Beverage supply device and associated process

Abstract

Beverage Dispensing Device and Associated Method The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing device (10), comprising: - a power supply (12) for supplying raw water, - at least one additive reservoir (14) configured to receive a fully water-soluble additive cartridge (15) comprising at least one additive, - a mixing tank (16), - a first pump (18) configured to pump a first quantity of raw water and form an additive solution in the additive reservoir (14), the first pump (18) further being configured to supply the mixing tank (16), - at least one second pump (20) configured to pump a quantity of the additive solution from the additive reservoir (14) and supply the mixing tank (16), - a dispensing device (22) configured to supply a quantity of beverage present in the mixing tank (16), - a control unit (24). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Beverage dispensing device and associated method

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage supply device.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a device for supplying a beverage comprising one or more additives, in particular food additives. The additive is, for example, a vitamin, an electrolyte, a coloring, a natural or artificial flavoring, a sugar, etc.

[0003] For example, isotonic sports drinks prepared from powder are known. To do this, the user measures a predetermined quantity of water to which they add a quantity of powder containing one or more additives, generally using a measuring spoon or a scale.

[0004] This method of preparation is tedious and a source of errors which can lead to an overdose or an underdose.

[0005] One object of the invention is to provide a beverage supply device that is reliable and simple to use.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a beverage dispensing device, comprising:

[0007] - a power source intended to supply raw water,

[0008] - at least one additive tank configured to receive an additive cartridge fully water-soluble comprising at least one additive,

[0009] - a mixing tank,

[0010] - a first pump configured to pump a first quantity of raw water and supply the additive tank with said first quantity of raw water so as to dissolve at least part of the additive cartridge and to form an additive solution in the additive tank, the first pump being further configured to pump a second quantity of raw water and supply the mixing tank,

[0011] - at least a second pump configured to pump a quantity of the solution of additive from the additive tank and feed the mixing tank,

[0012] - a dispensing device configured to supply a user with a quantity of beverage present in the mixing tank, said beverage being formed by mixing the second quantity of raw water and the quantity of additive solution,

[0013] - a control unit configured to control the first pump, the second pump and distribution device.

[0014] Thus, thanks to the control unit, the first pump, and the second pump, any risk of overdosing or underdosing is avoided. The device according to the invention This system allows for the easy preparation of a specific quantity of beverage from the contents of the additive tank and the power source. The mixing tank ensures efficient mixing between the second quantity of raw water and the quantity of additive solution pumped into the additive tank. Preparation is further simplified by the insertion of a fully water-soluble cartridge into the additive tank. This cartridge generates no waste, facilitates storage of the additive before use, and prevents under- or over-dosing.

[0015] The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0016] - the beverage supply device comprises a plurality of additive tanks, each additive tank is configured to receive a fully water-soluble additive cartridge;

[0017] - the control unit is configured to control the quantity of the additive solution pumped by the second pump according to the second quantity of raw water received in the mixing tank;

[0018] - the additive tank includes an additive mixing device configured for mix the first quantity of raw water with the additive from the additive cartridge;

[0019] - the beverage supply device is configured to recirculate in a circuit closed the contents of the additive tank, using the second pump; and

[0020] - the mixing tank includes a main mixing device configured for mix the second quantity of raw water and the quantity of additive solution.

[0021] The invention also relates to a beverage dispensing assembly comprising:

[0022] - a beverage dispensing device as described above,

[0023] - at least one fully water-soluble additive cartridge comprising at least an additive, the said additive cartridge being received in the additive tank.

[0024] The assembly according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0025] - the additive cartridge comprises a water-soluble envelope delimiting a volume internal component receiving at least one additive in powder form; and

[0026] - the additive cartridge includes an identifier intended to be identified by a sensor of the beverage supply system.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method of supplying beverages using a supply set as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0028] - insertion of an additive cartridge into the additive tank,

[0029] - supplying the additive tank with a first quantity of raw water with the first pump to form an additive solution,

[0030] - first supply of the mixing tank with a second quantity of water raw with the first pump,

[0031] - first feeding of the mixing tank with a first quantity of the additive solution with the second pump,

[0032] - first distribution to the user of a quantity of beverage from the reservoir of mixture, the drink being formed by mixing the second quantity of water and the quantity of additive solution.

