity into a container supported by the support part, • a collection tank configured to be located at least partially below the support section and to collect rinse water and / or beverage droplets flowing by gravity from the beverage dispensing head, and

[0017] - a grinding collection tray which is housed at least partly in the second a receiving compartment that is removable from the housing, the grounds collection tray being configured to collect used grounds from the brewing chamber,

[0018] the container support and the grinding collection tray being configured, and being for example mechanically connected to each other, such that a removal of the container support from the first receiving compartment results in a removal, and more particularly a simultaneous removal, of the grinding collection tray from the second receiving compartment.

[0019] According to the invention, the grounds collection tray is removable from the housing independently of the container support, such that the grounds collection tray can be removed from the second receiving compartment without removing the container support from the first receiving compartment. In other words, the container support and the grounds collection tray are configured such that removing the grounds collection tray from the second receiving compartment does not result in removing the container support from the first receiving compartment.

[0020] Such a configuration of the beverage preparation apparatus according to the present invention allows easy removal of the grounds collection tray from the housing without requiring removal of the container support, which facilitates subsequent handling of the grounds collection tray for emptying or even cleaning and which also prevents spilling part of the contents of the collection tank.

[0021] In addition, the fact that removing the container support from the first receiving compartment results in removing the grounds collection tray from the second receiving compartment ensures that when the user empties and cleans the container support, they also clean the grounds collection tray, thus encouraging the user to perform a complete cleaning.

[0022] Since the emptying frequency of the ground coffee collection tray is generally higher than the emptying frequency of the container support and in particular of the collection tank, the configuration of the device according to the invention is particularly advantageous.