[0033] The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0034] - the process further comprises after the step of feeding the additive tank with the first quantity of raw water, a mixing step of the contents of the additive tank by closed-circuit recirculation of the contents of the additive tank, using the second pump;

[0035] - the process further comprises:

[0036] * after the first distribution step, a second feeding step of the mixing tank with a second quantity of raw water supplied by the first pump, the second quantity of raw water supplied by the first pump during the second stage of supplying the mixing tank being identical or different from the second quantity of raw water supplied by the first pump during the first stage of supplying the mixing tank,

[0037] * a second step supplying the mixing tank with a first quantity of additive solution with the second pump, the first quantity of additive solution supplied by the second pump during the second stage of feeding the mixing tank being identical or different from the first quantity of additive solution supplied by the second pump during the first stage of feeding the mixing tank,

[0038] * a second step of distributing to the user a quantity of beverage of mixing tank, the beverage being formed by mixing the second quantity of water and the quantity of additive solution supplied during the second feeding stages; and

[0039] - the process includes, before the second feeding steps, a step of mixing of the contents of the additive tank by closed-circuit recirculation of the contents of the additive tank, using the second pump.

[0040] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which: - [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a schematic representation of a beverage supply device according to a first embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of part of the supply device of the [Fig.l]; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the device of the [Fig.1] in the power supply configuration; - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of the device of the [Fig.1] in the recirculation configuration; - [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a schematic representation of the device of the [Fig.1] in the beverage distribution configuration; - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of the device of the [Fig.l] in the draining configuration; - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of the device of the [Fig.l] in the washing configuration; - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a device supply of beverage according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0041] In [Fig.1], a beverage supply device 10 is schematically represented according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0042] The beverage supply device 10 includes a power source 12, at least one additive tank 14 for receiving an additive cartridge 15, a mixing tank 16, a first pump 18, at least one second pump 20, a dispensing device 22 and a control unit 24.

[0043] In the example of [Fig.1], the beverage supply device 10 comprises a plurality of second pumps 20, in particular as many second pumps 20 as there are additive tanks 14. In the illustrated example, the beverage supply device 10 comprises three second pumps 20.

[0044] The supply source 12 is intended to provide raw water. The supply source 12 includes, for example, a supply tank 26. The supply tank 26 has, for example, a capacity of between 0.5 L and 2.0 L. The supply tank 26 is, for example, manually filled by the user with raw water or, alternatively, is fluidly connected to a potable water network 28 by means of a hose. Alternatively (not shown), the supply source 12 is the potable water network fluidly connected to the drinking water supply device 10 without a supply tank 26.

[0045] The power supply 12 is fluidly connected to the first pump 18.

[0046] The first pump 18 is configured to pump a first quantity of raw water and supply the additive tank or each additive tank 14 with said first quantity of raw water so as to dissolve the additive cartridge 15 and to form an additive solution in the additive tank 14.

[0047] The first pump 18 is further configured to pump a second quantity of raw water and supply the mixing tank 16.

[0048] The first pump 18 is preferably a peristaltic pump.

[0049] The flow rate of the first pump 18 is, for example, between 10 mL / s and 30 mL / s.

[0050] In particular, in the example of [Fig. 1], the beverage supply device 10 includes a supply circuit 11 for the additive tank(s) 14 comprising a supply line 13 for the additive tank(s) 14 fluidly connecting the first pump 18 to the additive tank(s) 14, and a first supply valve 17 disposed on the supply line 13 for the additive tank(s) 14. The first supply valve 17 is movable between an open position in which it allows the passage of a liquid flow between the first pump 18 and the additive tank(s) 14, and a closed position in which it does not allow the passage of a liquid flow between the first pump and the additive tank(s) 14.

[0051] In the example of [Fig. 1], the beverage supply device 10 comprises a supply circuit 19 for the mixing tank 16, including a supply line 21 from the mixing tank 16 and a second supply valve 23 disposed on the supply line 21 from the mixing tank. The second supply valve 23 is movable between an open position in which it allows the passage of a liquid flow between the first pump 18 and the mixing tank 16, and a closed position in which it does not allow the passage of a liquid flow between the first pump and the mixing tank 16.

[0052] In the example of [Fig.1], the beverage supply device 10 includes three additive tanks 14. Each additive tank 14 is configured to receive an additive cartridge 15. Preferably, the additive tanks 14 receive additive cartridges 15 that are distinct from one another, i.e., an additive cartridge 15 comprising a distinct additive or mixture of additives.

[0053] Each additive tank 14 has, for example, a capacity of between 0.1 L and 0.5 L. In the example of [Fig. 1], the three additive tanks 14 have the same volume. However, it is understood that, according to a particular embodiment, the volumes of the additive tanks 14 may differ from one another.

[0054] Preferably, the first quantity of raw water pumped by the first pump 18 supplying the additive tank 14 is substantially equal to the total volume of the additive tank 14.

[0055] Figure 2 illustrates an example of an additive tank 14. The additive tank 14 comprises a lower wall 30 and a side wall 32 defining an internal volume 34 that receives the additive cartridge 15. The side wall 32 delimits an upper opening 36 through which the additive cartridge 15 is inserted into the internal volume 34. In particular, the additive tank 14 comprises a basket of Reception 38 intended to receive the additive cartridge 15 inside the internal volume 34. The additive cartridge 15 is received entirely in the additive tank 14, and in particular in the illustrated example, in the receiving basket 38.

[0056] The receiving basket 38 is intended to hold the additive cartridge 15 inside the internal volume 34 of the additive reservoir 14. The receiving basket 38 comprises a side wall 40 having a plurality of through openings 42 connecting the interior of the additive reservoir 14, i.e. the internal volume 34, with the interior of the receiving basket 38 so that the water present in the additive reservoir 14 can pass through the receiving basket 38 from one side to the other.

[0057] Advantageously, the receiving basket 38 has a general shape complementary to that of the additive cartridge 15.

[0058] The additive tank 14 further includes a movable cover 44 between an open position in which the cover 44 is away from the upper opening 36 and a closed position in which the cover 44 closes the upper opening 36. Preferably, the additive tank 14 includes a seal 46 to ensure a seal between the cover 44 and the internal volume 34 of the tank.

[0059] The additive tank 14 includes a water inlet 48, for example in the side wall 32, and a water outlet 50, preferably in the bottom wall 30.

[0060] Advantageously, each additive tank 14 includes a sensor 52 configured to identify the additive cartridge 15 present in the additive tank 14, and in particular the nature of the additive cartridge 15 inserted in the additive tank 14. The sensor 52 is, for example, disposed on the receiving basket 38 or on the side wall 32 or on the bottom wall 30 of the additive tank 14.

[0061] The sensor 52 is connected to the control unit 24.

[0062] The additive tank 14 is fluidly connected upstream to the first pump 18, in particular at the water inlet 48 of the additive tank 14 and downstream to the second pump 20 at the water outlet 50. In the following description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used with reference to the circulation of raw water in the drinking supply device 10 from the supply source 12 to the distribution device 22.

[0063] Advantageously, the additive tank 14 includes an additive mixing device (not shown) configured to mix the first quantity of raw water with the additive from the additive cartridge 15.

[0064] According to the invention, the additive cartridge 15 is completely water-soluble. By "completely water-soluble", it is meant that when the additive cartridge 15 is immersed in water, it dissolves in the water and forms a homogeneous solution, and that no constituent element of the cartridge 15 remains that cannot be extracted from the additive reservoir 14 by the second pump 20.

[0065] The additive cartridge 15 has, for example, as shown in [Fig. 2], a frustoconical shape. Alternatively, the additive cartridge 15 has a cubic, parallelepiped, or spherical surface.

[0066] The additive cartridge 15 advantageously includes an identifier (not shown) disposed on a wall of the cartridge 15, for example on a lower wall of the cartridge 15. The identifier is intended to be identified by the sensor 52 of the additive tank 14 to provide information relating to the nature of the additive cartridge 15 to the control unit 24.

[0067] The additive cartridge 15 includes, for example, a water-soluble envelope delimiting an internal volume receiving at least one additive in powder form.

[0068] The internal volume is for example between 20 mL and 40 mL.

[0069] The identifier is, for example, printed on the water-soluble envelope with food-grade ink. Alternatively, the identifier is a three-dimensional symbol present on the water-soluble envelope.

[0070] For example, the water-soluble envelope is formed, for example, from corn starch.

[0071] The thickness of the envelope is for example between 20 pm and 500 pm.

[0072] The additive is for example a vitamin, an electrolyte, a coloring, a natural or artificial flavoring, a sugar, etc.