[0023] The beverage preparation device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second receiving compartments open into a front face of the housing.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container support comprises a receiving housing in which the grinding collection tray is removably mounted, and for example a lower part of the grinding collection tray.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing has a shape substantially complementary to that of a lower part of the grinding collection tray.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing comprises a rear housing wall configured to cooperate with a rear portion of the grinding collection tray when the container support is removed from the first receiving compartment.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing is open upwards.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing is further open towards the front.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing is configured to open into the second receiving compartment when the container support is housed at least partially in the first receiving compartment.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the coffee grounds collection tray is configured to be removed from the receiving housing and the second receiving compartment by means of a tray retraction movement, and for example by means of a translational movement, which is directed towards the front of the beverage preparation apparatus. Such an orientation of the tray retraction movement further facilitates the removal of the coffee grounds collection tray, in particular for the purpose of emptying and cleaning it.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation device is configured such that the tray withdrawal movement is substantially horizontal when the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container support includes a float system adapted to pass through an opening provided through the support part.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection tank comprises a main body including a first part intended to be positioned below the support part and a second part intended to be positioned in the first receiving compartment.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container support includes an intermediate piece intended to be superimposed on the collection tank and defining the receiving housing.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate piece is adapted to be received on a shoulder formed on a peripheral edge of the collection tank and / or on protruding studs on a bottom of the collection tank.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate part includes a liquid passage orifice configured to allow passage of liquid to the collection tank, and advantageously a passage orifice configured to allow passage of a float belonging to the float system.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part includes a container support grid comprising liquid passage orifices intended to be positioned opposite the beverage dispensing head, and a receiving hood configured to support the container support grid and adapted to be fixed to the intermediate part and / or the collection tank, the receiving hood defining a central receiving housing in which the container support grid is received.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving hood includes a passage orifice for the float.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container support comprises two lateral guide walls laterally defining the receiving compartment. The ground coffee collection tray has a lower portion provided with two lower lateral walls located opposite each other and configured to cooperate with, and more particularly to be guided by, the two lateral guide walls provided on the container support when the ground coffee collection tray is inserted into or removed from the receiving compartment. Such a configuration of the container support and the ground coffee collection tray ensures optimal guidance of the ground coffee collection tray, particularly when it is removed from the second receiving compartment.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two lateral guide walls provided on the container support are substantially parallel to each other.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two lower side walls provided on the lower part of the grinding collection tray are substantially parallel.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus includes a positioning device configured to hold the ground coffee collection tray in position within the receiving compartment. The positioning device includes at least one retaining element, such as a retaining rib, provided on the container support and configured to cooperate with the ground coffee collection tray. Such a configuration of the beverage preparation apparatus prevents any risk of the ground coffee collection tray tipping over or falling during handling of the container support by a user.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the positioning device further comprises at least one retaining element, such as a retaining groove, provided on the grinding collection tray and configured to cooperate with at least one retaining member.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining member and at least one retaining element are configured to extend substantially parallel to the retraction movement of the tray. Such an orientation of the at least one retaining member and at least one retaining element ensures even greater guidance of the ground coffee collection tray during its insertion into or removal from the receiving housing.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining element is located in the receiving housing. Advantageously, at least one retaining element is provided on an inner face of one of the two lateral guide walls.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining element is located on the lower part of the ground grain collection tray. Advantageously, at least one retaining element is provided on an external face of one of the two lower side walls.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the positioning device comprises two retaining members provided respectively on the inner faces of the two lateral guide walls, and two retaining elements provided respectively on the outer faces of the two lower lateral walls. Advantageously, the two retaining members are located opposite each other.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container support is configured to be removed from the first receiving compartment by means of a support removal movement, and more particularly a translational movement, which is directed towards the front of the beverage preparation apparatus.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support withdrawal movement is substantially parallel to the tray withdrawal movement.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grinding collection tray is configured to rest directly on the container support.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grinding collection tray has a lower wall configured to rest directly on the container support, and more particularly on a bottom wall of the receiving housing.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower wall of the grinding collection tray is configured to slide against the bottom wall of the receiving housing when the grinding collection tray is inserted into or removed from the receiving housing.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a main receiving compartment having a first receiving part forming the first receiving compartment, and a second receiving part communicating with the first receiving part and forming the second receiving compartment.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main receiving compartment has a general inverted L shape.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus includes a presence detection device, such as an electrical switch, configured to detect the presence of the grounds collection tray in the second receiving compartment. The presence of such a presence detection device makes it possible, in particular, to warn a user of the absence of the grounds collection tray, and, for example, also to prevent a beverage preparation cycle from being carried out when the grounds collection tray is absent.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus includes an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the beverage preparation apparatus. The electronic control unit is configured to prevent a beverage preparation cycle from initiating when the presence of the grounds collection tray in the second receiving compartment is not detected by the presence detection device, i.e., when the grounds collection tray is absent. In other words, the electronic control unit is configured to allow a beverage preparation cycle to begin only when the presence of the grounds collection tray in the second receiving compartment is detected by the presence detection device.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the presence detection device is fixed relative to the housing and is configured to occupy a first state, and for example to be activated or deactivated, when the ground collection tray is placed in the second receiving compartment, and to occupy a second state, and for example to be deactivated or activated, when the ground collection tray is located outside the second receiving compartment, i.e. is absent.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grind collection tray includes an actuation part, such as an actuation lug, configured to cooperate with the presence detection device when the grind collection tray is inserted into or removed from the second receiving compartment.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating part is configured to cause the presence detection device to switch from the second state to the first state, for example to activate or deactivate the electrical switch, when the ground coffee collection tray is inserted into the second receiving compartment, and to cause the presence detection device to switch from the first state to the second state, for example to disable or activate the electrical switch, when the grind collection tray is removed from the second receiving compartment.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation part is located in an upper part of the grinding collection tray, and for example in an upper rear part of the grinding collection tray.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation part protrudes from a rear face of the grinding collection tray.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second receiving compartment has a passage window, for example rectangular in shape and extending substantially vertically, through which the actuation part extends when the grinding collection tray is located in the second receiving compartment.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access window is provided on a rear wall of the second receiving compartment. Advantageously, the rear wall of the second receiving compartment is configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access window, the second receiving compartment, and the lower part of the grounds collection tray are configured such that, when the grounds collection tray is inserted into the second receiving compartment without the container support, the actuating part is unable to cooperate with the presence detection device, and in particular, to maintain the presence detection device in its initial state. Advantageously, the beverage preparation apparatus is configured such that, when the grounds collection tray is inserted into the second receiving compartment without the container support, the grounds collection tray occupies an abnormal operating position that is lower vertically compared to its normal operating position when the container support is present.However, when the ground grain collection tray is in the abnormal operating position, the actuation part is vertically offset from the presence detection device, and is therefore unable to cooperate with it.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing head is movable vertically relative to the container support and the housing between a low position in which a small container, such as a cup for a ristretto, can be placed on the container support and supplied with a beverage, for example coffee, from the beverage dispensing head, and a high position in which a large container, such as a mug, can be placed on the container support and supplied with beverage, for example hot water, from the beverage dispensing head.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part covers the collection tank. Advantageously, the support part is removable relative to the collection tank.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus includes an automatic grind dispenser configured to automatically supply, for example by gravity, the infusion chamber with a predetermined dose of grind.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus includes a manual grind dispenser configured to allow a user to manually introduce ground coffee into the brewing chamber.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the automatic coffee grinder comprises a coffee bean hopper and a grinder configured to grind coffee beans from the coffee bean hopper. Advantageously, the grinder has a ground coffee dispensing orifice, and the automatic coffee grinder comprises a conveying chute communicating with the ground coffee dispensing orifice and configured to convey ground coffee from the ground coffee dispensing orifice to the brewing chamber.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the infusion chamber has a central longitudinal axis configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing of the beverage preparation apparatus rests on a horizontal surface. Brief description of the figures