[0073] The mass of additive(s) in each additive cartridge 15 is for example between 4.0 g and 6.0, preferably between 5.0 g and 5.5 g.

[0074] Alternatively, the additive cartridge 15 is formed by compacting one or more additives in powder form and one or more binders and / or excipients to maintain the cohesion of the additive(s) with each other.

[0075] For example, the binder is sodium bicarbonate.

[0076] Each second pump 20 is disposed between a respective additive tank 14 and the mixing tank 16. In other words, each second pump 20 is connected downstream of the additive tank 14.

[0077] Each second pump 20 is configured to pump a quantity of the additive solution from the additive tank 14 to which it is connected and to supply the mixing tank 16.

[0078] The second pump 20 is preferably a peristaltic pump.

[0079] The flow rate of the second pump 20 is for example between 4 mL / s and 12 mL / s.

[0080] The quantity of the pumped additive solution is controlled by the control unit 24.

[0081] In the example of [Fig.1], the beverage supply device 10 includes, for each additive tank 14, an upstream additive tank valve 54.

[0082] The valve or valves of the upstream additive tank 54 are located between the first pump 18 and the additive tank 14. They are movable between an open position in which it permits the passage of a liquid flow between the first pump 18 and the additive tank 14, and a closed position in which it prohibits the passage of a liquid flow between the first pump 18 and the additive tank 14.

[0083] The valve or valves of the upstream additive tank 54 are controlled by the control unit 24.

[0084] Advantageously, the beverage supply device 10 is configured to recirculate the contents of the additive tank 14 in a closed circuit, using the second pump 20.

[0085] In particular, the beverage supply device 10 includes a recirculation circuit 56 configured to recirculate the contents of the additive tank 14 in a closed loop, using the second pump 20. The recirculation circuit 56 includes a recirculation line 58 connecting the outlet of the second pump 20 to the water inlet 48 of each of the additive tanks 14. The recirculation circuit 56 further includes at least one recirculation valve 60 on the recirculation line 58 and a mixing tank valve 64.

[0086] The recirculation valve 60 is movable between an open position in which it allows the passage of a liquid flow between the outlet of the second pump 20 and the inlet 48 of the additive tank 14, and a closed position in which it does not allow the passage of a liquid flow between the outlet of the second pump 20 and the inlet 48 of the additive tank 14.

[0087] The mixing tank valve 64 is disposed between the second pump(s) 20 and the mixing tank 16. The mixing tank valve 64 is movable between an open position in which it allows the passage of a liquid flow between the outlet of the second pump 20 and the mixing tank 16, and a closed position in which it does not allow the passage of a liquid flow between the outlet of the second pump 20 and the mixing tank 16.

[0088] The recirculation circuit 56 and in particular the recirculation valve 60 and the mixing tank valve 64 are controlled by the control unit 24.

[0089] Preferably, the beverage supply device 10 is configured to recirculate the contents of the additive tank 14 a plurality of times to ensure a homogeneous mixture between the additive(s) of the additive cartridge 15 and the first quantity of raw water supplied by the first pump 18.

[0090] The mixing tank 16 is fluidly connected to every second pump 20.

[0091] The mixing tank 16 has, for example, a capacity between 0.2 L and 1.0 L.

[0092] The mixing tank 16 is intended to receive a quantity of the additive solution from the additive tank 14 and a second quantity of raw water supplied by the first pump 18.

[0093] Advantageously, the mixing tank 16 includes a main mixing device 66 configured to mix the second quantity of raw water supplied by the first pump 18 and the quantity of additive solution supplied by each second pump 20.

[0094] The mixing tank 16 is fluidly connected to the distribution device 22.

[0095] The dispensing device 22 is configured to supply a user with a quantity of beverage present in the mixing tank 16. The beverage is formed by mixing the second quantity of raw water and the quantity of additive solution.

[0096] Advantageously, the distribution device 22 includes a third pump 68 configured to pump a quantity of beverage present in the mixing tank 16.

[0097] The quantity of drink pumped is preferably the entire contents of the mixing tank 16.

[0098] Advantageously, the distribution device 22 includes an exchanger 70 configured to cool and / or heat the quantity of beverage pumped by the third pump 68.

[0099] The third pump 68 is preferably a peristaltic pump.