[0072] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0073] [Fig-1] is a top perspective view of a beverage preparation apparatus according to the present invention;

[0074] [Fig.2] is a partial top perspective view of the beverage preparation apparatus of [Fig.1];

[0075] [Fig.3] is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the beverage preparation apparatus of [Fig.1];

[0076] [Fig.4] is a top perspective view of a container support and a grinding collection tray belonging to the beverage preparation apparatus of [Fig.1];

[0077] [Fig.5] is a partial perspective view of the grinding collection tray of the [Fig.4] and a presence detection device belonging to the beverage preparation device of the [Fig.1];

[0078] [Fig.6] is a top perspective view of the container support of [Fig.4];

[0079] [Fig.7] is a top perspective view of the container support of [Fig.4];

[0080] [Fig.8] is a partial perspective top view of the container support of the [Fig.4];

[0081] [Fig.9] is a rear perspective view of the grinding collection tray of [Fig.4];

[0082] [Fig. 10] is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the beverage preparation apparatus of [Fig.1];

[0083] [Fig. 11] is a partial perspective view of the beverage preparation apparatus of [Fig.1];

[0084] [Fig. 12] is a partial perspective view of the beverage preparation apparatus of [Fig.1], in which the container support and the grounds collection tray have been removed;

[0085] [Fig. 13] is a partial perspective view of the beverage preparation apparatus of [Fig.1], in which the container support and the grounds collection tray have been removed;

[0086] [Fig. 14] is an exploded view of the container support of [Fig.8]. Detailed description

[0087] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "superior", "above", "under", "front" and "rear" used to describe the beverage preparation apparatus refer to the beverage preparation apparatus in use when it is resting on a surface that is flat and horizontal, such as a work surface, and is located facing a user.

[0088] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0089] Figures 1 to 14 represent a beverage preparation device 2, such as an automatic coffee machine, adapted to prepare, in particular, coffee, milk drinks or tea.