[0100] The flow rate of the third pump 68 is, for example, between 10 mL / s and 30 mL / s.

[0101] Preferably, the dispensing device 22 includes a beverage supply nozzle.

[0102] Advantageously, the beverage supply device 10 includes a drain circuit 72 configured to drain the contents of the additive tank or tanks 14. In particular, in the example of [Fig. 1], the drain circuit 72 includes a drain line 74 connecting the outlet of the pump or pumps 20 to the beverage supply nozzle of the dispensing device 22. This facilitates draining the contents of the additive tank 14. In particular, in the illustrated example, the drain line 74 is connected downstream of the recirculation line 58. The drain circuit 72 further includes a drain valve 76 disposed on the drain line 74.The drain valve 76 is movable between an open position in which it allows the passage of a liquid flow between the pump or each second pump 20 and the nozzle of the distribution device 22 and a closed position in which it does not allow the passage of a liquid flow between the pump or each second pump 20 and the nozzle of the distribution device 22.

[0103] Advantageously, the beverage supply device 10 includes a bypass circuit 78 of the exchanger 70 configured to allow the quantity of beverage pumped by the third pump 68 to bypass the exchanger 70. In the illustrated example, the bypass circuit 78 includes a bypass line 80 fluidly connecting the outlet of the third pump 68 to the nozzle of the dispensing device 22, a bypass valve 82 disposed on the bypass line 80 and at least one shut-off device (not shown) for the inlet of the exchanger 70.

[0104] The bypass valve 82 is movable between an open position in which it allows the passage of a liquid flow on the bypass line 80 between the third pump 68 and the nozzle of the distribution device 22, and a closed position in which it does not allow the passage of a liquid flow on the bypass line 80 between the third pump 68 and the nozzle of the distribution device 22.

[0105] The sealing device is movable between an open position in which it allows the passage of a liquid flow through the exchanger 70 and a closed position in which it does not allow the passage of a liquid flow through the exchanger 70.

[0106] Advantageously, the beverage supply device 10 includes a wash circuit 84 configured to wash the additive tank or each tank 14. The wash circuit 84 includes a wash line 86 fluidly connecting the outlet of the pump or each second pump 20 to the supply tank 26. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the wash circuit 84 preferably includes a wash valve 88 disposed on the wash line 86.

[0107] Advantageously, the beverage supply device 10 includes a diversion circuit 90 from the additive tanks 14 connecting the first pump 18 to the dispensing device 22 and, in particular, to the heat exchanger 70. The diversion circuit 90 includes a diversion line 92 from the additive tanks 14 and a diversion valve 94 disposed on the diversion line. The diversion valve 94 is movable between an open position in which it allows the passage of a liquid flow between the first pump 18 and the dispensing device 22 and a closed position in which it does not allow the passage of a liquid flow between the first pump 18 and the dispensing device 22.

[0108] The control unit 24 is configured to control each of the valves described above and each of the pumps described above. In particular, the control unit is configured to control the first pump, the second pump, and the distribution device.

[0109] For each of the valves described above, the control unit 24 is configured to actuate said valve in its open position or its closed position.

[0110] For each of the pumps described above, the control unit 24 is configured to operate said pump and control its flow rate and / or the quantity of fluid pumped by said pump.

[0111] In particular, the control unit 24 is configured to control the first quantity of raw water pumped by the first pump 18, and the second quantity of raw water pumped by the first pump 18, so as to obtain a beverage in the mixing tank that contains a predetermined additive concentration. The predetermined concentration depends, for example, on the nature of the additive cartridge 15.

[0112] The control unit 24 is further configured to control the amount of drink pumped by the third pump.

[0113] Thus, advantageously, the beverage supply device 10 is configurable at least in a configuration for supplying an additive tank 14 ([Fig.3]), a recirculation configuration ([Fig.4]), a beverage distribution configuration ([Fig.5]), a draining configuration ([Fig.6]), and a washing configuration ([Fig.7]).

[0114] In Figures 3 to 7, a pump in operation or an open valve is schematically represented with a grey symbol. Conversely, a pump stopped or a closed valve is schematically represented with a white symbol.

[0115] In the feed configuration of an additive tank 14 ([Fig.3]), the first pump 18 pumps a first quantity of raw water to feed one of the additive tanks 14 and dissolve the additive cartridge 15 present in the additive tank 14.