[0090] The beverage preparation device 2 comprises a housing 3, for example, of generally parallelepiped shape, configured to rest on a work surface, such as a worktop. The housing 3 contains the main functional elements of the beverage preparation device 2.

[0091] The housing 3 has a front panel which is advantageously equipped with a user interface 4, for example provided with a display screen, allowing a user to select different operating cycles of the preparation device beverages 2. The beverage preparation device 2 also includes an electronic control unit 5 functionally connected to the user interface 4 and configured to control the operation of the beverage preparation device 2 in particular according to the operating cycles selected by a user.

[0092] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 further includes a container support 6 on which a container, such as a cup, can be placed, and a beverage dispensing head 7 through which a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation apparatus 2 is able to flow by gravity into a container positioned on the container support 6.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing head 7 is movable vertically relative to the container support 6 and the housing 3 between a low position in which a small container, such as a cup intended to hold a ristretto, can be placed on the container support 6 and be supplied with a beverage, for example coffee, from the beverage dispensing head 7, and a high position in which a large container, such as a mug, can be placed on the container support 6 and be supplied with a beverage, for example hot water, from the beverage dispensing head 7.

[0094] The container support 6 more particularly comprises a support part 8, and a collection tank 9 located at least partly below the support part 8 and configured to collect, in the absence of a container on the support part 8, rinse water and / or drops of beverage flowing by gravity from the beverage dispensing head 7. Advantageously, the support part 8 is removable relative to the collection tank 9.

[0095] As shown more particularly in [Fig. 14], the support part 8 includes a container support grid 8.1 having liquid passage holes intended to be positioned opposite the beverage dispensing head 7. The container support grid 8.1 is located at least partly below the beverage dispensing head 7 and is configured to support a container.

[0096] The support part 8 also includes a receiving cover 8.2 configured to support the container support grid 8.1 and suitable for being fixed, directly or indirectly, to the collection tank 9. The receiving cover 8.2 more particularly defines a central receiving housing suitable for receiving the container support grid 8.1. Advantageously, the container support grid 8.1 is superimposed on the receiving cover 8.2 at the level of the central receiving housing.

[0097] The container support 6 is removable from the housing 3 and is partially housed in a first receiving compartment 11 delimited by the housing 3. Advantageously, the first receiving compartment 11 opens into a front face of the housing 3, and the container support 6 is configured to be removed from the first receiving compartment 11 according to a support withdrawal movement, and more particularly according to a translational movement, which is directed towards the front of the beverage preparation apparatus 2 and which is substantially horizontal when the housing 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0098] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the collection tank 9 comprises a main body including a first part 9.1 intended to be positioned below the support part 8 and a second part 9.2 intended to be positioned in the first receiving compartment 11.

[0099] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes a water reservoir 12, for example located in a first lateral part of the housing 3, and a grounds collection tray 13, for example located in a second lateral part of the housing 3, configured to collect used grounds.

[0100] As shown in [Fig.9], the grinding collection tray 13 has a lower part 13.1, and an upper part 13.2 provided with a top opening 13.3 through which used grinding cakes are suitable for being introduced into the grinding collection tray 13.

[0101] The ground grain collection tray 13 is removable from the housing 3, and is housed at least partially in a second receiving compartment 14 delimited by the housing 3. Advantageously, the second receiving compartment 14 opens into the front face of the housing 3. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the housing 3 has a main receiving compartment 15 comprising a first receiving part forming the first receiving compartment 11, and a second receiving part communicating with the first receiving part and forming the second receiving compartment 14. Advantageously, the main receiving compartment 15 has a general inverted L shape.

[0102] The container support 6 and the grinding collection tray 13 are mechanically linked to each other such that a withdrawal of the container support 6 out of the first receiving compartment 11 and according to the withdrawal movement of the support results in a withdrawal, and more particularly a simultaneous withdrawal, of the grinding collection tray 13 out of the second receiving compartment 14.