[0116] In particular, in this configuration, the first supply valve 17 is in the open position. The second supply valve 23, the diverter valve 94, is in the closed position. The diverter valve 94 is in the closed position. The recirculation valve 60 and the drain valve are in the closed position. The upstream additive tank valve 54 of the additive tank 14, which includes the previously inserted additive cartridge 15, is in the open position.

[0117] In the recirculation configuration ([Fig. 4]), the second pump 20 pumps the contents of one of the additive tanks 14 and recirculates said contents at least once, preferably a plurality of times, in a closed loop using the recirculation line 58. This ensures good dissolution of the additive. In this configuration, the first feed valve 17 and the tank valve The mixing valves 64 are in the closed position. The upstream additive tank valve 54 and the recirculation valve 60 are in the open position.

[0118] In the beverage dispensing configuration ([Fig. 5]), the second pump 20 pumps a quantity of the additive solution from the additive tank 14 and feeds it into the mixing tank 16. The first pump 18 pumps a second quantity of raw water and feeds it into the mixing tank. The recirculation valve 60 is in the closed position. The mixing tank valve 64 and the second mixing valve are in the open position. Then, once the quantity of additive solution and the second quantity of raw water have been mixed, for example by means of the main mixing device 66, the third pump 68 pumps a quantity of beverage which is sent to the dispensing device 22, preferably via the heat exchanger 70.

[0119] In the draining configuration ([Fig. 6]), the contents of an additive tank 14 are drained. To do this, the recirculation valve 60 and the drain valve are in the open position. The second pump 20 pumps the contents of the additive tank 14 and sends them to the drain line 74. The mixing tank valve 64 is in the closed position.

[0120] In the washing configuration ([Fig. 7]), the first pump 18 pumps a quantity of raw water to supply the additive tank 14 and then circulates it to the feed tank 26 via the wash line 86. The first feed valve 17, the upstream additive tank valve 54, and the wash valve 88 are in the open position. The mixing tank valve 64 and the recirculation valve 60 are in the closed position.

[0121] Alternatively, the quantity of raw water is sent to the mixing tank 16 or to the drain circuit 72.

[0122] A method for supplying beverages will now be described.

[0123] First, the user fills the supply tank 26 manually or via the water supply. Then, they insert an additive cartridge 15 into one of the additive tanks 14. Preferably, the control unit 24 identifies the type of additive cartridge 15 using the sensor 52.

[0124] The control unit 24 controls the first pump 18 which supplies the additive tank 14 with a first quantity of raw water taken from the supply tank 26.

[0125] Advantageously, the control unit 24 controls the second pump 20 and the recirculation circuit 56 to recirculate, at least once, preferably a plurality of times, in a closed circuit the contents of the additive tank 14. This ensures good dissolution of the additive in the first quantity of raw water present in the additive tank 14.

[0126] During the first beverage dispensing, the control unit 24 controls the first pump 18, which supplies the mixing tank 16 with a second quantity of raw water. It also controls the second pump 20, which supplies the mixing tank 16 with a first quantity of the additive solution present in the additive tank 14.

[0127] Preferably, the main mixing device 66 is activated by the control unit 24 to mix the contents of the mixing tank 16.

[0128] A quantity of beverage from the mixing tank 16, preferably the entire contents of the mixing tank 16, is then distributed to the user via the dispensing device 22. This forms the first beverage dispensing.

[0129] When the user requests a second beverage dispensing, the control unit 24 again controls the first pump 18, which supplies the mixing tank 16 with a second quantity of raw water. It also controls the second pump 20, which supplies the mixing tank 16 with a first quantity of the additive solution present in the additive tank 14. The quantities may be similar to or different from those of the first dispensing.

[0130] Advantageously, before supplying the mixing tank 16, the control unit 24 controls the second pump 20 and the recirculation circuit 56 to recirculate, at least once, preferably a plurality of times, in a closed circuit the contents of the additive tank 14. This ensures good dissolution of the additive before the preparation of the beverage in the mixing tank 16.

[0131] Preferably, the main mixing device 66 is activated by the control unit 24 to mix the contents of the mixing tank 16.

[0132] A second quantity of beverage from the mixing tank 16, preferably the entire contents of the mixing tank 16, is then distributed to the user via the dispensing device 22.

[0133] The beverage distribution scheme is repeated until the contents of the additive tank 14 or the supply tank 26 are empty.