[0103] For this purpose, the container support 6 has a receiving compartment 16 in which the grinding collection tray 13 is removably mounted, and more particularly the lower part 13.1 of the grinding collection tray 13. Advantageously, the receiving compartment 16 is open upwards, has a shape substantially complementary to that of the lower part 13.1 of the grinding collection tray 13, and is configured to open into the second receiving compartment 14 when the container support 6 is housed in the first receiving compartment 11.

[0104] The receiving housing 16 includes in particular a rear housing wall 16.1 configured to cooperate with a rear part of the grinding collection tray 13 when the grinding collection tray 13 is housed in the receiving housing 16 and the container support 6 is removed from the first receiving compartment 11 according to the support removal movement, so as to ensure simultaneous removal of the grinding collection tray 13 from the second receiving compartment 14.

[0105] As shown in particular in [Fig. 1 1], the ground coffee collection tray 13 is removable, relative to the housing 3, independently of the container support 6, so that the ground coffee collection tray 13 is able to be removed from the second receiving compartment 14 without causing the container support 6 to be removed from the first receiving compartment 11. These arrangements thus make it possible to empty the ground coffee collection tray 13 and clean it without having to also handle the container support 6.

[0106] For this purpose, the receiving housing 16 is further opened towards the front, and the ground collection tray 13 is configured to be removed from the receiving housing 16 and the second receiving compartment 14 by means of a tray removal movement, and for example by means of a translation movement, which is directed towards the front of the beverage preparation apparatus 2 and which is substantially parallel to the support removal movement.

[0107] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the container support 6 has two lateral guide walls 17 laterally delimiting the receiving housing 16, and the lower part 13.1 of the grinding collection tray 13 is provided with two lower lateral walls 18 located opposite each other and configured to cooperate with, and more particularly to be guided by, the two lateral guide walls 17 provided on the container support 6 when the grinding collection tray 13 is inserted into or removed from the receiving housing 16. Advantageously, the two lateral guide walls 17 provided on the container support 6 are substantially parallel to each other, and the two lower lateral walls 18 provided on the lower part 13.1 of the grinding collection tray 13 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the grinding collection tray 13 has a lower wall 19 configured to rest directly on a bottom wall 21 of the receiving housing 16 and to slide on said bottom wall 21 when the grinding collection tray 13 is inserted into or removed from the receiving housing 16.

[0109] As shown in particular in Figures 8 and 9, the beverage preparation apparatus 2 includes a position-holding device configured to hold the ground coffee collection tray 13 in position within the receiving compartment 16, in particular during the handling of the container support 6 after its removal from the first receiving compartment 11.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the positioning device comprises two retaining members 22, such as retaining ribs, provided respectively on the inner faces of the two lateral guide walls 17 and configured to cooperate with the grinding collection tray 13, and advantageously with the two lower lateral walls 18.

[0111] Advantageously, the positioning device also includes two retaining elements, such as retaining grooves, provided respectively on the external faces of the two lower side walls 18 and configured to cooperate with the retaining members 22 when the grain collection tray 13 is inserted into or removed from the receiving housing 16. Advantageously, the two retaining members 22 and the two retaining elements are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the housing 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and thus facilitate the insertion and removal of the grain collection tray 13 into and out of the receiving housing 16. Furthermore, such a configuration of the positioning device makes it possible to keep the grain collection tray 13 substantially vertical when the latter is inserted into or removed from the receiving housing 16.

[0112] As shown more particularly in [Fig.14], the container support 6 also includes an intermediate piece 60 intended to be superimposed on the collection tank 9 and defining the receiving housing 16.

[0113] Advantageously, the intermediate piece 60 is suitable for being received on a shoulder formed on a peripheral edge of the collection tank 9 and / or on protruding studs on a bottom of the collection tank 9 visible on the [Fig. 14].

[0114] The intermediate piece 60 includes fasteners adapted to cooperate with complementary fasteners formed on the collection tank 9. The intermediate piece 60 is, for example, adapted to be clipped onto the collection tank 9.