[0134] Figure 8 illustrates a second embodiment of the supply device beverage 10 according to the invention. This embodiment will be described by differences compared to the first embodiment.

[0135] In this embodiment, the beverage supply device includes a single second pump 20 fluidly connected to each of the additive tanks 14, and in particular to the water outlet 50 of each of the tanks.

[0136] The beverage supply device 10 includes, for each additive tank 14, a downstream additive tank valve 96 disposed between the water outlet 50 and the second pump 20. The downstream additive tank valves 96 are controlled by the control unit 24. Each downstream additive tank valve 96 is movable between an open position in which it permits the passage of a liquid flow between the additive tank 14 and the second pump 20, and a closed position in which it prohibits the passage of a liquid flow between the additive tank 14 and the second pump 20.

Claims

Demands

1. Beverage supply device (10), comprising: - a power source (12) for supplying raw water, - at least one additive tank (14) configured to receive a fully water-soluble additive cartridge (15) comprising at least one additive, - a mixing tank (16), - a first pump (18) configured to pump a first quantity of raw water and supply the additive tank (14) with said first quantity of raw water so as to dissolve at least part of the additive cartridge (15) and to form an additive solution in the additive tank (14), the first pump (18) being further configured to pump a second quantity of raw water and supply the mixing tank (16), - at least one second pump (20) configured to pump a quantity of the additive solution from the additive tank (14) and supply the mixing tank (16),- a dispensing device (22) configured to supply a user with a quantity of beverage present in the mixing tank (16), said beverage being formed by mixing the second quantity of raw water and the quantity of additive solution, - a control unit (24) configured to control the first pump (18), the second pump (20) and the dispensing device (22).

2. Beverage supply device (10) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of additive tanks (14), each additive tank (14) being configured to receive a fully water-soluble additive cartridge (15).

3. Beverage supply device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (24) is configured to control the quantity of additive solution pumped by the second pump (20) as a function of the second quantity of raw water received in the mixing tank (16).

4. Beverage dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the beverage dispensing device (10) is configured to recirculate in a closed loop the contents of additive tank (14), using the second pump (20).

5. Beverage supply assembly comprising: - a beverage supply device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, - at least one fully water-soluble additive cartridge (15) comprising at least one additive, said additive cartridge (15) being received in the additive reservoir (14).

6. Supply assembly according to claim 5, wherein the additive cartridge (15) includes an identifier intended to be identified by a sensor (52) of the beverage supply device (10).

7. A method of supplying a beverage using a supply assembly according to claim 5 or 6, comprising the following steps: - inserting an additive cartridge (15) into the additive tank (14), - supplying the additive tank (14) with a first quantity of raw water with the first pump (18) to form an additive solution, - first supplying the mixing tank (16) with a second quantity of raw water with the first pump (18), - first supplying the mixing tank (16) with a first quantity of the additive solution with the second pump (20), - first distribution to the user of a quantity of beverage from the mixing tank (16), the beverage being formed by mixing the second quantity of water and the quantity of the additive solution.

8. Supply method according to claim 7, further comprising after the step of supplying the additive tank (14) with the first quantity of raw water, a step of mixing the contents of the additive tank (14) by closed-circuit recirculation of the contents of the additive tank (14), using the second pump (20).

9. A supply method according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: - after the first distribution step, a second step of supplying the mixing tank (16) with a second quantity of raw water with the first pump (18), the second quantity of raw water supplied by the first pump (18) during the second stage of feeding the mixing tank (16) being the same as or different from the second quantity of raw water supplied by the first pump (18) during the first stage of feeding the mixing tank (16), - a second stage of feeding the mixing tank (16) with a first quantity of the additive solution with the second pump (20), the first quantity of the additive solution supplied by the second (20) during the second stage of feeding the mixing tank (16) being the same as or different from the first quantity of the additive solution supplied by the second pump (20) during the first stage of feeding the mixing tank (16), - a second stage of distributing to the user a quantity of beverage from the mixing tank (16),The beverage is formed by mixing the second quantity of water with the quantity of additive solution supplied during the second feeding stages.

10. Supply method according to claim 9, comprising, before the second feeding stages, a mixing stage of the contents of the additive tank (14) by closed-circuit recirculation of the contents of the additive tank (14), using the second pump (20).

Images