[0115] Advantageously, the container support 6 includes a float system adapted to pass through an opening formed in the support portion 8. The float system includes, for example, a float fixed to the intermediate part 60 and movable in vertical translation relative to the intermediate part 60. The float is, for example, configured to include a lower portion intended to be received in the collection tank 9 and an upper portion intended to pass through the opening formed in the support portion 8 when the liquid contained in the collection tank 9 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The upper portion forms a visual indicator of the liquid level in the collection tank 9. The upper portion is also arranged through a vertical opening formed in the intermediate part 60. The vertical opening forms a passage orifice for the float.

[0116] In more detail, the intermediate piece 60 comprises a front portion 60.1 intended to be positioned opposite the beverage dispensing head 7 and a rear portion 60.2 forming the receiving housing 16, the rear portion 60.2 being raised relative to the front portion 60.1 and the rear portion 60.2 being intended to be received in the second receiving compartment 14. Advantageously, the rear portion 60.2 includes a liquid passage orifice to the collection tank 9.

[0117] The receiving cover 8.2, suitable for receiving the container support grid 8.1, is advantageously configured to be fixed to the intermediate part 60 via vertical fixing studs. Further advantageously, the receiving cover 8.2 is configured to be superimposed on the intermediate part 60, i.e., positioned above the collection tank 9 and the intermediate part 60.

[0118] The receiving hood 8.2 is adapted to cover the front portion 60.1 of the intermediate part 60. Preferably, the receiving hood 8.2 includes a peripheral edge adapted to cooperate with a peripheral edge of the collection tank 9.

[0119] The container support grid 8.1 is designed to be received in the central receiving housing, defined by the receiving hood 8.2, so as to be positioned above the intermediate piece 60 and the collection tank 9 and below the beverage dispensing head 7.

[0120] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the beverage preparation apparatus 2 includes a presence detection device 24, such as an electrical switch, configured to detect the presence of the ground coffee collection tray 13 in the second receiving compartment 14. Advantageously, the presence detection device 24 is fixed relative to the housing 3 (and is, for example, housed in the latter) and is configured to occupy a first state, and for example to be activated or deactivated, when the ground coffee collection tray 13 is arranged in the second receiving compartment 14, and to occupy a second state, and for example to be deactivated or activated, when the ground coffee collection tray 13 is located outside the second receiving compartment 14, i.e. is absent.

[0121] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 5 is configured to prevent the execution of a beverage preparation cycle when the presence of the ground coffee collection tray 13 in the second receiving compartment 14 is not detected by the presence detection device 24, i.e. when the ground coffee collection tray 13 is absent.

[0122] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the ground grain collection tray 13 includes an actuation part 25, such as an actuation tab, configured to cooperate with the presence detection device 24 when the ground grain collection tray 13 is inserted into or removed from the second receiving compartment 14. The actuation part 25 can for example be configured to cause the presence detection device 24 to switch from the second state to the first state, for example to activate or deactivate the electrical switch, when the grinding collection tray 13 is inserted into the second receiving compartment 14, and to cause the presence detection device 24 to switch from the first state to the second state, for example to deactivate or activate the electrical switch, when the grinding collection tray 13 is removed from the second receiving compartment 14.

[0123] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation part 25 is located in the upper part 13.2 of the grinding collection tray 13, and for example in a rear upper part of the grinding collection tray 13, and protrudes from a rear face of the grinding collection tray 13. Advantageously, the actuation part 25 is configured to extend substantially parallel to the tray withdrawal movement.

[0124] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second receiving compartment 14 has a passage window 26, for example rectangular in shape and extending substantially vertically, through which the actuating part 25 is able to extend when the grinding collection tray 13 is inserted into or removed from the second receiving compartment 14. The passage window 26 thus allows the actuating part 25 to easily reach the presence detection device 24 when the latter is housed in an internal compartment delimited by the housing 3.

[0125] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the passage window 26 is provided on a rear wall of the second receiving compartment 14. Advantageously, the rear wall of the second receiving compartment 14 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0126] Advantageously, the passage window 26, the second receiving compartment 14, and the lower part 13.1 of the grain collection tray 13 are configured such that, when the grain collection tray 13 is inserted into the second receiving compartment 14 without the container support 6, the actuating part 25 is unable to maintain the presence detection device 24 in its first state. In particular, when the grain collection tray 13 is inserted into the second receiving compartment 14 without the container support 6, the grain collection tray 13 occupies an abnormal operating position that is lower vertically compared to its normal operating position when the container support 6 is present. However, when the grain collection tray 13 occupies this abnormal operating position, the actuating part 25 is vertically offset from the presence detection device 24, and is therefore unable to cooperate with the latter.

[0127] As shown in [Fig. 3], the beverage preparation apparatus 2 comprises a brewing chamber 27 disposed in the housing 3 and configured to hold ground material, such as coffee grounds or any other powdered product to be brewed. The brewing chamber 27 has a cylindrical, tub-like shape and includes a bottom and an inlet opening through which the ground material can be introduced into the brewing chamber 27. Advantageously, the brewing chamber 27 has a central longitudinal axis configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0128] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 further comprises a heating block 28, such as a boiler, located under the brewing chamber 27 and configured to supply hot water to the brewing chamber 27. For this purpose, the heating block 28 contains a water circuit and an electric heating element.

[0129] As shown in [Fig. 3], the beverage preparation apparatus 2 also includes a compacting element 29, such as a compacting piston, which is configured to cooperate hermetically with the brewing chamber 27 and which is movable vertically relative to the brewing chamber 27 between a rest position in which the compacting element 29 is located outside the brewing chamber 27 and a working position in which the compacting element 29 is located inside the brewing chamber 27 and is configured to compact the ground coffee contained in the brewing chamber 27. The beverage preparation apparatus 2 further includes a displacement mechanism, for example equipped with a hydraulic cylinder, mechanically connected to the compacting element 29 and capable of vertically moving the compacting element 29 between the rest position and the working position.

[0130] Hot water is more particularly sent through the ground material contained in the infusion chamber 27 when the compacting member 29 is in the working position, and the infused beverage is then discharged out of the infusion chamber 27 and towards the beverage distribution head 7 via an internal channel provided on the compacting member 29 and a connecting conduit linking the internal channel to the beverage distribution head 7.

[0131] The beverage preparation unit 2 also includes an automatic grinder dispenser 31 configured to automatically supply, for example by gravity, the brewing chamber 27 with a predetermined dose of ground coffee. The dose of ground coffee dispensed by the automatic grinder dispenser 31 can, for example, vary according to the operating cycle selected by a user using the user interface 4.

[0132] The automatic grinding dispenser 31 more particularly includes a coffee bean reservoir, for example located in an upper part of the housing 3, and a grinder configured to grind coffee beans from the coffee bean reservoir 16. Advantageously, the automatic grinding dispenser 31 further includes a conveying chute communicating with a ground distribution orifice provided on the grinder and configured to convey ground coffee from the ground distribution orifice to the brewing chamber 27.

[0133] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 further advantageously includes a manual grind dispenser 32 configured to allow a user to manually introduce ground coffee into the brewing chamber 27, when he wishes to prepare a coffee without using the grinder 17, i.e. from already ground coffee and not from coffee beans contained in the coffee bean reservoir 16.

[0134] 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

1. Demands Beverage preparation apparatus (2) comprising: - a housing (3) comprising a first receiving compartment (11) and a second receiving compartment (14), - an infusion chamber (27) disposed in the housing (3) and configured to hold ground material, such as coffee grounds or any other powdered product to be infused, - a beverage dispensing head (7) configured to be fluidly connected to the brewing chamber (27) and through which a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation unit (2) is able to flow out of the beverage preparation unit (2), - a container support (6) which is partially housed in the first receiving compartment (11) and which is removable from the housing (3), the container support (6) comprising: • a support part (8) configured to support a container and to be located at least partly below the beverage dispensing head (7), such that a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation apparatus (2) is able to flow by gravity into a container supported by the support part (8), • a collection tank (9) configured to be located at least partially below the support portion (8) and to collect rinse water and / or beverage droplets flowing by gravity from the beverage dispensing head (7), and - a ground coffee collection tray (13) which is housed at least partly in the second receiving compartment (14) and which is removable from the housing (3), the ground coffee collection tray (13) being configured to collect used ground coffee pucks from the brewing chamber (27), the container support (6) and the ground coffee collection tray (13) being configured such that removing the container support (6) from the first receiving compartment (11) results in removing the ground coffee collection tray (13) from the second receiving compartment (14), characterized in that the grinding collection tray (13) is removable, relative to the housing (3), independently of the container support (6), such that the grinding collection tray (13) is able to be removed from the second receiving compartment (14) without removing the container support (6) from the first receiving compartment (11).

2. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to claim 1, wherein the container support (6) has a receiving housing (16) in which the ground coffee collection tray (13) is removably mounted.

3. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to claim 2, wherein the receiving housing (16) is open upwards.

4. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the ground collection tray (13) is configured to be removed from the receiving housing (16) and the second receiving compartment (14) by means of a tray removal movement which is directed towards the front of the beverage preparation apparatus (2).

5. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the container support (6) includes an intermediate piece (60) intended to be superimposed on the collection tank (9) and defining the receiving housing (16).

6. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the intermediate piece (60) is adapted to be received on a shoulder formed on a peripheral edge of the collection tank (9) and / or on protruding studs of a bottom of the collection tank (9).

7. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the support part (8) comprises a container support grid (8.1) having liquid passage orifices intended to be positioned opposite the beverage dispensing head (7), and a receiving hood (8.2) configured to support the container support grid (8.1) and adapted to be fixed to the intermediate part (60) and / or the collection tank (9), the receiving hood (8.2) defining a central receiving housing into which the container support grid (8.1) is received.

8. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the container support (6) comprises two lateral guide walls (17) laterally delimiting the receiving housing (16), the grinding collection tray (13) having a lower part (13.1) provided with two lower lateral walls (18) located opposite each other and configured to cooperate with the two lateral guide walls (17) provided on the container support (6) when the grinding collection tray (13) is inserted into or removed from the receiving housing (16).

9. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, which includes a positioning device configured to hold the ground coffee collection tray (13) in position in the receiving housing (16), the positioning device having at least one retaining member (22) provided on the container support (6) and configured to cooperate with the ground coffee collection tray (13).

10. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the grounds collection tray (13) is configured to rest directly on the container support (6).

11. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing (3) comprises a main receiving compartment (15) having a first receiving part forming the first receiving compartment (11), and a second receiving part communicating with the first receiving part and forming the second receiving compartment (14).

12. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which includes a presence detection device (24) configured to detect the presence of the ground coffee collection tray (13) in the second receiving compartment (14).

13. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to claim 12, which includes an electronic control unit (5) configured to control the operation of the beverage preparation apparatus (2), the electronic control unit (5) being configured to prevent the completion of a beverage preparation cycle when the presence of the grounds collection tray (13) in the second receiving compartment (14) is not detected by the presence detection device (24).

14. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the grounds collection tray (13) has an actuating part (25) configured to cooperate with the presence detection device (24) when the grounds collection tray (13) is inserted into or removed from the second receiving compartment (14).

15. Beverage preparation apparatus (2) according to claim 14, wherein the second receiving compartment (14) has a passage window (26) through which the actuation part (25) extends when the ground coffee collection tray (13) is located in the second receiving compartment (14).

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